WCCS Newsletter - Wyong Christian Community School

Principal's Message - Week 3, Term 3

Last week the School Board met for our monthly meeting. I am always encouraged by the willingness of servant-hearted people to volunteer their time for the important role of School Governance. As part of that meeting we were reflecting on the original logo for the school, involving a lighthouse. We discussed the fact that even though the logo may have changed, we remained committed to the notion of being a light within our community and beyond.

As you know, our mission statement reminds us that we are a Christian educational community founded on biblically-based beliefs, values and behaviours. The biblical notion of being a light to the community comes from Jesus’ teachings as part of the Sermon on the Mount. He explains in Matthew 5: 14-16, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

You may recall that last term as a community, we undertook a fundraising drive for our friends at MidCoast Christian College in Taree. They had been decimated by the one in 500 year flood that occurred in May. Having spoken with the Principal, I was aware of how devastating it was for many families within the school who were impacted so significantly. He explained that some of their college families had to be rescued by helicopter from their roofs only to return to find that little, if anything, could be salvaged. Other families who own businesses lost their only source of income.

This past week I received a letter of thanks from the Principal on behalf of their school community. He communicated just how much they appreciated and were encouraged by the support our school community has been for them. Not just financially (we raised $3,500), but also through prayer and messages. I am sure that for many they will still be recovering for months (and possibly years in regards to businesses impacted). At the same time, our efforts to share God’s love with them has been an encouragement and a blessing. To quote his letter, “We were very touched by your selfless efforts to help those who you never met.” He also went on to explain, “The donations we have received have been put to good use and our families have been supplied with food, new uniforms, shoes, books and many other things.”

The last part of Jesus' words above remind us that when we endeavour to shine our light to those around us, it is not for our personal glory or praise, but for the glory of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for being part of a generous, loving, community and shining the light of God’s love to those in our community and beyond.

God bless,

Community News - Week 3, Term 3

IMPORTANT REMINDER – HEAD LICE
We kindly ask all parents and carers to be vigilant in regularly checking their child’s hair for head lice and nits, and to treat promptly if found.

Head lice can spread quickly, particularly in school settings, and it is vital that any cases are addressed immediately to prevent further transmission.

Children with active lice should remain at home until treatment has commenced. Your support in this matter helps ensure a healthier environment for all students.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We currently have the following employment opportunities within our school community:

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in partnering with us to equip young people to be responsible and responsive disciples, we would love to hear from you.

BOOK WEEK & LITERACY DAY

WCCS will celebrate Book Week from Monday 18th August to Friday 22nd August (Week 4, Term 3). This year’s theme is Life With God is a Daily Adventure!

For Literacy Day on Wednesday 20th August, students from K-12 are encouraged to dress up as a character from a book in our Library, or in an adventure theme. The Parade will take place at 9am in our Multi-Purpose Centre. Families are welcome to join us, and younger siblings are encouraged to dress up too.

Families are welcome to join us again for a Reader’s Theatre, presented by Junior School staff, at 2:30pm in the Multi-Purpose Centre.

Forms for the Sausage Sizzle Meal Deal Fundraiser were distributed to students and should be returned to our school office, with cash, by this Friday 15th August (Week 3). Please note that gluten free bread is available. If you require this option, please make a note of it on the order form. Profits raised will go to the Moree Mission Trip.

Please note that the Canteen will still be operating as usual.

FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST

We would love to welcome our school Dads and carers to join us for a warm drink and some breaky on Friday 5th September (Week 6) from 7:45am, on the grassed area near the bus bay. This will be an opportunity to connect with other dads in our community, and for us to honour all you are and all you do. We welcome you to join us for a quick stop in or to stay for our Junior School Chapel service at 9am.

Please note that catering will only be provided for the dads/carers.

A PARENT ENGAGEMENT EVENT - LEADING EXPERT ON SCREENS & GAMING DISORDERS

You're invited to a special evening at Green Point Christian College with Principal, Mr Joel van Bentum, and Guest Speaker, Brad Marshall, one of Australia's leading experts on screen and gaming disorders. Brad will share practical strategies to help families manage screen time and encourage healthy digital habits.

When: Monday 25th August 2025

Time: 7:15pm arrival for 7:30pm start

Where: CAPA Theatre at Green Point Christian College - 382 Avoca Drive, Green Point

Registrations are essential. To register, click here.

