Chapter 22 of the book of 1 Kings tells the story of Ahab the King of Israel trying to determine whether he should go into battle against the Arameans. He enlists the help of Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah. They agree that it would be good to “first seek the counsel of the Lord.” The challenge in this instance was that there was only one prophet, Micaiah, through whom they could inquire of the Lord; however, Ahab explained to Jehoshaphat, “I don’t like him because he never prophesies anything good about me, always bad.” (1 Kings 22:8)
The story goes on that Micaiah does indeed get brought before the two kings. All the other people around the kings were telling them to go into battle because they would win. Micaiah goes on to explain that it will not go well for them if they do attack the Arameans. The kings ignore his advice, go into battle, and ultimately King Ahab is killed.
We feel a bit unsettled when we receive feedback that is troubling to hear. Working through what is helpful and constructive and what has a self-serving agenda is not always easy. With the advent of the online world, social media and anonymity, the ease by which people feel empowered to make comment, provide feedback or criticise has meant that we all are likely to have to navigate this challenge at some point.
What a blessing that we have God’s word, written in the Bible, to calibrate all the feedback we receive. Whether it is positive or negative information, determining whether it aligns with biblically based beliefs, values and behaviour, has been a helpful notion to clarify whether it is feedback that I need to take on board.
When Jesus walked the earth, He certainly had the attitude, ‘I will tell you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear.’ Sadly, the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders at the time couldn’t cope with such feedback, so they organised to have Jesus executed.
When I reflect on 1 Kings 22, I’m reminded that truth is not always comfortable, yet it is always essential. Ahab’s rejection of Micaiah’s warning illustrates the danger of surrounding ourselves with voices that affirm what we want to hear rather than what we need to hear, a choice that ultimately led to his downfall. In our own lives, feedback—whether positive or confronting—requires discernment and humility, as Scripture consistently encourages us to embrace honest correction as a pathway to wisdom and growth. God’s Word provides a steady reference point, helping us weigh what is true amid the many competing voices of our world. Just as Jesus spoke truth even when it was rejected, we are called to value truth over comfort, trusting that it is through hearing and heeding what we need, rather than simply what we want, that we are shaped into people of integrity and faith.
God bless,
Community News
Community News - Week 9, Term 2
TERM 2 CELEBRATION ASSEMBLIES
Our Term 2 Celebration Assemblies will be held on Friday 3rd July (Week 11) in our Multi-Purpose Centre at the following times:
Junior School - 9am
Secondary School - 2pm
Parents of award recipients will be notified via email by Wednesday 24th June (Week 10).
WCCS SECONDARY SCHOOL PRODUCTION - TMWS
Secondary School students will be performing 'This Murder Was Staged' (TMWS), a fast‑paced mystery comedy that turns opening night into total chaos. Just as the perpetrator is about to be revealed, disaster strikes, the director collapses on stage, and the theatre instantly becomes a live crime scene. With everyone from the cast and crew to even the audience under suspicion, it’s up to a determined detective to uncover the truth before the final curtain falls.
This clever and entertaining production is filled with sharp dialogue, unexpected twists and plenty of laughs. It’s a wonderful showcase of student creativity, teamwork and dramatic flair, brought to life through weeks of dedication and rehearsal.
Recommended for audiences in Year 5 and above, TMWS is suitable for older Junior School students, Secondary students and adults. The storyline contains mystery themes presented in a light‑hearted, theatrical way, making it an engaging and enjoyable night out for families.
Join us for an evening of suspense, humour and outstanding student performance - you won’t want to miss it!
Performance Details
Tuesday 30th June - Doors open at 6:30pm for a 6:45pm start
Wednesday 1st July - Doors open at 6:30pm for a 6:45pm start
Thursday 2nd July - Doors open at 6:30pm for a 6:45pm start
There will be a 10-minute intermission during the performances.
We are excited to announce that our NAIDOC Week Assembly will be held on Thursday 30th July at 12:15pm in celebration of the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Families are warmly invited to attend this event. It will be a meaningful occasion where we reflect on this year’s NAIDOC theme, 50 Years Of Deadly, where we will have a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples as guest speakers in a panel discussion.
We are also encouraging our students and the school community to get involved and help out with the assembly. Whether it’s through speaking, performing, welcoming guests, assisting with setup, or helping out with the bake sale, it’s a great opportunity to be part of something special and show leadership. Those who would like to participate can sign up and contact me on the email below or come and speak to me at school. Let’s come together as a school community to honour and celebrate First Nations' voices and cultures.
