1. education
2. school

Introduction
No 16, 2014
6th November
Important dates for your diary
As we enter the second half of Term 4 there are a number of Farewell
functions that I will be attending. Two of the most significant functions will be
my farewell to the College students and College parents at Chapel on
Friday 28th November.
Friday 7th November
Pre K Disco 5:00pm-6:15pm Pre K Rooms
K-2 Disco 5:00pm-6:45pm Gymnasium
3-6 Disco 7:00pm-9:00pm Gymnasium
Each College family will soon receive an invitation by email from the College
Board of Governors to attend these Chapel services but the basic details are
as follows:-
Sunday 9th November
9:30am Christ Church @ the College
6:00pm Night Church


Headmaster’s Farewell : Pre K to 6 Chapel
9:00am – 10:00am in the Gymnasium
Headmaster’s Farewell : Year 7 – 12 Chapel
11:00am – 12:00pm in the Gymnasium
At the time of writing this editorial I have already attended a farewell function
hosted by the Heads of Independent Co-educational Schools (HICES).
I hope that part of what I said to the Heads and I have repeated below brings
a smile to your face.
“I smile when I think of the Year 9 girl who cannot be consoled because her
boyfriend, the boy who has been the centre of her life for at least 3 days –
has dropped her. There is no life after this – she is inconsolable.
……but when you ask the question didn’t you drop that same boy some
weeks ago her retort is Oh yes, but that’s different!
OR
The Year 8 boy, who, when questioned about anything responds with
monosyllabic grunts and the longest sentence he uses in conversation and
uses quite often is I don’t know?
He is the boy whose skin is starting to erupt, who has a fine line of hair
growing on his top lip, who looks dishevelled and is not regularly, if at all,
using deodorant.
THEN
3 or 4 years later these same young women or men attend their Year 12
Valedictory Dinner and the girl comes up to you and says ‘I really do not
want to leave sir’ and later the young man seeks you out, and as he towers
over you (or me in particular) because he is now nearly 6 feet tall he says
‘Thanks very much sir’ and then crushes your hand in his hand shake.
It is a delight each year to see this happen…..but it is why we do what we
do!
And of course the next day as you are walking through the school you see
two Year 8 boys pushing and shoving each other; after you bring that to an
end, you walk to your office saying to yourself ‘Here we go again, with a
smile on your face.”
“But may the righteous be glad and rejoice
before God; may they be happy and joyful.”
Psalm 68:3
Monday 10th November
Year’s 7-9 boys and Girls HPV Vaccinations
Tuesday 11th November
Remembrance Day
Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea
Wednesday 12th November
7:30pm P&F Meeting staff Common room
Thursday 13th November
Ridley house Charity Day
Year 9 Commerce Market Day
Friday 14th November
9:00am Remembrance Day Chapel
Saturday 15th November
Movie and Camping Night for Dads and Kids
Sunday 16th November
9:30am Christ Church @ the College
6:00pm Night Church
Monday 17th November
Year 10 Yearly Examinations (1week)
Wednesday 19th November
Periods 4 & 5 Music Concert for Year 2
Recital Room
Friday 21st November
Last day of Year 12 IB Exams
Sunday 23rd November
9:30am Christ Church @ the College
6:00pm Night Church
Friday 28th November
Headmaster’s Farewell – Pre K to 6 Chapel
9:00am – 10:00am in the Gymnasium
Headmaster’s Farewell – Year 7 – 12 Chapel
11:00am – 12:00pm in the Gymnasium
Sunday 30th November
9:30am Christ Church @ the College
6:00pm Night Church
Year 10 Drama Showcase
On Friday 31st October the Year 10 Drama students captured very powerfully
the world as it operates today and the impact, sometimes positive and
sometimes negative that technology has on the way we live.
It was a very thought provoking program, written and revised by the students
themselves.
Well done Year 10 Drama students.
Remembrance Day Service
Vine 16
Attached to this Vine you will find a flyer inviting College parents and friends to
this year’s Remembrance Day Service.
It will be held in the College Gymnasium on Friday 14th November
commencing at 9:00am.
Also at 11:00am on Tuesday 11th November all classes in the College will
cease work and stand quietly for one minute as a sign of respect for those men
and women who have given their lives for this country in many different theatres
of war.
Movie Night for Dad and Kids
Attached to this Vine is a flyer inviting all College Dads to spend a night here at
the College with their children.
The movie night is on Saturday 15th November. All the Mums and all the Kids
think it is a great idea.
If some Dads and Kids want to watch the movie together and then go home to
