From the Principal

Orient your head and heart before acting with your hands

I have completed many ‘Wilderness First Aid’ training courses in my career.

During scenario after scenario, we would rehearse our approach to a scene or a patient. Upon arrival at the scene, the first aider pauses, or even takes a physical step backwards, and puts their gloves on. This purposeful pause is intended to give the first aider a moment to remember their training, to process what they are seeing, and to identify any dangers to themselves or to the patient.

The pause is not intended to delay care for the patient, but rather, to enhance the care. It is for the first aider to orient themselves to the scene, acquaint themselves with the patient’s condition, and recall their training.

As we consider being still this year so that we might witness God’s majesty, his provision and his protection, I invite you to consider the advice I received from my first aid trainers: pause, even momentarily, remember the grace and mercy extended to you by Jesus, recall your knowledge of God and his Word, and orient your head and heart before acting with your hands.

As you start a new day, as you guide and discipline your children, as you engage with colleagues at work, as you visit our beautiful school, consider pausing, even for a moment, and bringing your heart and mind to focus on our Creator and King, and on his wonderful provision.

If you know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, you will know the benefits of pausing more frequently for more than just a moment and meditating on God’s Word. In his book “Knowing God”, Dr J. I. Packer helpfully describes the activity of meditation like this:

‘Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying to oneself, the various things one knows about the works, and ways and purposes and promises of God. It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.’

What a beautiful word picture of what it means to ‘be still and know that I am God’.

My prayer is that we might be intentional about our being still, and that as we do so we might “bring every element in our being, inside and out, into harmony with the will of God and the kingdom of God".

Mr Darren Hutton

Principal

Community

Celebrating our 2025 Mother's Day Picnic and Crafternoon

At the end of Week 2, we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon on our school grounds with mothers, grandmothers and special friends attending our annual Mother's Day Picnic and Crafternoon!

After a picnic lunch in the sun across our Junior School playground, our visitors enjoyed an afternoon of pampering, craft, art and play.

We are very grateful to God for the special women who make up our Calderwood community and it was delightful to celebrate Mother's Day with them.

Junior School

Cooper wins an esteemed kart racing award!

A very big congratulations to Calderwood Year 5 student Cooper House, who was recently named as the recipient of an esteemed kart racing award at the Riverina Cup in Griffith.

Out of a pool of over 100 kart drivers ranging in age from seven to 70, Cooper received the Joseph Bianchini Memorial Trophy, an award given to the driver who displays the best attitude, sportsmanship and spirit throughout the event. Alongside this award, Cooper also received a $1000 cash prize from the Bianchini family.

Displaying incredible determination and resilience while competing at the event, Cooper raced as the youngest in his class and recorded a fifth-place finish. Remarkably, Cooper was competing with a broken right hand, but was adamant about racing in spite of his injury. Displaying such toughness and perseverance is a testament to Cooper's character and shows why he was the recipient of such an award.

Well done, Cooper!

Junior School spotlight: Lunchtime CRU Group

Every Tuesday at lunch, Junior School students attend the lunchtime CRU group in the hall.

CRU is a vibrant K-6 lunchtime group where students come together to explore the Bible in a real and relevant way.

Each week, students open God’s word and discover how knowing him shapes the way we live, love, and lead.

With Stage 3 students stepping up as leaders, CRU is a space where friendships grow across all ages—through fun games, shared stories, and a community that builds each other up!

Secondary School

Year 7 students strengthen their ties at The Tops camp

Year 7 started Term 2 by facing and overcoming new challenges on their Camp at The Tops Conference Centre!

During camp, the students exercised skills in teamwork and expanded on their relationships with one another through a series of activities and games.

As a cohort, the students were encouraged with, and reflected on God's word in Jeremiah 22:11-12. With their teachers they explored how even in hardship, God's plan for them is good and that the challenges they face in life are opportunities to grow.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
Jeremiah 22:11-12

Hands-free harmony: Secondary students reflect on a unique orchestral experience

Stage 5 and 6 Music Students recently attended the Australian Chamber Orchestra’s “Theremin and Beyond” at Wollongong Town Hall — a unique concert combining live classical music, lighting effects, and the unusual sounds of the theremin – a rare electronic instrument played without touch!

Here's what students had to say about the evening:

"I thought that the theremin was incredible to see in person. I liked how you didn't have to actually touch it, and it would play."

"One moment in the performance I was impressed by was when Carolina (the theremin player) talked about how the instrument worked and shared some stories… it was surprising to see how quick and accurate her hand movements had to be."

"The performers communicated their musical ideas and emotions without using words, by putting in all of their effort and emotion, really feeling the music...and transporting it into their instrument, coming out as a beautiful sound."

"It was an unforgettable experience and inspired me to keep going in my music journey."

Thanks to the Australian Chamber Orchestra for an unforgettable performance!

Creative and Performing Arts

Calderwood Community Open Mic Night

During Week 3, Calderwood hosted a relaxed Community Open Mic Night in The Learning Hub. The event brought together students, alumni, parents, friends, and community members for an evening displaying the musical gifts and talents from all across our school community!

The evening showcased a diverse lineup of musical acts, featuring performers from Year 3 through Year 12, as well as alumni and parents. Many participants also chose to join in with the 80s and 90s theme, giving the night an air of nostalgia.

With a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, musicians of all experience levels were able to take the stage and enjoy the chance to perform!

Take a look below at some photos from the night, thanks to Year 11 Multimedia student Lillian!

Sport

Metro Cup success for our Junior School football and netball teams

During Week 3, 48 students from Stage 2 and 3 travelled to Kiama to compete in a Netball and Soccer Gala Day. Students competed in a 'Round Robin' tournament against other Christian school in our region, with two of our teams emerging victorious from their events!

Congratulations to our Junior Netball team and Senior Football (soccer) team, who both placed first in their respective pools!

Well done also to our Junior Football team and Senior Netball team, who also placed third in their pools.

Students from Calderwood represented our school in an exemplary manner and displayed great sportsmanship throughout the day. Congratulations once again to all students who participated in the Gala day – it was a wonderful celebration of sport!