Issuu

MACQUARIE ANGLICAN GRAMMAR SCHOOL FA I T H I N Winter Edition (Terms 1 and 2, 2026)

CONTENTS

From the Principal

News - Students Commemorate ANZAC Day - Staff Success - NAIDOC Day - Student Success - Coaching Excellence at the Highest Level - International Nurses Day - First Day Smiles - Student for a Day - Year 11 Leadership Evening - Year 12 Students Partner with Sing Out Choir - Reflections on Leadership: Service Over Status

Garru Winter Edition 2026

Macquarie Anglican Grammar School 11 Currawong Road, Dubbo NSW 2830 PO Box 873, Dubbo NSW 2830 02 6841 6222 contact@mags.nsw.edu.au www.mags.nsw.edu.au A SCHOOL WITHIN THE ANGLICAN S C H O O L S C O R P O R AT I O N ABN 63 544 529 806

Senior School - Big Tech, Big Ideas - Easter Colouring in Competition - Growing Knowledge, One Tree at a Time! - Dubbo Show – Textiles - Year 7 Take the Stage: From Script Study to Show Pitch - A Milestone Moment: Year 7 Waypoint Dinner - Year 8 Watercolour Artworks - Senior School Camps

Boarding - Boarding Life: Growing through Connection, Leadership and Opportunity

Our Frameworks - Christianity - Teaching and Learning - Wellbeing

Garru is Wiradjuri for Magpie and is a publication of Macquarie Anglican Grammar School.

- Junior School Choir - Grandparents Day - Year 6 Explores Canberra - Dubbo Show – Digital Photography

Junior School - Junior School Electives - Science and Engineering Challenge - The Power of Connection: Kindergarten and Year 12 Buddy Program - JS SRC Morning Tea - Clean Up Australia Day - Mother's Day Art Display - Leadership in Action - Outstanding Success at the 27 Dubbo Eisteddfod

Co-curricular - Junior School Representative Sport - Senior School Representative Sport - AICES Cross Country - AICES Basketball Cup - Individual Achievements - AICES Touch Football - CIS Touch Football - Rugby League Country Cup - Rugby Trial Match Report: Dubbo Christian School - Outstanding Rugby Honours - North West Equestrian Expo - Dubbo Show – Livestock Show Team

Alumni

From the Principal As we reach the midpoint of 2026, it is a privilege to reflect on what has already been a full and rewarding year at Macquarie.

hroughout Semester One, I have been continually reminded that the strength of our School is found not simply in individual achievements, but in the way our students, staff and families come together as a community. Across our classrooms, sporting fields, Boarding House, Chapel and wider community, our students have embraced opportunities to learn, serve, lead and challenge themselves.

Our Boarding community has similarly enjoyed a strong start to the year. National Boarding Week provided an opportunity to celebrate the relationships and sense of belonging that make Boarding such an important part of Macquarie, while the introduction of Cadets for our Year 7 boarders is helping students develop responsibility, teamwork, self-discipline, and resilience.

Our motto, Faith in Action, has remained central to school life. It has been particularly encouraging to see students exploring their faith through Christian Development and Chapel, while also putting that faith into practice through service. From visits to local nursing homes and preparing meals for members of our community, to our Year 12 students building a meaningful partnership with Sing Out Choir, our students continue to demonstrate that service is about genuine relationships, compassion and looking beyond ourselves.

Some of the most meaningful moments of the semester, however, have been those that brought our whole community together. Our students represented Macquarie with maturity and respect at ANZAC Day commemorations across the region, while our NAIDOC celebrations provided an important opportunity to learn from and celebrate First Nations cultures, histories, and traditions.

Leadership has also been an important theme throughout the semester. Our senior student leaders were challenged to consider leadership not as status, but as an opportunity to serve others with humility. This same spirit has been evident across the School, from our Year 11 students supporting Year 7 through the Peer Support Program to the wonderful connection developing between our Year 12 students and their Kindergarten buddies. These relationships are a valuable reminder that every student has something to contribute to our community, regardless of their age. There has also been much to celebrate in learning. Our Junior School students have embraced an increasingly diverse range of electives and were successful in winning the Science and Engineering Challenge, while across the School we continue to consider how teaching and learning must evolve to prepare students for their future. This semester has included the introduction of a structured approach to Artificial Intelligence in assessment, ensuring students learn to use emerging technologies thoughtfully, ethically and with academic integrity.

As you turn the pages of this edition of Garru, I hope you see more than a collection of events and achievements. I hope you see a School community in which young people are known, encouraged and given opportunities to discover their strengths; a community where faith shapes action, relationships matter, and success is measured not only by what our students achieve, but by the people they are becoming. I am incredibly proud of what our students and staff have accomplished during the first half of 2026 and grateful to our families for the many ways they continue to support our School. I look forward with great anticipation to all that the remainder of the year will bring.

Mrs Alison Mitchell Principal

Beyond the classroom, our students have represented Macquarie with distinction. We have celebrated achievements at local, regional, state and national levels across sport, agriculture, equestrian, dance, music and many other pursuits. From Grace M. being crowned a National Champion for her own choreography and Jacob F. competing at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, to the exceptional achievements of our Livestock Show Team and our many representative athletes, it has been wonderful to see students pursue excellence in such diverse areas.

NEWS

Students Commemorate ANZAC Day Macquarie Anglican Grammar School students proudly represented our school at ANZAC Day commemorations throughout the region. Our students conducted themselves with great respect and maturity, demonstrating the values of our school while paying tribute to those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation.

