Appointment of Academic Head Position

We are excited to announce that Mrs Rachel Robinson has been appointed as our next P-12 Academic Head, starting in the second-last week of term. Please see the full announcement later in the newsletter.

Yum in a Box Lunch Orders

Also outlined later in the newsletter is an initiative we are launching to help provide a convenient, healthy food option for our students. The service will initially be available on Fridays from Week 5.

Visiting USA Christian School Band – An Opportunity

We are asking families to consider billeting (providing accommodation for) two students from Linfield Christian School in California for five nights in late June. The students are part of the school’s concert band, which is touring Australia and will engage with our school during that time. This is the fourth time a Christian school band from the USA has visited us over the years, and I would encourage families to show them some Aussie hospitality in what I know will be a rich opportunity to engage with students from the other side of the world. More information can be found later in the newsletter.

As we approach Mother’s Day, can I express to all mothers our gratitude for the love, care and strength you pour into your families and our school community. Your support—whether it's in the classroom, at events, at home, or in the many quiet and unheralded things you do—helps shape the lives of our students in meaningful and lasting ways. We wish you a joyful and restful Mother’s Day, and may the Lord continue to guide and strengthen you in your ministry.

Mr David Stonestreet
Principal

How to order: All photo packages can be ordered and purchased through Don Wood Photography using the On-line Ordering Information and this link using codes listed below.

Junior School Code: 179J17
Secondary School Code: 179S17

The Secondary School and Junior School forms will help with your ordering process.

Required Dress: Students are required to wear school winter uniform as set out in the Uniform Guidelines (not sports uniform).  Students who are not in full school uniform including jewellery and hair as specified, may not have their photo taken. Girls hair is to be tied back and boys hair needs to be even, neat, out of eyes and well above the collar.

Please do not hesitate to get in contact with me at deputy@shirechristian.nsw.edu.au if you have any further questions or concerns.

Mr Paul Carter
Deputy Principal

Using the Learning for Life framework, I would suggest that students developed in:

• Resourceful - Frequently in a camp context this comes down to who packed the student’s bag. Did they bring everything they needed? Did they leave behind the raincoat that Mum said they probably should take? How did they adapt when they didn’t bring enough warm and/or cool clothes?
• Resilient - It isn’t easy sharing living spaces with multiple students. Many students like to have their period of down time each day in their own space without interruption. The students faced many difficulties and their capacity to bounce back and show resilience was challenged through their time at camp.
• Relational - Social groups often change over the course of the days spent at a camp. Students interact with other people who they wouldn’t normally be near. Even the way students perceive their teachers often changes when they are spending time with them at a camp compared to a traditional classroom.
• Reflective - I know that our Biblical studies team has been helping students to reflect on their experiences at camp this week. Many students have learnt about who they are and increased their capacity to try new things that they used to perceive as challenging. 
• Renewal - More than anything, camp has provided significant opportunities for students to connect with God. Students may have connected with God through being in the incredible natural environment that He created. As a school we were blessed with many speakers from local churches to deliver life challenging messages. I know many of our teachers had the opportunity to share with their students how God had impacted their lives over a long period of time.

I would like to publicly thank our teachers for their willingness to be at camp once again this year. Special thanks to the students and teachers at the Year 9 camp who endured a seven hour bus trip back from Lake Macquarie due to the closure of the M1.

It is now time to get back to classroom learning, but don’t underestimate how much your child learnt while they were on camp.

Mr David Collins
Head of Secondary School

With Mother’s Day approaching, it was a joy to celebrate the vital role that mothers and significant women play in our lives. Prep students enjoyed special time with their mums in the classroom, followed by a beautiful morning tea and heartfelt handmade gifts. Kinder to Year 6 welcomed mothers and special friends into classrooms before gathering for a meaningful Mother’s Day Assembly. Students shared prayers, Bible verses of encouragement, and a song to inspire us all to keep ‘following the King’. It was a pleasure to have so many families join us.

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s important to pause and express heartfelt thanks to the dedicated and professional team of teachers at Shire Christian. We are truly blessed by a staff of committed Christians who faithfully seek to glorify God through their teaching and by encouraging our students to grow in their knowledge of Him. I thank God for the godly example our teachers set—consistently pointing students to Christ through both their words and actions, in line with the encouragement found in Titus 2:7–8. Thank you to the families who provided a pot of soup for lunch, as a way of showing appreciation to our staff on behalf of our parents.

