jps meet the mini beasts - victoria australia · some ideas from the desk of the assistant...

135 York Road Mount Evelyn 3796 - offi [email protected] - www.mecs.vic.edu.au - 03 9738 6000 - 03 9738 6001 (fax) - Absent student: 03 9513 1561

Ambrie has a little friend come to visit

JPs meet the Mini Beasts

Whole School Assembly -

Tomorrow 9.30amPlease join us!

Equipping for Life

18 February 2016

Dealing with Teenage AngstOver the past twelve years, I have had many parents ask for advice for dealing with their teenager. “He always seems to overreact”; “She’s always crying over little things”; “He’s so stressed and he’s only in Year 7”; “She never tells me anything”; “He’s acting out, but I don’t know why”... Without a teenager of my own, one might ask my qualifications… but as a teacher and an Assistant Principal, dealing with teenage angst is a big part of what I do… and I love it! Teenagers have so much to teach us about life and about ourselves. So here are some ideas from the desk of the Assistant Principal…

Be an active listener: Stop what you are doing, and look at your teen. Give your full attention. Listen to what

they are saying, and repeat back to them what you have understood the issue to be.

‘‘‘‘

Thursday 18 February 2015

Some examples of this might include; “You’re overreacting” , “If you can’t handle this little thing, how are you going to cope in Year 12?” , “Get over it!” “Don’t act like a baby.”

Empathy and understanding will earn trust and respect.

Our ability to feel comes from being made in the image of God. When God sent his son to earth as a man, Jesus gave us the true example of how we should live and act. And while we don’t know much about how Jesus dealt with teenage angst, unrequited love, or too much homework, we do know that he was fully God and fully man – full of emotions. He

wept. He was fi lled with joy. He got angry. Your teen may appear overly dramatic, sometimes even irrational, but they have a right to their feelings. This is how God made us.

3. Accept the emotion, not the commotionThere will be times when your teen needs to learn how to cope with the emotions they are feeling. They have a right to be upset, but they do not have the right to be rude or disrespectful. It is important to acknowledge and validate feelings, but also to teach the appropriate

way to respond.

The key to this is to remain calm, be respectful yourself and show understanding.

Avoid fi ghting fi re with fi re - a yelling match will not end well. Nor will it teach your teen how to deal effectively with issues in the future.

As we read in Ephesians 4:26-27: “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.” The Message

And my fi nal thought...

4. PrayOne of the most powerful things in your teen’s life will be the support of a praying parent. Pray that they will feel validated and accepted. Pray that the Holy Spirit will help guide your teen, because you and I won’t always be around; and as we know, sometimes life can be hard.

KarissaAssistant Principal - Secondary

1. Listen actively, and listen to the end. Teens want to have a conversation, but they won’t attempt it unless they know that Mum or Dad is willing to listen. It’s frustrating for all of us when someone listens just long enough to try to fi x it, or to offer advice or a lecture, when all you want is a listening ear. Well intentioned parents may miss the real issue because they stop short of listening to the end. They may feel like they’ve listened and helped their child, when they actually didn’t really hear the heart of their teen.

Be an active listener: stop what you are doing, and look at your teen. Give your full attention. Listen to what they are saying, and repeat back to them what you have understood the issue to be, to make sure you’ve heard them correctly. Give advice and answers only if they ask for it (no matter how hard that might be!)

Teens will often test you - they’ll share just enough to see how you will react. If you jump in with a lecture on how it was ‘back in the day’ or a sermon on purity, you may as well install a ‘No Vacancy’ sign on your forehead. Your teen won’t be coming back anytime soon.

So what happens after you’ve listened to the end? When you’ve heard the heartbeat of your teen, the challenges he or she is facing, and the emotions they are battling? Then you are equipped to help your teen with the real problem and offer realistic guidance to help them fi nd his or her way.

2. ValidationTeens need to know that it is okay to have whatever feelings and emotions they are experiencing. Whilst we as adults may not fully understand or comprehend why they react the way they do, or why the emotional outburst is happening, we must never dismiss or make them feel that they are not allowed to express their feelings. The key is validation.

Validating = sending the message ‘Your feelings are okay’.

“I can see that you are really upset by what your friend said to you.”

By simply validating, without solving, you are opening up room for acceptance and dialogue. You are telling your teen – ‘come as you are… I’m here to listen and to try to understand’.

Invalidating = sending the message ‘You should not be feeling the way you do’.

SKETCHER’S SCOOPNarelle

MECS Principal

New School CrossingsYarra Ranges Council have advised us that in March they will be constructing a school crossing for Hawkins Rd and a school crossing for the York Rd service road. This is great news as we have always been concerned about students needing to cross those roads on their way home or to the bus stop. This will allow for offi cial crossing supervision with the power to stop traffi c, this is far better than our current arrangements with a teacher supervising the crossing of Hawkins Rd. There will of course be some disruption during construction, but that will hopefully be minimal they say. We are thankful to the council for responding to our concerns.