sleep that is ok as well.
I am sure it will be a great night.
CAMBODIA SERVICE TRIP - JANUARY 2015.
The time for our trip is fast approaching and the students are getting excited about our time away. We
have been involved in some fundraising activities – face painting at the Spring Fair and a mufti day
here at school which was specifically to support the Shades for Aids program.
Thankyou to all those people who have supported us, both at the Spring Fair and through your
donations for the mufti day. We would also like to acknowledge the very generous donation from Mrs
Dunn of Dunn and Farrugia, who helped to make our contribution to the Hope for Cambodian Children
Foundation our best effort yet.
We look forward to sharing our many experiences in Cambodia when we return and thank all the
parents for allowing us to take their students on such a worthwhile
trip to support a community in another
country.
Miss J. Elliott
Careers Advisor
Covering Books for the Library
New library books and sets of textbooks need covering in contact in preparation for issue in 2015.
If any Parent, Grandparent or friend of the College is able to assist the College in this way please
contact (excuse the pun) Library staff.
Periods 1 and 6 are ideal times and might suit Parents or Grandparents who drop off and collect
children.
Regards,
Mrs R. McSeveny
Head of Library Services.
Nepean Enticer Triathletes
Three of our Year 3 students, Jenna Isaacs, Charlotte
Bradford and Jacob Rolles completed the Nepean Enticer
Triathlon at the International Regatta Centre on 25th
October.
Well done to the these fine young triathletes.
Where Are They Now?
Tyron Butson
Long before I finished school, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. From a young age I devoured
newspapers and watched the nightly news, knowing I wanted to be part of the media when I grew up.
After graduating from PAC in 2004, I started a Diploma of Journalism at Sydney’s Macleay College but
it wasn’t long before I was working four to five days a week as a casual reporter at the Daily Telegraph
and a few other publications. That experience saw me find a job as a cadet journalist with the Southern
Highland News, a tri-weekly newspaper in Bowral, before I’d even finished my course. It took some
creative efforts and the odd all-nighter before I eventually finished up my diploma via correspondence.
The year was spent learning the trade and reporting on everything from cops and courts to cricket
(working in Bowral, the home of Donald Bradman, means you quickly need to learn the difference
between a duck and a square leg) all the while working out how to juggle living in a small town and
reporting on it.
My time in the Southern Highlands was made extra special by the fact I met my wife, Leigh, there. Also
a journalist at the News, Leigh and I just clicked: we married in 2009 and bought a house in Newtown
earlier this year. She’s now an editor at the Sydney Morning Herald.
Following that I worked as a reporter at the Cairns Post in far north Queensland, the Newcastle Herald
and in the NSW state parliamentary bureau for News Limited. Over the years I’ve reported on
everything from bikies to funerals, crocodile attacks to champion bulls, through to grilling politicians and
interviewing my favourite bands. My favourite journalism role was probably my time reporting from state
parliament – breaking political stories as they happened, reporting on elections and policy changes as
well as reporting on all the wheeling and dealing that goes into politics.
Some of the other highlights include embedding with the Australian Army’s elite Commando battalion,
chasing bushfires in far north Queensland and even some of the smaller, quirky, yarns like interviewing
a woman about the pet fox she kept in her CBD terrace. Journalism also sees you encounter an
amazingly interesting range of people. I’ve interviewed everyone from the likes of rock stars and actors
through to Olympians, criminals and gangsters. Every day I learn something new.
I’ve also had the opportunity to see what it’s like on the other side of media. I recently spent 18 months
working in public relations, including as a media officer for the City of Sydney’s Lord Mayor Clover
Moore. While PR was an interesting challenge and I learnt great skills to add to my portfolio, I
eventually realised how much I missed being a journalist.
Earlier this year when Channel 9 decided to launch a brand-new, 24-hour news website, 9news.com.au, I was offered the chance to come on board as one of its senior editors. It’s a fun,
fast-paced job that sees me overseeing a small team of writers and producers, assigning stories,
