No Images? Click here From the Principal...The keys to success can seem such intangible and philosophical concepts. We know that the variables amongst us as human beings can be so great. Our background, DNA, opportunities and experiences can all play a part in enhancing or impeding our progress and success. As such we often look at all the things we cannot control and question whether there is any strategy that we can deploy that will actually work. I am sure there are many books that can be read and many better qualified people that can expound on these secrets, but I just wanted to suggest and share some small but significant things that each of our students can do that can have a big impact on their performance no matter what their ability. 1. Organisation Electronic organisers, diaries, timetables are all valuable tools to assist in this regard. Routine is also very important. Agreed predictable times that students will check what planning or homework is required leads to good work habits. Teachers are very deliberate in sharing techniques with students; this is something as a school that we would like to build on in 2017. If we model, scaffold and teach our students these strategies we can assist them in developing good habits that will allow them to grow more and more independent and self driven. 2. Work Ethic 3. Be Deliberate As a school we want to develop all these practices in our students to give them every opportunity to achieve even greater heights. As teachers and parents we can’t do it all for them but we can work hard to develop these skills over time by actively modelling, supporting and discussing them. We have had a very strong response to our decision to add the extra Pre-Kindergarten class. We are pleased to have really strong enrolment pressure in the Early Years. What is also wonderful is the amount of enrolment enquiries that occur as a result of word of mouth. You, our parents, are our greatest advocates. We cannot underestimate the value of our strong community. Academic All Stars Justin Krause Primary School NewsFrom the Head of Primary...Dear Parents it was my pleasure to attend to the Primary Recital Night on Wednesday. The Night was an opportunity for students enrolled in our various musical and choral programs to showcase their progress over the year. Our students performed admirably and it was a wonderful evening. Our students further impressed me during the Year 5 combined assembly drama performance. Guided by the able hands of Secondary Drama teacher, Miss Caity Stafford, and the Year 5 class teachers, Miss Zani Du Preez and Mr Ben Royce, the performance ‘USS In The Brain’ was well conceived and again showcased the deep talent of our Year 5 cohort. Stuart Harris Year 4 Excursion | Red Hill Waste Management Centre On Friday 4 November, the Year 4 students headed up Toodyay Road to the Red Hill Waste Management Centre, which collects the waste from all the green bins in the City of Swan. On a bus tour of the site, we learned how they sort recyclables like glass, hard plastics and cardboard and also have a special collection point for hazardous waste like batteries. We saw a new landfill site being made and learned about the layers of material that engineers use to prevent leaching into our groundwater. Seeing all the ibis and pelican birds around the current landfill was amazing! They come to eat the rubbish and can become a real problem. There were huge black piles where Red Hill uses green waste to produce and sell fertile garden mulch. They also collect explosive methane gas from buried rubbish via large black pipes, which channel the gas towards an onsite power station, where it is used to produce electricity. Back at the Education Centre, we used magnifying glasses and an iPad microscope to inspect the different creepy crawlies that are in a worm farm. We consolidated our knowledge with interactive rotational activities, before heading off to Mundaring Sculpture Park for lunch and playtime on the huge flying fox, underground tunnel, tube slide and climbing net! What a great day of learning and adventure! Below are comments from some Year 4 students after the excursion:
Year 5 | Muffin Break Fundraiser The Year 5 students will be selling Muffin Break muffins to raise funds and awareness for Oxfam and Fair Trade on Tuesday 6 December! All profits will go to Oxfam - an organisation with a vision to help create a world without poverty. They envisage a world in which everyone is valued and treated equally. Students will be selling the muffins during recess and lunch for a gold coin donation. The following delicious flavours will be available for students to purchase. There will also be gluten free options.
