On World Teacher’s Day, let’s take this opportunity to recognise and thank our teaching staff for who they are and for all that they do every day.

I love this verse that Paul wrote to the Thessalonians found in 1 Thessalonians. For me, it also captures what we are so thankful for that we see in all our staff here at Shire Christian School. 

Firstly, their work produced by faith in our Lord Jesus.  We thank God for their faithfulness to God, their dedication to the mission of our school, the time, care and steadfastness they constantly show.

Secondly, We thank them for their labour prompted by love. Our staff love God, and reflect this love towards our students and one another every day. As we see in Philippians 2, emulating Jesus is best shown when we sacrifice ourselves for others. This is what I see so often. Staff who often put their own self aside to show love and care towards others. Encouraging and helping students outside of lesson times, supporting students in times of distress or need, working alongside parents to nurture and teach their children.

Thirdly for their endurance prompted by the hope we have in Jesus. Encouraged by our hope in Jesus, they strive to persevere through the busy and difficult times, willingly putting in extra time for the benefit of their students.

This is a busy term with many learning and collaborative activities and opportunities for our students. I encourage parents to attend the Learning Together Event on Wednesday 6 November and to continue to participate and partner with us in Term 4 as we finish 2024 together.

Mr Paul Carter

Acting Principal

Year 10 & 11 Student Workshops
During the day, our Year 10 and 11 students will participate in workshops titled ‘P*rn Culture, Consent and Respect.’ Led by Melinda Tankard Reist, founder of Collective Shout, and Dr Marshall Ballantine-Jones, these sessions will critically examine how the exposure to hypersexualised content is affecting young people's perceptions of themselves and their relationships. Students will learn to clarify their values, enforce boundaries, and form relationships based on mutual respect and empathy. They will also discover ways to collectively engage in cultural change and social transformation.

Parent Evening: Navigating a S*xed-Up World
In the evening, parents and caregivers are invited to attend a special session, ‘Navigating a S*xed-Up World: How Can We Help Our Young People Resist Harmful Messages and Seek Respectful Relationships?’ As adults, we often feel overwhelmed by the challenge of protecting our children from the flood of harmful ideas in today’s world. Internationally respected author and speaker Melinda Tankard Reist will draw on research and first-person accounts from young people to explain how media messaging impacts their healthy development. Together with Dr. Ballantine-Jones, she will share practical tips on how we can help our young people resist these damaging cultural forces and build resilience, self-worth, and respect in relationships.

Event Details

• Student Workshops (Years 10 & 11): Throughout the school day
• Parent Evening:
• Light Supper: 7:00 PM
• Presentation: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
• Venue: School Hall
• Bookings are essential – secure your free tickets today!
• Please note: The parent session is for adults only. Kindly arrange alternative care for your children.

This is an opportunity not to be missed. Melinda Tankard Reist is a globally renowned advocate for the protection of young people, and her presentations have received glowing endorsements. As Steve Biddulph AM, author of Raising Girls and Raising Boys, states, “Melinda’s presentations will knock your socks off. You will be left angry in the very best way and so much better equipped to talk to, and protect, your kids.”

Don’t miss this chance to better understand the challenges facing our young people and gain invaluable strategies for supporting them through these critical years.

History 

Shire Christian School has always endeavoured to keep fees ‘affordable’. While the concept of affordability is subjective, the school strives to keep fee increases to a minimum while meeting its educational, financial and statutory obligations. The following graph shows Shire’s school fee increases over the last decade.

The fee increase in 2024 was higher than previous years for two main reasons – teacher salary increases required to keep pace with public school salaries and larger than normal general cost of living increases following the pandemic. More details about the teacher salary increases are outlined below.

In 2025 we are expecting further large impacts on school fees for the following reasons.

1. Reduction in Government Funding

Government funding of independent schools is based on a Direct Measure of Income model (DMI). Under this model, the Department of Education uses parent income data from the ATO to calculate a Capacity to Contribute score (CTC). This score determines the amount of base funding provided to each independent school. As parent incomes rise, the CTC goes up (indicating that parents have a greater capacity to contribute to the cost of education) and this results in lower government funding.

