Lucas Wadds has demonstrated his impressive ability to be a relational learner. Lucas’s uncle (an Associate Professor at UNSW) recently visited Lucas’ class to share his knowledge. Whilst he was a relation of Lucas’s, ironically, that is not why Lucas is being commended for being a relational learner! It was Lucas’s willingness to learn relationally and collaboratively with his peers after the visit that was so encouraging. Lucas made detailed and thoughtful notes based on the discussion and without prompting, he willingly shared his notes with the class. His teacher, Mrs Corban, is always impressed by his passion for law and wanting to share this with his peers. 

Our next Learning leaders to be awarded are Tamara Dunkley and Zach Symons, both from Year 9 Commerce. They impressively engaged in their class ‘Smarties Challenge’ which involves a student choosing to do an independent research on topics of interest and relevant to our learning and share this with the class. It was interesting reading about inflation, the cost of living and the stock market. 

As always, my favourite part of the discussion I have with these students is when I ask the older student to share some advice to the younger students. Lucas gave timely and wise advice to make sure they keep up with writing revision notes throughout the duration of a course, and not leaving it all until the last minute. He also encouraged them to select subjects in Stage 6 that they enjoy doing, not ones based on friendship or teacher preference. Great advice, Lucas!

Mrs Natalie Bluhdorn
Academic Head

Teachers have been identifying ways for students to emulate both good learners and also positive role models. I have been encouraged by the applicability of CPX’s resources that are very helpful for schools in this space. Simon Smart has written a book called “The End of Men” which suggests that young boys should be shown how to be good men, and that promoting healthy masculinity is in everybody’s interests. In other words, our children need to be able to emulate people who hold and demonstrate certain values. We are so blessed to be part of a community that has Godly and wise people for our students to emulate, both within their school but also more widely at church, in the family or in other social networks such as sport. As we are encouraged in Ephesians 5:1 to “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children”, we can model for our students what it means to imitate God’s kindness, grace, patience and wisdom.

As our students are encouraged to intentionally apply reasoning skills to their learning, we have seen classrooms engaging in many activities that requires them to provide proof, to justify their thinking, to argue for and against certain perspectives and to ask big questions like “Who wants me to think what, and why? And How?” Students are being encouraged to distinguish between good reasoning and bad reasoning. As teachers, we are modelling for students the value of learning methodically, rigourously and systematically. We are helping students to:

• understand the logical connections between ideas
• identify, construct and evaluate arguments
• detect inconsistencies and common mistakes in reasoning
• solve problems systematically
• identify the relevance and importance of ideas

Of course, this looks differently depending on the age of the student, but it has been encouraging to work with the teachers to hear how the application of reasoning is a critical disposition for a good learner, no matter their age.

Mrs Natalie Bluhdorn
Academic Head

At the core of our leadership here at school is service, as we seek to educate students for a life of learning, service, and purpose to the glory of God. We model our leadership after our risen Saviour, Jesus. Jesus was the perfect example of servant leadership. In Mark 10:45, we read: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As we train, equip, and challenge our students to lead within our school—whether on a leadership team or not—we encourage them to be more like Christ in all they do.

With the current Year 12 cohort finishing up shortly, we have just completed the process of electing the new Year 12 Student Leadership Team. Following a written application, an interview process, and feedback from staff and senior students, Mrs Haralambou, Mrs Breen, and I selected 15 new leaders. This was a hugely encouraging process, as we heard each applicant share their Christian journey and their passion for our school. The final decision was a difficult one, and I want to encourage those who missed out not to be discouraged but rather to take the many opportunities presented to them over the next 12 months to lead, regardless of their position.

Therefore, I am excited to announce and present to our school community the new Student Leadership Team for 2024/25. Mrs Haralambou and I look forward to working closely with this group of students, utilising their skills, passion, and leadership capabilities to positively impact our school over the next 12 months.

These students will be presented to the rest of the Secondary School at our assembly on Monday, 9 September. Congratulations to the following students:

• Brianna Abrahams
• Hannah Barry
• Caitlyn Dunkley
• Anneke Chappelow
• Eva Homola
• Samantha Homola
• Charlotte Hopwood
• Ezekiel Hulskamp
• Joel Knight
• Chelsea Lucas
• Clayton McKay
• Tim Robertson
• Lucas Wadds
• Elizabeth Wilson
• Justin Verus

As parents, we have a responsibility to guide our children in using technology wisely, helping them to develop healthy habits that honour God. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to "start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it," which includes navigating the digital landscape with discernment and integrity.

I am excited to invite you to our upcoming 'Learning Together' seminar on digital parenting, led by Chris Parker. Chris is a respected expert in this field who will address these important issues from a Christian worldview. He will provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help us guide our children in developing healthy and safe digital habits, grounded in Biblical principles. 

This seminar is a wonderful opportunity for us—as parents, staff, and students—to come together, learn, and support each other in creating a positive online culture. I encourage all parents to attend, and we look forward to partnering with you as we guide your children to become wise and faithful digital citizens who reflect God’s love and truth in every aspect of their lives.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Secondary School

We have also been spending time over the past few weeks discussing the disposition of emulating, from our new learning framework.

