Sydney Adventist College

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Sydney Adventist College
Location
Strathfield & Auburn, New South Wales, Australia
Information
Type Independent, Co-educational, Day School
Denomination Seventh-Day Adventist
Established 1919 – 2012
Staff ~124[1]
Enrolment ~400 (P–12)[2]
Colour(s) Blue, Light Blue and Gold             
Slogan Nurture for Today, Learning for Tomorrow, Character for Eternity.
Website www.sac.nsw.edu.au

Sydney Adventist College was an independent, co-educational, Seventh-day Adventist, day school, located in Strathfield, an inner-western suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The school was colloquially known as SAC or Sydney Adventist or formerly known as SAHS or just plain Strathfield to local Seventh Day Adventists.

Established in 1919 at Burwood, Sydney Adventist College was open to students from all religious and cultural backgrounds until it's closure in December 2012.

The school had two campuses, and operates 4 school sections, The Preparatory and Junior School (Prep to Year 4), which is operated at Macquarie Street in Auburn (Sydney Adventist College - Auburn Campus), and the Middle School (Years 5 to 8), Senior School (Years 9 to 12) and Adventist College of English (International Students), operate from the Strathfield Campus in Albert Road.

The School was part of the International Seventh-day Adventist Education system and was operated by the Greater Sydney Conference (GSC). The school was affiliated with the health food company Sanitarium, The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), the Sydney Adventist Hospital and the Seventh Day Adventist Churches in Sydney. Sydney Adventist College was also related to Avondale College, a tertiary college located in Cooranbong, NSW.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church operates 5,846 schools worldwide with a total enrolment of over 1 million students. Across Australia they administer 60 Adventist schools having a combined enrolment of more than 12,000 students.

History

The school first opened as 'Burwood Adventist High School' with only 20 students in 1919 at Patterson Street, Concord, New South Wales, an inner-western suburb in Sydney. The school was conducted by the former Australasian Union Conference. It opened as an intermediate school as a gateway for the several Adventist primary schools in Sydney and Avondale College.

In 1922 the school was a secondary department for what was then, Auburn Adventist Primary School (now, Sydney Adventist College, Auburn Campus). In 1937 a property was purchased at Burwood and the school moved there. The school provided Years 7, 8 and 9, having approximately 50 students. Enrolment rose rapidly to over 120 students and the school found it was in need of a newer and larger location.

The Strathfield Adventist High School Crest (1959-1967)

In 1952, the school was opened at its current location today in Albert Street, Strathfield as Burwood Adventist High School. The building was a single-storey building in a 'U' shape. In 1965, junior high students from Wahroonga Adventist School and Marrickville Adventist School (now, Hurstville Adventist School) were all transferred to Burwood Adventist High School due to overcrowding, the high school system at Wahroonga and Hustville schools ceased. The school had now changed its name to Strathfield Adventist High School

In 1966 the school was in need of major extensions, therefore the second-storey and basement floors were built on above and below of the existing single storey. In 1967, the school was again increasing in numbers and was in need of more classrooms. The East Wing was then built, as well as extensions to the "U" building. The school had developed into a full high school system and was renamed Sydney Adventist High School in the same year. In 1973 the new and larger two-storey library was built. The School Activity Centre and Technology and Applied Studies Building was opened in 1984. The Library later needed extensions, and that addition was completed in 1995.

In 1993 Sydney Adventist High School was renamed Sydney Adventist College. The school motto was also changed together with the name change, from Nihil Sine Labore (Nothing without labour) to Nihil Sine Deo (Nothing without God).

Extensions were also completed at the front of the school for the Administration office and Student Services office in 2005.

On 13 June 2012, a letter was sent out to all the members of school from the Adventist Education Board announcing the proposed closure of Sydney Adventist College at the end of the school year due to financial difficulties within the Seventh-Day Adventist Schools (Greater Sydney) Ltd system. The Auburn campus, which houses preschool to Year 4, will remain open and become a K-6 primary school from January 2013 onwards.

School campus

The school operates at two suburban campuses.

Strathfield campus

The Strathfield campus is the original and main school. It hosts the Middle and Senior schools (Years 5 - 12) on a large campus. The school consists of six large buildings with many breezeways and extension walkways.

