COLLEGE NEWS

Welcome
Welcome to the 16th edition of the College Newsletter.
The Riverina Anglican College Runs for A-T
This week there was an explosion of colour on our oval as the student-led CAS project for the International Baccalaureate hosted two colour runs for Years 7 and 8 in support of the BrAshA-T Ataxia-Telangiectasia foundation and the local Millar family. Ataxia-telangiectasia, or “A-T,” as it is known, is a progressive, degenerative disease that affects a startling variety of body systems and there is currently no cure or treatments.
Next week, Years 9 and 10 students will have their turn at raising funds and being doused by coloured powders as they run the course.
We are well on our way to reaching our fundraising goal and would appreciate the support from College families. The BrAsh-AT foundation has designed and provided purple AT socks which are being sold for $10 a pair. To purchase a pair of socks, see Holly, Judd, Anna, William or Lucy out the front of Mr Howard's office at recess or lunch.
Thank you to everyone who has supported our fundraising event.
Remaining Colour Run Dates for A-T
Students in years 9 and 10 can enter the colour runs and help raise funds for A-T with their gold coin donation. We thank you for your ongoing support.
Year 9 - Thursday 12 November
Year 10 - Friday 13 November
This month on SchoolTV - 'Raising Boys'
Many parents will attest to the fact that most boys are active, loud, rambunctious and prone to rough play, but this should not affect how a parent acts towards their son. Be careful not to pigeon-hole your son into sex specific behaviours or gender roles. The male brain is distinctly differently in its development. A boy’s physical maturity is often at odds with his mental and brain development.
Societal beliefs about how to raise boys can sometimes influence their adult carers. Although we are not determined by our biology, it is a factor. It is important to support boys in their natural tendencies and nurture their strengths and abilities. Teach them the skills they need for their future and to develop a healthy identity. It is important for boys to have a role model they can connect with and acknowledge who they are. One of the most important determinants for a boy’s development is how secure they feel growing up.
In this edition of SchoolTV, adult carers will gain a better understanding into some of the more complex issues relating to raising boys. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help. Here is the link to this month's edition https://trac.nsw.schooltv.me/newsletter/raising-boys
Parking at the front of the College
Please be aware that Farrer Road in front of the College is now a no parking zone. Some parents have been choosing to pick up students or park on Farrer Road. It is now marked with a solid yellow line. Disobeying this “No Stopping restriction” can result in a fine of $257, or a fine of $330 and two demerit points in a school zone.
Please use the designated Parent Pickup Area.
Trevor Howard | Deputy Principal - Head of Campus
2021 Scholarships Now Open
A limited number of scholarships are available for students enrolled next year in Years 7,9 and 11. Parents of current Year 6, 8 and 10 students are invited to apply online. Academic Assessment Services has been engaged to administer the scholarship examinations in 2020 for applicant placement in 2021. All testing will take place on the same day for academic and music scholarships.
An email has been sent to all parents/guardians of students in years 7, 9 and 11 next year, providing them with details regarding applying for a scholarship.
Scholarships allow for the remission of part tuition fees throughout a student's secondary education and are subject to satisfactory progress and review. The number and value of all scholarships awarded is at the discretion of the Principal.
An interview with key staff for short-listed candidates is a compulsory part of the process of awarding scholarships.
Applicants are also assessed on supporting documentation provided at the time of online registration.
Academic Scholarships for students entering Years 7, 9 and 11 in 2021 are awarded on the performance of the student in the Scholarship examinations held on Saturday 21 November, 2020 at the College.
Music Scholarships for students entering Years 7, 9 and 11 in 2021 are awarded on the performance of the student in the Scholarship examinations and recorded audition submitted to the Director of Music. Students applying for a music scholarship must sit the exams on Saturday 21 November, 2020.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Scholarship, a candidate must be enrolled in Year 7, 9 or 11 in 2021.
All applicants will be required to sit the Academic Scholarship examinations.
