The Vine

Issue No 1, 27 February 2017

Personal excellence through Christ

Note from the Headmaster

Welcome back to all our College community to what is set to be an exciting year. I trust you had a wonderful and relaxing holiday break and are already back into the swing of the new year.

I am continually thankful to have talented and committed teaching staff at Penrith Anglican College who consistently strive to encourage our students to achieve personal excellence. I have great pleasure in welcoming the following new staff to the College in 2017, who will continue this high calibre of teaching and support.

Mrs Wendy White – Director of Innovation Mr Felix Kobus – Head of Science Mr Mark Pullen – Head of Library Services Mr Brian Jones – Careers Advisor Mr Samuel Commerford – English Teacher Mr Michael Zhou – Mathematics Teacher Mr Benjamin Voller – Science Teacher Miss Olga Jabil – Primary Learning Support Co-ordinator Mr Jonathan Tan – HISE Teacher Mrs Fiona Vaux – Primary Teacher Ms Alicia Brace – Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator Mr David Andison – TAS Teacher Mr Harry Venter – Science Teacher Mrs Michelle Wilkinson – Spanish Teacher Ms Sarah Warby – English Teacher Mrs Roopa McIntyre – Events Manager

Last Friday morning I had the privilege to speak at our annual High Achievers Assembly where students from our 2016 Year 12 cohort who achieved outstanding academic results in the HSC and IB were recognised.

The results from last year were remarkable. Overall in 2016 Penrith Anglican College achieved 19% ATARS over 90; 34% over 80 and over 30% of Penrith Anglican College students received the highest Band 6 result in at least one subject in the HSC. The College ranked 129th in the state according to The Sydney Morning Herald annual top 150 schools; an outstanding achievement.

While the College is very proud of these students, high academic marks are just part of what we hope our students gain after 13 years of schooling at Penrith Anglican College.

Building character in our students and encouraging them to understand their character strengths, is just as important as any outstanding academic achievement. Character matters in all aspects of their lives. Character strengths such as perseverance, respect, empathy, humility and integrity are just some examples of who a Penrith Anglican College student is.

In 2017 the College’s Wellbeing program will be focusing on the importance of character, particularly through the model of Jesus and his life. This will enable students to not only achieve personal excellence academically but in all aspects of their life through Christ. It will prepare them for a bright future, equip them to take their place in the world and to live a life of purpose through Christ.

“What does the LORD your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the LORD your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul.”

Deuteronomy 10:12Fady Youssef Dux HSC 2016

Gaurav AgarwalDux IB 2016

Personal excellence through Christ

On the first day back this year, students from Years 7 to 10 participated in a Wellbeing Program. This gave students a chance to start the year by reflecting on how they will approach their learning in 2017. Students are not just sponges in the classroom, they need to be active participants; inquiring, questioning, using their curiosity, collaborating with others, communicating well and taking risks so to deepen their learning. Encouraging students to be confident and take such an approach is one of the roles the teaching staff at the College have. To assist in this, a Wellbeing Program was created and run on Friday.

There were three components to the Program:

• Students learnt about a growth mindset – including ideas such as making mistakes not being horrific, but a normal part of the learning process, and the fact that sustained effort will improve achievement. They were encouraged to think about areas of their life where they could adopt a growth mindset to improve their understanding and performance all whilst being challenged to always work to achieve their personal best.

• Brain Olympics; an opportunity for students to partake in collaborative activities using problem solving skills. Students learnt how sometimes they work under constraints which can restrict their thinking and creativity.

• Setting yourself up for success; a Canvas course challenging students to deliberately make wise choices in areas such as sleep health, having a go and getting involved in opportunities and expressing gratitude to focus on things to be thankful for.

Students in other year groups will have other opportunities to partake in similar activities and ideas at other times in the College Calendar. Equipping our students to be their best so that they can do their best in God’s world is an important goal for Penrith Anglican College. In the next edition of The Vine, you will learn more about our Be a HERO and Positive Education lessons, another initiative starting this year at Penrith Anglican College.

Wellbeing Program

During the End of Year Program, a small group of students across years 8 to 12 participated in a Duke of Ed Hike in the Glenbrook area of the Blue Mountains National Park. Mr Poirier and Mrs Price joined the students on the three day camp.

The heat proved to be our greatest challenge with hot daytime temperatures over the three days requiring many rest and drink breaks to stay hydrated. There was no respite when the sun went down, with warm overnight temperatures. The flies were a bother during the day and mosquitoes during the night.

