8 August 2025
From the Principal
Education Week
Education Week is an annual celebration of NSW public education and the achievements of our schools, students and teachers. This year Education Week is held from 4-8 August, and the theme is Ignite your Potential. At GRC Peakhurst, we take pride in being part of NSW public education, the opportunities we can provide and the endless and far-reaching successes of our students and staff.
Once again this year, we have organised a number of activities each day for all students to be involved in. Some activities are for the whole-school, some are for individual year groups and some are for classes or targeted groups. Each faculty has organised different activities, which are interspersed across regular classes or held at recess and lunch times. Activities include Lego Masters, Scavenger Hunts, Vision Boards, Chalk Murals, Survival Poetry, Art Draw Offs and Music Performances. The Soccer World Cup has had to be postponed due to the weather and the state of the oval.
Further details and photos will be provided in the next newsletter as well as on our social media platforms.
College Bands
On Sunday 27 July, the Georges River College Combined Concert Band and Georges River College Stage Band participated in the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival. This long-running festival is an adjudicated event, divided into various divisions of difficulty and ensemble type. It is open to government as well as non-government schools.
In the Secondary School Open Big Band event the GRC Stage Band was awarded GOLD. The competition was tough, but the feedback says that GRC was just a cut above and eclipsed the competition.
In the Intermediate Secondary School Concert Band event the GRC Concert Band was awarded SILVER. The band showed an excellent level of cohesion and musicality. This group has worked hard to master some challenging repertoire and includes many of the newest and youngest band students.
Congratulations to Sophia S, Caelan M and Sidarth G from GRC Peakhurst for their participation in the bands in this competition.
Thank you to Mrs Pryce (GRC Oatley), Ms Walmsley (GRC Oatley) and Mr Payne (GRC Penshurst) for leading the bands and for giving up their Sunday to support the students and the College.
Overseas Visitors
During Term 3 Week 3 we have the pleasure to be hosting 20 students from China. The study tour has been organised through DE International, an international unit of the NSW Department of Education. The students have come to Australia to immerse themselves in the English language and to see what school life is like in this country. The group is being chaperoned by two teachers and will be having some intensive English lessons as well as attending some regular classes. Each student has been partnered up with a ‘Buddy’ – one of our GRC Peakhurst students - to help them settle in, show them around, assist them with communication and take them to some regular classes. We hope they take home some wonderful experiences and an appreciation of school life in Australia and perhaps they will opt to complete their education in Australia.
Student Shout Outs
- Our Girls Basketball 15 Years and under team were successful in their first round match and have advanced to the second round against Alexandria Park School. Good luck next week!
- Good luck to the 28 students who have qualified to represent the school at the Regional Athletics Carnival this week.
- Congratulations to the students who participated in the Mortdale Eyecare Art Competition. A big shout out to the prize winners:
First Place - Viola B, Second Place - Tilioni L, Third Place - Daisy T
Diane Wilson
Principal
Deputies’ Report
Welcome to Term 3!
It has been fantastic to see so many of our students returning refreshed and ready to engage in learning this semester.
Semester One Reports
Semester One reports have now been issued. If you have not yet accessed your child’s report, please contact the front office for assistance with the SENTRAL Parent Portal.
We congratulate all students who achieved to their personal best. Your results are a reflection of your effort and commitment. For those who may feel disappointed, we encourage reflection and goal setting based on teacher feedback. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with their teachers if they need clarification or support to improve in specific areas.
Stage 5 Subject Selection (Year 8 into Year 9 2026)
Over the coming week, Year 8 students will hear from specialist teachers about the range of elective subjects available for Years 9 and 10.
We warmly invite parents and carers to be part of this important decision-making process by attending the Subject Selection Information Evening on Tuesday August 12 2025, from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm in the school hall.
Faculty representatives will be available to answer questions about each subject. This is a valuable opportunity for families to make informed choices together. Students will finalise their elective selections at school on Friday August 15, supported by staff.