ANZAC ASSEMBLY 2026

Garru Winter Edition 2026

STA F F S U CC E S S

Congratulations! We are proud to congratulate Miss Savannah Dimmock on her selection in the NSW Country Rugby Union Corellas Extended Squad for the 2026 representative season. We are incredibly fortunate to have role models like Miss Dimmock within our school community, inspiring our students through her pursuit of excellence. Congratulations! We wish you the best of luck in the next stage of the selection process.

NAIDOC Day

At the end of Term 2, our school community came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week with a special assembly featuring a powerful performance by the Talbragar Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation Dancers, followed by a range of hands-on cultural activities. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to learn, connect and deepen their understanding and appreciation of First Nations cultures, histories and traditions. The celebrations concluded with a community BBQ lunch, bringing everyone together to reflect on a meaningful day of learning, respect and celebration.

STUDENT SUCCESS

A National Title for Grace M. Congratulations to Grace M., Year 10, on her outstanding success at the Showcase Dance Gold Coast Finals, where she was awarded 1st Place and crowned National Champion for her Own Choreography solo. Grace's achievement is a testament to her exceptional talent, creativity and dedication to her craft. We are incredibly proud of her success. Grace shares her skills through choreographing and teaching at NOVA Performing Arts. This National Title is well deserved, and we look forward to seeing what she achieves next.

Jacob F., Year 9 We are proud to celebrate Jacob F., Year 9, who represented New South Wales at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Brisbane. Competing in the U16 Boys High Jump, Jacob placed 7th nationally with an impressive jump of 183cm. An outstanding achievement on the national stage – congratulations, Jacob!

Chase B., Year 9 We are incredibly proud of Chase B., Year 9, who represented the Australian Air Force Cadets 313 Squadron at the Dubbo ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Chase had the honour of reading the Thanksgiving Prayer, demonstrating confidence, respect, and leadership on such an important occasion. Lest we forget.

NEWS

Coaching Excellence at the Highest Level

We congratulate Mr Benjamin Lee on his appointment as Head Coach of the Combined Independent Schools (CIS) Primary Rugby League team for 2026 and celebrate his recent success leading the CIS team at the State Championships. Mr Lee has been actively involved in the CIS Rugby League system since 2022 and continues to play an important role in developing aspiring high-performance athletes within the Independent Schools network. Most recently, Mr Lee led the CIS team through an outstanding campaign at the State Championships. Across the three-day tournament, the team remained undefeated over the opening two days, recording impressive victories against Hunter, Sydney West, North West, Polding and Riverina, along with a hard-fought draw against Mackillop to secure a place in the semi-finals. In challenging conditions, CIS faced Sydney East in the semi-final. Despite trailing 18–0 at half-time, the team displayed remarkable resilience and determination, fighting back to within two points and narrowly missing a conversion attempt on the full-time siren.

and finishing the championships with an impressive record of seven wins and one loss. A further highlight of the campaign was the selection of five CIS players to compete at the National Championships in July, reflecting the strength and quality of the squad under Mr Lee’s leadership. Reflecting on the significance of his coaching role, Mr Lee shared:

"It is an honour to play a key role in developing aspiring high-performance athletes and to witness the exceptional talent within the Independent Schools system." We congratulate Mr Lee on these outstanding achievements and thank him for the dedication, leadership and expertise he brings to both his teams and the Macquarie community.

Demonstrating great character, the team regrouped to claim victory in the Bronze Medal match, defeating Sydney West 12–4

I N T E R N AT I O N A L N U R S E S DAY

Garru Winter Edition 2026

A special thank you to Nurse Howard On International Nurses Day, we celebrate and thank the incredible nurses who care for our communities each and every day. Nurse Howard, joined our school at the beginning of the year. Her kindness, compassion, and dedication have already made a significant impact, and her care for our students has been felt right throughout the school community. Thank you, Nurse Howard, for all that you do!

First Day Smiles It was wonderful to welcome both new and returning students to the Macquarie community. We look forward to seeing each student embrace the opportunities ahead and wish everyone a successful and rewarding year.

Student for a day Term 1, Week 8, we welcomed over 20 prospective students to our School. From sitting in real classes to connecting with current students, it was a fantastic opportunity to get a genuine feel for everyday school life and see our learning in action. There’s no better way to discover what makes our community so special!

NEWS

Year 11 Leadership Evening Our Year 11 cohort reached a significant milestone in their education at Macquarie as we gathered for the annual Year 11 Leadership Evening. It was a night of reflection, community, and looking toward the future. Mrs Mitchell addressed our new senior students, speaking of the weight and the privilege of servant leadership, and challenging them to consider how they will use their influence to better our school community, and in turn their own experience of these final two years. Students were presented with their senior ties and Macquarie Bibles, both symbols of their role as leaders tasked with the responsibility of upholding the motto of Faith in Action. It was heartening to see the room filled with students, parents, and staff engaging in vibrant conversation and moments of connection, and we are enthusiastic for the journey our students will take in this final chapter of their time at Macquarie.

Year 12 Students Partner with Sing Out Choir

Garru Winter Edition 2026

As part of the 2026 Year 12 charity initiative, our students have proudly partnered with the local community group Sing Out Choir. Recently recognised as the recipient of the 2026 Australia Day Award – Community Group of the Year, Sing Out Choir was selected by the Year 12 cohort for the positive impact it has on the local community through fostering inclusion, connection and belonging.