The weather and terrain made for a challenge, but the students pushed themselves and discovered they were capable of more than they expected. A highlight of the trip for many of the students was a visit to Crayfish Pool. It was lovely to be by the water as the temperature climbed to 39 degrees.

Well done students on a fantastic hike and an unforgettable time in God’s creation.

Mrs Price PDHPE Teacher

Duke of Edinburgh Hike

Senior School

Personal excellence through Christ Personal excellence through Christ

Prefect’s Commissioning Service

On Thursday 9 February Headmaster Mr Lewis, Chaplain Mr Statheos and the Senior Student Leaders travelled to St Andrew’s Cathedral for the Archbishop’s Annual Commissioning Service for Prefects in Anglican Schools. We had the chance to come together and pray for our schools and the wider world, hear a talk from the Archbishop and have a question and answer time with him. The Archbishop spoke about Christian leadership, what responsibilities it holds and what characteristics are needed in a good leader. He encouraged us all to make the most of our leadership opportunity that we had been given. The main take home message from his talk was that to be a good leader you must be a serving leader. Our main role is to put the needs of others before ourselves and think of ways in which we can serve the school community and our peers. In doing this, we embody the likeness of Christ who was the ultimate servant for us. It was a great reminder for us to hear this message as we continually seek to increase the sense of belonging and community at Penrith Anglican College in a Christ like way.

Julia Self Prefect

Library News

Library classes recently started for years Pre-K to 6 in 2017, showcasing the work of author Sue Whiting (The Firefighters, A Swim in the Sea) and illustrator Jules Faber (WeirDo, The Kaboom Kid) ahead of their Author Visit to Penrith Anglican College this term.

The Library also welcomed Mr Mark Pullen to Penrith Anglican College as the new Head of Library Services, and Mrs Leah Rayner as a new Library Technician.

Library Lovers’ Day

Students and Staff at Penrith Anglican College recently took the risk of going on a “Blind date with a Book” from G Library. These mysterious books were wrapped in brown paper with only a cryptic clue written on the front cover to guide borrowers. These flew off the shelves ahead of schedule, so more needed to be prepared! These have been lovingly prepared by our Library Staff for Library Lovers’ Day, which Libraries celebrate around the world on Valentine’s Day.

Welcome Back!

Senior School

Personal excellence through Christ

Senior School

Senior School Swimming Carnival

Primary School

Primary School Swimming Carnival

Relentless Ridley, Victorious Once Again !

Ridley House totally dominated in the pool by winning their sixth consecutive Swimming Carnival; a remarkable achievement. Congratulations to Ridley House, Mr Worrall is the proudest House Master in the universe.

The disappointment of the washed out carnival two weeks prior was quickly forgotten when we arrived at the picturesque Glenbrook Pool. We were greeted with sunshine, without a cloud in sight and the atmosphere was electric.

The day was a huge success with participation rates absolutely phenomenal. Competitive swimmers and non-competitive swimmers were all doing their best to win points for their houses. Mrs Kennedy’s novelties were a huge success with students having to complete many crazy and fun activities. The highlight of the day, as usual were the relays with students, parents and grandparents cheering themselves hoarse.

The swimmers of the meet, were Jade O’Connor (Year 6) and Lachlan Hanrahan (Year 5). Jade was the 12 Year Girl champion, breaking the 50 Metre Freestyle and Butterfly records and winning every race in her age group. Lachlan also won every race in his age group and also broke the 11 Year Boys 100m Freestyle record. I heard on very good advice that both Jade and Lachlan had no trouble sleeping that night. The only other record broken was the Senior Girls Relay. The Ridley Team comprised of Elissa Ferguson, Charlotte Carley, Alex Doyle

and Jasmine Kalantar set a new record of 2.38.77.

A huge thank you to the Year 10 PASS students who officiated in many areas on the day. Also a huge thank you to Mrs Thompson our Meet Manager computer expert who with Mrs Cochrane and Miss McMurray worked tirelessly putting results into the computer. Thank you also to Mrs Moss and her helpers for providing officials with delicious food and drinks. Finally thank you to our amazing staff for making sure the carnival ran like clockwork.

Listed below are the Swimming Age Champions for 2017. I look forward to 2018 with great anticipation to see if Ridley can continue to dominate in the pool or maybe another house can

finally stop Ridley’s amazing run of success.