Examination date: Saturday 21 November 2020
Arrival Time: Students should arrive no later than 08.20am
Examination 1 commences: 8.45am Examination 1 finishes: 10.40am
Recess break: 10.40am-11.00am
Examination 2 commences: 11.00am Examination 2 finishes: 12.30pm
Venue: The Riverina Anglican College
Registration fee: $150
Applications close: 5pm, Friday 13 November 2020
Late registration: Applies to applications from Saturday 14 November 2020
Late registration fee: $200
No further applications after: 5pm, Monday 16 November 2020
Applying is easy: Click on the link below and follow the staged process.
Apply online click here
If you have further questions please email: enrolments@trac.nsw.edu.au
College Term Dates for 2021
Term 1 commences
Secondary school - Wednesday 27 January 2021
Junior school - Thursday 28 January 2021
Term 1 concludes - Thursday 1 April 2021
Term 2 commences - Tuesday 20 April 2021
Term 2 concludes - Thursday 17 June 2021
Term 3 commences - Monday 12 July 2021
Term 3 concludes - Friday 17 September 2021
Term 4 commences - Tuesday 5 October 2021
Term 4 concludes - Wednesday 8 December 2021
Apply Now for Year7 2022
If your child is in Year 5, now is the time to commence the enrolment process for Year 7 2022.
Interviews will commence in February 2021. Application Forms are available on our website http://trac.nsw.edu.au/enrolments.php?id=80
Junior School Enrolments
Would you like to know more about our Junior School?
Enrolments are open for Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 4.
If you would like to find out more about the learning philosophies and how we are offering an education like no other in the Riverina, book a meeting with the Head of Junior School to discuss learning opportunities for your child in 2021.
For more information visit our website: www.trac.nsw.edu.au. or contact
Kylie Chacon - Head of Junior School
Phone: 02 6933 1811
Email: Kylie.Chacon@trac.nsw.edu.au
Wordmasters - Apex Public Speaking Competition 2021
This year we had eight students compete in the Apex Public Speaking Competition. In keeping with COVID restrictions, the speeches needed to be recorded for submission. This process provided the students with a great opportunity for revision of strategies, self-reflection and peer feedback. The entrants spoke on a range of topics very passionately, addressing a range of issues, concepts and personal interests. Their responses revealed an exceptional ability to think ‘outside the box’.
Our competitors were:
Diya Bhengra - Year 9 - topic “Social Media”
Dionisa Gendy - Year 9 - topic “If I were an inanimate object”
Kristy Sauw - Year 9 - topic “The Significance of Jane Austen”
Trang Nguyen - Year 9 - topic - “The Arts are Important”
Claire Heazlewood - Year 9 - topic “Ron is better than Harry”
Karin Rezkalla - Year 8 - topic “Superheroes are Real”
Cecil Wahba - Year 8 - topic “What if time travel was real?”
Anneliese Klimpsch - Year 7 - “What if there was no Plastic”
The winners of this year’s event were:
Karin Rezkalla - First place
Dionisa Gendy - Second place
(Pictured from left to right: Anneliese Klimpsch, Karin Rezkalla, Kristy Sauw, Diya Bhengra, Clarie Heazlewood, Cecil Wahba, Trang Nguyen, Dionisa Gendy)
All participants received ‘Highly Commended’ Awards and were regarded highly by the judges. The competition was tight.
It goes without saying that we are very proud of their achievements.
Mrs Corrina Hawke | Head of Department - English
Year 8 Visual Art ‘Surrealism’ Unit
Year 8 Visual Arts students have researched and investigated the art movement of Surrealism and are currently completing detailed acrylic paintings on small canvas boards. The artworks were based on “dream-like” inspirations, with the subject matter varying greatly. The students have really engaged with the experience of layering the paint and concentrating on tonal work.
Some examples from the following students are below:- Emerson Leary, Georgia Thompson, Sidney Lenton, Imogen Smith and Jude Fuller.