Mrs Ruth Cooper
Head of Junior School 

She is currently the K-6 Curriculum Coordinator at Inaburra School and is also an external accreditation assessor for NESA and a NESA Highly Accomplished teacher. 

Mrs Robinson has previously worked as an accreditation advisor in leadership and high performance at the NSW Department of Education State Office, aligning quality professional learning from a wide variety of sources, including pre-school to Year 12 and VET courses, with the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers.

Her Master of Education degree is in gifted education.

As the Academic Head, Mrs Robinson will lead learning across the whole school and will play a vital role in leading teams of teachers to ensure the school’s vision is a tangible reality in the life of the school. 

Married to Paul and with three boys who are students at Shire Christian School, the family are active members of a local Anglican church. 

Mrs Robinson is excited by our Learning for Life framework and looks forward to fostering a positive learning culture that is academically rigorous, authentically Christian and encompasses a holistic view of student well-being and learning.

Mrs Robinson will begin in Week 9 this term. We thank God for the provision of an exceptional candidate to fill this executive role.

Yum in a Box is designed especially for schools without a canteen. It offers pre-packed bento boxes with 2, 3, 4, or 5 compartments, allowing families to customise meals to suit their child’s appetite and preferences. Each box is prepared fresh, packed in compostable trays with recyclable lids, and delivered directly to the school in time for Break 1.

The menu includes a variety of wholesome options, including baked goods from the beloved Millers' Local Bakehouse in Wollongong, ensuring a balance of taste and nutrition. Orders are placed via an app or website, and each lunchbox is labelled with the student's name and class/year group for easy distribution (Junior School at each classroom, Secondary School via Student Services). 

Available to students and staff, this service not only supports healthy eating habits but also offers convenience for busy families and reduces single-use plastic waste.​ 

The service will be initially trialled one day per week, on Fridays from Friday 30 May (Week 5). Orders need to be placed by 12pm the day prior and can be placed weeks in advance. 

More information about the menu, how to order, and other useful tips will be communicated in the next newsletter.

We look forward to offering this convenience for families and seeing our students enjoy these delicious and nutritious lunches. 

Through personal stories and heartfelt reflections, she challenged the students to see the courage and sacrifice of our servicemen and women in a deeply personal way. Her speech transcript is published below:

Just three days ago, we celebrated our 110th Anzac Day. Regardless of whether that meant you attended a dawn service, watched the Anzac march, realised that Woolies wasn't open, or stood in a long line to get dinner at a pub, we gather here today to remember the sacrifice made by our armed forces. Anzac Day stretches far beyond history textbooks and old photographs. It serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie of our soldiers. It’s a day to remember real people; young men and women, many our age; who stood up in the face of fear, not for fame or glory, but for the service of our nation.

Anzac Day marks the beginning of the assault on Gallipoli, signifying true heroism from the Australian and New Zealand armed forces. The assault was a fight put up in unexpectedly harsh conditions, serving as a testament to our soldier’s unwavering dedication, resilience and mateship. According to soldier recounts, this is what our forces experienced.

“At 4:00 a.m., April 25th, 1915, the first boats set out in the darkness, carrying anxious soldiers toward the Gallipoli Peninsula. It was a still night. There was hardly a breath of wind. Every sound seemed magnified tenfold and it seemed impossible that the noise of the boat hoists could escape being heard by the enemy a few miles away. We eagerly scanned the direction of the shore, the loom of which could just be seen, to see if we could detect any movement, but all was still.

By 5 a.m., the boats approach the shore and soldiers realise they are landing at the wrong location - they’re confronted by steep, rugged terrain instead of the expected flat beaches. Confusion spreads, but too much of a stir has been made to turn back. Orders are shouted over the calm sound of waves and the creak of oars. The first bullets pierce the air. Gunfire erupts from Turkish forces on cliffs above. Arriving soldiers leap into deep water under fire, some drowning under the weight of their packs.

6 a.m. ANZAC units are scattered, lost in the mountainous terrain. Soldiers claw their way up the steep slopes, many knocked back by falling rocks or other soldiers. The Turkish defenders, entrenched and relentless, rain down fire. Despite the carnage, the ANZACs press forward, driven by sheer determination and the bond of mateship.

As the sun continues to rise, light is cast on the horrors of the battlefield. Soldiers lay across the beach, wounded or killed. The ANZACs dig in, creating makeshift trenches to shield themselves. Swarms of flies infest the air. The sun scorches down onto the blood-stained sand.

