Arndell Advocate – Term 3 Week 8

It is wonderful to be back this term after my study leave. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Austin Robinson, who acted in my position, and the College’s Executive team and our staff for their unwavering commitment to keeping the school running smoothly during my absence. Your dedication in leading and supporting our community is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed.

Community is at the core of everything we do here at Arndell. It’s vital that we continue to uphold the values of respect, growth, and service, which form the foundation of our shared community spirit.

Since my return, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible community spirit that makes our College so special. We've hosted a range of events this term, each reinforcing the sense of connection and shared values that we cherish.

Father’s Day Breakfast

Our recent Father’s Day Breakfast was a huge success, with over 300 people gathering to honour fatherhood and celebrate alongside our Junior School students. It was a heartwarming event, showcasing the importance of family in our school community.

Year 12 Major Works Showcase

We also took the opportunity to celebrate the creative achievements of our Year 12 students. Their Major Works in Visual Arts, Music, Performing Arts, and TAS subjects were displayed in a wonderful showcase evening. With over 100 attendees, the event was a testament to the hard work and talent of our students, supported by their families and teachers.

Book Week

Our recent Book Week celebration was a fantastic event, filling the gymnasium with parents, grandparents, and special guests. It was wonderful to see so many people come together to share in the joy of reading with our Junior School students, reinforcing the importance of literacy and learning in a fun and festive environment.

In the coming weeks, we have several important events that will allow us to come together as a community to celebrate our achievements:

Year 12 Valedictory Service and Dinner

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students, who have shown resilience, perseverance, and unwavering support for one another through challenging times. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and their future endeavours.

Year 5 and Secondary School Camps

Our Year 5 students will head to Lake Macquarie next week for their camp, followed by our Secondary School students in Week 10. These camps provide valuable opportunities for personal growth, teamwork, and adventure.

Grandparents Day

We’re eagerly anticipating Grandparents Day on Wednesday 25 September. This is a special occasion where our Junior School students will proudly present their accomplishments to their grandparents. It’s always a joy to witness the bonds between generations in our community.

Our enrolments for 2025 are filling up quickly, with Year 7 and Pre-Kindergarten already at capacity and a waitlist in place. There are still limited vacancies in other cohorts, and enrolments for 2026 have already begun. If you are considering enrolling a sibling or know someone interested in joining our vibrant community, please contact our Enrolments Manager on 02 4572 3633.

It is truly a joy to be back. I have thoroughly enjoyed walking around the school grounds, reconnecting with students, staff, and, most importantly, you—the parents. Your support and service to our school are invaluable, and I look forward to continuing our work together.

God bless

Dr. Gareth D. Leechman
Headmaster