After remaining steady for the past 5 years, Shire’s CTC increased in late November 2023 resulting in a large reduction in government funding. This change happened after the 2024 fee schedule and budget had been published so the impact of this loss of funding will flow into the 2025 fee schedule.

2. Teacher Salaries

Teachers are the backbone of schools and teacher salaries make up 75% of the school’s operating costs. To attract and retain qualified Christian educators, Shire Christian School must offer salaries in accordance with the independent schools enterprise agreement.

Public school teachers received a large salary increase in 2023 and to help keep pace with this change, Shire Christian School passed on an unbudgeted increase in 2024. This year, a new teachers enterprise agreement is being negotiated between the Association of Independent Schools and the Independent Education Union, and we anticipate that another substantial salary increase will be provided in 2025. This increase will directly contribute to higher school fees.

3. Inflation and Rising Costs

The cost of goods and services other than salaries has risen dramatically over the past two years in line with the large increases everyone has experienced in the cost of living. Schools must cover these higher expenses to maintain the quality of education and operation of the school. This directly impacts school fees.

4. Enhanced Facilities

Shire Christian School is investing in upgrades to facilities and technology to provide a better learning environment for students. This includes planned modernisation of classrooms, improved outdoor and sports facilities and new computer equipment including student laptops. These enhancements require a significant financial investment each year and these costs are reflected in school fees. The Principal will be sharing more about upcoming projects in due course.

Conclusion

While the increases in school fees may be challenging for some families, they are necessary to ensure that the school continues to provide a high-quality Christian education into the future and with suitable facilities and equipment. We hope that in explaining the factors behind these rising costs, parents better understand the basis upon which fees are set and can plan for them accordingly.

The 2025 fee schedule will be published in early December 2024 after the school receives confirmation of its CTC score and the level of government funding to be provided.

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to me or any one of the Executive team.

Mr Peter Watters
Business Manager

Years 4 and 5 have had 2 spectacular days each at Anglican Youthworks campsite Rathane. What a privilege it was to visit the students at camp and share in their laughter, camaraderie and team-work as they used problem solving to build rafts and catapults. They maneuvered canoes, braved sailing adventures, took risks rock climbing and even experienced fishing along the picturesque Port Hacking River. We praise God for this time of forging friendships and building personal resilience. 

On this World Teacher’s Day, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our wonderful teachers. Thank you to the many families that encouraged their children to send their teacher’s written notes of thanks! I am deeply grateful for the way the Lord has brought together such a dedicated and caring staff. The unity we share in Christ is a blessing, and I am thankful for the professional and passionate way our teachers continue to provide rich and meaningful learning opportunities for our children. Your commitment, care, and excellence make a lasting impact on the lives of our students, and for that, we are truly blessed. 

Our next parent prayer meeting is due to be held on Friday 1 November, Week 3, and is held in the top room of the IRC, from 8am. May I encourage you to join together in praying for the staff, students, and families within our school community.

Mrs Ruth Cooper
Head of Junior School

Forever Projects - Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge

This term, we are embarking on a journey to make a significant impact through our support of Forever Projects, an organisation dedicated to empowering vulnerable families in Tanzania. At our recent assembly, students had the privilege of hearing from Mark Dombkins, the founder of Forever Projects, who shared moving stories about how this organisation is transforming lives by providing resources, education, and sustainable solutions for families in need.

To support this important cause, we are excited to announce the Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge!  We are inviting all secondary students to set a personal challenge—whether it be physical, creative, or something unique—that they will aim to complete by the end of November (note that this challenge through Forever Project is usually completed in October but we are carrying it through to the end of November). This challenge symbolises the determination and resilience shown by Tanzanian families as they strive for a better future.

Why This Challenge Matters

The Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge is not only an opportunity for students to push their personal limits, but also a chance for our school community to contribute to a life-changing cause. By raising funds for Forever Projects, students can play an active role in providing life-saving support to mothers and children facing extreme poverty.

How You Can Get Involved

• Students: Choose a challenge that inspires you and register to be a part of the school team.
• Parents and Families: Support your child’s efforts by encouraging them to participate and sharing their challenge with family and friends to raise donations.

For those who haven’t yet signed up, it’s not too late to get involved. We encourage students to take on a challenge that excites them and to think creatively about how they can make a difference. Check out this video for some more information.

