Celebrating Diversity

We have just experienced a wonderful Multicultural day/night that highlights the beautiful diverse nature of our college community and provides opportunities for us to celebrate our differences as we come together for one purpose and one mission – to serve others.

The Power of Inclusive Words and Actions

Words are powerful tools. They shape perceptions, influence behaviours, and define how we relate to one another. Inclusive language respects people’s identities and experiences, ensuring that no one feels excluded. The simple choice to use kind and affirming words will make our college safer and a more enjoyable experience for all.

But inclusion isn’t only about what we say—it’s also about what we do. Acts of inclusion, such as inviting others to join in, making spaces accessible to all, or celebrating cultural traditions, send a clear message: You belong here. These intentional actions help build trust, strengthen relationships, and create a sense of community where everyone feels valued.

Living Out our College Values: Respect, Responsibility, Attitude, and Resilience

Respect

Respect is demonstrated by active listening, seeking to understand different perspectives, and treating others with kindness, regardless of differences. When respect is the norm, conflict gives way to collaboration, and fear gives way to empathy.

Responsibility

Being inclusive also means taking responsibility for our actions and their impact on others. This includes educating ourselves about different cultures and experiences and standing up against discrimination/injustice/bullying. Responsibility is not only personal but collective.

Attitude

A positive and open-minded attitude is essential in embracing diversity. This involves being curious rather than judgmental, optimistic rather than negative, and generous rather than critical. An inclusive attitude fosters mutual appreciation, enabling people to learn from one another and grow together.

Resilience

Diversity can sometimes bring challenges, particularly when navigating differing viewpoints or confronting uncomfortable truths. That’s where resilience comes in—the ability to adapt, persist, and grow through adversity. Resilient individuals and communities use challenges as opportunities for learning and strengthening social bonds, rather than letting them create division.

What can we do as parents to support our children to be inclusive:

Model Inclusive behaviour – children learn by watching us

Talk about differences in a positive way – have conversations about diversity

Teach empathy – how do children feel when left out?

Affirm and encourage inclusive play and behaviour (words and actions)

Why It Matters

Diverse and inclusive communities, like Macarthur Adventist College are more vibrant, innovative, and successful. Inclusive education promotes empathy and understanding among students and in society, inclusion fosters peace, reduces inequality, and builds a stronger sense of belonging.

Celebrating diversity isn’t a one-time event, here at Macarthur Adventist College we believe it’s a lifelong commitment to learning, growing, and standing together. Inclusion starts at home. When we as parents consistently promote kindness, empathy, and fairness, children grow up with the tools and confidence to make others feel seen, heard, and valued. By teaching your child how to include others, you’re not just raising a good friend—you’re helping shape a better community for everyone.

Let’s choose inclusion, every day, in every word, and in every action.

Multicultural Night – Thank You!

We are filled with gratitude and joy as we celebrate the incredible success of our recent Multicultural Night . Thanks to your overwhelming support, we raised a remarkable $35,000 ! All praise to God for His provision — and thank you to every student, family, and staff member who contributed with their time, talents, and generosity.

This vibrant evening was a true celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit. From colourful performances to delicious food and heartfelt fellowship, the night was a beautiful reflection of the diverse gifts within our school family.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated staff, tireless volunteers, and the behind-the-scenes team who made the night run smoothly. We also acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our students, who shone with confidence and pride.

Your generosity will now go on to bless our mission in Samoa, helping to:

Upgrade the Computer Room at Samoa Adventist College

Improve Science Classrooms with new resources and paint

Support a Week of Prayer with spiritual materials

Provide Teacher and Hospital Packs to honour and uplift others

Empower our Year 11 students as they prepare to serve abroad

Together, we’ve planted seeds of service, learning, and hope. Thank you for making this night — and its impact — unforgettable.

And yes… don’t forget to join us in Week 9 for our Primary Pyjama & Pancake Fundraiser ! Let’s keep the fun (and the heart) going strong.

With heartfelt thanks,
The Multicultural Team

Last week, 15 girls Stage 3 and 2 girls from stage 2 proudly represented MAC at the annual girls' soccer competition, competing against other Christian schools in our region. Despite limited space for practice and never having played on a full-sized field before, the girls played exceptionally well. They showed great sportsmanship, represented our school with pride, and shared plenty of laughs along the way. Well done, girls!

– Mr Goldfinch

On Thursday the 29th, our Year 12 students attended the HSC Careers Expo and a valuable HSC workshop. It was an informative and engaging day where students explored a wide range of post-school options, including university, TAFE, college, and various career pathways.

Students had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives from different institutions and industries. Many showed great initiative by registering with a variety of organisations such as the Australian Defence Force, NSW Police Force, and several universities and training providers.

The event provided students with practical advice, useful resources, and greater clarity about their future goals. It was an inspiring day that encouraged students to start actively planning their next steps beyond school.

We are proud to share that Mission Smith, one of our Year 12 students and School Captain, was selected as a finalist in the Leadership category of the 2025 Macarthur Young Champions Awards. This prestigious recognition celebrates Mission’s outstanding leadership, unwavering dedication, and the positive impact she continues to make within our school community.

On Friday, 30th May, Mission and I attended the Gala Awards Presentation Evening, where she received a finalist medal and certificate. Out of approximately 500 nominees across various categories, only 125 students were selected as finalists.

During the ceremony, the winner of the Leadership Award was announced—and I was thrilled to hear Mission Smith’s name, along with our school’s name, called out as the Winner of the 2025 Leadership Award .

We are incredibly proud of Mission. She is not only an exemplary School Captain but is now officially recognised as one of the leading young voices in the Macarthur and Campbelltown region.

- Rakeshni Kumar

Our Year 10–12 worship band had the incredible opportunity to travel to Canberra to lead worship music at the 2025 Christian Schools National Policy Forum. The experience was filled with memorable moments, including singing on the bus ride, the sight of a large crowd joining in worship, and visiting Canberra's iconic National Carillon, where students sat and listened to the chimes. This event was not only a chance to showcase the students' musical talents but also to represent our school with pride on a national stage worshipping God. As a gesture of gratitude, the school was honoured with a class appreciation plaque, and each student received a thoughtful gift. The trip was a true highlight for our worship band, and we thank everyone who supported this experience.

Resilience refers to our ability to recover emotionally after a challenging period of our lives.
For all of us, there are challenges and difficulties that we experience in life that will cause us to feel stress. When our stress responses are activated, we often utilise all our time, resources and energies into “getting through” a situation – and this reaction to a stressful period is completely understandable.

In the aftermath of stress, we all lean on our resiliencies to return to an emotional state of calm, equilibrium and more balanced life experiences which is why learning about resilience and building it up is so important.

For more information on how to recognise resilience and grow into it please explore:
Resilience | Macarthur Adventist College

Romans 5:3-4

New Living Translation

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

With blessings,
MAC Counsellors
Claire, Isabel, and Vivian.

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.