Final Point Score

Ridley House 1175

Latimer House 1030

Ryle House 836

Cranmer House 785

Age Champions Boys Girls

8 Year Kael Roots (Ridley) Katelyn Ferguson (Ridley)

9 Year Gabriel Rodriguez (Ryle) Rebecca Hall (Ridley)

10 year Austin Bock (Latimer) Tara Kalantar (Ridley)

11 Year Lachlan Hanrahan (Ridley) Charlotte Carley (Ridley)

12 Year Lachlan Brown (Latimer) Jade O’Connor (Cranmer)

Personal excellence through Christ

Personal excellence through Christ

Music

Music Notices

• Choir is on in M1 at lunch. All are Welcome.

• Drumline (previously Penrith Anglican CollegePercussion Group) will commence rehearsals in thedrama room on Thursday at lunch (week 4.) All are

welcome.

Music Groups

If you are interested in joining a co curricular music group, please come and register your interest at the music staffroom. We will then be able to give you more specific information relating to the groups you are interested in joining.

Want to learn an instrument?

There is tuition at Penrith Anglican College available in Clarinet, Saxophone, Violin, Cello, Guitar, Voice, Piano, Flute, Bassoon, Oboe, Trumpet, Trombone and French Horn. Contact the Music Department by phone or send an email to MusicAdmin@pac.nsw.edu.au for more information or to

register your interest for 2017.

Penrith Anglican College Bands Program

WANTED – students for our fantastic Band program!

Development Band – Thursday Lunch (Mr Potter)

If you are learning a wind instrument in the Year 3 – 6 Music program, this band will help you take it to the next level. This is the perfect introduction to playing music in a group (the really fun part of playing music!)

Intermediate Band – Day TBA, After School (Mr Stoodley)

If you can play a little bit better than beginner level, this band will introduce you to some more complicated music and ideas. In this band you start to understand how the sections of the band work together while playing very different parts.

Senior Concert Band – Friday After School (Mr Clark)

The next step. Advanced, challenging pieces which are fun and very rewarding to play. In this band, you start to learn a lot about playing in tune and balancing your part correctly with the rest of the players. Entry to this band is by audition or invitation and requires a commitment to rehearsals and personal practice.

Jazz Band - Friday After Concert Band (Mr Clark)

This band is an introduction to improvisation and groove. It plays very different music to the concert bands and requires advanced technique and a commitment to personal practice. Entry by audition or invitation. Hard work but lots of fun!

NEEDED – BASS PLAYERS AND DRUMMERS for the band program. See Mr Clark ASAP !

Alexandra Calopedis and Sienna Li recently sat for Grade 1 AMEB piano exams and were awarded Honours.

Congratulations to both girls on their oustanding achievement.

Congratulations

Personal excellence through Christ

Sport

Congratulations to Isabella Degei who competed at the 2016 SSA Athletic Championships. The championships were held at Sydney Athletics Fields, Homebush. Isabella competed in the Junior Girls Shot Put and finished 6th in all of Australia which is an unbelievable result. Isabella was also a member of the NSW Field Event Relay which NSW won. We are all extremely proud of you Bella.

School Sport Australia

Basketball Gala day

What a wonderful day our Junior School basketballers had at the NASSA Basketball Gala Day. Even though we all had to set our alarms and catch the College bus at 6.40 am everyone was excited and wide eyed with anticipation.

The majority of the players were not basketballers but by the end of the day they were playing like seasoned professionals.

Our teams performed extremely well considering their levels of experience. The wonderful thing was that their levels of enjoyment were off the Richter Scale. Every single player contributed to their teams successes on the day and in the process had a really enjoyable day.

On the court the boys won 3 games and lost 3 games. While the girls won 5 games out of 6 and lost only to the might of St Luke’s Grammar School which have dominated basketball since the competition began. This is the best performance by any team in the College’s history.

Special mention must go to Coady Stone, Reuben Marshall, Alam Lam and Sam Lucas who played strongly throughout the day for the boys. Sam scored 11 points against Macarthur Anglican School and could have been mistaken for an NBA star. The amazing thing is that Sam has never played a competitive game of basketball in his life.

The girls played sensationally all day and gelled together after their first game and got stronger as the day rolled on. Every single player played their hearts out. The stand outs on the day were definitely Maddison Galea, Ebony Gigliotti, Hannah Roots and Isabella Degei.

The outstanding player on the day was Isabella and was rewarded for efforts by being selected to attend the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) trials which will be held in Crows Nest later this month. Amazingly, Isabella is a netballer and had never played competitive basketball before either. A pretty amazing feat.

Thank you to Nicholas Kuipers (Year 12) for being the teams bench official. Also a big thank you to Caitlin Brines (Boys) and Emi Foster (Girls). These Year 11 girls gave up their time to coach and pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm to both teams. Finally,

thank you to Mr Jon Wright for safely driving us to Warriewood and home safely.

