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The Vine
A fortnightly newsletter for Penrith Anglican College families To Serve Christ
Tuesday 23 March 2021 Issue No 4, 2021
Creating Canopies Project at Penrith Anglican College
As part of our current Strategic Plan, we are committed to seeking to be a leading
organisation distinguished by innovative and sustainable practices and facilities.
As part of this commitment, we have begun to partner with Landcare and will
commence a planting project in Term 2.
This project is significant for several reasons:
1. Our College is located immediately adjacent to the largest remaining remnant
of critically endangered Cumberland Plain Woodland (on the Defence Base at
Orchard Hills). This bushland has become an offset to the vegetation losses
at the site of the Western Sydney Airport. Tree planting along the southern
Principal’s Message boundary of Penrith Anglican College will extend habitat for birds, provide
natural shade and a cooling effect, provide foraging for endangered migratory
species, including Swift Parrots, Grey-headed flying-foxes and Woodland
Birds.
2. Our College is now located in what is referred to by the NSW Government as
a Strategic Growth Area (specifically the Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek
Growth Area). As such, we anticipate massive biodiversity losses within the
suburb of Orchard Hills in the coming decade as the suburb transitions from
‘rural residential’ to an urban area with new commuter railway connections
and a new north-south freeway (M9).
"Know therefore that the 3. It will also serve as a learning resource for students. It will offer various data
collection and investigative opportunities for many subjects, including
Lord your God is God; he photography, humanities sciences, and technologies subjects.
is the faithful God, keeping
his covenant of love to a 4. There is growing evidence of humans' need to connect with nature and the
mental health benefits of that connection. This planting project will create a
thousand generations of corridor or ‘nature trail’ that will provide a way for students who do not have
those who love him and access to green spaces to embrace nature's nurturing.
keep his commandments."
We look forward to working in partnership with Landcare as we build our local
Deuteronomy 7:9 biodiversity and provide our students with an opportunity to support the vanishing
plants and animals of the Cumberland Plain.
Staffing Announcements
Farewells
At the end of Term 1, we will farewell Mrs Melanie Franciscus as Head of Learning
Support P-12. Mrs Franciscus has accepted the role of Manager of Youth Off
the Streets at Craig Davis College, Wollongong. Mrs Franciscus has done an
exceptional job leading the Learning Support department over the past two years,
and she will be missed by staff and students alike.
Cont'd...
Staffing Announcements
Appointments
Mrs Bronwen Knebel has been appointed as a Year 3 teacher. Mrs Knebel has
over 20 years of teaching experience, most recently as the Leader of Curriculum
and Pedagogy at Blue Mountains Grammar School.
In This Issue
Mrs Manuela de Almeida has been appointed as the Year 5 Teacher replacing Mrs
Smith during her maternity leave. Mrs de Almeida has over 30 years of teaching
Principal’s Message experience, most recently at St Justin’s Catholic School, Oran Park.
End of Term Arrangements
P&F Meeting
Student Wellbeing
The P&F Meeting will be meeting on Wednesday 31 March at 7.30pm. We look
forward to welcoming many parents to the meeting, irrespective of how long you
College Chaplain have been part of our community. Items for discussion will be events in 2021,
including the Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls and the Primary Disco and other
Library Services possible activities. New ideas are welcomed!
Mrs Felicity Grima
Performing Arts
Principal
Performing Arts
Secondary School Happenings
Primary School Highlights
Compassion Child
Prayer and Praise
March Calendar
NAPLAN 2021
Clean Up Australia Day
Laps for Life
Code Camp
P& F Community Business Register
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
End of Term Arrangements
College Easter Chapel and End of Term Arrangements
Thursday April 1
Dear Families
Easter Chapel
Our Easter Chapel will be taking place next Thursday, April 1 in the College Gym. Unfortunately, we
are not in a position to invite parents to this event. We do intend to provide a recording of the service
and share this online later in the day. All students in Kindergarten to Year 12 will be attending the
service as we celebrate the death and resurrection of Christ.
The Chapel will commence at 12 noon and will conclude by 12:45pm.
College Dismissal Arrangements after Easter Chapel
Dismissal time for all students on Thursday April 1 is 1:00pm at the conclusion of our Easter Chapel
service. Instructions for students signing out are noted below and must be followed.
Please note: Parents/Carers who have asked for friends or family members to collect their child/ren
must provide sign-out staff with a signed and dated letter confirming the arrangements. Students will
not be released into the care of others without specific permission from their Parent/Carer.
Pre-K and Primary
Students can be picked up from their classrooms from 12:55pm until 1:15pm. Parents/carers must
sign their children out on the sign-out sheet provided by the teacher in their classroom.
After 1:15pm any Primary student can be collected from the Primary School Assembly Area where the
sign-out sheets will be placed on House tables. Pre-K students will remain in their classrooms for any
signing out.
Secondary School
Students can be picked up by their Parent/Carer from the Primary Assembly Area from 1:00pm until
1:30pm. All Parents/Carers must sign their child out at their House table.
Any Secondary student with driving approval must sign themselves out from their House table before
leaving to their cars.
After 1:30pm, any student (Pre-K- 12) must be signed out via Reception and receive the usual sign-
out slip.
Supervision
Students remaining at the College will be supervised in the following locations until the end of the
normal school day. Buses and after school care will operate as normal.
Pre-K: Pre-K rooms
Primary: C Centre
Secondary: E Centre
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
School Holidays
Thursday April 1 is the final day of Term 1. The College will remain open during the holiday break,
except for Public Holidays, from 9am to 3pm. Term 2 commences on Tuesday April 20 for all
students.
Summer/Winter Uniform Change Over
A reminder that the official change over from summer to winter uniform will be from the Monday after
Mother’s Day (May 10). It will be acceptable for students to wear either full summer or full winter
uniform (not a combination) in Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 2.
Enjoy the holiday break and please contact the College if you have any questions.
