School Newsletter

I wonder whether you have ever been at a trivia competition or another context where the question has come up – what is the shortest verse in the Bible? A lot of Christians might be able to tell you that it is John 11:35. It simply reads, “Jesus wept.” The context of the verse is that Jesus has returned to Bethany, a village in Judea because His good friend Lazarus has died. When Jesus arrives and sees the pain and heartache of Lazarus’ family and friends, He too is overcome with emotion and weeps.

For many years, I had difficulty understanding this verse. My confusion centred around the fact that just a few verses later Jesus actually raises Lazarus from the dead. I couldn’t work out why Jesus would cry knowing that He was about to bring happiness to all these broken people by raising the one they love back to life. It was enlightening to me when I explored this further, to be reminded of Jesus' humanity as well as His divinity.

When Jesus meets all of Lazarus’ community and sees their grief and trauma, He himself is overcome with emotion. The reminder that we live in a broken and fallen world that can have devastating impacts on people is confronting – even for the Lord of the universe. It’s almost as if Jesus is looking around and thinking, this is not how God designed our world to be. Even though He knows He is going to raise Lazarus back to life (He hints of that in verse 15), He is still confronted by the raw emotion of the impact of death in this world and it brings Him to tears. This is Jesus’ humanity. Raising Lazarus to life a few verses later demonstrates His divinity.

All of us who have lived for any length of time will have known the pain and heartbreak of death in some way, and if you haven’t, let me assure you it is coming. My encouragement to you is that when that grief comes, may you draw a level of comfort from knowing that our Lord and Saviour understands what you are feeling and doesn’t want things to be as they are. That’s not to deny our emotions. It is important that we grieve well in times of deep sorrow – there are many Psalms that demonstrate that. As challenging as these seasons we experience are, at some stage there is value in holding to the sure hope that Jesus does ultimately make things right. Chapter 21 of Revelation reminds us of what it will be like when we are in our true home, with God dwelling with us. Verse 4 reads, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” May that be an encouragement to you as you navigate the seasons of life we all experience.

God bless,

• Wellbeing Week - Monday 8th to Friday 12th September (Week 7)

• Secondary School R U OK? Day - Thursday 11th September (Week 7)

• K-12 Bandaged Bear Community Picnic - Friday 12th September (Week 7)
• Year 12 Graduation - 10am, Thursday 25th September (Week 9)
• Junior School Celebration Assembly - 9am, Friday 26th September (Week 9)
• Secondary School Celebration Assembly - 11:45am, Friday 26th September (Week 9)
• Last Day Term 3 - Friday 26th September (Week 9)

• Give thanks for the awesome time Year 6 had in Canberra and at the snow.
• Thank God for all the friendships that have grown across this year.
  
• We ask God that you will comfort all those families who are having a really hard time in life at the moment.
• We pray that all of the building works will happen safely and be completed on time.

LITERACY DAY

What a fantastic Literacy Day we enjoyed in Week 4! Our students brought their favourite book characters and adventure themes to life in the Book Parade, and families joined us later for a lively Reader’s Theatre performance by our Junior School staff. Thanks also to everyone who ordered a Sausage Sizzle Meal Deal - we raised $1,632 to support our Moree Mission Trip!

FATHER'S DAY BREAKFAST

We had a wonderful, sunny morning at our Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday, welcoming Dads and Carers for a tasty bacon and egg roll and coffee. It was a special morning to honour the important role fathers and carers play in our school community. We pray that all families had a blessed Father’s Day.

ALINTA UNIFORM SHOP - SCHOOL HOLIDAY TRADING HOURS

The Uniform Shop's final day of trade for Term 3 is Thursday 25th September.

The Shop will be open during the school holidays on Wednesday 8th October from 9-11am.

Regular trading will resume from Monday 13th October (Week 1, Term 4).

