CONTENTS
GROWING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS IN 2026
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
I warmly welcome you and your family to the 2026 academic year at William Carey Christian School We have started our year with a strong sense of optimism, mindful of both the challenges and the many opportunities that lie ahead for our students, staff, and wider community As we come to the end of week 5, the school is very much a hive of activity The move to Compass, while requiring significant work, has progressed smoothly Our Swimming Carnivals, Primary Dance and Community BBQ, along with the first round of parent information evenings and meetings, have all helped set a positive tone for the year
conversations with multiple students and staff and shaped by professional responsibilities, including confidentiality Taking time to hear the school’s perspective before responding helps ensure understanding on all sides
Keep communication respectful
Sometimes conversations can be challenging, speaking calmly and respectfully helps keep communication constructive and solutions focused This is a shared expectation for both families and staff
Model healthy partnerships for students
Children benefit greatly when they see the important adults in their lives working together. Speaking positively about the school in front of your child helps foster their sense of safety, trust, and wellbeing.
Work within agreed processes
Using the school’s established communication channels and procedures helps with clarity, fairness, and consistency for everyone involved.
Acknowledge and celebrate the good Encouragement matters. Just as parents value affirmation, teachers are deeply encouraged by kind words and gratitude. Taking a moment to share positive feedback or say thank you can have a lasting impact.
Approach challenges as a team
When difficulties arise, children are best supported when parents and teachers work together, united in their commitment to the child’s growth and wellbeing.
FROM THE PRIMARY DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Yours in Christ,
Mrs Coote Deputy Principal - Primary
FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL DEPUTY PRINCIPAL
Anthony Hudson Deputy Principal High School
PREP UPDATE
BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS IN PREP
We have had a wonderful few weeks welcoming our littlest learners into the Carey community. It has been a joy to watch them begin forming relationships with their teachers and peers, and we have greatly valued meeting and connecting with their families
Research consistently shows that children are far more likely to reach their full potential when families and education services work together These positive outcomes are strongest when educators and families regularly exchange information and collaborate on consistent approaches to daily routines, child development, and learning.
This belief sits at the heart of Quality Area 6 of the National Quality Standard, as outlined by Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Quality Area 6 emphasises respectful relationships with families and recognises parents as essential partners in their child’s learning journey. Families are supported from enrolment to be actively involved in the service, and their expertise, culture, values, and beliefs are respected through shared decision-making about children’s wellbeing and development.
The William Carey Prep School community embraces this philosophy wholeheartedly
Guided by our Prep School Philosophy, we are committed to cultivating a safe, beautiful, and joyful learning environment grounded in the love of Christ Jesus We strive to build a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing while celebrating the unique potential of every child and the diverse backgrounds each family brings to our community
Through authentically Christian, evidence-based teaching practices and collaborative exploration, we partner closely with families to lay strong foundations for learning Together, we support children to engage, feel empowered, and develop a lifelong love of learning alongside a deep understanding of God’s love for all people
I look forward to a year working hand in hand with our families, as we create a connected community where children can truly flourish.
Michelle Larrea Director of Early Education & Care
f y, p y , forachildtodecodeontheirown
Andthetextisjusthalfofthestory;illustratorsdon’tjustdrawwhatis writteninthewordsbutaddanotherlayerofmeaning,oftencarryingthe book’semotionalweight ”(TheGuardian)
Herwordsremindusthatreadingisnotjustaskill It’sashared experiencethatbuildsempathy,curiosityandconfidence Childrenreally aremadereadersonthelapsoftheirparents,andeverystoryshared togetherhelpsstrengthenthatlifelonghabit
Welookforwardtowelcomingyourfamilyintothelibrarythroughoutthe year Pleasestopby,sayhello,andletusknowhowwecansupportyour child’sreadingjourney
HappyReading!
MrsKathrynRussell HeadLibrarian
Reference Rippin, S. (2026, January 27). Parents, please don’t stop reading to your children – a great picture book could change their life. The Guardian.
FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL 2026
HSC HIGH ACHIEVERS
Celebrating
the Class of 2025
HSC Achievements
We give thanks for the outstanding accomplishments of our Class of 2025 in the HSC. Their diligence, perseverance and commitment to learning have been reflected in excellent results, including a number of Band 6 performances across multiple subjects.
We recently honoured these achievements at our High Achievers Breakfast It was a special time of celebration as graduates shared breakfast with their families and reconnected with some of the teachers who
supported them throughout their senior years. The celebration continued with a dedicated assembly alongside our current Year 11 and 12 students
Awards were presented in recognition of academic excellence, and our graduates participated in a panel discussion, offering thoughtful reflections and practical encouragement to those preparing for their own HSC pathway.
We congratulate the Class of 2025 on this significant milestone. Their achievements reflect not only personal
determination, but also the faithful support of families and staff who have walked alongside them.
As they step into further study, the workplace and new opportunities, we pray they will continue to grow in wisdom, character and Christ centred leadership. We look forward to seeing how they will use their gifts to make a meaningful difference in the years ahead.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025!
We warmly welcome the staff and teachers who have recently joined the William Carey Christian School Community. We are grateful for the experience, passion and care they bring, and look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students and families
Mrs Keren Williamson Compliance Officer
Mr Oliver Humphreys
High School Teacher PDHPE
Mrs Michelle Haslehurst
High School Learning Support Assistant
Mrs Preethy Varlet Uniform Shop Coordinator
Dr Mariella Hurtado Silva High School Teacher Science
Mr James Yeo High School Teacher Mathematics
Mr Joseph Lam
High School Teacher HSIE & Mathematics
Mr Andrew Cox High School Teacher Languages & English
Ms Daniella Puntillo Primary Teacher Year 2
Mrs Lara Rowlands
Primary Teacher & Grade 5 Coordinator
CAR PARK SAFETY AND TRAFFIC REMINDER
On Wednesday 11 February, Pat and Andrew from Tennis NSW presented 30 tennis racquets to WCCS Junior School at the morning assembly This generous donation followed the school’s successful entry into the Todd Woodbridge Cup tennis tournament last year, where the Stage 2 team progressed through to the State Finals held at the Sydney Tennis Centre, Sydney Olympic Park. The Stage 3 team also performed strongly, finishing second at their regional competition.
Two students from the 2025 Stage 2 State Finals team, Hannah B and Liesel G, accepted the racquets on behalf of the school
We are incredibly grateful to Tennis NSW for their generous support These racquets will provide wonderful opportunities for students to continue developing their skills, confidence We look forward to seeing many more of our students enjoy tennis and represent WCCS with enthusiasm and sportsmanship in the years to come.
The Student Leadership Council attended their annual SLC Training Day on the 2 February at Teen Ranch It was a great day together, where the SLC members got to know each other and had an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas for the year ahead
Mrs Clisdell led the SLC through a number of sessions that encouraged them to think about a Biblical model of leadership with Jesus as our example. They also looked at a team approach to leadership and the vision and values of the group. They spent time exploring their strengths and recognising why it was important as a team to acknowledge each other’s strengths The SLC also spent time discussing projects that they would like to see undertaken at William Carey this year
After lunch, they took part in a high ropes course which gave the SLC a chance to implement some of the thoughts and discussions they had around the topics of courage, trust and moving out of their comfort zones
The planning sessions at the training day will go a long way to informing how they serve the student body and wider school community throughout 2026. All SLC members are looking forward to further developing their relationships with each other and the students in the years they are serving.
We want to encourage all students to chat to their SLC reps and ask them about the things they discussed and learnt on this year’s training day
PRIMARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL
We are looking forward to welcoming prospective families to our upcoming Open Days and would love your help in spreading the word.