Yours sincerely
Mrs Luby Mansell Mr Leighton Corr
Deputy Principal (Primary) Deputy Principal (Secondary)
l.mansell@pac.nsw.edu.au l.corr@pac.nsw.edu.au
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Harmony Week
When harmony occurs, the different In Mentor Groups we not only
components work together to create considered what Harmony Week
a thing of beauty, a sound where represents but also how we can be
each complements the other and showing respect in our community.
together a richer product is created. Students considered the impact of
However, when the opposite occurs, racism and how they could react
a disharmonious result occurs. The in challenging situations to show
different components are in competition initiative and care for others. During the
Message from the with each other, they do not complement tournament challenge, Mentor Groups
each other, instead they clash and work had the opportunity of learning the
Director of against each other. richness different cultures bring in the
areas of cuisine and festivals.
Student Wellbeing In our community, we are eager to work
in harmony, to respect and complement Harmony Week is an opportunity for us
each other and appreciate the diversity to celebrate and appreciate our
amongst us. Harmony Week celebrates diversity, valuing all so to strengthen
Australia’s cultural diversity. It is about harmony within our community. We
inclusiveness, respect and a sense of should always be practising inclusivity,
belonging for everyone. Our society is always showing respect, and always
rich and diverse with a broad range of valuing the diversity of cultures within
cultures, and with every passing year our community.
we grow richer as more people settle in
this country, set up business, contribute Miss Adele Crane
to society and have their own families. Director of Student Wellbeing
This week in the Secondary School
we have been learning more about
Harmony Week. It is a week to celebrate
Australian multiculturalism, based on the
successful integration of migrants into
our community. It is an opportunity for all
Australians to embrace cultural diversity
and to share what we have in common.
It is about inclusiveness, respect and
belonging for all Australians, regardless
of cultural or linguistic background.
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Dear Primary Families
The College is excited to be able to Our College timetable has changed
welcome you back onto our grounds in since you were last able to visit us,
various ways with the recent easing of so please note that Chapel begins
COVID restrictions. at 10:00am promptly, with students
beginning to arrive from 9:53am.
One of the ways we are able to join Please plan to be at the College and
together again as a community is for signed in by 9:53 to assist with settling
our regular Chapel service. As you students and starting Chapel on time.
may know our students are integrally
involved in the presentation and As you arrive at the College please
delivery of our Chapel services and proceed directly to the Lighthouse
Message from the parents/carers have always been Theatre. At the theatre foyer we will ask
welcome to attend and watch their that you sign-in before heading into the
College Chaplain children participate. Starting this Friday theatre for Chapel. Please aim to have
12 March we will be able to welcome this done by 9:53am. We ask all visitors
you again to Friday Chapels after a to sit in the Mezzanine seating via the
long 12 month interruption! stairs immediately to your right when
entering the foyer.
For the foreseeable future this means
that each student involved in the We look forward to seeing you at
running of Chapel will be allowed a Chapel.
maximum of 2 audience members to
attend the service. In Christ.
Mr David Janzen
College Chaplain
ROCK Camp 2021 We’re so excited to let you know that after a short hiatus for 2020, ROCK Camp is
BACK!!
It was such a shame we weren’t able to get away together last year but completely
understandable considering the circumstances. One of the highlights of the school
year is definitely ROCK Camp and we’re looking forward to relaunching this year’s
camp in a fantastic way.
Mr. Janzen is joining us for the first time and there’ll be plenty of new and old
faces coming along so let’s make it our best ROCK Camp yet!
We’ll be staying at Youthworks’ site, Blue Gum Lodge, in Springwood from
Friday May 28 to Sunday May 30.
The theme of the weekend will be ‘from tree to tree’ as Mr. Janzen shares with us
about God’s place in a broken world.
Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/UFWO
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Library Services
Author Visits 2021
We are delighted to be able to welcome two wonderful
authors to Penrith Anglican College over the next two
weeks, to speak to our Pre K - Year 6 students about
their books, story writing and the love of reading.
Tristan Bancks joined us virtually this week to share
his love of stories, and inspire our Year 3-6 students to
start writing their own book!
Lesley Gibbes will be at the College in person on
Wednesday 24 March* to speak to Pre K - Year 2 about
her books for younger readers.
We are delighted to have these two
Australian authors sharing their creativity
and inspiration with us.
*Event postponed due to floods in the
Nepean area.
Book Reviews and Requests
When they've read something amazing, students can leave us a book review in
Oliver, our library catalogue.
While logged in to the catalogue they can leave a review via their profile at the
top of the home page.
We also welcome suggestions for new titles readers think would be a great
addition to the library.
Travel The Globe
While we cannot travel outside Australia, we can access high quality
information via the world's best libraries and their digital collections.
Explore maps, digitised manuscripts, sounds online, British newspapers and
many other electronic resources at the British Library.
Got Hamilton fever like the rest of Sydney?
Check out the Alexander Hamilton Papers, plus vast digitised resources on
American history and culture at the US Library of Congress
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Performing Arts
Dear Seussical Cast Members and
Families
Thank you for your understanding and We will commence work on a new
patience over the past 12 months as musical production during Term 4 this
we have responded to the restrictions year for 2022, and we look forward to
and requirements for schools to keep sharing information about this in the
Dear Seussical Cast Members ourand Families safe. I know it has been
community months ahead.
challenging and frustrating; however,
Thank you for your understanding and patience over the past 12 months as we have responded to the
restrictions and requirements your co-operation
for schools to keepandour support
community have
safe. I knowOur work
it has beenin challenging
the Performing Arts will
and frustrating; however, yourbeen sincerely
cooperation andappreciated.
support have been sincerely continue,
appreciated. and students will have the
opportunity to be part of Primary
As you know, we made the difficult
As youdecision
know, we to postpone
made the our 2020 musical production
difficult Performing of Seussical.
Arts concerts, HICES 7-12
Message Wefrom
have nowthehad to make yet another hard decision to cancel
decision to postpone our 2020 musical the production altogether.
