School Newsletter

Being Present in the Moment

Our Senior Leadership Team meets regularly, and part of that meeting is a segment that resembles a book club. Rather than exploring fiction, we read books that focus mostly on biblical leadership and discuss how these teachings apply to the leadership opportunities and challenges we face in our school community. It's valuable professional development that strengthens both our spiritual foundations and our leadership practice.

Currently, we're reading Stirrers and Saints by Dr Brian Harris, whom we were blessed to have visit and spend a day with during our Staff Professional Development week last July. His book addresses a gap that many experience: the distance between deep spirituality and effective leadership.

Timely, the chapters we've been reading align with some of my own reflections. Recently, I've been thinking about how we orient ourselves in time. Many of us spend considerable energy dwelling on the past - replaying decisions, relationships, hurts, or moments we wish we could change. Others among us live perpetually focused on "what's next," always planning, anticipating, reaching for the next milestone or possession.

While it's natural and necessary to reflect on the past and plan for the future, living predominantly in either place diminishes the gift we have right now - this present moment. I've noticed this in my own life. My loved ones have often found me "miles away," mentally replaying an earlier conversation or running through tomorrow's to-do list, rather than being fully present with them. Unfortunately for them, and for me, I sometimes even do it audibly! Maybe you can relate to that.

Being fully present is a skill that I believe our society is losing. In our busy, anxious world, we're losing the art of giving others our full attention, allowing ourselves time to genuinely reflect and contemplate, and even enjoying the beauty of rest. More significantly, when our minds are elsewhere, we miss the opportunity to truly spend time in God’s presence.

C.S. Lewis beautifully described the present moment as "The point at which time touches eternity." God is with us right now, not in yesterday's regrets or tomorrow's worries, but in this very moment.

Jesus himself addressed our tendency toward worry in Matthew 6:25-27:

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

An Invitation

I want to encourage all of us to practice being in the moment. Put down the phone during dinner. Listen fully when your child shares about their day. Notice the beauty around you. Focus on the sounds of nature. I am confident that God presents us with many opportunities to commune with Him, but we tend to be so distracted that we just don't hear. Take time to be still before God.

It's in the present moment that we can truly experience God. May we learn together to live more fully in the "now" where God meets us.

God bless,

• WCCS Open Day - Tuesday 10th March (Week 7)
• Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 NAPLAN Testing Commences - Wednesday 11th March (Week 7)
• Wellbeing Week - Monday 9th to Friday 13th March (Week 7)

• Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Interviews (3:30-5:30pm) - Monday 23rd March (Week 9)

• Years K-11 Parent Teacher Interviews (3:30-8:30pm) - Tuesday 24th March (Week 9)

• Secondary School World's Greatest Shave - Wednesday 25th March (Week 9)

• Junior School Crazy Hair Day - Friday 27th March (Week 9)

• Junior School Celebration Assembly (9am) - Wednesday 1st April (Week 10)
• Secondary School Celebration Assembly (11:45am) - Wednesday 1st April (Week 10)
• Years K-12 Easter Service (9am) - Thursday 2nd April (Week 10)
• Years K-12 Cross Country Carnival & Community Picnic - Thursday 2nd April (Week 10)

STAFF BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations to Mr Charles Jones and his wife, Jade, on the birth of their daughter, Maria Elizabeth Jones. Praise God for Maria's safe arrival and pray for Charles and Jade as they adjust to being a family of three.

STAFF WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

Congratulations to Mrs Keyra Funnel on her marriage to Jacob. We pray that Keyra and Jacob will continue to keep God at the centre of their lives, and that they will trust Him to guide and strengthen their marriage.

PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS (SEMESTER ONE)

Parent-Teacher Interviews for Semester One will be held in Week 9 of Term 1 on the following dates:

• Junior School (Years K-6) - Tuesday 24th March from 3:30-8:30pm
• Secondary School (Years 7-11) - Monday 23rd March from 3:30-5:30pm and Tuesday 24th March from 3:30-8:30pm

Booking information has been emailed to families.

