COLLEGE NEWS
Welcome
Welcome to the first edition for Term 3.
This fortnight's report on College News contains important information regarding HSC/IB trials, upcoming events, College protocols, a job opportunity and showcases some amazing experiences and achievements that students have participated in recently.
Lake Mungo Aboriginal Cultural Exploration Camp
During the school holidays eight, Year 11 Agriculture students, one Year 7 student, a Year 6 student, myself, Mr Petts and Paul Martin packed up three 4WD drive vehicles and headed off to Lake Mungo on an Aboriginal Cultural Exploration Camp between the 28 June and 2 July. The event was facilitated by Geoff Simpson of Mothers Ancestral Guardians Indigenous Corporation (MAGIC).
We drove to Balranald where we hoped to drive past the Lake Mungo visitors centre and out the 12,003 hectare Rick Farley Reserve (about an hour further West from the Lake Mungo Visitors Center), however, due to road closures due to weather conditions, we were forced to travel around to the West and come in through Poocarie making the day a full 10 hour drive.
All who attended showed deep respect for the country, people and beliefs of the facilitator and immersed themselves fully into the culture and spirit of the event.
The program is generally intuitively led, however, the amazing activities included grinding ochre, preparing for ceremony, nightly Mallee Fowl ceremony, tool making and identification, a visit to a sacred site including tool and dwelling identification, a night time and also a daytime cool burn over a couple of acres of scrub, storytelling, habitat walks, and flora and fauna data collection, night time budda bush smoke ceremony, aboriginal stargazing and a complete sense of aboriginal spirit, culture and reflection.
Students happily camped in tents and swags, ate campfire food, shared stories and kept the fires going. We were lucky to have a police officer, primary school teacher and three yoga instructors also on the same camp who gladly shared in the atmosphere of the camp.
All who attended enjoyed both the educational and also the reflective, introspective and peacefulness of the trip and would gladly go again.
Trevor Dawson | Head of Agriculture
IMPORTANT REMINDERs:
Late Arrivals and Early Leavers
A reminder to parents when dropping off your child or picking them up early from school, please use the COMPASS app to record their attendance status. Due to Covid restrictions parent entry to the College Office is not advisable for this task.
Secondary School students who are arriving late or leaving early will be required to report to the College office to sign themselves in/out using their ID cards.
Traffic Management
The recent wet and cold weather conditions have brought additional challenges to the morning and afternoon student drop-off and pick-up routines. We thank you for your patience during those busy periods.
This term we have observed students navigating their way amongst traffic on Farrer Road and within the College carpark, in an attempt to get to their parents/carer’s car before it has parked.
Please remind your son/daughter to remain on the curb at the pickup bays, and wait patiently with College staff until you have parked within the pickup zone parking bays. You are asked to remain in your vehicle while your child is getting in or out of the vehicle.
Parents are reminded that stopping on Farrer Road to pick up or drop off their son/daughter is dangerous and not permitted.
Alex Sarantakos | Head of Operations
College phone lines - Main Menu Updated
The College phone menu has been updated as of this week to improve the flow of communication.
Please note the following NEW menu options or listen carefully before making a selection:
For Secondary School reception, please press 1.
For the Junior School, please press 2.
For Enrolment enquiries, please press 3.
For the Uniform Shop, please press 4.
If you know the extension of who you would like to be connected to, please press 5 and enter the 3 digit extension number.
HSC Trial and IB Examinations
All students should have received their personalised HSC Trial Timetable. IB students will receive their timetable from Mrs Humble. The examinations for the Trial HSC will be held in the gym with the exception of The Drama Group Performances and the Music Aural examination (please refer to the timetable). IB exams will be held in Room 34 in the library.
Students unable to attend an IB or Trial HSC examination for any reason should follow the Illness and Misadventure flowchart found on the College website under the parent portal – assessment procedures tab, and return the required paperwork to the College.
http://www.trac.nsw.edu.au/parents.php?id=68
Due to the current climate the following rules will be in place for both the IB and Trial HSC examinations.
