Email not displaying correctly? View on our website.
|
From the Headmaster
Next week of course sees the end of another Academic Year for Years 7-12. The Yearly Examinations have now been completed and we enter the final few days of Year 12 in the School. Today the Houses farewelled Year 12 and on Wednesday it is an opportunity for the School to formally send them ‘Out to Serve’. We have a wonderful tradition of planned fun on Year 12 Celebration Day including a delightful breakfast with Year 12 and their parents followed by a Year 12 Farewell Assembly. Earlier that morning we celebrate with Year 12 in a more informal way and then later in the day they head off for a relaxing BBQ lunch at the beach. It is always a great way to farewell our senior cohort and thank them for their leadership of the student body. Please continue to pray for these students as their HSC rapidly approaches. In the first week of the School holidays we run ‘Champ Camp’ for Year 12, which is a study camp in the Blue Mountains. It is another amazing way that the staff of the School show their commitment to our HSC Cohort. I know the students will gain much from it.
I may not get another chance to wish you all a happy holiday. I pray that it will be a wonderful time to spend together as a family. Students currently in Year 7 to 11 return after a three week break to a new Academic Year with new timetables, classes, teachers and Diary. Students in Kindergarten to Year 6 return after a two week break to continue their work. As I say, I hope that the rest during the holiday period will be relaxing and refreshing for you all. God Bless. Dr David Nockles
|
|
|
|
From the Deputy Headmaster
Check the Account My mum and dad gave up on technology around
the time the VCR was invented. Their home has no Internet connection and no Foxtel. A DVD player sits as an ornamental piece in their TV
cabinet. I had some premonition of
my parent’s technophobia. Mum
could never quite master the browning dial of our old Sunbeam toaster. One morning when I was about 8 years
old, the toaster produced its final burnt offering. Mum yanked it out of the wall socket with all her might, ran
to the verandah and hurled it with all the frustration she could muster onto
our back lawn. I was quite
pleased. No toaster meant Coco
Pops! I am not so happy now with my parent’s
aversion to technology. I can’t
SMS or email them a quick message.
I am forever fixing the electronics they do have. And I am sad for them. They are missing
out on a lot of things that I believe could bring a richness and joy to their
lives….not to mention convenience.
My parents still search out a motor registry or insurance office to pay
their bills. Further, they are
getting more and more locked out of the culture. I wonder if you are as removed from your
child’s technological world as my parents are from mine? The occasional glimpses I get of student’s
Instagram and Facebook accounts would suggest that many of you are. I know many of you would be concerned,
if not occasionally alarmed, at what your children choose to post, like or
follow, who they have conversations with and what some of their friends write
to them online. It’s not that your
children are bad kids…they’re not.
It’s just that they’re…well….kids.
Our children and teenagers, good as they may be, are not perfect and nor
do they control everything they end up seeing on social media and the Internet. I don’t want to sound pious as a
parent. Like most of us I have
faltered in my vigilance…and sadly I wish I could say it was only once. But it wasn’t. I used to beat myself up about this
until another parent said to me, ‘We parents are pioneers in this digital age.
We are going to make mistakes.’
How right this parent was. However, just because we can’t be perfect
parents doesn’t mean we abrogate our responsibility to do the best we can. Our first duty as parents is to keep
our children safe; physically, emotionally and spiritually safe. In this world we cannot do that
sufficiently without some knowledge and familiarity with the virtual world of
our children.
No matter how good or trustworthy you
believe your child to be, responsible parenting means an occasional audit of
their virtual world. Your child’s
safety is more critical than their privacy. I am sure you don’t give your children complete freedom and
privacy in the real world. The
virtual world is no different. It
needs adult oversight. Check the
account. The benefit will be two-fold.
You will help keep your children safe and you probably won’t let
yourself get to the point of throwing out a perfectly good toaster. Andrew Kokic
|
|
|
|
From the Dean of Students
With Year 12
completing their formal lessons next Tuesday, the traditional celebrations of
this milestone will be clearly evident to all students and parents who enter
the School on Wednesday morning.
For many schools, what is commonly called a ‘Muck-up’ day has become an
out of control event complete with graffiti, vandalism and intimidation of both
staff and students. To this end,
many schools have cancelled this day in order to eliminate the risk of the
unknown and maintain some level of control. For many years
now, the celebrations of this day at Macarthur have proven to be a wonderful
morning involving parents and grandparents, staff and students. It is a day where the School joins
together to celebrate with Year 12
rather than being on the receiving end of unfettered and targeted animosity. While the scene
of the School may on first appearance seem like chaos, careful planning and the
implementation of well thought out ‘spontaneity’ has meant there are no
surprises on the day and that every aspect of the morning has been given
approval. While toilet paper in a
tree or the wrapping of poles leading into the School with ‘Gladwrap’ may be
temporarily inconvenient, these are easily removed after the morning
celebrations and really a harmless prank in a controlled environment. Along with this,
many of the classrooms of Year 12 teachers are redecorated often with
memorabilia from the year of teaching and are usually well received by staff who
are left with fond memories of the class they have taught in preparation for
the HSC. Parents and
students join together for breakfast before attending a formal assembly where
all Year 12 students process before the remainder of the School and parents as
the Graduating Year of 2015. This
is a wonderful assembly and is built on the culture of mutual respect and
thankfulness for staff and parents.
I am very proud
to be part of a school where this celebration can continue in a way that
honours the Year 12 graduates and leaves staff and students confident of the
processes in preparation of this day.
The efforts of teachers and their willingness to be part of the fun are
a wonderful testimony of the genuine love for the students and their
well-being. While this model of
celebration remains, this memorable day will continue to be a highlight for the
students and a lesson in itself that fun can be had without the unfortunate
behaviour experienced by many schools at this time of year. Tim Cartwright
|
|
|
|
Community
Thank you and well done
School Community!! The 2015 Annual Fundraising
Dinner was held Saturday August 15 at the Camden Civic Centre. It was so encouraging to
see record numbers in attendance. 220 people attended with a mix from various
areas of our school community. Parents and friends, Macarthur staff along with
members from our Alumni community and wider Macarthur community. Thank you also
to our Community Partners who are always willing to support. The evening would not have
been possible if it were not for the generous support from our sponsors. On the schools behalf and
from me personally, I would like to thank all sponsors! Gold
Sponsor Integrity New Homes Silver Sponsors Maneto
Architectural Joinery Schwarz
Family Practice Oran Park
Podium Hills Commercial
Cleaning WARDS
Accounting Absolutely
Fabulous Events Decorating Bronze
Sponsors Grimes Finance and Mortgages Runnymede Technologies Select
Wholesale Meats Fowlers Carpets and Blinds Lil Treasures Capital Finance CCU Auto Trim Narellan Motor Inn Thank you also Oran Park Dental for your generous support. Thank you to
Cinematographer Tom Roberts for partnering with Fowlers Carpets and Blinds in
producing an amazing short video clip showcasing our School. This was used to
open the night. A wonderful piece of film work, thanks Tom. Phillipa Roger and the team
from the Civic Centre once again excelled themselves in care and service! MC Justine Diana did a
superb job entertaining guests and also managed to keep the night flowing
smoothly. Auctioneer, David Harvey
did a brilliant job raising funds throughout the evening. The live auction and
silent auction proved very entertaining for all. Gala Bid provided a new
platform for our Silent Auction, which proved very successful. This new
technology also allowed those unable to attend to participate in the silent
auction. A big thanks to the team at Gala bid! Peppermint Jam kept all on
the dance floor till late into the night. Will McCormack and team worked
hard throughout the evening enhancing the environment and taking us to Neverland! Speaking of Neverland, a
