How can we glorify God at school or work? Here are a couple of ideas:

Dependence

As we come to school (or work) we recognise our complete dependence on God. Without him, you can’t breathe, move, think, feel, or talk.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6) 

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5) 

As we start each day, we should get up in the morning and let God know of our dependence and need for him and pray for his help.  

Integrity

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be honest and trustworthy in all we do. This can look like being on time, working hard, telling the truth and doing our best. 

"Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honourably in every way." (Hebrews 13:18) 

Skill  

God has given each of us different abilities and skills. We should treasure these and be good stewards of those given to us. We should use them, refine them, do things well and be faithful in your use of them.

School is a wonderful place to nurture these gifts, explore how to use them and refine them. Students and staff should make every effort to be faithful and fruitful stewards of the gifts God has given us. 

Impact  

The impact we have on others should be positive. We should point others to Jesus in both word and conduct. Our actions and words should declare always how "great is our Lord" (Psalm 40:16)  

Love

Our ICS motto is “In Christ’s Service”. Part of the way that we serve Christ is in our service of others.

We should take an interest in the work and lives of others, be the one who volunteers first, be known as the one who care for those less fortunate than ourselves and love those around us. 

Thanks 

Scripture reminds us to be thankful in all circumstances and to do everything without grumbling and complaining.  

Colossians 3:23 –24 says:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." 

Philippians 2:15 says:

"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure…"

We should always give thanks to God for life, health, school/work and Jesus.  

My prayer is that as staff and students at ICS, our thankfulness to God might overflow in a humble spirit of gratitude to others, that we would be known as a learning community that is hope-filled, humble and thankful.  

As we tune in to the start of the year, our Primary teaching staff have been considering what it truly means to be a Christ-centred learning community. Our staff have been focusing on how we can best tune in to the relationships and individual needs of the students in our care to ensure the students feel belonging and a sense of safety.

This thoughtful approach extends to our Primary Strings Program. Beginning in 2021, 38 Year 3 students pioneered our innovative music and literacy program. This year, the program continues to thrive and offer all students in Years 2, 3, and 4 the opportunity to learn the violin or cello with expert tutors as part of their regular classroom learning.

Each week, students participate in one small group lesson and one whole class lesson. As students progress to Years 5 and 6, they have the option to join a small group ensemble to further their musical journey. The Primary Strings Program now sees nearly 160 students learning a violin or cello in 2025.

This program is inspired by the esteemed work of Australian music educator Dr Anita Collins, whose research highlights the profound impact of music education on literacy, numeracy, and emotional regulation. 

Dr. Collins’ research reveals that when musicians play their instruments, their brains are highly active, engaging multiple areas simultaneously. Listening to music alone activates various parts of the brain, but creating music takes this to another level, providing a full-brain workout. This activity strengthens the connections between different brain regions, allowing information to travel more efficiently and through diverse pathways. 

Learning a musical instrument involves nearly every major processing centre in the brain, particularly the visual, auditory, and motor centres. The complex interplay of these functions not only enhances musical abilities but also translates to improved skills in other areas of life. Additionally, musicians often exhibit enhanced executive function, which includes better emotional processing and social capabilities. This is partly due to the discipline required to learn an instrument and the social interactions involved in playing music, such as those experienced in our strings groups. 

Dr. Collins’ research also found that the neural pathways stimulated by music are the same pathways needed for foundational language and literacy skills. In this way, music can serve as a positive primer for literacy and language learning. 

• Music helps our brains to connect and synchronize, with something as simple as singing helping us to trust and feel safe. 
• Before the age of around 7, music learning aids the connectivity of the auditory, visual, and motor cortices. 
• It improves connectivity and symbolism, enhances synaptic speed, and fosters divergent and creative thinking. 
• Music also enhances our executive function skills, enabling us to problem-solve, manage stress, communicate effectively, and grow into our adult selves.
• It allows us to communicate and understand what it means to be empathetic, kind, and productive.
• Music helps human development enormously and, if taught well and effectively, has little chance of causing harm.

Last week, Dr. Anita Collins visited ICS to pilot a beat-keeping screener to explore whether music can be used to screen for children’s language, social, and emotional development. She collaborated with Mrs. Judy Peters, our K-6 Music Teacher, and Miss Emma Newby, one of our expert strings tutors, to see how students’ ability to keep a beat and maintain a rhythm could provide insights into their cognitive development. Anita has given us incredible insights into what makes the students at ICS tick. 

We are thankful for the provision of this program, its dedicated tutors, and the God-given ability to listen and learn through music. Learning the violin is more than just learning to play an instrument; it brings a multitude of benefits that positively impact various aspects of learning and personal development.

It is truly a transformational experience shaping the students to be more curious about God’s world, more courageous to step out and shape culture and more compassionate as they respond to the needs of those around them. 

