For students in Years 7 and 10, the new school year has brought with it more than just a change of classroom. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of the ICT team, students have received their new locked-down MacBook or iPad prior to the start of the term.

The Managed Device Program is an important step toward strengthening online safety and enhancing classroom learning. Below is a quick guide to what families need to know.

1. What happens if my child’s device needs repairing?

While Apple devices are durable, accidental damage can occur. If your child’s device requires repair, the process is outlined below:

1. The student reports the issue to Student Services or the ICT Training and Support Technician.
2. A daily loan device is issued if needed (where available). Loan devices need to be returned at the end of each day.
3. The device is repaired onsite or sent away under warranty or AppleCare+.
4. Families are notified when a repaired device is ready for collection.
5. Any applicable AppleCare+ charges are processed for parent billing.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of careful handling, safe storage, and daily charging of student devices at home. Devices must always remain in their protective case and should not be transported loosely in school bags.

For questions about device repairs, please contact your School ICT Training and Support Technician.

• Optional theft and loss insurance

AppleCare+ is included with all SCEA-leased devices and covers most accidental damage. It does not cover loss or theft. Under the Parent Agreement, families remain responsible for loss, theft, and damage not covered by warranty or AppleCare+.

As previously advised, families may wish to check whether their home contents policy provides cover for their child’s leased device. For those who prefer additional protection, SCEA now offers an optional three-year Theft and Loss Only Insurance Plan through Protecsure (single upfront payment). This option is voluntary and does not change parental responsibility for device care. Cost and coverage details have been provided directly to participating families and are available online here.

Additional at-home parental device controls (for SCEA-leased iPads)

Families with SCEA-leased iPads can download the Jamf Parent App to support healthy device routines at home. The App works alongside SCEA’s device management system and cannot override protective settings. Parents can:

• Disable the camera or AirDrop.
• Set focus timers for apps.
• Create morning and evening routines.

For more information about Jamf Parent App and the installed management software on your child’s leased device, refer to the video below.

Keep your eye out for some exciting updates on how Managed Devices are improving classroom learning later this term!

It’s not every day that our College is featured in The West Australian.

With the rapid rise of technology and growing research suggesting young people are developing unhealthy screen time habits, the conversation around student wellbeing has never been more important. In addition, the Australian Government has recently announced a ban on social media access for children under 16. The question many are now asking is: What are schools doing to address this ongoing issue?

The West Australian article highlights the Swan Christian Education Association (SCEA) decision to transition from a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model to a school-managed device program.

This initiative was implemented at the beginning of this year and initially impacted our Year 7 and Year 10 students. The program will be progressively rolled out across the College, with full implementation anticipated by 2028. Encouragingly, feedback from both parents and staff has been overwhelmingly positive.

At ECC, student well-being remains a top priority. We believe this change not only supports the development of healthier screen time habits but also helps reframe devices as purposeful tools for learning rather than gateways to games and entertainment.

As SCEA CEO Graeme Cross shared in the article, “We don’t want to set up a situation where students actually become so reliant on these devices it creates some form of addiction.”

Farewell
2025 has been a significant year for Ellenbrook Christian College, with our community welcoming new staff and preparing to farewell several long-serving team members. Each departing staff member has contributed greatly to the life of the College, and we are grateful for the impact they have had on our students and broader community.

We thank the following staff for their dedication and commitment over the years, and we wish them every success as they move into the next chapter of their careers.

Primary

• Mrs Pam Tyrrell
• Mr Dan Rolt
• Mrs Hayley Tuffin

Primary Education Assistants

• Mrs Gabby Shere
• Mrs Olga Burger
• Miss Inez Tang

Secondary

• Mr Stefan Grove

As we reflect on their time with us, several staff members shared some of their fondest memories.

Mr Stefan Grove recalls the Year 9 and 10 camp with the current Year 12 cohort as a standout moment. “We had a great time, and it was great to see how the students bonded as a group.” We wish Mr Grove all the very best as he relocates to Broome to continue his teaching in the Kimberley.

Mrs Pam Tyrrell, who has been part of ECC since 2009, shared that she will deeply miss her colleagues and worshipping with students each Friday. Mrs Tyrrell is stepping into an exciting new role with Elastik as a School Development Manager, where she will continue her passion for helping teachers identify and address gaps in student learning. We pray God’s blessing over this next season.