Years 8 & 10 Subject Selection Evening - Tuesday 16th June (Week 9)
Secondary School Production (Evening Performances) - Tuesday 30th June, Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd July (Week 11)
Junior School Celebration Assembly (9am) - Friday 3rd July (Week 11)
Secondary School Celebration Assembly (2pm) - Friday 3rd July (Week 11)
Last Day of Term 2 - Friday 3rd July (Week 11)
Prayer Points - Week 9, Term 2
We give thanks for the way God worked across the Christian Ministry & Theology retreat.
We give thanks for all of the Year 11 student applicants applying for leadership in 2027.
We pray for our Year 6 students and staff as they head to Canberra and the snow.
We continue to pray for all of the approvals to come through for 1 North Road.
Junior School News
Junior School News - Week 9, Term 2
Greetings friends of Junior School.
As we move through another wonderful term in Junior School, we continue to be thankful for the vibrant learning, growth and community that fills our classrooms each day. It has been a joy to see students embracing opportunities to learn, serve and encourage one another as they seek to live out our School Values of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence and Service.
Across Junior School, students have been engaging enthusiastically in their learning, demonstrating curiosity, perseverance and a willingness to challenge themselves. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, in Chapel or through co-curricular activities, it has been encouraging to witness so many examples of kindness, courage and servant-hearted leadership. These everyday moments remind us that education is about far more than academic achievement; it is about helping children discover who they are in Christ and equipping them to use their gifts to love God and serve others.
This term, our students have continued to explore what it means to flourish as learners and as people of faith. We are reminded of the words of Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” It is a privilege to partner with families as we seek to nurture children who are growing in wisdom, character and faith, and who understand that their worth comes not from what they achieve, but from being deeply loved by God.
As we enter the busy final weeks of term, it is also worth remembering that children can sometimes experience feelings of tiredness, worry or anxiety. While these feelings are a normal part of life, there are simple strategies that can help children regulate their emotions and feel more settled. Encouraging children to take slow, deep breaths, spend time outdoors, engage in physical activity, maintain healthy sleep routines and talk openly with a trusted adult can all support their wellbeing. For younger children, calm activities that focus on noticing what they can see, hear and feel can help bring their attention back to a state of calm.
As Christians, we also have the gift of bringing our worries to God. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Taking time to pray together, reflect on God's promises and remember His constant presence can be a powerful source of comfort and reassurance for children and adults alike.
As a community, we are also grateful for the faithful service of Mrs Brown and Mrs McKay, who will be commencing Long Service Leave for some of next term. We thank them for the care, dedication and encouragement they have shown to so many students and families over the years and pray that this season provides them with opportunities for rest, refreshment and enjoyment with loved ones.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support throughout the term. It is a privilege to journey alongside your children as they learn, grow and develop into the young people God has created them to be.
God bless,
Secondary School News
Secondary School News - Week 9, Term 2
As we approach the halfway mark of the year, it is that distinct, crisp season where the leaves on the liquidambars around the school turn from gold to amber, then a deep burgundy before eventually falling off in the depths of winter. It is a time of year that visually reminds us that there are cycles and seasons in life. There are, of course, seasons in each of our own lives also, some more predictable than others. If your child is going through a particularly tough season at the moment, please reach out to a member of the Secondary School Wellbeing Team (your child’s Home Room teacher, Year Advisor, Head of Secondary School Wellbeing, or a member of the school Counselling Team), so that we can partner with your family in supporting your children through difficult seasons.
Week 7 in our school marked Wellbeing Week. A week in our term calendar where we deliberately program education, events and experiences that are designed to educate and enhance student wellbeing. This term we had:
Years 9, 10 and 11 take part in some workshops run by Compassion, to develop empathy and understanding of others.
The June Push-Up Challenge was launched, with students being encouraged to sign up to raise awareness and funds for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, while building community and encouraging fitness – two key factors in improving individual wellbeing. This initiative has been led by our wonderful Year 11 students.
Our Year 10 students travelled to Sydney for “Stand Tall 2026”, where they joined with over 7,000 other students from around the state, as they were encouraged to take a stand against bullying, persevere through adversity and celebrate strengths and differences in others. Our students indeed stood tall and were a credit to our school. It was a pleasure to join them on this day.
We celebrated “Every Tribe and Tongue" in our school community. This event draws its name from the passage of Scripture in Revelation 7, which describes the global diversity of believers united in the Kingdom of God. It was a joy to watch our students learn about other cultures that make up our wonderful community (and enjoy the tastes of their unique cuisine, of course!).
Finally, students connected the dots from all of this, enjoying discussions in smaller groups in Home Room about personal wellbeing and connection in our school community.