Our Open Days are a wonderful opportunity for future families to explore our grounds, meet key staff, and hear from our Principal about our Christ-centred vision, academic programs and vibrant community life Visitors will have the chance to tour our learning spaces, ask questions about enrolment, and see firsthand what makes Carey such a special place for students from Prep to Year 12.
If you have friends, neighbours or family members who are considering enrolling, we encourage you to invite them along A personal invitation from a current Carey family is often the most meaningful way for others to discover our school community.
For more information and to register, families can visit our website:
wccs.nsw.edu.au/open-days
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to grow and strengthen our Carey community
STUDENT WELLBEING
Mrs Vanmidde is the Student Wellbeing Program Coordinator, supporting students across the school to grow in character, compassion, and resilience In this role, she oversees a range of initiatives that encourage students to serve others, build healthy relationships, and engage meaningfully with our wider community. With 15 years of experience teaching in Primary, Mrs Vanmidde brings a deep understanding of our students and a genuine care for their wellbeing as they progress through each stage of their schooling journey
In this edition of the newsletter, Mrs Vanmidde shares updates on several important wellbeing initiatives She highlights the beautiful connections formed between our Primary students and residents from local nursing homes, through the Pen Pals program, and the way this program continues to foster empathy and service
Through Beyond the Bell, she provides practical support and resources for families, with exciting plans to introduce in person opportunities for connection and learning
We are pleased to share a recent update from Tearfund, highlighting the ongoing impact of our partnership and the difference your support is making in communities around the world. We are thankful for the opportunity to stand alongside Tearfund in this important work and to see lives being transformed through practical care and gospel hope.
We invite you to take a few moments to read the Partner Update Booklet below and celebrate the progress being made together. Thank you for your continued generosity, prayer and commitment to serving others beyond our own community.
Thanks to the generous support of our families, along with the dedication of our teachers and staff in organising fundraising initiatives such as Picnic + Pages and the Year 8 Fundraising Fair, we have now surpassed the halfway mark towards our $30,000 goal for this incredible project.
She also shares a Tearfund update, celebrating the generosity of our community as we move closer to our fundraising goal and reflecting on the impact of events such as Picnic + Pages and the Year 8 Fundraising Fair
At the end of last Term, our Primary students in the Pen Pal program enjoyed the wonderful opportunity to meet their pen pal in person. Across the year, students have been writing letters to residents from two local nursing homes, building genuine and meaningful connections that have been uplifting for all involved
During the visit, students celebrated Christmas together, shared a small gift, and completed an activity with their pen pal These special moments highlighted the beautiful friendships formed through the program while also giving our students the opportunity to serve the local community through connection. Our Pen Pal program will continue this year, building on these memorable experiences.
Beyond the Bell is our fortnightly communication designed to support parents with practical ideas, insights, and valuable resources connected to student wellbeing, learning, and development. Through this platform, we share strategies and perspectives that complement the important work happening at school and help extend these conversations into homes
This year, we are excited to build on Beyond the Bel adding opportunities for in person learning and connection alongside our regular resources Our goal is to further strengthen the partnership between school and home while also fostering a community of families who value the chance to connect, reflect, and chat about the joys and challenges of raising children More information o these in person events will be shared soon For now, keep an eye out for Beyond the Bell in the Compass App.
COMING UP at and around Carey
FUN FAIR - 13th JUNE
Our much-anticipated Carey Fun Fair is just around the corner, and it is set to be a fantastic day for the whole community There will be something for everyone, including an ice rink, market stalls, carnival rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, face painting, hair braiding and glitter, a vibrant clothes market, delicious food stalls, a Chill Zone, a CPC BBQ, Devonshire tea, a silent auction plus more!
Armbands for rides will be on sale very soon, so keep an eye out for details We will also be sending home an information pack shortly with opportunities to become a sponsor, host a stall, donate to the silent auction, or volunteer on the day We look forward to coming together for a funfilled celebration of our Carey community!
Want