Music Festivals,Our HSC Showcase, and
preparations for a College musical would have usually commenced in Term 4, 2020 and continued
Head of Performing Arts at theproduction
until the performances
of Seussical. We have now Drama Performances including a Year
end of Term 2, 2021. The Government restrictions in relation to singing,
had to make yet another hard decision
space requirements and spacing have meant it has not been possible for rehearsals 11 Production.
to proceed Weinare hopeful, subject
time for the production to beto cancel
ready the production altogether.
in June. to regulations, to hold a Community
Our preparations for a College musical Carols By Candlelight evening at the
This is a decision we have not madehave
would easily or lightly
usually as we know in
commenced that musicalsendareofan excellent
Term 4. We also look forward to
opportunity to celebrate the Arts
Termat4, the College.
2020 and We understand
continued untilthis
theis incredibly
some disappointing
new projects andfor 2021, which will
frustrating for our students as well as our Performing Arts staff.
performances at the end of Term 2, be announced shortly. A full list of co-
2021. The Government restrictions
We will commence work on a new musical production during Term 4 this year in curricular
for 2022, groups is set below.
and we look
forward to sharing informationrelation to singing,
about this spaceahead.
in the months requirements
and spacing have meant it has not been Please feel free to contact me if you
possible
Our work in the Performing Arts for rehearsals
will continue, to proceed
and students will haveinthe opportunity
would liketo bemore
part information
of about the
Primary Performing Arts concerts,
time forHICES 7-12 Music Festivals,
the production to be ready HSC in Showcase, and Dramaavailable.
opportunities
Performances including a Year June.11 Production. We are hopeful, subject to regulations, to hold a
Community Carols By Candlelight evening at the end of Term 4. We also look forward to some new
projects for 2021, which will be announced shortly. A full list of co-curricular groups Mr StevehasClark
also been
attached to this letter. This is a decision we have not made Head of Performing Arts
easily or lightly as we know that
Please feel free to contact Mrmusicals are an
Steve Clark, Head excellent opportunity
of Performing Arts, if you would like more
information about the opportunities available.
to celebrate the Arts at the College.
We understand this is incredibly
Mrs Felicity Grima
disappointing and frustrating
Mr Steve Clark
for our
Principal students as well as our Performing
Head of Performing Arts
Arts
staff.
Current Performing Arts Co-Curricular Opportunities
GROUP TARGET DAY TIME ORGANISER VENUE
Dance Ensemble Year 7-12 audition Tuesday 7.15-8.30am Miss Doust Dance Studio
Quaver Crew (choir) Year 2-3 Tuesday Lunch Mrs Foreman Recital Room
Chapel Band Year 7-12 audition Tuesday 3.25-4.45pm Mrs Samuels Music 1 / LHT
Development Band Year 4-6 Wednesday 7.30-8.25am Mr Thurlow TLC
Intermediate Band Year 5-8 audition Thursday 3.45-5pm Mr Thurlow Music 2
Crotchet Crew (choir) Year 4-6 Thursday Lunch Mrs Foreman TLC
Year 7 Drama Ensemble Year 7 Thursday Lunch Mrs De Sousa Drama 2
Year 8 Drama Ensemble Year 8 Thursday Lunch Miss Tucker Drama 1
Intermediate Strings Year 6-9 Thursday Lunch Bray Music 2
Development Strings Year 4-6 Thursday Lunch Brown Music 1
Senior Choir Year 7-12 Friday Lunch Mrs Samuels TLC
Senior Strings Year 7-12 audition Friday Lunch Mr Clark Music 2
Senior Band Year 7-12 audition Friday 3.30-5pm Mr Clark TLC
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Secondary School Happenings
As we enter the final few weeks of I would also like to take this opportunity
Term, I have been impressed with how to note that the end of Term will be
our students have been able to adapt coming shortly and there is an early
to change. We implemented a lot of departure for students on the Thursday.
change for 2021 including the timing
of the day, our phone policy and other Thank you for your patience and
structures that looked different. There understanding this week as we have
is no surprise, especially in light of changed plans and sought to promote
2020 and even the last few weeks, everyone’s safety and wellbeing.
students need to learn how to adjust to
change and adapt regularly. I commend May you all have a good Easter break
our students for the way they have and have a chance to reflect on the
done this and hope it continues in the death and resurrection of our Saviour.
Message from the dynamic season that we are facing.
Mr Leighton Corr
Deputy Principal Our staff too have demonstrated a Deputy Principal (Secondary)
(Secondary) willingness and ability to adapt in their
teaching. It was simply an email this
week noting we would be moving to
Off-Campus Learning and our teaching
staff made it happen. I am lucky to be
working with such a hard-working and
passionate educators.
Uniform Reminders – Secondary School
Our Secondary Students are reminded that in Terms 2 and 3 they need to be wearing their blazer as their
external garment when they enter and leave the College grounds and are in public. Students may wear their
jumper under their blazer, but not as their external garment. Families may wish to take the opportunity at
this time to check the fit of blazers and visit the Uniform Shop if they need to purchase a new one.
The Bomber Jacket is for students in Primary School and is not an option for students in Year 7 and above.
The College Sports Uniform Jacket is for use with the College Sports Uniform only. It cannot be worn with
the summer or winter uniform.
The Uniform Shop's regular hours during term time are:
• Tuesday 8:00am - 11:00am
• Wednesday 12:00pm - 5:00pm
• Friday 8:00am - 11:00am
Online orders can be placed at any time.