Mr Caleb Jones

Director of Primary

At the event, Izzy was introduced as:

"A fantastic leader, Izzy's composure and ability to stand up under pressure brings out the best in her teammates.

An invaluable presence on the court, Izzy was not only a member of the NSW Gold Medal-winning Netball team, but was also named in the 2024 All-Australian Netball team, a huge achievement in a competitive age group.

Congratulations Izzy."

In 2024, Izzy progressed through every level of the school sporting pathway.

This started with representing ICS in our school U15 Netball Team at the CSSA State Gala Day. As a strong defender, she contributed to our team's undefeated performance throughout the day, resulting in them claiming the title of State Champions.

A squad of students were selected from this gala day to attend further trials. Here Izzy was selected to represent CSSA. This team competed at the CIS challenge and alongside another ICS student, Sophie Howarth, the team produced our association's best performance at this level.

From here, Izzy was selected in the CIS U15 Netball Team, where she competed against the teams from CHS (Combined High Schools) and CCS (Combined Catholic Schools) at the Tri-Series Tournament. 

She was also invited to trial for the NSW All Schools Team, for which she gained selection. This team travelled to the Gold Coast to participate in the Inaugural School Sport Australia Games.

Here, Izzy gained valuable playing experience competing against teams from each State and Territory in Australia.The NSW team progressed through the tournament undefeated, eventually winning the grand final by one point. At the completion of the championship the Australian All-Schools U15 merit team was announced, in which Izzy was also named!

Join us in congratulating Izzy on these outstanding achievements!

 

 

 

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Primary Super 8 Cricket

Our Primary Super 8 Cricket team placed third after a competitive Gala Day in Week 3.

After a close win over Nowra and narrow loss to Shire, the boys found themselves in a tight battle for third place in their final match-up of the day against a quality Cedars team.

Some excellent fielding saw them keep the scores low as they bowled first, working brilliantly together to secure the win and a third-place result.

The team's coach, Year 10 student Ollie, provided excellent strategy throughout the day, in addition to high quality on field officiating, while Year 6 student Caleb attended despite a broken arm, expertly scoring the games.

The students represented the school proudly and with excellent sportsmanship. They are to be congratulated on their fine efforts! 

CSSA Netball Trials

Secondary students Lucy, Sophie and Izzy attended the CSSA Netball trials in Week 3, vying for a spot in their respective representative teams. All three girls were successful in being selected for CSSA teams, with Lucy and Sophie qualifying for the Under 15 team, and Izzy qualifying for the Under 19 team!

Congratulations are in order as they prepare to compete at the CIS Challenge in May. Well done, girls!

CSSA South Coast Zone Swimming Carnival

It was a fantastic day in the pool for our Primary and Secondary swimming teams at the South Coast Zone carnival in Week 4, with both teams emerging as the overall carnival winners!

Many students also achieved Age Champion honours for their outstanding individual results on the day. Congratulations to the following students who were named Age Champions:

• Natalija S (6-8 Years Girls)
• Mira G (10 Years Girls)
• Sophie W (12-13 Years Girls)
• Alek S (12-13 Years Boys)
• Avalon C (12 Years Girls)
• Morne E (12 Years Boys)
• Emily P (13 Years Girls)
• Jack T (14 Years Boys)
• Jack W (14 Years Boys)
• Mackenzie R (17 Years Girls)
• Mitchell E (17 Years Boys)

 

 

 

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NSW All Schools Triathlon

ICS was represented by four teams and four individuals across two days of competition at the NSW All Schools Triathlon in Week 4.

Congratulations to Jake B for his performance in the Intermediate Boys category of the individual event, placing fifth and qualifying for Nationals! Well done also to Luke B, Taylor M and Morne E for competing in the Junior Boys Individual event!

The great results continued in the second day of Triathlon competition, with our Junior Boys, Intermediate Boys and Open Girls recording some particularly impressive results! Congratulations to our teams on their results:

• Junior Boys (Taylor M, Luke B & Jack W) – 2nd in CIS / 4th in NSW
• Intermediate Boys (Gabe J, Jake B & Josh O) – 2nd in CIS / 2nd in NSW
• Open Girls (Charlotte I, Ellie W and Izzy C) – 4th in CIS / 4th in NSW
• Junior Girls (Emily P, Grace J & Jess O) – 13th in CIS / 20th in NSW

CSSA State Hockey Gala Day

At the end of Week 4, ICS was represented by two teams at the CSSA State Hockey Gala Day. 

The Open Boys team narrowly missed out on the finals, placing third overall, while the Open Girls team were crowned undefeated State Champions!

Many students were also recognised for their individual skill, gaining selection for their respective CSSA teams, to progress to the CIS Gala Day next term.

Congratulations to Dakota, Rosie and Sophie (U15 Girls), Emily (Open Girls) and Jhett, Neil and Huon (Open Boys) on their CSSA Selections!