Year 10 Transition to Year 11 2026
Year 10 students will participate in online subject selection interviews with GRC Oatley Campus staff on Monday 18 August, Tuesday August 19 and Thursday August 21 2025. These interviews will take place at GRC Peakhurst Campus.
Each student will receive a timetable indicating their interview time. We ask all students to double-check their scheduled date. For any questions about the process, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.
Sport Studies
At GRC Peakhurst Campus, we are committed to ensuring that all students feel supported and included, especially when they are unable to participate in physical activity, including Wednesday afternoon sport due to injury or any other reason.
If your child is injured and cannot take part in sport or physical education lessons, they will never be disadvantaged. To ensure appropriate support is in place, we ask that a medical certificate be provided. Once received, students will be given alternative assessment tasks and activities that align with their capabilities while allowing them to remain actively engaged in their learning.
This approach also applies to Wednesday afternoon sport. If a student is unable to participate due to injury or other valid reasons, they must see our Sports Coordinator, Ms Tairi, as soon as possible. Ms Tairi will arrange a suitable alternative. This may include:
- Continuing to attend their allocated sport and participating in a non-playing capacity (e.g. scoring, coaching, assisting)
- Being placed in a more appropriate sport that accommodates their injury
If these options are not suitable, the student will be placed in Sports Studies - a supervised study group. In this setting, students will either:
- Complete a tailored sport theory task, or
- Engage in independent study with teacher support available as needed
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact Ms Tairi via the school office.
Parent-Teacher Evenings
Thank you to all families who attended our recent Parent-Teacher evenings:
- Year 8 and 10: End of Term 2
- Year 7 and 9: Monday July 28
These meetings provide an excellent opportunity for meaningful conversations that strengthen the partnership between home and school. If you were unable to secure a time with a teacher, please feel free to reach out directly. We are always happy to connect with parents about student progress.
Homework Centre
The GRC Peakhurst Homework Centre is available every week for all students seeking a focused and supportive study environment.
Location: GRC Peakhurst Library
When:
- Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
- Wednesdays from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Students can complete homework, prepare for exams or revise topics with access to technology and teacher support. No bookings are required. Everyone is welcome.
Sophia Favuzzi – Deputy Principal Years 7 & 9
Scott Wilson – Deputy Principal Year 8
Amanda Vials – Deputy Principal Years 10
Year Advisors' Report
Welcome Back to Term 3
We would like to warmly welcome everyone back to Term 3. We hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable break and are feeling refreshed and ready for a productive term ahead. A special welcome also goes to the students who have commenced with us this term. We are excited to have you join our school community.
Sentral Parent Portal
We encourage families to regularly check the Sentral Parent Portal for important updates regarding student requirements, excursions, and upcoming events. This is a vital tool for staying connected and informed throughout the term. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the appropriate Year Advisor if required. We look forward to a positive and successful Term 3 ahead!
Year 10
A reminder that the Year 10 School Formal will take place on Monday December 8. This special evening is a celebration of the graduating class of 2025. If you have not yet made a deposit, please ensure this is completed as soon as possible.
In Week 9 of Term 2, Year 10 students visited GRC Oatley and participated in a variety of taster sessions across different Stage 6 subjects. These sessions provided an opportunity for students to explore areas of interest and gain insight to help guide their subject selections for next year. I would like to commend Year 10 on their excellent behaviour and engagement throughout the day. It was great to hear your positive feedback and reflections on the experience.
By now, students should have submitted their subject choices online. If students are yet to complete this, please ensure they are speaking to Ms Vials to arrange an alternative time.
Finally, Year 10 will be participating in subject selection interviews during Week 5 of this term to finalise their decisions.