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Year 11 CEP Camp 2021 During the Year 11 CEP trip to Teen Ranch we had a variety of talks and activities which allowed us to think about some of the larger things that will be coming up within the year or two about the HSC. CEP was a great mix of fun with activities including canoeing, horse riding, abseiling, archery and pool games. This was a great way to get to mix around with peers which I don’t normally spend time with, but we all shared fun amongst ourselves. These activities allowed us to bond, and explore new, different situations which we could push past our comfort zones and watch others too, this was encouraging for everyone to see, even the teachers! It was a great way to get to know our teachers on a more friendly basis outside of the classroom, most of them ended up participating in some activities or another, showing us their skills in certain activities we were certain they had no clue how to do. During CEP we had multiple talks and sessions where we would here advice for the coming years, to do with sleeping habits and HSC preparation. These talks allowed us to understand how we needed to change or implement new habits in our studying and sleeping habits to best fit us for a comfortable transition the harder work/(load) we have been given this year. Myself and friends, were confronted by the talk about how to improve sleeping habits, but this was something all of us needed to hear as sleep is so important and this information helps us to improve our schooling and entire wellbeing. These talks allowed us to discuss some important ideas and habits among friends so that we can all help each other out as well in the last years of school. I can say for myself, and all of my friends that we all loved CEP at Teen Ranch, it was filled with fun great times where we could encourage everyone around us. The entire year group had such a great time, all of us had such a great time participating in a variety of activities. Jett May Year 11 Student The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Year 7 CEP Camp 2021
In week 5, Year 7 went on the CEP Camp; standing for Challenge, Explore and
Prepare. The aim of the camp was to build friendships and trust, work as a team,
challenge us individually and prepare us for High School.
• The seven different activities we participated in during the camp were Laser
Tag, Vertical challenge, Challenge, Giant swing, Flying fox, Fun in the sun
activities and a rock pool swim.
• Laser tag was set up outside with a barrier and included many obstacles.
There were two bases (top and bottom base) which teams would rotate in
with the aim to target your opponent.
• In the Vertical challenge we had to try to get to the top of a large climbing
wall passing many different types of obstacles along the way while three
people were supporting you with a rope. For this activity we used a lot of
teamwork and learnt to trust others.
• The Main Challenge included a lot of different little challenges. We were
required to navigate our way through a maze blindfolded as our partner
gave us signals using animal noises. Next, we had to try to get the whole
team and a water bucket to a mat by swinging on a rope without touching
the ground. To finish we arranged ourselves in different orders on a log
without touching the ground in silence.
• The Giant swing also relied on a lot of teamwork. You would sit with a
harness and the whole team had to pull you up with a rope. When you
reached the height, you wanted to stop at you would pull the rope and
swing.
• Of all the activities the flying fox was my favourite. We got harnessed up
and had to go from a base flying down, holding onto a rope. I loved how
fast you sped through the air and found it very thrilling.
On Thursday, we all did Fun in the Sun together, where there was sponge throwing,
a waterslide, you had to try through a ball into a bucket, and a couple more. Sadly,
halfway through it, a thunderstorm came, and we had to do indoor activities. After
that we went to the beach where we first got to play in the sand and play all types
of games. Then we got into the rock pool. It was fun for about 5 minutes but then
the horrid thunderstorm came back. This meant that we had to get out of the rock
pool and go back to the Collaroy camp area.
Each night we played games that included a game that looked like Austag in a
circle, the waiter game where you had to keep up your pizza tray and try knock
over others, and we also played a game where your house had to try and get as
many m’n’ms as possible. In the end, every house got no m’n’ms!
The food was nice. We had things like sandwiches, eggs, sausages and spaghetti.
We also had delicious morning and afternoon tea.
The three days away at Collaroy were full of lots of fun, opportunities to learn
more about others in our year group and have a go at a range of challenges. We
are thankful for this time away and the staff who came with us and enabled this to
happen.
Ava Maloney and Matthew Braga
Year 7 Students
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Duke of Edinburgh International Award
Although things were a little subdued last year, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is still alive
and kicking. There are roughly 40 students from Years 9 -12 who are currently working
their way through their chosen Award activities.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award aims to equip young people for life and
work. Participants are able to design their own unique program that challenges them to
set and meet goals. Participants select activities to complete each of the four sections;
Physical Recreation, Skills, Voluntary Service and Adventurous Journey.
Year 9 CEP this year is offering students the opportunity to stay one more night in the
Kangaroo Valley area to complete the Adventurous Journey component as an overnight
hike for their Bronze Award. Due to this there has been a huge influx in the number
of Year 9 students register for the Award so that they now make up nearly half of the
College’s participants.
For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh Award students should speak to
Mrs Price in PDHPE or email e.price@pac.nsw.edu.au
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Hospitality (Food & Beverage)
Hospitality (Food & Beverage) commenced at the College in 2020 with the newly equipped commercial kitchen.
The course is dual accredited where students can achieve their Certificate II in Hospitality (AQF) and an HSC
(2 units NESA course). One requirement from NESA is that they complete 70 hours of Industry Work Placement
over their 2 years.
Below is the second instalment of the students' reflections on their first Work Placement in industry. We will
continue to highlight students' experiences in the next issue of The Vine.
Mrs Diane Catto
Head of Technologies
Abby Doyle & Ella Phoebus Nepean Private Hospital
Ella and I had the opportunity to work at Nepean Private
Hospital in the Kitchen. We both enjoyed learning about the daily
procedures that take place in the hospital and to serve staff and
patients.
We were able to prepare and assemble the meal trays for patients
and we learnt how to read the different dietary requirements and
restrictions for some patients such as fluid restriction, Diabetics/
no added sugar, free fluid, soft, antenatal, light and gluten free.
We also had the opportunity to serve the patients. This included
asking if they would like a tea/coffee or cold drink, biscuits and or
cake for morning and afternoon tea. We also were able to serve
the patients breakfast and lunch after preparing the trays. After
these meals times were over, we went back up to the rooms and
collected the used trays and plates.
Overall, this was a very informative and educational experience
that both Ella and I enjoyed.
Olivia Greig Kelly’s Café, Panthers Group
Overall, work experience was great, and I would highly recommend it to
future students. It taught me life skills about the Hospitality industry such as
communicating with customers, taking specific orders and how to communicate
with fellow employees to have an effective workflow. I was taught how to use
different high-tech machinery that was difficult to use such as the turbo oven
and how to improve on my skills on the coffee machine. This helped me with
the subject of Hospitality by knowing all the procedures that we learnt taking
place in the industry and viewing in the real world that backed up what I had
learnt in school.