Reflections on Leadership: Service Over Status Recently, we had the privilege of joining over 700 student leaders from across the Sydney Anglican Schools Corporation at St. Andrew's Cathedral for the Archbishop of Sydney's Leaders Commissioning Service. While it was a wonderful opportunity to gather together, the purpose of the day went far beyond taking photos or receiving a formal commissioning. It was a chance to think deeply about what leadership actually looks like. We heard from Archbishop Kanishka Raffel, who challenged us to rethink the definition of power and influence. The Archbishop shared a fascinating historical perspective on "humility." He noted that in the Roman world – during the time of Jesus – humility wasn't considered a virtue. In fact, the ancient Romans viewed lowering oneself to serve others as shameful; they prized status, honour, and reputation above all else. The Christian message flipped that world view upside down. We were challenged to value others above ourselves and to look to the interests of others, not just our own. Regardless of faith background, this principle resonates in our culture today: true leadership isn't about power; it is about service. The Archbishop was also refreshingly honest about the realities of responsibility. He reminded us that the more responsibility you have, the more likely it is that something will eventually go wrong. The real test of a leader isn't perfection. The test is accountability. It is having the courage to go to a person and say, "I was wrong, I am sorry." Finally, we heard from a fellow student leader regarding the pressure we all feel facing the HSC. Her advice was a great reminder to keep things in perspective – to remember that we are not alone during times of stress, that we are loved, and that we can trust God to guide us through the year. We came away from the city feeling both challenged and encouraged. It was a timely reminder that the roles of Captains and Vice Captains aren't about status. It is about looking out for the interests of others and serving our school with humility. Sam Luck and Calliope Hurford, Vice Captains

Throughout the year, students have worked together to provide practical support through a range of fundraising initiatives. To date, the cohort has raised $2,290 towards its goal of $6,000, helping the choir continue to provide an inclusive and welcoming space for community members.

“Being chosen as Macquarie’s charity partner brings a powerful sense of recognition and belonging to every single person who walks through our doors each Tuesday,” she said.

Beyond fundraising, students have also enjoyed spending time with choir participants during regular visits, singing, dancing and building meaningful connections across generations.

“To the Year 12 students, thank you for the warmth, enthusiasm and openness you have shown. You don’t just come to visit our choir – you become part of our Sing Out family.”

Sing Out Choir volunteer Susan Noonan shared her appreciation for the partnership.

“We feel incredibly grateful that the Macquarie students came to visit. They sang and danced with the choir members and spent time getting to know them.” Founder Anne Gemmell said the partnership had become much more than a fundraising initiative.

Principal Alison Mitchell said the initiative reflected the School’s values of faith, community, character and excellence.

“Our students wanted this initiative to be more than just fundraising. They wanted to build genuine relationships, give back to their local community and leave a legacy of connection, compassion and service.”

OUR FRAMEWORKS

CHRISTIAN FRAMEWORK

Growing in Faith: A Semester of Learning, Service and Community Semester One has been a rich and encouraging season within the Christian ministry at Macquarie, as students have continued to explore faith, engage with God's Word, and support one another in Christian community. A particular highlight earlier this year was the confirmation of three students who publicly declared their faith. This marked the culmination of a course undertaken in the previous year, where students were given the opportunity to explore and reflect on their beliefs before making this significant commitment. In Christian Development classes, students have engaged with a range of topics designed to strengthen their understanding of the Christian faith. Throughout the semester, classes have explored Bible basics, examined archaeological evidence that supports the biblical account, and investigated the fascinating and often challenging book of Revelation. These studies have encouraged students to think deeply about Scripture and its relevance today.

Garru Winter Edition 2026

Our chapel programs have also provided meaningful opportunities for students to engage with God's Word. In Senior School Chapel, students have wrestled with the profound themes of the book of Job, considering questions of suffering, faithfulness, and God's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Junior School Chapel has focused on God's rescue of His people through the story of the Exodus, helping students see God's faithfulness and care throughout history. Christian groups continue to be a vital part of ministry life at Macquarie. Senior students gather each Wednesday morning for prayer, hot chocolate, and encouragement from God's Word, while a similar lunchtime group serves our Junior School students. Students have also demonstrated Christ's love through service. Through our School Service program, many students have participated in nursing home visits, offering companionship and encouragement to residents. Others have helped prepare meals for members of our wider community, putting their faith into action through practical service. As we reflect on the first half of the year, we are thankful for the opportunities students have had to learn, grow, serve, and explore what it means to follow Jesus. Rev. Tom Owen

OUR FRAMEWORKS

TEACHING AND LEARNING FRAMEWORK

Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom

Students and teachers at Macquarie Anglican Grammar School are engaged in navigating the new frontier of Artificial Intelligence in teaching and learning. This potential of this tool to support learning is powerful. The issues of critical thinking, academic integrity and fairness remain vital to the accountability of the curriculum. In Semester One, the school has rolled out a “level system” for the use of Artificial Intelligence in assessment tasks. Each task, at issue, is allocated a clear “level” guiding the use of artificial intelligence for the task. Some tasks may be pegged at scaffolding and brainstorming, and others may permit content creation. Students have been oriented to the level system and the associated cautions around bias and misinformation and ethical use of intellectual property. All assessment tasks in Stages 4, 5 and 6 are now governed by such ‘levelling”. Students and teachers are integrating artificial intelligence into their learning practice as the valuable support it is. Additionally, this step in assessment practice is underpinning the rigour, reliability and accountability of our academic results. Level

Description

Examples

Level 1 No AI

No AI tools allowed

Complete task independently without AI assistance.

Level 2 AI for Ideas

Brainstorming only

Use AI to generate ideas or organise thoughts; no AI text in final work.

Level 3 AI for Editing

Improving clarity

AI can check grammar/ spelling; original draft must be included.

Level 4 AI for Sections

Limited content creation

AI may assist with examples or summaries; cite all AI content.

Level 5 AI Integrated

Full support with transparency

AI used throughout; all contributions cited and explained.

WELLBEING FRAMEWORK

Wellbeing at Macquarie Semester 1 has been a busy and productive period for student wellbeing at Macquarie Anglican Grammar School, with a strong focus on fostering connection, resilience and belonging across the school community. A highlight of the semester was a presentation by guest speaker Glen Gerreyn, who challenged students to reflect on their values, personal responsibility and the importance of making positive choices. His engaging presentation encouraged students to consider how perseverance, gratitude and character contribute to success both at school and beyond. Our Peer Support Program also commenced this semester, with Year 11 students taking on leadership roles to support our Year 7 cohort as they transition into secondary school. Through a series of structured sessions, Year 11 leaders facilitated activities designed to build friendships, strengthen communication skills and help Year 7 students develop a sense of belonging within the Macquarie community. The program has provided valuable leadership opportunities for our senior students while supporting the wellbeing and confidence of our newest secondary students. Throughout the semester, wellbeing lessons continued to be delivered through Tutor Groups, focusing on developing students' social and emotional skills, resilience and positive relationships. Staff have continued to work collaboratively to support students through proactive wellbeing initiatives and individualised support where required. Mr Wade Richardson Head of Wellbeing

Mrs Lynne Fleming

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Junior School Electives Electives have once again commenced with great enthusiasm this term, providing students with a wide range of engaging opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills beyond the classroom. The diverse program encourages creativity, collaboration, communication, and hands-on learning across a variety of subject areas.

Garru Winter Edition 2026

Students are currently participating in a number of exciting electives including: ·

Myths & Legends – where students explore Greek and Norse mythology, learning about powerful gods, brave heroes, magical creatures, and ancient stories that continue to influence modern culture and storytelling.

Sport Journalism and Student Podcasts – introducing students to the world of sports media through interviewing, reporting, and podcast creation, while building confidence in communication and teamwork.

Creative Writing Studio – Script Writing – allowing students to develop original characters and storylines before bringing their scripts to life through performance.

Embroidery – teaching students foundational stitching techniques while encouraging patience, creativity, focus, and fine motor development.

Stop Motion Video – giving students the opportunity to become directors, animators, and editors as they create their own short films using LEGO, clay, and digital tools.

Agritech Adventures – exploring the exciting future of agriculture through drones, sensors, and innovative farming technologies used across rural Australia.

Weather Watchers – where students investigate weather patterns through experiments, observations, and data collection before presenting their own weather reports.

These electives continue to provide valuable opportunities for students to challenge themselves, discover new passions, and engage in meaningful, collaborative learning experiences.

Science and Engineering Challenge Our Junior School team took out the win at the Science and Engineering Challenge! An outstanding effort from all students involved, showcasing teamwork, creativity, and problemsolving skills. Well done!

The Power of Connection: Kindergarten and Year 12 Buddy Program Every Wednesday morning, the joyful sounds of our oldest and youngest students connecting can be heard filtering from the Kindergarten classrooms. Our Year 12 seniors join their Kindergarten "buddies" for a dedicated window of mentorship and play. This program is a cornerstone of our school’s commitment to community. For our Kindergarteners, it provides a friendly face in the playground and a "big" role model to emulate. For our Year 12s, these sessions offer a vital moment of perspective and stress relief amidst their final academic year. By fostering these multi-generational bonds, we ensure that every student – no matter their age – feels a profound sense of belonging within the Macquarie gates.

...we ensure that every student – no matter their age – feels a profound sense of belonging within the Macquarie gates.

JS SRC

Morning Tea

JUNIOR SCHOOL

C l e an Up

Australia Day

MOTHER’S DAY

Art Display

Garru Winter Edition 2026

Leadership in Action Our Junior School student attended the GRIP Leadership Conference. During the day, students participated in interactive sessions designed to strengthen their leadership skills and encourage them to think about how they can make a positive impact in our school community. The conference provided valuable insights into teamwork, communication and servant leadership, and our student leaders returned inspired and ready to put their ideas into action here at Macquarie.

Outstanding Success at the Dubbo Eisteddfod Our students have once again demonstrated their talent and dedication at the Dubbo Eisteddfod, achieving outstanding results across both dance and music. In the dance section, our students delivered confident and energetic performances, with impressive results across multiple stages: Prep – 1st Place

Kindergarten – 1st Place

Stage 1 – 1st Place

Stage 2 – 3rd Place

These results reflect the enthusiasm, teamwork and commitment of our students, as well as the support and guidance of their teachers.

JUNIOR SCHOOL CHOIR Our Junior School Choir also represented the school with pride on Tuesday 9 June. Competing against eight schools in their section, the choir sang beautifully and presented themselves with confidence, earning a Highly Commended award. This is a fantastic achievement, particularly as 19 students are new to the choir this year and this was their first ever choral eisteddfod. We are also very grateful for the wonderful support of Skye and Caitlin Elder, who provided excellent accompaniment on the day. Well done to all involved. A special congratulations goes to Sophie T., Year 5, for her exceptional individual success in the instrumental section. Sophie’s outstanding flute performances earned her the Dubbo Eisteddfod Trophy Encouragement Award for Junior Woodwind Player.

Grandparents Day Grandparents Day was a truly special occasion, as we welcomed our grandparents and special guests into the heart of our school. Moments like these highlight the importance of connection, community, and the relationships that support and enrich our students each day.