WOOSH EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

WOOSH / OSHC & Vacation Care – Wyong Baptist Church
Nominated Supervisor & Educational Leader

Wyong Baptist Church is seeking an experienced Nominated Supervisor / Educational Leader to lead our thriving before and after school program and Vacation Care (WOOSH).

This full-time leadership role combines team leadership, educational oversight and operational excellence within a flexible and supportive environment. You’ll shape engaging, high-quality programs for children while leading a strong team in a Christ-centred church community.

If you bring a love for Jesus and ministry, OSHC or education-based experience, confidence in compliance, and a passion for building vibrant, child-focused programs - we would love to hear from you.

Please email jacqui@wyongbaptist.org to request a detailed position description.

WCCS OPEN DAY

If you have friends or family who may be considering WCCS for their child/ren, we warmly invite them to attend our upcoming Open Day tomorrow (Tuesday 10th March 2026). It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore our community and begin planning for the future. As places can fill quickly, we encourage families to consider applying early.

For further information or to register, please click here.

YEAR 11 WORLD'S GREATEST SHAVE

On Wednesday 25th March (Week 9), our Year 11 students and staff will take part in the World's Greatest Shave, in support of and raising funds for, the Leukaemia Foundation, supporting Australians facing blood cancer.

If you would like to donate, please click here or scan the QR code below.

COMMUNITY PICNIC & CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL

WYONG BAPTIST CHURCH PLAYTIME

Playtime is a community playgroup run on the grounds of Wyong Baptist Church near the Good Day Cafe. Playtime runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11am, during school terms. All are welcome, and it’s a lovely way to meet other school and community families.

If you would like more information, please email playtime@wyongbaptist.org

WOOSH VACATION CARE - APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Please click here to view the school holiday program for WOOSH Vacation Care.

• We give thanks for all the community building activities planned for our students during Wellbeing Week.
• We give thanks for the ongoing work of our School Board as they faithfully serve the WCCS community.
• We pray for our Years 11 & 12 students as a number of assessments are due across the coming weeks.
• We pray for our staff, students and families to experience God's healing hand if they are ill or injured.

As parents and carers, we are truly blessed to watch our children grow and develop - facing challenges, learning through experience, stepping into new adventures, and gradually becoming more responsible and responsive disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a joy to celebrate these seasons together as a community and certainly a blessing. Alongside these joys, there are moments when parenting can feel overwhelming. At times we may find ourselves wondering, “Am I the only one navigating this in my family?” Perhaps you are asking yourself: “Why isn’t my little one settling into big school yet?” or “Why has my once easy-going child become such an argumentative teenager?” If you have found yourself asking questions like these, you are not alone! Phew.

I continue to reflect on what it truly means to live in Christian Community. Perhaps part of this is creating space for open conversations and shared concerns—building trust and extending compassion to one another when we notice a friend is in a season of crisis. In Philippians 2:3–4, we are encouraged to value others above ourselves. What a beautiful reminder as we journey through the highs and lows of parenting together. May we strive to be a community that values meaningful conversations, welcomes vulnerability, supports one another through difficult moments, and celebrates the many joys along the way.

WELLBEING WEEK - WEEK 7

You may be aware that we are passionate about our students’ wellbeing here at WCCS and that this week is our Wellbeing Focus Week. This is an opportunity to be proactive in supporting our students from Years K-12 socially, emotionally, spiritually and academically - to come together in Christian community and support one another through the challenges of raising kids in a digital world.

This term we are focusing on Digital Wellbeing.

STRENGTHENING POSITIVE ONLINE BEHAVIOURS - PARENT SEMINAR

On Tuesday 10th March, we will be hosting a Parent Seminar, and although the evening will be targeted to parents and carers of students in Years 7-9, all families are welcome to attend.

Are you curious about the realities of young people’s online experiences today? Do you sometimes wonder how social media, gaming, messaging and constant connectivity might be shaping your child’s wellbeing, friendships and learning?

Recent research highlights why these conversations are becoming increasingly important for families and schools alike.