I’ve also joined the school team page and set up my own challenge of running to school through the night (about 65-70km) on Sunday 24 November ready to teach period 1 on Monday. 

I look forward to seeing the creative and determined ways our students take on this challenge, and I am confident that, together, we will make a lasting difference for the families in Tanzania.

Thank you for your support in this endeavour, and for joining us in helping Forever Projects transform lives.

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Secondary School

As Head of Secondary, Mr Collins will work collaboratively with our dedicated staff to ensure that students not only achieve academically but also grow in their faith and character. We are confident that his leadership will enhance our secondary program and support our mission to educate students for a life of learning, service and purpose, to the Glory of God.

We are excited to welcome Mr Collins to our school community and look forward to the positive impact he will bring.

Mr Paul Carter
Acting Principal

Inspired by both her Irish nanna and 1970s wedding dresses, Anneliese created a green dress, using techniques including beading, pleating, dying, sublimation printing and laser cutting. 

Drawing inspiration from 1980s power suits, 1930s evening apparel, and the Palace of Versailles, Bronte made an evening gown and blazer with gold embossing mirroring the extensive architecture and decoration of the Palace.

In a class of just two students, both good friends, Anneliese and Bronte said they valued the concentrated support from teacher Mrs Amy Sneddon.

“This is an outstanding achievement for both girls to have accomplished!” Mrs Sneddon said.

“They both created apparel items with a high level of sewing proficiency, innovative and creative techniques, along with extensive supporting documentation.” 

“Congratulations Bronte and Annie!” 

SHAPE will be held at the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct from March 2025 with final selections for the exhibition determined in December. 

Anxious Arnold was too anxious to perform in his Aunt’s circus and so spreads the rumour that the butterflies you feel in your tummy are actually caused by a Butterfly Flu! All the performers believed him and called in sick. Esmeralda, the ticket sales girl had to step in. Boy did she feel anxious! Every time the butterflies in her tummy started to feel like pterodactyls, the children would help by calling out “Don’t let the butterflies turn into Pterodactyls!” and “Go away Pterodactyl!” She felt a variety of symptoms and learnt many strategies to deal with her anxious feelings. Anxious Arnold learnt a lot too and was now going to be called Action Arnold! A leaflet with a game in it was sent home to each student in the audience so the concepts can be further discussed at home.

Many thanks to the brilliant actors, Mrs Nugteren, Marley Breen, Eliza Dixon and Seth Veltmeyer.                    

Mrs Moes

The picturesque backdrop of the Sydney Harbour skyline added another layer of creativity to their photos, while the students enjoyed interacting with the animals. They also honed their skills in framing, composition and using manual settings on a DSLR.

Beyond the technical learning, the day was filled with laughter, excitement, and shared experiences, making it a memorable outing. Students returned with both incredible photos and fond memories, further fueling their passion for photography. A big thank you to Taronga Zoo for hosting us!

A display of printed photographs has been put in reception for students and visitors to enjoy.

Year 10 have made a film and we have just been informed that we have been shortlisted for the Linguafest Short Film competition. Gratuliere!!
Year 11 celebrated the end of Year 11 and the start of Year 12 with a German cook-up. We enjoyed Bratwurst, Rösti and Sauerkraut!
Year 12 finished the course with our usual silliness- all in German of course! And ended with a taste testing challenge.

Frau McWhirter

“I was accepted into the HSC intensive studio practice 2024 for advanced year 11 art students. It allows you to further perfect your skills and techniques in one of the many expressive forms such as painting, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, drawing, and photography. I went during the holidays to study painting. 

The main focus was on transcription and finding inspiration from traditional artists and artworks. In the first module I create a direct transcription of “The fog warning” by Winslow homer. The next body of work was a personalised transcription of “Gas” by Edward Hopper, I adapted this piece by giving it an Australian twist. The American style tree got changed to gumtrees and the gas station to a popular Australian service station in the 1970s called The Golden Fleece. 

My final artwork was a very large canvas that allowed us to compact our teaching of transcriptions. I decided to explore a bright sunny moment in time by combining my own photograph of Bald Hill, Vladimir Kush's cloud style from “Metamorphosis” and “Bath waterfront” by John Folinsbee. This inspiration from their artworks helped me to create an appropriated image in my own artistic style. This was a great experience, especially as it gave me many hours to develop my painting skill and make new friends with others that have the same artistic interest as me.”

