Over these last two weeks of term, we have been blessed by the visit of the Concert Band from Linfield Christian School, in California, USA. Details of their visit appear later in the newsletter, but can I take this opportunity to thank our wonderful host families who each took in two students from the ensemble for a week. There were many warm farewells as we bid our American friends a safe trip home on Wednesday morning.

As the term draws to a close, I reflect on the learnings, growth, and the many shared experiences that have shaped our school community over the past ten weeks. I am thankful for the dedication of our staff, the curiosity, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm of our students, and the continued partnership with you, our families. For our students, I pray this holiday break will be a time of rest and renewal. 

Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree
planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.

Psalm 1:1-3, ESV

Prior to this role, she served as the K-6 Curriculum Coordinator at Inaburra School and is recognised as a NESA Highly Accomplished Teacher and an external accreditation assessor. Mrs Robinson has also worked as an accreditation advisor in leadership and high performance at the NSW Department of Education’s State Office. She holds a Master of Education in Gifted Education.

Rachel is married to Paul, and together they have three boys who attend Shire Christian School. Their family is actively involved in their local Anglican church.

In the interview below, Mrs Robinson offers insight into her approach to learning.

What is your vision for learning at Shire Christian School? 

I see Shire Christian School students, teachers and the school community deepening our understanding of learning knowledge, content and skills, and regularly reflecting and challenging ourselves as we celebrate our learning together. 

I believe possessing a deep understanding of how to learn is the key to being able to not only survive but to thrive. Christ calls us to be transformed by the renewal of our mind (Romans 12:2) and so understanding the building blocks of learning means we will be ready to go and serve others in love, and in turn, receive joy and contentment. Lifelong learning is what we have been designed to do, and I am looking forward to continuing to build upon the wonderful work that went before my arrival, which involved establishing the conditions and dispositions in the Learning for Life Framework.

As educators, we need to continually experiment with how to provide learning opportunities for our students to “grow in their independence, resourcefulness, creativity, curiosity, capacity for thinking about and exploring important matters deeply - for themselves” (Guy Claxton).

Why do you love working in education and with students?

We are social beings and learning in community is how we learn best. Alfred Mercier said, “What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” School is far more than just syllabus content and skills. Shire Christian School has a deep commitment to learning about learning, and this truly is a superpower that we can foster in our students and ourselves. 

It is a privilege to teach students and lead teachers, as we share a sense of vulnerability, building trust as we grow together. 

No two days are ever the same in education and seeing God’s creation anew in the way students learn things is the greatest blessing.

What do you love about Shire Christian School? How have your first two weeks been? 

As soon as I entered Shire Christian School, I was warmly welcomed by all staff. I felt God’s presence as I witnessed all staff humbly serving and bring glory and honour to God as they use their talents and time to do the good work that he planned for them in whatever role they have here. I could also see a dedicated focus on the students’ wellbeing and learning and a brilliant sense of developing the students’ sense of purpose and curiosity about the world around them.

The teachers themselves generously share their knowledge and collaboratively support each other in so many ways. I’m challenging myself to learn as many names (of students, staff and parents) as I can remember.  

Both Junior and Secondary students have been saying hello and sharing their interests as I’ve taught their class, walked around the playground or even as they’ve boarded the bus in the afternoon.

The joy the students have for life and learning at Shire is wonderful.

How can parents help their children thrive at school? 

A parent is a child’s first teacher, so we work in partnership together. Daily, positive reflections are so important and often our minds distort our recollections. Daily positive thankful thoughts on where you were winning or learning (or sometimes both) are helpful for both younger and older students.

As adults, we naturally lean into what went wrong and think about what we should have done or could change. Ruminating can limit our progress and we can become anxious, so it is important to reframe this thinking into seeing every moment as a learning opportunity.

As parents, we need to model how we learn from our own mistakes, show resilience when things don’t quite go as planned, pray to God and know that our identity is not in our own success, but firmly in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.

The students were generously billeted by our school families. During their stay, the Linfield students enjoyed some sightseeing, which included tours to popular Sydney sites as well as the local area, spending quality time with their host families.

Their visit had a strong focus on performance. Linfield students joined our Concert Band members in rehearsals at school on Friday morning, culminating in a spectacular joint performance at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday — an unforgettable opportunity for all involved. Many students commented on how amazing it was to play on the stage of the concert hall and the amazing sound they produced.

