News and Events
Staffing Announcement: Head of Secondary School
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Andrew Brown as our new Head of Secondary. He will commence his role in Term 1 next year.
Farewell, Mrs Meek!
Earlier this term, Mrs Evelyn Meek concluded her time at Calderwood as Head of Secondary School. Our students, staff and wider school community were grateful for the opportunities to celebrate with Mrs Meek as she enjoys some well-earned long service leave to end the year.
Year 11 students launch into their Year 12 studies
In a vibrant display of enthusiasm and camaraderie, the Year 12 Launch Day unfolded at Calderwood Christian School on Thursday, October 24, marking an exciting start to students' final year of high school. The event focused on equipping students with essential skills, fostering …
Why you don't need to make your kids happy
As parents, we naturally want our children to be happy. It’s part of the desire to love, protect, and care for them. But as counterintuitive as it may seem, constantly trying to make your kids happy might not be the best way to raise strong, resilient individuals.
Secondary students complete the SES Shellharbour Youth Internship Program
Across Term 2, Year 10 student Ben and Year 9 students Eshika and Emily participated in the NSW SES Shellharbour Unit Youth Internship Program, which culminated in their graduation on Monday, September 30!
Art, music and more on display at the 2024 Creative Arts Showcase
The annual Calderwood Creative Arts Showcase took place earlier this term, shining a spotlight on our students' creative abilities across a broad range of disciplines. From music and painting to sculptures and even breakdancing, there was plenty of skill and talent on display. …
Introducing our 2025 Secondary School Captains
As our Year 12 Class of 2024 prepares to graduate, we usher in a new team of School Captains. Congratulations to Claire Kadwell, Jackson Taylor and Reilly Thomson – our 2025 Calderwood Secondary School Captains!
Stage 5 students meet their Virtual Visit buddies!
Across the beginning of Term 3, our Year 9 and 10 students met over Zoom with residents from the Anglicare St Luke's Retirement Village in Dapto, for another year of the Take Love 'Virtual Visit' program! After six weeks of catch-ups during lunch time, our students hosted the r…
Jonzel represents Australia at "The Olympics of Hip Hop"!
Calderwood Year 7 student Jonzel recently travelled to Phoenix, Arizona to represent Australia in the Worlds stage of the Hip Hop International competition – an event regarded as "the Olympics of Hip Hop"! Hear Jonzel's recap of his Hip Hop dance journey, culminating with…
Book Week at Calderwood
While this year's Book Week was officially celebrated during Week 5 of our school term, that didn't stop the exciting festivities from taking place across the whole term! Read on below for a recap of how we celebrated with this year's Book Week theme, 'Reading is Magical'.
Calderwood says "Bullying? No way!"
Last week around Australia was the National Week of Action against Bullying and Violence, represented by the slogan "Bullying No Way". Our Junior and Secondary School leaders initiated some fantastic ways to reflect on this week of action! Read about them below.
Junior Choir astounds in performance with Salvos Wollongong
On Saturday, August 10, our Junior School Choir sang at a concert hosted by The Salvation Army Wollongong! The choir performed alongside the combined concert with The Salvation Army Sydney Youth Band and renowned local pianist and composer, Mark Mathews.
Olympic fever takes hold at Calderwood!
It was an exciting beginning to the term as the Paris 2024 Olympics took place! Even though the Olympics were happening far away from us here at Calderwood, that didn't stop "Olympic Fever" from taking hold! Read on below to hear how our students celebrated this leap-yearly phe…
Junior School students expand their appetite for reading
During the last week of Term 2, students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participated in a 'book tasting' in the Junior School Library, converted into our very own 'Reading Cafe'! This initiative encouraged students to try reading different book genres, and borrowing in the Library …
Year 10 students complete Work Experience across the Illawarra and beyond!
Throughout the year so far, many of our Year 10 students have undertaken Work Experience placements in a variety of fascinating workplaces across the Illawarra and beyond. Read on below to hear what some of our students have been up to, including some feedback from their superv…
That's a wrap on our second Wrap-Up Winter Appeal!