Emulating encourages students to notice and adopt positive behaviours or strategies from others through some explicit thinking routines. Alongside our learning activities we have seen so clearly how the Bible challenges each one of us to be emulating the character of our Father in Heaven.

This week we have spent time considering how we can emulate the ‘light’ of Jesus in a world that is becoming increasingly dark. Matthew 5:16 states that ‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’

From attending excursions, to sporting and robotic events, to playing with friends in the playground and learning in our classrooms, there are constant opportunities to ‘shine bright’ the love and truth of the Gospel.

Mrs Ruth Cooper
Head of Junior School

Thanks to the dedication of passionate teachers and students, the game of AFL has not only been introduced at Shire Christian School in recent years but has flourished. 

One of those teachers, Mr Charleston, an eager AFL fan and Year 6 teacher, said the award recognised more than just the school’s growing progression in AFL.

“The school has a desire to provide an environment where students feel safe and supported to embrace new challenges – because that’s when they grow.”

“The Shire has historically been an NRL and soccer region, and it’s exciting to see our students giving AFL a go and increasing in enthusiasm.”

“This award is for the many students who have been involved over the past few years and tried something new. From those who helped get our Paul Kelly Cup team back off the ground in 2022, to the booked-out Auskick clinics after school with boys and girls as young as kindergarten age participating, AFL has certainly taken hold in The Shire.

“Next year we are hopeful to have a second Paul Kelly Cup team to accommodate the number of students eager to learn and play AFL,” Mr Charleston said.

The impact of these efforts has extended beyond the school gates, inspiring several students to join local AFL clubs, and fulfilling the school’s vision of raising leaders who positively impact the community in a Christ-like manner. 

In acknowledgement of the award, from as soon as next week, Shire Christian students will be able to make use of new AFL posts on the school oval. The multi-sport posts will allow for AFL, soccer and rugby style games to be played and can be removed and reconfigured as required.

Mr Charleston said he was thrilled by the way AFL had been adopted at Shire Christian School.

“The journey from unfamiliarity to excitement towards AFL demonstrates the willingness of our students to embrace new challenges and hopefully, in some, marks the beginning of a lifelong passion for Australia’s game,” said Mr Charleston.

Mr Charleston will officially accept the award on behalf of Shire Christian School at the AFL Grand Final on Saturday 28 September, and will take part in the Grand Final Parade.

The area, distinct from many schools, is greatly enjoyed by our students. One of the challenges we face in the area is effective weed control. 

This creative approach will provide effective ecological vegetation management and removes the need for us to use loud machinery or chemicals and pesticides that can harm the environment. 

Additionally, our students will enjoy sharing the site with the goats, from behind the safety of a fence and locked gate. The goats will be provided with temporary shelter and water.

We hope that this initiative will be beneficial for our site and the community.

Spike Prime Challenge

Congratulations to all seven teams! 

I am so proud of their dedication, clever, creative ideas, the support and encouragement they gave to each other and the many, many hours spent working on this challenge. A special commendation to our Shire Christian teams who received the top 3 placing for the state! An outstanding result for our school.

NSW Results

1st Place - The Charioteers- Shire Christian School
2nd Place - The SEMM's- Shire Christian School
3rd Place  - The Royals - Shire Christian School
4th Place  - Let there be Mammoths- Mount Sinai College

The 2024 theme was, “A Moment in Time”. Teams were challenged to design, build and program a robot that captured a significant event. Part of their submission included a folio documenting their research, development of ideas, build and code. They also produced a video showcasing their robot in action, detailing the challenges and successes they faced.

Robocup challenges students to apply critical and creative thinking skills, to problem solve, create, rework builds and code as required. Many times throughout the process, students felt they were deep in the learning pit; however, they continued to collaborate and persevere, with all 7 teams successfully submitting their entry for this year’s competition. A fantastic effort by all teams!

“Our moments” included creation of the first fire, the first Roman chariot race, the Wright Brothers first flight, Kathy Freemans 400 metre gold medal win at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Covid 19 Lockdown, the Coronation of King Charles and a future moment in time – a Rescue Pod designed to save people from natural disasters!

Robocup STATE Competition August 2024

Five of our Robocup Teams competed at the State Competition at Holy Cross College Ryde. 

Our Junior School teams competed in Riley Rescue and the Novice On Stage competitions. Congratulations to our Riley Rescue teams, who entered for the very first time this year. The teams programmed their robot to follow a line to enter a “Chemical spill” and rescue a capsule within a two-minute time frame. 

Congratulations to our On-Stage team- The Ozians, who placed 1st out of the 48 teams. For the competition they submitted a written folio, performed on stage with the robots in a choreographed routine and were interviewed about their code and technical paper.

Our Secondary Riley Rescue team made it to the finals and came third overall. A fantastic result competing again 20 other teams in their division. 

I am so proud of the Robotic teams this year and am thankful to our Robotics team parents, for their support, encouragement of our robotics program and allowing teams to meet after school each week.

