From the Principal...

I have often thought about the commandments, and was always surprised how with the really big ones like “thou shalt not murder” we also had something seemingly comparatively innocuous like “thou shalt not covet”. Whilst I do not claim to understand  or explain the full implication of coveting or desiring that which others have, I do see the potential pitfalls of this emotion. Time spent desiring and seeking what others have and which is just beyond our own reach is a path that has the potential to lead to great emptiness. To be in a state of constant dissatisfaction can take a toll on ones happiness and indeed the happiness of those around us. To always see what isn’t, not only brings us a perpetual insatiable sense of disappointment but also blinds us from the beauty and blessing right before our eyes. My dear Mum always said to me,  ‘Count your blessings’.  A simple line we put out there to remind our children to be grateful for what we have, but in its simplicity is immense wisdom and power. I believe one of the greatest skills we can teach our own children and indeed ourselves is to stop, stand still and breathe - to take in all that is around us. We need to really see, to truly feel and actually live – not just survive. We need to find time in each day to appreciate those around us, to be grateful for all we have been given,  to acknowledge our creator and truly remember all those who face great challenges.

“You’ll turn out ordinary if you’re not careful” - Anne Brashares

To miss the beauty and splendor in the everyday and the ordinary, we indeed run the risk of allowing our experience of life and all it holds to become exactly that, ordinary. I believe that we are called to far greater; I believe that our students are called to be far greater than ordinary. However, to be extraordinary or experience an extraordinary life, we need to ensure that our approach to life is not ordinary. Each day, each moment holds an opportunity to strive, to excel if only we take up the challenge. I want to exhort our students to vigorously grasp the opportunities they have, to challenge themselves to greater efforts in the everyday activities; full attention to classwork, best effort in homework and thorough preparation for assessments. It is the accumulation of the small but consistent efforts that will produce the great outcomes they seek.

“I'm a strong believer that you practice like you play, little things make big things happen.“  - Tony Dorsett

Primary School News

From the Head of Primary...

You may have noted recently that the College Fundraising Committee has started their ‘Change for Change’ initiative. The goal is for individual classes, in Years 1 to 6, to collect donated loose change with the funds going toward new play equipment.

To facilitate this each class has a jar to collect donated money. The class that collects the most will receive a small reward at the end of term. For students in Years 1 to 3 it would be best if donated money could be placed in an envelope (or similar) to avoid children donating money that was perhaps meant for lunch. Thank you for your support of the College Fundraising Committee.

Now that the term is up and running it is a good time to draw your attention to a number of housekeeping issues.

Children on Campus After Hours

The College has staff on duty from 8:00am until 8:40am every morning and from 3:05pm until 3:25pm in the afternoon. Parents who need to drop their children off outside of these times will need to engage the services of Camp Australia as before and after school care providers. Details and booking for the Camp Australia Program can be accessed through our website.

Please note, this does not apply to students participating in College Extra-Curricular programs.

Parking

Over the holiday break the College installed new signage which better represents drop off zones. You may have noticed that new signs read ‘Kiss and Ride, No Parking’. Please make every effort to avoid parking, even for a short time, in these zones.

Supervising Children Outside of Class Time

Once you have collected your child from class it is quite important to maintain supervision. It is not always clear to staff whether or not they should intervene when children are misbehaving or otherwise at risk whilst on College grounds in the company of their parents.

Thank you for your attention in addressing these matters.

​Stuart Harris
Head of Primary School

Extra-Curricular Clubs

Throughout Semester 1 we have had an incredible amount of students involved in our after school sporting clubs. A large variety of clubs were on offer including activities such as Gymnastics, Golf, fun fitness and Netball, as well as many more. This program not only gives students an opportunity to try a new sport but, in conjunction with our expert in coaches, offers them an opportunity to build on their Sporting experiences in lessons and develop their skills. Many students who partake in this program go on to join local sporting clubs in their chosen areas. This also offers our older students opportunities to train for inter-school carnivals. As we continue to build on our links with various sporting organisations we are delighted to offer our clubs again this term and have added some before school activities. For further details please see the College website.

Road to Rio | Olympic Week

The 2016 Rio Olympic games will soon be upon us. To celebrate the event we will be holding an Olympic celebration in Week 4. Students will learn about various different aspects of the Olympic games in class. They will be participating in a range of curricular activities such as learning National Anthems in Music, completing sporting spelling activities, creating mathematic problems from the Olympic medal table, looking at athlete culture, delving into related language aspects of the event and many other related topics.  

Students will also be participating in an opening ceremony. This will be the opening ceremony to the Secondary School Athletics Carnival taking place on Friday 12 August. On this day students will be able to wear any sporting attire in their national colours and will parade across the oval showcasing their learning from the week. Further details will be sent to you shortly.

Secondary School News

From the Head of Secondary...