  • Quadrangle, The main area is the Quadrangle, where four locker rooms, department offices, student services office, standard classrooms and classrooms with equipped smartboards are located. Because of its large size, the centre of the quadrangle is used for regular school assemblies and in summer, a volleyball net is set up for lunchtime games and house competitions. The Language departments and the Learning Extension Department are located on the same level as quadrangle classrooms (ground floor). However, the ground floor is not on the same level of the quadrangle's ground floor, but on an elevated level from the main quadrangle floor. Basement levels are underneath the quadrangle building. The Lower quadrangle accommodates the 'Adventist College of English' School, while the upper quadrangle has the science classrooms and laboratories and the music department. In total, the Quadrangle has four standing levels, basement level, ground, upper ground floor and second floor.
  • LRC and IT Centre, The IT and computer rooms and laboratories are located on a third floor from the quadrangle with the Library Resource Centre and the Library Instruction Room (LIR) a floor below and on the same floor respectively, although the library and IT rooms are not considered to be in the quadrangle, it is a different building with connecting walkways and stairs.
  • East Wing, The East Wing is a three-storey building which will house the new middle school from 2009 onwards. Middle school will consist of Years 5, 6, 7 and 8. The East Wing was completed in 1967. It has a medium sized terrace area in front of it. The dedicated middle school playground will be located beside the East Wing.
  • The Activities Centre and Auditorium, The Activities Centre or the Auditorium is located in 'The West Wing', the largest building at Sydney Adventist College. It is a five-storey building but its actual size is seven storeys high. The Activities Centre also feature two half size basketball courts, one full-size basketball court, three badminton courts and large stage with stage doors, as well as under doors, change rooms, upper keeping areas and an upper view terrace. The front section of the Activities Centre is the lobby and cafe area, as well as stairs to upper levels, where more seating and other rooms are located. The Auditorium is capable of comfortably seating 1500 people. There is a bridge that connects the side entrance of the auditorium with a breezeway that connects with the second/third level of the quadrangle. The Activities Centre and Auditorium is colloquially called 'The Hall' by student of the college. The school hosted the iGeneration Concert in the main concert hall since 2007. Neighbouring schools frequently hire the centre for concerts, services and sporting events.
  • Technology Centre, The Technology Centre and Design and the Arts Departments are located in 'The West Wing. The Technology centre has Plastic classrooms, Metal classrooms and Woodwork class and prac rooms, Computer Design lecture rooms, Textile classrooms, Food Technology and Hospitality classrooms, Cooking rooms, Kitchenette, Visual Art, Ceramic and Photography classrooms and well as dark rooms, kiln and large storage rooms.
  • The Field, The school field is used for everyday sport and PDHPE classes as well as student recreation. There are discus arenas and cricket nets located on the side of the School field. The field is large enough to be used as a javelin arena.
  • Back Courts, The Back Courts is where the tennis, volleyball and outdoor basketball courts are located. This area is accessed through the field. This space is occasionally rented out to the public on non-school days.
  • Weather Station, The weather station is a small weather collection and study area located near the East Wing terrace.
  • Administration, The Administration office allows access from the main street entrance with the quadrangle. The Principal's office, Accounting and Busaring offices, Main office, Student services office, Interview rooms, Sickbays and new Staff rooms are all located in the newly built Administration Office, which was completed in 2005.
  • Southern Driveway, The Southern Driveway links the front of the school to the walkway between the East Wing and the Quadrangle, as well as the Staff Carpark. It is also the main entrance for students in the morning and afternoon.
  • North Side, North Side is a driveway that links the front of Auditorium and school with the Technology Centre and the School Field. There is also a car entrance on the side that allows vehicles to access the middle of the Quadrangle. Service and delivery trucks, School buses and non-school vehicles use this entrance.

When the school established in its present location, the quadrangle was only a quarter of its size and only one storey. Upgrades to the quadrangle were completed in 1966, which was an addition of a second floor and basement levels. In 1967 The East wing was built. In 1973 The library and IT centre buildings were built and connected to the quad. In 1984 The Activities centre and technical applied studies rooms were opened. The library was in need of an extension, in 1995 a second level was built into the library and added more classrooms and IT rooms. In 2005 the completion of the new and expanded administration area at the front of the school was opened.

Auburn campus

The Auburn Campus, is located in the Sydney suburb of Auburn and hosts the Preparatory and Junior school (Prep-Year 4).

The Auburn campus consists of a large two-storey building, a large playing field, a basketball court, six handball courts, a medium sized playground and sandpit, and a small field.

Sydney Adventist College, Auburn Campus was previously known as Auburn Adventist School.

Other campuses and locations

Sydney Adventist College has other notable campuses and locations that are owned in conjunction with other Adventist systems and companies. These include: Crosslands, youth and convention centre (Crosslands) and the Central Administration Offices (Epping), as well as many smaller sporting locations, including a camping site in the Peats Ridge area which is used for the school's Wilderness Lifestyle program which is related to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, which the school also runs.

The new College logo

The Sydney Adventist College Logo
  • The College Logo:
    * Bible: The foundation of the Word of God and the pursuit of academic excellence
    * Cross: A deep and abiding belief in Jesus Christ
    * Flames: The flames of the Holy Spirit

The new school logo embraces the international Adventist Church logo and incorporates a unique education application into the design. The logo (using their school name) is used for all Adventist schools operated by the Greater Sydney Conference.

