Can you believe how quickly the time has flown by? By the time you read this, we will have completed Week 4 of Term 1, and there will only be six weeks left before the end of this term. The pace of the school year always seems to pick up quickly, and it’s a good reminder of just how precious time is.

There’s a phrase I often use to emphasise the importance of time: “Time is Money.” While this phrase is commonly associated with financial value, in the context of education, it reflects something even more crucial—the value of time in learning. Time is a finite resource, and just like money, it needs to be invested wisely. Both students and staff are given the same amount of time in the classroom to deliver lessons and grasp new concepts. The challenge lies in how that time is used—to fully engage with the material, practice skills, and deepen understanding, all while adhering to the guidance of the curriculum.

If you’ve ever heard me speak to the secondary students, you’ll know that I often remind them of the limited time they have each academic year. The time we have is precious, and each day, each lesson, is an opportunity that should not be taken for granted. I frequently refer to the wisdom found in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which reminds us that there is a time for everything—a time to learn, a time to study, and a time to grow. These moments should be cherished, as they are the foundation upon which future successes are built.

For our students, I want to emphasise that this term—and indeed, this year—will pass quickly. The habits they form now, their dedication to using time wisely, and their commitment to their studies will set the stage for the rest of their academic journey. We all know that academic success doesn’t come by chance; it’s the result of focused effort, discipline, and using time in the best possible way.

As parents, I encourage you to continue supporting your child’s learning journey. Help them to create a routine that balances study time with rest and recreation. Encourage them to make the most of the time they have to review, reflect, and refine their skills. Your involvement can make a significant difference in their academic performance and overall growth.

Let’s work together to ensure that every minute counts, and that by the end of this term, students not only feel accomplished but also proud of how they’ve used their time.

Thank you for your continued support, and let's make the most of the weeks ahead!

On Monday 24th February, our students had the incredible opportunity to participate in the annual South Met Touch Football Gala Day. It was a day filled with excitement, teamwork, and plenty of learning experiences as students took to the field to showcase their skills and enthusiasm for the game.

From the very first whistle, our teams demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship and determination. Whether they were seasoned players or new to the game, every student gave their best effort, embracing the fast-paced nature of touch football. The day provided an excellent platform for students to develop their understanding of the game, refine their passing and defensive skills, and build confidence on the field.

Beyond the competition, the event fostered a sense of team building among students. The teams supported one another, encouraged their peers, and celebrated each moment of success—whether it was a well-executed play, a strategic move, or simply the joy of participating in an active and engaging sport.

A special thank you goes out to Mr Huo, Pastor Beez and Mr Maua for coaching the teams who were a great help in making the day possible. Their guidance and encouragement ensured that students not only had fun but also walked away with a greater appreciation for touch football.

The excitement was amazing as students, staff, and families gathered for our annual Swimming Carnival. With perfect weather and an electric atmosphere, the day was a true celebration of school spirit, athleticism, and fun!

From the very first race to the final relay, students showcased outstanding sportsmanship and determination. The pool was alive with energy as competitors gave their all, whether it was in the fiercely contested 50m freestyle or the always-entertaining teachers vs student’s relay. House colours flooded the stands as enthusiastic War Cries were chanted by houses, creating a wave of encouragement and camaraderie.

Special mentions go to our teachers, who were a big part of making the Swimming Carnival a day to remember. We appreciate how the students pushed their limits and set new records in various events. Of course, the carnival wasn’t just about winning – participation was very encouraging. Whether students were swimming or not we saw all students supporting their house.

A huge thank you to our staff, student leaders, and volunteers for making the event run smoothly, and to our swimmers for giving it their best effort.

The carnival was super competitive to the point that 1st place was split by 40 points. The finals scores from the Swimming Carnival were:

1st Place = 668 points

2nd Place = 626

3rd Place = 601

4th Place = 383

Of course, we won’t be sharing who won until Wednesday 5th March during our assembly (which just adds to the excitement). Stay tuned to see who our Champion and Runners Up students are as well as our winning house (who will get a trophy and bragging rights for 2025).