Year 8
At the end of Term 2, all Year 8 students had the valuable opportunity to participate in the Flip the Script workshop, delivered by the Backflips Against Bullying team. The session focused on building resilience, encouraging self-reflection and promoting respect. Throughout the workshop, students engaged in a variety of hands-on activities and open discussions designed to challenge their existing beliefs and attitudes about what it means to be respectful and resilient. They were encouraged to think critically about their role in shaping a positive and inclusive school environment. A key focus of the session was helping students understand how their actions affect the wellbeing of those around them. By exploring real-life scenarios that could occur at school, students developed a deeper awareness of how to demonstrate responsibility and accountability in their everyday interactions. We hope this incursion empowered our students to reflect on their everyday behaviour and understand the importance of a school culture built on empathy, kindness, and mutual respect.
Year 7
Souths Rugby League presented to students their Rabbitohs Wellbeing Social Responsibility Program. The presentation addressed social awareness, an understanding of students place in society, the mark they want to leave and their responsibility to empathise and care for others, particularly those in marginalised groups. Topics include bullying, racism and healthy relationships.
Elaine Cao Year 7 Student Advisor
Mai Otaki Year 8 Student Advisor
Yoliana Elnemasy Acting Year 9 Student Advisor
Fotini Tzoumas Year 10 Student Advisor
HSIE
HSIE Highlights – Term 3 Update
It’s been a hands-on, inquiry-rich few weeks across HSIE classrooms, with students from Years 7 to 10 engaging in a variety of interactive and challenging learning activities.
Year 7 History: Pyramids, Mummies & Mystery!
Late last term, 7HSIE-R got creative with LEGO as part of a differentiated task to consolidate their learning on Ancient Egypt. Students were challenged to build pyramids with secret chambers, trapdoors, and even dead-end passages to deter imaginary grave robbers - all while thinking critically about the pyramid building process and ancient burial practices.
Year 10 Geography: Fieldwork at Bate Bay
Our Year 10 Geography students are heading to Bate Bay (Cronulla) this month for an immersive fieldwork experience. The excursion will focus on the natural and human processes shaping Australia’s coastlines, and the sustainability strategies used to manage them.
Year 10 History Elective: Deep Dives into the Past
As part of their historical investigations, students in Year 10 History Elective have been producing high-level analytical writing. As an example, here is Esther P’s research report into the assassination of JFK, which explores political conspiracy, contested evidence, and the role of intelligence agencies in shaping public narratives.
Year 9 Commerce: Business Builders in the Making Year 9 Commerce students are currently preparing for one of the most anticipated assessment tasks of the year the - Running a Business Project.
Students are starting to develop their own business ideas, thinking about their business and marketing plans, and preparing to bring their products to market. The project culminates in a pop-up Market Day in the Quad during Week 6, where students will pitch, promote, and sell their wares to the school community. Watch this space for some innovative (and tasty) ideas!
Hayley Dimond
Head Teacher HSIE
LOTE
To launch Education Week 2025, our Japanese language students are embracing the theme of "Ignite Your Potential" by creating inspiring vision board-style collages. These feature Japanese texts and imagery that reflect each student’s dreams and career aspirations. Be sure to check out their creative work on display throughout the school!
In addition, our Year 9 elective Japanese classes are gearing up for an exciting cultural excursion on Tuesday 19 August, to the 2025 Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival at Auburn Botanical Gardens. This annual celebration of Japanese culture and nature will provide rich inspiration for their Term 3 assessment task. Permission notes and details have been emailed home — we can’t wait to see our students immerse themselves in this beautiful cultural experience!
Giulia Amado
Head Teacher LOTE
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Congratulations to Arya M, Hassan A, Howard A, Jacob C and Paul H who have been successful in auditioning for the D’Arts ensemble for the 2025 Schools Spectacular. The Schools Spectacular is a large-scale performing arts event showcasing the talents of students from New South Wales public schools. It features the singing, dancing, musical and artistic talents of over 5,500 students from across New South Wales. This event is one of a kind and is one of the largest annual arena productions of its kind. This year it will be held at Qudos Bank Arena on November 28 and 29.
Our students will begin their rehearsals in early Term 4. We can’t wait to see how ‘Remarkable’ they will be and are so thrilled they get to be a part of this amazing experience.
