The latest Primary School Assembly, hosted by the Year 4 class, held an Olympic theme.  Students made flags representing a variety of Nations, and shared interesting facts and details relating to the history of the Olympics.

The class also presented a dance that they choreographed entirely on their own, which was to the Chariot’s of Fire theme song.  It was beautifully done and a credit to staff and students alike.

In the Secondary Assembly, the Year 8A presented their version of ‘Australia’s got Talent’ – with a message of using your talents clearly given.  This was re-inforced by Mr Douglas during his address.

Well done to each for their part in leading these events.  Brilliantly and creatively done.

The Pre-Primary class has put their best foot forward in recent days, leading the Primary School through their parent assembly.

Their message was simple.

We can experience joy from a number of places in our lives, such as friendships, kindness and love – and we need to share these things with others to help bring joy to their lives.  However, we need to remember that the heart of all joy, is God.

Watching the young students in action was in itself, a reason to smile.  A great number of parents came to witness their little ones delight the school audience.

Well done to Mrs Cameron, Mrs Fontana, Mrs Lane, Mrs Blennerhassett, and the class of Pre-Primary students.  You were wonderful to see.

Following the colour of the Pre-Primary presentation, the tidy classroom award winner was announced (Kindy), Striving for Excellence Award Winners were identified and recent Ambassadors for the College acknowledged.

Mr Douglas addressed the audience before parents were invited to stay for morning tea.

The secondary assembly followed, with Year 7 leading the morning’s events.  Recent work from students in multi-media was presented that showcased the excellence that Cornerstone students are exhibiting. As with the Primary assembly, the awards and acknowledgements were given.

Additionally, some exceptional results that were obtained by students in the Rio Tinto Science Competition were announced.  Another item will be written in relation to the outcomes of our secondary students, but Mr Martens was understandably delighted by the College’s results, particularly with our results well above national averages.

Well done to all who contributed towards such a successful morning.

The final assemblies for the term have unfolded at Cornerstone today, with Mr Murphy’s Year 4 class, and Mrs Wright’s Year 8B leading the way.

The Year 4 students gave a dramatic, and sometimes humorous twist to the Biblical story of Esther, the beautiful queen who allowed God to use her to save a nation of people.  The value of her beauty caught the king’s attention, but her beautiful spirit and trust in God were where her true strength lay.    Well done Year 4′s.

The Secondary Assembly was given the theme of ‘Eagles wings’ and those attending were reminded to trust God when things get tough – that like the Eagles, who use the storms and strong wings to help them soar, we can live like that with God’s strength.  No matter the circumstances of our lives – with God in it, it can be used for good.

At both assemblies, the traditional Striving for Excellence Awards were presented, Ambassador Awards given out, Tidy Classroom Awards declared and the champion boys and girls from recent Athletic events were announced.  The morning was one of celebrating the great things that our students are doing – and are encouraged to pursue more.

On a sadder note, this was the last time our Year 12 students were involved in our Assembly, as they are facing the final days of their secondary education.  Mr Douglas addressed these senior students, and specifically laid out a challenge for them, and closed by praying a blessing.

Thanks Year 4s and Year 8B for treating us with your leadership today.  You were wonderful!

The astounding ability that a child has to remember lines was on exhibition today, with the Year 1 class giving a magnificent performance in a light hearted view of the story of Daniel in the Lion’s Den.  In what can only be described as an amazing capacity to recall lines, many of Mrs Sully’s class were able to act and speak out enormous amounts of their script, to bring a very creative and entertaining drama to a packed auditorium.   Well done to each student involved, and to Mrs Sully for her work in bringing the play together.  A very well performed and enjoyable performance.

Following the Year 1 dramatic piece, Mr Douglas addressed the audience, and also paid tribute to the young actors and actresses.   He and Mrs Strutt awarded Striving for Excellence Awards to one student from Year 4, 5 & 6, who have shown exemplary dedication to their learning in all areas of their education.

Mr Murphy’s Year 4 class won the Tidy Classroom Award.

In the Secondary Assembly, the Year 8A class lead the formalities, as well as attempting to carry the mantle on from the current Year 12 students, with a performance involving clapping and cup shuffling.  This has been displayed by the Year 12′s in recent years, and Year 8A has decided to carry the tradition forward.  It was very impressive.

Mr Cameron and Mr Douglas presented the Striving for Excellence Awards to deserving students, and then Mr Douglas addressed the secondary students, and called them to live out life to their best.  The catch cry of ‘you’re going to do great things’ was spoken on a few occasions throughout the morning,  and the students were charged with believing that about themselves, and that God can do amazing things with their lives if they allow him to.

Another morning of celebrating all that being at Cornerstone is about.  Well done to everyone involved.

Mrs King’s Year 3 class was the latest to provide some exceptional entertainment with a message, during their recent hosting of the Primary School Assembly.

With pomp and ceremony, we were introduced to King ‘Reg’, whose real name was long and complicated, and who did enjoy the good-looks, wealth, popularity and fame that came with his position.  During the short play, King Reg ordered a new coat, but each presented to him would only enhance one particular character he was in love with…….his good looks, his wealth, his fame, his power and his popularity.  So, he decided to wear them all.  Unfortunately for Reg, the burden of the coats was just too much, and it was only after he gave his coats away, and replaced them with a single coat about character, that the weight was lifted.  His coat of character was given to him by Jesus, whom King Reg also handed his crown to as well.  The transformation in our young King was dramatic, and those in his Kingdom also appreciated the changes witnessed.

After such a wonderful presentation, it was fitting for Mr Douglas and Mrs Strutt to present the students with Striving the Excellence Awards, as well as a significant number of students who have acted as Ambassadors for the College in recent days being acknowledged.  Mr Douglas also addressed the audience, challenging the students to make Jesus their King too – and for them to consider the life changing advantages that such a move can make.

During the Secondary Assembly, Mr Taylor’s Year 9 students hosted the morning, and a theme of stepping out and making a difference was evident.  A surprise guest, former student, Rebekah Blennerhassett, spoke of her recent travels overseas and her work with medical teams in Africa.  Her sense of purpose and direction in life is now founded on making a difference in the lives of those who are amongst the poorest in the world.  Her work with YWAM continues, with further study being undertaken, and a plan to return overseas in the making.  Her short address was beautifully tied into the theme that the Year 9 students had chosen, and this connection was highlighted by both Mr Taylor, and Mr Douglas.

As always, the Striving for Excellence Awards were presented, as well as a stage full of recipients for the Ambassador Awards.  The tidy classroom award went to Mr Howes’ form, much to the disappointment of Form 8A who were determined to prove they were unbeatable.

Three of the Lucas family girls delivered a performance that recently won them first place at the Bunbury Eisteddfod.  It was absolutely delightful to watch them play the piano together and work so well as a team.

It was lovely to see so many parents in attendance, and we were all blessed by the time shared together at these special events.  Well done to all involved.

The creative brilliance of Year 2 teacher, Mrs Judith Ali was on display again recently, at the College’s Primary Assembly.

Mrs Ali and her students presented the story of creation, using dance, drama, music and photographs.  It was a beautifully choreographed item that was delightful to watch, and included all the events that unfolded at the time of creation.

The students performed beautifully, and led the audience through the other elements of the assembly with confidence.

Three students were presented with Striving for Excellence Awards, followed by Mr Douglas charging all students within the College to ‘shine’.  The choir closed the assembly by singing a blessing.

During the secondary assembly, the Year 10 students used a creative style for making introductions, with puppets being on centre stage.  The audience was blessed with an item, witnessed further students obtaining their Striving the Excellence Awards and Ambassador Awards, and were also encouraged to be themselves and work to their best by Mr Douglas.

It was a time of celebrating all that it means to be part of the Cornerstone community.  Well done!

Mr Dixon’s Year 6 students were the latest group to thoroughly entertain the Primary school during a recent assembly.

Presenting a drama about a school that is so strict that the students may not even breathe, the Year 6′s performed well in what was a humorous and delightful presentation.

After the students presented this view of schooling, the somber moment lifted, and they portrayed the way they see Cornerstone.  The’ staff’ member gave the students a chance to be themselves, celebrate life, and, put simply, to breathe again.  It was well presented and a delightful message about how the College operates.  Symbolism with the clothing was subtle, but present.  Well done Year 6 students for sharing such an enjoyable piece.

During the remainder of the assembly, the Striving for Excellence Awards were presented, Ambassador Awards were distributed, and the champion and runner-up swimming students were acknowledged and presented with medallions.  Mr Douglas used the message the students shared in the drama to encourage those present to be the best they can be and celebrate life.

The secondary assembly was hosted by the Year 11 students.  With a theme of ‘sponteneity’, the normal routine was tossed aside for the morning, and a ‘bucket’ with details of events was drawn upon to determine the order occurrence.  As with the Primary assembly, the Striving the Excellence Awards, Ambassador Awards and swimming champions were announced, as well as an address by Mr Douglas, a Reflections DVD and the tidy classroom award.

Well done to everyone involved, and a special thank you to the many parents who came and celebrated the morning with us. 

Last week, the school Assemblies were hosted by students in Year 5 and Year 12.  Twice each term, year groups will take their turn in leading their peers in these events, to which parents and community members are most welcome to attend.

Jack and Charlotte led the Secondary Assembly, during which students were acknowledged in the Striving for Excellence Awards, received other acknowledgements from staff, watched a visual record of the term thus far, and heard an address from Mr Douglas.  The students were also led by Sam Hunt (playing the piano) for the National Anthem and School Song.  Well done to each of the students who presented, performed, or were acknowledged on the day.

