As we celebrate the feast of Christ the King this Sunday, our thoughts naturally turn to the meaning of kingship. Yet the Gospel presents us with a striking paradox: the One who reigns over all creation does so not with grandeur or worldly splendor, but with a humility that disarms the human heart. His crown is woven from compassion, His throne is the Cross, and His power is the love that bends down to lift the weary. In Him we see that true authority is never domination but the capacity to serve; it is the freedom that grows when the heart is no longer ruled by pride or fear.

Each of us, in a certain sense, is entrusted with a kind of kingship: we are called to govern our own lives, to possess ourselves interiorly so that we may give ourselves generously. This inner mastery is not achieved through force of will but through the quiet strength of humility. Humility allows us to see ourselves truthfully, to recognize our limitations without discouragement and our gifts without vanity. It gives us the freedom to listen, to forgive and to begin again. In this way, humility becomes the foundation from which genuine service flows.

As Advent draws near, this virtue reveals its particular beauty within family life. We all know how easy it is to live with a humble person—someone who does not demand to be at the center, who listens with patience, who admits mistakes, who seeks peace rather than victory. Such humility creates an atmosphere where love can flourish and where each member of the family can grow in confidence and serenity.

Christ the King invites us to learn from His gentleness. If we allow His humility to take root within us, our homes can become places where His kingdom quietly unfolds: a kingdom of truth, mercy and joy, born from hearts willing to serve.

Fr Paul Muller
Chaplain

Infants Christmas Concert

We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with you at our Infants Christmas Concert on Thursday, 4 December.

Please take special note that all children are to wear:

Sport shorts

A plain white T-shirt

White sport shoes

The virtue we have been focussing on in the Junior School is Gratitude.
Having gratitude means that you are thankful for the good things in your life. It is an attitude that seeks the good things in every situation and tries to see the silver lining around every cloud. Instead of going straight to negativity and panic, a thankful person focuses on the positives and manages to maintain a healthy perspective.

What does gratitude look like?
Gratitude on the most basic level means saying please and thank you to people. It is also not taking them for granted and realising that their effort makes our lives easiest.

I am practicing gratitude when I:
· Appreciate my own abilities instead of envying others
· See difficulties as opportunities to learn
· Am receptive to gifts
· Appreciate the beauty of this Earth
· Count my blessings every day

For older students:
😊Do the people in my life know I’m grateful to them?
😊How could focussing on gratitude impact my relationships this term?
😊 What am I thankful for today, this week or this month?

In year 6 this term we have been learning about our different connections to the world. These connections can be personal or media related.

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS :
Have they been there? (holiday)
Were they born there? (migrated here)

MEDIA CONNECTIONS :
Have they read about it? (news/stories)
Do they know someone from there?
Have they seen a documentary or movie?

We have been able to write SUBJECTIVE and OBJECTIVE information reports about these places.

Last week year 6 enjoyed a day at Manly beach!
The girls had the opportunity to learn about beach and water safety, they learnt how to bodyboard and how to surf.
We were blessed with a glorious day and everyone had a fun time!

Mrs Michelle Stebbing
6N Class Teacher

To mark the feast of All Saints Day, Year 5 held a "Guess the Saint" challenge. The girls researched their chosen saint and then made a poster, representing their saints using emojis. The girls then participated in the Guess the Saint challenge to see how many saints they could identify. Follow the link to the video to hear more from some of our Year 5 students.

Over the past two weeks, our Year 10 students have embraced a wide range of exciting opportunities as part of the Learning Beyond the Classroom program. This initiative is designed to broaden their horizons, develop essential life skills, and foster a sense of community engagement.

Last week, the students participated in a Galmatic workshop, where they learned practical mechanical skills in a hands-on environment. This session was a fantastic opportunity for the girls to gain confidence in understanding car maintenance and safety, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The students also attended an etiquette workshop, where they learned valuable skills for interviews and professionalism. This session was both practical and insightful, equipping them with tools to present themselves confidently in future career settings.

They also enjoyed a local walk through Cumberland State Forest, reconnecting with nature and learning about environmental stewardship. This experience combined fitness with an appreciation for the importance of caring for our natural surroundings.

Another highlight was a presentation from the Australian Defence Force. The girls were fascinated by the discussion on careers within the ADF and its vital role in national security. Many asked thoughtful questions, and some are now considering this as a future career path.

This week has been equally enriching. On Monday, the students participated in the Ryda Road Safety Program, learning about safe driving practices and the dangers of distractions behind the wheel. On Tuesday, they visited the Jewish Museum, where they had the privilege of meeting a Holocaust survivor and hearing their powerful story.

On Wednesday and Thursday, the girls engaged in community service, volunteering at a city food bank and at Warrah Aged Care Facility. They prepared meals for those experiencing homelessness, entertained aged care residents with musical performances, and assisted with gardening to beautify the grounds. On Friday, they continued their service through an urban walk, learning about homelessness and supporting initiatives to help those in need.

So far, the program has been a tremendous success. The girls have shown enthusiasm, compassion, and a willingness to learn in every activity. Next week, they will begin work experience placements, gaining hands-on skills in their chosen fields and experiencing the realities of the workplace.

The Learning Beyond the Classroom program has truly brought out the confidence and character of our Year 10 students, preparing them for life beyond school while strengthening their sense of community and responsibility.

Mrs Kathryn Mitchell
Careers Advisor

As part of our study of the Holocaust in Yr 10 History, we had an amazing opportunity to visit the Sydney Central Synagogue in Bondi where we met Mimi, a Holocaust survivor. The Holocaust was a tragic historical event that led to the death of approximately 6 million European Jews, with 1.5 million of those being children. Miimi immersed us into her world, and her miraculous escape from the Nazis that took her across Europe and to Australia which she described as “hitting the jackpot” . Her story allowed us to see how this major world event has impacted many lives, as well as teaching us to be grateful for even the smallest of pleasures we used to take for granted in our lives.