Brad Marshall is recognised as one of Australia's leading experts in excessive internet and screen use otherwise known as Internet Addiction or Gaming Disorder. As the Clinical Director & Psychologist of The Screen & Gaming Disorder Clinic; Australia's first established speciality clinic, he is a well-respected presenter and speaker on the topic, frequenting schools and corporate organisations around Australia and the world. He is also the author of three best-selling international books that have been published in over 30 countries and multiple languages worldwide.

Junior School News - Week 3, Term 3

Greetings friends of Junior School. We are welcoming back Mrs Smithers from her Term 2 adventures abroad.

It is good to be back after the blessing of Long Service Leave last term. Time seemed to fly by, and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity. My second eldest daughter was married and being there to fuss over her as mums do was very special. My husband and I also had the opportunity to travel to Europe. I love cruising, and we cruised the Mediterranean, visiting Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Slovenia, Albania, Montenegro and Italy. Each day was an adventure packed with many highlights. We saw a volcano erupt in Italy, explored the ruins of Pompeii, climbed the Acropolis in 40-degree heat and toured the underground and arena of the Colosseum in Rome. A special highlight was touring the battlefields of Gallipoli and walking the trenches of Australian soldiers. This was a very sombre experience and one we truly appreciated. Walking through Ephesus, seeing where Paul preached to the people was amazing.

NAPLAN

As a school, we are looking closely at our NAPLAN results for Years 3 and 5. Congratulations to all our students. The following students achieved at an Exceeding level in Year 3.

STUDENTS EXCEEDING IN YEAR 3

READING

SPELLING

GRAMMAR & PUNCTUATION

WRITING

NUMERACY

Theo G

Arthur B

Sarah H

Josua d

Harper B

Jaxon H

Eli T

Josua d

Cyril M

Ella-Grace W

Cyril M

Jaxon H

Theo G

Hudson L

Arthur B

Josua d

Sarah B

The following Year 5 students are to be commended for achieving in the Exceeding range for their NAPLAN tests.

STUDENTS EXCEEDING IN YEAR 5

READING

SPELLING

GRAMMAR & PUNCTUATION

WRITING

NUMERACY

Alfred H

Sara C

Flynn M

Caragh S

Lacey B

Lily B

Zoey O

Sophia C

Nathan C

Ava B

Elijah W

Indiana L

Elliott B

Layla E

Grace G

Alfred H

Raha E

Sara C

Cameron P

Caleah D

Ruby K

Elliott B

Andy V

Zoey O

Archie W

Ava B

Lily B

Sophia B

Alexander C

Indiana L

Alannah W

Ava B

Nathan C

Lily B

Matilda L

Caragh S

Emma H

Elijah W

Sara C

Ava B

Nathan C

Grace G

Pippa H

Alfred H

Indiana L

Zahlia N

Byron O

Lily B

Winnie H

Caragh S

Nathan C

Hannah G

Elijah W

Judah R

Alannah W

Alfred H

Elliott B

The data we receive allows us to target learning in the areas of greatest need within our school. Year 5 results show us the growth each student has made in the tested areas. A special mention and congratulations to the following students who have shown outstanding growth.

STUDENTS WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN YEAR 5

READING

SPELLING

GRAMMAR & PUNCTUATION

WRITING

NUMERACY

Oskar F

Flynn M

Noah C

Emma H

Nixon A

Alexander R

Maya F

Grace G

Isla H

Noah C

Nathan C

Isabel K

Nixon A

Byron P

Isabel K

Ryder K

Lily B

Levi C

Fletcher T

Ashton R

Judah R

Emma G

Nixon A

Nathan C

Winnie H

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

One special event that we didn’t get to celebrate last term was the success of Ella D at the National Gymnastics Championships. Congratulations Ella and God bless you as you demonstrate some of the gifts God has bestowed upon you.

HILL END

Hill End was the highlight of Term 2 for our Year 5 students.

Our extension writing group have composed a review for our reading pleasure.

Hill End

Ferns brushed our legs as we walked by. The large dents in the mountains captured the history of the once lively mines. As a kangaroo hopped by, I bent down and picked up a shiny piece of quartz, glistening in the sun. The old buildings and piles of rubble were covered in moss and rust and were like photos containing snippets of ancient history.

We arrived at the small stream that we were going to go gold panning in. The wet sand crunched underneath our feet as we walked down the slope and shovelled more dirt into our pan. Cheers and laughter filled the air as kids shouted out “EUREKA!” They had found gold! Soon after, we visited the cemetery and as we looked at the headstones, they showed us so much information and reminded us how lucky we are to live the way we do. We also learnt all about the old mines and the difficult lives of people at the time of the Gold Rush.

That night, excited whispers and murmurs echoed from the paper-thin walls as we talked about the fun adventures we had had that day. Eventually, snores as loud and clear as thunder filled the air and could be heard from miles away.

Next morning, sadness consumed the camp as we gathered our stuff. Camp was finally over. Our bags sagged as we smuggled hundreds of quartz onto the bus and we looked out the window, knowing that this was an experience that we would never forget.

ST PHILIP'S TEACHING SCHOOL

For many years teachers and school administrators have been frustrated by the teacher training process in Australia. Some institutions in the past did not facilitate student teachers' access to schools and classrooms until they had completed years of their course. In contrast, tradespeople and many other professions learn in a more hands-on workplace model. This is especially challenging for Christian Schools desiring to have highly trained, expertly skilled and committed Christian staff that are aligned to the biblical tenets of our faith and the values of our school. Thankfully teacher education is starting to change and WCCS is excited to be part of this change.

St Philips Teaching School are partnering with Christian tertiary institutions to provide a uniquely Christian teacher training model for their students. In Semester 2 we will be welcoming two trainee teachers. Miss Grace Landers will be mentored by Mrs Knox in Year 3 and Miss Hannah Woodbine will be mentored by Mrs Brown in Year 1. The trainees have been interviewed by Mr Milligan and Mr Marks and we believe their youthful exuberance and passion for ministry will be a welcome addition to our team.

TERM 3

Alongside a veritable stack of sporting opportunities, we have some wonderful events scheduled for Term 3 including;

Science Fair in Week 3
Literacy Day in Week 4
Canberra for Year 6 in Week 6
Bandaged Bear Day (Teddy Bear’s Picnic) in Week 7
Kindy Starter Sessions in Week 8

Our outstanding High Potential & Enrichment Teacher, Mrs Livette-Vial, has a wonderful selection of extension and enrichment activities planned this term, including;

Regular extension groups
Spelling Bees including inter-school competitions
ICAS Competitions
Maths Olympiad
Newcastle Permanent Maths Competition.

We are looking forward to catching up with you and the kids.

Chat soon,

Q & A with Rev - Week 3, Term 3

It’s funny at the moment sitting down to type this up, as this term in Biblical Studies for Year 7 we have so far looked at the creation stories in Genesis and the good old “What about the dinosaurs?” question has come up in class again. Several times. Since I have had a go at answering that one already, I thought I might reflect on something from the New Testament that has popped up regularly. I have been teaching about Jesus, in a formal sense of the word, for about 20 years now and many young people have wrestled with whether Jesus’ miracles were real. Did that really happen or is it just an illustrative tool of the author to make a point about Jesus?

These are deep questions that get right to the heart of Jesus’ big statements on who He said He was, the Son of God! Let’s take His first miracle, for example, where He turns water into wine in John 2:1-12. On the surface it looks like Jesus is just showing off with a cool party trick, but if we slow down a bit and ask some more questions, we will see a few clues about why it is important to believe that He actually did what He did as a sign of who He is.

Firstly, in the culture of the day, this event takes place on the third day of a weeklong celebration. The family would be deeply embarrassed (shamed) for running out of wine. Jesus by acting demonstrates compassion. Secondly, because it happens on the “third day” the reader can link this event to Jesus’ death and resurrection where he rose on the “third day” so this is a story that has resurrection themes in it too. Thirdly, did you notice what the 6 jars are normally used for? Ritual purification. This was a big deal for the Jewish people and Jesus transforms that ritual water into wine. Fast forward again through the Gospel of John and we see Jesus at the last supper, adding another layer of meaning to the wine. It becomes a way of remembering His blood shed on the cross which brings ultimate purification from our sins.

And fourthly, Jesus' actions with the water and the wine should point us back to the creation stories in Genesis. If Jesus is God, then He can create, and He will do this by speaking words of life and words that lead to abundance. And furthermore, it will be good. When you read the wedding story, you see that the wine isn’t just good, it is the best.

So, do I think this miracle really happened, or as John puts it, this was Jesus’ first sign? You better believe I do! If Jesus’ claim to be God is true, then this first sign is a really big clue as to the validity of His claim. It is not some fanciful party trick or cute story about Jesus just being kind. It is a sign of who He claims to be and what His actions on the cross will achieve for all of humanity. It is like a signpost inviting us to see and believe! Next Q&A, we will look at another one of these signs and see what it might be trying to tell us.

God bless,