Mr Daniel Rolt, who has served at ECC for 12 years, has been a much-loved presence in our Primary community. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
“I’ll miss the moments of laughter and teamwork with colleagues who have become more like friends. I’ll miss the conversations with students — the ones that spark curiosity, brighten the day, or catch you off guard with their humour and honesty. And I’ll miss the families who have trusted, encouraged and journeyed alongside us, helping create the welcoming, grounded ‘we’re in this together’ atmosphere that defines ECC.”

Please join us in honouring each of these staff members. We are grateful for their service and pray that God will bless them and their families as they step into new and exciting chapters.

Welcome
With many farewells also come many warm welcomes. We are delighted to introduce the new staff joining Ellenbrook Christian College in 2026. We look forward to the fresh perspectives, skills and enthusiasm they will bring to our community.

Administration

• Mrs Angela Roberts – Student Services
• Mr Jason Dean – Grounds and Maintenance

Primary

• Mrs Joanna De Grauw – Learning Support Education Assistant
• Mrs Mariska Treurnicht – ELC Education Assistant
• Mrs Carien van Wyk – ELC Education Assistant
• Mrs Esther Cliff – Year 6 Teacher
• Mr Brenton Williams – Year 3 Teacher and Primary STEM

Secondary

• Mr Ben Walmsley – Science and Computer Science
• Mr David Clarke – Design and Technology (Woodwork)
• Mr Stephen Herd – Physical Education
• Mrs Twanette Vorster – HaSS

Leadership Appointments
We also offer a very warm welcome to our new Head of Primary, Mr Michael Gaudin, who has been visiting the College regularly in preparation for the new year.

In addition, we congratulate Mr Sam Freind on his appointment as Dean of Wellbeing (Years 4–6) from the beginning of 2026. We are also delighted to share that Mrs Michelle Cockrell will continue to serve within our community as the Primary Dean of Enrichment.

These changes reflect our continued commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students. We thank our departing staff for their faithful service and warmly welcome our new team members to Ellenbrook Christian College.

Last week marked a significant milestone for the College as we celebrated the completion of our new Sports Pavilion. Construction began in early 2024 and has now been completed, thanks to State Government funding under the METRONET Morley–Ellenbrook line. The pavilion now provides new change rooms, shower facilities, and drinking fountains for students accessing the far side of the pedestrian underpass, a significant addition to our campus.

On Friday, 5 December, we were delighted to welcome several honorary guests, including Hon Klasey Hirst MLC, SCEA executives, former ECC principals and valued ECC community members. The celebration also launched Carols on the Green, our much-loved annual Christmas event where students from across the College perform festive musical pieces for the wider community.

The evening was a tremendous success, with an outstanding turnout and a fantastic atmosphere. Carols on the Green remains a highlight of our year, bringing people together in the spirit of Christmas and strengthening the sense of community that makes ECC so special.

Last week, we officially farewelled our Year 6s from Primary School as they prepare to embark on their Secondary journey next year. The event brought together students, staff, and families and provided a special moment to reflect on their memories, recognise their growth, and cheer them on as they step into this exciting new chapter.

The evening began with a heartfelt address to the Year 6s from our Head of Primary, Mrs Michelle Cockrell. Our Year 6 students then performed a series of musical items that showcased their talents as a cohort. Academic and endeavour awards were also presented, and we congratulate all the award recipients. The celebration concluded with a final roll call and closing remarks from Year 6 teachers, Mrs Madeline McWhirter and Mr Jeff Gibson.

We wish all our Year 6 graduates every blessing as they begin this new journey. May God continually bless you and may you shine His light.

Last week, our Year 9s embarked on a three-day adventure at Lane Poole Reserve near Dwellingup. They participated in a range of hands-on activities, including raft-building, mountain biking, hiking, and treetop challenges. Students worked together, encouraged one another, and created many memories along the way.

They also embraced the whole camping experience by pitching their tents and cooking their own meals on the Trangia. For many, it was a chance to step outside their comfort zone, build confidence and enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way.

For students completing the Duke of Edinburgh’s program, the camp also helped them meet the requirements for the International Award in the Adventurous Journey category, a significant achievement.

At the end of last month, our Year 11s took part in the annual Headstart Program—a six-day experience designed to gently ease them into the challenges and excitement of their final year of schooling. The week was filled with meaningful moments, new experiences, and ample opportunities for students to build confidence as they look ahead to Year 12.