Dr Gerry B Administration Manager

Whole School AssemblyTomorrow - Friday February 19 at 9:30am we will hold our fi rst Whole School Assembly for the year. Please join us as we come together in the gym to pray for a blessing on the year, and celebrate our community. A cuppa and some morning tea will be available in the staffroom from 9am-9:30am. We’d love to see you there!

NicoleCommunity Relations

MECS Notes


The transition from Primary School to

Secondary School is a huge change for many students, and so far, our 56 resilient Year 7s are doing an amazing job! Some of these changes include adapting to many new spaces, teachers, subjects and friends. There are new routines in homework, diaries, timetables, and for some, a huge increase in size and “vibe” of the school.

It’s really important that teachers, parents and students understand the gravity of this transition, particularly into Secondary School. Some of the key tips that help students with transition include:• Eating nutritious food and having time

for exercise in the week• Getting plenty of sleep (for Year 7s at

least 9 hours)• Setting up a positive (hopefully regular)

homework routine • Focussing on organisation, such as

getting their diary signed and starting assignments early instead of leaving them until later

• Having breaks, setting rewards and aiming for balance!

To make sure students at MECS transition effectively, we have intentional processes in place for them. ‘Meaningful Structures’ is one of the 16 core understandings

in the Transformational Education book, which includes how we organise class groups, and help families in preparation for signifi cant changes. Year 7 Information Night and Orientation Day are important for students to get in the right headspace for Secondary School, and also assists parents in what to expect from Middle School and Middle Schoolers! Students are assigned their Home (CS) Groups after careful consideration of many factors, and have a ‘go-to’ teacher. Their CS teacher will be their main supporter, making sure they feel organised and settled. We also have Year 7 Health classes that are dedicated to transition in the fi rst 4 weeks.

Parents are an integral part of helping students have a great start to school, and we appreciate that communication is very important. Please don’t hesitate to chat to your child’s CS teacher or myself if there are any concerns. Here is the link to a fantastic website by our own Sharon Witt, which has some helpful tips for any Year 7s and their parents about transition: www.survivinghighschool.com.au.

NickyMiddle School Teacher/ Transition Coordinator

Staff Devotions & Connect Morning TeasOne of the facets for good teaching and learning, as discussed in our book, Transformational Education, is the importance of being in relational community. This is true not only for our students, but for all of us. Every morning our staff meet in various combinations for staff devotions. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday we all meet together as a whole staff to share God’s Word and begin the day in prayer. These devotions are led by our pastoral care groups and this year we are focussing on the different names of God. The aim of these groups is to make sure that every staff member is cared for, and well supported in prayer. As with all members of our community, our staff often face challenging situations in their own life, or that of their family and friends. We don’t want this to just be a place where people come to work, but a place of love and support.

It was also good to see our Connect Morning Teas start again this week. This is one way we make sure that our parents also feel part of this relational community. School is a big part of family life and feeling part of that community as parents is really important. Friendship, support, prayer are just some of things that parents enjoy when they connect with other parents. We know that our Connect Morning Teas only suit some members of our community, so please make the most of other opportunities to be part of MECS!

Ranges TECIt was great to be able to introduce the Ranges TEC staff to you last week. This year, Ranges TEC will feature regularly in our newsletter, with stories and photos to give you an idea of what happens there each week. In the past, Ranges has been managed by an Advisory Panel made up of members from each of the founding schools. MECS now has oversight of all operational and governance issues and so Ranges TEC becomes in reality, a second campus of MECS. We are really excited by this development and look forward to sharing with you some of the great things happening to support students that are ‘wired’ for a more hands-on and applied learning environment.

Changes to Bus Pick-upAs communicated last week, we are trialling an alternative ‘departure point’ for students who catch the MECS buses. Congestion in the Kiss’ n ’Drop zone has been an issue for some time, but with the later fi nish time for our Middle School students, we have seen further gridlock as parents leave it that little bit later before picking up their secondary students. By taking the MECS buses out of this zone we are hoping to ease the traffi c fl ow and make it safer for everyone. If you have a student on one of the MECS buses, you will have received more detailed information on this change. The Martyrs bus will still come through the kiss’n’drop zone about 3.40pm.

Thanks for your patience and co-operation as we get this right.

TransitionOn...Th

get t

FOCUS

MECS Notes Meet the Primary Teachers

AlisonFoundation Geckos

Teacher

JanFoundation Bilbies

Teacher

MelSP Red Teacher

& PS Assistant Coordinator

DiAssistant Principal

JustineMP Red Teacher

JasonPS Sport Teacher

MichelleSP Green Teacher

KayeJP Echidnas Teacher

& Cluster Leader

AliMP Blue Teacher &

Cluster Leader

NaomiMP Green Teacher

BenSP Blue Teacher,

Cluster Leader & PS Assistant Coordinator

JessPS Support Teacher

FionaJP Bandicoots

Teacher

DanielaJP Literacy &

Numeracy Teacher

RachelIndonesian Teacher

VivJP Wallabies

Teacher

ScottPS Music Teacher


After School Care 3C MECS has a new Supervisor

If you have been using the after school care program this year you will have noticed that Casey, who did a lovely job of running the program last year, isn’t there anymore. The past few weeks have seen a number of different people running the program. You will be happy to know that 3CKids has now appointed a new supervisor to run the program on an ongoing basis. Hayley has started at MECS this week and below is a bit of information about her...

My name is Hayley. I have been working with children my whole life. It is my passion. I have worked in child care and OSHC for 8 years.

I have two gorgeous children, so you will fi nd me running around playing with them when I am not working.

I enjoy sewing, cats and continually learning different teaching styles and techniques.

I have a Monash University Teacher’s Aid certifi cate, a Diploma of Children’s Services, a certifi cate in Auslan, as well as animal husbandry.

I look forward to working with you and your childrenHayley

If you are interested in using this service please contact me through the offi ce.


Student ICT AgreementsAn email has been sent home about the Student ICT Agreements for this year. They need to be completed online by February 29. Thank you.

MicICT Coordinator

Janette, who has been a casual relief teacher for over 30 years at MECS, has just had her second book published. Patches of Godlight – poems, prayers and contempla tions includes extracts from her prayer journal alongside poems and colour photographs, making it an ideal gift. It has 152 pages, including 23 in colour, and is available for $30 from the front offi ce. Janette is also available as a guest speaker at churches, women’s groups or camps. You can contact her by email: [email protected].

“This is the work of a courageous, sensitive, vulnerable, new millennium Psalmist, who like David of old, fi nds intimacy and faith in the realities of life. From the laundry to the cathedral, from the tragedy of NY 9/11 to the desert outback of Australia this is poetry on a journey to the Promised Land.”

John, Author, Preacher, Founder of God’s Squad

“Patches of Godlight is a raw, honest and inspiring account of the wrestle so many of us face in life; the questions we seek of God and the desire to know Him with greater depth and intimacy. This book refl ects how, in our deepest struggles, and darkest hours, the Lord shines His light through the cracks and crevices of our lives, to remind us of his eternal presence.”

Sharon, Author, Educator

New Book by Janette

At our weekly SS assembly, Brenton (Year 11) was presented with a certifi cate from the University of Melbourne, acknowledging his acceptance into their prestigious Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program.

Year 10 students who are very strong academically across a wide range of subjects and who show clear leadership skills are encouraged by their teachers to apply. Up to fi ve students per year can be nominated from each school. Around 10,000 students across Victoria applied of which 750 students were accepted.

The Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars program allows students to access a range of seminars aimed at assisting them in their VCE as well as provide them with a taste of university life. Students are also granted guaranteed entry to the University of Melbourne’s courses when they get over a certain ATAR (that is lower than what is normally required).

We would like to congratulate Brenton, who due to his dedication, leadership and hard work both at school and in the wider community is a well-deserved recipient of this award.

Amelia Year 10 Coordinator, Careers Coordinator, VET in Schools Coordinator


Cook Off DayCan you help out? Our Cook Off day will be on Friday March 4. If you can help even for a few hours, that would be great. You can let me know by emailing Nicole.

Frozen mealsIn the meantime the freezer is empty. If you are able to cook a meal at home, label it with all ingredients used and the date cooked, and drop it at the offi ce that would be most appreciated!

Prayer emailWe have a weekly email that goes out with prayer points for our community. Would you like to join this team of praying parents? Email [email protected] and you will be added to the mailing list.


Friends of MECSFriends

of MECS

Back to school asthma spikeEvery year there is a well-documented rise in asthma fl are-ups and hospitalisations when students return to school after the Christmas break. Asthma Australia has information for parents of students with asthma to help them prepare for school. Asthma Australia’s website and social media provide the latest information, including a checklist of what to do to help your child and a survey to complete to determine the impacts for parents/carers.

Asthma Australia recommends that you talk to school staff about your child’s asthma and the school’s medication policy, provide an Asthma Plan from the doctor and supply a spare reliever puffer and spacer for your child’s use at school.