- Students need to arrive 20 minutes before the examination so they can have their temperature checked and sanitize their hands. They will also be asked to confirm they have not been asked to self-isolate by NSW health, and do not have flu like symptoms.
- Two entrances to the gym will be used to facilitate this process for Trial HSC students, the entrance near the basketball courts and the entrance near the Tech mandatory building.
- IB students will undergo the aforementioned process on entry into the library prior to their exams.
- Students should not attend any examination if they have flu–like symptoms (fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell), are awaiting a COVID test result, have been directed to self-isolate by NSW Health or have tested positive to COVID 19. An illness and misadventure form will be completed in this case.
- If students have a known illness that has flu like symptoms they should provide a medical certificate to Ms Foster (HSC students) or Mrs Humble (IB students) prior to the examinations.
Thank you and do not hesitate to contact myself or Mrs Humble if you have any concerns.
Helen Foster | Head of Academic Administration
NESA Advice Regarding the HSC
Please see below for advice from NESA regarding the HSC and Stage 6 assessment during this time.
NESA's core principle is that no student is disadvantaged due to Covid-19 and we should all feel a degree of reassurance in that; it was certainly the approach NESA took during last year's HSC.
At the same time, all assessment tasks, Trial HSC examinations and actual HSC examinations will remain on schedule at this point and we have no reason to expect that to change.
The College has illness and misadventure policies in place that are in line with NESA policies. If in doubt check these on the link to the College website below as well under 'Illness and Accidents'.
NESA: https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/covid-19/coronavirus-advice/year-11-and-12
College
College Website: http://www.trac.nsw.edu.au/parents.php?id=32
Year 8 into Year 9 Subject Selection
It is that exciting time of year when we start to think about subject selection for 2022. For Year 8 it is especially exciting, as after 9 years of education they finally have an opportunity to choose what subjects they can study! I spoke to all Year 8 students this week regarding the process for subject selection and it works as follows:
1. A range of information is being sent this afternoon including:
a) The attached Subject Selection Booklet with all course information
b) The attached short five minute video from Ms Foster (Head of Academic Administration) around what Stage 5 studies look like over the next two years
c) This link to subject specific information with even more details about the specific courses.
2. Students have an opportunity over the next week to discuss the further details of courses that interest them with Heads of Department and classroom teachers.
3. An electronic form will be sent to students this afternoon as well. This is where students will actually complete their selections, after which they are asked to click submit and print the form for parents/carers to sign. These forms are due on Friday, July 30 (next Friday), with the online form closing on Monday 2 August.
This is not a case of first in best dressed.
Please discuss your child's selections with them over the coming week to ensure they are making their decisions based on all the right reasons (I am good at this subject or have an interest in it) and not the wrong reasons (my friends are doing that subject or I need it to study medicine - very, very few Stage 5 subjects are prerequisites).
Please feel free to contact myself or Ms Helen Foster at the College if you have any queries.
Anthony Heffer | Deputy Principal Teaching, Learning and Innovation
2022-2023 Stage 5 Subject Selection Handbook
Sheppard House Day - Tuesday 27th July
SHEPPARD HOUSE DAY is fast approaching and will be held next week on Tuesday 27th July (Week 3).
The theme is 'Down On the Farm' and students are encouraged to come dressed in mufti as 'something or someone' from the farm. Start getting your outfit and gold coin organised.
Be creative - prizes for best dressed!
PLEASE BE AWARE: There will be no BBQ due to current COVID restrictions in place at the College.
College Term Dates for 2022
Please find attached the 2022 College Term Dates for your information.
Senior Academic Support -
Updated Sessions Times
Please see the attached flyer for updated session times for Year 11 and 12 students to upskill in effective study, learn time management skills, and access space for guided study.
College Guidance Counsellor, Mr Richardson offers Senior Academic Support in Room 31.
Winter Clothing Appeal
Can you help support those in need this winter? Please consider donating winter clothing for families in need. Please refer to Mr Tyndall's article on College Chaplain Page for more information.
