When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.
Any renovation or new build brings with it a season of inconvenience as the process of construction is observed from the outskirts of temporary wire fencing and sandy surrounds, unearthed by large scale machinery, whose role it would seem being to destroy everything that was once so lovely.
With that in mind, it is always important to be reminded of the end goal inclusive of the benefits that will come about once finished.
The construction of the Ellenbrook Christian College Sports Pavilion began at the beginning of the year, and, like most new builds, seemed to go slow at first.
Fast-forward 5 months and the skeleton is really taking shape giving a real life image to what has till now only been recognised from artists impersonation and builders plans.
The roof has now been installed only a few weeks before the winter rains arrived, and within the next week or two the brick work will be close to completion giving staff and student onlookers a great visual of what they can expect to be using in the near future.
This Sports Pavilion will provide key building infrastructure that links the main College buildings to the main sports oval in a cohesive way.
It was around the year 2000 when a young man migrated from his African home to Perth, Western Australia, with his family. 24 years later, Sunday Dech finds himself with the world at his fingertips the colour of that world being orange, the circumference 70cm and the weight around 600 grams.
Sunday Dech is quickly becoming a household name among the young and old engaged in the basketball scene. He began his career playing for the East Perth Falcons alongside our own faculty member Mr. John Taylor. As JT pursued his teaching career of Ellenbrook Christian College is benefiting from, Sunday went on to play for the Perth Wildcats. He played College Basketball in the USA and now plays for the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL.
On Friday, 17 May, Sunday visited the college during the morning assembly. With a heart to inspire young people, and a special fondness towards the African-Aussie youth within the Australian community, Sunday brought an inspiring life story, giving a glimpse into his journey, which has been anchored in his Christian faith, which he deeply holds.
His challenges have no doubt been real, which, up until now, he has taken as opportunities to bring about his best. He was able to share the importance of commitment to hard work and dedication, a word timely for this generation. He says of it, “Winning is hard, and it takes a lot of hard work.” His tone carried beyond the realms of a sporting game and into the avenues of his life experiences.
South Sudan is currently number 1 on a number of the world’s poorest nations lists, having the world’s lowest GDP, according to Global Finance Magazine as of May 2024. Though a proud Australian, Sunday is excited to be selected to represent his birth nation at the 2024 Olympics, taking place in Paris, France, in a few months. As a friend of the college, we wish him all the best.
Ellenbrook Christian College (ECC) welcomes a new addition to its esteemed faculty, Mr. Alanemibuboka Altraide, affectionately known as Ala. With a rich background in teaching and a passion for both mathematics and faith, Ala brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to ECC.
Ala’s journey in education spans over two decades, beginning with his involvement in Mechanical Engineering at Curtin University, where he lectured subjects like Statics, Dynamics, and Thermofluids from 1995 to 2000. His dedication to academia continued as he transitioned into the realm of secondary education, teaching Mathematics and Science at Swan Christian College from 2001 to 2003, followed by a tenure at Winthrop Baptist College where he specialized in Physics, Chemistry, and Science until 2011. From 2012 till most recently, Ala had dedicated a decade to the Students of Kingsway Christian College, a season marked by his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and spiritual guidance.
Now, in 2024, Ala embarks on a new chapter at ECC, where he takes on the role of Mathematics teacher. His deep-rooted love for God and commitment to spreading joy and love infuse his teaching philosophy. “I love God and am passionate to exude His love, joy, etc. to the people around me always,” Ala shares. Beyond the classroom, Ala’s hobbies include singing, dancing, playing sports, exercising, and savoring well-cooked meals, especially goat curry.
At ECC, Ala aims to do more than just teach mathematics; he aspires to model the principles of Jesus Christ to his students. “I hope to model Jesus Christ to my students and help as many as I can to enjoy Mathematics, helping them know, believe, and see that it is possible to do something well if you believe and work hard at it,” he expresses with conviction.