On Monday, the Linfield band performed at our Secondary and Junior School assemblies, sharing their talent with the entire school. As well as playing Bluey, another hit song was “A Day at the Zoo” which caught our imagination listening to the instruments painting a picture of watching animals in the zoo. The following day, they explored more of Sydney, before departing on Wednesday, some returning to California and others continuing on to Cairns.

This cultural and musical exchange was a truly enriching experience for our students, families, and staff. A heartfelt thank you to all our host families and staff who contributed their time and care to accommodate our guests. We look forward to continuing this wonderful connection in years to come.

Mr Paul Carter
Deputy Principal

This week has been an opportunity for the majority of our Year 10 students to be engaged in Work Experience. I remember attending Work Experience when I was in Year 10. It was my first real opportunity to experience the “real world”. For many Year 10 students, Work Experience actually helps them define what they don’t want to do for a career. I do hope this taste of adulthood has been beneficial, but will also help them to return with a focus of making the most of their remaining years at school. As a school we are very grateful for the members of our community that have taken on a student this week.

I do pray that all students and staff have the opportunity to relax and refresh over the break.

Mr David Collins
Head of Secondary

At the base of the emblem is the open Book, the Bible, with the words A Firm Foundation. This reminds us that God’s Word is at the centre of all we do. It’s why we begin each day with devotions, gather for prayer and praise, and seek to teach from a biblical perspective. The date, 1977, reminds us of the legacy of faithful christian parents whose vision for Christian schooling, dedication and trust in the Lord God, made it a reality. And the tree, inspired by Psalm 1, reflects our hope that every child here would grow strong in the Lord, deeply rooted in His truth, delighting in His Word and living this out.

Thank you to the many family and friends who joined for our Term 2 assembly yesterday. A highlight included outstanding performances from both our Junior School concert band and Junior School Training band. Our kindergarten students wowed us all, courageously taking to the stage to share through song, the important truths they have been learning about our Great God.

This term has been filled with rich learning and wonderful moments – Cross Country, Athletics Carnivals, Robotics showcases, Kinder ‘chicks hatching program’, Prep excursions, Sports Gala Days & trials, Mothers Day events, National Simultaneous Storytime, SoCs Puppet shows, Beekeeper visits, and visits from special guests such as our USA band from Linfield Christian School. In every activity, we’ve seen students growing as learners: resilient, reflective, and relational. But even more importantly, we’ve seen them growing in Christlikeness – learning to treasure God’s Word and glorifying Him in all things.

As we prepare for next term, we look forward to continuing this journey of growing together – firmly planted in God’s truth and flourishing as a school community.

Mrs Ruth Cooper
Head of Junior School

After we arrived and had morning tea, we went into the classroom (education centre) to learn how we can be safe on a bike. 

Ferenc showed us a ‘skull' and ‘brain’ and explained how important it is to always wear a properly fitted helmet every time we ride our bike. Oxley got to squeeze a helmet that wasn’t safe and then he tried to squeeze a good helmet but couldn’t.

After Ferenc and Malcom fitted our helmets, we walked around the track. We learnt that you stop at a stop sign, and when no one is coming, count to three before going through. We were shown the arrows on the road that tell us which way to ride.

Then we were given a bike and had so much fun riding around the ‘road’. It was fun waiting at the traffic lights and going around the roundabout.

We had the best day ever.

A special thank you to Mr Bartlett and Mr Coe for coming with us.

Mrs Suzanne Ishak
Prep 2 Teacher

Six 2024 graduates are currently doing the Year 13 program alongside Chaplain Elissa Kerr who was also a graduate of the school and Year 13. David Nailon, Nathan Todd, Eva Bell, Hannah Lucas, Mikayla Gough and Lucas Smallwood joined Elissa and Year 13 Director Steve Carlisle to present to Year 12, sharing their highlights of the program.

When everything else in life is changing for young adults, Year 13 allows the opportunity to stop from the pace of life, invest in what matters, namely God’s word and God’s people, and grow so that students can thrive for the rest of their lives and into eternity.

“I have loved the community and the way Year 13 helps me to get my Bible reading and prayer into routine,” said Hannah Lucas. “During Year 12, I found the stress of study was affecting my relationship with God but Year 13 has allowed me to get back on track.”

Lucas added, “At school I was encouraged to be a Christian and enjoyed the community. At Year 13 the depth of community is so strong because everyone loves Jesus and really wants to be there.”

Eva reflected on the upcoming trip to Fiji, “I am looking forward to meeting other Christians in a different context and serving alongside them. Its going to be great to live in the Fijian’s homes and see their way of life and how they grow in Jesus in their context.”

