No Images? Click here From the Principal...This week we had the joy of formally commissioning our Student Leaders in the Secondary School. I had the privilege of sharing some thoughts about leadership with them and the student body. I have included in my article today, some of the key thoughts. Our world has some interesting examples of leadership, both great and not so great. There are sectors of our society that appear to exalt or at least tolerate aggressive personality based leadership. We see flamboyant styles that at times thumb their noses at rational debate, mutual respect and the tenets of love and kindness. Leadership should not be self-serving. It’s true that often leadership comes with privilege and reward but that should never be our motivation. The example that Jesus set for us was one in which we saw that the work he did was never for his glory but for the benefit of others. The leadership he demonstrated was one of service and sacrifice. All leadership requires sacrifices, it requires your time, your energy, your forbearance and most importantly the ability to see the needs of others ahead of your own desires. The counter-cultural image of leadership that displays strong vision and direction but moves forward with compassion, kindness and with a servant heart is one that I believe will serve our communities, states and countries far better. It is more important now than ever before that we teach our next generation what true leadership is and the qualities and values that we hold dear. The best vehicle for sharing this message is through the example of our own actions. Student Congratulations Morgan Weaver This March, Year 10 student Morgan is attending a week long training camp at Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain which is the home ground for FC Barcelona. Each day he will participate in two 90 minute training sessions as well as a one hour theory session with three of the FC Barcelona coaches. Camp attendees are expected to adhere to the FC Barcelona values of respect, effort, ambition, teamwork and humility that define the football (soccer) club. Morgan will also tour the Camp Nou Stadium and FC Barcelona Museum. Morgan first played soccer for the Ellenbrook Rovers in 2009 when his family emigrated from England. Since 2010 he has played for Ellenbrook United. Since 2016 his team has been in the National Premier League. Morgan's ultimate goal is to play professional football (soccer). Congratulations Morgan on this momentous achievement! Bradley Gordon Year 10 student, Bradley Gordon (left of the picture) recently competed in the 2017 Australian Speedway Under 16's 125cc and 250cc Solo Championships held in Kurri Kurri NSW. The competition was run over four days in January this year. Bradley came second in his final, the U16 125cc Best Pairs. Well done Bradley on this significant achievement!
Justin Krause Primary School NewsFrom the Head of Primary...It has been my pleasure this year to be a part of the Kindergarten supervision roster. As many of you would know, the early years of schooling are a uniquely special time. Coming from a background of teaching upper Primary and Secondary students it has been a privilege to watch our early learning students interact with the world around them and participate in the first class teaching programs delivered by our staff. Kristian Verstsonis, Maxwell Evans and Julien Verstsonis. New Primary Playground Last year the Ellenbrook Christian College Parent Fundraising Committee was formed. The Committee’s initial focus was to raise funds toward the purchase of new play equipment. I am very pleased to announce that, with the support of the committee, we have purchased some new play equipment for our middle to upper Primary students. The new equipment, pictured below, will be located on the Senior Oval side of G Block and we anticipate it being completed with the next five weeks. Stuart Harris Perth Scorchers Visit On Thursday 16 February the Perth Scorchers came to ECC for a lunchtime visit with an inflatable cricket net. Students from Years 1 to 6 enjoyed taking turns bowling cricket balls into the net and trying to field the ball as Mr Rolt hit them into the crowd.
Secondary School News From the Head of Secondary...As a keen cyclist, I have seen many crashes and subsequent injuries people have suffered when coming off their bikes. The major piece of safety equipment cyclists use is of course the helmet. I find it amazing that professional cyclists always wear helmets, but some of us think that we are better riders than the professionals and that we will never crash. If a professional cyclist, racing or training well over 100km every day can fall off, so can we. As such, I must implore everyone to wear a helmet and follow the road rules appropriately at all times. I’ve also been impressed with the significant improvement in the uniform and appearance standards of the Secondary students. While we still have a long way to go the effort made by the majority of students has been outstanding! I would like to remind students that these standards, do not just apply to when you are on College grounds, but at any time that you are in College uniform. This includes as you travel to and from the College. We held our Student Leadership Inauguration on Tuesday morning this week. The Student Leadership group took an oath of office and received their badges at this event. I am excited to watch this group as they go about building a positive culture of College pride across this year. While we recognise some students with formal leadership positions, I must remind all students that they can be a leader within our school. It is quite easy when you think about our motto, Leadership through Service. I encourage every student to reflect on how they can go out being a leader in our College.