The Primary Assembly was hosted by the Year 5 students, and they wowed the audience with a short play that talked about the Glory of God being displayed in the stars.  Following this they sang and danced their way through a song, which was absolutely beautiful to watch.  Miss Durell had clearly been working hard with her students to have brought about such a wonderful presentation.   

During the Primary Assembly, the Primary Choir led the singing, and as always, acknowledgement was made of the students presented with Striving for Excellence Awards.  Mr Douglas gave a short address and a photo display was viewed.

Well done Year 5′s.  It was a really beautifully presented event that you have every reason to be proud of.

The next College Assemblies will be held on Tuesday April 12.

The College assemblies held earlier today, offered not only entertainment, but education as well.   The Year 4 students were the hosts for the primary event, and shared all kinds of interesting facts about Antarctica before dramatising the adventures of the explorer, Douglas Mawson.  The students acted out the parts of adventurers, rescuers, blizzards and even dog teams.  It was well presented, costumed and narrated.  A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Today’s assemblies held all the expected elements, such as the Striving for Excellence Award presentations, the tidy classroom awards and a power-point presentation of the events that have been occurring around the College in recent days.  The one big event that occured and has been highly anticipated, was the announcement and presentation of the Athletics Champion boys and girls from recent events and carnivals.  Mr Murphy (primary) and Mr Spencer (secondary) aided Mr Cross and Mr Cameron in announcing these award recipients.

Only students who participated in the recent inter-school carnivals are recognised in this award, as so the results are as follows:

Year 4:   Champion -Ethan Beatty, R/Up    – Diwan Ackerman

Champion—Niamh Collie, R/Up—Caitlin Lucas

Year 5 :  Champion—Joshua Mason,  R/Up—Conner Hanson

Champion—Cortnee Lamp, R/Up—Eleanor Hartill

Year 6 :  Champion—Brodie Harrison, R/Up—Callum Ferrity

Champion—Gabrielle Stinton, R/Up—Elizabeth Stinton

Year 7/8 :  Champion—Jozef Meyer, R/Up—Sam Hunt

Champion—Rhiannon McCauley, R/Up—Johaline Enslin

Year 9/10 :  Champion—Cedric Akinkwuye, R/Up—Hendrik Enslin

Champion—Shenae Dykstra, R/Up—Hannah Blennerhassett

Year 11/12 :  Champion—Travis Dykstra, R/Up—Michael Rudge

Champion—Miriam Cawley, R/Up—Barbara Matthewson

Congratulations to each of these very deserving award winners.

Mr Cross’s address also held a sporting theme.  He spoke of a recent event at the Commonwealth Games, where a rider named Alan Davis won a gold medal for Australia in the road race in cycling.  What was heroic however, was the sacrifice one of his team-mates made.  Chris Sutton provided critical support to Alan Davis which allowed him to finish in first place.  Without Chris Sutton’s involvement, the gold medal would not have been Australia’s.  His willingness to put his team and his country ahead of his own glory, may have lost him a medal, but gained the immense respect of a nation.  Mr Cross likened this story to Jesus and his actions for us.  At His own personal cost, He made the ultimate  sacrifice  for our benefit.  He gave up His life, in order to gain our freedom and eternity.

Also announced today, were the students who recently performed extremely well in the Big Science Competition.  A separate story has been posted on the success of our students in this event.

Well done to the Year 4 students and the Year 7′s in the hosting of today’s events.  A thoroughly enjoyable event. 

The Pre-Primary Class hosted this morning’s Primary Assembly, and entertained us with the story of the three little pigs.

With voices strong and clear, the story was beautifully acted out and was delightful to watch.  Mrs Fontana and Mrs Cameron, along with Mrs Lane and Mrs Blennerhassett have every reason to be proud of their young students.

The story was completed with the children singing a song, before introducing other elements of the Assembly.

Mr Cross presented the Striving for Excellence Awards, which were followed by a presentation of what has been happening around the College.  The Primary School choir then performed two songs for the audience’s pleasure.

In the secondary assembly, Year 7 students, Phoebe and Marisa, led their peers through the event.  As always, the students witness Mr van der Tang’s photo presentation which was followed by the Striving for Excellence Awards. 

Mr Cross addressed the audience and reminded those present to be grateful for all that we have, but often forget to be thankful for.  He then provided some ‘helpful’ travel advice for the students heading to Sydney and Canberra at the end of the week.  He showed video footage of Mr Bean on a plane, as well his process of packing his bags.  One might say that Mr Bean showed what NOT to do when preparing for a holiday and we hope that the students may have learnt something from his errors!

A great morning of celebration, where the theme of gratefulness was evident.  Well done to all involved.