Mrs Lindie Mannion | Head of Department Visual Arts
French Club
French Club started back last Tuesday with a game session. Students were very excited to play the popular game UNO in French. Using colours, numbers and a few new expressions, any students from Year 7 to Year 12 could easily participate. Another game, called Spot it (animals version) was introduced and won numerous times by Juliette Kozlik.
Two sessions are to come in Week 5 and 7 with some French food and other games (battleship,...) in French. Thanks to Madame Glastonbury, Mrs Allan and Señora Anaya for coming along.
Virginie Vignas | Head of Department - LOTE
Around the College
Yr 9 Textiles Cross-back Pinafore Projects were a great success!
Yr 10 Food Technology students prepared and absolutely scrumptious dish - Roasted sea scallops in pancetta with a warm tomato and gremolata salad.
Year 12 Visual Arts - Major Works
The Year 12 Visual Arts students worked tirelessly on their HSC Major Works projects over the past few months and have produced some exceptional works of art. Artworks produced by Brianna Aplin, Cassandra Lai, Dechen Clarke, Elliot Campbell-Casey, Gabrielle Miller and Michael Nelson.
The Year 12 Industrial Technology - Timber HSC Major Projects
The Year 12 Industrial Technology - Timber class have had a huge year of dedication and craftsmanship, resulting in the students producing excellent projects for their HSC Major Project.
The students major works are currently on display in the Library. Along with a detailed portfolio, the marked results for their individual projects will contribute to their final HSC Industrial Technology mark.
Year 12 Major Textiles works
Year 12 major Textiles works have been on display in the Library. They are all such very unique designs showcasing the students' depth of skill and attention to detail.
Year 12 AU REVOIR DINNER
On the 26th November, Year 12 will celebrate their Au Revoir Dinner at The Range Function Centre. An email has been sent to Parents/Guardians with all the information regarding the event.
Elevate Education - Free Online Webinars for Parents
Elevate Education is hosting a free webinar series for parents on preparing their children for end of year tests and exams.
The series is entitled: Empowering Parents to Reinforce Study Skills at Home. The remaining webinar details are below.
Exam Preparation - Wednesday 18 November at 6pm.
Technology - Wednesday 2 December at 6pm.
Register here - https://get.elevatecoaching.info/au/register.
Elevate are a global education organisation that helps over one million students to improve their study skills and boost academic performance. You can learn more about them at https://au.elevateeducation.com
Uniform Shop Price List
Uniform Shop Extended Trading Days - Term 4/January Holidays
Please find attached details for the extended trading days at the Uniform Shop, during Term 4 and January 2021.
Normal term times will be in place up to Thursday 19th November.
Extended trading times will commence from the 23rd November.
Please note: New students will need to make an online booking. Existing students do not require a booking.
Dates for new student bookings will be provided on our website in the coming weeks.
Further information such as online ordering and the updated Price List can also be found on the College Website under For Parents/Uniform Shop.
Eastern Service Road Closure / Access to Uniform Shop
Construction of the Junior School has resulted in the closure of the Eastern Service Road that leads to the Uniform Shop.
A new service road is under construction and it should be completed in due course. Until this road is completed, all visitors will need to park at the front of the College near the Administration building.
Please contact the College should you require assistance.
Alex Sarantakos | Head of Operations
Junior School Term 4 Events
Orientation Day Years 1-6
Year 6 12/11 Thursday
Year 5 13/11 Friday
Year 4 16/11 Monday
Year 3 17/11 Tuesday
Year 2 23/11 Monday
Year 1 27/11 Friday
Little TRACers- School Readiness & Orientation Days
Little TRACers- 25/11 Wednesday
Little TRACers- 26/11 Thursday
Little TRACers- 30/11 Monday
Little TRACers- 1/12 Tuesday
Little TRACers- 7/12 Monday
Little TRACers- 8/12 Tuesday
Middle Junior Program- Year 3 and Year 4 ( 4-5pm)
Middle Junior Program - Year 3 and Year
2/11 Monday
9/11 Monday
Students Leaving the College
If your child is leaving the College to attend another school, start formal training or commence working, formal notification is required via an email to the Principal and Enrolments Team, providing the final date of attendance and destination school/organisation.
