Newsletter - 2025, Term 4, Week 4

Embracing Technology Wisely

BUILDING A LEARNING COMMUNITY THAT USES THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY WISELY

From the Principal and Deputies

Read articles from Mr McMulllen, Mr Hudson and Mrs Coote that explore how our school community is embracing technology with wisdom, responsibility, and creativity

Grandparents’ Day and Book

Week

Read the Library article celebrating Book Week and Grandparents’ Day, featuring highlights and photos from these special events

Thoughtful Technology

See how we’re using technology mindfully across the School and preparing for the upcoming Compass App launch

CONTENTS

Thesefeatureswillgivefamiliesgreaterfunctionalityon mobiledevices,reducingtheneedtousedesktop computersorwebbrowsers.

TobecomefamiliarwiththeCompassApp,youcanview ashortvideointroductionhere:WilliamCareyChristian School–ParentIntroduction Theschoolwillprovide logindetailsclosertothestartofthe2026academic year.

DigitalLearningandAssessment

Digitaltechnologytoucheseveryaspectofourlives,and eventhemosthands-oncareersnowmakeuseofitin someform NAPLANiscompletedonline,andeventhe HSC-traditionallythepinnacleofpen-and-paper assessment-isgraduallymovingtowarddigitaldelivery.

Forexample,ScienceExtensionhasbeendelivered onlineforseveralyears,andNESAplanstomovesome Englishexaminationsonlinein2027.Otherexamsare likelytoremainpaper-basedforsometime Ourstudents thereforeneedtodeveloptheabilitytocommunicate effectivelyboththroughhandwritinganddigital technology.

Ourapproachistoensurethatlessonsincorporate digitaltechnologyattherighttimeandfortheright reasons

Asourschoolcommunitycontinuestonavigatethe opportunitiesandchallengesofdigitaltechnology,we dosowithadesiretousethesetoolswiselyand purposefully Byworkingtogether-students,staff,and families-wecanensurethattechnologyserveslearning, creativity,andconnectionratherthandistraction.

Godbless, MrKeithMcMullen Principal

Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God

William Carey, 1761-1834

FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

Mr Anthony Hudson Deputy Principal High School

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations

to our newly appointed 2026 School Captains and Student Leadership Council! These students have demonstrated outstanding character, service, and teamwork We look forward to seeing them lead with integrity and enthusiasm as they represent and serve our school community in the year ahead

STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

FROM THE PRIMARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

1 Corinthians 12:28-29

Mrs Gillian Coote Deputy Principal Primary

EP HEALTHY SCREEN TIME

Michelle Larrea Director of Early Education & Care

The Australian Government has guidelines around young children’s screen time. These recommendations are included in the 24 hour movement guidleines for birth to 5 years old, that also provide guidance on children’s sleep and physical activity. Currently they recommend no screen time for children under the age of 2 years and a maximum of 1 hour per day for children 2 - 5 years old, but less is best. FaceTime or Video calling is an exception. The guidelines also promote: Have fun! Move and Play Everyday!

Rather than focusing only on zero screen time, there are ways in which parents can support healthy screen time, while balancing that with screen free activities.

Top 5 Healthy screen time tips

If no one’s watching, turn it off: Children find it difficult to focus on what they are meant to be doing if the screen is on around them. If you want to fill the silence, try playing music instead.

‘interactive co-viewing’ where you use the content on a screen to interact with your child and encourage them to engage with the content e.g., singing, dancing, asking questions.

3 Try avoid screen time with mealtime: Family mealtime is a great opportunity to build connection and interact with your child, this is the case for breastfeeding and bottle-feeding too. Start slow and try turning the screen off for one meal and gradually increase as your family learns the new routine.

4 Choose content carefully: We recommend sticking with platforms like ABC Kids that continue to develop ageappropriate and educational content.

5 Set boundaries early and follow them yourself: Boundaries help provide children with predictable routines, ensure they feel safe, and support them in growing in their independence. Children will want to do what you do; model healthy screen time behaviours and try to not be on your phone too much around them.

Download your free healthy screen time tips to keep around your household.

These and more are all downloadable in the free online self-paced program linked below: https://early-start-screensmart.squarespace.com/essswelcome

The Prep Learning Tree Curriculum promotes and embeds digital competencies through play based and guided interactions using digital and communication technologies. This might be using digital technologies such as Beebots and emerging coding skills; utilising the Seesaw platform to document ideas, creations, or simply to say “hello” to family at home; and camera tools such as microlenses on an iPad. It may also include imagined technologies through role play and props. In these experiences, children develop their literacy and communication skills as they design and create props representing digital technologies and then take on the roles of technology users.

Thoughtful

The theme of this edition highlights the ways students are engaging with digital technology across the curriculum. At William Carey, we value innovation and critical thinking, encouraging students to use technology to solve problems, communicate ideas and bring their learning to life.

Our focus is on using technology with intention, equipping students with the skills and discernment to thrive in a connected world. Take a look to see technology in action across our school community.