JUNIOR SCHOOL

Year 6 Explores Canberra Our Year 6 students enjoyed their recent trip to the nation’s capital, where they participated in a variety of educational programs focusing on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $50.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Dubbo Show – Digital Photography Garru Winter Edition 2026

Stage 3 students entered digital photos in the Dubbo Show. We achieved the following results: School Challenge Award for the most photographic entries in the Junior Classes Champion Print for 12-18 Years and First Place – Maya C. Second place – Alistair B. Highly Commended – Lainey S., Noah S., Churchill B.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Big Tech, Big Ideas On Friday 27 March, our Stage 6 Agriculture and Primary Industries students travelled to the Dubbo Showground for the Big Tech, Big Ideas Field Day, an event showcasing the cutting edge of modern agriculture. Students explored a range of emerging technologies shaping the farms of the future, including live demonstrations of robotic working dogs, a humanoid robot, the impressive SwarmFarm autonomous bot and augmented‑reality learning headsets inside the Farms of the Future bus. The field day also provided valuable opportunities for students to liaise with industry professionals across a diverse range of exhibitors. Representatives from

Local Land Services, Phoenix Livestock Management Software, Green Lightning and many others shared insights into current innovations and career pathways within the agricultural sector. The excursion offered an inspiring look at how technology is transforming primary industries and gave students a firsthand glimpse into the future of agricultural practice.

E A STER COLOURING IN COMPETITION True student agency was on vibrant display this term as our Year 12 cohort, led by Annalise S. and her peers, successfully launched and managed a delightful colouring-in competition for the Junior School. Embracing a collaborative model of student leadership, the initiative began with Year 11 students exercising their creative voices to design the bespoke colouring pages. From there, Year 12 took full ownership of the project, managing the administrative process, coordinating the collection of entries, and undertaking the challenging task of judging the entries. The absolute highlight of this student-led endeavour was the genuine joy experienced by our seniors as they handed out prizes to the beaming Junior School winners. Beyond fostering a wonderful cross-campus connection, this empowering exercise in student agency successfully raised valuable funds to support Year 12s charity the Dubbo Sing Out Dementia Choir, proving just how impactful our senior students can be when given the reins to lead with purpose.

SENIOR SCHOOL

Growing knowledge, one tree at a time! In June 2025, students helped plant 1700 tree seedlings at Toongi as a part of their MAPP program. This was the first stage in a project being run by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (Forestry) on land operated by Toongi Pastoral Company and owned by Australian Strategic Materials. In June this year, students returned to measure how high the trees had grown over the last 12 months. The main purpose of the trial is to investigate the biomass production from native woody species for conversion to bioenergy under short rotation cycles (3-4 years). Tree species have been selected for their ability to reshoot naturally from the stump (known as coppicing) after repeated harvest cycles. The bioenergy use options include electricity generation such as combustion using pelletised wood for local energy generation or to feed into the grid and heat generation such as in boilers to heat hospitals, glasshouses and swimming pools. Co-benefits associated with increased native vegetation cover include carbon sequestration in the trees, improved biodiversity windbreaks and soil improvement.

YE AR 7 TAKE THE STAGE: FROM SCRIPT STUDY TO SHOW PITCH

This term, Year 7 English students have explored how stories are brought to life on stage through their study of Sunshine Super Girl, Andrea James' acclaimed play about Wiradjuri tennis champion Evonne Goolagong Cawley.

Garru Winter Edition 2026

DUBBO SHOW – TE X TILES

Congratulations to our talented Year 9 and 10 Textiles students on their fantastic success at the Dubbo Show this weekend! Scarlett M., Year 9, was awarded Most Successful Exhibitor in the Junior Handicrafts Years 7–9 section and Millie M., Year 10, received the CWA Encouragement Award for the Most Outstanding Piece of Embroidery. Well done also to Claire C., Year 10, who achieved Second Place, and to Kate A., Year 10, Bella H., Year 9, and Holly F., Year 9, who were all awarded Highly Commended.

Building on their understanding of scriptwriting, character development, dramatic tension and performance, students have now begun creating their own original musical productions. Working in groups, they have developed detailed production pitches, complete with storylines, characters, staging concepts and roles for all 83 students in the cohort. These proposals will be presented to Production Director Mrs Taylor, with the strongest ideas helping to shape the Year 7 production. It has been wonderful to see students apply their learning in such creative and collaborative ways, and we look forward to seeing their ideas come to life on stage.

A MILESTONE MOMENT:

Year 7 Waypoint Dinner On Wednesday, 5 March 2026, family and friends joined our Year 7 students at the RSL Auditorium for the annual Waypoint Dinner. The evening provided an opportunity for our community to celebrate the milestone of students beginning their Senior School journey, while also allowing parents of new students to connect with other families and staff. Year 7 Patron, Mr Bradley Ellis-Cole, opened the evening by sharing how proud he was of the way students had begun their time in Senior School. Guests then enjoyed a sit-down meal together, continuing to build connections within the Year 7 community. Later in the evening, students gathered on stage to receive an award and a memento from Principal, Mrs Alison Mitchell, recognising their smooth transition into Senior School. The night concluded with the traditional cake cutting, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Year 7 cohort.