• 44% of Australian young people reported a negative online experience in the past six months, with 15% reporting they received threats or abuse online (eSafety Commissioner, 2023).
• Studies show a strong association between social media use, anxiety and risky behaviour (Vanucci et al., 2020; Shannon et al., 2022).
• Researchers have also identified the concept of “digital stress”—including approval anxiety, availability pressure, fear of missing out (FOMO), connection overload and constant online vigilance—which is linked to increased psychological distress (Khetawat & Steele, 2023).
• Emerging evidence suggests that social media addiction can negatively impact academic outcomes (Jabeen, 2023).

While these statistics may be confronting, they also provide an important opportunity for us to work together as a community.

If you are able, come along to our parent seminar, Strengthening Positive Online Behaviours. This session will explore research-based strategies to help families foster healthy digital habits at home while supporting the positive culture we seek to build within our school community.

Together we will discuss:

• Practical ways to encourage open and supportive conversations about online behaviour.
• Age-appropriate agreements and boundaries around technology use.
• Strategies to help young people develop healthy digital habits and resilience.
• Where families can go for guidance and support when challenges arise online.

One of the recommendations that is spoken about within the presentation is the value of togetherness and connection with our children, vulnerable, honest, welcoming relationships that maintain openness and transparency. This, according to research, is vital in safe guarding our children in the digital world. May I encourage you this week to sit at your dining table and share a meal that involves quality conversations without distraction – even in the mid-term busyness.

It would be wonderful to see many families represented at the seminar but I also recognise we are all busy people. Please take a look at the Tech Agreement document here and use it as you see fit for your family. May I also recommend looking through the resources provided on the eSafety Commissioner website. It is packed with current research-based strategies for managing your children’s online behaviour and is certainly worth a look!

God bless,

During Week 6, I happened to be sitting in on one of our Secondary School Bible studies. These are all student-driven, coordinated and run. Year 7 has one for boys and one for girls, Year 9 is combined, as is Year 10, and Year 11 is carrying theirs over from last year. They are completely voluntary and most of them meet during lunchtime on a weekly basis. Our Year 7 groups are led by some of our Year 12 Prefects, but the others are all peer-led.

It was obvious that the students were wrestling with some tricky life/faith issues, but what impressed me was how they were relating to each other. It was obviously a bit tense because of the topics discussed, but I sensed that they were trying hard to listen carefully to each other with respect. I have certainly seen adults not achieve this level of difficult conversation, and so I was really impressed by their patient listening, thoughtful answers and deep questions.

One question that seems to trouble a lot of people, let alone teenagers, is the question, "How can a loving God allow suffering and pain in our world?''

It is a question that always has an emotional component because when we ask it, we are reflecting on our own world experiences that have left scars. I, like you, have suffered at the hands of both evil acts and seemingly broken natural experiences. Sadly, I too, have committed acts that on a Godly standard would be considered evil. So, between the combination of a broken world and broken interpersonal actions, it seems life throws up a tangled mess of heartache.

Being a follower of Jesus though, does offer us a perspective that helps us with the problem of suffering. Obviously, it does not make suffering unavoidable, but rather, offers us hope and comfort in the middle of it. Firstly, Jesus identifies with us in our suffering by having endured the worst kind of suffering known to be invented by humans…the cross. No other faith claims to have a god that would do this.

Secondly, at the cross, Jesus conquered death and promised an eternity with Him that involves no suffering. Revelation 21:3-4 encourages us with these words, 'And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”'

Having an eternal perspective shifts our focus from the now to the not yet, a strategy that we already use in so many other aspects of our lives without even realising it. Training for a season of football, studying for the HSC, being a parent of a toddler, tween or teenager are all examples of hoping in the not yet.

In our next Q&A I’ll pick up on the “Why?” question that walks hand-in-hand with this edition's question.

YEAR 12 STUDENT LEADERS

We will be getting to know our Year 12 Student Leaders in the Newsletter this term. This week we are introducing Joel and Makayla.