By midday, Reinforcements arrive, but the situation remains dire. The heat is oppressive, and the men are dehydrated and exhausted. Supplies are scarce, and the wounded cry out for help. Amidst the despair, soldiers run amongst the gunfire, risking their lives to drag their wounded comrades to safety.”

Out of the 16,000 soldiers that sailed out to ANZAC Cove that day, 2,000 were wounded or lost their lives. For the remainder of the Gallipoli campaign, 12,000 ANZACs were killed in action or wounded before the evacuation in December of 1915.

The Gallipoli campaign continued until January of 1916. Over 8 months, the ANZACs advanced little further than the positions they had taken on that first day of the landings. The campaign instead became known for brutal fighting and heavy casualties for both sides. After Gallipoli, ANZACs established a reputation for bravery, resilience, and a unique sense of "ANZAC spirit". While the campaign was ultimately a military failure, the courage and enduring spirit displayed by the Australian and New Zealand soldiers resonated deeply, emphasizing our qualities of mateship, and a strong sense of national identity.

My great-great-grandfather, Jasper Cuthbertson, was one of four brothers who served in the Australian Army in WW1. After voluntarily enlisting, Jasper, Les, Bert, and Wal were sent to commence military training with the 20th infantry battalion. The 20th Battalion was amongst the troops that participated in the Gallipoli campaign. It was raised in Liverpool in early 1915, to form the fourth Battalion of the 5th Brigade in the 2nd Division, and its soldiers were drawn from NSW, like the rest of the 5th Brigade.

The 20th left Australia in late June 1915, trained in Egypt from late July until mid-August, and on 22 August landed at ANZAC Cove. Arriving at Gallipoli just as the August offensive petered out, the 20th's role there was purely defensive. Although I never got the chance to meet Jasper, I got to hear a bit about his war experience. He firmly believed that more men died of the harsh conditions and widespread disease than from the Gallipoli campaign conflict itself. Throughout his service, Jasper would often write and hear from home.

This somehow escalated and led to Jasper’s own brother, Les, trying to kill him. Clearly someone was jealous of the number of letters he received while on service. “Remember those goods days Dot, little did we think then that in the near future, some of the same lads would be playing in such a bloody game as this, where there is no referee to stop a man from playing dirty, where there is no half time called, unless it is hospital or pushing up daisies.” While researching his military history in the national archives, I was quite surprised to see more records of deducted pay than records of his service.

He didn’t seem to like going back to work, and he was often punished for his late returns from his leave entitlements. After surviving and being evacuated from Gallipoli in December of 1915, Jasper was then posted to France to fight in the battle of Pozieres, where he spent more time in his so-called unofficial holidays to British hospitals than where he was meant to be posted. He and all three of his brothers returned safely to Australia in 1919, with minor injuries sustained.

My great-grandfather, Bruce Rogers, served in the army throughout WW2. He voluntarily enlisted on the 19th of June, 1940 into the ambulance section of the Australian armed forces, though he had his heart set on becoming a fighter pilot. Working as a photographer before enlisting, he invested all of his savings in learning to fly tiger-moths at Newcastle aero-club. His medical corps training commenced in Townsville in 1940, before he was transferred to become a war photographer.

He served mostly in the pacific theatre, and witnessed some of the most brutal fighting experiences Australian soldiers have had to face. In the early few years of the war, Bruce wrote to Joyce Musgrave, a woman who ended up becoming my great-grandmother. A few months into their relationship, whilst out in the city, Joyce’s friends dared her to enlist after hearing about her relationship with a soldier. Not even an hour later, she signed the attestation form you see on the screen. She was posted across Australia as an instrument operator and administration worker until the end of World War 2.

The photos you see on the next few slides are photos he captured of his war experience throughout the pacific conflict and postings in the middle east during his postings to a number of battalions in numerous conflicts. He witnessed the surrender of numerous Japanese forces, and helped targeted communities when serving in Africa. I unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet Bruce or Joyce. Bruce shared little about his war experience, but he experienced and photographed across the pacific and Africa. Today, I have the privilege to wear his five badges, signifying his service and dedication to our nation. 

Bruce and Joyce were discharged after the conclusion of World War 2, with no injuries.

