As I mentioned in the last edition of Directions, we are in the process of preparing for a combined 40 Year / Glow Celebration, for Tuesday, 7 December. Over the coming weeks, we are holding a number of key events celebrating the College’s 40th birthday, one of which was a prayer walk, hosted on our campus last Thursday.
This prayer walk was a recreation of the prayer walk that members of Riverstone Baptist Church participated in, on our site, before demountable classrooms arrived for the original students. Elaine and Cliff Musgrave were present at that original walk and it brought me so much joy that they were available to attend last week also. They shared with other guests and College Captains of God’s goodness throughout the last 40 years. Never had they imagined such growth and that so many lives would be impacted through the mission and vision of Norwest Christian College.
I count it an absolute joy and privilege to lead this community and to see how God is working to educate students across all aspects of their lives, and I cannot wait to share more of our celebratory events with you on Tuesday, 7 December.
Felicity Marlow Principal
Finishing Strong
It seems that the end of each year approaches quicker than the year before and the Christmas decorations in Kmart and Big W appear on the shelves earlier and earlier. These are a reminder of time moving ahead even when we may or may not be ready for the speed as to which it passes or for the next event which needs planning. There are some years which we can look forward to the end of and for many, the end of 2021 will be welcomed as it was such a tough year for many families, businesses and individuals. I saw a banner on a business 'Bring on 2022!' almost wishing away the rest of this year in the hope that next year will be full of joy, promise and good times.
There a lot of events on the College calendar for the remainder of the year to signify the end of a particular season and the beginning of something new for 2022. The Prep children in the ELC will be starting their formal schooling years next year, our Year 6 cohort will embark on the Secondary years and our Year 12 students are halfway through their HSC, marking the end of this season in their life. These are all major milestones in life however even just the start of a new year is a chance to reflect on the year that was and begin to plan and consider the opportunities which 2022 will bring. It can also be tempting to wish away and rush through these final weeks of the year with our eyes only fixed on what is to come, and neglecting the moment that we are actually in. We can see the approaching end of the year and almost collapse over the finishing line, with nothing left in the tank, exhausted and depleted from the year. The end of the year though is also a time of celebration with lots of Christmas parties, school formals, end of year concerts and a time to honour the achievements of the year.
The writer of Hebrews encourages us in chapter 12 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God'. This verse is a perfect reminder that life is not a sprint but a marathon which requires endurance to finish strong. Having never completed a marathon myself, I certainly cannot attest to the muscle strain and mental agility required to make it to the finish line. Though as we approach the end of year, I can choose to keep my eyes fixed on the road ahead while still enjoying the moments of today. As you start to wrap up 2021 and file it away as a year of challenges, restrictions and face masks don't forget to make the most of each day, the God-moments that come your way and the blessing which each day holds.
Suzi Scott Director of ELC
College Celebrations - Glow and College 40th Birthday
College Celebrations - Glow and College 40th Birthday
Glow is the College’s annual Carols by Glowstick evening and this year it's being held in an online format. Glow has always been a key time of family and community and we suggest families get together with some food, candles/glowsticks and maybe join with some friends in their home. We have reinvented the program to include many appearances by students (it'll be good COVID-safe fun) and we've also included some highlights from the College's 40th celebrations.
Save the date - 7 December @ 7pm - more information will be shared in the coming weeks and we hope you can join us for this special event.
Online Uniform Order form & Size Charts
Current NWCC families can now also order uniform via our online Uniform Order form. Available size charts can now also be found on our website in the Student Uniform Guidelines section linked to the relevant items.
2023 Enrolments
Please note places are filling fast in many of our 2023 cohorts, some already with waiting lists, so if you are considering enrolling an additional child at the College in 2023 in our ELC, Primary or Secondary Years, don’t delay and submit your application as soon as possible to secure your place! Click here to access the online Application for Enrolment form.
Staffing Update - Week 7, Term 4, 2021
Each year, at around this time, as staff think ahead to the new year, it is natural that a number of them follow God’s prompting to progress their career outside of the College, or to seek new opportunities. There are a few who have done so recently; Mrs Loren Copeman (Primary), Mrs Christine O’Brien (Primary), Mrs Elizabeth Cox (Secondary), and Mrs Viviana Mattiello (Secondary), and there are those who will be leaving us at the end of this year; Mr David Griffiths (Business Manager), Mr Ben Thomas (Secondary), Miss Catherine Ma (Secondary) and Miss Lara Dikha (Primary).
To each of these members of staff, we thank you for your dedicated service over so many years. We wish you well in your next adventure and trust that God will utilise your passion and gifts well, no matter what lies ahead for each of you.
Travel Applications 2022
Applications for student travel in 2022 are now open. Students require a School Opal card or travel pass to catch public transport to and from the College. If you are new to the College, have moved address recently or are applying for a school travel pass for the first time, please visit the transport NSW information page https://transportnsw.info/school-travel-apply. It is best if this is completed prior to the end of Term 4 so that passes are ready for the new year.
2023 Scholarships
Applications are now open for our 2023 Scholarships.
We will be offering Music, Academic and our Principal's Scholarship for entry into 2023 Year 7 and 2023 Year 11. Click here for more information.
To apply for a 2023 Scholarship or to purchase practice materials please visit the ACER website.
Primary Communication Notes
Click here to read the Primary Communication Notes.