From our Principal – Mr Stanway

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we come to the end of Semester One, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing involvement and support for the College. It is wonderful seeing so many parents involved in the various activities held by the College throughout the term such as: class excursions, the Arts Production, Year 4 Sleepover, the recent Musical recitals, the Fathering Project Indoor Rock-climbing evening, the Cross Country Carnivals, the Mother’s Day afternoons, the Peel Primary School Sports Association carnival, the FCC AGM, and the Parent Satisfaction Survey.

Parent Satisfaction Survey results

The Parent Satisfaction Survey results have returned. The survey was provided by Christian Education National (CEN) who work closely with the CISIT (Calnin International School Improvement Tool) organisation to tailor these surveys. At the end of the process, CEN have analysed the results of the surveys and fed this information back to the College Leadership Team. We will go through the results of the survey and use the data we receive and include it in the strategic planning process.

The overall rating of the school is as follows:

‘I am very satisfied with my decision to send my child/ren to this school’. (4.1)

Three key take aways:

1. Foundation Christian College is a great place for students to learn and be understood in a safe and happy Christian environment.
2. Our students have very positive relationships with their teachers and are encouraged to strive for their best in all they do.
3. We have high quality teachers who work in partnership with parents for the benefit of students.

We had 138 families fill out the survey which was great. The feedback will help the College Leadership team look at what we are doing well, areas we need to focus on to improve, and any other ideas for the future. The Board and the Executive team are currently reviewing the strategic goals moving forward, and the survey results help provide feedback regarding what we need to aim for in different areas of the College.

Semester One Reports

The Semester One reports have been completed and are being released. The Senior School reports have already been issued, and at this stage, the Year 12 ATAR Medium is 79 and the Highest predicted Year 12 ATAR Score (from one of our students) is currently 95. It is really encouraging to the students when they are rewarded for their hard work. The Semester One reports provide valuable feedback to students regarding their attitude towards learning, and how they are progressing in their particular year level. It is a good opportunity to sit down with them and discuss how they went and what they need to do to continue to improve next term.

Mid-year Holidays

Reminder: The Mid-year Holiday dates are as follows:

• Tuesday 27^th June – Last day of Term 2 for Staff & Students!!!
• Wednesday 28^th June – Term 2 Holidays begin!
• Monday 17^th July – Day #1 WA CEN Symposium for Staff (Pupil-free day)
• Tuesday 18^th July – Day #2 WA CEN Symposium for Staff (Pupil-free day)
• Wednesday 19^th July – Students return to school and classes commence for Term 3!
  

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Thanks, again, for your ongoing prayers and support. It is a privilege to partner together with families as we provide a Christ-centred education at Foundation Christian College. I pray that God will bless you as you spend time with your family and friends over the mid-year holidays, and we look forward to seeing you when classes resume on Wednesday 19^th July.
Kind regards,
Neville Stanway
Principal

From The Board …

The Board would like to thank you for attending the FCC AGM at the beginning of the month. The meeting was well attended, and it was wonderful to have questions and interaction during the meeting as well as time together afterwards over a delicious supper. It is a privilege to be a part of such a beautiful college community. The Board met together on Monday evening and our first task was to elect our new office bearers. 

We would like to say farewell and special thanks to Pieter Verster for his time on the Board and especially for his service to the College as Board Chairperson for the past 3 years. Pieter has such a passion for FCC, Christian education and discipleship for our youth. We’ve been blessed by his fervent servant hearted leadership. Well done Pieter!

We pray for a safe and blessed mid-year break with your families.

From Mr King…

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

As we approach the end of the term, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous privilege we have as educators in our Christian faith. It is an honour to guide and shape the lives of our students within the framework of our beliefs. We are not simply imparting knowledge and information, we are instilling values, character, and a solid foundation in God’s truth.
Proverbs 22:6 reminds us of the profound impact we can have on our students’ lives. By helping them discover their purpose, develop their talents, and grow in their relationship with God, we are making a lasting difference. This is a significant responsibility and an incredible opportunity.

As Christian teachers, we hold something special to offer our students. We have the privilege of pointing them towards the ultimate source of truth and hope – Jesus Christ. Through Him, they can discover their worth and identity. They have the power to make a positive difference in the world.

Our Education Assistants and Administration Team are the unsung hero behind the scenes, working tirelessly to support our college systems, teachers and students. Their dedication, patience, and compassion shine through in everything they do. Whether it’s providing one-on-one assistance, facilitating group activities, or helping with administrative tasks, their efforts never go unnoticed.

As a Whole College Team our goal is to continue our work as  with thankfulness and dedication, recognising that each day is an opportunity to plant seeds of faith and inspire young hearts. We hope to never underestimate the impact we can have on students’ lives. They are the future ambassadors of our Christian faith!

Primary Student Uniforms, Hair and Jewellery

I recently visited each class from Year 1 to Year 6 to do a uniform and accessory check. We looked at uniforms, shoes, hair, accessories, jewellery, phones, and smartwatches. Overall, we are doing very well! 😊

Please refer to the Primary Parent Information Handbook below that is reviewed each year and a copy given to each family at the start of each year. For your information and reminder: Smartwatches and mobile phones are to be handed in to the Library each morning before school commences.

