Shellharbour Anglican College

To those who are currently members of the Shellharbour Anglican College community and those visiting this site for the first time, welcome. Our first families joined the College in 2004 at which point we had an enrolment of 93 students. Our first Year 12 cohort graduated in 2009, at which time our community had grown to 510 students coming from just over 400 families and drawing from Gerringong through to Thirroul.

We have grown in numbers and diversity and each new year brings challenges and opportunities that draw out the very best in our students and staff. The growth of the College is seen not just in the buildings but in the lives of the people who contribute daily. When I speak to parents for the first time at information evenings or when I address community events I emphasise often that our most valuable resource is the people who make up this community.

As we grow to a College of just over 900 students, I feel very blessed to serve this community as we continue to establish traditions and practices that will equip the young people in our care to serve their communities. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing with you as you consider this very significant decision for your family.

The College is Registered and Accredited with the NSW Board of Studies (BOS) from Kindergarten through to Year 12. Curriculum offerings from Kindergarten through to Year 8 are largely determined by the BOS syllabi.  The introduction of electives in Years 9 and 10 sees a range of BOS approved subjects offered with final choices being determined by student interest. Elective offerings are considerably broader in Years 11 and 12.

Students of the College are encouraged to be involved in a range of cocurricular activities. After our own hotly contested carnivals, the students compete in the Southern Anglican Schools Sports Association (SASSA) events. In swimming, cross country and athletics we have consistently shown the importance of teamwork and commitment and have regularly “punched above our weight.” Students of the College have gone on to compete at AICES (Senior School only), CIS, All Schools and national competitions.

While we are not a school with Saturday teams we have sought to provide opportunities for students with specific sporting interests. In a range of events and competitions there are opportunities for students to participate in football, Rugby, AFL, netball, basketball, touch rugby, hockey, tennis, golf, equestrian and skiing. In some instances we compete as teams while students with proven expertise in a particular sport are encouraged to participate either individually or as part of “barbarian” teams at AICES and CIS. The Duke of Edinburgh program regularly has in excess of 50 participants in any given year.

Our first Gold Award students qualified in 2012/13 and ten students achieved this considerable milestone. The Bronze Award is available to students in Year 9. While debating has much growth ahead we are pleased with the interest of students in both the Junior and Senior Schools. During our early The House Public Speaking competition has contributed to developing the skills of our students and debating is a natural progression Our music program continues to grow in student numbers and provides opportunities for students through a number of ensembles and choirs who have performed at assemblies, Presentation Evenings, Eisteddfods and, in one instance, alongside a touring artist at the IPAC.

That growth and the regular inclusion of elective Music from Years 9 to 12 has seen the establishment of Music Scholarships from 2012. Three Crusader groups offer weekly opportunities for students from a faith background and those wishing to know more to meet. Student leadership and participation is encouraged under the guidance of staff members of the College and youth worker from Harbour Church. Drama has been a component of curriculum activities since the College opened and 2011 saw our first and very successful Junior School production. Staffing and facilities now enable us to plan for a range of performance events in the years ahead.

The ‘House’ system is strongly linked to Tutor groups and students are encouraged to find ways to be involved in a wide range of cocurricular activities including sport, music, drama and public speaking. Each House has a staff member to coordinate, staff assigned to assist and senior leaders to organise and enthuse students. The aim of House activities is to enable students to feel they belong and can contribute in a variety of ways to the success of their House and to build House and school spirit. We have been fortunate to locate four contemporary Christian Australians who have accepted the invitation to become our house names. They have all made a valuable contribution to Australian society in a diverse range of ways.

The waves in the background reflect the local area and the recreational water sports for which the area is renowned. They speak of our connection with the local community and our desire, as a school community, to contribute to the area in which we live and work. The Cross is at the heart of the crest as it reminds us of who we are, a Christian school with an Anglican tradition. The cross is an ecumenical symbol of Christian faith and foundational to Christian faith.

Our motto, “In Christ Alone” draws us to consider the Cross again. The Cross, historically, was an instrument of punishment and death. It is “In Christ Alone” that the Cross became a symbol of new life, of hope and eternal salvation. For those of our College community who claim a Christian faith we are acknowledging that “In Christ Alone” we find forgiveness once and for all and the strength and wisdom that we need for daily living.

In Christ alone we are building a learning community, dedicated to excellence and equipping to serve.” Our mission statement affirms our Christian faith tradition, our commitment to lifelong learning at all levels within the community, our desire to see all students achieve personal excellence and our belief that we should prepare students for life beyond the college in which they will have opportunities to serve local, national and international

During 2009 our Annual Conference focused on Values. Including submissions from a range of parents and students all staff of the College considered values that reflect our mission. The working drew together the thoughts of the community to establish the following core Values: