Cornerstone’s very own Under 13′s Premiership team, the Cornerstone Titans, have cemented their place in regional football history, by taking home the 2012 Premiership Cup.

Last weekend, Coaches Steve Lane and Gerry DeLuca watched a season of hard work pay off, with the amazing win of their team over the highly fancied and talented St Joseph Mackillop’s Stingers in the Cup Final.

The formidable Stingers were unbeaten in the regular season, and whilst the Titans have clearly been one of the top teams in the competition this year, a special effort was needed to be crowned cup champions.  After a season of competing against teams from as far away as Capel, Dunsborough, and Margaret River, the Titans have proven again and again that they not only possess the skills they need to succeed, but also the heart and courage to pull it all together when it matters most.

A sea of red-dressed supporters made their way to the Capel soccer grounds last Saturday to see the Titans take an early lead through some wonderful team passing and a clinical finish by Josh Fairbrother.  The well drilled Stingers responded with some impressive football, reflective of their league champion status,  and were only denied by some excellent Titan defensive work and goalkeeping.

But the Stingers were not to be denied, and in the second half they tied up the match with a well taken penalty by the highly talented Will Culnane.  ‘Game On’ – it was clear that this was going to be an epic battle with both sides giving everything in an attempt to win the ultimate prize.  The Titans then struck back in typical style with Jared Brough sprinting on to a lofted through ball from the Titans’ ever reliable play-maker Josh Riches, which was then driven home to the delight of the Cornerstone faithful.

But the drama was not finished, and with less than a quarter of an hour to go the Stingers were awarded another penalty.  But this time,  after a nervous retake following an encroachment in to the box, the Titan’s goalkeeper Josh Nicolas would become the hero, with a save that sent the Titan supporters into raptures.

Despite several late chances on goal, the Titans couldn’t add to their tally, and numerous attempts by the mighty Stingers meant that everyone was on the edge of their seat until the final whistle saw the Titans prevail 2-1 on the day!

The game was played in great spirits and both sides were very gracious following the match.

Following the well deserved and hard fought victory, the awards presentation was held and Cornerstone’s Lauren Alcorn was announced as the referee’s ‘Player of the Match’ for her amazing defensive work.  Whilst her performance caught the eye of the officials, it was clearly a total team effort which saw the result go Cornerstone’s way.

Fittingly, the ‘Cornerstone Soccer Club’ held its end of year Wind-up the following afternoon, allowing the entire club to celebrate the Titans’ great win.  Josh Riches capped off a remarkable season as the Titans ‘captain, by taking home the Club’s most prestigious prize – the ‘CSC (Character Service and Commitment) Award’.  He, along with a number of other players across a broad range of age-groups were recognised for their servant hearted leadership.  ‘Fairest and Best’ and ‘Most Improved’ players were also recognised and the ‘Golden Boot’ went to Jared Brough, whose lethal scoring prowess was part of the Titans’ very impressive season.

Cornerstone has almost 100 players that don the Red, Black and White strip, and each of these were acknowledged at the Club presentation awards.  Coaches, team managers, referees, committee members and parents were all acknowledged for their part in making 2012 a truly sensational season.  Video and Photo memories were displayed, sponsors thanked, a message was delivered from College Chairman, Dr Gavin Riches, and when all the formalities were completed, a meal was served to allow one final time of reliving the ‘season that was’ and catching up with friends.

‘Cornerstone Soccer Club has a motto of ‘Making Friends, Playing Fair, Having Fun’, and in 2012 that was evidenced again and again’, said Club President Neil Fraser.  He continued by saying that the Club has a lot to celebrate, in particular the way CSC conducts itself on and off the pitch, and delighted in receiving feedback from other clubs about what a pleasure it is to deal with those connected with the Cornerstone name.

Congratulations to all who have been part of this wonderful season and well see you all again in 2013.

It was a case of experiencing all four seasons at the College’s recent annual inter-faction Sports Carnivals.