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021HICES Debating
Term 1 always brings with it the start of a new debating season, and this year, HICES
debating has gone online. In a week of firsts, our Middle Division team, consisting of
Year 7 students Matthew Braga, Aryan Patial, Christopher Oliver and Nihar Suthar,
debated for the first time as a team and narrowly lost to a more seasoned side from
Georges River Grammar.
The Senior team, comprising Timothy Batcheldor,
Ava Kobus, Toby Gange and Vanshika Rathore,
all in Year 9, enjoyed their first victory of the season
after a long hiatus for most of 2020. This year marks a
change for the senior team from prepared debates
with the topic issued several weeks in advance, to
impromptu debates for which students are given
the topic only one hour before the debate begins. Ava Kobus demonstrated a great
recovery after an early palm-card fumble, and the team took victory over William Carey
Christian College. Regular readers of this column will be pleased to hear that Toby
Gange’s analogies remain as pertinent as ever.
Our Open Division team of Daena Madon (Year 11), Benjamin Mallin (Year 11) and
Mark Nielsen (Year 12) are competition ready after their extraordinary season of online
debating last year. This week they took the affirmative as they faced Georges River
Grammar and enjoyed a closely fought debate that the adjudicator described as “the
most interesting debate about a sugar tax I’ve ever heard”. Special mention goes to
PAC’s most well-known proponent of small government, Mark Nielsen, for successfully
arguing for the introduction of a new tax.
With two teams sitting on a “one-for-one” rate of victories at the beginning of the
season, and a new Year 7 team capable of holding its own among more experienced
teams, we look forward to more victories in Debating this year.
Mr Sam Commerford
Debating and Public Speaking Co-ordinator
NASSA Tennis Gala Day
On 26 February, we had a team of boys and girls represent
the College in the NASSA Tennis Gala Day.
The competition was fierce, and our teams represented
the College with determination and sportsmanship.
Unfortunately, neither team progressed to the finals,
although our girl’s team in particular played exceptionally
well and got very close.
Well done tennis players.
Mr Tim Pigot
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Primary School Highlights
build on previous knowledge studied creations from our students.
in class. The Year 6 students are to
be commended on their outstanding To assist with providing COVID safe
behaviour throughout the two day measures at the College, the Easter
excursion and for representing their Hat Parade will be held outdoors on the
school well. College Oval.
As COVID restrictions ease, the We will also be having our Years 3-6
College can reintroduce the volunteers Cross Country as we know how busy
program. Parent volunteers play a vital the end of term can be for families
role in our daily college life and we are trying to organise work commitments
excited to be able to offer our families to attend these events. Mr Worrall
the opportunity to volunteer and assist will be sending out more information
in rt classes, reading groups, sports and in the coming days about the event.
in our library. Students in Pre-K to Year 2 will have
Message from the their own Cross Country Event which
A parent volunteer induction will be held will take place on Thursday 22 April
Deputy Principal at the College on Tuesday 30 March 2021. A save the date invitation will be
(Primary) at 4:45pm in the Lighthouse Theatre. communicated to families in the coming
To register your interest in becoming days.
a parent volunteer in the classroom,
please send an email to the Executive Please see below the schedule of
Administration Assistant Rebekah events for the day:
Dear Families Sampson at r.sampson@pac.nsw.
edu.au together with your working with Event: Pre K to Year 6 Easter Hat
In week 7 I had the pleasure of children check clearance. Please know Parade
accompanying the Year 6 students that you must attend the induction prior Location: College Oval
to Canberra. It was such a wonderful to entering the classroom. Time: 9:30am
opportunity for our students to explore
our nation’s capital and learn a great The Primary School students and staff Event: Years 3-6 Cross Country
deal about the government and its are pleased to invite families to the Location: College Oval
importance. College on Wednesday 31 March Time: 11:00am
for the Easter Hat Parade. Our theme
Over two days, the students explored this year is Jesus is the God of all We look forward to seeing our families
Parliament House, Australian Electoral Seasons. at the College as we celebrate Easter
Commission, The Australian War and the end of Term 1 where amazing
Memorial, a tour of the embassies and The Easter Hats will be constructed achievements have been made by our
Questacon. Throughout their time in during class time with teachers students.
Canberra, the students were able to organising the supply of materials. We
build and connect with their peers and look forward to seeing some amazing Kind regards,
Mrs Ljubica Mansell
Deputy Principal (Primary)
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Year 6 Canberra Trip 2021 On 10 and 11 March, Year 6 went to Canberra as part of our History Program for the term. We had two buses and left at 7:00 A.M for the long 4 Hour trip to Canberra. It was great that the government PACER program helped support our understanding of the significance of Parliament House, The War Memorial and the Australian Electoral Education Commission. They assisted our families by contributing $30 per student towards the cost of this trip. This rebate is directed to the school. On the first day we went straight to the new Parliament House to learn about our Government. We split into three groups. One was with Mr Hall, another with Miss Fowler and the last was with Ms Horner. I was with Mrs Horner and my partner was Damien. First, we were told about what the Parliament House was made of. It was made of 2 different types of marble, one pink and the other white. The black on the floor was limestone from Portugal and was full of fossils. Next, we talked about the clocks and why there was two lights on them. One was red and the other was green. The red was for the senate and it comes on when there is an election in the Senate. The green light comes on when there is a vote happening in the House of Representatives. The House of the Senate is red to represent the Australian soil and Uluru, and the House of Representatives is green to represent the Eucalyptus leaves. After dinner at Canberra Park, we played for the Canberra Cup, led by the House Captains. First, we played the Waiter Game, which is where you have a pad of foam on your hand, and you need to get the other team’s pad of foam onto the floor. If your tray touched the floor, you were out. It was Cranmer vs Latimer and Ridley vs Ryle. Latimer won and Ridley won. Next, we played Secret Pathway, which is where you step on a square on the floor and if it was wrong, you have to go to the end of the line. If it was right you get to try another square and it continues like that. The first house to make it to the other side wins. Then we played Real Life Battleships, where a piece of fabric split two houses and you all laid down on your house’s side. You would take turns throwing a foam ball over the fabric and if you hit someone, they got out. On Thursday we went to the Australian Electoral Education Commission located in Old Parliament House. We got to take turns in a simulated vote. We learnt how a vote works, and what happens during a vote. There were 4 jobs, one was to watch the box that held the election papers, one was to be a counter and count the votes, one was to watch the counter count the votes for proof and the last job was to hand out the election papers and ask 4 questions. One question was to tell them your full name, another was to tell them your phone number, then your address and the last and most important question was whether you have voted in this election or not. If you have, they will say you can’t vote. It is illegal to vote twice or more in any vote. Our favourite place was the War Memorial because it included plane warfare in the Korean War and WW11. The planes were huge but could only seat a pilot and a gunner. There was a Japanese A6m-zero, a Sea Fury, a P-30 mustang and my favourite, the MiG-15 (the only jet plane there). We did a mini ceremony and I got to put a poppy on the sacred rock. When we got back home, we were all busting to go to the toilet and had so many stories to tell our parents and family. We absolutely loved our trip Canberra because we did so many amazing things there. Lucas Turner and Ethan Yusef Year 6 Students The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021
Year 5 Science
If you found yourself walking around the assembly area during Period 4 on a Monday, you would hear the buzz of Year 5
during one of their science lessons. Year 5 have spent the last 8 weeks learning what it means to think scientifically.