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful initiative that spreads joy and hope to children in need around the world through shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies, and personal items. Each box costs $12.50 to ship, and this fee can be conveniently paid directly through the Operation Christmas Child website. (https://occdonations.samaritanspurse.org.au/product/shoebox-donations-labels/) Alternatively, cash can be included in an envelope with the box.

Shoeboxes are available from the office and should be returned by the end of Week 2, Term 4 to ensure timely delivery. Participating in Operation Christmas Child not only brings a smile to a child's face, but is also a wonderful way for the children to hear the gospel message, and the hope that Jesus offers. To see love in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCiblJaldbY

YEAR 6 CANBERRA

Students from WCCS recently undertook an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia's history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

INFANTS SWIM SCHEME

Next term we are preparing for our annual Infants (K-2) Swim Scheme.

If you have a heavy/medium rigid driver's license and some time to volunteer, we would love to hear from you.

Or if you have friends or relatives who are looking for an opportunity to help, please contact the office on 4351 2020, leave your details and Marksy will contact you personally.

The program runs every day for a month, starting in Week 2, Term 4.

Life in Junior School these last few weeks has been exciting. Our youngest students enjoyed their Kindy Farm Day. The children were all dressed up in their best farmer clothes and enjoyed cuddles with lots of very cute animals. It was a treat to plant their own gardens too.

Year 3 enjoyed their Geography excursion to Kincumba Mountain Reserve. They built some amazing bird houses, had their face painted and loved being out in the environment created by our amazing Father.

Years 3-5 were able to participate in a Planetarium Incursion. This was a wonderful experience with the students learning more about God’s Creation and they were in awe of what they experienced. Our visitor commented how delightful our students were on Thursday.

Last Friday we enjoyed our third Whole School Chapel. Rev’s message was to encourage our students to Ask, See, and Knock to further develop their relationship with our loving Father. A huge thank you to our Chapel Band and Chapel Prefects, as well as the Year 1 superstars, along with Mr T who sang so beautifully on stage. We are incredibly blessed that we can all meet as one school to hear the Word of God and worship together.

Our new Learning Enrichment centre is now operational on B Block. Mrs Farrell’s Literacy Support class will move into this area today for the first of many lessons to be taught in this space. The building blends so seamlessly, it is like it has always been here.

As the weather is becoming warmer, this is a reminder to label all school jackets/jumpers as the children tend to shed their layers throughout the day and often leave clothing behind. Hats are also an essential part of the uniform and need to be worn whilst outdoors. This is also a reminder to make sure uniforms are worn correctly and hair is neat and tidy. We have noticed that some hairstyles and shoes are not in keeping with our Uniform Policy and kindly ask that this be addressed as soon as possible.

Welcome Mrs Bethany Hansen who will be taking 1T for the remainder of this Term as Mr Thomson enjoys Long Service Leave. Please make her feel welcome.

Have a wonderful week.

Chat soon,

As usual, there is so much happening in the Secondary School! Students have been engaged in a range of learning activities, as well as excursions, sporting gala days, Chapel and Inter-Cru. Year 8 even enjoyed a great camp – thank you to the Year 8 Home Room Teachers, Miss Christensen and Rev Shorten, for creating fun opportunities for spiritual formation and lots of wonderful memories. It was wonderful that they were blessed with beautiful weather after several weeks of rain, so they could hike, play games at the beach and enjoy God’s creation. We’re especially grateful to our senior students who volunteered to lead worship and Bible study sessions, guided by Rev. In true community spirit (and much to the students’ delight), word has it he even let them shave his head!

One of our school values is Excellence. The Bible verse that underpins this is found in Colossians 3:23-24 where it says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” We encourage our students to strive for excellence, not perfection, as ultimately everything we do is to bring glory to God. We would love to acknowledge our Year 12 students who have been striving for excellence to bring their HSC Major Works to completion. Already this term, students have submitted major projects for Industrial Technology – Multimedia, English Extension 2, Visual Arts and Design & Technology. They have undertaken performances for Drama and speaking examinations for Languages. Still to come are the Music Performances! We are incredibly proud of the way our students have utilised their God-given talents and have applied themselves over nearly a year to bring these projects to fruition. They should be so proud of what they have achieved. Please continue to pray for our Year 12 students as they complete their final weeks of school and engage in preparation to complete their HSC examinations in Term 4.