editing copy and setting the news agenda for the day. We’ve covered some major stories since our
launch, including the attack on Flight MH17 over Ukraine and Australia’s return to Iraq. Already the
website has been catching up with established brands such as the smh.com.au andnews.com.au. In
November I’ll be heading to Brisbane to report on the G20 world leaders’ conference.
It’s been a fun ride so far and more importantly – every day at work I know I’m doing something I love.
Senior School Sports Update
NASSA Basketball Gala Days – Monday, 20th and Thursday, 23rd October
PAC attended NASSA’s annual Basketball Gala Days a fortnight ago, and played very
competitively throughout both days.
PAC hosted the Junior (Year 7) and Intermediate (Years 8-9) day, which saw an incredible 30
teams descend on Penrith Valley Regional Sports Stadium on Monday, 20th October. A full-on
day of basketball followed with some incredible close games going right down to the wire. PAC’s
four teams all performed well, and displayed excellent teamwork skills against some very strong
teams – some NASSA schools select their teams in Term 1, and are involved in inter-school competitions on a regular basis – so we can be incredibly proud of where PAC finished up on the day.
The final results are as follows:
Plac
e
1st
Junior Girls
Junior Boys
Intermediate Girls
Intermediate Boys
St Luke’s GS
St Luke’s GS
Georges River GS
St Luke’s GS
2nd
Georges River GS
The Illawarra GS
St Luke’s GS
3rd
Penrith AC
Broughton AC
The Illawarra GS
Thomas Hassall
AC
Penrith AC
4th
Macarthur AS
Georges River GS
Penrith AC
Macarthur AS
5th
The Illawarra GS
Broughton AC
The Illawarra GS
6th
Thomas Hassall
AC
Broughton AC
Thomas Hassall
AC
Macarthur AS
Wollondilly AC
Georges River GS
Penrith AC
Thomas Hassall
AC
Macarthur AS
Broughton AC
7th
8th
Wollondilly AC
Results are still being finalised for both the Senior Gala Day, along with the overall NASSA
Basketball Champion school – details will follow in an upcoming edition of The Vine.
Thank you to our basketball coaches, Mr Clarke, Mrs A. van Zwieten, Mr Whale and Mr Wright for
your efforts leading up to, and on, the Gala Days. Thanks also to Mr. Young’s Year 10 PASS class,
who came along as helpers on the Junior/Intermediate Gala Day – the coaches from many schools
complimented you on your helpfulness and adaptability throughout the day!
Junior Girls
Junior Boys
Intermediate Girls
Intermediate Boys
Jnr Girls
Jnr Boys
Int Boys
Int Girls
Snr Girls
Snr Boys
Brooke Bailey
Caitlin Brines
Laylah Fenech
Sophie Giordano
Evelyn HarperMarchant
Georgia
HarperMarchant
Alana Jackson
Georgia Murray
Alana Vella
Amber Ward
Dion Baker
Jordan GoehnerDrewe
Luke Harkin
Jack Huckstadt
Joshua Kilpatrick
Joshua Kuipers
Owen Paterson
Thomas
Rosenthal
Liam Swist
Riley Turner
Lachlan
Brinkworth
Hayden Clancy
Nathan DeCelis
Karanveet
Dhillon
Jesse Freeman
Benjamin
Gergis
Nicholas
Kuipers
Jack Mey
Liam Polinsky
Bernadette
Bishara
Emma Bryant
Casey Byrne
Rachel Davison
Sophie Hogan
Brylee JenkinsCalder
Zalia Lackey
Isabella
O’Gorman
Jade Richards
Tenielle
Stephenson
Caitin Brown
Mikayla Hinkley
Alexis Johnson
Courtney
Lambert
Kiara McKay
Elisabeth
Michail
Kathryn
Robinson
Charmian
Stewart
Emma Willis
Kate Wilkinson
Kael Bucholtz
Lachlan
Chapman
Matthew
DeCelis
Rowan Faint
Luke Giordano
Travis
Goodshaw
Daniel Hallani
Adam
Schoebel
Jacob Werner
Fady Youssef
Senior Boys
AICES Softball Championship – Wednesday, 29th October
Congratulations to the NASSA Open Girls Softball Team, who have broken a 4-year drought in
winning the AICES Softball Championship. PAC had five players in this team: Charlotte Britton (Year
8), Bethany Mercieca (Year 9), Georgia Murray (Year 7), Alexandra Ryan (Year 7) and Ashleigh Ryan
(Year 9). All five girls were integral in NASSA’s success, and displayed great team work and support
to all players in the team.
NASSA fought out a close game against Hills Zone, coming out winners 7-4, and then
comprehensively defeated Hunter Region 16-2 to take out the Championship.
Special congratulations to Georgia and Alexandra, who were both selected in the AICES Open
Softball Team, who will play at the CIS Championship in February, 2015. Georgia will be the AICES
starting pitcher, an amazing achievement for a student who will be in Year 8, and Alexandra will assist
in the battery, as catcher or in their field as a utility player. Charlotte, Bethany and Ashleigh were
incredibly close in being selected to the AICES team – girls, keep up the good work!
NASSA Open Softball Team
Georgia, Alexandra and Charlotte (back row, 2nd-4th
from left)
Ashleigh and Bethany (front row, 4th and 5th from left)
Mrs Amanda Houison
Director of Sport
Praise and Prayer Points
Praise:

