silver jubilee year - macarthur anglican school · napoleon and lewis are straight talkers. how...

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

From

the

Hea

dmas

ter

SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONSDear Parents,You would have already received a letter from me this week heralding the wonderful Silver Jubilee Weekend. As you will recall the weather was foul but the celebrations were a resounding success! In spite of the weather it was delightfully encouraging to feel the sense of community and family throughout the School as parents and grandparents attended the School with their children. The vast array of faculty and activity displays from Transition to Year 12, the performances, the agricultural petting stall, the jumping castle and kids activities, the Macarthur Family Chapel stall, the food and refreshment providers – particularly the Café Macarthur coffee spot, the Alumni Association stand, the stands from the various universities and colleges, all contributed to an amazing array of opportunities to engage with the diversity of Macarthur’s offerings.The feedback from parents and other visitors has been very positive indeed and highlights the way that Macarthur has been able to serve the community for the past twenty-five Years. If this day was anything to measure standards by then the next twenty-five Years are indeed going to be exciting. Once again Macarthur students and staff have excelled and for that we owe them our gratitude.For those of you that missed the day, you have unfortunately missed one of those defining moments in the life of the School – a great pity!Following an already busy day I was able to join with members of the School Council, staff, parents, former parents and alumni at the Silver Jubilee Dinner Dance. This was a grand occasion with entertainment provided by Mahogany, a contemporary vocal quartet, all sisters, including two alumni, Faye and Helen Fiso. Based on the success of this evening you should all keep an eye out for the 2010 Dinner Dance, an event that will no doubt become an annual highlight on the School Calendar.Tonight provides another wonderful family occasion that showcases student performance talents in a variety of settings and ensembles. The Music Festival is a series of short performances in various venues that allow you to pick and choose what it is you want to enjoy with simultaneous performances occurring throughout the evening. Of course, as is the Macarthur Way, a bite to eat will be available too. If you have not experienced the Music Festival before let me urge you to do so this year – a real treat is ahead of you!DaviD Nockles

Newsletter 10, 2009 Week 9, Autumn Term, 2009

Macarthur anglican SchoolnewSletter

Silver Jubilee Year


From

the

Hea

d of

Mid

dle

Scho

ol At this point in the term, students in Years 7-9 will have received their Half-Yearly reports and students in Years 5 and 6 (Stage 3) will do so shortly. It has been a pleasure to have read these and to note the excellent results achieved by many of the Middle School students which are a reflection of the hard work put into personal study timetables and routines. It is also important to note that some students would have received comments or course marks below the expected standard for their cohort in some subjects. I would encourage students and parents to reflect on each report comment containing advice on how students might better prepare for examinations or on developing academic behaviours that may facilitate improved results.

I trust that all students use the upcoming Winter Vacation period to relax and reflect on the achievements of the Summer and Autumn Terms and examine the means by which they are able to make the Winter Term a time for improvement and an opportunity to set the groundwork needed to establish or refine a study routine in preparation for the Yearly examination period.

It has been a busy time at Macarthur, with students in Years 7-9 all attending recent study skills seminars. I wish to particularly commend to you the After Hours Homework and the Study Support Programmes for students in Years 7-9 and Year 5-6 as these programmes present students with an opportunity to further develop their skills and study routines at school. I would also continue to encourage students who require assistance with their study routines and methods to make an appointment to meet with me in the Heads of School Office.

I have enjoyed meeting with a number of Year 9 students over the past fortnight who have nominated for the position of Middle School Prefects. We have a wonderful group of students who have nominated for this position and I wish all of the students who seek to attain this office every success in their endeavours.

Open Day presented a wonderful opportunity to showcase the achievements of our Middle School students in both academic and co-curricular spheres. It was a pleasure to meet with so many parents and students on this day which also marked the Silver Jubilee of Macarthur. Of particular note was the way the many students involved in music groups performed on the day as a number of visitors to the School commented on the fine standard that you set with the pieces that you performed.

Let us all strive for excellence with God and make Winter Term the best it can be, as it will also be the final term for the current academic year for students in Years 7-9 and an essential term for their preparation for the next year. This is particularly important for Year 9 as they work to prepare themselves for their School Certificate year and their entry into the Senior School with the associated increase in academic rigour.

William Wallace

KIDS HOLIDAY CLUBwill NOT run during the next School Holidays but

instead it will be held during the first week of the October Holidays.MORE INFORMATION TO COME SOON...


Chap

lain

’s Ch

at

Sunday: 9.30am Family Worship, Sunday School, Creche6.00pm Contemporary Worship ServiceFriday:7.00pm Blaze Youth Nights, Cell Groups

Dear Family and Friends of Macarthur,

The following observation is attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte:

“I marvel that whereas the ambitious dreams of myself, Caesar, Alexander, should have vanished into thin air, a Judean peasant, Jesus, should be able to stretch His hands across the destinies of men and nations. I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in

the world there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I myself have founded empires; but upon what do these creations of our genius depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded

his empire upon love; and to this very day millions would die for him.”

As C.S. Lewis said:

“A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said wouldn’t be a great moral teacher. He’d either be a lunatic – on the level of a man who says he’s a poached egg – or else he’d be the devil of hell. You

must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.”

Napoleon and Lewis are straight talkers. How about we become straight thinkers! Turn to Christ if you have not already done so and know he is waiting with open arms and an open heart.

If you have any questions concerning the Christian faith or you think we can be helpful in other ways please contact Chaplaincy by email: [email protected] or [email protected]

steveN Davis

Sunday @ Chapel - 6.00pm2, 9, 16, 23, 30 August and 13 September

The presentation of Life of Jesus with host John Dickson

What really happened back in the first century, in Jerusalem and around the lake of Galilee, that changed the shape of world history? Who is this figure that emerges from history to have a profound impact on culture, ethics, politics and philosophy? Come with historian John Dickson on this six-episode journey through the life of Jesus, from birth to his reported resurrection. Shot on location in Israel, the Life of Jesus documentary includes bonus conversations between John Dickson and Greg Clarke about the philosophical and personal issues that arise out of looking seriously at who Jesus was and what he did and said.


From

the

Hea

d of

Seni

or Sc

hool

With one week to go, it has been another busy time for the Senior School with each year group having lots of events and activities.

Year 10 has had their Subject Selection evening on 11 June, with a lot of talk about some of the new subjects on offer for 2010. By now students should have had their subject forms returned to the Administration Centre.

They have also had a presentation by Brainstorm Productions entitled ‘Cheap Thrills’ which asked students questions and raised discussions about choices with which they may be faced. Please talk to your children about the production and get their opinion on the topics raised.

Year 11 participated in ‘U Turn the Wheel’ and this is what one student had to say:

“On Friday 12 June, Year 11 attended a Road Safety Day called ‘U Turn the Wheel’ provided by Camden Rotary. A number of organisations such as NRMA, Party Safe, Barnes Driving School and Brain Injury Association came to talk to us, as well as the Police and others. We discussed a lot about how reckless driving can affect ourselves and others. A number of individuals talked to us about how reckless driving had affected their lives personally, whether they were in the accident themselves, were called to the accident or had a loved one die. For many of us, the day was a great

experience and it taught us a lot about the responsibility we must have when driving.”

Year 11 is reminded to complete their Community Service. Congratulations to those students who have not only completed their twenty-five hours but have gone above these hours to support the wider community.

Year 12 faced a number of assessment tasks, Parent Teacher Night and their last Athletics Carnival. It was great to see the participation of the students and the motivation that they inspired in younger students. This holiday period should be a time for those students who have Major Design Projects to be working on their Projects and balancing their study for the Trial HSC with some deserved breaks from their books. The Trial HSC starts on the 10 August and will be upon the students before they know it.

Enhanced Learning, with whom we subscribe on the intranet, have brought a number of student study tips this term through the Newsletter. Enhanced Learning have also provided Year 10 and 12 students with some valuable seminars held on Wednesday 24 June, where students were supplied with handouts. Prue Salter presented specific techniques that if followed, will enable them to improve their study skills.

May I take this opportunity to congratulate all the students on their efforts through this busy term. Your contributions to the school and wider community are tremendous. You continue to impress myself and others with your perseverance and determination.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I

will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”Jeremiah 29:11-13

Neil Davies

Acting Head of Senior School


Senior HiStory excurSion to JewiSH MuSeuM

On Wednesday June 10 our Year 12 Modern History students and a number of ESL students attended the annual History excursion to the Sydney Jewish Museum at Darlinghurst.

Whilst there, Eddie, a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust and Auschwitz Concentration Camp recounted some of his family’s experiences under Nazi rule in the ghettoes, and his many escape attempts from Nazi occupied territory. The reality and gravity of what we have been learning about in class was reinforced as we went on to tour the museum’s holocaust exhibits. The tour also gave a human face to the suffering, and the conditions experienced by millions under Nazi rule. It also added further to the knowledge that many students gained through their recent visit to Dachau Concentration Camp during the History Europe Tour in April of last year.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our students for the high level of maturity and sensitivity that they displayed during their visit.

