2020 has certainly seen us face challenges that no one was expecting.  From a school perspective, a great deal of what we are currently doing is allowing us to look forward to 2021. 

In Week 2 this term, we conducted our annual Senior School Information and Subject Selection Evening, although the format of the evening was a little different. Traditionally, this event has seen all Year 9, 10 and 11 students attend an information session in the Auditorium, and then return to the CityReach Café, where they have had an opportunity to discuss their subject selections for the following year with relevant teaching staff. Given current restrictions regarding large gatherings, we moved this event online for 2020.

Subject Overviews Online

During Week 2, students, parents and caregivers, were able to access an overall presentation for the evening, where they could learn more about Senior School at Cedar, SACE, Tertiary Pathways and ATAR’s. Individual subject videos were also made available online, and these videos provided information specific to each subject, so that students, parents and caregivers, were able to make informed subject selection decisions for the following year. We are very grateful for the efforts of our staff in producing these videos, and this is another example of the way that teachers at Cedar have met the challenges presented throughout the year.

Mapping the Path Ahead

This week has also been devoted to 2021 in many ways. On Wednesday, our Year 10 and 11 students, along with a parent or caregiver, met with subject counsellors to discuss, and enter, their subject selections for next year. On Friday of Week 3, our Year 9 students entered their Year 10 elective preferences for 2021, and our Year 9s are completing this process on Friday of this week. I continue to be impressed by our students, and the commitment that they display towards their education. I have been involved in many conversations over the past few weeks where the maturity and attentiveness of our students has been evident, and this, in many ways, is attributable to the value placed on education at home by our parents and caregivers as well.

It is a privilege to partner with our families as we seek to provide the support and guidance necessary to steer students in their journey, not only as Cedar College students, but for the many opportunities that exist for them as they enter their post-school years.

Mr Tim Maddern, Director of Curriculum

Due to current restrictions, we miss being able to have parents and friends attend our chapel and assembly times. Students have continued to learn, through both the real and LEGO adventures of Little PK, even more about our amazing God. We have been reminded of His creation and the love and grace that He shows us, and there’s also been plenty of fun along the way! It’s also been exciting to have the Primary School staff band leading the singing – something that we missed during the video chapels.

Our first Assembly, for many months, was a bumper edition of Teacher’s Awards, with a large number of awards and extra special prizes given out. The Assembly even ended with one special student being the first recipient of the Really, Really, Big Award!

Parent Teacher Interviews

The Primary School was also able to hold Parent Teacher Interviews this week, enabling teachers to touch base with parents and caregivers, in a follow up to the school reports last semester. Although there are still restrictions in place, it was nice to be able to briefly meet together and even offer a take-away coffee and snack to those who attended.

Sausage Sizzle Shows Support

The Primary School also took part in the special fundraising day for one of our sponsor children. Many students ordered sausages and wore Thailand coloured casual clothes, and some even donated further, to help provide housing for Poom and his family. Thank you to everyone who generously gave, we look forward to hearing from Compassion when the new building has been completed.

Fundraiser for Poom

The purpose of the day was to raise enough money to help build a house for Poom, one of our beloved Compassion Sponsor Children from Thailand, who has been greatly affected by COVID and has no place to call home. As the day progressed, students across the school also enjoyed a sausage or two, to further support the fundraising for Poom.

Our aim was to raise $1,500 (half of the cost of the house), however the Cedar Community were so supportive that we raised over $3,740! The day was a huge testimony to the generosity of Cedar College families, coming together to do something amazing. Cedar will be working with Compassion Thailand to determine where the extra money that was raised can be best used, beyond supporting Poom’s family to build a new house.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day, and for displaying God’s love to Poom and his family.

Miss Kerry Spriggs, Year 7 Co-ordinator & Thailand Trip Co-ordinator

Since 2018, the 10G History classes have investigated political and social processes by establishing the fictitious country of Renahria, and forming its parliament. This has involved guiding their ‘country’ (and their individual electorates) through wars, social reforms and economic crises, along with the regular day-to-day decisions of government – literally making history.

While being directly linked to the History curriculum, the program provides plenty of freedom and scope for innovation, with MPs electing their Prime Ministers, who in turn select Cabinets and spear-head policies. Every decision has consequences (both to the health of the country’s various statistics, and politically for those who make them), and maintaining a prosperous nation while keeping hold of the top job is no easy feat.

Induction Ceremony

An honours system of the Order of Renahria was established in June this year by Executive Order to recognise those students who had gone above and beyond in their commitment to their roles and in their service to the nation. Inductees are presented with the medal of their class of honour, along with a lapel pin which they wear with their uniforms. Last week’s ceremony honoured those who have served with distinction over the past two years, including former Prime Ministers, Cabinet Ministers, and the current Chief Justice of the High Court.

The August Honours List included:

The Order of Renahria Medal:

For service to the country, or an electorate, which is worthy of particular recognition

• James H (Former Prime Minister and four-time Cabinet Minister)
• Nathan L (Former Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport)
• Charlie M (Former Prime Minister and three-time Cabinet Minister)
• Campbell P (Former Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, and minority government pioneer)

Member of the Order of Renahria:

For distinguished, sustained service to Renahria or humanity at large

• Bradley H (Former Prime Minister and the first Cabinet Minister to serve in every term of government)
• Sophie V (Former Prime Minister, three-time Cabinet Minister and political pioneer, particularly in minority government)

Companion of the Order of Renahria:

For eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Renahria or to humanity at large

• Mrs Danielle Cioffi (Two-time President, constitutional expert and current Chief Justice of the High Court)
• Alice S (Former Prime Minister and legislative pioneer, whose war-time service and innovations secured an unlikely victory against significant odds, along with unprecedented personal approval ratings)

Congratulations to all inductees. Awards ceremonies to honour members of the current Renahrian parliament will be held later this year.

Jordan Rose RC, President of the Republic of Renahria and Chancellor of the Order of Renahria

Daniel Thorpe, Speaker of the House

Mr Jordan Rose, Year 11 Co-ordinator, Acting English Faculty Co-ordinator