As we turn our attention to Week 9 and beyond, families are encouraged to keep a close eye on the school calendar for key dates and events coming up. There are many, which is a reminder of what busy places schools are! Among all of these, we’d like to finish by reminding families of this week’s Subject Selection Information Evening (Tuesday 16th June), which kick-starts the all-important process of our current Year 8 and 10 students selecting which electives they would like to study in 2027 and beyond. Please refer to the information previously emailed to Years 8 and 10 families for more details.
God bless,
Q & A With Rev
Q & A with Rev - Week 9, Term 2
It has been a couple of editions since I last put fingers to the keyboard, as life at school has been somewhat hectic over the last while. Over the weekend, for example, I was away with Mrs Drennan and 19 Year 11 students in Sydney. This is for the subject we teach called Christian Ministry and Theology (CMT), a Certificate 3 course offered during Year 11. The focus for this weekend’s retreat was answering the question, “What is mission?” Our mission as staff was to keep 19 students safe during the last weekend of Vivid in the heart of Sydney. I am pleased to say we achieved our mission’s objective.
For our students though, this question of mission is something that they will continue to wrestle with. What is it that God is calling them to do? Who is it that God is calling them to be? And who is it that God might be sending them to? These questions can be answered both collectively and individually with answers that sometimes align or sometimes see different paths trodden. Our students had to answer these questions not just in a spiritual and theological framework but also in a very practical sense as they sought to “Bless the City”.
The challenge that our students faced was how to creatively respond to the call to mission whilst they were in Sydney. The students chose to put together some care packages for those living on the streets and to start conversations with them during the encounter. Some were even able to pray for the people they met, and our students were deeply moved by the experience. In the conversations they had with people on the street, they endeavoured to reflect Jesus’ love and kindness. It is an experience of mission that they will remember for years to come.
One of the side highlights, the unexpected delights of the time on Saturday, was meeting street evangelists. Some of our students were able to hand out flyers about God’s love as they joined in. On Saturday night though, as we walked down George Street with about a million other people, we came across some street evangelists with a guitar and microphone. As they preached, they invited our students to join in singing for the crowd. Let’s just say, this will be one of those memories our students will never forget. They sang their hearts out, danced, jumped and shone the light of Jesus so bright that people came and joined in with joy. God’s mission of love was alive, vibrant and overflowing. What a privilege to witness God working so powerfully through our students!
REACH - Student Extension
REACH - Student Extension - Week 9, Term 2
WORLD SCHOLAR'S CUP
What an incredible two days of challenge, learning and fun we have had at the World Scholar’s Cup Hunter Round! We are extremely proud of all of our teams. It was a delight to watch our scholars persevere through demanding academic challenges and demonstrate brilliant teamwork. The judges and teachers from other schools consistently commented on how impressed they were by the strength of our students.
There were 53 teams and 159 scholars competing at the event. We entered 9 teams, comprising of 27 scholars and achieved outstanding results.
A special congratulations to those who achieved placings this round. Most impressively, all 27 of our scholars qualified for the World Scholar's Cup Global Round in Christchurch, New Zealand, in September 2026.
Highlights
16 individual scholars were recognised as Debate Champions, with one scholar placing 3rd in the Junior division and another achieving 3rd for Seniors. Six of our teams achieved Silver or Gold placing, with one team placing 3rd overall (Junior) and one team coming 1st (Senior).
15 individual scholars were recognised as Writing Champions, with two students placing 1st and 2nd in the Senior division. Seven teams achieved Silver or Gold placing, with two of our teams taking out 1st place in both the Junior and Senior divisions.
5 of our teams were nominated champions in the Team Bowl event.
Team Challenge – 7 of our scholars were named champions in the very difficult Challenge event, focusing on how a variety of subjects interacted with the theme ‘Are we there yet?’
Champion Scholars and Teams – 9 students received a silver or gold Champion scholars medal, with one student coming 3rd overall and impressively, two teams taking out 3rd overall in the Junior and Senior divisions.
EXTENSION WRITING
Our Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 Extension Writing students had a wonderful time at the recent Ripples Writing Workshops, held at the new Gosford Library and the new Gosford Campus of the University of Newcastle. Our young writers enjoyed meeting successful authors, were inspired by great talks and enjoyed extending their skills through writing workshops.
We are looking forward to once more offering our students the opportunity to further develop their higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills through ICAS, a highly acclaimed online academic competition. Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area, and a results report to track their development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.
The dates of this year’s competitions are as follows:
ICAS Digital Technologies competition: Monday 3rd - Friday 7th August (Years 2-7)
Our students recently represented the school at the HCSZS Netball Gala Day held in Charlestown. With fantastic weather throughout the day, it was a great opportunity for students to compete, develop their skills, and enjoy the spirit of inter-school sport.