Parents/Guardians and student also have the responsibility to complete a 'Student Clearance Form'.
Students who are Under 17, that will be commencing an Apprenticeship or Traineeship also need to complete a 'Parental Application for Exemption from Enrolment at School Form'. You will be issued a certificate to provide to the Training Organisation.
Forms and further information about leaving the College can be found on our Website.
If you have any questions, please contact the College office on 02 6933 1811 and your enquiry will be directed to the relevant staff member.
Year 12 - HSC Procedures
Year 12, please see information from NESA regarding procedures for the HSC Examinations under COVID- 19 conditions, as well as support materials for yourself and your parents around mental and physical wellbeing.
Attention Parents/Guardians and students of Year 12
With the current care being taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NESA have instigated some very strict rules to ensure the safety of all students, presiding officers and examination supervisors.
Please take the time to read and ensure students adhere to the following:
- Students will need to arrive 20 minutes before the examination so supervisors can temperature test students, confirm they have not been asked to self isolate by NSW Health, and do not have any flu- like symptoms and sanitize their hands.
- Students should not attend the 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.
- If students have a known illness that has similar symptoms to the flu e.g. hay fever, they require a medical certificate from their doctor which should be provided to the school. They are also encouraged to ensure they are up to date with their medication to minimise their symptoms.
- Students displaying flu-like symptoms may be asked to leave the examination and asked to be tested for COVID-19. They will only be able to return to the examination centre once a negative test result has been received.
If you have any concerns, please contact Ms Helen Foster by phoning the college 69331811 (ext 163), or by e-mailing helen.foster@trac.nsw.edu.au.
Helen Foster | Head of Academic Administration
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.
SICKBAY and ILLNESS
If a student or anyone in their family presents as unwell, the student is to stay at home.
Sickbay is closed and will be limited to those students with a diagnosed chronic condition only.
Any student who presents as unwell will be sent home immediately.
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
Absence Process
Student absences should be reported to the Compass Parent Portal, preferably by 9am.
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.
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 absences should be reported to the College via email absences@trac.nsw.edu.au.
Important Dates
Term 4
Tuesday 20 October until Wednesday 11 November - HSC Exams
Wednesday 18 November - Friday 20 November - Year 7 2021 Orientation Programme
Monday 23 November - 27 November
Uniform Shop Open - Additional Trading Days - 8.00am - 4.00pm
Thursday 26 November - Year 12 Graduation Dinner
Monday 30 November - Friday 4 December
Uniform Shop Open - Additional Trading Days - 8.00am-4.00pm
Friday 4 December
Last day of Term for ALL students
Monday 7 December
Staff Development Day
Tuesday 8 December
Staff Development Day
Monday 7 December - Friday 11 December
Uniform Shop Open - Additional Trading Days - 8.00am-4.00pm
December/January Holidays
Monday 11 January - Friday 15 January
Uniform Shop Open - Additional Trading Days 9.00am-5.00pm
Monday 18 January - Friday 22 January
Uniform Shop Open - Additional Trading Days - 9.00am-5.00pm
Monday 25 January
Uniform Shop Open - Additional Trading Days - 8.00am-4.00pm
Wednesday 27 January
Uniform Shop Open - Additional Trading Days - 8.00am-4.00pm
Term Dates
2021
Term 1 commences
Secondary school - Wednesday 27 January 2021
Junior school - Thursday 28 January 2021
Term 1 concludes - Thursday 1 April 2021
Term 2 commences - Tuesday 20 April 2021
Term 2 concludes - Thursday 17 June 2021
Term 3 commences - Monday 12 July 2021
Term 3 concludes - Friday 17 September 2021
Term 4 commences - Tuesday 5 October 2021
Term 4 concludes - Wednesday 8 December 2021