This term, Science has been lots of fun. We have learnt how to be scientific
thinkers while completing experiments. Our first experiment was to make a cup
for Mrs Thompson that keeps her tea hot. Our second experiment was to make
a package to keep the teacup safe. In both experiments we needed to use the
College Learning Culture dispositions of collaboration, planning and persisting.
At the beginning of Term 1, our teachers told us that Mrs. Thompson’s teacup was
not keeping her tea hot enough. So, she gave us a challenge in which we were to
create a teacup with household items that will hold her tea and keep it hot for much
longer.
In groups we worked to solve Mrs Thompson’s problem. We planned, brainstormed
and spent time building. We then tested our projects. The testing, used fair testing
methods, recording the decreasing temperature at timed intervals. We recorded all
the temperatures and used them to draw a line graph. Then we compared this to
the temperature of Mrs Thompson’s cup. Many groups’ cups stayed warmer than
Mrs Thompson's.
Mrs Thompson then ordered a teacup, but when it arrived, it was all smashed and
shattered. For two weeks, we have been designing and building a package to keep
a teacup (actually an egg) safe while it gets delivered.
We are testing our packaging against a control, which is the original package, this
allows us to prove scientifically that we have succeeded in our challenge. The
packages are made from our own materials such as cotton balls, shredded paper,
cardboard boxes and masking tape. We are testing the properties of materials and
the purpose they have in our world.
We are all excited to discover the best method to make the perfect teacup
protecting package and look forward to testing these out for the rest of the term.
Mrs Thompson and Year 5 Students
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Year 3 History
This term in History, Year 3 students have been learning about the importance of the Indigenous
Australian connection to land, and have investigated the purpose of various Indigenous Australian
tools. These tools can be used for fishing, hunting, communicating, transport and shelter, and are
made of a range of materials. After learning about these types of tools, students were thoroughly
interested in the types of shelters that Indigenous Australians created, so we decided to make
some ourselves.
Students first discussed the types of materials that they could use from the Farm (such as bark,
leaves, sticks, grass and rocks), then designed and labelled their shelters. Students then went to
the Farm to gather their materials and created their shelters.
After they were created, students engaged in discussions about the types of materials and the
structural stability of their shelters. Students enjoyed designing and creating their own shelter and
engaging first-hand with their learning.
God Bless
Mrs Amanda Marshall
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Primary Visual Arts
This term, Pre K was introduced to different kinds of Art
materials. The students were able to experiment with
metallic pencils, mater colour discs, liquid crayons, oil
pastels and wax crayons.
In Kindy Red, Mrs Carter read the book Cats Sleep
Anywhere and the students learnt how to draw a cat and
used oil pastels and water colour to paint the background.
They have created beautiful artworks.
Meanwhile, Years 1 and 2 have been making collagraphs.
The students created a layered building using all kinds
of shapes and textured material. The students were very
surprised when they used crayons and did the rubbing of
their buildings.
Years 3 and 4 have been creating artworks based on
the natural Environment and landscape. They have
produced beautiful pieces using water colour pencils for
the atmospheric landscapes and non traditional approach
when creating The Three Sisters.
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Primary Sports
CIS Primary Swimming Championships
This year Penrith Anglican College had a large number of
students and relay teams make it through to the CIS Primary
Swimming Championships. All of our swimmers did a great
job of representing the College and NASSA. Our Junior Boys
and Senior Girls relay teams made it through to the finals,
however, were knocked out. The Junior Boys team finished
9th overall which is an amazing result. In the individual events,
the following students made it through to the finals for some of
their race:
Jack Greentree finals for 50m freestyle
Alexandra Hall finals for 50m freestyle and 50m backstroke
Christopher McAuley for 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke and
100m freestyle
Well done to Alexandra Hall who placed 4th in the freestyle
and will be a reserve for the CIS Primary Swimming Team and
to Christopher McAuley who placed 2nd in the backstroke.
Christopher will now head to the PSSA State Swimming
Championships later this year.
NASSA Primary Football Gala Day
It was a hot day to play football but Penrith Anglican College
students from the Primary School nonetheless played
exceedingly well. The boys came away from the day winning
and losing some matches and drawing others. The girls played
extremely well given many of them do not play football outside
of school and for some this was their first time playing football
and playing with the team. All of our players represented
the College very well and demonstrated great team work.
Congratulations to Barnaby Phillips and Mason Lazare of
Year 5 who have been selected to represent NASSA at the
CIS Primary Boys Football Championships. Well done boys!
Mr Edward Worrall
Primary School Sports Co-ordinator
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Compassion Child Sponsorship 2021
Albert Soren Sojib “I cried. I knew we had lost everything. I
was frustrated and hopeless,” said John.
