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NewsBites - Term 3, Week 8, 2025

 

As we enter the final two weeks of term, I want to offer some words of encouragement to all students who are not only finalising assessments, but also managing the general busyness of life. Whether it’s balancing one or more co-curricular commitments at school, taking on part-time work during the week or weekend, or simply navigating everyday challenges, I am continually impressed by the hard work and resilience of our young people. The end of term brings additional pressures with looming assessment deadlines, yet time and again, students demonstrate their ability to rise to the occasion.

Next week is the official RUOK? Day in Australia – though here at Faith, we will acknowledge it in the final week of term. I encourage all students and members of our College community to take the opportunity to check in on themselves and on those who are important in their lives – classmates, friends, and family members beyond the College. RUOK? Day reminds us of the importance of looking out for one another, especially during the busyness of the end of a school term.

Let us also remember that none of us walk through life alone. Christ our Saviour seeks a relationship with each of us and is present in both good times and bad. God provides comfort in our struggles and offers us opportunities to rebound, grow, and experience joy.

I pray that every student knows they are deeply loved by God and that they are valued here at Faith and in life beyond the College. May we draw strength from this love, even in busy times like the close of term. May RUOK? Day also be a reminder of the importance of checking in with ourselves and with one another – not just once a year, but every day.

Yours in Christ,
Tyson Kenny
Acting Principal 

 
Business Office update and Projects

The business office is now busily preparing the budget for 2026 and the Fees will be determined as part of this process and shared with families in late October. Enrolment forecasts remain strong with Year 7 predicted to be at capacity again with improved retention across older year levels.  With increased student numbers comes increased need for classroom spaces, so the College is working on building additional classrooms under the Sports Hall.

Building Projects
There has been lots of activity in this space and planned for the remainder of the year:

  • A Block – The new Admin & Student Services Building and the landscaping of the original A Block site is now complete. 
  • Foundation Phase Classroom Renovations – The new outdoor learning interconnecting spaces and improved lighting and access to these areas is due for completion this week.
  • Airconditioning of classrooms – CA Block and the rooms under Sports Hall were the last classrooms to be airconditioned at the College. 
  • New Classrooms – concreting has been completed under the Sports Hall where approx. five new classrooms will be constructed to meet the growing needs of the College.
  • Internal Roads Project – works to start before end of September to construct dedicated bus road access to top side of ovals onto Cemetery Road and also construct the Drop and Go Primary School road.  Due for completion February 2026.
  • Primary School Stage 1 – ongoing planning and design meetings planning for construction starting by early 2026, subject to Block Grant Funding Approval. Stage 1 will be Years 5, 6.
  • Waste Treatment System upgrade – new system being designed to meet needs of Primary School initially and then scale up to replace the existing facility which is at end of life and at capacity.

Bus Operations
Families are reminded that the College has engaged Southern Cross Transit (SCT) to operate our bus services, partnering with the College. The College will continue to have oversight of the bus services provided to families. Please contact SCT for bus related enquiries in the first instance on (07) 3813 8900 or at enquiries@southerncrosstransit.com.au.

The College is reviewing with SCT the App that is used to track and monitor the buses and will communicate any changes and guidance to families before any changes made.  

Weston Davis
Chief Operating Officer

 
Faith Festival 2025 - You're Invited!

Faith Festival is a vibrant end-of-term tradition where our community pauses to celebrate the journey so far - with 75% of the year complete - through experiences that spark joy, foster creativity, and strengthen connection. We invite parents in our community to join with us for this special event. 

There will be lots to enjoy from high-energy fun like inflatable obstacle courses, eSports, and Just Dance, to quiet moments in the community hub, chill-out zone, or at the collaborative fingerprint mural. Live music by a duo group will uplift and inspire, showcasing God-given gifts in action. 

Please register your attendance by using the QR code below or by clicking here.

 
 
Celebrating Community and Leadership

Last week was filled with moments that reminded us of the strength of our community and the leadership of our young people.

On Thursday, we hosted our Foundation Father’s Day Event, welcoming dads, grandads, and father figures to share in an afternoon of fun and celebration. Families joined together for games, laughter, and plenty of connection, while enjoying a delicious BBQ lunch. It was wonderful to see our Foundation Phase buzzing with energy as students proudly showed their dads around and created new memories together. A huge thank you to our staff, student leaders, and volunteers who worked hard behind the scenes to ensure the day was a success.

Last week, our Year 7 students stepped beyond the classroom to take part in a special leadership excursion for World Lake Day. Partnering with Friends of Lake Apex (FOLA), Resilient Rivers, and local council members, students contributed to re-vegetating the area by planting native trees. Their efforts will help support the local ecosystem, providing food and shelter for wildlife and strengthening our community’s natural spaces. Beyond the environmental impact, students reflected on what it means to show leadership through action, responsibility, and service.

