I S S U E 1 2 0 0 9

MISSION POSSIBLE: PAGE4 EMPOWERING: PAGE8 BUILDING UPDATE: PAGE12 PARENTING MATTERS: PAGE15

Editor Vicki Gunning

Charlton Christian College 43 Fassifern Road Fassifern PO Box 605 Toronto NSW 2283

Welcome to our first ever issue of ‘LIFE’, the Semester publication of Charlton Christian College designed to inform you of different events and programs happening in the life of our College and College community.

We are very excited about launching this new magazine, which is a milestone in the development and growth of our College. We hope that you will enjoy it. Share it with your family and friends and let us know what you think! If you haven’t yet had a chance to visit the College’s new website, do take a look at www.charlton.nsw.edu.au Thank you to our sponsors of this LIFE issue, Thomas and Coffey. Happy Reading and stay tuned for the Semester 2 issue in December.

Vicki Gunning, Editor

Our VisionCharlton Christian College aims to provide affordable Christian education which develops all students in a Godly way towards a perceptive, critical (discerning) and compassionate understanding of the society in which we live.

We aim to help our students to develop ‘wisdom’, which can be described as the ability to look at and respond to life from God’s perspective. We believe that this is best achieved through grounding in the Word of God toward a lifestyle which expresses the values and attitudes contained in the Bible.

Our MissionCharlton Christian College will strive to provide Christ-focused education of excellence, within a positive, creative and caring community.

College CornerstonesLove Demonstrating God’s love within a merciful and just community.

Integrity Building character and excellence through courageous discipleship.

Faith Growing a people of hope, freedom and wisdom through confidence in the Work of Jesus Christ.

P 02 4959 9111 F 02 4959 9188 E office@charlton.nsw.edu.au

Email our Principal Sue Skuthorpe: principal@charlton.nsw.edu.au

Email Michelle if you would like to receive the College newsletters: michelle.porter@charlton.nsw.edu.au

LIFE is the bi-annual publication produced for the families and wider community of Charlton Christian College.

Design Mezzanine-media www.mezzaninemedia.com.au

03 ISSUE ONE 2009ISSUE ONE 200903

Welcome to the first issue of LIFE Magazine. As it is the first major publication for Charlton Christian College I felt it was appropriate to remind ourselves of why we are here.

Last year was our tenth anniversary. As a College we not only looked back to where we have been but we also looked forward to our future.

It is true to say that while we must be open to change and that we must maintain our cutting edge status, it is also true that we must maintain our firm foundation and strengthen the vision which drives our passion and therefore our daily walk.

I therefore want to take this opportunity to remind all of us of our foundations.

What is a Christian School?

A Christian school is a learning community that is based on, and promotes a Biblical Christian worldview, and which incorporates the teaching, ethics and values, taught by Jesus.

As a Christian learning community all members are encouraged to love and respect each other and to work cooperatively in the teaching and learning task.

Why Are Christian Schools Needed?

Schools that are based on Biblical values of truth, justice and compassion have contributed to the successful growth and development of millions of students across the world because they provide a firm, but supportive and loving community for their students and a clear value base for life. Schools that do not have such a base are

likely to leave students confused and uncertain about what is right and wrong for them.

Christian schools also encourage each child to develop to his or her fullest potential, in obedience to God and for the good of the whole community.

Our Mission Statement is: “Charlton Christian College will strive to provide Christ-focused education of excellence, within a positive, creative, challenging and caring community.”

This, together with our Vision Statement, “Charlton Christian College aims to provide affordable Christian education which develops all students in a Godly way towards a perceptive, critical (discerning) and compassionate understanding of the society in which we live,” is summed up in our Motto “Equipping for Life”.

A Life of Love A Life of Integrity A Life of Faith A Life of Empowerment

This is what drives us. This is what gives our learning community a sense of purpose. This is what helps us to strive to be the best we can be. Not for ourselves but for each other. Not for our own sense of achievement but to honour God in all that we do. If we continue to do that, Charlton will continue to be the wonderful place that it is: this year, next year and well into the future.

Charlton Christian College, A Great Place to Be

“It is also true that we must maintain our firm foundation and strengthen the vision which drives our passion and therefore our daily walk”

Sue Skuthorpe Principal

How did it come about that you got to go on a Mission Trip?