Furthermore, during the visit, we also got to engage with a workshop about Rights and Freedoms, as well as artefacts from the Holocaust and tour of the synagogue. It gave us valuable insight into the real conditions that the Jews had to endure, and the rights and freedoms that we have now, that were not present back then.

Thank you to Mrs Sahni, Mrs Papantoniou and Mrs El-Rahi for accompanying us.

Shalomi 10R

It was a season of growth for both the junior and senior touch football teams. Just before the finals, Clara Mulkeen-Suarez, one of our speedy wingers on the junior team, unfortunately sustained a fracture whilst scoring a try! She attended the grand final to support her team who fought bravely but fell just short in a 1–2 thriller. The junior team were remarkable in their determination to improve and support each other throughout the season.

For the seniors, this season was one of steady growth and development. After a challenging start, they hit their stride towards the end of the season — working hard on the field and showing real belief in each other. Although they just missed out on a semifinal spot, their improvement was undeniable. Each game showed more confidence, sharper teamwork, and stronger communication. Both teams ought to be proud of their efforts this semester!

Mrs Eckersley

Junior team:

Wanda Essey
Therese Khater
Georgette Limbers
Jade Mazidi
Emma McAuley
Heleni Moa
Clara Mulkeen-Suarez
Sohana Singh-Bains
Felicity Yacoub

Senior team:

Elizabeth Alvir
Reya Fahd
Anastasia Limbers
Ava-Maria Nassif
Isabella Raad
Inaaya Rana
Scarlett Sahyoun
Farrah Sleiman
Mary Vieira
Andrea Yacoub

We are looking forward to our Swimming Carnival on Tuesday 2nd December at Waves Fitness & Aquatic Centre, Baulkham Hills. Please take note of the following important information.

All students are to enter via the carnival entry (located at the club house end of the pool).
Students will be seated on the grandstand with parents & other spectators seated on the cabana side of the pool.

It is recommended that spectators bring camp chairs as seating is limited. Please see entry fees below:

Spectator fee (non swimmer): $4
Adult: $9
Concession (4yrs and above or concession holder - Aged/DSP or Senior's Card): $7
Children 3 and under are free.

Hills Council is cashless. They accept both Mastercard & Visa. The cafe accepts both cash & card.

Second overdue notices have been sent to all students and their parents with books still outstanding from last term. If you have received an email, please assist your child in locating and returning their books. Books not returned by the end of term will be assumed lost and charged to your account together with a $5 processing fee.

The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) aims to encourage a love of reading. It focuses on getting students to read widely and to develop lifelong reading habits. Reading can offer opportunities to explore the world around us and to imagine new possibilities.

Congratulations to the following students on their awards:

Premier’s Reading Challenge Medal (Completed from Year 3 to Year 9)

Elizabeth D, Olivia F, Lucy F, Anna K, Sophia S & Corina T

Platinum Certificate (Completed for 7 years)

Year 5 - Gabrielle J

Year 6 - Arabella F, Alayna L, Anisha P, Charlotte W

Year 7 - Caroline G, Anais L, Amery Q,

Year 8 - Jingyi L

Year 9 - Sophia S

Gold Certificate (Completed for 4 years)

This year, we have had a record number of students complete the PRC and obtain their Gold Certificate - 36 students in total!!

The Premier’s Reading Challenge Medal will be awarded to these girls at the Secondary Presentation Night. Platinum and Gold Certificates will be handed out during an assembly next week. Participation certificates are being distributed in class.

Well done to all these students!

While students under 16 years of age are eligible for half fare as a "child", once aged 16, students are required to obtain a concession card in order to continue to access concession fares. The NSW Senior Secondary Student Concession Card enables students to access concession fares at all times. Students must be Australian citizens, permanent residents or in receipt of a DET approved international scholarship or exchange place, and be currently residing in NSW.

If your child is aged 16 and above and would like a Senior Secondary Student Concession Card, please ask them to contact Ms Mimi Tam by email, mimi.tam@tangara.nsw.edu.au .

When your child's Concession card is available to collect, Ms Tam will notify the student via their school email address asking them to collect it from her office.

Route 3160 timing updates and altered path after Oakhill College, now via Cherrybrook Station instead of David Rd

Updated 603 AM to later option

Transfer option Route 3140 removed as not used when checked

Please find attached the updated school bus advice.

Please ask your student to check the table outside Administration for any lost property items during recess and lunchtime. We currently have a large number of unnamed items, particularly sports jackets. Once claimed, your daughter may come to Reception to label her item with a permanent marker.

After-School Public Speaking & Debating Programs at Tangara

Term 1, 2026 (8 weeks)

Program Timetable

Mondays, 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Public Speaking for Years 3–5

Wednesdays, 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Public Speaking for Years 3–4
Public Speaking and Debating for Years 5–6

Program Focus for Term 1

Public Speaking: Structuring Speeches
Students will develop mastery of diverse speech structures and learn how to adapt them effectively to different contexts and topics. This skill ensures clarity, confidence, and audience engagement in any speaking situation.

Debating: Policy Cases
Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of policy debate principles, including case development and strategic argumentation. They will learn how these elements connect to the burdens of proof required for success, equipping them to construct compelling, well-reasoned cases that win debates.

Expression of Interest (EOI)
Seats are limited and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Submit your EOI here - https://forms.gle/AQGmN8cG6CuoSzb36

Contact Details
For further information, please contact:
Marianne Parackal
Cornerstone Creative Academy
#0411 678 854
email - cornerstoneacademysydney@gmail.com

Programs are run in collaboration with Speaking Schools Australasia.