ANZAC DAY AT WCCS

During Week 1 of Term 2, on Friday 24th April at 12pm, the school will be holding a Years K-12 combined Anzac Day Ceremony. During the ceremony, we would like to commemorate and pay respect to the family members within the WCCS community who have served in past wars.

During the laying of the wreath ceremony, we are going to give students the opportunity to lay some flowers where we lay our wreath during the ceremony. Students can bring some flowers on the day and when the wreath is being laid, they are able to come up and place flowers down also as a sign of respect. If your child in interested in doing this, please email me and let me know.

We are also making a photo montage in the hope that students make deeper connections and relevance as to why we reflect on, and remember Anzac Day. This year, we are encouraging students from both Junior and Secondary School as well as staff to submit pictures of loved ones to be a part of this collage. We would also like to print these off and display these montages in the library during the month of April.

Lastly, we would like a student or two to speak during the ceremony about their family member who has or is currently serving. Please contact me if your child would be interested in helping the service out.

If you have a family member that you would like to include in the montage, please email a photo with the following details to the email address listed below.

Name of relative:

Family relation to you: E.g. Great grandfather of...

War/s they served in:

Their role: e.g a be soldier, nurse, navy, pilot, peacekeeping mission, etc

Enquiries or pictures can be submitted to - lmakepeace@wyongccs.nsw.edu.au

ANZAC DAY MORNING SERVICE

This year for the Anzac Day 10am morning service on Saturday 25th April, WCCS has the opportunity to march in the parade. If you have had a relative serve or is currently serving and you would like the opportunity for your child to participate in the parade, please let me know and further details will be provided.

Enquiries can be submitted to - lmakepeace@wyongccs.nsw.edu.au

POPPY PROJECT FOR ANZAC DISPLAY

Our school is proud to be creating a special ANZAC display this year and we invite our community to be part of this meaningful project. We are seeking donations of handmade crocheted poppies to feature in the display. Lunchtime crochet groups will be running at school for students in both Junior and Secondary School for students who would like to get involved.

If you would like more information on how to make them or wish to get involved, please contact me on the email below.

We look forward to working together to honour and remember those who have served our country.

PREMIER'S ANZAC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Applications for the 2026 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship are now open.

The Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship gives NSW Year 10 History and Year 11 Modern History students the opportunity to travel on a study tour to develop their knowledge and understanding of the history of Australians at war. Accompanied by a military historian the tour includes visits to significant battlefields, war memorials, war cemeteries, museums, and historic sites to learn about and commemorate the service of Australian men and women in the World Wars and other conflicts.

The 2026 Premier’s Anzac Memorial Scholarship Tour will visit locations in Greece and Crete during the 2026 Term 3 school holidays.

If you would like more information and help putting an application together, please contact me via email.

Mrs Linda Makepeace | Secondary HSIE Teacher

NSW ALL SCHOOL TRIATHLON

Last week, two of our talented students (Ezra D and Skye D) proudly represented WCCS at the NSW All Schools Triathlon in Sydney, taking on some of the state’s strongest young multi-sport athletes in what proved to be a fantastic day of racing. With reasonable conditions, both students embraced the challenge and delivered performances to be proud of.

Competing in the highly competitive Junior Boys division, Ezra produced an outstanding performance, finishing 6th overall out of 193 athletes. He recorded strong, consistent splits across all three disciplines - swim, bike and run - demonstrating both his preparation and composure under pressure. From a confident swim start, through a powerful and controlled ride, to a determined run home, his race reflected maturity and focus.

In addition to the Triathlon, Ezra also competed in the Aquathlon (swim and run) event, where he once again represented with distinction. Backing up to race again requires both physical resilience and mental toughness, and he rose to the occasion, delivering another very strong performance.

With these performances, Ezra is now looking ahead to the National Championships next month, eager to test himself against the best young athletes from across Australia in the main Triathlon event.

Skye also delivered a commendable performance, racing with heart and determination. Competing in a strong field, she worked hard throughout the event and made solid ground in the mid-pack, giving her absolute best from start to finish. Her resilience across the swim, bike and run legs was evident, and the experience of racing at this level will no doubt fuel her her future racing events.