My friend Sarah Rafferty went on a Teen Missions trip to Samoa in 2007. She told me about her amazing experiences and my family and I talked about me going on a similar trip. Teen Missions had a team going to Vanuatu for 10-12 year olds last year and Miss Farleigh was going, so I decided to go too!

Was it scary being away from home for three weeks in a different country?

Yes! I had never been out of Australia before and I missed my family. It was worth it though

because God taught me lots and I have changed heaps since then…well, mum says I have.

What kinds of things did you do in Vanuatu?

In the two weeks we were on Pentecost Island we painted three classrooms at the Ranwadi School and varnished a LOT of poles. On Sundays we walked a few kilometres to the local church where we sung, did puppet shows and did a story with the kids. After church we had a great lunch with the local villagers and were able to make some balloon animals for the children. In our free time we swam at the beach and the amazing waterfall nearby.

I also learnt that God is with me and will keep me safe no matter where I am and He answers our prayers!

By Kaye Farleigh and Paige Copp

What did you enjoy most about the Mission Trip?

Everything really! I made some cool new friends, learnt lots about God and got to experience life in a different culture. I loved spending time with God each day in devotions time. He taught me some really cool things!

What did you find the hardest?

Painting… my arms got really sore. I also found it hard to learn the memory verses, eat food I wasn’t used to and I missed home a lot. But God taught me to trust Him during these times.

What did you learn that you will never forget?

I learnt a memory verse that I’ll never forget. “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond

what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so you can stand under it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

I also learnt that God is with me and will keep me safe no matter where I am and He answers our prayers!

Do you think you will go on Mission again?

Yes! I would love to go to Cambodia, Ethiopia, Thailand and Vietnam. I think it’s good to meet people and tell them about God.

What would you say to someone your age thinking about going on a Mission Trip?

You should go! You’ll learn a lot, God teaches you exciting things and you’ll be changed forever!

Interview with Paige

ISSUE ONE 200905

The technology that has become part of our everyday lives was unimaginable a mere 20 years ago and it continues to develop at an exponential pace. As we watch it increasingly influence our own lives we can only guess how our children will interact with technology in the future.

As Christian educators and parents we share

the responsibility to help children learn to use technology wisely

and prepare them for a future that will favour those who have learned how to use current technology and develop skills which will enable them to take advantage of emerging technology.

Children are privileged to have an enviable wealth of information at their finger tips. They can use the Internet to watch earthquake simulations or view footage of endangered animals. They can email Olympic athletes and famous authors. They can program robots or watch live NASA missions. Current technology engages children and gives them freedom to choose from a diverse range of interests. It allows them, in a relatively short space of time, to master skills that would previously have required individual tuition.

Unfortunately, quantity of information does not always equal quality. Explaining to a child what a computer is and showing them how to use it is like helping a 16 year old locate the petrol tank, showing them how to steer, accelerate and brake, and then handing them the keys. Like technology, a car is a means to an end, not an end in itself. A competent driver needs to know about basic car maintenance, road rules and safe driving practices, memorise route information, and be aware of the behaviour of other drivers. An experienced driver will develop skills that can be transferred to unfamiliar vehicles or new driving situations. In a similar way, children have to learn to use a computer as a means to an end, to think critically and logically in order to navigate in a world of ever increasing information. Technology is no longer just a subject or learning area, but part of every learning area.

The Junior School at Charlton Christian College has recently taken some exciting initiatives in terms of the integration of information technology

into teaching and learning.

Five of our seven classrooms have interactive whiteboards. Interactive whiteboards are considered to be one the most effective ways to use technology in a classroom environment to engage children in learning. Teaching becomes more dynamic and there is greater opportunity for interaction, collaboration, and discussion. Our SMART Boards are particularly good in a Junior School environment as young children aren’t restricted to a mouse or keyboard. They can enjoy the more intuitive and tactile experience of manipulating virtual objects by moving their fingers across the surface of the board. In addition to the interactive whiteboards each classroom has seven computers for student use. Junior School children also have access to two computer labs.

