From the Head of Secondary

Term 1 has been an exciting and energetic start to the year as we have explored our theme for the term: Growth and Change. It has been wonderful to see students diving into new learning opportunities, building friendships, and embracing fresh challenges across all year levels.

The term began with our Year 7 students proudly receiving their Bibles and Blazers; a meaningful moment symbolising both spiritual and personal growth as they begin their Secondary journey. Our Year 7 and 8 Camp at Spring Beach, along with the Year 9 and 10 Camp, provided opportunities for teamwork, reflection, and fun in God’s creation. Likewise, our Years 6–10 Student Leader Camp at Bangor was a highlight, equipping our young leaders to serve with confidence and humility.

We also enjoyed connecting with parents and carers at the Welcome BBQ, celebrating our partnership in supporting students’ learning and faith journeys. Meanwhile, our Year 7s and 9s have engaged wholeheartedly with NAPLAN testing, demonstrating perseverance and a positive attitude throughout.

As we look ahead to the final weeks of term, we are excited for our Easter Assembly, the Whole School Cross Country, and the Year 10 Big Day Out; each event reminding us of the joy of community, faith, and growth.

This term, our theme verse reminds us of God’s ongoing work in our lives:

‘And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.’ — 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)

It has been a wonderful beginning to 2026; full of evidence of both growth and change in our students, staff, and school community.

David Witcomb – Head of Secondary

March

31 | Little Learners, 9.00am - 11.00am

April

1 | Subway Orders due, 12.00pm
2 | Subway Lunch!
2 | Easter Assembly (Students only)
3 | PUBLIC HOLIDAY Good Friday
6 | PUBLIC HOLIDAY Easter Monday
7 | NON SCHOOL DAY
8 | Subway Orders due, 12.00pm
9 | Subway Lunch!
9 | Whole School Cross Country

All details of re-scheduled events will appear on the Emmanuel Calendar.

BEBRAS Competition

Bebras is a fun and engaging computational thinking challenge for students in Years 3-12.

This month, some of our students who show a particular aptitude in Mathematics competed in the online challenge.

We are so proud of their results and the Primary students were awarded with certificates today in our Assembly. Congratulations to Emily (Primary) and Fin (Secondary) for their exceptional results. Well done!

Amanda Robertson – Head of Teaching and Learning

Secondary Update

Year 8 CO₂ Race Car Challenge

The workshop has been buzzing as our Year 8 students take on the CO₂ Race Car Challenge, designing and building high-speed dragsters from scratch!

Starting with a simple block of radiata pine, students have pushed their creativity and problem-solving skills to the limit, refining designs for maximum speed, precision, and performance. Every curve, cut, and finish has been intentional, all in pursuit of one goal: going faster than everyone else.

Along the way, students have developed skills in:

• Design thinking and innovation

• Workshop safety and tool use

• Precision shaping and craftsmanship

• Testing, refining, and improving performance

Now, the real test is here…

With assembly races confirmed, the top contenders from each class will go head-to-head in front of the school for ultimate bragging rights. Competition is heating up, and students are eager to see whose design will dominate the track.

This challenge also reflects Colossians 3:23:

‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart…’

Our students have done exactly that, and we cannot wait to see their hard work launch down the track at full speed.

Stay tuned for results, it is going to be fast, competitive, and unforgettable.

Dean Prentice – Secondary Teacher

Primary Update

Explore. Walk. Look. Listen. Touch. Discover!

All of these wonderful verbs capture the valuable foundational steps of learning that our Preps enjoyed together on our recent outing.

Starting under the Tasman Bridge, the Prep class walked a section of the waterfront along the Clarence Foreshore Trail, with Simmons Park in Lindisfarne providing a wonderful play space for the end of the walk.

This outing has provided a rich springboard for activities and learning back in the classroom, as the children have retold their adventures to others, created artwork to capture the moments they remembered, and strengthened their scientific understandings as we learnt about natural and man made structures, the local habitat for birds and wildlife, and ways we can care for our environment with the careful disposal of rubbish.

We are looking forward to our next outing together!

Anne Knibbe – Prep Teacher

Employment Opportunities

WEEKLY FOCUS

Perseverence and Staying Focussed

PRAYERS POINTS

Our Students as we near the end of Term
Our Staff who are busy marking and reporting
Our support staff who continue to do amazing work