Peter Rastall, my great-uncle, served in the Vietnam War throughout 1970 in the 7th battalion. In late 1969, he was conscripted by being pulled from the birthday lottery, and commenced training for his deployment against the Vietcong in early 1970. As a forward-scout, Peter had the role of being the first in his platoon to traverse the trap-ridden jungles of Vietnam. His battalion regularly carried out ambush attacks, with extensive patrolling, intel gathering and in-force reconnaissance practices. Peter was discharged at the end of 1970 medically. Although Peter returned to Australia safely from Vietnam, he passed away in 2012 of leukemia as a result of exposure to agent orange. His children were also greatly affected by the harmful effects of the chemical. Peter was sympathetic for all affected, especially those he fought against throughout the war.

Each of these are only chapters of the story of our ANZACs. IJust three days ago, we celebrated our 110th ANZAC Day. Regardless of whether that meant you attended a dawn service, watched the ANZAC march, realised that Woolies wasn't open, or stood in a long line to get dinner at a pub, we gather here today to remember the sacrifice made by our armed forces. ANZAC Day stretches far beyond history textbooks and old photographs. It serves as a reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and camaraderie of our soldiers. It’s a day to remember real people; young men and women, many our age; who stood up in the face of fear, not for fame or glory, but for the service of our nation.

Lest we forget.

Please pray God will direct further funds to complete the project that costs $2580 in total.

At our assembly on Monday our secondary students heard from one of our current casual teachers, Mrs Kara Terblanche, who shared her experience working with Hands at Work in Africa for the past eight years and how God convicts her to follow Him each day, whether that be in Africa or Australia.

We were all encouraged to serve God where he leads us. For more about Hands at Work, or to donate, go to https://www.handsatwork.org/

Mrs Kathryn Breen
Assistant Head of Secondary

The 12-year-old boys were first to take on the course, setting the tone for a day full of energy, effort, and determination. We managed to complete almost all of the races before the rain arrived during the 9-years-and-under events—but not even the weather could dampen the students’ spirits.

Throughout the day, every competitor gave it their all, showing great perseverance and sportsmanship. Each student should be incredibly proud of their efforts.

Congratulations to the top four finishers in each race, who will go on to represent our school at the CSSA State Cross Country on Friday, 30th May. We wish them the very best of luck!

The game showcased the skills and determination of both teams, but Shire pushed for possession and put in 100% effort the whole game.

From the kick-off, Shire Christian took control. Throughout the game they were met with a tough match, but held their ground. Their first goal came in the first half, followed by another two in the second.

Congratulations on securing a well deserved victory, team! 

Ellie Abrahams
Year 9

How encouraging are ALL these words for us today, for both young and old! 

And as I read and meditate on the Scriptures as our School Psalm (Psalm 1) reminds me and encourages me to do, the ‘ear worm’ helps me to apply what I read to whatever situation or pressure I might face that day.

For instance, Jesus gives me promises, such as:

“Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20);

“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”  (John 11:25);

”In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33);

and all the other promises of Scripture, like:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7);

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3);

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, WILL guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.; (Philippians 4:6-7);

“He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.’” (Psalm 46:9-10);

“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13);

and, of course, “We know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. … What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all - how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen?  It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died - more than that, who was raised to life -is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: ‘For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:28, 31-39).

Rev Bruce Christian

Key Details:

• Hosting Period: Thursday evening, 26 June – Wednesday morning, 2 July

• Number of Students to Host: 28 students total (two per family)

• Reimbursement: $150 per student

• Transport: Hosts will need to provide transport to and from school

• Itinerary: Includes school activities and sightseeing. There is an opportunity for host families to spend Sunday (29 June) with their American students.

• Sydney Opera House Performance: Families may purchase tickets for $8 to attend the concert on Saturday, where both the visiting band and our own students will perform

Further details will be provided to families who express interest.

We encourage you to consider this unique opportunity.

Please complete the form or contact Mrs Ina de Witte at idewitte@shirechristian.nsw.edu.au or call the school at 8525 5111 for further details or questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Location: 6/133 The River Road, Revesby, NSW 2212

Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm 
Saturday 9am - 1pm

For online purchasing and appointments visit shop.ranier.com.au (click and collect and delivery options available).

Click and Collect

School Click and Collect orders placed prior to 5pm on Fridays can be collected from school reception from Tuesday morning the following week (during the school term).

If you are unsure of sizing, please book a fitting appointing or visit the shop. For any exchanges, uniforms must be in original condition with original packaging.

CONTACT

Phone: 02 9773 8291
Online: ranier.com.au/contact
Email: custservice@ranier.com.au

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.