Learning is a partnership between school and home, so we have continued to work on our moodle site, “JIL”, to give children access to learning resources from home. Junior School children can log onto JIL to download homework, visit websites posted by their teacher, or chat to other students in forums. They can download sight word lists and times tables from the resources section or follow the links to Mathletics to play live against other children around the world. One of the advantages of JIL over other Internet services is that it is a “closed” online community with Junior School teachers in control of the content. Only Charlton Junior School students can access it with their unique username and password. This means it is a safe place for children to learn about Internet safety and online behaviour. We look forward to developing this service further in the future and to finding new ways to make learning engaging for

Junior School children at Charlton.

You can view JIL and log into the resources section as a guest at

By Joe HaigIT in Junior School

ISSUE ONE 2009

IT in Junior School

07

It is estimated that over 200 million Christians in Africa don’t have a Bible. But because of people like you, people who were willing to pray, to join in RUN4BIBLES, to sponsor a runner or to help coordinate the school’s event, more Bibles will reach people in Africa who hunger for God’s Word. Thank you for your vital provision.

“Though I loved the Bible and was attending church, I didn’t understand the Word of God,” says Kagiso. “Even when my pastor preached about it, I still didn’t understand what it meant. When Bible League-trained Christians came to our church, they brought Bible study materials and helped us study God’s Word. I fell in love with God’s Word as it was presented,” she says. “I studied on my own every day, and also with other Christians. Because of Bible League, God has done a special work in my life.”

Kagiso’s story doesn’t end there. Using the same Bible study materials, her parents heard and understood God’s Word for the first time. They also decided to follow Jesus Christ.

Thank you for partnering with Bible League, to pray for and help provide God’s Word. Your contribution of Bibles will ensure that, this year, we will be able to fill more empty hands—so that lives are changed.

Every blessing,

Grahame Smith CEO Bible League

By Sarah Slavin

Thank you for your wonderful partnership with Bible League through the RUN4BIBLES program.

What an amazing opportunity it is when our College can be involved in something that reaches beyond our school, our community and our nation.

The RUN 4 BIBLES fundraiser gave us this opportunity at our Cross Country Carnival last term.

The fundraiser is a world wide bible outreach program which provides bibles for African countries that cannot afford them, or have difficulty sourcing them. It is a privilege for our College to help change the lives of people in other countries.

Every student from Year 3 to Year 12 was invited to be part of the fundraiser and seek as many sponsors as they could. It was a fantastic achievement for our students to raise over $1900. This means that nearly 300 bibles were sent to Africa on behalf of Charlton Christian College.

Year 3 – 6 students attended the Empowering 09 Conference in March at Metford Community Baptist Church. The theme of the conference was “Deeper” and the children learned about developing a more meaningful relationship with God and others. They enjoyed a time of worship and heard guest speakers from Hillsong Church and the Bible Society who encouraged the children in their understanding and experience of the Christian faith.

“I liked all the songs and games. I liked when the man had a Bible and it was on fire.” Joshua McKinnon

“My favourite part was the Easter story.” Samuel Hadley

“I liked singing and learning about God.” Elizabeth McKenzie

“Empowering was fun, exciting and very loud!” Olivia Goodwin

“I thought it was cool when the man smashed the tomato with a hammer and tried to cut it with a drill.” Samuel Arthur

“I thought Empowering was fun because it was loud and exciting. I liked it because we were praising God.” Emmaleigh Royce

ISSUE ONE 200909At Charlton Christian College, our student leaders are taught the pattern of servant leadership as modelled by Jesus. Jesus explained to His followers that their practice of leadership was to be distinctly different from that which is often found in the world. Christ taught “Whoever would be first among you must be a servant of all” Matthew 20:25-28

We believe that good leadership motivates and mobilises a team to accomplish a task and rise above individual limitations. Servant leadership serves others by investing in their development and well-being and helping them to bring glory to God in all that they do.

Being involved in the Student Council provides a huge variety of opportunities. At the start of the

year, six of the senior leaders travelled to Canberra to the Christian Schools Australia conference for school leaders which allows them to mix with students from across the nation. The House Captains are involved in running and organizing all the sporting events throughout the year and all leaders are involved in running their respective assemblies and chapels.