Jordan Smith Year 7 ScientistsMoving to Secondary can be a daunting time for many Year 7 students. There are a lot of changes to negotiate; different teachers in different classrooms, a wider range of subjects, and a more complex timetable. But it can also be a time of fun and excitement as they meet new friends and savour new experiences. Being in the Science laboratory and learning about scientific equipment is one such example. Many students were a little nervous about lighting the bunsen burner for the first time, but they did very well, considering, some had never even lit a match before. The students have been discussing laboratory safety and are now looking forward to their first experiment using all the equipment they have been learning about. Nervousness has given way to excitement. (Above) The yellow flame is a safety flame as it is less hot and easier to see. (Left) You can’t see the flame under the test tube because it is blue and difficult to see. This flame is hotter and is used in experiments. The start of Year 7 is definitely a time of ‘firsts’, but that can be a good thing. Year 7 students, you have only just begun to experience all that Secondary has to offer and as you embrace each new experience, you will see that Secondary is a treasure trove of valuable and exciting adventures. Kerry Martin Year 12 ATAR Drama Master Class Excursion What an exciting year it has been for the Year 12 ATAR Drama students – and it is only Week 4! In order to maximise our students’ Drama results – in collaboration with our moderation partners – the students will be attending a series of master-classes for Drama students. The master-classes will be led by the moderating Drama teachers but there will also be occasional input from invited drama specialists and theatre industry professionals. While they are not compulsory, it is highly recommended that students attend these master-classes in order
to extend their performing arts literacy and enhance their ATAR Drama results. Year 7 and 8 Specialist Drama | Performing Artist in Residence The Year 7 and 8 Specialist Drama, students have been extremely excited to participate in a series of workshops with our very first Drama Artist in Residence. Shane McMullan is a creative performance artist and educator from Perth, Western Australia. He has been involved in the performing arts for over 10 years specialising in a fantastic theatre style called commedia dell'arte. Commedia dell'arte is one of the most expressive and artistic styles of the oldest surviving Western theatrical forms and thankfully is alive and well today. Shane’s workshops incorporate physical exaggeration, strength and focus on encouraging students to become aware of their bodies in the space. Through these high physical workshops he helped the students gain the most understanding of the basic principals of the commedia dell'arte, such as the Fixed Archetypes, Mask, Improvisation and the concept of Lazzi. The students have been working with Shane for three weeks in two hour sessions in order to devise and perform their own commedia dell'arte performances for the public. So keep your eyes on the news so you don’t miss out on seeing their work – it is sure to be hilarious and very entertaining! Caity Stafford Community EventsUpcoming events at The University of Notre Dame AustraliaPARENT INFORMATION EVENING Parents, guardians and students in Year 10, 11 and 12 are invited to attend Notre Dame’s Parent Information Evening to discuss subject selection, course information, the transition from high school to university, and how to apply to Notre Dame. Wednesday 8 March, 6:00pm Refreshments, 6:30pm Presentation Malloy Courtyard (ND2), 23 Mouat Street, Fremantle MEDICINE INFORMATION SESSION Students interested in studying Medicine at Notre Dame are invited to attend a Medicine Information Session. Learn about the Doctor of Medicine, Pre-Medicine Certificate, the application process, and hear from current Medicine students about their experience. Sunday 26 March, 10:45am start for an 11:00am presentation Drill Hall (ND25), corner of Croke and Mouat Street, Fremantle HAVE A YARN Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their parents and guardians are invited to Notre Dame’s Have a Yarn event. Have a chat about Notre Dame courses, bridging pathways, hear from current students and enjoy a barbeque dinner. Tuesday 14 March, 5:30pm Carolyn Tannock Courtyard (ND42), 6 Cliff Street, Fremantle To register, visit www.nd.edu.au or contact the Prospective Students Office to speak to someone on 9433 0533. EventsSignificant events that occur throughout the year at the College can be found on the events page on our website. CalendarThe College calendar is updated regularly. 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. |