Results

Boys Girls

Lost 2 - 18 (St Luke’s) Lost 4 – 24 (St Luke’s)

Won 10 – 0 (Broughton) Won Forfeit (Broughton)

Won 9 – 8 (TIGS) Won 12 – 0 (TIGS)

Lost 4 – 8 (THAC) Won 14 – 12 (THAC)

Won 30 – 4 (MAC) Won 22 – 6 (MAC)

Lost 13 – 20 (GRG) Won 44 – 2 (GRG)

Personal excellence through Christ

Student Achievements

Congratulation to Patrick Beach who was selected into the NSW Metro U15s’ Boys softball team.

In January Patrick played at the 2017 Australian Regional Championships at Redlands Softball Grounds, Brisbane, Qld. He was selected as Vice Captain of the team and played fabulously in the Outfield, at Pivot and pitched also for the team. He was one of the standout batters within his team, constantly hitting safe hits to bring the RBI’s in for his team. His team finished in 2nd place after the round games and just missed out on a spot in the final.

Patrick has also been recently selected into the Penrith City U17’s Boys Representative team to play at the U17 Boys State Softball Championships in April 2017.

Patrick Beach Year 8

Zahan Madon Year 11

Congratulations to Zahan Madon who received the St. John Ambulance Penrith Award for 2016 Senior Cadet of the Year.

Gymnastics Nationals 2016

Jade O’Connor (Year 6) competed at the Gymnastics National Clubs Championships at Bendigo at the end of last year. Jade finished 86th in a strong field of 400 competitors. She was highest placed member of her team Penrith YMCA in Level 5.

This picture shows Jade’s amazing skill level which has required massive amounts of training and dedication. Congratulations

Jade on a wonderful performance and result.

Personal excellence through Christ

Notices

Clean Up Australia Day

Sunday 5 March is ‘Clean Up Australia Day’. This is the 18th year that the College has participated in the Clean Up Day. We will be cleaning up in Emu Plains at Regatta Park, along the grassed area on the western banks of the Nepean River.

Staff will be at the site adjacent to the car park on the western side of River Rd between 10am and 1pm. Students and parents must ALL be registered on the day.

Please wear comfortable clothing, covered shoes, gloves, hat, sunscreen and bring spare bags to collect litter if possible. Adults may also like to bring rakes to assist in collecting litter from difficult places. This event will go ahead even in the rain so please come prepared.

Students who are under 15 years must be accompanied and registered along with a parent / adult.

This is a great way for families to participate in community service together.

Interested students and parents should register on the day by meeting

Ms. Hazell at Regatta Park car park, cnr. River Road and Great Western Highway, Emu Plains near the amenities block. (carpark closest to Victoria Bridge- look for the PAC banner)

For any further details please see Ms Hazell in the G1 Staffroom.

Our site: Regatta Park, River Road Emu Plains

The Second Hand Uniform shop hours are Mondays 8:30am - 9:30am and Wednesdays 2:30pm - 4:00pm.

Please note that the second hand uniform shop is cash only and it would be appreciated if payment was made with smaller

notes as change is limited.

Second hand Uniform Shop

Penrith Anglican College Office Hours

Please note the College Administration Office hours;

Term Time; Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

School Holidays: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Year 7 2018 Information Evening

If you wish to attend the Information Evening you will be most welcome. Information covered on the evening will include a

general overview of life at the College as well as specific information regarding the Senior School curriculum and organisation.

Date Tuesday 7 March 2017

Time 7:00pm – 8:30pm

Venue The Lighthouse Theatre

Computer Repairs

Cameron’s Computer Repair

Experienced computer repair with quality service. Computer repairs, software installation, virus removal, upgrades. Contact Cameron on:

Phone: 0405 803 097 email: ch236@uowmail.edu.au https://www.facebook.com/CameronsComputerRepair/

Personal excellence through Christ

2 minute’s with...

Brian Jones Career Advisor

Brian Jones joins us in 2017 as our new Careers Advisor at Penrith Anglican College. He is based in the new’ College Careers Centre’ in F Block and students are invited to drop by to introduce themselves to him and to enquire about information that may be relevant to them as well as schedule a meeting in a study period to sit down and look at career options in the future that they may be suited to.

Parents are also invited, as the need arises, to liaise with Mr Jones in order to organise a time to gain clarification of the careers path options that are available to their children. He is at the College from Monday to Wednesday.