Year 13 really is a ‘year for life’. It sets young adults up for life, building on the foundation of Jesus. Why not encourage your child to join students from all over NSW in investing in their faith when school is finished?

If you would like more information about Year 13, the next Open Day is on September 13. More info can be found at year13.net or follow Year 13 at Facebook and Instagram to see more of the program.

Our class divided into groups and ventured into the bushland, searching for anything that could help us survive. Some students built teepees from sticks and brush, while others created symbolic smoke signals. Along the way, we mixed rock dust and water to make face paint and even built a bridge across a ditch to connect our "communities." We quickly learned the importance of teamwork, as students naturally stepped into leadership roles, assigning tasks and working together to better understand the characters’ experiences in the novel.

As our groups spread out and got to work, clear social dynamics began to emerge. Certain students became idea generators and decision-makers, while others played supporting roles, waiting for a lucky break, or a spontaneous rescue. Some groups collaborated efficiently, combining creativity with strategy, while others prioritised building a comfortable shelter. This simulation brought the novel to life, echoing the same challenges the boys in the story faced: how to organise, survive, and lead—whether democratically or dictatorially, cooperatively or independently. Many of us discovered leadership abilities we hadn’t recognised before, with each group member contributing ideas and solutions.

This activity deepened our understanding of the novel’s central themes, particularly civilisation versus savagery. Through the challenge, we explored ideas of leadership, group dynamics, and moral choices, all of which are key to Golding’s message. It also showed us how Lord of the Flies continues to resonate with real-life situations, revealing how quickly the balance between order and chaos can shift.

Thankfully, unlike the boys in Lord of the Flies, we made it out of the bush with our civilisation and our friendships intact. Just.

Hannah Cooper & Annabel Ashton
Year 9 English Extension

Miss Lauren Dalrymple

PLC started strong, scoring two goals in the first half. However, Shire Christian did not back down and continued to play hard. Their persistence paid off when they were awarded a penalty late in the second half. A well-placed finish brought the score to 2-1.

The final minutes were packed with tension as Shire pressed hard for an equaliser, showing excellent teamwork and grit. PLC held firm under pressure, ultimately holding on for the win.

Though the match ended in defeat for Shire Christian, the team’s performance was nothing short of commendable. They demonstrated resilience, skill, and unity, and can walk away proud of their efforts in a regional final that showcased the very best of school football.

Thank you to our families and friends who came out to support us. A special mention to Annabel for your fantastic signs!

The team now looks ahead to their next challenge, having secured a spot in the CSSA State Finals later this year after a strong victory in the CSSA South Met Zone.

Ellie Abrahams
Year 9 Student and Team Captain

Congratulations to Knox House on being crowned House Champions – a well-earned victory where every point truly made a difference. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the day such a memorable success!

Secondary Athletics Carnival Age Champions

Congratulations to the following students who were named age champion at our recent Secondary School Athletics Carnival:

Congratulations also goes to the following students who broke records on the day:

• Hannah Cohen 13yrs 1500m (5:56:44)
• Sam Bluhdorn 14yrs 800m (2:25:49), 1500m (4:55:82)
• Sam Sinclair 14yrs 100m (11.81), Long Jump (5.34m)
• Angeline Brough 14 High Jump (1.47m)
• Eva Dorling 14yrs 1500m (6:09:88)
• Michaela James 18yrs Javelin (22.45m)
• Milly Laturiuw 18yrs 400m (1:11:94)

These students as part of the 91 student strong athletics team will compete at the CSSA South Met Zone athletics carnival on 1 August – our largest team ever. We wish them the best!

Watch on Instagram: Great to see our students setting goals and working hard to achieve them! This is just a small sample of the many great efforts and personal bests achieved today at the Secondary Athletics Carnival. We seek to provide a school environment where students can reach their potential in all areas – all glory be to God!

Mr Troy Dixon
Secondary Sport Coordinator

In what has been a very successful season for her so far, Zoe has made the NSW CSSA team, NSW CIS team, and after her recent tournament performance where NSWCIS came 4th, she was selected in the Centre position for the NSW PSSA team. To put some context around this, 10 players were chosen out of the 67,000 Year 5 to 6 girls in NSW schools – a remarkable achievement.

Our Junior School Sports Coordinator Miss Hackfath interviewed Zoe at the Junior School assembly last week. Mrs Cooper and I also had the pleasure of catching up with Zoe to congratulate her on this exceptional achievement.

I presented Zoe with a match ball from the Women's World Cup Basketball competition which I was involved with in a previous role, hopefully as a source of inspiration and focus as she continues on her basketball journey.