Primary Parent Information Booklet 2023

I hope all of our families have a safe, fun and restful school holidays. Please enjoy this video that I have sent to all families via email. 

We look forward to seeing you all back at school on Wednesday 19 July.

Kind Regards

Clint King

Head of Primary

Primary Cross Country Carnival

On Tuesday 13 June, we held our annual Primary Cross Country event. The rain even stayed away! Thank you to all our wonderful families for their presence and to our exceptional staff for their invaluable assistance. As a result of everyone’s assistance and support – the Cross Country event was a success.

A special shout-out to Mr Johnston for his exceptional coordination efforts.

We are extremely proud of our Year 1-6 students for displaying remarkable resilience and perseverance throughout the entire day. What a fantastic day it was! Enjoy the photos…

Coming up in Secondary…From Mr Shanhun

Dear Families,

Thank you for a wonderful first Semester. It has been an honour to work with all our students. Please see some reflections on the Term, and also some announcements as we head into the second half of the year.

Celebrate FCC!

In Term 3, we will be partnering with parents by running a series of informative interviews with selected staff. These will cover important topics such as:

• Digital Citizenship & Online Safety
• Your Teen & Their Mobile
• The FCC Way – Partnering with Parents on Behaviour Management
• Secondary Social Structures – Navigating Friendships
• Understanding Pathways – ATAR, General & Vocational

Parents will also have an opportunity to ask questions through online surveys before each interview. We look forward to working with parents, and celebrating our students next Term.

Term 2

It is humbling to be in the position of Head of Secondary, as I am supported by a team of very hard-working staff. This is evidenced in the many and varied events held in Term 2. I would like to thank our staff for going above and beyond; and our students, for all that they have invested. It has been great to see students rise to a number of challenges, from academic to sport, design and arts, student development, leadership and worship.

• Production: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
• Book Club; Lunchtime Clubs; E-Sports Club
• Worship & Assemblies
• Yr 8/9 Lightning Carnival
• Careers Expo Perth Convention Centre Year 11s
• Year 9 Camp
• Cross Country
• Year 7 Camp
• Year 10 ODE Camp
• ACC Cross Country
• Instrumental Recitals
• Visual Art Excursion to WA Art Gallery
• Year 11-12 Music Students performance
• Market Day – Humanities Department & Yr 9/10 Students

Please click on the links below for a brief review of Semester 1, and also our recent Market Day celebrations.

Semester 1 Video

Market Day Montage

Semester 1, Student Reports now available

Families can now access the Student Reports for Semester 1, 2023. To view your child’s report, simply log into the SEQTA app, navigate to the Reports section, and select the corresponding semester. Your child’s report will be readily available for your convenience.

Mid-year Holidays

Reminder: The Mid-year Holiday dates are as follows:

• Tuesday 27th June – Last day of Term 2 for Staff & Students!!!
• Wednesday 28th June – Term 2 Holidays begin!
• Monday 17th July – Day #1 WA CEN Symposium for Staff (Pupil-free day)
• Tuesday 18th July – Day #2 WA CEN Symposium for Staff (Pupil-free day)
• Wednesday 19th July – Students return to school and classes commence for Term 3!

Term 3 Secondary Calendar

To help you plan for the upcoming term, we have attached the Term 3 calendar for Secondary. Please review it carefully to stay informed about the various activities and events taking place.

Term 3 Calendar

I wish everyone a wonderful and blessed extended holiday, and look forward to bigger and better things next Term!

Kind regards,

Peter Shanhun

Head of Secondary

Outdoor Education

We are very pleased to acknowledge the hard work and success of our Outdoor Ed Staff and Students so far this year. Yr 10 Outdoor Ed students recently went on a three-day camp to the Wellington National Park.

Students kayaked, camped, rode and climbed, and even had to provide and cook their own food! The College received a very positive report about the students’ resilience, hard work and enjoyment upon their return.

Secondary Worship – Mr Burnley’s Police Patrol Miracle and…

During a recent Secondary Worship service, Mr Burnley shared a specific miracle from his police experience. After describing the process and adrenaline of having to attend a traffic accident (complete with siren sound effects), he relayed how a baby was trapped in a car. After initial frustration at being interrupted while trying to pray, the interruption turned out to be a pediatric surgeon, who was able to intervene at just the right moment, saving the baby’s life.

Mr Burnley reiterated that everyone is created unique, and that God has a specific plan for each one of us, saying ‘you’re a once off!’. We are privileged to have staff who are able to share with authority andshow that our beliefs are not just something from 2000 years ago, but something that impacts our lives and hearts daily.

Students have the opportunity to be part of the Worship Team and we encourage students with a heart for worship and praising our Lord to join the team. Students can nominate themselves to join the Worship team is HERE.

Help our Science Team with bottle caps and CDs!

Our Science Team is looking for old CD’s and plastic bottle tops – as many as you can find!. They are needed for Week 1 of next term to help prepare for an activity for Science week.

Please bring them to the Office marked for the attention of Mrs Sam Keating and she will be very happy to receive them!