give thanks for the wonderful young children who will be joining the College in the Pre K in 2015

give thanks for the men and women in the various fire fighting crews servicing our community

give thanks for the many blessings we receive in the PAC community

give thanks for the security we have or can have in knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour
Prayer:

continue to pray for Year 12 IB and HSC students undertaking final examinations

pray for Year 10 as they begin their yearly examinations

continue to pray for the appointment of the new Head of College in 2015

pray for safety for each and every member of our College Community in these very troubled times
“Hallelujah!
For our Lord God almighty reigns”
Revelation 19:6
At one of our morning devotions two weeks ago the staff member who led the devotion had asked staff
to identify one feature of God that helped carry them through the day.
I reproduce below what some of the staff said;God. You are my Redeemer and my Saviour. My Creator. You are my Father and Lord. And all things
are placed under You. You are my everything.
You are Omnipresent. And all encompassing. The constant that keeps me grounded and secure.
You are my Provider. Protector. Comforter and Sustainer. You are my Strength and Companion. You
are my Friend, the One in control.
God, you are love. My light. My Peace. You are Just and Perfect. You are my everything!
Barry Roots,
HEADMASTER
Penrith Anglican College
Remembrance Day Service
Friday November 14th, 2014
9.00am in the Gymnasium
The Headmaster, staff and students of Penrith Anglican
College extend an invitation to families and friends of the
College community and ex-service men and women, to attend our
Remembrance Day Service.
Family members attending are encouraged to wear service
medals as a mark of respect and to remember those who served.
Poppy Crosses are on sale from Student Reception and also at
our Remembrance Day Service
Lest we Forget
Movie and Camping
Night for Dads and Kids
Saturday 15 November 6:00pm
Movie to be screened:
Rated: PG
HOOK
At 6:00 pm for $5 per person: A sausage sandwich, drink and a piece of cake can
be pre purchased.
Movie will be screened at 7:00 pm
We will then camp out on the Oval (weather permitting) if raining we will camp out
in the Gym. You will need to supply your own camping equipment.
If you do not wish to camp out you can just come for dinner and a movie.
NO caravans or campervans etc.
THIS IS A STRICTLY NO ALCOHOL EVENT
.…………………………………………………………………………..
Movie and Camping
Night for Dads and Kids
Saturday 15 November 6:00pm
Child’s Name ……………………………….. Class …………………
Number camping and dinner
_____________________
Attending the movie and
Dinner Only
_____________________
Money Enclosed
$_____________________
R.S.V.P by Wednesday 12 November to the Office.
Fireworks begin at 9pm
Anglicare Christmas Appeal 2014 – Toys and Tucker
DEAR PARENTS and STUDENTS
Once again PAC is participating in the Anglicare program to provide gifts and food
to families in need in our local area.
Firstly, Anglicare is in need of Christmas gifts for children.
We encourage you to provide a new gift for a child of the same gender and age as
your child.
Please note:
 Gifts need to be not too large, otherwise they are difficult for Anglicare to
package for families.
 Used toys cannot be accepted.
 Stuffed toys and clothing are not needed.
Suggestions include:
 Small teddy bears and babies for toddlers.
 Craft items and books for all ages