YE AR 8 WATERCOLOUR

Artworks

SENIOR SCHOOL

Camps

YE AR 7 C AMP SOMERSET C AMP

From nerves to new friendships

What began with a few butterflies quickly turned into laughter, teamwork and new friendships as our Year 7 students headed off to Somerset Camp. In their tutor groups, students took on a range of hands-on challenges that encouraged collaboration, confidence and resilience. Whether pitching tents, preparing meals or working together to keep the camp running smoothly, students stepped up, showed initiative and supported one another. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Colo River, the camp provided the perfect environment for students to stretch themselves beyond their comfort zones. Shared challenges and moments of success helped strengthen connections and build the relational skills that will underpin their senior school journey.

Garru Winter Edition 2026

By the end of the week, nerves had faded, friendships had formed, and memories had been made.

YE AR 11 C AIRNS C AMP

Beyond the classroom Our Year 11 students returned safely from a truly memorable journey to Cairns, one that will remain etched in their school memories for years to come. Beyond the extraordinary selection of activities on offer, this trip was, at its heart, about connection: the strengthening of friendships and the forging of bonds that will endure long after their school days. The itinerary itself was a rich array of experience and discovery. Students were transported by the theatrical magic of Anastasia, came face to face with ancient reptiles at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, and immersed themselves in the wonder and awe of the Great Barrier Reef through scuba diving and snorkelling. A guided cultural walk through the ancient Daintree Rainforest deepened their understanding of the region's rich First Nation’s culture and delicate ecology, while a visit to Cairns Aquarium invited them further into the world of underwater creatures. For the more adventurous among them, canyoning proved an exhilarating highlight, with other days spent at a slower pace, Stand Up Paddle boarding and swimming in some of the region's most untouched waterways. Throughout their time away, our students conducted themselves with the poise and integrity we work to instil in our students every day. In every interaction with activity providers, tour guides, and members of the public, they carried themselves with a maturity and courtesy that reflected beautifully on our school community, and of which we are enormously proud. We extend our warmest congratulations to the Year 11 cohort for embracing this experience with such enthusiasm, curiosity, and grace. They represented themselves, their families, and our school with distinction, and in doing so, created memories, friendships, and stories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

YE AR 8 C AMP

Learning beyond limits In Week 9 of Term 1, Year 8 had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Urban Challenge – and what an unforgettable experience it was! We kicked things off on Monday afternoon by diving straight into the action with “Clue Chase,” an Amazing Race-style challenge across the city. It tested our teamwork, problem-solving and ability to think on our feet. That evening, we slowed things down with a scenic night ferry ride before enjoying a delicious dinner in Chinatown. Day 2 was packed with adventure. We travelled across the city in Rubiik’s Tubes – navigating trams and working together to reach our next destination: Manly Beach. There, we took part in a surfing lesson, played beach games and competed in volleyball. After a big day in the sun, we wrapped up with dinner and a fun night of bowling. A special shoutout goes to our top three bowlers: Mr Turnbull, Mr Manusu and Samara! On our final day, we shifted our focus to giving back. Through the “Cook for Good” program, we prepared nutritious meals for

those in need, which was a really meaningful and rewarding experience for everyone involved. To celebrate the end of the camp, we enjoyed a silent disco and café dinner at Cockatoo Island- a site rich in history, once a convict precinct and now a heritage-listed location. Overall, the Urban Challenge Camp was an amazing experience filled with fun, friendship and personal growth. We would like to sincerely thank our teachers for organising and accompanying us on this trip- we couldn’t have done it without you. Now, you may be wondering… who won the Urban Challenge this year? Drumroll please... Congratulations to Group 3! Well done to Dolly, Georgia, Lilla, Amelia, Bonni, Hayley, Abi, Ted, Tom, Saxon, Alex, Rhyder and Mr Manusu!

BOARDING

Boarding Life: Growing Through Connection, Leadership and Opportunity Boarding continues to be a place where students are challenged to grow, build meaningful relationships and create lasting memories. Throughout the semester, students have embraced new opportunities, strengthened their independence and demonstrated the strong sense of community that makes Macquarie Boarding a home away from home. Creating Spaces for Learning Study time has also been enhanced with the introduction of new prep furniture. The updated learning spaces are already making a noticeable difference, providing students with greater flexibility to choose how and where they study while maintaining a productive learning environment. By giving students more ownership over their learning, we are encouraging independence and helping them develop effective study habits that will support their academic success well beyond their boarding years.

Garru Winter Edition 2026

Building Skills Through Cadets Our Year 7 boarders have enthusiastically commenced the Cadets program this term, making an excellent start. Already, students are developing valuable life skills including responsibility, teamwork, self-discipline and resilience – qualities that align closely with the values we foster within our boarding community. Their enthusiasm has been evident from the very beginning, with students proudly wearing their uniforms and eagerly practising drills and routines throughout the boarding house. It has been wonderful to watch their confidence and commitment grow week by week.

Student Leadership Through Theme Nights Student-led theme nights continue to be a highlight of boarding life, giving students the opportunity to lead, collaborate and create memorable experiences for the entire boarding community. During Term 1, our Stage 5 students hosted the vibrant Neon Circus theme night. Students embraced the colourful theme, dressed up with enthusiasm and helped transform the boarding house into a fun and energetic space. The evening encouraged participation across all year groups and reinforced the importance of shared experiences in helping students settle, form friendships and feel connected. In Term 2, our Stage 4 students took ownership of organising Formal Gone Wrong, an event planned and delivered entirely by the students themselves. From planning the evening and decorating the venue to preparing the food, the students demonstrated impressive organisation, teamwork and leadership. The creative dress theme –complete with suits paired with football shorts, ball gowns worn with Crocs and blazers over singlets – provided plenty of laughs before the evening's activities even began. After dinner, students enjoyed sack races, egg-and-spoon races and a range of other fun challenges, creating an atmosphere full of laughter, friendly competition and encouragement. These theme nights are much more than social events. They provide authentic opportunities for students to develop leadership, communication and organisational skills while strengthening the friendships that make boarding such a positive and supportive environment.