huge thank you to Natalie Herd and her team of merry workers for the days put
into setting the scene for Never land! We truly did experience a moment in
Neverland. The Annual Fundraising
Dinner is not only to raise funds but also to provide opportunity to build our
School community, it seems the event was a win on both counts. The Budgie was
definitely the hit for the evening selling at live auction for $800! Thanks
Manny for being a good sport! Finally, I would like to
thank the Accounts Department for all their hard work creating a safe and
efficient environment for Gala Bid users!! I would also like to thank
all who donated in some way to the huge success of the evening. Funds generated raised in
excess of $48,500 we almost made my
personal target of $50K! Oh well, there is next year I suppose. These funds have been
directed to a Seed Fund Partnership Project in anticipation for the next stage
of Capital development. Thank you thank you thank
you! Funds in support of the
Annual Appeal continue to trickle in. The Appeal has raised also in excess of
$40,000. Well done and thank you. School Calendar advertising
opportunities will soon be opening. Please contact me if this is something that
interests you. Please see included flyer outlining opportunities. Sharon Pascoe-Thomas Fund Raising and Community Relations Manager
|
|
|
|
Final Information About Champ Camp Champ Camp begins on Monday 21 September, and students should be at school by 9,00am. We will return by approximately 4.00pm on the Friday: students will notify parents on the return trip of the definite time of arrival. A final letter and list of what to bring was handed out last week. Students should bring ALL their notes and books in small stackable plastic crates (approximately 50cm long, 40cm wide, 30cm deep or similar). They should also be sure to bring a raincoat and a torch. All other information is contained in the initial letter to parents and the final letter to students. All money should have been paid by 28 August. Any change in medication or diet should be communicated to Mrs Low as soon as possible.
|
|
|
|
UWS Unisteer Competition
Macarthur Anglican School
had 22 students involved in the programme from all year groups and we were one
of 16 schools competing. On live weight day our steer
Ariat was placed fourth in his class and fourth in Best Presented steer. Jordyn Snape was Champion Junior
Parader with Richard Cartwright Reserve Champion Senior Parader. As a carcass Ariat was
placed fifth and fourth for weight gain putting on an average of 1.5kg a day. Abbey Glover, Merryn Bowman,
Mia Mylonas and Emily Nieuwenhuis came third in the Herdsman competition and
third in the junior section of judging with the School achieving Reserve
Champion School overall. This is
the second year in a row we were placed second.
Congratulations to all team
members as you all contribute to the overall success of the team. David Baker
|
|
|
|
From the Head of Junior School
UNSW
Writing Competition Congratulations to the following students for
their achievements in the UNSW Writing Competition. Year
3 Paige Prpic - Merit, Andrew Towell - Merit, Jaden Acres - Credit, Luca Bazdaric - Credit, Nellie Jansen - Distinction Year
4 Dawson Tatarinow- Merit, Claire Cooper - Merit, Isaac Grimes - Merit, Tahlia Grounds - Merit, Sakura Murakami - Merit, Makyah Darby - Credit, Elliot Herd - Credit, Ryley Paki - Credit, Lilly Siemon - Credit, Alexandra Southern - Credit, Caleb Groves - Credit, Shay Jensen Credit Kylie Elling
|
|
|
|
Great Groups in Transition! In
Transition we enjoy our morning group activities. We
explore, problem solve and practise skills for Reading, Writing and Maths. And
we have a lot of fun too. Parents,
grandparents and family friends like to join us for groups and they love to see
all the amazing things we can do.
Katharine Morse
|
|
|
|
Creative Arts in Year 2
After
learning the art of French Knitting early this term, Year 2 students can be
seen carrying knitting bags with yarn snakes following them wherever they go. Students have been spotted knitting in the car or on the bus on their way to
school and teachers are pestered to make classrooms available before school as
well as during recess and lunch.
If you spot a yarn bombed little person smiling from ear to ear and
looking very proud, send them to the Year 2 rooms please!