Albert is 14 years old and lives in The lawyer’s words never left John’s
Bangladesh with his parents. There are mind. He vowed to become a lawyer and
two children in the family. His father seek justice for everyone. Through the
works occasionally, and his mother support of his sponsor and the staff at his
maintains the home. Albert’s favourite local Compassion centre, today John is a
activities are cricket, art, drawing and lawyer who represents the poor for free.
going to church. At home he helps by Since 2009, when his career began,
caring for children, washing clothes and John has handled over 300 free cases
doing kitchen chores. Albert has been for people in poverty. Compassion
sponsored by the current Year 9 cohort International
since they were in Kindergarten but now
is sponsored by Latimer. Wow, this is what saving children from
poverty looks like….it gives children who
A Compassion success story: become adults the chance to break the
When he was 12, John and his four poverty cycle and become all they can
siblings were chased out of their home be through education, good health and a
by their uncle, who wanted their house life of knowing and loving Jesus! Don’t forget:
for himself. His mother had passed away Our next Primary Compassion
and his father had run away in grief, Competition is on
never to be seen again. John’s pastor Mrs Sue Munce Tuesday 30 March
took him to a lawyer for advice on what Primary Compassion Co-ordinator
to do. But no help came from the lawyer.
Prayer and Praise
Please praise God for: Please pray for:
• The wonderful time of learning and growing • Those families in the College community enduring
relationships enjoyed by Year 6 at Canberra last times of hardship and stress.
week. Year 6 students represented the College
beautifully. • Students feeling the pressure of assessment tasks
and workload.
• The success of Year 11 CEP where students had the
opportunity to be set up well for Year 11 and 12 and • The upcoming Easter events at the College and at
enjoyed deepening their relationships with peers and local churches – pray for the truth of the gospel to
staff. be presented and for God to save people.
• The College community.
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021March Calendar
Events are correct at time of print.
Please download the College App or log onto Edumate for latest updates.
Due to the flood situations in the Nepean and Hawkesbury areas, excursions or other events will be
determined on a ‘case by case’ basis and the staff member responsible for these events will be in
contact with the students involved.
Monday, 22 March 2021 NASSA 15s and Open Netball
Science and Engineering Challenge
Australian Geography Competition Yr 7-10
CRU Fit Leaders Training
Motiv8 Sports After School Clinic
Tuesday, 23 March 2021 Primary Football Programs PSSA Jnr
Richard III Symposium
Australian Geography Competition Yr 7-10
Primary Football Programs Pre K- Kindergarten
Lego Robotics Club - CANCELLED
Wednesday, 24 March 2021 Primary Football Programs PSSA Senior BOYS
AICES Swimming
APSMO Competition Year 7 and 8
APSMO Competition Year 5 and 6
Author Visits Pre K - Year 2 - POSTPONED
BIG - Christian Fellowship
ROCK - Christian Fellowship
Primary Football Programs Year 1 and 2
Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews - POSTPONED
Thursday, 25 March 2021 Primary Football Programs PSSA GIRLS
Secondary Chapel
Art Club
Primary Football Programs Years 3-6
College Tours
Cadets
Pre K and Kindergarten 2022 Information Evening
Friday, 26 March 2021 Primary Chapel
Alumni Thanksgiving Service
Monday, 29 March 2021 da Vinci Decathlon Years 5 and 6
Motiv8 Sports After School Clinic
Year 7-10 Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday, 30 March 2021 da Vinci Decathlon Years 7 and 8
All Schools Triathlon
PSSA Swimming and Diving Championship
Primary Football Programs PSSA Jnr
K-6 Compassion Competition
Primary Football Programs Pre K- Kindergarten
Lego Robotics Club
Wednesday, 31 March 2021 da Vinci Decathlon Years 9 and 10
PSSA Swimming and Diving Championship
Primary Football Programs PSSA Senior BOYS
CIS Swimming and Diving
BIG - Christian Fellowship
ROCK - Christian Fellowship
Primary Football Programs Year 1 and 2
Thursday, 1 April 2021 Primary Football Programs PSSA GIRLS
K-12 College Easter Chapel
Art Club
Primary Football Programs Years 3-6
Cadets
End of Term 1
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The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021NAPLAN 2021
NAPLAN Online 2021
Dear Families
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a point in time
assessment of literacy and numeracy skills that are essential for every child to progress through
school and life. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in writing,
reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
Our school will be participating in NAPLAN Online between 11 and 21 May 2021.
In preparation for NAPLAN Online, our school will be participating in practice tests on 24 March. The
practice tests give students an opportunity to become familiar with the test format, functions and tools
of the online tests in a test environment. The practice tests are not an assessment of student ability
and will not be marked.
Excessive preparation for NAPLAN Online is not recommended. Students do not need to be able to
touch type to complete NAPLAN Online as the tests are not about keyboard skills (just as the paper
test is not about handwriting skills). Students can use the public demonstration site to familiarise
themselves with the types of questions and tools available in the NAPLAN Online tests.
Please see the attached NAPLAN Online – Information for parents and carer’s sheet for further
information.
If you have any questions about NAPLAN Online, please contact your child’s teacher.
Additional resources:
• Public demonstration site
• NESA NAPLAN website
• NAP parent/carer support page
• Watch a video that explains NAPLAN Online
• Watch a video that explains tailored testing
Yours Sincerely
Leighton Corr Ljubica Mansell
Deputy (Head of Secondary) Deputy (Head of Secondary)
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021What is NAPLAN Tailored testing
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Tailored testing provides a more precise
Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses the literacy and assessment of students’ performance. Students at
numeracy skills of students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. each year level start with a similar set of
questions. Depending on the number of questions
Students participate in NAPLAN tests in reading, they answered correctly, the next set of questions
writing, conventions of language (spelling, may be more, or less, difficult.
grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
A student’s NAPLAN result is based on both the
NAPLAN provides an understanding of how number and difficulty of questions the student
individual students are performing at the time of answers correctly. A student who completes a
the tests. The tests are just one aspect of a more difficult set of questions is more likely to
school’s assessment and reporting process – it achieve a higher score.
does not replace ongoing assessments made by
teachers about student performance. Watch a video (3:06 length) to learn more about
tailored testing – https://youtu.be/oGFseJAM3Ew
NAPLAN also provides schools and education
authorities with information about how education Supporting your child
programs are working and whether young
Australians are achieving important educational The best approach for preparing your child for
outcomes in literacy and numeracy. NAPLAN is to encourage your child to do the best
they can on the day.