“Student Leadership at Charlton is a great experience. The servant leadership model challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and rise above your circumstances even when you are sick or tired or have an assignment due. In serving the students at Charlton it helps you to be humble and realize that the world is bigger than you. The Senior School leadership team is excited about being involved in mentoring and training the Middle and Junior School leaders. As Captains we had the opportunity to conduct

a leadership training afternoon for the Middle and Junior School leaders. This was very successful and everyone involved left feeling encouraged and inspired. As the College Captains we believe our position is a privilege and we hope to leave a lasting and positive legacy. We aim to influence the culture of the College to be a more caring, inclusive and safe environment that is Christian by conduct not just name.”

By Keiran Seaman & Rachel Gray

By Chantal Casey

ISSUE ONE 200911

● A full-sized stage with wings and backstage area suitable for a full scale musical production

● Dressing rooms on either side of the stage with toilet and shower facilities

● Student entry to the backstage area as well as a roomy portico for spectator and audience entrance

● Public toilet amenities

● A full-sized basketball court with surrounds. This will be used for netball and Futsal as well as other sports

● Storage for sports equipment and chairs

● A canteen with hospitality facilities for training older students in HSC Hospitality

● A covered area outside the canteen

● Two classrooms at the rear of the building which will be used for Music and other performing arts. These will connect with the stage to offer easy access to the stage and extra backstage area for performers during a production

● Stage 2 could see a mezzanine area to hold extra numbers of spectators but which could be used for intimate theatre and small productions such as HSC Music

● Stage 2 would also provide a large COLA for shelter when there is a production as well as for other undercover outdoor sporting events and assemblies

We continue to be amazed at God’s provision for our College in the face of difficult economic circumstances. This MPC together with the new Science building, Sporting Field, revamped Food Tech area, new Administration building and Junior School playground will see the face of the College change wonderfully over the next twelve months.

By John Kroon and Sue Skuthorpe

What will be included in the Multi-Purpose Centre?

As part of the Federal

Government’s Building the

Education Revolution (BER)

funding, the College will be able

to build a Multi-Purpose Centre

well ahead of our

hopes and dreams.

This hall was on the backburner for many

reasons including money (of course)

and the ways in which it could limit the

building of future classrooms.

However, with the BER Grant we will

be able to build a wonderful sporting

and theatre space for a school of up

to 800. Money will be provided by the

Government plus loans, and there is

an agreement that there will be no

restrictions on future building projects

which require Government Funding as a

result. This is amazing!

ISSUE ONE 200913

What will be included in the Multi-Purpose Centre?

Proposed Development

Post Office Box 833 EppingNSW 1710 AustraliaPh 61 2 9868 4955Fx 61 2 9868 2624

www.stantondahl.com.audesign@stantondahl.com.au

stanton dahl & associatespty limitedABN 32 002 261 396

architectsstanton dahl

proposed schooldevelopment

BER hall proposal

charltonchristian college

01

01

372.8 m2

505.8 m2

25.9 m2

32.0 m2

69.4 m2

56.0 m2

627.0 m2

56.0 m2

22.2 m2

18.2 m2

22.2 m2

144.1 m2

9.6 m2

17.2 m2

89.5 m2

29.1 m2

34.2 m2

55.3 m2

13.9 m2

stage 2

proposed scienceteaching areas

existinglibrary

proposedassemblyhall

cola

auditoriumstage

change &amenities

change &amenities

servery

chairstore

studentaccess

equipstore

backstage

foyer

learningspace

learningspace

amenities

nts

Post Office Box 833 EppingNSW 1710 AustraliaPh 61 2 9868 4955Fx 61 2 9868 2624

www.stantondahl.com.audesign@stantondahl.com.au

stanton dahl & associatespty limitedABN 32 002 261 396

architectsstanton dahl

proposed schooldevelopment

BER hall proposal

charltonchristian college

01

01

372.8 m2

505.8 m2

25.9 m2

32.0 m2

69.4 m2

56.0 m2

627.0 m2

56.0 m2

22.2 m2

18.2 m2

22.2 m2

144.1 m2

9.6 m2

17.2 m2

89.5 m2

29.1 m2

34.2 m2

55.3 m2

13.9 m2

stage 2

proposed scienceteaching areas

existinglibrary

proposedassemblyhall

cola

auditoriumstage

change &amenities

change &amenities

servery

chairstore

studentaccess

equipstore

backstage

foyer

learningspace

learningspace

amenities

nts

This raises some important questions: So what basic principles should be guiding us in how we live out our faith in this increasingly polluted planet? How can and should Christians respond to the environmental crisis of our day? Here at Charlton Christian College we are exploring different ways that we can answer these questions but we believe that we need to start with the Bible. Psalm 24:1 tells us that “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it” and Genesis 1:26-28 explains that we have been given dominion over the earth and the responsibility from God to care for it. We are the only species on the earth who can care for it!