ABORIGINAL EDUCATION
NAIDOC Week 2025 – The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy
To celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, our First Nations students proudly participated in a cultural workshop that honoured their heritage and identity.
Students and their chosen friend took part in an Aboriginal weaving workshop led by the talented team at NGUMPIE WEAVING. This hands-on experience allowed students to learn traditional techniques and connect with culture in a meaningful and creative way.
Contemporary Art Program – Term 2
Across term 2, many of our First Nations students also engaged in a contemporary Aboriginal art and mentoring program facilitated by 3Bridges, exploring modern forms of cultural expression. A big thank you to Lyle and Murry, from 3Bridges, for their work with our students throughout this inspiring program. To wrap up the program, students along with Mrs Vlachos and Ms Brown, attended the 3Bridges facility in Penshurst. Students presented their artwork and discussed the meaning of their finished works.
Here at GRC Peakhurst we continue to celebrate and support the leadership, strength, and creativity of our next generation of First Nations students.
AECG
Please refer to the email Ms Brown sent you regarding details for the next AECG Community Dinner and Info Night, Wednesday 13th August. Hope to see some familiar faces there!
The following message is from the Bidjigal AECG committee:
Join our local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)!
Come meet local AECG members, executives, and other families in a mob only space.
What is the AECG?
The Aboriginal Education Consultative Group is:
• A community voice for Aboriginal education in schools
• Run by mob, for mob – 100% Aboriginal volunteers
• Focused on cultural connection, support and success for our kids
• A space where families can yarn, share ideas and raise concerns
Why come along?
• Learn about scholarships, camps, cultural care and support services
• Hear about grants, apprenticeships, and traineeships for your children
• Connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in our area
• Be part of shaping a better school experience for our kids
Wishing all students and their families a productive and positive Term 3.
Tully Brown
Aboriginal Education Coordinator
ABORIGINAL LEADERSHIP CAMP
Aboriginal Cultural Leadership Camp - Ngaramura Camp- The Next Generation
We are excited to share the highlights from the recent Cultural Leadership Camp, which provided a unique cultural experience for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Years 9 and 10. This camp, held on Dharawal Country, aimed to deepen students' cultural knowledge and identity, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Our adventure began on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, as we departed from school and made our first stop at Moorefields Girls High School to pick up five students and their teacher. Initially, the bus ride was quiet, with students unfamiliar with one another. However, that quickly changed as friendships blossomed within the first few hours!
The camp itinerary was filled with enriching activities that connected us to Country. During our first day, we had the opportunity to walk the perimeter of the camp, where Uncle Dean shared insights about local plants and their uses, especially for treating insect bites. In the evening, team-building games helped everyone bond and get to know one another better.
On Day 2, we rose early for a beautiful Sunrise Ceremony by the ocean. This moment allowed us to reflect on what we were grateful for while being connected to the land. Uncle Dean, as an Elder, emphasised the importance of respecting the land, reminding us that all things come from it.
A highlight of the day was our 5km walk from Otford lookout to Garrawarra, where we participated in Nura Yoga (spiritual healing) led by Jacquie Jarrett in a sacred area. The boys enjoyed cultural activities such as spear making, boomerang throwing, and firelighting with Uncle Dean and local elders, while the girls learned weaving, jewellery making, and creating dilly bags with Shaunagh Scott and other mentors.
Meals were catered by Koori Kinnections, and we gathered around the campfire to enjoy a delicious dinner traditionally cooked in the ground. By this time, strong connections had formed among all the students, who had truly become one big family.
On Day 3, we engaged in cultural artwork led by Amy Hill and Shaunagh Scott, allowing our creativity to shine. We were also inspired by Kylie Captain, author of “Create The Life Of Your Dreams In Your Teens.” Kylie shared her journey and gifted each student a copy of her book, which they appreciated immensely.