Wellbeing Week at WCCS is a time to prioritise mental, spiritual, physical, and emotional health across our school community. It’s about creating space to recharge, connect, and build healthy habits that support overall wellbeing. This term we are engaging with R U OK? Day, where we are educated on the benefits of asking a simple question: "Are you OK?" Students will be encouraged to check in with friends, learn how to support others, and understand that a meaningful conversation could change a life. Please refer to the EdSmart sent home in Week 5 to read more about the R U OK? sessions and activities that students will be engaging in on Thursday.

There’s a lot coming up – Year 12 Study Camp and Graduation, Year 11 Exams, and the Secondary Celebration Assembly – just to name a few!

Please make sure to regularly check your EdSmart emails, the School App, and our social media pages for the latest updates, reminders, and important information. Staying informed will help ensure you don’t miss anything during this busy and exciting time of year!

God Bless,

There are some questions that not just kids ask, but lots of people, that have no answer. Often people will answer this type of question or even make stuff up. Years ago, there was an ad on TV where a kid asks his dad, “Why was The Great Wall of China built?” The dad’s answer, whilst being very funny and very Australian, was not helpful in the slightest. “To keep the rabbits out son!”, was his reply. A bold and yet completely wrong answer.

Sometimes as adults, we may be tempted to answer much more serious questions with unhelpful answers when there may well be no answer. I’m talking about the “Why?” questions. They are uncomfortable for us, and we don't like responding with what is often the difficult truth, “I don’t know why.” Often the “Why?” questions are attached to difficult circumstances or painful experiences with lots of emotions that float along with the question. I’d like to encourage us all, when those questions come, to do a couple of things.

Firstly, I think it is vital that when we get those hard questions like “Why did that have to happen?” that we name the pain that sits wrapped up in the question. That we see it, acknowledge it and honour that pain. Secondly, that we don’t answer with some glib cliché, especially ones with religious connotations, but rather we offer to be with them as they work on finding an answer for themselves. That we support them as they wrestle with the “Why’s???” That we encourage them that even if there is no answer, that you’re in it together. That we help link them with others who may well be able to offer wisdom for their “Why?” that we just don’t have.

So, if you’re wrestling with a big “Why…?” at the moment, please share that question with someone you trust. If your child has been asking you big “Why?” questions that are too painful or difficult for you to respond to, then please reach out in this amazing community of WCCS and let us help. We may not have the answer, but we can be present with you in the wrestle. One of the most powerful things Jesus did, over and over again, was being present with people in the “Why?”. He sat in the dust of life with ordinary people, sometimes with answers, but often not. His presence was enough.

God bless,

SPELLING BEES

Congratulations to our wonderful Stage 1 (Years 1-2) spellers, who showed some very impressive spelling skills in Week 6.

In Year 1, we would love to congratulate the following:

• Gold medal – Timofey K
• Silver medal – Miles R
• Bronze medal – Jude S

Our Year 2 winners were:

• Gold medal – Oscar H
• Silver medal – Jude F
• Bronze medal – Charlie D
  

Thank you to Lucie C and George H, who were brilliant MCs, and to all Years 1 and 2 students for the beautifully enthusiastic way you sang that with C-H-R-I-S-T in your H-E-A-R-T, you will L-I-V-E E-T-E-R-N-A-L-L-Y!

EVENING OF EMINENCE

Our Evening of Eminence (Terms 3 and 4) project has started strongly, and we are very excited to have 51 students from Kindergarten to Year 6 who are very keen to learn about, and ultimately ‘become’, heroes who have made a very positive impact on our world. From CS Lewis to Charles Studd, from Samantha Bloom to Simone Biles, from Jacinta Ardern to Joan of Arc, our students are currently engrossed in research, persuasions and creative writing, all seeking to capture the essence of some very impressive people, who were determined to leave our world in a better place.

