Mrs Young, what is your role at Covie?
I work in the Junior School and am currently teaching an amazing group of Year 6 students!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The power of compulsion so when I tell my kids to put their shoes on or go to bed, they might actually do it the first time…

Where is your favourite place to get a coffee?
Other than Café Covie? It has to be the Sunrise Kiosk up on the headland at Warriewood beach. I could sit up on the bench and read a book or listen to a podcast while sipping my coffee and watching the waves roll in for hours!

What is the best Christian book you've ever read?
Anything by C.S. Lewis - his books are ones I keep coming back to again and again and learn something new or profound each time. If I had to choose one book in particular, it would be Mere Christianity. This book was handed to me by a friend when I was 16 years old and going through a hard time in my life. It made a deep impact on me and was one of the things that led me to eventually giving my life to Jesus.

What can you do that others would find surprising?
I can do the entire Thriller dance!

Tell us your feelings on licorice?
There are two kinds of people in this world; those who absolutely love it and those who would rather eat soap. I am the latter.

Do you have a catchphrase or a saying that you say all the time? What is it?
At the moment, I find myself saying something to my kids that I remember my mum used to always say to me: “One day you’ll thank me.” And it really is true – thanks mum!

What has God been teaching you lately?
At church, we’ve been going through a sermon series on the book of Numbers, and I’ve found myself deeply challenged by the parallels between the Israelites' wilderness wanderings and my own heart. Like them, I’m often quick to grumble or waver in trust when faced with hardship. Yet through this, I’ve been reminded of my constant need for a Saviour—one who faithfully leads me, not just through life’s deserts, but into the true rest and forgiveness that God has promised.

If you started a band with five of your closest friends, what would the band’s name be? What kinds of music would you play? What would be your role in the band?
Well funny you ask, I was actually in an all girl band with my best friends in high school. We were called Roundabout and I was the lead singer. We were a mix of pop/rock and sang all sorts of cover songs from Michelle Branch to Matchbox Twenty to Simple Plan. We thought we were so cool - we even had merch! Might be time for a comeback tour?

PIP help needed - Scholastic Book Fair

The Scholastic book fair is back soon! Hosted by the Junior School Library, it will be open during Book Week (Wednesday 20 - Friday 22 August).

Please note there will be no Book Club this term.

Several volunteers (who hold a current WWCC number and complete a Volunteers Code of Conduct Form) are needed to assist with sales at the Book Fair.

Dates and Session times are:

• Wednesday 20 Aug - Morning session (10.40-12.15)
• Thursday 21 Aug - Before School (8.10-9.00am); Lunch (1.00pm- 1.40pm) and After School (3.00-3.30pm)
• Friday 22 Aug - Before school only (8.10-9.00am)

If you are able to help with some of these times, please contact Robyn O’Donoghue at rodonoghue@covenant.nsw.edu.au. Thank you!

PIP help needed - Strings replacement and repairs

The Music department needs help with replacing strings on some instruments and also some minor repairs. If you're able to assist, please contact Nicole Conway at nconway@covenant.nsw.edu.au.

Planning ahead for 2026

Planning ahead for enrolment

Do you have a younger child? We know how easy it is to forget to put in a formal enrolment form when you've got a busy, young family. Now is the perfect time to get in touch and complete an application for Prep, Kindergarten or Junior School for the future years.

Year 7 applications for 2028 will be considered later this year. Please get in touch to confirm if we have your application. Applications can be submitted anytime via our school website.

Are you moving for 2026?

While we hope to see all our families stay at Covenant for 2026, we understand that changes can happen. If there’s a chance your child may not be continuing at Covenant in 2026, we’d really appreciate hearing from you now - even if your plans aren’t final yet. A quick chat gives us the opportunity to discuss your options, and it also helps us prepare for the year ahead. Some grades already have waiting lists, and early notice allows us to offer places to other families in good time.

If you'd like to talk it through, please call Wendy Boase on 8459 4221 or send an email to registrar@covenant.nsw.edu.au. Formal written notice is needed at least one term in advance (two terms for Year 6 leavers) to avoid cancellation fees.

Thanks so much for partnering with us - we’re so grateful for your continued support!

Wendy Boase
Registrar

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It partners with local churches in developing nations to reach out to children by providing gift-filled shoeboxes and bringing the good news of Jesus Christ. After receiving shoebox gifts, many children are also invited back to participate in The Greatest Journey – an evangelism and discipleship program.

Covenant Christian School has been involved in OCC for many years. Here’s how you can be involved:

1. Allow your child to get a shoebox from the Junior Library. K-2 students must have written permission from their parents. Students will record their name on the sign-up sheet in the library.

2. Decide the age and gender of the child who will be receiving the gift: 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14 years.

3. Fill each shoebox with simple new gifts. Include something from each of the 6 categories. You can add more from each category.

• A ‘Wow’ item – stuffed animal, musical instrument, toy truck or car
• Toy – ball, frisbee, slinky, yo-yo, small toy, skipping rope
• School supplies and/or craft
• Something to love
• Clothing and accessories (new)
• Personal care items (no soap) – brush, toothbrush, washcloth, water bottle

4. Pray for the child who will receive your shoebox gift. Include a personal note of encouragement and photo.

5. Suggested donation per box $12.50 (for postage).

6. Return shoebox to school by the end of Term 3. Mark your name off the sign-up sheet.

Any further questions - refer to the OCC website or contact Mrs Robyn Watson.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Our school is taking part in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD).

The NCCD process is undertaken by all schools in Australia, and requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

The NCCD enables school, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can best be supported at school.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any specific testing process. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. All information collected is de-identified.

If you’d like to learn more, please visit www.nccd.edu.au or contact the school.