We look forward to a wonderful event! Christmas Cheer Appeal As part of Ellenbrook Christian College’s way of supporting the local community we will again be partnering with the Salvation Army, in assisting them to provide local families with gift, toys and food products for their Christmas day. Many of the families that are assisted don’t have enough money to be able to have a special Christmas dinner or to purchase Christmas gifts for their children and families. As a church the Salvation Army put together hampers and parcels that can hopefully go some way to making this time of financial hardship a little less. How can we help? This is a great way to serve others; one small donation can make a difference! Last year we were able to increase the number of people supported by The Salvation Army. We hope to do this again. Students can start bringing in donations from Monday 21 November (Week 7). The last opportunity to donate is Wednesday 30 November 2016. The class that brings in the most items will be presented with a small reward. Click here for a list of suitable suggested items. Secondary School News From the Head of Secondary...What is being taught in schools often comes up in conversation between teachers, parents, community members and even students. It was even prominent in the media, when the Gillard Government was introducing the Australian Curriculum. Generally the discussion is centred around what is being taught and the focus of was on the subjects that a school teaches such as English, Mathematics or Science. While this conversation is important, what is equally important is what is taught to students outside of the usual subjects. Jordan Smith 2016 Ellenbrook Christian College and Beechboro Christian School Art Exhibition The exhibition was held at ‘The Gallery' on Main Street in Ellenbrook. It was opened by our Principal, Mr Justin Krause on the evening of Thursday 27 October and ran from Tuesday 25 October until Sunday 6 November 2016. ECC Music students provided some beautiful live music for the event and refreshments were provided by Home Economics department. The Year 11 Drama students provided five amazing live sculptures in period costume. On display were drawings, paintings, photography, media clips, sculptures, digital works and some woodwork. It was interesting to see the strong values our students chose to express in their beautiful works, from the environmental cares of the world to love and spirituality. Artwork was displayed from students in lower Primary to Year 12. This combined exhibition was a first with artwork from both ECC Secondary and Primary students, along with art displays from Beechboro Christian School students. It also included woodwork and some work from staff at both ECC and Beechboro. The sense of a strong and supportive Arts community at the opening event was appreciated by all who attended. Visitors provided positive feedback to The Gallery director and the three pages of generous comments from The Gallery's visitor book attest to that. The students from both Ellenbrook and Beechboro displayed their talents to the community and the effective work of their teachers in the Arts. Year 11 Production | Cloudstreet The Year 11 Drama students of Ellenbrook Christian College presented to a production of the award-winning narrative, Cloudstreet, orginally written by renowned Australian author, Tim Winton. The play featured the amazing talent of the Year 8 Drama students as well as the Year 10 Dance and Drama students of our College. The story follows the lives of two unalike families as they come together under the same roof; number one Cloudstreet. Spanning over 20 years, the Lambs and the Pickles will encounter hardships and circumstances dealing with family life, fate, faith, reconciliation and the Australian identity. "It's gunna sound like a counter lunch, Lamb and Pickles." This production of Cloudstreet has been the most difficult yet rewarding play we have performed in our high school years. Not only does it have a gritty plot but with the addition of the theatre in the round element, our theatrical studies have been brought to the next level. We’d like to thank our incredible, inspiring teacher, Miss Stafford for all she has done to contribute to this production, mentoring us throughout the
pre-production process. We could not have done it without her. We hope that you enjoy this immersive production that we have created. Never before have I taught a class so dedicated and talented. Working on the production, Cloudstreet has been one of the most exciting and challenging plays we've undertaken. The hard work and innovation of these young people has made the play not only worth it but also an experience that will not be easily forgotten. Miss Caity Stafford River Rangers Excursion | Walyunga National Park We conducted a site survey where we had to rate certain things about the place to decide how healthy and pleasing it is. Most groups decided it was very pleasant with facilities like toilets and picnic tables but otherwise quite natural. We tested the water for salinity, nitrates, phosphates, oxygen, turbidity and pH. The water was very clear but contained more nutrients and salt than it should have and was low in oxygen. Year 11 Certificate II Outdoor Recreation Camp Day two was our canoeing day and we were excited for our 6.5km paddle in ideal conditions. The first activity was to capsize the craft in order to prove that we can perform a deep water rescue. The water was freezing but we managed to survive and return to our canoes safely. Down the final stretch we had a race to the finish line, which Muche Shumba and Angus Roxburgh won quite convincingly. The camp was a great opportunity to complete a number of units, which the students need in order to obtain their qualification. Well done to all of the students who were on the camp. You represented the College admirably. John Taylor Ever Considered Becoming a Teacher? Teaching is a true calling – a career dedicated to serving others. Teaching is mostly joyous and at times challenging, but it is always meaningful. Applications are now open for our Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Master of Teaching (Primary) degrees. Our small class sizes and low staff - student ratio ensure a nurturing learning environment where students are known by name, not lost in the crowd. To secure your position visit www.scea.institute or call 9274 6411 for more information. Student ServicesStudent Services Team
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Late Arrivals/Early Departures An early departure slip must be obtained from Student Services prior to you collecting your child early from school. If your child is being picked up for an appointment Reminder Bike Helmets Hours Kindergarten Pre-Primary
Years 7 to 12 Administration Upcoming EventsSecondary School Music Soiree | Sunday 27 November Parents and friends are invited to attend Ellenbrook College’s inaugural Soiree to be held on Sunday November 27 at 2:00pm to 4:00pm. The afternoon will showcase the College’s talented musicians and vocalists. The students performing learn both in and out of the College. The afternoon will provide a variety of entertainment with a performance from a special guest artist. Entry is by gold coin donation. We invite you to join us for this gala event. For further details please email melissa.argus@scea.wa.edu.au. EventsSignificant events that occur throughout the year at the College can be found on the events page on our website. Our Events page has had an update! Check out the new Term Dates Page with 2017 dates now listed! CalendarThe College calendar is updated regularly with new events. You are encouraged to use this resource to keep yourself up-to-date with school functions, excursions, incursions, after school programs and anything else that your child may be involved in. CommunitySummer is coming | Enrol now for swimming lessons |