This is a great responsibility often dismissed by many, including Christians. However, because we haven’t done a good job of it, there exists an opportunity to shape the future for generations to come. The ecoTrack class at Charlton Christian College is an initiative aiming to produce a proactive and positive response to be better stewards of God’s creation.

EcoTrack will focus on environmental awareness and ecology. First and foremost this will involve cultivating wonder and a love for God’s creation as well as how to integrate our faith in Jesus into the way we live on the earth. We will examine how we can creatively care for the environment using sustainable gardening practices and eco living skills. We will also learn practical skills such as recycling, reusing products and reducing our ‘carbon footprint’ on the earth that God loves. This is an exciting opportunity that will equip students and their families to live more sustainably both now and in the future.

We trust that for the students of ecoTrack this will be an exciting year of growth and knowledge of how to more practically care for this land.

In 2007, Charlton commenced a new Middle School program called smarTrack. This program is designed to help students to identify, develop and explore their God-given gifts and abilities within one of four ‘track’ classes.

These classes are: sporTrack, cappaTrack (creative arts), thinkTrack (technology and independent learning) and our new initiative, which is the focus of this article – ecoTrack.

Students have enjoyed gaining a greater sense of identity and ownership from this new smarTrack structure and it has attracted a large number of new families into the College.

This year, we have commenced the new ecoTrack class for our Year 7 students with a new teacher to Charlton – Mr Matthew Stackhouse. Mr Stackhouse, who is Canadian born, is passionate about the environment and is fostering a deeper awareness of environmental issues among his students. Mr Stackhouse has undertaken permaculture training and he and his family also implement a number of practical strategies in their everyday lives.

Did you know the world produces two million tonnes of rubbish every day? Half a billion tonnes of oil are spilled every year through accidents, dumping and leakage. Six and a half million tonnes of refuse, including toxic and non-biodegradable waste, are discharged every year into the world’s oceans. This is the kind of information we would prefer to not know about, yet we can’t escape this increasing awareness that we are causing great damage to a planet that God loves.

By Michael Ross & Matthew Stackhouse

ISSUE ONE 200915It has often been said, but it remains true, that of all the things we do in life nothing matters more than our role as a parent.

What a sense of privilege and expectation we have as we cuddle our newborn babies. Family and friends celebrate with us the joy of a new arrival. Sadly, not as many are celebrating the ‘joy’ of our four year old and some times even fewer friends are joining us as we do life with our teenagers!

Having been a counsellor for more than ten years I can see that time alone does not grow good behaviour. Parenting needs to be intentional. It shouldn’t just be what we experienced as a child or even the opposite of this if we decide we don’t want to parent the same way that we were parented. Parenting should be intentional, considered and informed by the wisdom around us, reading, training and prayer.

From ages two to twelve I believe our parenting is best expressed in clear directional guidelines because in this age bracket it is very important that children learn to obey, for everyone’s sake! Depending on the personality and age, children

need differing levels of support to make our instructions happen. It is a common mistake with the first born child to expect too much but their compensation is that they are often high achievers. However, it is also difficult to maintain good discipline as the family gets larger, especially when we get tired and busy, as we do in our culture. Not every situation requires a battle but the overall message needs to be obedience out of love for Mum and Dad. I stress the point because obedience is a significant cornerstone in the foundations of an adult life. There are immediate benefits e.g. children who learn to obey are frequently less anxious than children who experience permissive parenting. However, within our family the major benefit of teaching young children to be obedient is for the journey ahead. A family culture of obedience keeps children safe in the chaos of teenage life. Even if they stop “liking” us they are more likely to obey if there is a history of obedience and relationship. We can’t start with demands at teenage time. By then it is too late. We need to be guiding and shaping the will of a young child, not trying to harness it when it is charged with hormones.

The Bible says “We know that we love God because we obey Him”. For young children obedience gives them an essential concrete measurement of their good behaviour that they are (mostly) doing what they’re told and therefore playing a positive part in the family.