Mrs Leonie Hampson

Sir Peter Cosgrove also served as Head of International Force East Timor (INTERFET) which led United Nations peacekeeping missions during the Crisis in East Timor from 1999-2000. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the mission and Sir Peter Cosgrove graciously gave his time to discuss his experiences in East Timor and the security mission as a part of the World Order Unit studied by our Legal Studies classes.

During the seminar with Sir Peter Cosgrove, Year 11 and 12 were given insight into Australia’s largest military involvement since the Vietnam War from behind the scenes. Some stories included, soldiers playing cricket with the locals, tales of Australian servant-heartedness in rural communities, and the locals showing their appreciation to United Nations forces. Some more lighthearted stories were told such as Sir Peter Cosgrove’s time travelling at Mach 7 (7 times the speed of sound!) in a fighter jet, or his time being driven down the Autobahn at incredible speeds.

On behalf of the Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies classes, we would like to thank Sir Peter Cosgrove for his incredible service to our nation and for sharing his time and stories with us, certainly a day the students won’t forget.

Josh Edwards
Year 12 Student

Thursday was Dress-as-Your-Favourite-Character Day, along with the junior school. It was so much fun to see the effort that many students put into their individual or collective costumes. We even had a live reenactment of 'Where is the Green Sheep?" as well as many Hogwarts students. Wonderland, Narnia, Panem and Middle-Earth inhabitants were well represented, as well as the Babysitter's club and Bananas in Pajamas - apparently, there are more than 2!

Best Dressed awards (Book Vouchers to Harry Hartogs) went to Bertie Daveney (Frodo Baggins); Abigail Grant (Titania - Queen of the Fairies); Liam Quiwa (Paul Atreides from Dune) and Elayne McKay (Queen of Hearts), and for the Staff, a tightly fought battle was won by Mrs Nicole George (Captain Underpants). 

Throughout the week, students were also invited to participate in a Wordsmiths* competition, which had many fabulously imaginative and clever writing pieces. Winners for each day were Neve Chester (11), Bronte Woodford (12), Eva Bell (12), Caitlyn Gilbert (12), Jeremiah Tegel (9); Joshua Zhang (10), Sierra Wright (7) and Mr Pinn!

Mrs Rachael Crawshaw
Head of English

The dads began the day with a delicious BBQ breakfast. Together with their children, they had a wonderful time playing and having races.

Mrs Leanne Bentley and Mrs Suzanne Ishak

On the track, our Junior and Senior boys 4x100m relay teams excelled in their races! The boys ran incredibly well, not only finishing strong but also flawlessly executing every baton exchange. 

The Senior team included Elijah Hazlewood (Yr 6), York Hudson (Yr 6), Knox Starr (Yr 6) and Alexander Taouk (Yr 6), while our Junior team was made up of Oscar Lam (Yr 4), Noah Madden (Yr 4), Noah Robinson (Yr 5) and Fletcher Weinstein (Yr 4). Both teams placed 10th in their age groups, which was a great achievement with both teams setting a new ‘PB’ in the process.

In the field events, Hannah Findlay (Yr 5) competed in the 8-10yr Girls High Jump Event. Hannah made it through several rounds and soared to the height of 1.15M before bowing out of the competition.

We are incredibly proud of these students amazing athletic ability and for the way they represented our school and CSSA. Congratulations to them all on a fantastic and impressive day.

Mrs Karen Nugteren

Please consider bringing money to donate to MAF, as well as money to purchase goodies from the shop. There will be items such as cold drinks, chocolate bars, and chips. You will also be able purchase some cool MAF Merchandise that will be for sale.

Please pray for the good work of MAF and click here to find out more about what they do.

Mr David Salaun

Chris Parker is a gifted Christian educator, author and presenter. His book The Frog and the Fish: Reflections on Work, Technology, Sex, Stuff, Truth, and Happiness was shortlisted for Australian Christian Book of the Year.

In this evening presentation Chris will help parents navigate the online and digital worlds, giving strategies to help children to thrive.

A light supper will be available from 7pm. The session will begin at 7:30pm and will be finished by 9pm.

Video: Chris Parker encourages all parents to think critically about this important area and to join him at the evening event. 

Our ‘Learning Together Events Series’ is designed to help students, teachers and parents contend with relevant topics to support healthy wellbeing. Each group will receive targeted presentations across the day.

Supervisors must:

• have a valid Working with Children Check 
• work as part of a team
• have attention to detail
• be able to carry out duties in confidence and with discretion
• be able to stand for long periods of time.

 Supervisors must not supervise at any school where they have a friend or close relative who is sitting the HSC.

 Please contact the school’s Presiding Officer via email at regclarke1957@gmail.com.

With Edstart, you can fund tuition fees, additional charges such as uniforms, extra-curricular activities as well as amounts in arrears.

To find out more, visit edstart.com.au/shirechristian.

Please note that in providing information about Edstart, the school is not providing any recommendation, brokering or advice services. The school does not receive referral fees, commissions or any other remuneration from Edstart.

The initiative is designed to build community, encourage support for our families who are business owners and provide access to goods and services from within our community.

If you’re going to spend anyway, why not spend with a local Shire Christian School connected business and invest in your community.

View the directory on our website or register your business.