Our second Wrap-Up Winter Appeal took place during Week 7! An initiative of the Junior School SRC, students from Prep through to Year 12 'wrapped up' in their winter-wear and brought cans of soup and non-perishables to school to donate to the Illawarra Homeless Hub.
Ranger Jamie visits Stage 2 for an explosive, exciting science experience
During Week 5, Stage 2 students attended an exciting incursion from Ranger Jamie Science Tours, engaging in a whole day of exciting and engaging science displays and activities.
Year 7 & 8 students recap their memorable camp experiences
At the beginning of Term 2, Students in Years 7 and 8 embarked on their 2024 camps! Hear from some of our students about their exciting experiences as they spent some quality time away with their year groups and teachers.
A spotlight on our 2024 Calderwood House Captaincy Team
Our 2024 House Captains and Vice Captains have had the exciting task of being the first Captains and Vice Captains under our new house system. This has been an important task, as they have had the crucial role of developing house identity, affinity and enthusiasm.
Secondary art students explore exciting exhibitions
On Tuesday, April 2, Stage 5 & 6 Art students embarked on an exciting excursion to the 24th Biennale of Sydney, titled 'Ten Thousand Suns', and the Art Express HSC Exhibition. Hear about the excursion from some of the students who attended!
Students enjoy the annual Junior School Easter House Games!
On Tuesday of Week 8, Junior School students enjoyed the annual "Easter House Games" where K-5 students earned points for their house for participation, enthusiasm and skill.
CRU FIT Comes to Calderwood
On Friday, March 22, Calderwood Christian School welcomed almost 60 students from 5 schools to our annual CRU-FIT event! Calderwood was excited to be able to offer this unique leadership training opportunity to members of our Junior School Leadership Team and our CRU lead…
Thanks for joining us at Try Year 7 Day 2024!
At our recent "Try Year 7 Day," more than 80 Stage 3 students visited our Secondary School for a glimpse of what Year 7 could be like for them in the coming year or two. The day was packed with various activities and subjects, including Industrial Technology (Timber), Sport, Mus…
Senior Secondary Students enjoy time together at their 2024 camps
Our Year 11 and 12 Cohorts recently enjoyed time away with their year groups and teachers on their respective year group camps. Read on below to hear what each year group got up to!
Secondary students spread their wings exploring exciting career pathways
It's been a busy Term 1 so far for many of our Secondary students, who have attended a couple of exciting careers events across the Illawarra. Read below to hear about what they've been up to!
Secondary Captains attend the Compass Student Leadership Conference
On Friday, March 1, Calderwood Principal Mr Darren Hutton, Head of Secondary School Mrs Evelyn Meek, and School Captains Rachel Beddoe, Nick Bryant and Lani McGregor travelled to Canberra for the 4-day Compass Leadership Conference. The conference is for student leaders from Chr…
Year 7's Shoalhaven Activity Day Adventure
Earlier this term, our Year 7 cohort enjoyed a day trip to the Shoalhaven Zoo and Treetops Adventure! Students had the chance to get up close and personal with plenty of interesting animals, with the day a great opportunity to get to know their peers better! Hear from some of o…
Former Calderwood student Georgia selected for an international culinary scholarship!
Ex-Calderwood student Georgia Manganas (Year 10, 2021) recently celebrated an incredible achievement, receiving a highly sought-after international culinary scholarship after she was named the winner of Fonterra's 2024 "Proud to be a Chef" award!
Calderwood announced as a winner of the ANU Stem Box Program!
For the second year running, Calderwood has been named one of seven winners in the Australian National University's STEM Box Program!
Year 6 celebrates completing Junior School at their Graduation Assembly
The Calderwood Year 6 Class of 2023 has officially graduated!
Splendid speeches on show at the inaugural Junior School Public Speaking Finals
On Friday, November 24, Junior School students, teachers and parent guests gathered to listen to the exemplary finalists of the inaugural Calderwood Junior School Public Speaking competition.
Outstanding results for Calderwood at the Zone Touch Football Gala Day!
During Week 7, Calderwood was strongly represented at the CSSA Zone Touch Football Gala Day.
Year 9 soaks in the sights and sounds of the nation's capital
Students in Year 9 recently travelled to our national capital, Canberra, on an education tour.
Junior School gets a taste of world music with Musica Viva
Our Junior School Students in Years K-4 recently had the opportunity to experience a live performance by the renowned Mara band from Musica Viva.
Junior School Choir performs at the opening of Piper House at St Luke's Retirement Village
During Week 5, Years 3-6 students from the Junior School Choir performed at the offical opening of Piper House at the Anglicare St Luke’s Retirement Village in Dapto.
Year 7 fosters kindness and community at picturesque school camp
Earlier this term, Year 7 students embarked on an unforgettable two-day school camp at the picturesque Mount Keira Scout Camp.
Junior School celebrates Grandparents' Day
Grandparents' and Significant Older Friends' Day in our Junior School is an important and much-anticipated event in our school calendar. On Friday, October 27, we were blessed to be able to have so many visitors on site for our 2023 edition of the event.
Year 9 PDHPE puts a spotlight on mental fitness
Throughout Term 3, Year 9 PDHPE studied mental health, learning about a variety of mental health conditions, and ways to support their own and others' mental health. During Week 3 of Term 4, students planned and implemented ways to help their Secondary School peers improve their…
Calderwood students explore a world of Work Experience opportunities
Throughout the course of 2023, students in Years 9-12 have participated in a number of different work experience opportunities within varying industries. Secondary School Careers Advisor Mrs Dianne Gillett provides an update on the extensive range of available opportunities our…
Students make a splash in the K-2 Swimming Program!
Did you know swimming and water safety are a requirement of the NSW PDHPE curriculum? They are also vital life skills, so Calderwood is proud to once again partner with McKeon's Swim School to facilitate the K-2 Swimming Scheme this term.
From beach fun to bus breakdowns, Year 10 & 11's Study Camp was a practical example of building resilience!
In Week 2 of Term 3, Years 10 and 11 travelled to the beautiful South Coast for a study camp. Some of the goals for the camp included developing relationships between senior students, building resilience and focus, overcoming challenges and time management.
Year 9 students take to the trails on their Duke of Edinburgh practise hike
In week 2, a group of Year 9 students embarked on a 2-day practise hike for their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Students covered 20km along the loop track from Waterfall to Heathcote, stopping at various lookouts and water holes along the way.
Stage 5 students reflect on their Scripture service experience
Several Year 9 and 10 students from our school have faithfully served at Tullimbar Public School helping with SRE (school Scripture) classes every Wednesday since Term 1.
Year 12 battle their teachers in one final quest for sport domination!
Calderwood Christian School witnessed a series of exhilarating sporting clashes between our staff and students this term, showcasing remarkable athletic talent and teamwork in the annual Staff vs Student Year 12 lunchtime events.
CCS supports the Ride for Em
Calderwood Christian School is a proud sponsor of the 'Ride for Em', coming up from 15-20 October. Over this six-day period, a team of 12 riders will cycle almost 500km, travelling all the way from Mt Kosciuszko to Wollongong, as they raise money towards the cure for DIPG, a dea…
Celebrating our dads on Father's Day
Our precious Calderwood fathers and other significant men enjoyed a special day at our annual Father's Day Event on Friday 1st September.
Book Week 2023: Read, Grow, Inspire
Read-Grow-Inspire was this year's Book Week theme. It was a wonderful time to reflect on God’s Word in Psalm 1 which says that when we meditate on God's word, we are like a tree that is planted by streams of water whose leaves do not wither. We celebrated the blessing of …
Spotlight on our Creative Arts Showcase
The 2023 SS Creative Arts Showcase was a resounding success for the second consecutive year, providing a platform for our talented Year 7-12 students to shine across various creative disciplines.
Stage 3 has a blast at camp!
During Week 3, Stage 3 students and teachers were blessed with amazing weather and wonderful fellowship opportunities during their school camp at Wedderburn Christian Campsite.
Prep's annual visit from the Rural Fire Service
On Tuesday 8 August, Prep welcomed our annual visit from the Rural Fire Service.