The loudest message in our home needs to be that we love our children. That love needs to be unconditional so even the child stuck in that phase of naughty behaviour needs to feel, see, smell, touch and hear that we love them totally.

Intentional Parenting By Liz Roberts, College Counsellor

The Senior School staff are committed to helping each child reach their full potential.

At Charlton Christian College the HSC is studied in a partially compressed format. Simply, this means that students study half the subjects and sit the relevant exam in one year. In the second year they complete the remaining subjects and sit the relevant exams.

This type of HSC suits high achieving students as it is based on University style learning. It can also benefit less academic students as it allows them to focus on a smaller number of subjects each year. The other benefit is that for a small cohort it allows added choice. As an example, this year we are offering English, Mathematics, Senior Science, Ancient History, Business Studies, PDHPE, Community and Family Studies, Legal Studies, Biology, Visual Art, Music, Food Technology, Design and Technology and Information Processing Technology.

At Charlton, English and Mathematics are studied traditionally, as this allows the Extension courses for these subjects to be run. In 2009 we are running the Extension 1 Mathematics course for our current Year 11 students and we have one boy studying Extension 1 and 2 Mathematics for the HSC. Most other subjects are run in a compressed format. Schools that have run this type of HSC over a number of years have found that in the first year students tend to perform at state average whereas in the second year they tend to perform above state average. A flow on effect is that as “Year 11” students sit HSC exams there is no time for them to waste a year. When the students are in Year 12 they often comment on lower stress levels as they know what to expect and have fewer subjects to study.

Another feature of the HSC at Charlton is that there is not one way to do the HSC but rather a number of pathways. Some of these pathways involve students completing some subjects at school, whilst attending TAFE, or completing traineeships. For example, we currently have a girl completing a retail traineeship as part of her HSC. Students also have the option of studying online subjects with Northern Beaches Christian School in Sydney.

To date, Charlton has had two groups complete the HSC and each year the results are improving. Last year we achieved outstanding results in Music with three out of the five students achieving a Band 6 (top band).

The Senior School staff are committed to helping each student reach their potential. The staff has an excellent mix of experience and youth who are all fully qualified in their relevant teaching field. Charlton is unusual as it has three Maths teachers who have all completed at least three years of university Mathematics. Recent surveys show that only 12% of staff teaching mathematics have studied university maths and only about 5% have studied past first year mathematics. We also have a number of staff who are involved in HSC marking. This gives them an inside edge into what the markers are looking for.

We are excited about the growth in Senior School and are looking forward to another successful HSC in 2009.

Chantal Casey Head of Senior School

ISSUE ONE 200917

How would you describe your years at Charlton?

My few years spent at Charlton can easily be summed up in one word and that’s ‘adventure’. Charlton offered so many opportunities that were always great to explore and learn from.

What is one of your fondest memories?

One of my fondest memories at Charlton would have to be the Chapel Services. We were all like one big family: setting up the hall, clearing out the seats and just taking time out under one roof to enjoy lots of great Praise and Worship in such a charismatic environment, always was a great start to the day.

How did Charlton impact your relationship with Christ?

Charlton had wonderful staff members who had a strong relationship with God. The staff were one of the key influences for me. It was always encouraging having such impacting role models around me and when seeing them reflect Christ so fervently, it made the biggest impact on my relationship with Christ.

What have you been doing since you left Charlton?

Since leaving Charlton I’ve been involved in an array of mission trips overseas, most notably in Thailand where I served as a childcare worker and English Teacher for the less fortunate and orphans. To date, I’m pursuing a career in acting, utilizing my gifts in the creative industries.

What significant relationships eventuated out of your time at Charlton?

Charlton always had a very supportive and friendly environment. I’ve still kept in contact with plenty of alumni who I’ve forged great relationships with.

Charlton always had a very supportive and friendly environment

Many of my former teachers too have left a big impression on me.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years time, I’ll be twenty six and I’ve got plans to move abroad to the US to complete my education and build further on to my career as an actress, I would also like to complete many more mission trips with YWAM. Ultimately though, my life is God’s so wherever the Man with the plan leads me; I’ll follow.

What advice would you give to current students?

To current students I’d suggest to use every opportunity you’re given to build your future. Be great listeners, great role models and great students because if there’s something you really want for your future, every opportunity and facility on offer will be of great value to you if you take advantage of them. So start now you won’t regret it!