Celebrating National Boarding Week

As this semester has shown, whether students are participating in Cadets, making the most of improved study spaces, celebrating National Boarding Week or leading a theme night, every experience contributes to their personal growth. Boarding is far more than a place to live – it is a community where students build confidence, develop independence and create lifelong friendships.

During Week 5, Macquarie Boarding proudly joined boarding schools across Australia in celebrating National Boarding Week. This year's theme, Echoes of Home, recognised the unique boarding experience and reflected on how students carry their identity, culture and sense of home with them as they grow within a boarding community. Throughout the week, students and staff enjoyed a variety of activities designed to strengthen relationships and celebrate life in boarding. Highlights included Kinscher's Kwazy Kwiz, day student dinners, a sunrise fire pit, opportunities to express gratitude to families, a visit from the ice cream truck and a special boarding staff breakfast. A standout feature of the week was the day student dinners. Boarders proudly welcomed day students into their home, sharing their living spaces and giving them a genuine insight into everyday boarding life. Across both evenings, students enjoyed meaningful conversations, built new friendships and strengthened existing connections in a relaxed and welcoming environment. National Boarding Week was a wonderful reminder that when opportunities are created for students to come together, relationships flourish, confidence grows and an even stronger sense of belonging develops within our school community.

CO-CURRICULAR

JUNIOR SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE SPORT Junior School Swimming Carnival In Week 2, we enjoyed a beautiful day at our Junior School Swimming Carnival, with fantastic participation from students in Years 3 to 6. It was wonderful to see students challenge themselves, encourage one another, and show great house spirit throughout the day. Thank you to the many parents who came along to support our students and to those who assisted with timekeeping. Congratulations to Mitchell G., Year 4, who broke five records, some standing for almost 20 years – an incredible achievement! The always-popular bomb competition was once again a highlight. Congratulations to Bill S., Year 5, for taking out the title this year! Our overall champion house was Dunlop.

Garru Winter Edition 2026

HICES NETBALL A team of Stage 3 netballers travelled to Orange Anglican Grammar School for the HICES netball team. Our Macquarie girls won two of the three games, against Scots All Saints and OAGS. Eight students made the possible/probable's with 5 selected to represent HICES in the starting team. Congratulations to Lainey S, Frankie W, Marley B, Mia W and Maddie R.

HICES Cross Country On Wednesday, 26 May, 30 students proudly competed at the HICES Cross Country Championships held at Kinross Wolaroi School in Orange. Despite heavy rain the day before, which left parts of the course slippery and challenging underfoot, students embraced the conditions with determination and enthusiasm. Fortunately, the weather cleared for race day, providing ideal conditions for competition. Throughout the day, our students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, encouraging one another and cheering competitors across the finish line. Congratulations to all students who competed and represented our School with pride. A special congratulations goes to Bella L., Harry O., Maggie B., Mitch G. and Maya C., who have qualified for the next round of competition in June. We wish these students the very best as they prepare for the upcoming championships and look forward to following their progress.

SENIOR SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVE SPORT HICES Swimming Carnival On Thursday 12 March, 23 students from Macquarie competed at the HICES Swimming Carnival. This carnival was held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and saw students race against students from school such as Central Coast Grammar School and Snow Mountains Grammar School. Our day started with a quick warm up to stretch our arms and legs and get rid of any last-minute nerves. The races took a little while to start because the timing equipment stopped working but our races began shortly after 9:30am with our Senior Girls relay setting the tone for the day with a third-place finish. Our Senior and Junior Boys relays narrowly missed a spot at CIS after finishing 4th. Our students swam incredibly and gave it their all in every event. At the end of the day when the points were tallied, Macquarie finished 3rd overall in the school points score and had a few student who placed highly in their age groups. We would like to congratulate everyone who participated in the HICES Carnival and thank our parents for taking us. We would also like to wish Mitch, Jack, Harry, Lily, Holly, Bonnie, Eden, Alice and Mia the best of luck when they swim at CIS in Week 8.

AICES CROSS COUNTRY On Tuesday of Week 7, students travelled to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre to compete at the AICES Cross Country Championships. Representing the school were Esther W.-K. (Year 7), Edith M., Year 7, Isabelle C., Year 7, Sierra H., Year 7, Amelia M., Year 7, Allie L., Year 7, Ethan R., Year 7, Gordon O., Year 7, Alexis C. (Year 7), Drew M., Year 8, Jett N., Year 10, Lewis B., Year 10, Harry C., Year 10, and Noah R., Year 10. Students demonstrated great resilience as they tackled a new course in challenging conditions, with cold and windy weather throughout the day. Congratulations to all involved on a fantastic performance.

AICES BA SKETBALL CUP On 18 February, the Opens Boys Basketball team travelled to Castle Hill to compete in the AICES Basketball Cup. As the only country team in the competition, and with an inexperienced squad, the boys embraced the challenge. Despite losses to William Clarke College (51–10), Central Coast Sports College (74–13), St Euphemia College (43–21) and Emanuel School (44–10), the team showed noticeable improvement with each game. Their confidence, teamwork and determination grew throughout the day, and they should be proud of the progress they made. A special thank you to Mr Manusu’s brother for assisting with scoring duties and Mrs Connors for her encouragement and support from the bench. Well done, boys!

