Parents of students in Year 7-12 should have received an email from me in the last week or so detailing exciting changes to Academic Reports effective from this current round of reporting.  Attached to the email was an information sheet about the reports which you will also be able to find later on in this edition of the Bulletin.  As I stated in my email, a further information sheet prepared by the Dean of Studies will be distributed with the new report with an explanation as how best to interpret the new report format.  I am confident that the new reporting format will provide you with very helpful additional information concerning the progress of your child.  For parents of children in Transition to Kindergarten, more information will be forthcoming in time regarding Academic Reports in these year levels.

Last week saw the NAPLAN Testing take place. Alongside the NAPLAN Tests, Macarthur conducted its own profiling testing for the year groups not covered by NAPLAN.  NAPLAN was established as a diagnostic tool for schools to better understand where the students in each year group fit according to the set standards.  It is very helpful in this regard.  However, Macarthur finds it even more useful to test the ‘in between’ years as well so that we are able to track students achievement even closer.  The results of the profiling test and the NAPLAN results will help the teachers better prepare and programme work for the needs of the students.  These results should never be read in isolation and parents are reminded to take care in over-reading the results when they come later in the year. 

In spite of having such good weather of late it was remarkable that some of the Cross Country events had to be postponed because of rain.  Thankfully they have all now been completed.  Congratulations must go to those students who won the various events as well as those who have managed to secure a place in the various representative teams.  We wish you all the very best as you compete at the next level.

David Nockles

The History and Art Europe Tour planning is well underway for 2017.  The tour takes place every two years, and is open to students who will be in Years 11 and 12 in the year of travel.

Interest in the Tour this year has been overwhelming, and currently forty families have chosen to participate in what will be a wonderful co-curricular activity, held during the term break in April.

The students will spend two weeks visiting sites of historical and cultural significance in Berlin, Rome, Pompeii, Naples, Florence, Paris, Versailles, Albert, Amiens, Villers-Bretonneux and London.

We take part in site studies, linked with our Stage 6, Year 12 HSC Modern History, Ancient History and Art courses, including:

        ·      visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and Palatine Hill

        ·      a tour of a Nazi Concentration Camp at Oranienburg

        ·      a tour of the Palace of Versailles

        ·      visits to the Louvre , the Musee d’Orsay and other galleries,

        ·      a trip to the remains of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii,

        ·      a tour of the Cabinet War Rooms in London, and much more.

We also get to experience some of the tourist sites that Europe is famous for, such as:

        ·      St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican

        ·      The Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona

        ·      the Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie

        ·      the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building

        ·      a ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower and a stroll down the Champs Elysees

        ·      Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden Market and the London Eye, and a lot more.

I know that our current Year 11 Ancient Historians have already started a count-down clock until we depart – some 340+ days I’ve been told.  Hopefully they haven’t started packing anything just yet.

Paul Stevens - Tour Leader

On Wednesday 18 May 2016 a dinner was held to connect those who support our international students.  Homestay families, staff, students and education agents met at Thai Centric in Park Central Campbelltown for a banquet. 

 Ashley Tan (Alumni 2014) addressed those attending and reflected on her fond memories of her time here at school. Ashley reflected on the importance of relationships in her education experience and the valuable assistance of the staff that supported her.

 ‘I still yearn for the days where I was a high school student.  I came to think of the school as an extended family – the caring staff that knew me by name as my uncles and aunties and my friends as close cousins. If asked about the favourite part of my Macarthur Anglican experience, my answer would be without a shadow of a doubt in my mind, the friendships I have formed over the years.’

 Ashley gave great encouragement to our students to be involved in school life and embrace the many opportunities that are offered to them.

 Despite being in Australia for 5 years, Ashley had not attempted to eat vegemite.  We used this occasion to introduce her to it.  It was with limited success and the jar we gave her is unlikely to be used again!

 Ashley continues to study in Australia at UNSW in a double degree in Economics and Commerce.

 We are very grateful to all those who supported this evening.  To our homestay families our particular thanks for all that you do for our students in caring for them and providing them a friendly home to live in during their time here.

Trish Cartwright

Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics).  Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance.  In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above.  But first, she'll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.

Tickets will go on sale on 10 June.

Georgina Seton (Year 9) competed at the NSW All Schools Swimming Championships last week.  Georgina won Silver in the 50m breaststroke, Gold in the 100m breaststroke and Gold in the 200m breaststroke.  Georgina will now be heading to the Nationals in September which are being held in Darwin.  Congratulations Georgina!

On Friday, 13 May, six students from Years 7 to 9 went to the Western Sydney University, Hawkesbury campus, for a learning and information day about the Unischools Steer Challenge.  It was a very exiting day, packed full of all new and different activities. 

The day started off with breaking all the students from eighteen other schools up into six different groups, all with names that were breeds of cattle.  There was Shorthorns, Brahmans, Galloways, Dexters, Angus and Limousins.  Once that was done we were given a timetable for the rest of the day.  

I was in the group Brahmans, and we were heading to carcass.  This is where a beef cattle judge comes and talks to you about the different cuts of meat.  The next group we went to was grooming. There, they taught us how to clip your cattle and blow them, brush them and prepare them before a show.  The next activity was the nutrition and dietary requirements of feeding cattle.  They taught us what feeds had energy, proteins, and what feeds were roughage.  Also, we had to make up a diet for our steer on a special calculator.  

After lunch we had our next activity, which was judging.  In this activity we were asked about key points in judging beef cattle and stud cattle.  Then we had to judge four Hereford steers and place them first to fourth.  Our next activity was gentling and taming where we were with a mob of four steers and we were discussing and showing what their comfort zones are and how to move the cattle as a mob.  Our next and last activity for the day was my favourite - Cattle parading.  With cattle parading, we had a student from Richmond TAFE, who helped us. There was one TAFE student to one heifer/cow.  They gave us tips and pointers on what to do, then we had a lead.  The animal we lead was a Limousin heifer in calf, and she was gorgeous.  Once we had a lead, they did a miniature paraders competition.  Walking around in a circle then pulling up in line and squaring them up.  Then we would swap, and do the same thing. 

After the last activity had finished, it was time for the opening ceremony of the Unischools Steer Challenge 2016.  There were thankyou's to the sponsors and to the Western Sydney University.  To Conquer milling for supplying cattle pellets for every school.  Thanks to to everyone who came and helped or came and brought some of their cattle for the learning day.  Then it was time.  Time to get our steer.  The ear tag numbers were picked out of a hat for each school.

Once that was over, we got our steer and was on the road to settle in our new mate, R.M.

Emily Nieuwenhuis - Year 8

Equestrian students enjoyed an afternoon of intensive Cross Country training at the Camden Equestrian Centre.  Those who participated were instructed in some of the skills needed to improve and build on the specific attributes to successfully navigate a Cross Country environment on horseback.  Having the expertise of Christan Trainor was indeed an advantage giving our students the extra tutelage to ensure they compete in events at a competitive level.

This event has also been made possible by the support of Shane Rose (Equitriad) who allowed the School to use the Cross Country equipment at no cost.  I am also very grateful to Kathy Drayton who co-ordinated this event and all parents who transported horses and accompanied their children on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon.

T-2 National Simultaneous Story Time

“I got this hat in China.  I got this hat from a miner.  I got this hat from a deep-sea diver.  I got this hat from a racing- car driver….Hats” (J & K Temple, 2013).

On the 25 May (and throughout Week 5) T-2 students will be taking part in the National Simultaneous Story time during their library lessons.  In this playful title T-2 students will take a peek at the world around them through the fun medium of hats.  IRC staff are excited about the week in terms of encouraging reading and building upon students’ familiarity of Australian authors.

Year 3-6 Headmaster’s Reading Award 

The Headmaster’s Reading Award for Years 3-6 has commenced and will close on the 1 August 2016.  The aim of these awards is to encourage students to read more and to read widely.  The Headmaster is himself an avid reader and sets a fine example to students in his enthusiasm for reading.

Research shows that reading widely can have many positive effects.  Reading fills our heads with knowledge and exposes the reader to an increased vocabulary.  Retaining information on characters, plots, twists, and nuances increases memory.  Critical and analytical thinking is used as the reader tries to solve ‘who dunnit’ before the story ends.  In a busy world were students multi task often, a book helps to settle and focus the mind.

Observing the cadence, fluidity, and writing styles of other authors has an invariable influence on students writing as they learn how to craft prose.  Nothing can surpass this free entertainment and the tranquillity it brings as the reader is taken to different realms in time, place, lives and cultures.

IRC staff are eagerly anticipating student participation in the Headmaster’s Reading Award.  Students are encouraged to set a reading goal, explore new genres and get lost in a book.  Awards and prizes will be presented to students as they progress through this reading award scheme, ultimately battling it out to earn the prestigious Headmaster’s Reading Award Trophy.

Mrs Karen Williams - T-12 Teacher Librarian

Important Ways to Assist your Child at School

A reminder that our School day begins at 8.30am for all students in Years T-4.  Class teachers mark their rolls at 8.30am and teaching and learning programmes begin.  There has been an increasing number of students arriving late each morning.  This can be disruptive to your child’s learning.  Please aim to have your child at school ready to begin their day by 8.30am to assist them in their learning journey.

Westpac Rescue Helicopter Visit

We are delighted to announce that the Westpac Rescue Helicopter will be landing on our School oval at approximately 9.30am on Thursday 26 May for all of our T-6 students.  The students will learn about what the service provides and the important role it plays in saving people’s lives.  Parents are welcome to attend.

Lego Day

The Junior School Lego Day will be held on Thursday 16 June.  Students in T-4 are encouraged to buy cupcakes, jellies and treats as well as participate in a number of fun activities including a colouring and guessing competition.  Most of the fun will be during recess and lunchtime on the day. All monies raised will go towards supporting our sponsor students in Tanzania.   

If any Junior School parents are willing to bake or assist with goodies on the day please contact Mrs Fellows in the HOS office on 4629 6239 or Mrs Relyea.

National Tree Day

We will be celebrating National Tree Day as a School on Friday 29 July.  National Tree Day was co-founded in 1996 by Planet Ark and Olivia Newton-John.  It has now grown in to Australia's largest community tree planting and nature protection event.  More details to come.

 Kylie Elling

In the last couple of weeks we have enjoyed some visits from several senior classes.  Mrs Hordern and two of her ESL classes came to spend time with us and Mr Jenkins brought some of his Year 10 students to our classroom.  The Year 10 Design and Technology students were gathering ideas to help them complete a task that requires them to design a toy or game for a young child.

Our Transition students were excited to walk to the school farm in Week 3 and Mr Baker helped us learn more about the animals.  The sheep and chickens were very friendly and the alpacas came to look at us.  We think the cows just wanted to get back to their paddock.

Transition students are continuing to work well in our morning groups and parents and grandparents enjoy coming to help us.

Mrs Morse - Transition Teacher

Mrs Pham (Mother of Amelia – Year 2 and Lachlan – Year 4)  gave a fantastic presentation to 2L students about life in Vietnam and her journey to Australia.  It gave the boys and girls a wonderful insight into what life in other countries is like and it was integrated into their unit on ‘Countries Around the World.’  The Year 2 students were totally enthralled and interested in the stories presented.

Mr Peter Langley - Year 2 Teacher

We have planted ready for Autumn/Winter.  Some veggies are already being picked- silver beet, baby spinach and beetroot!  We have tidied up some garden beds and will be replanting and creating a sensory garden bed very soon.

Marcel Rickman, Stirling Knox,Elizabeth Sutton as well as Mrs Knox are very keen gardeners.

The group will be running each Monday afternoon in Weeks 6,8 and 10 from 2.40pm-3.30pm. All are welcome.

Mrs Rebecca Relyea - Environmental Club Co-ordinator

Students in Years 3-6 had a wonderful night of fun last Friday night at the 326 disco. There were many glow sticks, lots of food, drink and dancing and loads and loads of fun to be had by all. A big thank you to Mr Hordern and the Prefects who organised and ran the whole event.

Congratulations to the following students for their effort in the recent Cross Country Carnival.

12 years 

Rose Jansen

Josiah Beggs                      

11 years

Eden Kautz

Joel Offord

10 years

Caroline Psarris

Oscar Mayer

8/9 years

Jasmin Smith

Alexander Condoleon

Year 2

Kaitlyn Barrie

Keiser Grounds

Year 1

Gabrelle Davey

Julian Hughes

Kindergarten

Sienna Fuller

Maxwell Dunbier

Transition

Racquel Esguerra

John Psarris

Science Fair Project

We will be having our first Science Fair, involving students from Year 3-6.  Students will have an opportunity to be involved and will receive this information on Friday.