I was recently reading some information about the adolescent brain; how it works, how it develops and why there are variations in what each child remembers. While researching I came across an article that gave some tips on how children can keep their brains active during school holiday periods.

The 5 tips were as followed:

1.     Limit TV time and pick up a book
2.     Exercise and play
3.     Try to maintain sleep routines
4.     Eat well
5.     Participate in cognitive training

What struck me the most about these 5 tips were that these are not just important to observe during school holiday periods, but should be observed each day. Following these tips provides each child with the best opportunity to learn. I found it interesting that when it comes to sport, for example, we usually prepare ourselves by resting up, sleeping and eating well before games, however, when it comes to other aspects of our lives (like learning) we don’t always put in the same preparation. Imagine if each student prepared themselves for each day at school in the same way an AFL footballer prepares for the game on the weekend. They would be ready and able to learn at the very best of their ability. I’m sure this would make a significant impact on their educational outcomes.

Proverbs 16:3 (ESV) Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established.

I would also like to congratulate all Secondary Students on the way they have responded to the set expectations regarding uniform, appearance and mobile phone use. As expected our students have stepped up to the mark. The challenge now is to maintain this level throughout the rest of the year. I’m confident this challenge will be conquered with ease. 

The full link to the article mentioned can be found here:

http://soniclearning.com.au/5-simple-ways-to-maintain-your-childs-brain-health-these-holidays/

Jordan Smith
Head of Secondary School

Year 10 Parent Information Evening

Do you have a student in Year 10?
Parents and students are encouraged to attend our Year 10 Information Evening on Wednesday 3 August at 6:30pm in the College Auditorium. 

The evening will contain a presentation regarding significant information about Year 11 and 12 subject selections, additional information regarding Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) achievement requirements and an explanation of how the 2017 subject selection process will take place.

Years 10, 11 and 12 | University Information Sessions

University is just one pathway that students can take following their Secondary schooling. We encourage parents and students to explore the many opportunities available by visiting the different university websites and/or Facebook pages. Many of the Universities have Open Days or information sessions over the next few months and these may assist your child in finding their pathway following Secondary School. 

Edith Cowan University Information

Click on the links below to visit ECU's future students page and other information pages on their website.

• Future Students
• Events

Curtin University Information

Click on the links below to visit Curtin Universities future students page and other information pages on their website.

• Future Students
• Non-School Leavers
• School Leavers
• Parents

University of Western Australia Information

Click on the link below to visit UWA's future students page on their website.

• Future Students

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.

SCEA has partnered with Tabor College of Higher Education to establish a teaching campus in Midland that will offer teaching degrees from a Christian perspective. Similar to other Universities, the degrees are fully accredited and HECS-HELP is available to cover tuition fees.

We will offer the following degree courses:

• Bachelor of Education (Primary)
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary) – Available from 2018
• Master of Teaching (Primary)
• Master of Teaching (Secondary) – Available from 2018
• Master of Education (Online)

Student Services

Student Services Team
Mrs Lorraine Wheeler, Mrs Suzel Nolte and Mrs Joanna de Grauw (Student Services team) can be contacted on:

• Email: ellenbrookss@scea.wa.edu.au 
• Phone: 08 9297 9230

Absent or Late 
If your child is unwell or arriving late, please contact us through our:

• voicemail service on (08) 9297 9292; or
• the absentee email, eccabsentees@scea.wa.edu.au; or
• our new text service number, 0416 905 250. 

Late Arrivals/Early Departures
Please remember that students who arrive late to school must be signed in by a parent (Primary) or sign themselves in (Secondary) at Student Services.

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 
during school hours, to avoid delays, we ask that you notify us in advance by email, text or a phone call. If someone else is collecting your child, for any reason, their details must be text, or emailed through to Student Services, by a parent listed on the enrolment.

Excursion Permission
Permission for excursions must be completed by following the link that has been sent out to parents in an email, prior to the day of the excursion. Any student who does not have a completed form will not be able to attend the excursion. If you have any problems accessing a permission link that has been sent, please contact Student Services.

Reminder
If you need to visit the College during the day, to drop off lunch, or forgotten equipment for your child, please do so via Student Services. For the safety of all students, we do not allow visitors to wander through the College during the day.

Bike Helmets
There are an increasing number of students riding to the College who are not wearing a bike helmet. It is compulsory in Western Australia that all cyclists wear an approved helmet while riding. For more information on this, and other cycling road rules, please visit the Road Safety Commission website at: https://rsc.wa.gov.au/Topics/Cycling

Upcoming Events

Cinderella and Rockerfella is a pantomime-style musical featuring audience participation, ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’ and some very ‘corny’ jokes. It tells the story of Cinderella with a modern twist!

Students from Year 3 to Year 6 will be presenting this musical production for one night only!

Click the poster below to reserve your seats today!

Community