Paul steveNs

Faculty Head History and International Studies

Holiday Opening Hours

Cafe Macarthur will be open during the July School Holidays as follows:

8.30aM-3.00pM

6, 7, 14-17, 20-22 July

cloSed 8-10, 13, 23-24 July

• • •

uniforM SHop The Uniform Shop will be open as

per regular operating hours except on Thursday 23 July when it will

open from 11.30am.

Jubilee celebrationS a Great SucceSS

Well over 1500 people attended our Open Day on Saturday 20 June, the Silver Jubilee of the establishment of the School. The visitors, who included current and former students and their families and members of the local community, were treated to a broad range of displays, performances and activities which showcased the many aspects of the life of Macarthur.

Despite the weather, the day was a great success. Many of our visitors commented upon how pleasant and happy our students were on the day. They were also impressed by the variety of opportunities available to the students here.

During the Foundation Day Service the Silver Jubilee Quilt, prepared by current and former parents, staff and students, was presented to the Chairman of Council, Dr Allan Beavis. This quilt commemorates the many activities in which students have been involved over the past twenty-five years and will hang behind the Reception desk in the Administration Centre. See the photos on the following pages.


around our ScHool

Silver Jubilee celebrationS

•open day


around our ScHool

Silver Jubilee dinner dance

tHankSGivinG Service


buSineSS in tHe Quad

This year, eleven groups formed Business in the Quad. Food and drink stores ranged from Pizza to marshmallows to lollies to hot chips, various cakes, cans of drinks and more. Each group worked well as teams. As usual twenty percent of profits went to charity. This year it goes to Tanzania. Some groups made larger profits than others, but everyone learned invaluably how to practically run a business (both the pitfalls and the benefits). Congratulations to both classes in Year 9 Commerce for a successful business in the quad. A particular thank you to Olivia O’Sullivan, Ainslie Bell, Biannca Furchtmann, Kiera Stephenson and Amelia Hutchins for setting up great businesses and selling goods on Foundation Day.

Phil melluish

Social Science Teacher

So you tHink you can dance?Well maybe you can but probably not as well as the one hundred and fifty students from Years 3-6 who attended Dance 326 several weeks ago. It was the first dance/disco night organised for students in our junior years in the Gymnasium. With lights, music chosen by the students, glowing bracelets and plenty of great moves, the night was “fully hectic” as described by one student.

Much thanks goes to the School Prefects who came up with the concept and brought it to reality and to the Middle School Prefects who assisted on the night. Also thanks go to the staff who attended to show the students how to really dance!Joly horDerN

Prefect Co-ordinator


Have you bouGHt your ticketS yet? Backdrops Ready Props Ready Costumes Completed Cast Trained and putting the finishing touches to their roles Orchestra Finishing their preparation

In just over four weeks the performances of The Wizard of Oz will begin. The members of the cast, crew and orchestra have been very busy preparing themselves, supported by a dedicated team of staff and parents. During the holidays there will be many days of rehearsals and preparations aimed at putting the finishing touches on these performances. The show will provide a great night of entertainment for the young and the young at heart.

Don’t forget that you can book on line through the Macarthur website or purchase from the Accounts Office.

The Wizard of Oz

MACARTHUR ANGLICAN SCHOOLCobbitty Road Cobbitty

T:4647 5333 F: 4647 5444

TICKETS: Adults: $30.00 PERFORMANCES: 29, 30, 31 JulyStudents and Concession: $20.00 1, 5, 6, 7, 8 August Family: $90.00 (2 adults + 2 students)

ONLINE BOOKING AVAILABLE: www.macarthur.nsw.edu.au or call (02) 4647 5333online bookinGS Now Open-See www.macarthur.nsw.edu.au and click on the link

P&F Thank you...The P&F would like to thank all those parents who helped out at the BBQ on Foundation Day: Matt Mansell, David and Hayley Simmons, Voula Mantzouridis, Karen and Darren Woods, Rada Krvavac and everyone else that gave of their time and missed out on the other activities. What great families we have at Macarthur! Everyone seemed to enjoy having a hot sandwich on such a bleak wet day.