Mrs
Stassen & Mr Langley
|
|
|
|
Father’s Day Breakfast
On
Friday 4 of September it was our Father’s Day Breakfast, which saw students in Transition to Year 6 come together with their fathers for a morning to
celebrate the important role fathers play in our lives. We enjoyed a delicious
breakfast barbecue, while getting competitive with a range of blokey
activities. The gumboot throw, Dad’s beanbag throw, toilet seat and nerf target
shooting were a hit. The mini golf course was also a popular challenge. The fashion
choices in the photo booth were questionable? In the gumboot throw competition
congratulations to Isaac Grimes, Josiah Beggs and Sascha Masjuk who came equal
fifth with a throw of 20m. Mr. Daley came fourth with a throw of 22m, Mr. Sutcliffe
third with a throw of 25m and Mr Jansen second with a throw of 27.5m. In first place
and the new Macarthur Gumboot Throw record holder, Mr Grimes with a throw of
30m! Can it be beaten next year? We hope all our dads had a tie-riffic Father’s
Day.
Mr Langley
|
|
|
|
Robocup Junior Competition
On Thursday 27 August, a group of Year 5 students participated in the NSW Robocup Junior Competition. This is a nationwide competition where students design, build and program LEGO EV3 robots to either compete in the Dance, Soccer or Rescue category. Our students participated in the Dance category as two teams. In the first team, Rowan Hey and Jarred Ball built and programmed two robots that would move in time to the song - "Eye of the Tiger". They had practised repeatedly to ensure the robots moved in time to the music. Their hard work paid off, because the judges made a special comment that they were impressed by their ability to complete a difficult level of programming to achieve that.
In the second team, Leah Macklinshaw, Shelley Feeney, Bryce Ruttley and Kye Newman designed and programmed three robots to dance in time to the song - "Walk the Dinosaur". Leah and Shelley had designed and made costumes for the robots to wear so that they looked like dinosaurs. Bryce and Kye were involved in building the robots and programming them to move in time to the music. The team displayed good teamwork and as first time competitors, they had put on a performance that showcased problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
Sarah Tor
|
|
|
|
IPSSO Junior and Senior Boys Football Finals
Both Year 3/4 and Year 5/6
Boys’ football teams qualified for this years IPSSO finals held at Hoxton Park
recently. The Junior boys had an impressive season losing only once and were
confident coming into the finals. They played against a very skilful and
determined Georges River Grammar in the semi final. Despite a spirited effort
they were simply outclassed and succumbed to a 4–0 defeat, knocking them out
of the finals. Georges River went on to play Thomas Hassall Anglican College in
the grand final, but were convincingly beaten 4 -1. The Senior boys were
similarly inspired by their season’s performance and also met Georges River
senior team in their semi final. Both teams tussled throughout a scoreless
match with Macarthur finally qualifying for the final after extra time on the
minor premier rule. Macarthur was up against the might of Thomas Hassall
Anglican College in the grand final. The Macarthur defence was valiant as they
were peppered with attempts on goal throughout the game. They survived to be 2–0 close to the end of time, but managed to pull one back in the dying minutes,
which roused the possibility of a draw and perhaps sharing the title. However,
it wasn’t to be and Macarthur had to be content with being courageous 2015 runners
up.
The boys of both teams and
coaches were very grateful for and inspired by the support of parents on finals
day. Mr Groves, Mr Wood and Mr Kemp
|
|
|
|
NASSA Junior Athletics
The Macarthur Athletics Junior
Representative Team put in a very competitive performance at the recent NASSA
Junior Athletics carnival. All 55 athletes ran, jumped and threw to the best of
their ability with many attaining a top three placing and achieving personal
bests in multiple events. The team managed to come fifth overall, but
more importantly, 16 students qualified for CIS, which is the qualifying
carnival for the state ‘All Schools’ championships. This is an outstanding
achievement personally and for the School. They were:- Aaron Green, Caroline Psarris, Eden Kautz, Emily Groves, Grace Tyson, Isaac Grimes, Joel Offord, Katelyn Scorgie, Lachlan Neumann, Laura Whitelaw, Makenzie Kautz, Samuel Barrie, Tahlia Grounds, Thomas Noakes, Sophie Patterson, Lauren Ward
There was magnificent
support from parents and grandparents on the day, who were significant source
of inspiration for all our athletes. Mr Wood, Mr Groves and Mr Hordern
|
|
|
|
|