On campus, students participated in practical workshops, including first-aid training, and an engaging, thought-provoking presentation by volunteer nurses from Royal Perth Hospital. Their message on safe driving and the risks of alcohol and substance use was delivered with honesty and care, and our students responded with maturity and genuine interest.

Headstart also encouraged students to look beyond themselves and contribute to the broader community. Many spent time volunteering with the Salvation Army and Pines Aged Care, where they offered practical help, listened to stories, and connected with people in meaningful ways. These experiences often become the ones students remember most.

The group also enjoyed a day exploring the rich history of Fremantle Prison, gaining insight into one of Western Australia’s most iconic landmarks.

To wrap up the program, students spent time simply having fun and enjoying each other’s company with visits to Bounce and Hillary’s Boat Harbour—a joyful way to finish the week and celebrate everything they had learned and achieved.

We are incredibly proud of how our Year 11s embraced Headstart this year. Their enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to step out of their comfort zones made the program truly special. We look forward to seeing them carry this positive energy into Year 12.

Throughout 2025, several of our students took part in Authority-Developed Workplace Learning during the school holidays, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of industries. These placements gave students the chance to develop new skills, build confidence, and gain a fundamental understanding of what it’s like to work in their chosen fields.

We extend our sincere thanks to the organisations that generously offered their time and support, including HDD Solutions, Laird Pipe & Casing Solutions, Ellenbrook Life Balance Chiropractic and Health, and the Christian Impact Centre. Your guidance and willingness to mentor our students provided invaluable learning experiences and genuine insight into the world of work.

Special congratulations to Tyson P., who made an exceptional impression during his placement—so much so that his host company has offered him an apprenticeship position after Year 12. This is an incredible achievement and a true reflection of Tyson’s dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment. We wish him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter.

Alongside these placements, three Year 10 students and one Year 11 student were selected to attend the Defence Work Experience Day at Irwin Barracks, themed “A Day in the Life of a Soldier.” Held on 23 October 2025, the event provided students with valuable insight into life in the Australian Defence Force. Highlights included meeting Defence personnel, seeing firearms up close, and exploring military vehicles.

All students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and highly recommend the program to others considering a career in Defence.

We are incredibly proud of every student who participated in Workplace Learning this year, and we are deeply grateful to our community partners for their continued generosity and support.

To learn more about Workplace Learning at ECC, please contact our VET Support Officer, Mrs Tanya Camacho, at tanya.camacho@ellenbrook.wa.edu.au.

Last week, our Primary school held its Interhouse Athletics Carnival. Our students gave it their all across a range of events, including Turbo Javelin, Relay Race, Shot Put, Tee-Ball Throw, Long Jump, Noughts and Crosses and Distance Running. The atmosphere was full of excitement and, despite the temperamental weather, our students showed fantastic enthusiasm and sportsmanship—a big thank you to our Parents in Partnership for organising the sausage sizzle and coffee cart.

We are incredibly proud of all our students, and we look forward to announcing the event winners and the overall house champion soon.

Last week, we held one of the year’s most anticipated events — the ECC Talent Show. Excitement filled the College Gymnasium as students, parents, and friends gathered to cheer on a fantastic lineup of performers.

Our wonderful Year 11 MCs, Mickayla A, Zac M, and Sonia N, kept the energy high throughout the night. On the judging panel were Mr Doug Lake (Head of Secondary), Mrs Michelle Cockrell (Head of Primary), Miss Tiana Garbin (WAAPA Jazz 2nd Year Student and Drummer for Contemporary Bands Teenage Veritgo and Lefty) and Mr Adam Corning (Warrant Officer Class 2, Fromer Band Sargent Master), who had the challenging task of choosing winners from such an impressive field of acts.

The show featured an incredible variety of performances, including singing, dancing, monologues, and instrumental pieces. We’re so proud of every student who auditioned and performed — it’s clear that Ellenbrook Christian College is full of amazing talent.

After much deliberation, the judges announced the winners:

• 3rd place: Ruramai M, for her heartfelt rendition of Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song,” dedicated to her parents.
• 2nd place: Lyric B, for her moving monologue “Shoulder Back and Smile.”
• 1st place: Jenwin M, for her breathtaking performances — singing Adele’s “All I Ask” and performing a self-choreographed dance to “4 Minutes” by Justin Timberlake and Madonna.

The night was a tremendous success, thanks to the hard work of staff and the leadership of Mrs Tamara Cymer (Dean of Arts and Technologies). Her passion for the arts continues to make them a highlight of College life.