This year’s Swimming Carnival was a day to remember, and we can’t wait to dive back in next year for another fantastic event!

This week we continued to look at Jesus being a trailblazer, looking at the story of Jesus in Mark and how he heals a man on the Sabbath. Jesus finds a man sitting outside the synagogue with a broken hand and he heals him on the Sabbath. This was such a trailblazer moment for Jesus because he went against the grain. He did something different. He actually prioritized showing this man love and grace and compassion by healing him on the Sabbath, which was against the rules.

Looking at our intention behind what we do and that things come from the heart showed us that sometimes it might mean that we go against the grain in order to follow Jesus.

Front row Left to right - Aavash Paudel, Estelle Marsters, Abika Aryal, Persia Sione

Back row left to right - Kreesha Rajbhandari, Rhys Ponini

In Biblical Studies, we strive to make learning about the Bible as engaging and interactive as possible. Using the Encounter curriculum, we explore stories of people in the Bible—real people who faced challenges, made choices, and experienced God’s presence in their lives. Each unit helps students discover themes of love, purpose, and restoration, showing how the Bible tells the story of God's desire to reconnect with humanity. Through discussions, activities, and creative learning experiences, we encourage students to reflect, ask questions, and explore how these stories can still speak to us today.

Mrs Pele and Mrs Hosea

Extracting DNA from a strawberry.

Using a lemon to generate electricity and power a lightbulb.

Investigating the best paper plane design.

Our college is incredibly proud as three of our students have been recognised for their outstanding HSC results. At a special ceremony, the Mayor’s High Achiever Award was presented to Ekam Sodhi and Johnathan Grant-Skiba for their hard work, dedication, and excellent achievements.

Although Faith Dore was unable to attend, she was also honoured with this award, and we celebrate her success just as much.

This recognition highlights the commitment of our students and the support of our teachers and school community. It also encourages younger students to aim high and do their best.

Congratulations, Ekam, Johnathan, and Faith—you have made us all proud!

We are thrilled to announce that MAC has partnered with SchoolTV for the first time in 2025. SchoolTV is a fantastic online resource designed to support the health and wellbeing of our school community! At MAC, we’re committed to creating a supportive space where students, parents, and staff can access reliable, relevant, peer-reviewed, and practical information whenever they need it.

SchoolTV is managed by a select group of staff members at MAC who are working together to curate articles that reflect current research, trending issues, and key developmental milestones for young people across Australia. Our team is also mindful of coinciding these topics with events happening at MAC throughout the year.

SchoolTV will act as your go-to wellbeing database, offering a rich collection of articles, videos, and book recommendations on a wide range of important topics.

We look forward to launching soon - WATCH THIS SPACE!!

With blessings,

MAC SchoolTv Admin Team

Romans 15:5

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.

At MacArthur Adventist College, we are deeply committed to the well-being and safety of all children and young people under our care. We aim to provide an environment that supports their education and personal growth, helping them lead meaningful, joy-filled lives, build strong friendships with God, and develop the character traits of kindness, service, and integrity.

As part of our commitment, we want to reaffirm that the safety, welfare, and well-being of every child at our college is of the utmost importance. Our dedicated staff work tirelessly to ensure that MacArthur Adventist College remains a safe and nurturing environment, free from harm and abuse.

We hold a zero tolerance for child abuse and view our child protection responsibilities as one of the highest priorities. The college is fully committed to complying with all relevant child protection laws and regulations, ensuring both physical and online spaces remain safe for all students.

We appreciate the trust you place in us and work alongside families to support our children and young people in their journey of growth, with a strong foundation of Bible-based values and selfless service to their communities.

Together, we can create an environment where all students are protected and empowered to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support in making MacArthur Adventist College a safe and loving place for every child.