Duke of Edinburgh Award - Gold Level Recipient - Mia Bowcher
The College congratulates Mia Bowcher for receiving her Duke of Edinburgh Award at the GOLD Level.
To achieve the GOLD Award while still studying is a monumental achievement and for this, she is to be commended.
The ceremony was one of the largest in recent times and was held at Sydney Showgrounds’ Amphitheatre on the 25 May. Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of NSW presented more than 220 Gold Award Certificates in front of 750 people.
Founded by Prince Phillip himself, the Award was designed to encourage anyone aged 14 to 24 to take on a range of activities that develop skills such as leadership, perseverance, determination, physical effort, teamwork/social connection, and communication.
Since enrolling in Outdoor Education Mia has remained committed to the program which has led her on a journey where she has developed tennis skills and competed in tournaments, gained skills in hospitality, and has co-hosted a radio show on FM Radio.
In addition, Mia spent 14 days in the Solomon Islands as part of the College Outdoor Education Leadership Program. While abroad Mia and her team delivered independently, a series of educational programs in remote schools and took part in cultural immersion activities within small village communities.
The College community is proud of Mia’s achievements, and we commend her for her efforts.
Alex Sarantakos | Outdoor Education
Thank You!
An update from our Australia's Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser last term...
$1870.49 was the final amount donated to the Cancer Council. Every single dollar raised is going to play a vital role in ensuring research can discover new cancer breakthroughs, support services can help people when they need it most, and prevention programs can educate the community on reducing their risk of cancer.
Thank you to Ms Katie Last and everyone who helped make this possible.
Elevate Webinars
Elevate Education are continuing to provide parents of The Riverina Anglican College exclusive access to their Parent Webinar Series for Term 3, 2021.
Upcoming Dates
4th August - Technology devices and how to stay focused and balanced.
18th August - Note taking skills to help your child deepen their revision.
1st September - Exam Homestretch and how to support your child in the final weeks.
To reserve your spot, you can register for free below,
You can register by clicking here.
Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below.
✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com
💻 https://au.elevateeducation.com
👍 https://www.facebook.com/ElevateEd/
College Visual Arts Competitions 2021 - Last week to enter (Secondary Students only)
This is the last week to enter into the Secondary School College Photography and Visual Art Competition!
Entries close Monday 26th July 2021.
This year’s theme is “Animals”.
Prizes for each competition will be vouchers to the value of:
First Prize: $100
Second Prize: $50
Third: $20
Encouragement Award: Chocolates
*only one entry per student in each competition.
We look forward to seeing some great entries!
College SS Photographic Competition
College SS Visual Arts Competition
Lindie Mannion | Head of Visual Arts
2021 Australian Geography Competition
In Term 1, Geography students from The Riverina Anglican College tested their geographical skills and knowledge against students from around Australia in the 2021 Australian Geography Competition. Over 73 000 students from 727 schools across Australia entered the competition this year.
The College had 42 students participate across Years 7 – 11. We had a number of student geographers at our school who performed to a very high level in the competition this year with 14 gaining high distinctions, 6 distinctions and 9 credits.
Well done to the following students;
Year 8
High Distinction Awards
Mohamed Al-Saggaf
Mustafa Hussain
Best Inyang
Anneliese Klimpsch
Distinction Awards
Cleo Campbell
Lana McPherson
Lucy Russell
Credit Awards
Lincoln Bowcher
Naomi Casilen Pragya Sharma
Sydney Wilks
Year 9
High Distinction Awards
Caitlyn Cumbelege
Baci Menhennett
Ella Menzies
Karin Rezkalla
Harrison Sowter
Laynee Visser
Vinudi Rathnayaka Mudiyanselage
Distinction Awards
Michael Paolucci-Ellis
Joshua Sarantakos
Credit Awards
Leila Campbell
Andrew Woodgate
Freya Matthews
Year 10
High Distinction Awards
Tyson Gentle
Trang Nguyen
Distinction Awards
Clare Heazlewood
Credit Awards
Karina Zhang
Year 11
High Distinction Awards
Paige Jessop
Credit Awards Ella Bailes
Maryanne Voss | Head of HSIE
YEAR 7 2023 - Applications Open
Enrol Now for Year 7 2023!