Patricia loreNz

P&F President


year 12 viSit auburn MoSQue

On Thursday 11 June Year 12 Studies of Religion students had the opportunity to visit Gallipoli Mosque in Auburn. We were all very impressed by the stunning architecture and intricate paintings on the walls and ceiling. Our guide, an engaging young Muslim woman named Tamkin, described the mosque’s features including their often complex Arabic names. We then sat on the Turkish carpet where Tamkin encouraged us to ask questions and answered them openly.

It was an enlightening experience to gain a better understanding and a new perspective.

laura WillmaNN

Year 12 Student

MacartHur doeS Have talent!On Friday 12 June ‘Macarthur’s Got Talent - Third Time Lucky’ lived up to its reputation for being an exciting, entertaining and somewhat comedic display of a wide range of student and staff talents.

For the third year now the students of Macarthur have volunteered their time and talents to raise funds to support the St Michael Secondary School in Kilolo, Tanzania.

The event was hosted by members of the Student St Michael School Committee, who sold tickets, produced and directed the show, as well as manned the refreshment counter at intermission.

Our judges for the evening were the ever-popular Mrs Fitzgerald, Mr Cartwright, and newcomer to the panel Elliot Ku of Year 12. Their comments proved to be just as entertaining as the acts, even though they were at times controversial. Thank you also to Frank Nicastri, from the Class of 2007, who once again donated his time and talents to engineer the sound for the event.

The variety of talent displayed by Macarthur students is always outstanding, and this was no exception. Dancers, singers, a rock band, musicians, comedians, jugglers and the always popular ‘air band’ all contributed to over two hours of fun and entertainment.Paul steveNs

St Michael Committee Coordinator


t-2 SportS day

Despite showers and mud parents students and teachers joined in to celebrate the T-2 Sports Day on Thursday 18 June. The children had the opportunity to show their house spirit as they competed in a round

robin of tabloid gross motor skill games. The highlight was Mrs Jeffries’ obstacle course where a great many points could be earned. At the ball games some very intrepid parents showed off their own soccer skills as they played goalie for each of the teams. It was a great disappointment when the rain came down and we had to stop two rounds short of finishing. However, on the bright side it meant the children could share lunch with their parents and talk about the excitement of the morning. My very special thanks goes to the Year 11 Peer Support leaders who lead each team from game to game and urged them on to get points for their house and

to the teachers who organised and ran the games. Our running races were held on Wednesday 24 June. House points will be added to the other carnivals.

susaN ash

Head of Junior School

Help us build a stronger School community ...

use your

2009 Macarthur Anglican School Community Business Directory

“supporting those who support us”

MACARTHUR ANGLICAN SCHOOLCOM M U N IT� BU SIN �SS DIR�CTOR�“Supporting those who support us”

An initiative ofTH � O��IC� O� AD �A N C�M �N T

2009� D I T I O N

Cover 2009.indd 1

15/1/09 1:24:56 PM


dateS for your diary...

June26 Music Festival23-29 North Queensland Outreach

July3 Autumn Term ends12-14 Year 3-12 Snow Sports Camp15-18 Regional Snow Sports19-21 Scots/Redlands Cup27 First day of Winter Term Scholarship Presentation Afternoon Tea29-31 Wizard of Oz

August1, 5-8 Wizard of Oz10 Trial HSC Examinations begin13 Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews13-16 Leadership Camp17 Junior School Parent-Teacher Interviews20 Years 7-11 Parent-Teacher Interviews22 P&F Trivia Night24 Years 7-11 Parent-Teacher Interviews24-28 Science Week25 Tanzania Trek26-27 GATEway 828 HSC Music Recital Evening

Friday 26 June, 2009Rehearsal Ha�

and �a�lBar�que commences at 6.30pm

Performances commence at 7.00pm

2009 Music Festival

Feeling the Cold???NEW Black Scarveswith ‘Macarthur’ embroidered on one end in gold. $12.00

MatHeMaticS coMpetitionS on foundation day

Congratulations to all those people who took part in Maths Competitions during Foundation Day. It looked as though people were having a lot of fun guessing the number of M&M’s in the jar, competing in drawing the best circle on the white-board, ripping the Mintie-wrappers and answering a range of Mathematics trivia questions.

The winners of these competitions where as follows:Guessing Competition: James Sawyer (Year 9)Circle Drawing Competition: Alezandia Price (Year 10)Mintie-wrapper competition: Jessica Leehy (Visitor - Age 11 years)Trivia Competition: Mitchell Robinson (Year 6)

Congratulations to all these people.

scott BeDiNgfielD

Faculty Head Mathematics

silver jubilee year - macarthur anglican school · napoleon and lewis are straight talkers. how...

Documents