Dear parents and carers

You may well be aware that the mere idea of Christian schools existing is contested. Opponents are quick to assert that Christian schools are holy huddles, enclaves from the real world, undemocratic, generating adults who make no contribution to society apart from being religious. While these allegations have not matched our lived reality, advocates of Christian schooling have until recently lacked empirical data to support their cause.

Challenging Misconceptions with Evidence

Robust data indicating the social value of Christian schools is readily available in North America. The Canadian think tank ‘Cardus’ has credibility and respect in the secular world through Canada and the USA. Recently they have become active in researching the Australian scene. A comprehensive study by Dr Darren Iselin has indicated that graduates of Christian Schools have high levels of involvement in associations, particularly in sporting, leisure and cultural groups and high levels of involvement in trade unions and environmental groups. They are also generous in donating time and money to worthwhile causes. Across many of these indicators, Christian school graduates exceed those of other sectors.

Strong Outcomes for Christian School Graduates

Across all the indicators/outcomes, graduates of Christian schools do well. They are more likely to be married, less likely to be divorced and more regularly involved in churches than their peers graduating from other schooling systems. Indeed, across the sectors, they felt better prepared for careers or university, better prepared to deal with life’s challenges and more likely to have a sense of purpose, direction and meaning for life.

Formation of Character and Citizenship

The report indicates that Christian schools are delivering strongly in the areas of formation of young people into fine citizens in broader society, preparation for work, a sense of belonging, a spirit of generosity, a commitment to family and to faith. They also help to build young people for resilience, with a personal wellbeing that assists them to flourish and a disposition that is others focussed and community minded. This is indeed what the Bible would have them do, as Jeremiah says: “seek the peace and prosperity of the city of which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for if it prospers you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). In fact, he instructs the people to “build houses and settle down….marry and have sons and daughters.” (Jeremiah 29: 5-6).

In short, even though Christians can feel a sense of exile from a culture which may believe and behave differently, we are encouraged to be good citizens who live lives which may well seem ordinary, but who bless our world. This is indeed part of Covenant’s preparation of our young people.

Dr John Collier

Interim Principal

Monday 23 - Friday 27 March, 8.00-11.00am | Cafe Covie open for parents

Monday 23 March, 8.43-8.50am | Infants Morning Lines in the Rumpus Room or Handball Courts

Tuesday 24 March | Prep - Year 12 Easter Assembly

Friday 27 March, 9.15-10.30am | Junior School Tour - Invite your friends

Host Families Needed - Keimei High School (Japan) is visiting Covie!

From 8th - 21st August VS Oceania are looking for Host Families! Share your lifestyle & home whilst experiencing another culture.

• Students attend school on weekdays and enjoy family life with you on the weekend
• Japanese language is not necessary.
• Students just fit in with your family routines – eat your food,
  they need their own bed but can share a room.
• Families are paid $60 per night.
  

If you can assist in hosting a student or would like more information, please contact VS Oceania at (02) 9889 4366 or email to admin@vsoceania.com

Don't Miss Out

Working Bee | Tomorrow!

Our upcoming working bee is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other members of our school community and contribute to the upkeep of our school.

The next working bee will be held on Saturday 21st March from 8.00am-12noon and we'd love to see you there!

To register your interest to help out please RSVP below.

I want to help at the Working Bee

Junior School Tour - Invite your friends!

This week, Junior School families would've received a special invitation card for our upcoming Junior School Tour on Friday 27 March. We’d love for you to pass this along to friends, neighbours, or family members who may be considering Prep to Year 6 for their children.

Our tours are a wonderful opportunity for prospective families to see the Covenant community in action, meet our Christian staff, and experience our wonderful Junior School.

If your friends would like to join us, they can register at: covenant.nsw.edu.au/explore

Thank you for helping us share the word about Covenant with others!

Colin Buchanan is coming to Covie!

Australia's #1 kids Christian artist, Colin Buchanan, is coming to Covenant in the April school holidays. Sing, dance, laugh as kids, parents and grandparents join together for the unforgettable musical, messy mayhem of Colin's Favourites Live in Concert!

Get your tickets to see Colin in concert!

Mother's Day | Save The Date: 8 May

We warmly invite all Covie mums and mother figures and their children to join us for a Mother’s Day celebration at school. This will be a wonderful opportunity to spend time together and celebrate the beautiful mums in our community.

Further details will be shared soon, but for now, please mark your calendars, we would love for you to join us!

Prayer Group

Join us every Thursday to pray.

Bill Turner Cup

View on Facebook and Instagram

Trivia Night with Year 12

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Happy Pi Day

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Rostrum “Voice of Youth” Public Speaking Competition

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North Met Zone Swimming Carnival - Record Breaking Events

Our Covenant Swim Team had an exceptional day in the pool at the North Met Zone Swimming Carnival this week! We are incredibly proud of every student who competed, supported one another, and represented our school with such enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Across the day, our swimmers delivered outstanding individual and relay performances, including several Age Champions and an impressive number of new zone records.

Thank you to Mr Chor, Mrs McDonald and Ms Hammond for supporting and leading our team throughout the carnival.

Age Champions

• 13 Girls – Mia Climpson
• 13 Boys – Macsen van Gysen
• 15 Girls – Emma Vuceski
• 16 Girls – Caitlin Potter

Top Placings – Close Contenders

• 15 Girls – 2nd: Molly Hilton
• 14 Boys – 3rd: James Velcic
• 18 & Over Boys – Equal 2nd: Noah Lawton

Relay Success – New Zone Records

Girls 15–16 200m Freestyle Relay – NEW ZONE RECORD (1:59.60)
Molly Hilton, Emma Vuceski, Ava Beringer, Caitlin Potter

Girls 15–16 200m Medley Relay – NEW ZONE RECORD (2:14.07)
Caitlin Potter, Ava Beringer, Molly Hilton, Emma Vuceski

Individual Record Breaker – Caitlin Potter

Caitlin achieved an extraordinary set of new zone records in the following events:

• Girls 15–16 – 200m Individual Medley: 2:30.10
• Girls 16 – 50m Butterfly: 29.10
• Girls 16 – 50m Breaststroke: 35.74
• Girls 16 – 50m Backstroke: 30.28

Congratulations to every swimmer for their fantastic performances and dedication throughout the carnival. We look forward to cheering on our qualifiers at the CSSA State Swimming Carnival.

Well done, Team Covie!

Nee Doh Fiddle Toys No Longer Allowed at School

We’ve recently seen an increase in the number of students bringing Nee Doh fiddle toys to school (please refer to image below). Unfortunately, many of these are splitting open during use and creating mess. As a result, we will no longer be allowing these at school.

We recognise that fiddle toys are a helpful tool for students who are on a learning plan, so we kindly ask that your child brings an alternative option that is more durable and less likely to break.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a great learning environment for your children.