Students from Year 7 to Year 12 were bussed to Bunbury, to experience the professional facilities that the Bunbury Regional Athletics Arena offers.  With all the traditional athletic events on offer, the students ran, jumped, threw and tossed their way through the day.  The weather was positively Summery, and students, staff and parents enjoyed near perfect conditions.  On the following day, the Primary students (Year 3-6) experienced a less than glorious day, with wind, rain and hail making the outing a little more challenging. 

Some colourful costumes were found amongst the students as well, with particular colour displayed by the Year 11 boys. Full body suits were worn by several, which made them stand-outs in the events, but not necessarily in performance.

As for the results, Naphtali faction was the clear overall winner in the Secondary school, with Judah not far behind.  Reuben & Benjamin finished in third and fourth places respectively.  The Primary Carnival still needs to complete several events to determine winners, after poor weather called the event off early.

Students who have performed exceptionally well will be selected to participate in the upcoming interschool events in coming days.  The results from the interschool event will lead to Champion Boys and Girls in each year group being identified and rewarded. 

It has begun again.  The 2012 soccer season has commenced, and around 90 players will be wearing Cornerstone Colours with pride.

With a fresh new sea of little faces replacing those who graduated from Junior Soccer last year, the enthusiasm levels were high at a recent launch.  Each year the Club provides a branded piece of merchandise  – and in 2012 a beanie with the Cornerstone logo is now on the heads of the players.

What is delightful is the team of older students who have taken on leadership roles in 2012.  WJ and Jordan are both coaching teams this year, and another group of young men and women will be helping run the line and umpiring junior games.  It is heartening to see the servant heart of these Cornerstone students – who are making a real and tangible difference to the lives of a new breed of players.

The committee (consisting of volunteer parents) is delighted with the team of coaches, referees, managers and enthusiastic parents that will be helping make 2012 a special year for every player.  Additionally, a team of dedicated sponsors, headed up by Ventura Homes, is helping provide the resources that the club needs.  We are deeply grateful to all who help make Cornerstone Soccer Club all that it is.

The Primary school (Year 4 – 6) participated in its swimming carnival earlier this term, with a beautiful warm summer day providing additional incentive for the students to get their toes wet.

Mr Murphy, along with a wonderful team of staff and parents, helped co-ordinate the day, which saw a number of aspiring young swimmers show-casing their skills.

For the less water-loving amongst the students, some novelty events were held, which allowed swimmers of all stages and levels to realistically compete against one another.

The results of the day were:

Judah 206 points

Rueben 156 points

Naphtali 153 points

Benjamin 153 points

Students who showed strength on this day, were then selected to participate in the inter-school swimming carnival, with some great results achieved for many of the students.

The Championship Medals went to the following students:

Year 4 Runner-Up

Katie Meldrum

Year 4 Champion

Grace Bailey

Year 5 Runners-Up

Jesse Adams and Carlu Martens

Year 5 Champions

Hannah Lee-Reynolds and Samuel Riches

Year 6 Runners-Up

Melat Cohen and Anthony Serafino

Year 6 Champions

Caitlin Lee-Reynolds and Diwan Ackerman

Additional special mention was made of Jasmin Black, Jemima Mapsone and Caitlin Lucas for finishing just behind these memorable positions.

Congratulations to Mr Murphy and his team for bringing such a wonderful day of fun together.  You made a big splash!

The traditional Junior Beach Carnival, involving students in Years 1 – 3 was recently held at the beautiful Busselton foreshore.

In what has become a popular event amongst students and parents alike, the smallest Cornerstone students competed in an array of games and races, designed to deliver fun competition amongst the participants. From running races, water events, swimming and even a sandcastle building competition, the students enthusiastically engaged in everything on offer.

The team of parents at Cornerstone once again outdid themselves, with the volunteers exceeding the number of tasks. Over 35 parents put up their hands to assist, with organiser Mr Caleb Murphy astounded at the enthusiastic support shown.  The College is absolutely delighted to have such a committed team of parents who are so engaged with the school community, and who are willing to stand in support of our staff. For them, we are especially grateful.

To Mr Murphy, as well as the other staff who took on roles for the day, special mention must be made. We are indeed blessed to have so many remarkable teachers and support staff who helped bring the day together.

A great way to celebrate living in a great place. We love Busselton!