This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your investigative and inquiry science skills.  It is also a great way to boost confidence in science and research while doing something you enjoy. Science fair projects require students to be well organised and focussed, this is a skill that is beneficial to your schooling years.

It is important to note that this is to be completed entirely at home.  There will be scheduled meetings at school, during lunch time, to make sure that you are on task.  These sessions will offer guidance and advise on how to proceed with your project.

 Important Date: Macarthur Anglican School Science Fair: Completed boards are due on Monday the 10th October for in-school marking and selection for the Wollongong Science Fair.

 Co-ordinating Staff:

 Year 3 and 4 - Mrs Purvis

Year 5 and 6 - Mrs Stewart

 There will be a parent information session soon.

Neil Davies

A large group of students in K-6 took part in a first aid course after school on 16 May. 

Chess Club

These photos today after adding two extra desks to accommodate the twenty-eights students who attended the Chess Club on 12 May. Every student played.  Very cool to watch!

Year Six welcomed Mr Groves’ grandfather, Mr Lawrence Way to school to share his personal experiences of growing up during the Great Depression.  Several students’ writing has been used to retell this experience.

Today we had a very special guest come to our classroom.  Mr Groves’ grandfather who is 96 years old spoke to us about what it was like living during the Depression.  He shared many experiences explaining just how tough life was like back then.  He also said that as difficult as it was not having many things, they still found ways to manage and be happy.  One of his favourite activities was playing with clay marbles.  It was very exciting when someone with more money brought glass marbles to school.  He showed us a watch that his grandfather gave to him which was 115 years old. It looked very different to our watches today, and it definitely couldn’t count your steps or measure your heart beat.

Since Mr Groves’ grandfather lived during the depression he was able to share experiences that helped us better understand the deep themes contained within the book we are studying in English- ‘Our Don Bradman’- The Diary of Victor McDonald.  It was so interesting hearing about students having to walk or run barefoot to school in Winter and then warming themselves by the fire in the classroom.  He could remember the buzz and excitement of Don Bradman lifting the spirits of people that were suffering during the Depression.  He used to gather around a friend’s wireless and hear the score updates.  Cricket was his favourite sport and they used to play in an alley using an old piece of 4x2 and a tennis ball.

He finished off by briefly sharing his deep faith in God and reliance on Him to get him through life.  He invited all students to consider doing the same.

Lilly Siemon was the Years 4-6 winner of the ‘Paws in the Park’ colouring competition. She was presented with her prize on Sunday 15 May.  Congratulations Lilly!

It is that time of year when Year 12 students are thinking through the best pattern of study to take to the HSC and particularly if they should ‘drop’ a subject, so they can spend more time studying the other subjects.  It is vitally important to note that dropping to 10 units does not guarantee a better ATAR.

The advice I therefore give to students is dependent on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to, their work ethic, their interest or enjoyment in subjects, what they want to do when they finish school and how they are actually performing.  These are vital discussions to have with our students.

To put things in perspective I thought I would present the Mean ATAR’s from those students in Year 12 last year:

•   Students who completed 12 Units – 81.7

•   Students who completed 11 Units – 87.7

•   Students who completed 10 Units - 66.2

What this data indicates is that on average those students who study 11 or 12 Units achieve significantly higher ATAR’s than those that study 10.  To give this data some balance below is the maximum ATAR obtained by 10, 11 or 12 Units last year.

12 Units – 98.95

11 Units – 98.6

10 Units - 99.1

What this demonstrates to me is the importance of getting good advice, as there is so much to think about in all of this. If parents or students have any questions about the right pattern of study they should speak to either Mrs Gould-Drakeley or myself.

Scott Bedingfield

Students in Year 11 will have been given information regarding the Ball and a letter will have been sent to parents by Parent Paperwork.  This letter includes information about how the evening is structured, dress requirements and the cost.  It is important to note that this event is more than just a Ball as it is one way we welcome the new leaders into the school.  It is vital that students have paid their deposits by the due date so that organisation for this evening can continue.