ICAS RESULTS

Congratulations to the many students from Years 2-10 who recently sat the ICAS tests. The results are coming in, and you can be very proud of what you have achieved. We will be presenting students receiving Distinction and High Distinction awards with their certificates at the end of term Celebration Assemblies and will be delighted to present all students with their certificates once ICAS have mailed them to us. Meanwhile, parents can access their child’s results through their child’s TAP ID (This can be found on the back of past ICAS certificates).

YEARBOOK

The theme of this year’s Yearbook Cover Competition is Life to the Full. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Our God is such a generous God, and we pray that as your children are nurtured and taught here at WCCS, that they would regularly be struck by the realisation that living God’s way is filled with an abundance of wonderful blessings that never run out. This year, we would love to see artworks inspired by Jesus’ promise of ‘Life to the full’. Perhaps they may reflect the beauty of God’s creation, your own experiences of God’s love, joy and friendship in community, following God’s good path, walking with Jesus, or perhaps celebration and abundance with Jesus.

Mrs Anne Livette-Vial | High Potential & Enrichment Teacher

Year 8 had a blast recently on Camp! We were blessed with beautiful weather for our bush walk and beach day, which meant lots of fun, games and laughs in the sun. We also enjoyed heading to Flip Out, Clip 'N Climb and Laser Tag for some more fun and year group bonding.

Above all though, with the theme of the camp being ‘Fearfully & Wonderfully Made,’ based on Psalm 139, we enjoyed an epic devotion from Rev (which even involved him shaving his head - you’ll have to ask him about the meaning behind that one!), along with worship time and small group Bible studies led by Years 11 and 12 students, focusing on verses that highlight God’s love for us and the way He has individually crafted each of us for a unique purpose.

It was an encouraging, challenging (in the best way), and fun-filled couple of days! We are now looking forward to our big RCRT adventure next year.

Miss Kayla Christensen | Year 8 Year Advisor

YEAR 10 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION TO WAMBERAL BEACH

On Friday 29th August, Year 10 Geography students visited Wamberal Beach to investigate the biophysical interactions shaping the coastline and how these overlap with human activity. A key focus was the ongoing issue of erosion, which has worsened in recent years due to stronger and more frequent storms.

Students examined the impacts on residents, including risks to property and safety, and explored the range of management strategies being proposed. They also considered the differing perspectives within the community on how best to respond to this challenge.

It was a valuable day of learning outside the classroom, giving students the chance to connect theory with real-world examples.

Mr Jonathan Eloff | HSIE Learning Leader

INTERSCHOOL CHESS CHALLENGE

Two of our Secondary students attended the Semi-Finals of the Sydney Chess Academy Interschool Chess Challenge at The Entrance Public School on Thursday 28th August. There was a full hall of both Junior and Secondary students, all vying to win 7 games of chess each. Both Sam and Micah played with grace and excellence, and each won 5 out of the 7 games they played. Micah ended the day 5th and Sam 6th out of almost 30 students. As they were only a team of two, they couldn’t make the finals; however, they were outstanding representatives of WCCS and participated with great sportsmanship. They are both looking forward to next year.

Mr Nathan Crumbley | Junior School Teacher

SECONDARY CSSA STATE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

On Thursday 28th August, a group of our dedicated Secondary students travelled to Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre (SOPAC) to compete in the CSSA Secondary Athletics Carnival, representing both WCCS and the Hunter Zone with pride and determination.

The weather provided perfect racing conditions, and our students made the most of it - competing with energy, sportsmanship, and a joyful spirit throughout the day. Their efforts contributed to an outstanding overall result. Our Hunter Zone placed 2nd overall, just behind the Far West Zone – a significant achievement and testament to the strength, talent, and unity of our athletes.