If you have a child in Year 5 and have not submitted an enrolment application for Year 7 2023 we would love to hear from you.
Students enrolled at our Junior School will automatically continue their enrolment to the Secondary School, therefore no further action is required from parents.
Places are filling fast for Year 7 2023 and we don't want siblings to miss out on enrolling.
If you would like more information about enrolling at the College, enquiries are welcome at any time.
Please contact the Director of Enrolments and Public Relations, Mrs Karen Wilson on 02 69 331811 Press 3 or via Enrolments@trac.nsw.edu.au
Year 9 and 10 French Excursion
On Tuesday 20 July, all Elective French students from Years 9 and 10 attended the French Film Festival school screening of "Little Vampire" at Forum 6 Cinemas. Firsttly, students went to the cafe Meccanico where they enjoyed a hot chocolate and French pastries. Students then walked to the cinema in time for the French movie. The students enjoyed watching this French animated movie, which referred to the values of friendship.
Virginie Vignas | Head of LOTE
NSW Poll Dorset Championships Cowra
The Agricultural Show Teams have once again represented the College with pride and professionalism.
On Friday 18 June, the team departed for Cowra Showgrounds at 5.30am to compete in the NSW Poll Dorset Championships. The students presented the best of the "College Park" stud sheep amongst some of the best studs in NSW.
The team were extremely proud to come home with 3 first place, 3 second place, 2 third place and 2 fourth place ribbons!
Well done to Anwar, James, Owen, Zachary, Anderson, Charlotte, Clare, Prue and Katie.
A special thank you to Olivia Jones (HSC graduate of 2020, currently studying teaching at CSU) for assisting.
Drama Taster Sessions
We are running some Drama taster sessions for Year 8 students starting this Friday. This is to help students know more about the Stage 5 Drama course, before you make your Stage 5 subject selections. The taster sessions will run during Year 8 music classes. If you would like to participate, fill out the form on your Year 8 Music classroom, or click on the link for your class below.
If a link doesn't work, or you need more information, please see Ms Brassil in the MAD Space, or Ms Mikelans in the library.
View a sample of some Stage 5 Drama work from 2020 - students performing “Chair Duets" during a study of Physical Theatre.
Student ID Cards
Example only
Secondary students are asked to bring their ID cards to school each day, to use for the reasons listed below. Please ensure they are kept in a safe place such as their locker.
The ID cards replace those previously printed by the College Office and are for general use as proof of age. Students are also required to use the ID card when arriving late or leaving early by scanning into the Compass Kiosk in the front office. The Library borrowing system also allows students to scan the cards when they borrow a book or other resources.
Employment Opportunity
Exciting opportunity for Head of Faculty - Mathematics to begin in January 2022.
Compass - Absence/part day attendance procedures for students
It is imperative that an Attendance note is submitted on the Compass parental portal if a student is away for a full day, arriving late, or leaving early.
Secondary School students who are arriving late or leaving early will be required to report to the College office to sign themselves in/out using their ID cards.
Junior School parents are required to sign a student in/out at the Junior School Office.
College Offices
As families would be aware, with the opening of the Junior School, the administration now operates from two offices - College Office and Junior School Office.
For all K-12 enrolment enquiries, school fees and account enquiries, signing secondary school students in/out and meetings with Secondary School staff, please report to the College office (located in the front of the College)
For signing in/out Junior School students, meetings with Junior School staff and general enquiries regarding current Junior School students, please report to the Junior School office (located at the Eastern end of the Campus)
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Busabout - Change of Bus Numbers
See below for important information relating to bus changes for students who catch buses from Lake Albert in the morning.