 Especially welcome are gift cards which your children would enjoy receiving
which would allow recipients to make a decision about what they would like.
 Cosmetics for older girls
 Family friendly board games.
Secondly, Year 12 students will be helping Anglicare to pack food and
children’s gift hampers this term as part of the Tabitha program.
Food items need to be SMALL
SIZES as food is packed into
boxes of the size used to buy
computer paper.
Anglicare would be particularly
pleased to receive:
SMALL items of Christmas food
such as custard, pudding, cake,
tinned ham, jams and so on.
Other SMALL packets of food items are also welcome such as long life milk,
pasta, rice and tinned fish. Large packets do not fit into the boxes and so are difficult
to use. If you wish to be generous, multiple small packets are much more useful than
one enormous packet.
Students should take the gifts or food to their class teacher in the Prep and
Junior Schools or their PCG teacher in the Senior School before Friday 14th
November.
Anglicare will be at the Junior School Assembly on Monday 17th November to
collect the items.
Thank you in anticipation for your generosity
The Year 11 Tabitha Team 
Christchurchatthecollege
Thoughts from the Pastor
The Joy of the Lord
Author Leo Buscaglia tells this story about his mother and their "misery dinner." It was the night after
his father came home and said it looked as if he would have to go into bankruptcy because his
partner had absconded with their firm's funds. His mother went out and sold some jewellery to buy
food for a sumptuous feast. Other members of the family scolded her for it. But she told them that
"the time for joy is now, when we need it most, not next week." Her courageous act rallied the
family. - Christopher News Notes, August, 1993.
As we work through the book of Nehemiah together at church this term, we see an almost
insurmountable project ahead for the people of God as the wall of Jerusalem is broken down and
the people are ridiculed.
At times we may find ourselves in great difficulty yet we can look to the great God who turns our
hopelessness into Joy. This is because Jesus gives us an eternal perspective which sees each of our
burdens as part of the road of life which leads to a fruitful end. Join us each Sunday as we grow to
understand more deeply, the ‘Joy of The Lord’ and how He can be our strength.
Nehemiah 8:10
…And
do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Women
at Christ Church
FREE COFFEE
VOUCHER
Present this voucher to
redeem one free cup of
coffee from the
Lighthouse Theatre Café
A Ministry of
Christ Church at the College
Women at Christ Church meet regularly for breakfast and brunch, social events and fundraisers,
bible study, conferences, and generally to have fun together. In Term 4, Women at Christ Church
will be meeting on Tuesday mornings from 8.30am in the Lighthouse Café for a coffee, chat and
devotional. We’ll begin a new series called ‘Women of the Bible’ and take a look at the amazing
lives and stories of the inspiring women of the bible. Women at Christ Church aim to support and
help each other grow more deeply in their love of Jesus, grow in their knowledge of the Bible, and
get connected with one another in community creating genuine friendships. If you’d like some
more information, please contact Teresa Brutto in the Church Office on 4760 0155 or come along
on Tuesday mornings ~ we’d love to see you there! Bubs welcome!
enquiries@christchurchatthecollege.com.au
www.christchurchatthecollege.com.au