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS Jacob F., Year 9 Represents NSW at Australian Junior Athletics Championships. We are proud to celebrate Jacob F., Year 9, who represented New South Wales at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships in Brisbane. Competing in the U16 Boys High Jump, Jacob placed 7th nationally with an impressive jump of 183cm. An outstanding achievement on the national stage – congratulations, Jacob!

Lucy D., Year 10 Congratulations to Lucy D., Year 10, whose Touch Football team was named Secondary Team of the Year for 2025 at the NSW Combined Independent Schools Awards Ceremony – an outstanding achievement! This recognition reflects the team’s dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of Lucy and her teammates for this welldeserved honour.

Skyla M., Year 10 Congratulations to Skyla M., Year 10, who represented the NSW Under 16 Polocrosse team in a three-match series against Queensland, securing a clean sweep victory of 3–0. An outstanding achievement and a fantastic display of skill, teamwork, and determination. Well done, Skyla!

CO-CURRICULAR

AICES TOUCH FOOTBALL

RUGBY LE AGUE COUNTRY CUP

Students from Macquarie, Orange Anglican and Kinross combined to represent WAS at the AICES Touch Football Championships, competing strongly across six matches each.

Macquarie's Under 14s and Under 16s Rugby League teams proudly represented the school at the Country Cup, with the boys competing in Week 8 and the girls in Week 9.

The 15s Girls finished runners-up with five wins, while the Open Boys also impressed with five wins, losing only to the eventual champions. The 15s Boys placed third, and the Open Girls showed great determination and growth throughout the day. Congratulations to all players on their teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship, and to those selected in AICES teams who will progress to CIS Trials on May 1.

CIS TOUCH FOOTBALL

Garru Winter Edition 2026

Congratulations to Maya C., who has been selected in the CIS Touch Football Team and will compete at the NSWPSSA State Carnival in Coffs Harbour this August. Maya represented Macquarie at the CIS Touch Football Trials alongside Churchill B., Noah S., William M., Marley B. and Madison R. as part of a combined Barbarians team. Congratulations also to Madison R., Marley B. and Maya C., who were selected for the possible–probables match in recognition of their outstanding performances..

A highlight was the Under 14s boys' win over Delroy, while both girls' teams rebounded from opening losses to St Johns and Nyngan High School to record wins against the other St Johns team in their pool. Despite being among the smallest teams, Macquarie players displayed outstanding determination and resilience..

RUGBY TRIAL MATCH REPORT: DUBBO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

The U16 girls had a tough outing but showed real resilience with limited numbers and never dropped their effort. Scarlett M. stood out, taking on much bigger opponents and topping the tackle count across both games. The U14 boys delivered a dominant performance. Ted C. led the way in attack as the top try scorer and most metres run, Ryan V. set the tone defensively with the most tackles, and Rhyder B. was excellent through contact, leading post-contact metres.

OUTSTANDING RUGBY HONOURS A huge congratulations to Saxon S., Year 8, on his selection in the U14s Country Rugby Union team.

Our trial matches against Dubbo Christian School at Macquarie Oval on Tuesday, 9 June and Tuesday, 16 June provided strong preparation leading into the Central West Gala Day on Thursday, 25 June.

An exceptional achievement that recognises his skill, determination and commitment to the sport. Being selected at this level places Saxon among the top players in his age group across the region, and we are incredibly proud of his success.

The U14 girls were a highlight, showing plenty of class and skill with the ball. Haley W. created great attacking opportunities, finishing with the most try assists, while Maggie D. led the defensive effort with the most tackles, and Prue V. consistently carried strongly, topping post- contact metres.

We also acknowledge and congratulate our students who have represented Central West in rugby union this season: Ryan V., Year 7 – U13s Alex Stiles., Year 8 – U14s Saxon S., Year 8 – U14s Luis R., Year 9 – U15s Spencer S., Year 11 – U18s

ALUMNI

DANNY BARBER

From Macquarie to the Commonwealth Games Congratulations to 2020 alumni, Danny Barber, who has been selected to represent Australia at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, where he will make his debut in the Australian Cycling Team.

NORTH WEST EQUESTRIAN E XPO

DUBBO SHOW – LIVESTOCK SHOW TE AM

Macquarie students have achieved outstanding success at the North West Equestrian Expo 2026.

Results:

Bringing home 1st place finishes in Barrel Racing, Team Barrels, Time Trial and Hack events.

Champion Shorthorn Breeders Group

Congratulations to Chloe H., Isabel S., Tia A., Hannah V., Emily S., Georgia A., Skyla M., Eva S., Alexis N., William S., Hannah N. and Grace T., who proudly represented Macquarie throughout the competition.

Champion Junior Judge – SubIntermediate

Their dedication, horsemanship and teamwork were on full display, contributing to an exceptional set of results across the event.

Grand Champion Shorthorn Bull Champion Senior Shorthorn Female Champion Pair of Shorthorn Heifers

Danny's selection is a testament to his dedication, perseverance and outstanding achievement in the sport. We are incredibly proud to see him representing Australia on the international stage in the green and gold. The entire Macquarie community congratulates Danny on this remarkable milestone and wishes him every success in Glasgow.

Most Successful Shorthorn Exhibitor

Reserve Champion Junior Judge – Intermediate Reserve Champion Junior Parader

O P TTO EP RE P PR ++ R 1122 AR EA Y YE OLL OO HO C CH S S R R O NIIO G EN S SE NG D DIIN R R A A O O B B N ON PTTIIO O OP

Apply Now 02 6841 6222 contact@mags.nsw.edu.au www.mags.nsw.edu.au 11 Currawong Road, Dubbo NSW 2830