Overall, this three-day camp was an invaluable experience filled with education, connection to Country, and learning from our Elders. The hands-on experiences were profoundly impactful, fostering trust, respect, and a deeper understanding of Aboriginal culture. A heartfelt thank you to Ms. T Brown for organising these enriching experiences for our First Nations students.
We look forward to more opportunities for growth and connection in the future!
Here are some recounts of the students’ experience.
I went to an Aboriginal Leadership camp at Stanwell Tops and we stayed for 3 days. The first day we got to know everyone and shared what tribe we are from. We had lunch then we went to our room to put our stuff down. Then we went for a little walk to see the view and to connect with our country. Uncle Dean showed us plants that can heal us and that you can drink or eat.
The next day we woke up at about 6-6:30 to do a sunrise ceremony, at a location where we were connected to country, by land and water. At the ceremony we all had a go and said what we were grateful for. We had breakfast then at 9:00 we left to go for a 5km walk. At this site, the girls weaved and the boys were making spears. We made a fire and had lunch around the fire and we were all talking and then we had dinner. We had some kangaroo then some lemon myrtle tea, at 7pm we left and went back to the camp. We played some games upstairs, then went to bed.
The next morning, since we had to leave, we didn't do much. We went to breakfast then an aunty came and we did a painting. I chose to do a painting of my family tree using the aboriginal symbols. We said goodbye to everyone and left.
It was such a great experience, and I’m very thankful that we got the chance to even go to that camp.
Talia H
My name is Vai and I am 1 of 4 kids from GRC Peakhurst that attended a 3 day Aboriginal Cultural camp. I am very grateful I was given the amazing opportunity to attend this camp.
During this camp I was able to connect and learn more about my culture with elders and many more people. On the first day of camp we didn't do much, we went on a walk around the premises and that was a chance to connect more with other students and connect with country. On the first night we had a games night and we played Torres Straight Islander games and many more.
On the second day we woke up early for a sunrise ceremony to connect with country. Later that day we went on a bush walk. During that bush walk we were not allowed to talk. This bush walk was another chance to connect more with country. They put a dot on our chin with ocre, that meant we had to be silent. We arrived at the second camp site. There, the boys and girls were separated into groups. The girls did weaving and the boys did fire lighting and spear throwing. We had a big bonfire that night.
On the last day we all walked as a group to the cliffs and sat on rocks. We clapped the clapping sticks and said what we grateful for. Later that day we done some aboriginal panting we said good bye and arrived back to school. I am grateful for being able to go and learn more about my culture.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Integer fermentum sagittis felis eu ullamcorper. Integer lobortis et leo ac molestie. Nunc malesuada tellus eu est commodo semper. Sed tempus placerat dapibus. Curabitur rhoncus convallis nisi, non ultrices mi sodales quis. Aliquam consectetur lectus at rhoncus iaculis.
Vai
Sophia Favuzzi
Deputy Principal
SPORT
Sporting Success at GRC Peakhurst
There have been some fantastic sporting achievements at GRC Peakhurst recently. A number of students have qualified for the upcoming Regional Athletics Competition, and we’re proud to celebrate Ruby P and Sam K for their selection in the NSW Combined High Schools Rugby teams – an outstanding accomplishment!
In our weekly grade sport competition against other schools in our zone, our teams have continued to impress. As we approach the semi-finals and finals for winter grade sport in Weeks 5 and 6, we look forward to even more success on the field and court.
Knockout Basketball
In the first week of Term 3, our U15 Boys Knockout Basketball team hit the court for their first-round away game against Heathcote High School. Heathcote had a very strong start, with one player hitting multiple three-pointers in the first half, putting early pressure on our team. Despite being behind by around 10 points for most of the game, our boys showed impressive perseverance, teamwork, and determination, closing the gap in the last couple minutes. Although our team did not walk away with a win, it was a competitive and exciting game that showcased their efforts and love for basketball. The final score was a tight 43-47 with Heathcote keeping the lead until the final buzzer. A big well done to the entire team for their resilience and sportsmanship! Thank you to Ms Otaki for her excellent coaching skills!