Mr Jones joins us after many years as a secondary school teacher and Careers Adviser in the local area, before moving into the Tertiary and Higher Education sector for 10 years, that included a Private College and UNSW, before moving into the corporate world that involved accessing universities across Australia.

Mr Jones is the husband of Mrs Sophie Jones (Director of Student Enrichment and Support Pre-K - 12; Prefects Co-ordinator) and father of a former graduate of Penrith Anglican College, so he comes to us being very familiar with the College and all that it represents.

Students and parents will be receiving regular updates from Mr Jones in terms of upcoming events, Work Experience details for Year 10 students, advice to students in terms of elective choices and academic pathways throughout their time at the College and information for students to assist them in making choices regarding which avenue to pursue in addition to the lodging of applications for higher education.

Mr Jones is also happy for parents or guardians to contact him to arrange a time to meet with him from Monday to Wednesday if they also would like to gain further awareness of the options available to their children. They would be invited to email him at b.jones@pac.nsw.edu.au for such meetings to occur.

We welcome Mr Jones to the College.

Need some Career Guidance?

Mr Brian Jones the College Careers Advisor can help

students with their choices.

His office hours are Monday - Wednesday in the

College Careers centre located in F Block.

Students are welcome to drop by and introduce themselves or schedule an appointment to see

him.Parents and

Guardians are also welcome to contact Mr

Jones via email on b.jones@pac.nsw.edu.au

Personal excellence through Christ

Praise, Pray & Plan

Prayer points Important Dates for your Diary

Praise points

• God’s peace and strength to those people in our world living in distress.

• Good friendships and calm heads for new students and staff starting at the College this year.

• College families who are experiencing hard

times.

• A smooth start to the 2017 school year at the College.

• The amazing efforts and results of our 2016 Year 12 HSC and IB students.

• His faithfulness and goodness.

Monday 27 February Ashton Scholastic Book Fair

Tuesday 28 February Ashton Scholastic Book Fair

Sunday 5 March Clean Up Australia Day

Tuesday 7 March Year 7 2018 Parent Information Night

Monday 13 March Year 12 Half Yearly Exam Period begins

Friday 17 March Year 10-12 Headmaster’s Wine and Cheese Evening

When Monday 27 February—Tuesday 28 February Before School 8:00am—9:00am Lunch time 12:50pm—1:35pm After School 3:00pm—4:30pm Where C Centre Items can be purchased or ordered on the day. We accept Visa card and cash only If ordering from the catalogue pre payment by Visa card is required

Penrith Anglican College will be holding our annual Ashton Scholastic Book Fair in Week Six. This is an event not to miss! This is a Learning Support/Enrichment fund raising event with all proceeds used for the purchase of new resources for Pre K-6.

Book Fair

Outside School Hours Care

Join in the fun at Penrith Anglican College Before and After School Care!

There’s lots to see and do in OSHC – from fun outdoor games and activities, to arts and crafts, silly science, gardening and cooking, building and construction activities and much more! There’s also a quiet area to catch-up on some reading, finish off homework or relax. With a healthy morning or afternoon snack in every session.

Meet Rachael - The OSHC program Coordinator

Fun Facts about Rachael:

• She loves going to the movies.

• She enjoys going bowling with her twelve year old son.

• She thinks bullying is the worst.

• Rachael really enjoys getting to know new people.

• In her free time, she loves playing handball.

Program Details

The information outlined above covers the most common program times and fees. For a full listing of all program details and fees for the service, please visit our website. We have over 150 Holiday Clubs. Please use the Holiday Club finder on our website to find the most convenient service for you.

Program Times Full fee

Before School Care 6:30AM - 9:00AM $17.00

After School Care 3:30PM - 6:00PM $29.50

$4.26 to $8.50

$10.51 to $14.75

Out of Pocket*

From all of the team at Camp Australia we look forward to seeing you and your family in the program soon.

Join in the funTo register and book, visit us at www.campaustralia.com.au and use the school finder on our homepage to search for Penrith Anglican College.

*Save 50% or more with government rebates.

The Australian Government has two payments to assist families with the cost of child care:• The Child Care Rebate (CCR): is NOT income tested. It pays up to 50% of your out of pocket

costs of up to $7,500 per child, each year.

• The Child Care Benefit (CCB): is income tested and scaled, resulting in payments of between 0% and 85% of Camp Australia fees.

Nearly all families are eligible for government rebates.

Visits Welcome!Please feel free to stop by the program with your children to meet the team and see what happens in our great program each school day.

Penny