Calderwood hosts the Enterprise in the Community Business Workshop
During Week 2 of Term 3, Calderwood Christian School hosted the Enterprise in the Community Workshop in the Senior Learning Hub. 12 Calderwood students and 12 students from Illawarra Christian School participated in the workshop, which was hosted by SevenMile and sponsored by th…
Kindergarten celebrates 100 days of school
On Thursday, August 3, Kindergarten celebrated becoming 100 days brighter. Every day, since starting Kindergarten, students have counted their days of school; a task that develops their number sense in a meaningful way.
Year 11 Music's fantastic film scores
Year 11 Music students have been working hard on sharpening their creative skills through the process of film scoring. Students were tasked with writing a piece of film music that appropriately reflects the mood or matches the onscreen action of a chosen scene. This is an oppor…
Mrs Christine Bartley Reflects On The MANSW Autumn Leadership Program
Earlier this year, Secondary School Mathematics Coordinator Mrs Christine Bartley attended the 2023 Mathematical Association of NSW (MANSW) Autumn Leadership Program in Canberra. Mrs Bartley was also selected to write an article for the MANSW Term 2 Newsletter, reflecting…
Year 12 Bio's Infectiously Informative Trip To The Museum Of Human Disease
On Wednesday, June 14, HSC Biology students attended the Museum of Human Disease at the University of NSW in Kensington.
Enriching Students' Learning With 'Passion Hour'
At Calderwood Christian School, we recognise that all students have gifts and individual learning needs. Our school's Enrichment Program is designed to cater to students with advanced academic learning needs. In doing so, we can equip students to develop their giftings further …
Year 12's Final English Excursion To The Crucible Symposium
On Friday, 9 June, Year 12 English attended a fun and interactive symposium that gave them a deeper understanding of their HSC text, Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible.
A Wrap-Up On Wrap-Up Winter!
On Thursday, June 9, Calderwood Christian School held the 'Wrap-Up Winter Appeal', an initiative of the Junior School SRC. Students and staff were encouraged to wear a beanie, scarf and gloves to school, and bring a can of soup – rather than a gold coin donation – t…
Junior School Outdoor Education Spotlight: First Aid
During Outdoor Education sessions in Term 2, Junior School students have been learning about first aid with Mr Hutton and Mr Walker.
An Agri-Cultural Experience For Stage 6 Students!
Senior Agriculture students attended a hands-on farm visit organised by the Australian Agricultural Center in Crookwell on Thursday, June 8th.
Secondary Artists Bring Some Beauty To Our Bins!
If you have been on-site at our school recently, you might have noticed that some of our bins have received an eye-catching new paint job!
Calderwood Chess Crew Creating Cracking Competition
The Calderwood Senior School Chess Team has competed in the NSW Junior Chess League this semester, building momentum from a rocky start.
Virtual Visits Culminate In A Live Lunch!
Across this term, Year 9 students have participated in the Take Love 'Virtual Visit' program, in conjunction with residents at the Anglicare St Luke's Retirement Village in Dapto.
Shining A Light On Energy Poverty With The SolarBuddy Program
Did you know that 789 million people are plunged into darkness every single night, with no access to energy or lighting? This term in STEM, Stage 3 students have been learning about renewable energy and energy poverty.
Padlocks, Pictionary And Surfing: Year 8's Camp Adventures
Over two days, year 8 ventured on a camp which saw them cross rivers, learn to surf, traverse beaches and solve problems and puzzles along the way.
Year 10's Great Experience At Work Experience
During Week 4 of this term, Year 10 completed five days of Work Experience. Students proudly represented our school in various fields, including Teaching, Physiotherapy, and Digital Media, and had the opportunity to work in some fascinating places, such as Kiama Library, St Mic…
Stage 5 & 6 Music Go To The Orchestra!
Year 9-12 Music students were recently treated to an evening of trailblazing film music live in concert at Wollongong Town Hall. Performing works from Doctor Who, Interstellar, Blade Runner and Tron, the Australian Chamber Orchestra were accompanied by an ensemble of Moog Synth…
Calderwood Mother's Day Picnic And Crafternoon
Our precious Calderwood mothers and other significant women enjoyed a special day at our annual Mother's Day Event on Friday, May 12.