Technology

Beyond the Bell

Beyond the Bell is our new fortnightly update for parents and carers, offering practical insights and resources to help extend learning from school into WCCS homes We welcome your feedback to ensure each edition remains relevant and valuable for families Click here to read

Code Camp

Code Camp is an optional after-school program for Years 2 to 6, running on Wednesdays each term Across eight weeks, students learn coding fundamentals through fun, hands-on projects that build creativity and problem-solving skills Offered each term in 2026, Code Camp gives students the chance to begin or continue their coding journey in an engaging and supportive environment You will be notified when Code Camp registrations open

FROM THE LIBARARY

BOOK WEEK 2025 – A CELEBRATION OF STORIES AND IMAGINATION!

What a wonderful week we had celebrating Book Week 2025! Our school was buzzing with excitement as students in Prep to Year 6 immersed themselves in the joy of reading, stories, and imagination.

Throughout the week, students were delighted by stories from a “mystery teacher” keeping everyone guessing (and giggling!) as they tried to work out who the secret storyteller would be Thank you to our amazing teachers for dressing up each day to entertain our students.

Lunchtimes were filled with fun and adventure as students searched high and low in the library for “Where’s Wally?”, turning reading time into a lively treasure hunt.

The Scholastic Book Fair was another huge success Thank you to all the families and community members who visited and supported the school by purchasing books. Your generosity helps us continue to grow our library collection and foster a love of reading in every student

We ended the week on a high note with Grandparents’ Day, welcoming our special visitors to share in the joy of stories, reading, and connection. It was a wonderful celebration of generations coming together through a love of books

And, of course, our Book Character Parade was a highlight. Students (and teachers!) looked fantastic dressed as their favourite storybook characters, filling the school with colour, creativity, and laughter

Thank you to everyone who helped make Book Week such a success. It truly was a celebration of reading and community spirit

Limited copies available for purchase for $20 from the Uniform Shop

One of our students, Phoenix in Year 8, has recently had her very own book professionally published! Phoenix wrote and illustrated ‘Wattle Won’t Waddle’.

BOOKS I LOVE TO READ

As part of our Book Week celebrations, we invited staff and students to share their favourite books and reflect on what makes reading meaningful to them. The video highlights a wonderful range of stories and perspectives, showcasing the joy, creativity, and inspiration that reading brings to our school community. We hope this project encourages everyone to continue exploring new books and discovering the lifelong pleasure of reading.

SPEECHCRAFT 2025

Four of our students; Raphael B., Jiya J., Favour O., and Tanatswa M., represented William Carey Christian School at SpeechCraft 2025, held at Macarthur Anglican School.

The event brought together students from over a dozen independent schools across Western Sydney for a day of public speaking training and performance. Participants were placed into mixed-school teams and given just one hour to collaborate, prepare, and deliver a speech on an assigned topic.

Out of ten competing groups, we are delighted to share that Raphael and Jiya’s team won the competition. Their creative presentation explored the idea of pursuing a meaningful career rather than submitting to a tyrannical boss. Jiya took on the role of a villainous Willy Wonka, complete with downtrodden Oompa Loompas, to illustrate the message with humour and flair.

It was an enjoyable and enriching experience for all students involved, and we look forward to participating again next year — possibly with an even larger group of Year 10 and Year 11 students.

Mr Adam Wood - English Teacher

YEAR 9 COMMERCE PROJECT

In Year 9 Commerce in Term 3, the students created board games to test each other’s knowledge of the Australian legal and political systems. This is a classic example of gamifying learning It was genuinely fun to see the students compete to win and use their Commerce knowledge at the same time Here are photos of some of the 2025 games

YEAR 7 TECH & YEAR 9 TEXTILES

Our Year 9 Textiles students showcased their sewing skills in Term 3 by designing and making skirts or shorts from woven fabric, complete with a zipper. Many chose to gift their finished creations, making the project both meaningful and practical.

Our Year 7 Technology students have been hard at work creating vibrant tie-dye cotton bags, showcasing their creativity and practical skills. The finished designs look fantastic and are a wonderful reflection of their effort and imagination.

BOLTON CLARKE WILLOWDALE RESIDENTS VISIT WCCS

High School Learning Support recently hosted ten residents from Bolton Clarke Willowdale for a special afternoon tea. Students warmly welcomed their guests, serving refreshments and engaging in friendly conversations. To conclude the visit, the Primary Vocal Ensemble delighted everyone with a short performance, sharing a few songs that added a joyful touch to the afternoon.

HOT POTATO BAND

The Hot Potato Band visit WCCS

The hall was buzzing with energy this week as the Hot Potato Band visited for an unforgettable day of music and fun. Selected Year 4 students took part in a 90-minute workshop, learning new skills and exploring the joy of live performance. Later in the day, all Year 3 and 4 students, along with their parents, enjoyed a lively concert filled with creativity, rhythm, and creative audience participation. It was a wonderful celebration of music and community that inspired students to embrace the joy of making music together. Selected High School students also enjoyed a vibrant concert showcasing incredible talent, energy, and engaging audience participation.

COMING UP at and around Carey

2026 TERM DATES

For term dates and holidays, please go to the Term Dates page on our website: https://wccs.nsw.edu.au/term-dates/

CAREY FRIDAY NIGHT REMINDERS

Friday Night Reminders are sent out every week with important information for parents and carers Stay organised and up to date with all that's happening at school. Click here to read.

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