Ala’s dedication to both academic excellence and spiritual guidance aligns perfectly with ECC’s ethos of holistic education. As the school community eagerly anticipates his contributions, Ala’s presence promises to enrich the lives of students and colleagues alike, fostering an environment where faith and learning intertwine harmoniously.
Our Engineering program begins in Year 4 and progresses through Secondary College, nurturing a love for problem-solving and innovation. In Primary Engineering, students tackle challenges that hone their skills in experimentation and analysis.
On Tuesday, March 12th, a team of Year 6 students proudly represented our school in the Synergy Solar Car Competition, facing off against peers from other schools. Despite stiff competition, our students showcased technical proficiency, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the event.
Our dedication to fostering the next generation of innovators remains unwavering, ensuring our students are well-prepared for success in a dynamic world.
Ellenbrook Christian College’s Year 7 camp, held from Wednesday, February 7th, to Friday, February 9th, at the scenic Ern Halliday campsite in Hillarys, was a thrilling and memorable experience for the incoming high school students. The beachside setting provided the backdrop for an array of exciting activities, fostering camaraderie and creating lasting memories.
Among the highlights were the exhilarating flying fox rides that added an adrenaline rush to the camp. The beach activities further enhanced the bonding experience, as students engaged in team-building exercises and enjoyed the sun and sand. The camp served as a melting pot for friendships, with numerous new students joining from various schools to embark on their high school journey together.
As laughter echoed through the campsite, it was evident that the Year 7 camp not only provided an opportunity for adventure but also laid the foundation for a supportive and inclusive community at Ellenbrook Christian College. The shared experiences and newfound connections will undoubtedly contribute to a positive and enriching high school experience for these young students.
Thursday, February 29, marked a night of celebration for our Year 11 students, providing a much-needed respite before the challenges of “upper school” kicked in. The highly anticipated River Cruise, has always been a favourite in our school calendar.
Teaming up with our friends from Northshore Christian Grammar, who are regular partners for these events, ensured that the dance floor buzzed with life. From the classic Macarena to the lively Conga line, students and staff alike immersed themselves in the rhythm of the night, dancing away any traces of stress or upcoming academic commitments. The camaraderie between the two schools added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities, making the evening even more memorable.
As the students let their hair down and reveled in the joy of the moment, it was a testament to the importance of such events in fostering a sense of community and unity. The River Cruise served as a vibrant prelude to the challenges ahead, reminding everyone of the significance of finding moments of joy and connection amidst the academic journey.
Here’s to the spirit of celebration and camaraderie that defines our school community, making events like the River Cruise an unforgettable highlight in the lives of our Year 11 students.
ECC and Metronet Break Ground for New Sports Pavilion
On January 15th, Ellenbrook Christian College (ECC) and MetroNET turned the soil on a significant building project to enhancing campus facilities for generations to come.
The new ECC Sports Pavilion, scheduled to begin work next month, will provide improved amenities for ECC students on the far side of the oval, with the new trainline over pass now connecting both side of the school land.
The soil-turning event was attended by MetroNET representatives (including the Honourable Rita Saffioti MLA), architects from Parry & Rosenthal, builders Castle Projects and ECC staff.
This new facility has been designed to meet practical needs and is the result of a government grant worth almost $3 million for the local community.
We look forward to keeping our parents and students informed about the developments as they happen, with this new facility promising to provide essential and upgraded amenities for ECC students.
ECC's Inter-house Swimming Carnival Beats the Heat!
Our recent Inter-house Swimming Carnival took place at Bayswater Waves on Thursday, the 15th of February. Despite the scorching 40-degree heat, the spirit of competition and camaraderie among our four house factions—Nightingale, King, Garlett, and Flynn—made the event a resounding success.
Students from all year levels showcased their swimming prowess in a variety of events, including freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and the highly anticipated relay races. The vibrant atmosphere at Bayswater Waves was electrifying, as students cheered on their housemates and celebrated the outstanding achievements of their peers.
This year’s carnival saw Nightingale House emerge as the overall winner, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and individual talent. While Nightingale may have claimed the top spot, each house demonstrated their commitment to the event, making it a memorable day for all involved.
The weather threw us a curveball with the temperature soaring to 40 degrees, but our resilient students and staff weathered the heat admirably. The carnival was a testament to the college’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to excel in various areas, even in challenging conditions.
Aside from the house victories, it’s important to acknowledge the individual accomplishments of our students. Many swimmers achieved personal bests, showcasing their dedication to training and their determination to improve. We applaud each and every participant for their hard work and sportsmanship.
Since the commencement of the Morley-Ellenbrook line, Laing O’Rouke has been working with students from Ellenbrook Christian College (ECC) to encourage more female students into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses in universities and ultimately, careers in Construction and Engineering.
The program, known as ‘Inspiring STEM+’ seeks to engage junior secondary school female students with STEM-based activities and develop interactive conversations with them in this space.
Our Year 10 Students, who began the course as Year 8’s two years ago, have had exposure to a range of various areas across the sector inclusive of Human Relations, Indigenous affairs, Community Relationships, Accounting and different aspects of administration.
This two-year course concluded with a series of discussions as representatives engaged students in some interactive learning.
An excursion to the Whiteman Park Rail Station (currently under construction) saw the students fitted with ‘hi-viz’ gear, sporting fluorescent vests, hardhats and eye protection. ECC’s newest FIFO-fashion students are now ready and attired for the mining and resources boom!
This visit was able to offer a glimpse into the progress of the MetroNET project together with it’s community and environmental impact.
With the huge amount of development still needed in Western Australia, both Laing O’Rouke and Ellenbrook Christian College (ECC) are happy to be partnering to assist our greater community through the empowerment of students who will one day serve in these industries.
The group finished with lunch at the Malaga Station, again gaining more exposure to the large scale work being undertaken to further connect Ellenbrook to the wider Perth Metro area.
On Friday, 20 October, our much loved Year 12 students graduated high school. 13 years of schooling culminates in this monumental moment marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new season.
With mixed emotions, the “Class of 23” emerged onto the grounds that have been their educational sanctuary for some, as long as 13 years. The joy of no more school, coupled with the realisation of the big wide world awaiting carried somewhat of a “Nemo and Marlin” type experience looking out from the edge of the reef.
Principal Gigi Thiele charged our Year 12’s, leaving them with a deposit to take into their future. “Your character will be a main factor in determining your destiny and so I encourage you to constantly work on your character.”
Her words to stay in touch as Alumni gave reassurance to the strengthening college community as one that presses beyond just the schooling environment.
With an encouragement to his peers, Liam Hall, Head Boy, reminded his fellow graduates that… “We have significantly grown alongside each other over the course of the past decade and a half, progressively developing from carefree children playing tag to angsty young teenagers searching for our identities in a confusing world to mature young adults graduating high school and preparing to begin the next chapter of our lives.”
Head Girl, Abi Le Count shared to her peers and College community one last time with humility and poise “I know I was not a perfect leader, but i did my best. My best may not be someone else’s best but I’ve learnt not to compare myself to others because God has different paths for us all. As long as you are doing your best that is all that matters.”
The college community thanks both of Liam and Abi for doing just that, your best and to remind you that your best was brilliant. Well done!
A number of community leaders attended the momentous event, all to cheer on this generation but some specifically to give out an array of awards. To mention some, Mr Mike Pitman, previous Principal to the year 12’s, Commander Blackman who presented the Leadership award and Alex Follington, representative of the College’s Parent community. We wish to thank you and all other guests for you commitment to our school.
Students, Tanika Campbell and Ashton Ker were awarded with top honours receiving the Dux and Valedictorian awards.
The ceremony drew to a close with each graduate receiving their ribbon and then stood united as the crowd of attendees sang “The Blessing” over them before an emotional exit through an archway of honour made by the college staff and faculty.
Well done class of 2023. We wish to congratulate each and every one of you, we pray the Lord’s blessing over you and we cheer you on as you write your future.