We were delighted that this initiative was also recognised in the wider community, with our students’ efforts featured on the 6pm News last week. It was a proud moment to see their contribution celebrated and to shine a light on the positive role young people can play in caring for the world around them.

👉 VIEW NEWS CLIP

Kate Manthey
Head of Wellbeing - Foundation 7

+6
 

As we enter the final two weeks of Term 3, I want to take a moment to thank families for their continued support of our Years 9 and 10 students. Semester 2 is always a dynamic and demanding time, and this term has been no exception. Our Year 9 students have continued to grow into the Exploration Phase, while our Year 10s are beginning to look ahead to the Graduate Phase with increasing focus and maturity.

This term has brought its fair share of challenges, particularly as assessments and deadlines have started to build. Many students have demonstrated impressive resilience, working hard to manage their responsibilities, navigate pressure, and develop the skills needed to thrive both now and in the future. These include knowing when to ask for help, how to prioritise tasks, and how to bounce back from setbacks.

As we approach the break, I encourage families to take time to reflect with their child on what has gone well this term and where there may be opportunities for further growth heading into Term 4. Maintaining healthy routines, checking in regularly, and creating space for open conversations can make a big difference.

If you have any concerns or would like to discuss how best to support your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Heads of Learning – Jabez Castray (Year 9) and Sam Loxley (Year 10). We’re here to help and always happy to connect.

Crash Course Science 
This week in Crash Course Science, students explored the physics of motion through hands-on water rocket experiments. Working in teams, they designed, built, and launched rockets powered by water and air pressure, an engaging way to see Newton’s laws in action. From the initial thrust to the effects of gravity and air resistance, students observed key scientific principles in real time. They tested different water levels to see how it impacted flight distance, sparking thoughtful discussion and collaborative problem-solving. While there was plenty of laughter and a few soaked uniforms, the focus remained on learning through experimentation and teamwork.

Jabez Castray
Head of Learning - Exploration Phase

 

As we move towards the end of Term 3, the Graduate Phase is buzzing with moments of significance - both endings and beginnings - that will be remembered long after this year concludes.

Our Year 12s are approaching one of the most anticipated milestones of their school journey: the Senior Formal in Week 10. More than just a night of celebration, the formal is a time to pause, reflect, and gather as a community to honour the friendships, growth, and leadership that have shaped these young people. It is always one of the most treasured memories of the Graduate Phase, and we pray this year’s formal is a joyful and memorable evening for every student and family involved.

This term also marked the conclusion of the 2025 Legacy Fundraising, paving the way for the next generation of leaders. The 2026 Senior Legacy Committee wasted no time stepping up, hosting their very first fundraiser at Faith’s Got Talent. With enthusiasm, organisation, and plenty of heart, the event was an outstanding success. This committee is already on track to be one of the most impactful in recent memory, raising funds that will not only leave a lasting gift for the College but also extend support to the wider community.

Meanwhile, Year 12 students in General subjects are completing their mock external examination block, preparing for the processes, spaces, and expectations of external exams later this year. Alongside this, our VET students are working diligently to finalise their certificates, with successful completion earning them an invitation to the Celebration BBQ in Week 10 - a well-deserved acknowledgement of their hard work.

Our Year 11 students have now commenced their exam block, which will bring a large part of their Year 11 studies to a close. This important milestone signals the beginning of their transition into Year 12 in Term 4, as they step into the leadership, responsibility, and opportunities of their final year.

To support our Year 12s in the busyness of Term 3 and their final term, we are also looking forward to their Wellbeing Days in Week 10 - three days of themed activities, connection, and reflection. These, along with our daily lunchtime activities, give students opportunities to take a break, connect with friends, and nurture their wellbeing during this demanding term.

Through exams, formals, leadership, legacy, and wellbeing initiatives, the Graduate Phase continues to be a season of both challenge and celebration. As a community, may we continue to hold our young people in our prayers - encouraging them in their achievements, supporting them through stressors, and reminding them that they are not alone on this journey.

“Encourage one another and build each other up.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:11

 

Andrea Blakely and Emma Saal
Heads of Wellbeing – Graduate Phase

 
 

The clinic will give students aged 10–18 years the opportunity to develop their skills in Rugby League, Netball, or Soccer, with coaching from some of the biggest names in sport:

  • Todd Carney & Ben Roberts – Former NRL stars
  • Georgia Grey, Shontelle Stowers & Taliah Fuimaono – NRLW Titans players
  • Gretel Bueta – Australian Diamond & Queensland Firebirds star
  • Shane Smeltz – Former International Footballer & A-League star

Clinic Details:

 

Volleyball Sharks Camp 2025

GET IN QUICK LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE! Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!

When: 30 September | 1 October | 2 October | 3 October

The camps usually hit capacity pretty quickly, so if you're interested sign up today to secure your spot! Visit our website for more information https://sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp.