Term 3 Message from the ACC Victoria Executive Principal

As regular readers of your school newsletter will know, Term 3 was a hive of activity, offering rich learning opportunities and experiences. Travelling to each school this term, I have been deeply inspired by the planning and devotion that goes into these events, as well as our staff's commitment to ensuring every student is well known, well loved, and well taught.

Just before Term 3 began, our staff gathered for a national conference focused on striving for excellence in supporting children and young people in their learning, partnering with families, and growing in faith. This time of fellowship and professional growth strengthened our shared commitment to have strong alignment in high-quality learning and wellbeing across all ACC Victorian schools. Below is a brief summary of highlights from across our schools this term.

ACC Swan Hill hosted its inaugural Secondary Information Night on Thursday, 10 September. The event was very well attended by current families currently enrolled in Secondary for next year and prospective students considering enrolment in Years 7, 8, or 9 for 2027. Attendees heard about a typical secondary school day from Head of Senior Secondary Mr Simon Taylor, Head of Distance Education Mr Joel Williamson, and the new secondary teacher Mr Don Gall. Families also learned about upcoming facility enhancements and were able to view the newly refurbished Art Room. It was a joy to experience the community's warm support as the school continues to grow.

In early August, ACC Casey welcomed visits from national Chief Executive Mr David Fyfe and State Executive Officer Mr Peter Bromhead. They engaged in encouraging discussions regarding long-term school growth, expanding enrolments, and facility improvements. We are delighted to see the strong partnership between families and the school continue to flourish.

Mr Fyfe also observed ACC Victoria Online in action, noting the impressive growth in student numbers and teaching staff for a school under two years old. We are grateful for the growing number of families who partner with us to support their children through flexible online learning and dedicated wellbeing support.

As the only ACC Victorian school with Year 12 students this year, ACC Benalla conducted its first General Achievement Test (GAT) and is actively preparing for upcoming VCE exams. Please keep this inaugural Year 12 cohort in your prayers as they prepare for exams and their final weeks of school in early Term 4. This term Primary students attended a week-long Canberra camp alongside another regional Christian school, Bairnsdale Christian College, exploring key institutions in the nation's capital. A highlight of my time at the school this term was seeing students and staff supporting 'Flanno for a Farmer' day and the Year 12s organising lunch orders to raise funds for a much longed for Gaga Pit.

ACC Echuca hosted Careers and VET Coordinator Mr Samuel Flynn and Head of Senior Secondary Mr Simon Taylor, who met with Year 10 students to discuss post-school pathways. During the visit, we attended the finals of the Echuca-Moama Secondary School Debating Competition, where ACC Echuca’s Senior team took first place, the Junior team finished as runners-up, and ACC students swept the top three Best Speaker awards. The debaters have since featured in local radio interviews, celebrating their impressive achievement.

As we approach the school holidays, I invite you to join us in giving thanks for the many wonderful blessings we are seeing the Lord provide to our schools in ACC Victoria. May you all have a restful, safe holiday, and I look forward to seeing you in Term 4 at one of our schools. 

God bless,

Christine Lucas

Executive Principal, ACC Victoria