Our students displayed our school values, showing respect to competitors, cheering each other on with love and compassion, and having an all-round fantastic day. Whether on the track, in the field, or from the sidelines our team supported one another with integrity and joy. A big thank you to our staff for their efforts in supporting our students throughout the day.

A highlight of the day was finding out the following students have qualified in achieving 3rd or better in one or more events and will go on to represent WCCS and CSSA at the annual NSW CIS Athletics Championships later this month; Amelia H, James C, Ezra D, Mathias W, Tom F, Orlando G and Marlo E. Congratulations! We will be praying for safety and excellence as you compete.

SECONDARY ZONE GIRLS FUTSAL GALA DAY

On Tuesday 2nd September, our school proudly sent three Junior Girls Futsal teams to Maitland for a day of fast-paced competition and fun. The girls represented WCCS with energy, determination, and a strong sense of team spirit.

It was a great day filled with close matches, teamwork and moments of brilliant play. Our three teams (Junior Girls Division 1, Division 2 and Open Girls) rose to the challenge, competing well against strong opposition and demonstrating impressive growth throughout the day.

We’re excited to share that both Junior Girls teams placed 3rd in their pools, a solid achievement in a competitive field. More importantly, the girls showed incredible sportsmanship, respect, and resilience, living out our school values of integrity, compassion, excellence, respect and service.

Their positive attitude and encouragement of one another did not go unnoticed. We thank the coaches and staff who attended the Gala Day and value the contributions they made in supporting our Futsal teams. A special congratulations to the following students for receiving our Colossians 3:17 award: Isabelle J, Chloe N and Maddy P. Congratulations.

SECONDARY ZONE BOYS BASKETBALL GALA DAY

Last Tuesday 2nd September, we sent four of our Basketball teams to Newcastle for a day of competition against other Christian Schools in our Zone conference. Representing us were the Junior Boys Division 1, Junior Boys Division 2, Open Boys Division 1, and Open Boys Division 2 teams.

It was a great day of Basketball filled with energy, intensity, and plenty of memorable moments. The competition was tough, with each game our teams rallied together, played their best and improving as the day progressed. Our teams walked away with mixed results on the scoreboard, but the true victory was in the way our players conducted themselves both on and off the court.

Throughout the day, our students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, excellence, and integrity – values that define who we are as a school community.

A big thank you to our coaches and student volunteers who supported the teams and helped make the day a success. We really value your positive contribution and support in the lead up and on the Gala Day. A special congratulations to the following students who have been nominated by their coaches for our Colossians 3:17 award; Zeke V, Brayden B, Tom H and Ashton C. For participating in sport in a way that honours God and plays with compassion, kindness, humility and love. Congratulations.

SECONDARY NETBALL & VOLLEYBALL GALA DAY

Last Friday 5th September, we proudly sent three teams (Senior Boys Netball, Senior Girls Netball, and Open Mixed Volleyball) to Charlton Christian College for a day of friendly inter-school competition.

It was a fantastic opportunity for both schools to come together and celebrate sport, teamwork, and community spirit. Throughout the day, our students displayed outstanding sportsmanship, competing with grace, respect, integrity, and humility in a series of exciting netball and volleyball matches.

We are thrilled to share that WCCS returned home with some well-deserved silverware in both the Mixed Volleyball and Senior Boys Netball competitions - an excellent achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our student athletes. Congratulations to all the players who represented our school with such pride and character.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Charlton Christian College for hosting the event and for providing a delicious lunch for our students. We also extend our gratitude to our coaching staff for their time, guidance, and commitment in preparing our teams.

We look forward to more opportunities like this that allow us to build community through sport and celebrate the values that make our school community strong. A special congratulations to the following students on receiving our Colossians 3:17 award; Ryan W, Ala M and Cooper N.

Mr Nathan Irvine | Secondary School Sport Coordinator