The old College Crest

  • The College Crest:
    * Torch: The flame of the Holy Spirit
    * Bible: Christian Lifestyle and foundation of education
    * Eucalyptus Leaves: Australian Location
    * Bottom Banner: 'Nihil Sine Deo' which means 'Nothing Without God'

School life

Every Thursday morning, the school holds a chapel in the school activities centre. After Pastoral Care or Chapel, the students make their way to classes.

The Swimming carnival, athletic carnival and cross country are each held once a year, at Blacktown Leisure Centre, Sydney Olympic Park and Strathfield's City to Surf Memorial Run respectively. And had been previously been held at Lidcombe Olympic Pool and State Sports Center in the past (prior to the year 2000).

The school offers student many leadership opportunities, which include: Peer Support (Year 11), Student Representative Council (all grades), Prefect (Year 11 & 12), School/School Vice Captain and House/House Vice Captain.

Sydney Adventist College also offers the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, wilderness skills program, bush walking, St John's first aid classes, life-saving, band, choir, debate team, mock trial, drama club, worship team, worship group, SWISSA, ACIES and National Levels of representative sport, weekly recreational sport.

Houses

As with most Australian schools, Sydney Adventist College utilises a house system. There are four houses at Sydney Adventist College, Strathfield Campus.

  • Butler, represented by the colour Blue, was named after Pr L. Butler, president of the Greater Sydney Conference in 1952, the year in which the school was built at Albert Road the house Butler is also known for winning most sport competitions especially the futsal competition.
  • Fraser, represented by the colour Red, was named after the dux of 1944 (BAHS) who went on to become a leading scholar at Loma Linda University.
  • Forsyth, represented by the colour Green, was named after Mr and Mrs C. Forsyth, whose generosity assisted the school.
  • Stewart, represented by the colour Yellow, was named after Pr A. Stewart, a pioneer church worker in the South Pacific.

Sport

Sydney Adventist College is a member of the South Western Independent Schools Sporting Association (SWISSA). The school is represented by their SAC style; Blue, Red and White sports uniform. The association consists of six co-educational independent schools that compete on a weekly basis in the following sports: basketball, netball, soccer, oz tag and softball. Students have the opportunity to be selected for these representative sports, and recognition of their participation is given in assembly and reports.

The school has many sporting opportunities including representative sports. The school offers over 50 sport choices but only a few are up for selection each term in order to make other sports more appealing the next time it is available, and in order to stop students getting sick of them and trying something different. Some of the sports include: Aqua Aerobics, Tennis, Laser Tag, Skateboarding, Golf, Self Defence, Ice Skating, Soccer, Surfing, Basketball, Weight Training and Cycling. Representative sporting choices include, Soccer, Basketball and Oz Tag.

Connecting schools

Many students from the Adventist primary schools in Sydney and Wollongong continue with their secondary studies at Sydney Adventist College. The College was the only Sydney based high school in the Adventist Education System up until late 1990s. Subsequently, new Adventist high schools have developed to cater for the demand and growth in the outer suburbs of Sydney. Mountain View Adventist College and Hills Adventist College now cater for students in the outer west and north-western suburbs. Sydney Adventist College still serves as a main campus for students from Sydney CBD, Wollongong, the northern and southern suburbs and the western and coastal suburbs.

Adventist College of English

The Adventist College of English is an annexe of Sydney Adventist College for international students, focusing on the subjects of, English and Australian Studies. This school offers the High School Preparation Course for students who wish to enter an Australian high school or course. The students can attend part-time or full-time classes. Full-time students will enter mainstream when they are competent in their studies in Adventist College of English, as well as attend regular assemblies, sport and other SAC activities and events. The Adventist College of English is located in the designated lower quadrangle within the school campus. The Adventist College of English has its own classrooms and computer labs.

Associated schools and institutions

Sister schools in Sydney

Sydney Adventist College has multiple sister schools in Sydney, which are owned and operated by the same conference (Greater Sydney Conference) they include:

  • Sydney Adventist College, Auburn Campus, Auburn (PK-4)
  • Mountain View Adventist College, Doonside (PK-12)
  • Hills Adventist College, Castle Hill Campus, Castle Hill (PK-4)
  • Hills Adventist College, Kellyville Campus, Kellyville (5-11)
  • Macarthur Adventist College, Macarthur (PK-12)
  • Hurstville Adventist School, Hurstville (PK-6)
  • Wahroonga Adventist School, Wahroonga (PK-6)
  • Avondale College, Lake Macquarie (Tertiary Institution)

Closely related sister schools

Sydney Adventist College has many closely related school that are not located in Sydney, some include:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Educational and Financial Report 2006" (PDF). Sydney Adventist College. 2007. Archived from the original on 2007-08-29. Retrieved 2007-08-30. 
  2. ↑ "Sydney Adventist College". School Seek. 2007. Retrieved 2007-08-30. 

External links

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