For the sibling duo, competing together on the NSW All Schools stage made the experience even more special. Representing WCCS at such a prestigious event is an achievement in itself, and both students displayed sportsmanship, commitment and pride throughout the experience.

We congratulate them on their efforts and look forward to following Ezra's journey at Nationals next month. A big shout out to Ezra and Skye's parents and coaches, whose ongoing support, training guidance and encouragement play such an important role in their success. Achievements like these are truly a team effort. Congratulations Ezra and Skye!

Mr Nathan Irvine | Secondary Sports Coordinator

JUNIOR SCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL HOUSE AND AGE CHAMPIONS

House Champion:

Congratulations to the following age champions for 2026:

JUNIOR SCHOOL ZONE SWIMMING CARNIVAL

On Friday 20th February, 27 Junior School students represented WCCS at the Zone Swimming Carnival. The carnival this year was held at The Forum Pool, Newcastle University. The students cheered on their fellow team mates all day. It was great to have parents in attendance this year cheering on the competitors. Special thanks must go to Mr Hodges and Mr Knibbs who helped out on the day and also Mr Watts-Thomas and for being a great team manager all day.

At the end of the day, WCCS was named Zone Champions. This is the first time in the school's history that we have placed 1st overall and the first time ever that it wasn’t either Belmont Christian College or Green Point Christian College. This is an outstanding achievement and all students should be proud of themselves and how they all contributed to becoming Zone Champions.

As well as the team achievement, 10 students came home with Age Champion medals and many more progressed onto the CSSA Swimming Carnival.

Congratulations to the following Age Champions: Stevie B (3rd, 8 Years Girls), Ivy C (3rd, 9 Years Girls), Jack T (1st, 9 Years Boys), Holly P (2nd, 10 Years Girls), Chloe P (2nd, 11 Years Girls), Addison T (3rd, 11 Years Girls), Archer W (1st, 11 Years Boys), Lachlan G (2nd, 11 Years Boys), Myah J (1st, 12 Years Girls) and Harvey C (2nd 12 Years Boys).

As well as these students, the following students qualified for the CSSA Swimming Carnival, held on Thurdsay 5th March: Nixon A, Stevie B, Sebastian B, Ivy C, Harvey C, Lachlan G, Zachary G, Hannah G, Myah J, Xavier J, Chloe P, Holly P, Jack T, Addison T and Archer W. That comes to a total of 15 students qualifying for CSSA, which is an outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to the students who participated on the day. It was a wonderful day and all of the students should be proud of their efforts and the way they represented the school.

Mr Dean Knibbs | Junior School Sports Coordinator

Last month, Year 12 Geography students headed to Sydney for a two-day fieldwork excursion focused on urban environments and coastal ecosystems.

The trip began early on Wednesday morning with students meeting at Wyong Train Station before travelling to Barangaroo in Sydney’s CBD. At Barangaroo, students explored one of Sydney’s most recent urban redevelopment areas and looked at how the space has been designed to balance business, public recreation, and environmental sustainability.

Throughout the day, students completed a range of fieldwork activities including soil and water pH testing, urban liveability surveys and observing local marine species through a supervised catch-and-release fishing activity. These activities helped students investigate how environmental, social, and economic factors influence the way cities are planned and developed.

After a busy day in the city, the group travelled by ferry across Sydney Harbour to Cockatoo Island where they stayed overnight in pre-pitched tents. The island provided a unique place for students to relax and take in views of the harbour.

On Thursday, the group travelled to Watsons Bay to study coastal environments. Students completed a geomorphic hazard walk, observing coastal cliffs and erosion processes, before continuing along the Gap coastal walk to examine vegetation, marine habitats and biodiversity. They also carried out a bio-indicator survey to help assess the health of the local ecosystem.

The excursion gave students the opportunity to apply the fieldwork skills they have been learning in class while exploring some of Sydney’s most well-known locations.

Mr Jonathan Eloff | HSIE Learning Leader