An Incredible Jump Rope For Heart Fundraising Effort!
Jump Rope for Heart, organized by the Heart Foundation, is a skipping challenge designed to encourage kids to stay active, have fun, and raise funds for vital research and programs. Through their incredible skipping skills and fundraising initiatives, our students at Cald…
Year 9 Visits The Retirement Home – Virtually!
This term, Year 9 students have been participating in the Take Love 'Virtual Visit' program, connecting with residents of a local retirement home during Thursday lunchtimes.
Calderwood Students Head To The Illawarra Careers Expo
On Wednesday, May 10, Year 10 and Year 12 students from Calderwood Christian School travelled to the Illawarra Sports Stadium to spend 1 hour engaging with 180 exhibitors at the Illawarra Careers Expo.
Calderwood P&F Outdoor Movie Night
The Parents & Friends recently held our first CCS Outdoor Movie Night event open to the Calderwood Community. We were thrilled to see so many families come out and enjoy a beautiful night under the stars.
Year 4 Band Hosts an Open Rehearsal
Parents and Carers joined students and tutors on Wednesday, 3 May, for our annual Year 4 Band Open Rehearsal in the School Hall.
Illawarra Christian Education Board Meeting Summary – April 2023
Illawarra Christian Education Board Chair Andrew Spence provides an update on the Board's most recent meeting.
K-12 ANZAC Day Service
At 2pm Wednesday 26th April, Calderwood Christian School held our K-12 ANZAC Day Service.
Celebrating ANZAC Day at Calderwood
ANZAC Day has a different meaning for each of us. For those families in our community who had family members involved in this conflict, it can be a challenging day. Calderwood students are all invited to represent their family or the school by attending one to the many public AN…
The Big Vegie Crunch
On Thursday 30th March, we joined in 'The Big Vegie Crunch'! The Big Vegie Crunch was an attempt by NSW primary school students to break the record for the highest number of children eating vegetables simultaneously – and to get kids excited about vegetables!
Term 1 Secondary Sport Update
There have been lots of great achievements in Sport in Term 1.
Student Leadership
It has been a busy term for our student leadership team as they settle into their new roles.
Sport & Rec in Secondary
What a joy it is to have all students in Years 7 to 12 participating in Sport and Recreation (S&R) at the same time each week! With our Year 11 and 12 students interspersed amongst younger students, there have been terrific opportunities for students to work together and sup…
Careers Spot
This term, Year 12 visited the University of Wollongong Discovery Day. This day is designed for students to try university for the day. Students were engaged and enjoyed most of their lectures and lunchtime entertainment - especially the dancing!
A new approach to Biblical Studies in our Secondary School
We have had a wonderful start to the year exploring God’s Word with students in Years 7-12. This year, this has taken two different forms.
The Primary Numeracy Project
To further enhance the skills of our Junior School teachers and to ensure we are well informed about best teaching practices, the Junior School throughout 2023 will be a part of the Association of Independent Schools' Primary Numeracy Project.
Outdoor education in the Upper Junior School
Upper Junior School students have revelled in the opportunity to join Mr Hutton and Mr Walker in two sequential Outdoor Education sessions. This term we are focusing our attention on fire-lighting skills.
Stage 4 Geography visit Minnamurra rainforest
On Friday, 24 March 2023, Years 7 and 8 went on a Geography excursion to Minnamurra Rainforest. This excursion was connected to their study of Landscapes and Landforms. We were blessed with a beautiful day after a rather ominous weather forecast.
Calderwood hosts CRU-Fit
Calderwood was excited to be able to offer this unique leadership training opportunity to members of our Junior School Leadership Team. CRU® FIT (Followers in Training) is an event teaching Christian leadership skills to Stage 3 students from schools around NSW and ACT. Th…
Celebrating Pi Day!