Moving to NAPLAN Online Excessive preparation or the use of coaching
Schools in all states and territories are moving providers is not recommended.
from paper tests to online tests. It is expected that Students can use the public demonstration site to
all NSW schools will transition to NAPLAN Online familiarise themselves with the tools and type of
by 2022. The move to NAPLAN Online brings questions they will experience in NAPLAN Online
new benefits for teachers and students. – https://www.nap.edu.au/online-
assessment/public-demonstration-site
What are the benefits of NAPLAN Online?
More precise results with an adaptive design: Students’ digital skills
Tailored tests adapt to a student’s performance The digital skills required to complete NAPLAN
and ask questions that match the student’s Online are skills that students use in everyday
achievement levels. classroom activities.
Better engagement: Research into online Students do not need to be able to touch type to
assessment indicates that students engage well complete the test. The online test is not about
with online tests as the questions are tailored to keyboard skills (just as the paper test is not about
their achievement levels. handwriting skills).
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Withdrawals and exemptions COVID-19 advice
You can withdraw your child from NAPLAN tests. Parents should keep students at home if they are
experiencing flu-like symptoms and monitor NSW
A student may be granted a formal exemption if
Health advice on COVID-19 case locations across
they have:
the state. For more information, visit
• a disability that severely limits their capacity
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-
to participate in the tests, or
19.
• recently arrived in Australia and have a non-
English speaking background. Your child’s school will be required to conduct
NAPLAN testing in accordance with the latest
Contact your child’s school for further information NSW Government COVID-19 advice.
and to complete the parent/carer consent form.
Year 3 writing test
Practice tests
The Year 3 writing test is conducted on paper at
NSW schools participating in NAPLAN Online will schools participating in NAPLAN Online. All other
participate in practice tests between 22 March Year 3 NAPLAN tests will be online tests.
and 1 April 2021.
The practice test is a trial-run and key preparation Privacy
activity for NAPLAN Online in May. It is not an
NESA is responsible for the collection of personal
assessment of student ability.
information from NSW schools to be used during
Participation in the practice tests is highly NAPLAN testing and reporting.
beneficial as it allows schools and students to
All data collection for NAPLAN is managed in
become familiar with the online assessment accordance with NSW and Federal privacy
platform tools and processes. legislation described in NESA’s privacy
management plan, which can be found on the
NAPLAN Online 2021 test window NESA website:
https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/
Practice test window: 22 March – 1 April nesa/about/who-we-are/privacy/naplan-privacy
NAPLAN Online test window: 11 – 21 May
Results
The assessment window for NAPLAN Online is
nine days instead of the three days provided for Parents receive two reports showing their child’s
the paper test. This is to give schools flexibility in achievements in NAPLAN; the individual student
scheduling and accommodate schools that may report (ISR) and additional student report (ASR).
have fewer devices. The ISR and ASR should always be interpreted
with care. Teachers will have the best insight into
What if my child was absent on the day of a child’s educational progress.
a scheduled test? Reports are usually dispatched to schools
towards the end of Term 3. Schools then
Where possible, schools may arrange catch-up
distribute the reports to parents.
tests for individual students who were absent on
the day of a scheduled NAPLAN Online test.
Questions?
Catch-up tests are not permitted after Friday 21
May 2021. If you have any questions, please contact your
child’s teacher in the first instance.
NSW Education Standards Authority
NAPLAN team
Phone: 1300 119 556 or 02 9367 8382 Email: naplan.nsw@nesa.nsw.edu.au
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021Clean Up Australia Day
For over 20 years, students and staff at
Penrith Anglican College have served
the local community by participating
in the annual Clean Up Australia Day
activities at Regatta Park in Emu Plains.
This year, not only did we have families
collecting rubbish locally, but a couple of
families also took part on their holidays
at Shelley Beach.
Thank you to all the students and
parents who joined us on Sunday to
make a difference for the environment
and our community.
Laps for Life
Year 12 student Georgia Field is seeking your support for a charity event that she
has chosen to participate in. Laps for Life raises money for suicide research and
awareness. Everyone knows that this topic is a really tough one to talk about and
she hopes to provide some financial support for research and campaigning by
pledging to swim 25km over the month of March. After week 2, Georgia has (very)
slowly swum 15km. I’m
Her goal for this event is to raise $800 and she is just over half of the way there. In taking
the grand scheme of things, $800 does not get you too far. Georgia writes:
the
"ReachOut.com has suggested every $50 raised helps up to 12 young
plunge
l i v es
people gain access to mental health service. This means that with $800,
ReachOut could potentially use this money to pay for mental health services
for up to 192 young people which would make a big difference.
to
I am currently half way to reaching this goal and I have 10km left to swim.
I'm pretty sure this means I should aim to raise $40 for every 1km I swim.
By no means do I expect this amount of money from anyone, but any form
of support, whether it be of monetary value or even just a pat on the back
would be very greatly appreciated. Thank you."
sa ve
Please sponsor my swim to support
ReachOut.com depends on the generosity of community spirit at individual and young people experiencing mental
health difficulties.
corporate level to keep going and growing. If you are able to, please support Go to lapsforlife.com.au/
Georgia by donating to this very important cause. Please use the link below.
https://www.lapsforlife.com.au/fundraisers/georgiafield
Laps For Life is ReachOut’s annual fundraising swim event.
Every dollar you raise will help ReachOut support young
people experiencing mental health difficulties.
The Vine - Issue No 4, 2021You can also read