We took four teams to the Gala Day, including Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Senior Boys and Senior Girls teams. All students represented the school with excellence, displaying sportsmanship, teamwork, and encouragement towards one another both on and off the court. It was pleasing to see students support their teammates, celebrate successes, and show resilience when faced with challenges throughout the day.
The standard of competition was high, and all teams should be commended for their effort, attitude, and commitment. More importantly, our students carried themselves exceptionally well and reflected the values of our school in the way they competed and interacted with others.
Congratulations to all students who participated and thank you to our coaches and supporters who helped make the day such a success.
SECONDARY SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Despite less-than-ideal weather conditions, our annual Secondary School Athletics Carnival was a tremendous success. While the forecast threatened to dampen the day, it certainly didn't dampen the spirits of our students. The enthusiasm, energy, and positive attitudes displayed throughout the carnival were outstanding, with students embracing every event and making the most of a fantastic day of competition.
The carnival was filled with friendly rivalry, sportsmanship, house pride, and plenty of fun. Students competed with determination and resilience, while also encouraging and supporting one another throughout the day. It was wonderful to see so many students stepping outside their comfort zones, giving their best effort and contributing valuable points to their House teams.
A special thank you must go to our dedicated staff whose contribution played a significant role in creating such a positive and enjoyable experience for all students.
A special acknowledgement must also go to our House Captains, who led their houses exceptionally well. They encouraged participation, supported students throughout the day, and helped build a strong sense of House spirit through their leadership and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to the following students who broke existing school records throughout the carnival despite the unfriendly conditions. This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to their hard work and athletic ability.
Record Breakers
Arlya R – 13 Years Girls (200m, 400m, 800m, Jnr Girls 1500m & High Jump)
Amelia H – 17 Years Girls (400m)
Joshua S – 12 Years Boys (Javelin & Discus)
Marlo E – 13 Years Boys (400m)
Orlando G – 15 Years Boys (800m)
House Point Totals
In 4th place on 900 points, Cuthbert! In 3rd place on 940 points, Bannister! In a close battle, only separated by 120 points, in second on 1,022 points, Ashe. Congratulations, Liddell, our 2026 Athletics champions!
Thank you to all students, staff and supporters who contributed to making this year's Athletics Carnival such a successful event. It was a day that showcased not only athletic talent, but also the strong sense of community, teamwork, and school spirit that we value so highly.
HCSZS SOCCER GALA DAY
Recently, our students travelled to Tamworth to compete in the annual Soccer Gala Day. Despite the early 5am departure and late 8:30pm return, students represented the school exceptionally well throughout the day.
Across all teams, students displayed great skill, sportsmanship, teamwork and encouragement. It was wonderful to see players supporting one another, building new friendships, and competing with excellence.
A special congratulations goes to our Junior Boys team, who were crowned Gala Day Champions after two thrilling penalty shootout victories. In the semi-final against Green Point Christian College, the boys scored a dramatic equaliser with less than a minute remaining before winning the shootout 3–1. Goalkeeper Van S played a key role, making several outstanding saves, leaning on the support from his teammates.
The grand final saw the boys face Maitland, the team that defeated them in last year's final. After a hard-fought 0–0 draw, the match again went to penalties. Van S stepped up once more with crucial saves, while the boys converted confidently to secure the championship victory.
Congratulations to the Junior Boys, who will now represent WCCS at the upcoming CSSA Football Gala Day in Week 10.
A sincere thank you to our staff who dedicated many weeks to coaching and preparing the teams. Their commitment and support helped make the day a great success for all involved.
CSSA STATE SECONDARY CROSS COUNTRY
Recently, 40 students travelled to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre to compete in the CSSA State Secondary Cross Country. While the forecast predicted challenging weather conditions, students were greeted with clear skies and sunshine, providing excellent conditions for racing.
Competing against students from Christian schools across New South Wales, our runners represented WCCS with determination, excellence, enthusiasm and passion. Whether racing or supporting from the sidelines, students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and encouraged one another throughout the day.
We are incredibly proud of the effort and commitment shown by all competitors. Cross Country is a demanding event that requires perseverance and resilience, and our students embraced the challenge with a positive attitude despite a challenging course.
A special congratulations goes to the following students who achieved outstanding results by placing in the top 10 of their respective age groups, earning selection to represent both WCCS and CSSA at the CIS (Combined Independent Schools) Cross Country Championships in Week 10 later this term:
CIS Qualifiers
Arlya R
Ezra D
Cody C
Amelia H
Ashton C
Congratulations to all students who competed and represented the school so positively. We wish our CIS qualifiers all the best as they prepare for the next stage of competition.
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