Any final thoughts?

Thank you to all who have helped make me become the person I am today, who’ve known me and helped me in many ways. You’ll all be remembered.

Looking Back with Gloria Wilkinson (Completed Year 10 in 2003)

Coach ProfileI haven’t always been into sport. I loved athletics in primary school and even made it to State in my age relay team, but adolescence hit and suddenly it wasn’t cool to do sport.

Through my high school years I didn’t get into sport until I joined my school’s girls basketball team. However, it just wasn’t my thing. I’d always been into soccer but had never had the opportunity to play, until I was in my 20’s. I had just started teaching and had just found a new church to call home.

My church was involved in the Hunter churches comp in soccer and I decided I would finally give it a go. I was placed in midfield, which for those of you who know soccer, is a hard place to start when you’ve not played before and you’re unfit. By the end of the year, my skills had improved and I’d even gained the “most improved” award at Presentation Night. I’ve now been playing in this comp for about five years and have even had the privilege of being my team’s captain. I have had a few of my students’ join my team last year and they enjoyed it so much that they had their church start up their own team!

When I arrived at Charlton I was stoked to be asked to coach our girls’ soccer and Futsal teams. This is now my fourth year of coaching and I had the awesome privilege of coaching Charlton’s first ever team to win a gala day! Coaching is such a great job; being able to interact with the students on a different level and seeing the girls’ skills develop on the field. I love that you can witness to people while doing something you love. And yes, I am into sport now…

By Charissa Foster

Charlton Chargers to the TopAlready 2009 has seen fantastic results in the sporting arena. This has come through the determination and hard work of the students in our sporting teams and the encouragement and praise from peers, parents and staff at Charlton.

Our first sporting victory for Charlton was on the 19th of March where our Senior girls were undefeated at the THACCCSA Futsal Gala Day. This victory certainly didn’t come easy. It was a nerving and breath taking experience. The grand final game was against Greenpoint Christian College, and despite our team being two down at half time, the match finished as a tie which lead to a penalty shoot out. The penalty shoot out ended in another tie. Finally, when the game ended in sudden death, Kirstin scored the winning goal! This was a great team effort from the girls which included Janelle Fiedler, Sarah Rafferty, Kirstin Pedder, Hayley Bannon, Kayla Boehme, Emma Faihall, Maddy Wilks, Lauren Herbert, Bethany Stevens and Ebony Cawley.

Our girls basketball team have also achieved highly. The team consists of Year 9 students Abby Aurelius, Katenee Brown, Lily Davis, Ellie Macor, Brooke O’Kane, Paige O’Kane and Brittany Parker. Despite being a team of mainly netball players, the girls were able to transfer their skills over to basketball to form a very successful team. Our team came second in the THACCCSA Zone and will go on to compete at State level against the top U15 girls teams in each zone. Our girls basketball team should be commended for their commitment and eagerness to train and compete.

Semester 1, 2009 has set a benchmark for future Gala Day and sporting team participation. Thank you to all students for your eagerness to play and compete for the school, and to the supportive staff and parents of Charlton.

‘And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us’ Hebrews 12:1

By Sarah Slavin

Charlton Open Day Seeking a Quality Christian Education for your child?

Join us for our Open Day

FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2009

ISSUE ONE 200919

Charlton Open Day Seeking a Quality Christian Education for your child?

Join us for our Open Day

FRIDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2009

Charlton Christian College

Kindergarten 2010 Information Night

TUESDAY 18TH AUGUST, 20097pm in ‘Kindyland’

It’s going to be BIG!

Charlton CD Launch

FRIDAY EVENING 18TH SEPTEMBER, 2009

Proud to be delivering quality education projects in the Hunter region.

Charlton Christian College - new library, computer room and amenities.

www.thomascoffey.com.au

Founded over 80 years ago, Thomas & Coffey is a high standard construction and asset maintenance services provider with metropolitan and regional branch offices throughout Australia.

We have a long-standing presence in the Hunter region where we have four branch locations and more than 400 employees.

We’re proud of our company, our people and the work that we do for our educational, mining, industrial and commercial customers throughout the Hunter region.

If you would like to learn more about Thomas & Coffey, please visit our website www.thomascoffey.com.au.