As is the tradition at Cornerstone in term 4, secondary students are expanding their skills in the water, with many taking steps towards earning their Bronze Medallion.

As part the College’s Red Cross Cadets Option, 15 Year 10 students are spending part of their Friday afternoons at the Geographe Leisure Centre, fine-tuning their rescue skills.  A second group of students are also participating during their studies on Wednesdays.  With the weather pleasant and the company enjoyable, the students were seen to be enjoying the daily challenges Miss Needham placed before them.  Today they took turns in rescuing one another, both in the water, and from the side of the pool, as well as completing some timed swims.

Holding a Bronze Medallion is not only valuable for recreational activities, but can also aid in employment opportunities as well.

College teacher, Jo Needham is excited to see the progression of the students, as they learn new lifesaving skills.  As a careers teacher, she also celebrates any educational activity that prepares her students for life beyond their secondary education.

The Red Cross Cadets Option will continue to be a part of the Friday afternoon range of options in 2012 – and promises to provide further opportunities for participants to learn leadership skills, as well as gaining practical knowledge.

The secondary students at Cornerstone Christian College have been doing a fantastic job of getting fit, whilst raising funds for a worthy cause.

The Jump Rope For Heart cause is not a new one, but continues to raise funds nationally and provide attention to heart health.

According to the website for the initiative, the Heart Foundation Jump Rope annually attracts over 400,000 school students, in over 2,300 schools around the country – and they claim they’ve given Australian schools enough rope to stretch from Sydney to Perth.

‘Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart is all about learning how to keep fit and healthy. It improves the kids’ strength and confidence in physical activities and builds healthy bones and muscles. Students can have lots of fun with their class mates and play lots of skipping games too. At the same time they will be helping save Australian lives by asking their family and friends to sponsor them for being a part of this fun program. Funds raised go towards research to help the fight against heart disease and stroke.’

Nationally, over $2.9 million dollars has been raised.

Recently, the students are Cornerstone Christian College joined the campaign for health and awareness, and have raised almost $2400.

The students began in teams, committing to creating interesting and energetic skipping presentations.  During this process, the fundraising began – and for a small number of participants, the result was quite impressive.

Since those early days, a development squad was created, and earlier today, the two teams displayed their creative skipping to their student peers.  Two very energetic and acrobatic performances were impressive to watch – and included skipping alone, in groups, and included a number of difficult tricks and acrobatic moves.

Mr Dijkstra, the teacher responsible for the campaign was delighted with the student’s results.

‘They have done really well.  For so few students to have raised this kind of money is a tribute to their dedication to the cause’, he said.

Well done to Mr Dijkstra, and to the students, for their energetic activity and phenomenal fundraising.  A great job by all.

The Red Cross Cadets at Cornerstone Christian College were seen completing their Senior First Aid course today. The Year 11 students were guided through the practical elements of their training by College teacher, Jo Needham, who is a qualified first-aid instructor.

The students were completing their testing on the College’s first aid dummies -on what was their final day at school for the year.  The Year 11 students commence their exams next week.

The training was the culmination of a section of the Red Cross cadets curriculum for this term.   Having such a large group of skilled and qualified first-aiders within the College is tremendous – both as a benefit for the College, as well as for the wider community.

It was a case of experiencing all four seasons in one day at the College’s annual inter-faction Sports Carnival.

Students from Year 3 to Year 12 were bussed to Bunbury, to experience the professsional facilities that the Bunbury Regional Athletics Arena offers.  With all the traditional athletic events on offer, the students ran, jumped, threw and tossed their way through the day.  Significant numbers of parents came to cheer on the athletes, many wearing the colours of their children’s factions.

Some colourful costumes were found amongst the students as well, with particular colour displayed during the Year 11 & Year 12 100 metre girls race. An interesting array of clothing choices were utilised, but the girls were united in their desire to do their best, as well as enjoy each other’s company.

As for the results, Judah were the clear overall winners, but not far behind was Reuben.  Naphtali & Benjamin finished in a tied third and four place.

Students who have performed exceptionally well will be selected to participate in the upcoming interschool events in coming days.  The results from the interschool event will lead to Champion Boys and Girls in each year group being identified and rewarded.  Stay tuned for further details.