We celebrated Pi Day on Tuesday 14 March, with many classes across the Junior and Secondary School enjoying Pi Day activities, including reciting pi! It was great to see so many students enthusiastically learning and challenging themselves to memorise the digits of pi and compet…
A great day at Try Year 7 Day
On our recent Try Year 7 Day, 42 Year 6 students visited our Secondary School to experience something of what Year 7 might look like for them at Calderwood next year. Throughout the day, they had opportunities to experience class time in Design & Technology (making candle ho…
Year 7 students reflect on their Activity Day
We asked some of our Year 7 students to reflect on what they most enjoyed about their Activity Day earlier this term. Here's what they had to say.
Charleigh goes to uni!
In January this year, one of our Year 11 students, Charleigh Kirton, went to university for three weeks. Why would she give up three weeks of her Christmas holidays to do such a thing? We asked her for more information.
Landcare Grant Update - Macquarie Rivulet Project
The Junior School successfully applied for and received a Landcare grant to conduct some stream watch research around their local area. As part of their Term 3 Science unit, Year 6 students engaged in an ecological investigation of this local stream which forms part of the Macq…
Creative Works Showcase
Last month CCS hosted its inaugural Creative Arts Showcase. The school hall was transformed into a performance and gallery space showcasing works from the Middle and Senior School. An audience of around 150 families and friends came out to enjoy musical items, prints, …
Stage 3 Camp - Wedderburn Christian Campsite
Stage 3 students and teachers were blessed with amazing weather and wonderful fellowship opportunities during their recent camp at Wedderburn Christian Campsite. Students spent time enjoying God's creation and the many activities that Wedderburn had to offer. Within an…
Reflections on a successful Calderwood Fair
The sun has set on the 2022 Calderwood Fair and I think we can all agree that after such a long break from P&F events, it was a roaring success. When we started planning the Fair, our main aim was to focus on community building and bringing us all together to enjoy a day of …
Community Helpers
During Term 2, Prep educators sent out a request for family members to visit Prep to talk to the children about their jobs and how they help people. We were overwhelmed with the offers from many of our families and began planning our first Community Helper Week in Prep for the e…
Rural Fire Brigade Fundraising
On Friday, 24 June, CCS students participated in a fundraiser for the Lismore Rural Fire Brigade. The recent floods had inundated the Lismore Fire Brigade's station, and much of their valuable equipment was destroyed.
Scripture at Tullimbar
Halfway through the last term, several Year 9 and 10 students volunteered to assist Scripture teachers in Kindergarten to Year 2 classes at Tullimbar Public School every Wednesday. Mr. Stephen Cathcart organised this opportunity. Some of our students were ex-students of Tullimba…
A great time away at Stage 6 Study Camp
At the end of May our Year 11 and 12 students, along with staff, had the opportunity to go away together on a Study and Community Building Camp. The aim of the camp was to equip students with skills that will assist them in their final years of school, as well as to continue bui…
Try Year 7 Day
We were really excited to have 61 students and 40 parents join us on Wednesday 16 March for Try Year 7 Day. Our Stage Coordinators, Mr Graham and Miss Roberts, took the opportunity to help our Year 9 and 10 students use their leadership skills to serve. Our College6 students als…
Introducing our new Head of Middle & Senior School
We are pleased to introduce our new Head of Middle & Senior School to our Calderwood community. Mrs Evelyn Meek will join us in Term 1 to take on this role, and brings with her a wealth of experience and enthusiasm. We interviewed her to give her a chance to introduce herse…
5 tips for starting high school
Things are about to get really exciting now that you have graduated from Junior School and are starting your High School adventure! There will be new teachers, students, subjects, and opportunities. We know these changes will take a little getting used to, so we have put togethe…
Farewell to departing staff
As the end of the school year arrives, with it comes our sad duty of farewelling much-loved staff members as they go on to new roles and new stages of life.
Departing reflections
It has been such a joy to work with the wonderful community of Calderwood Christian School.
How to have a smooth transition back to school
Every child and family’s experience of learning from home will be different. For many families, having one or more children learning from home presented difficulties with regards to physical space, access to technology, and supervising learning while one or both parents we…
Tips to support you in learning from home
With the school holidays drawing to a close and the start of a new term just around the corner, we would typically see our students and families returning refreshed and excited to start the second half of the school year. These school holidays however have been difficult for mos…