We look forward to watching you continue to shine on and off the court, Zoe!

The competition will be live streamed from 26 July.

Mr Troy Dixon
Secondary School Sports Coordinator

The CIS team had an exceptional tournament, making history as the first CIS side to defeat the highly regarded Sydney West team, who went on to win the championship for the second consecutive year. CIS secured five wins out of seven matches and finished an impressive 5th place out of 14 teams.

The girls had a difficult pool and came up against Mamre in the first game. We came away with a win 2-0 from two excellent goals by Maddi and Lara.

Again, the girls were exemplary playing as a team, backing each other and going the extra mile. They listened, played and came off with a one all draw against Charlton, after having been one down in the first half.

The third pool game was against Northern Beaches, the eventual winners on the day. The girls brought a strong game despite exhaustion beginning to show. They succumbed 2-0 but made it into the semi final where we played Toongabbie who were undefeated.

The girls raised their bar and played well against a strong opposition. We kept the score nil all at the final whistle and went straight to a penalty shoot out. Our wonderful goalie (who doesn't play soccer outside of school) did not flinch but with courage and determination faced the opposition one on one.

Although we lost the game in the penalties, I was thankful for the way the girls conducted themselves on the day with excellent sportsmanship and care for one another and the other players. They never gave up and came away winners despite not taking the trophy!!

Well done girls!

Mrs Sandra Ellis
Coach

I hope you can make these adjustments too as I quote him verbatim:

“The ill-favoured and leanflesh kine did eat up the seven well-favoured and fat kine.” - Genesis 41:4 [KJV]

“Pharaoh’s dream has too often been my waking experience. My days of sloth have ruinously destroyed all that I had achieved in times of zealous industry; my seasons of coldness have frozen all the genial glow of my periods of fervency and enthusiasm; and my fits of worldliness have thrown me back from my advances in the divine life. I had need to beware of lean prayers, lean praises, lean duties, and lean experiences, for these will eat up the fat of my comfort and peace. If I neglect prayer for ever so short a time, I lose all the spirituality to which I had attained; if I draw no fresh supplies from heaven, the old corn in my granary is soon consumed by the famine which rages in my soul. When the caterpillars of indifference, the cankerworms of worldliness, and the palmerworms of self-indulgence lay my heart completely desolate and make my soul to languish, all my former fruitfulness and growth in grace avails me nothing whatever. How anxious should I be to have no lean-fleshed days, no ill-favoured hours! If every day I journeyed towards the goal of my desires I should soon reach it, but backsliding leaves me still far off from the prize of my high calling, and robs me of the advances I had so laboriously made. The only way all my days can be as the ‘fat kine’ is to feed them in the right meadow: to spend them with the Lord, in His service, in His company, in His fear, and in His way. Why should not every year be richer than the past, in love, and usefulness, and joy? I am nearer the celestial hills, I have had more experience of my Lord, and should be more like Him. O Lord, keep me far from the curse of leanness of soul; let me not have to cry, ‘My leanness, my leanness, woe unto me!’ but may I be well fed and nourished in Your house, that I may praise Your name.’”

May this be our challenge and prayer as we enjoy the break. Let us continue in prayer for one another over this time – for refreshment, renewal and safety, especially for those travelling.

Rev Bruce Christian

Orders can be placed up until 8am on the day of delivery, an added convenience for families, now able to decide at the last minute to order lunch for their children. This time will be reviewed and adjusted if demand requires, and parents will be notified in advance by email.

While limited snacks are available on the School Fuel menu (shown in the image), parents should be aware that with delivery later in the day to keep the food fresh, snacks should still be provided for Break 1.

Parents who set up an account on My School Connect to make use of the Yum in a Box service will not be required to do anything. From next week the Subway School Fuel menu will show instead of Yum in a Box. Other families can set up an account online or via the app using the instructions provided. Please set up a profile for each child to help us distribute the food. Junior School students will have their orders brought to their classroom, Secondary School students can collect their order from Student Services at Break 2.

Despite a regrettably short partnership, Yum in a Box expressed their thankfulness for the support of the school community in their business venture. “We would like to thank you all for your support along the way. Your enthusiasm and warm messages of appreciation have been greatly appreciated and made all the hard work worthwhile.”

“We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to bring our ideas to life with your school and have loved every minute.”

Read their full letter here

The partnership with Subway, with lunch available on Mondays and Fridays, will be trialled for all of Term 3. We hope this arrangement will provide a healthy convenient option for our families.

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.