Up & Coming
Next week, our Under 15 Girls Basketball team will compete in their Knockout match against Alexandria Park School. We wish Ms Elnemasy and her team the very best of luck — we’re all cheering you on!
Also to celebrate Education Week, the PDHPE Faculty will be hosting a World Cup event for students. Each team will represent a different country and take part in a round-robin tournament before progressing to the finals. Best of luck to all the teams involved — we can’t wait to see the action unfold!
Following the Regional Athletics Competition, I look forward to sharing more news of how well our athletes have done.
Ms Tairi
Sports Co-ordinator
LIBRARY
Last month, the library celebrated Reconciliation Week with an informative book display. We featured books by Indigenous authors and stories that celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We encourage all students to visit the library and borrow these books.
Reconciliation Week – 27th of May to 3rd of June
The library celebrated Public Education Week with an engaging book display. This was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how important public education is for our community and to celebrate the achievements of our students.
Additionally, we want to remind all students that the Premier's Reading Challenge is still happening! You have until September 19 to complete your reading goals. This challenge encourages students to read 20 books, which helps improve reading skills and discover new genres.
If your child needs help—whether it's choosing books, keeping track of what they've read, or figuring out how to submit their entries—our library staff are here to assist. We encourage every student to take part in this exciting opportunity to challenge themselves and enjoy reading.
Happy reading!
Mrs K Deegan Mrs C Manwarring
Teacher Librarian Library Assistant
WELLBEING
Celebrating Attendance and Positive Behaviour
Attendance and Merit Rewards Draw
Twice each term, students with an attendance rate of over 95% are entered into a Wheel of Names draw, where selected students received a Westfield voucher as a reward for their commitment for positive attendance.
In addition, students who have received 30 or more merits—whether for consistent application in class, or respectful behaviours—also qualify for the draw. This initiative is focussed on acknowledging positive traits that support learning and a respectful school culture.
Our voucher recipients were:
Attendance:
Isaac L, Aaron P, Saayan P, Taylor G, Sofia F, Aidan F, Zion.M, Ronan.J
Merits:
Kayal M, Zoe S, Audrey W, Dylan H, Noelan C, Calvin H, Lily L, Joanna C, Lucas S Anja R,Talia H, Emily S, Amira.K, Christian.L, Troy N, Kieran G
Mid-Year Rewards Incursion
To further recognise outstanding effort, students who maintained 95%+ attendance and/or earned 30+ merits were invited to a special mid-year Rewards Incursion at the end of Term 2.
Students enjoyed a PG-rated movie screening, along with snacks and drinks provided by the school—a well-deserved break and celebration of their hard work.
Merit Tally & Attendance Tracking
Every two weeks, the merit tally is updated and displayed on the Wellbeing Noticeboard outside D Block, allowing students to track their progress and stay motivated.
Students can also check their current attendance percentage anytime via their student portal, giving them ownership of their progress and goals.
Deborah Vlachos
Relieving Head Teacher Wellbeing
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE
Second hand uniform shop
Our second hand uniform shop is running low on stock. If you have unused uniform pieces that are in good, used condition that you are willing to donate, we would really appreciate your support.
The second-hand uniform shop is open every Wednesday from 8 – 9 am during the school term.
Lost property
If you or your child have misplaced an item, please make contact with the office. We have a number of items that have been handed in but not collected. This includes, but is not limited to, electronic accessories, glasses, keys, jewellery, clothing/uniform, books, stationery.
Please note that after an extended period of time, if items are not collected, they will be donated or disposed of as deemed appropriate for the item.
Payments
If you are sending cash to the office to make a payment/purchase, could you please ensure you send in the correct change as we do not hold cash on the premises.
Doreena Kourtesis
School Administrative Manager
Save Plus Flyers
This could help families access $500 of matched savings for school camps, excursions and more.
Newsletter Sponsors