Thank you!

Murdoch Mail – Murdoch University News

Murdoch University is hosting many open events to give Secondary Students opportunities to find out more about particular career paths:

REGIONAL & REMOTE STUDENTS ONLINE Q&A SESSION
25^th July

MURDOCH OPEN NIGHTS

August 23^rd         Nursing

August 24^th         Sciences, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

August 29^th         Business, Law, Humanities, Art & Social Sciences, Education

August 30^th         Health & Education

ENABLING PROGRAM INFORMATION EVENINGS

August 8^th            FlexiTrack High Information Evening

August 21^st          TLC Learning for Tomorrow – Rockingham Campus

August 23^rd         TLC Learning for Tomorrow – Mandurah Campus

For more information on these events, or to register, please follow the links above or see the flyers below.

Murdoch University Open Nights (A4)

FlexiTrack High Information Session Flyer

TLC Learning for Tomorrow Information Session

NAIDOC Assembly

We were privileged to hear from Mr John Coman for our NAIDOC Week Assembly, with the theme ‘For Our Elders’. This was a very honouring theme – a thank you and a remembrance for all those who have gone before us, and also to those who are with us and building into our lives.

Honour your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. Exodus 20:12

Mr Coman shared a number of facts about emus:

• one emu egg equals 12 chicken eggs;
• there is an emu in the constellations (without light pollution!),
• emus can run at least 50 km/hr and many more.

Mr Coman also shared that a father emu will run the other way when his chicks are threatened. While this may at first seem like cowardice, in fact, he is trying to draw the hunter away from the chicks, so that they can be saved as he lays down his life. This is just like God, who sent his son to die in our place. It was very appropriate, at the end of the assembly, that we honoured John for being an elder at FCC.

Music: Instrument and Voice Recitals and Year 3 Concertinos!

Instrument and Voice Recitals

The 7 and 8 June saw around 100 students, 9 Instrumental Tutors, Voice Tutor and numerous staff in the Performing Arts Centre for our Semester 1 Music Recitals.

Students took centre stage to introduce their pieces, and to perform to a live audience.

It was wonderful to see the fruit of the students’ hard work over Semester 1, and to see the progress in their skill from previous years. We acknowledge the risk and challenge of solo performance and look forward to the students’ personal and musical development in years to come as they grow in skill and confidence.

Thank you to all the Parents, Tutors and Staff who supported the students throughout this process.

Please enjoy the photo gallery from these events:

Year 3 Strings Concertino

The Strings performances by our Year 3 Students was wonderful! We recreated a classroom setting on stage and students, along with Mr Shanhun who led the classes and instrument Tutors, who supported students in their performance.

It was very interesting to learn how important singing the notes is to learning what sounds an instrument such as a violin, viola or cello should make!

Enjoy some images from our events! 

Family Indoor Rock Climbing and Pizza Night!

Friday 16 June was the FCC Foundation Friends and The Fathering project annual Rock climbing event!

We filled the stadium to capacity and there was much climbing to be had. Many families who have never climbed before conquered the climbing walls and was cause for much celebration! As your Community Relations Officer, it warms my heart to see families spending time together and trying something new. It is special to watch families come together and see relationships strengthened.

 A massive thank you to Pastor Josh Edwards who came along and spoke to us before we climbed. He encouraged our families to continue building relationships in the FCC community and how our College is well-known for doing so. Thank you families – you help make FCC a great place for our children!

Thank you for your support of this event, and our next major event will be Friday 24 August – A Dads N Kids Design and Technology Night. Just in time for Father’s Day.

Enjoy some images taken at the Rock Climbing event…

WANTED: Volunteer Street Chaplains

Our former Board Chair, Mr Pieter Verster, is also a Member of the Mandurah Street Chaplains. They are seeking new volunteers to join the Mandurah team of 14. Here is some information about Street Chaplaincy:

“Street Chaplains was founded by Dr Garth Eichorn in Perth in 2008 with a team of 13.  We are a fully faith based (non-denominational) Christian organisation that started in Perth 2008.  Since then, we have expanded to 12 regions from Kununurra to Albany with over 200 volunteers. Each region is autonomous in its operational management. 

Mandurah has been operational since Feb 2014.  We currently have 14 volunteers, working within our community on Friday and Saturday evenings and we are looking at broadening our volunteer base to allow each shift to continue without cancellations.   We patrol on foot Mandurah CBD and Foreshore (in pairs) between 11pm – 4am, providing a safe and friendly contact for all those in need.  Our goal is to ensure that all people out and about get home safe and well.  

We work very closely with the City of Mandurah; Police; ambulance; hotels; night club and all security teams. We provide a warm friendly smile, carry a number of supplies (including water, vomit bags; sarongs; blankets & more); even a portable defib; all with the aim of keeping everyone safe and getting them home. 

All volunteers undergo initial and regular training; senior first aid; working with children’s cards; police clearance; and are supported by their churches. 

Should you with further information please do not hesitate to contact myself or our Director – Karen Jarvis (0401133776).  

We look forward to your favourable replies.” 

Blessings

Pieter Verster

Mandurah Street Chaplains Board Member