Commencing Tuesday 15th of June 2021, there are changes to the buses some students catch.
The Riverina Anglican College – Change of Bus numbers
MORNINGS
Lake Albert students from Dalkeith Av NEW Bus S150 arriving in Dalkeith Av at 8:10am.
Lake Albert students from Main St NEW Bus S181 arriving in Main St 8:01am.
The new improved Compass App is here!
Newsfeed Sort Function
Parent/carer users can now sort their newsfeed by ‘most important’ or ‘most recent.’ The default view will place important school posts first, but users can now toggle the feed view to ensure they don't miss a post.
Important News
NewsFeed posts that are marked as a priority by the school will be highlighted with an ‘important news’ banner so they can’t be missed by parents/carers.
Save Posts
To make posts easy to find we've added a handy bookmark. Parent/carer users can now bookmark any Newsfeed posts they want to to keep for reference, such as upcoming event information that they may need after they have consented. When they no longer need the post they can simply 'unsave'.
Design Thinking Bootcamp - (For students in Years 9-11)
Expression of interest are welcome. Please email Mr Mannion if you are interested?
CSU is running a free one-day Design Thinking Bootcamp that is taking place, on Tuesday 10th August 2021.
The Design Thinking Bootcamp's purpose is to build skills that will be sought after in the future workforce around a consumer-centred experience incorporating: empathising with the end-user, defining a solution, ideating what that may look like, validating the idea, prototyping and finally pitching.
Changes to Excursions Permission Notes
All Permission notes will now be distributed via Compass.
Details were provided to families in Issue 5. Click below to view. Please refer to the Deputy Principals Report in Issue 5.
Term Dates for 2021
Term 3 concludes - Friday 17 September 2021
Term 4 commences - Tuesday 5 October 2021
Term 4 concludes - Wednesday 8 December 2021
Term Dates for 2022
Term 1 Commences - Monday 31st January - Year 1 to 12
Term 1 Commences - Wednesday 2nd February - Kindergarten
For a full list of College dates for 2022 see below.
Have you downloaded the Compass Parent Portal?
All families should have received an email inviting you to download the compass School Manager for Parents. This communication platform is a secure site where you can access an array of information about your child/children.
Please contact the College office, if you are yet to receive your login details.
Access to the College
Please view the parking arrangements in the image above if you are not familiar with the parking arrangements in the image
Driving to School - Year 11 and 12
Students in Years 11 and 12 who wish to drive to school, need to ensure the following steps are taken and agreed to before students are permitted to drive to and from the College.
• Complete a 'Driving to School Permission Form' (see attached), and return the signed form to the College Office for processing.
• Taking Passengers - Any student travelling in the car of another student will be required to complete the 'Passenger Permission Form' (see attached), and return the signed form to the College Office for processing.
The College recommends that siblings be permitted and, at most, one other authorised person.
Vehicles must not leave the College during the day without the student/s signing out from the College Office.
Driving to School Forms:
Driving to School Permission Form
College Office
Do you need to update your contact details?
Have you moved address or had a change in your family circumstances and need to update your contact details?
If you have changed your contact details recently. We urge you to contact the College office to update your phone numbers and email, so if we need to contact you urgently we can do so.
Please email Office@trac.nsw.edu.au
with your current details or update in the Compass portal.
Medical Action Plans
If your child has a Medical Action Plan please ensure that the College Office has an up-to date copy for the student's file and Sickbay.
If you need more information, please contact the Office on 69 331811 or Office@trac.nsw.edu.au
Long-term Absences
If the student will be absent for more than 2 weeks (10 school days), an application to the Principal is required via the Application for Extended Leave - Vacation/Travel Form prior to departure. Once this document is completed by the Parent/Guardian, please return to the College Office for processing. You will then receive a Certificate of Extended Leave - Vacation/Travel.
Students who will be absent for shorter periods of time (less than 2 weeks) are also required to supply written notification to the College.
All student long-term absences should be reported to the College via email absences@trac.nsw.edu.au.