Published on: 8 August 2024

  • Anglican Schools Conference
  • Public Speaking
  • Dr Judith Locke
  • Anglicare School Sleep Out

Last weekend, I travelled to the Anglican Schools Conference in Melbourne with Reverend Russell. We were joined by representatives from 160 Anglican schools across the 28 dioceses in Australia. Among the topics discussed was the role of Anglican identity in today’s society. For our school, these roots are significant; our school values are grounded in Christian principles, and our school motto, Deus Dux Doctrina Lux (God is our leader, learning is our light), underscores the importance of faith in our school environment.

Recently, students across the School have been actively participating in public speaking competitions. A team of Year 4 students took part in the IPSHA Speakers Challenge, while Senior School students competed in the PSA Public Speaking Challenge. Our students performed exceptionally well, with Year 8 student Charlie Davis winning the Junior Final Competition (Years 7 to 9) and claiming the Junior Public Speaking Trophy for the School. You can read more about the event here.

Public speaking is a vital skill that our students begin cultivating from Year 3, with opportunities to refine and enhance these abilities as they progress through the School. Early exposure through competitions like the Speakers Challenge helps build confidence and communication skills, laying a strong foundation for more advanced challenges in Senior School, where students are empowered to engage in meaningful discourse. By fostering these skills early on and providing continuous development opportunities, our students develop their aural skills and become articulate and confident leaders, well-prepared for future success.

Our Peter Moyes Centre students recently participated in the ACC ‘No Limits’ Soccer Carnival. This integrated competition celebrates inclusion, where students of all abilities compete in a series of matches against other schools, supported by their peers. While the students did not bring the shield home, the Carnival provided an opportunity for them to work together positively, offering each other encouragement and camaraderie. Click here to read more about the Carnival. The Peter Moyes Centre plays a vital role in our school and underpins our commitment to ensuring Christ Church is a learning environment where every student has the opportunity to participate and thrive. We place an emphasis on providing a safe space where students of all abilities can engage meaningfully in school activities and are celebrated for their contributions.

This week, best-selling author and registered clinical psychologist Dr Judith Locke visited the School to present to parents on the challenges of raising children in today’s society, with staff invited to attend a dedicated session tailored to the unique role they play in our students’ lives. Dr Locke delivered two evening information sessions, each specific to the development stages of primary or senior students, and spoke about how parenting has changed significantly over a short period of time. Christ Church places high importance on offering parents access to industry-leading professionals on important topics. The Wynne Centre for Health and Wellbeing hosts speakers throughout the year who present on a range of compelling and highly relevant topics, such as cyber safety, drugs, alcohol and vaping, and safe driving.

This weekend, 18 students and 3 staff will be participating in the Anglicare School Sleep Out at Optus stadium, an initiative by their WA Street Connect service aimed at raising awareness and support for young people experiencing homelessness. Such initiatives are crucial as they provide our school community the opportunity to engage with important social issues, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by others. By coming together for the Sleepout, we reinforce the values of compassion and social responsibility within our school. Well done to all participants for taking part in this meaningful initiative. You can follow the team’s fundraising progress here.

Senior School students will compete in the final round of the PSA Winter competition this weekend. We are all looking forward to what is shaping up to be a stunning finish to a highly successful season. Students have competed well, representing the School with passion and integrity, we look forward to hearing the results from the round.

At the start of this term both pools in the joint Aquatic Precinct were converted from chlorinated to saltwater pools. The shift has many advantages – it is more cost efficient, requires less maintenance, is environmentally friendly and we are helping business in Western Australia by using locally sourced salt. Feedback from my fellow swimmers is that the water feels softer to swim in, and is less harsh on skin, eyes and hair. Another great initiative by the School in conjunction with MLC.

Alan Jones
Principal