By Elliana Clarke

We’d like to congratulate all the teams for their hard work and excellent performances. A special congratulations goes to Brianna Abrahams and Annabel Davis, who put up an incredible fight to claim the runners-up position in the Open Girls competition. Well done to everyone involved for making the day such a memorable event!

Mr Brendon Arthur

Congratulations to all our students who made it to this level. 

The team started strong, securing a decisive victory in their opening match against Wahroonga Adventist School. Though they faced tough competition in subsequent games and narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot, they demonstrated resilience and a positive attitude in every match.

The boys were a wonderful witness to the values of Shire Christian School, showing respect and integrity both on and off the court. Congratulations to the team for their hard work and for representing the school so well. We look forward to seeing their future successes!

Mr Peter Richardson

It is, indeed, the only way in which God can love such as we are.  The text is a death blow to all sorts of fitness: “I will love them freely.”  Now, if there were any fitness necessary in us, then He would not love us freely, at least, this would be a mitigation and a drawback to the fitness of it But it stands, “I will love you freely.”  We complain, “Lord, my heart is so hard.”  “I will love you freely.”  “But I do not feel my need of Christ as I could wish.”  “I will not love you because you feel your need; I will love you freely.”  “But I do not feel that softening of spirit which I could desire.”  Remember, the softening spirit is not a condition, for there are no conditions.  The covenant of grace has no conditionality whatever, so that we without any fitness may venture on the promise of God that was made to us in Christ Jesus when He said, “He that believeth on Him is not condemned.”  It is blessed to know that the grace of God is free to us at all times, without preparation, without fitness, without money, and without price!  “I will love them freely.”  These words invite backsliders to return,  Indeed, the text was specially written for such - “I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely.”  Backslider, surely the generosity of the promise will at once break your heart, and you will return and seek your injured Father’s face.”

“How deep the Father’s love for us, how vast beyond all measure, that he should send his only Son to make a wretch his treasure.”  (Stuart Townend).

Bruce Christian.

The Screen Smart Series provides parents with an unparalleled opportunity to equip families with the knowledge and strategies they need to foster healthy relationships with technology. 

By offering two impactful presentations, we are making expert mental health support more accessible than ever before. Dr. Coulson, Australia’s leading parenting expert, will deliver targeted advice to parents of both primary school children and teenagers, ensuring that every family receives the guidance they need. 

Help parents navigate the digital landscape, set healthy boundaries, and empower their children to make responsible choices. Together, we can build a brighter future where screens enhance, rather than hinder, the wellbeing of our children. 

The Webinar will be split into two sessions both presentations will occur on Tuesday 29 October 2024.  

The first: Unplug Childhood is designed for Primary School Parents and will be presented at 7pm.  

The Second: Tweens, Teens and Screens is designed for High School Parents and will be presented at 8pm.  

Information on how to register will be provided next term. 

Mrs Rebecca Mitchell
School Counsellor   

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.

Some changes are already in place including the North and Northwest bus changes on 4 August and Sydney Metro from Chatswood to Sydenham which opened on 19 August.

Transport is preparing to make permanent adjustments on the train and the regional outer metropolitan bus network from 20 October 2024.

The changes will support the final conversion of the T3 Bankstown Line between Sydenham and Bankstown to Metro operations and respond to the introduction of Metro services from Chatswood to Sydenham. 

We are communicating the upcoming changes to your school so you can share this information with parents, students and staff, and would appreciate you distributing this via your channels.

This change will occur during the NSW Higher School Certificate and may also align with other important dates in the school calendar. We encourage students to familiarise themselves with what this may mean for travel to and from school before the start of Term 4 by visiting transportnsw.info

When the train timetable changes, some of your students’ usual connections may also change. The Transport for NSW Trip Planner will be updated before the changes take effect. 

We encourage you to remind your school community to plan ahead at https://transportnsw.info/trip before travelling and allow extra travel time.

To provide feedback on any Transport services, please visit transportnsw.info/contact-us/feedback

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.