For primary aged students:

Asthma Kids Asthma Kids is an online, interactive tool to help primary school aged children understand what it’s like to have asthma and what they can do to help. Watch one of the introductory videos then take Chester’s Asthma Trail. There are prizes to win too! www.asthmakids.org.au

For secondary aged students:

Young People and Asthma Asthma Australia is working with key organisations supporting young people’s health to help improve asthma health outcomes for 12-25 year olds. A Facebook page, Young People with Asthma – Australia, provides a range of information for these young people and their supporters. Every two months Asthma Australia run a Question and Answer session that is proving very popular. Check out the page for posts and promotion for upcoming Q and A sessions.

MECS Notes

Congratulations Brenton



Evie & Archie

Judah

Talitha

On Tuesday the Junior Primary children were privileged to experience a wonderful Mini Beast Incursion. Here are some of the great memories the children have made…

I really liked the sea star and I never knew that sea snails could grow really really big!Mikayla

I liked the echidna, Rosie. When I touched her she was soft and not too spiky.Judah

We got to see animals. I held a box with a tarantula. We saw a preying mantis, a Tasmanian (Tassie) echidna, a twelve legged sea star, and a scorpion. I would like to have Sam the centipede as a pet but Mum and Dad probably won’t like it.Finn

I liked the sea star. I got to hold a millipede and it walked on my hand. It tickled a bit.Hannah

I liked patting the echidna. It was funny when the cockroach almost fell out of someone’s hand when they were holding it.Keira

Lucy & Denali

Axl, Nathaniel & Jedd

Zarah & Sophie

Joshua & Grace

Jamie Hannah & AbigailAaliyah



Eli & Josiah

MECS Notes

Haven & Emma

Hamish

Emmett & Lachlan

Keira & Hannah

Judah

Anja & Tandia Aurora & Kennedy & Arjun

Oliver, Anouk, James, Jem

MECS ROCK BANDFor all you k een rockers in Middle and Senior School (Year 7-12)...

...starting Wednesday Feb 24, lunch time, with Lance!

To be held in the Middle School Music Room.

Come along and rock your socks off!

Immunisation Packs - Year 7This is a reminder for all parents to please complete the information and return the immunisation envelope to the school offi ce asap, even if you do not intend for your child to receive the immunisations.

MECS CanteenWe are excited to let you know that in 2016, students from Ranges TEC will be running our canteen services every Friday starting 11 March. To fi nd out what will be on offer, the Ranges TEC students are offering free-of-charge Taste Tester sessions to MECS students and staff at recess (11-11:30am) on the following days:

• Friday, February 26 - Year 3 to 6 (outside the PUMP Room)

• Friday, March 4 - Year 7 to 9 (outside the Understorey)

The canteen is looking at offering salads, a hot food, sandwiches, rolls/ wraps, smoothies/juice and a bakery item. The Taste Tester sessions will offer a few samples of the menu but in a mini version for our students to try.

We look forward to your feedback and appreciate your support.

VickyMECS Canteen

Parents are warmly invited to attend theWhole School

AssemblyTomorrow, Feb 19,

9.30am

in the MECS GymCoffee in staffroom

9-9.30am

MECS COMMUNITY NOTICESMECS does not endorse the products or services of any private advertiser. No responsibility is accepted by Mount Evelyn Christian

School for the accuracy of information contained in advertisements or claims made by them.

Free to good homeWe are doing a kitchen renovation and our 8 year old, still good Westinghouse one and a half electric oven will not fi t. If you are interested I would need to know by tomorrow (Friday) and the pick up would be next week from Mitcham.

We also have two gold fi sh that are out-growing their tank. If you have a larger tank or goldfi sh pond and would like some more fi sh let me know. I can bring them to school for you.

Phone Heather on 0419 935 312. Leave a message if I don’t answer – I tend to have poor reception.

Calendar

Newsletter deadline is 11am Tuesday on published week.

Email articles (images attached as jpg) to the Newsletter Offi ce

Notices sent home this week and on Websitewww.mecs.vic.edu.au/Resources/Downloads/Notices-Home

• Chicken Pox Note (last week)• Canteen Notice and Survey (last week)• JP Parent Helpers Notice• Year 11 Legal Excursion Notice• Year 7-10 Swimming Carnival Notice• Year 10 Helpers Swimming Carnival Notice

• MP Art Materials Note (last week)• MECS Bus Update (last week)• MS Connect Morning Tea Invite• Careers Newsletter• Unit 3 PE Excursion Notice

Mooroolbark BasketballMooroolbark Flashes Basketball Club are taking registrations now for the winter season. Miniball to U10 - fi rst season fee free.www.mooroolbarkfl ashes.com.au

Celebrate Mooroolbark Festival Talent QuestCall for contestants. Apply by March 4 - Entry is free.For Musicians, dancers, singers, comedians, bands and other talents. Festival to be held on March 18 at 7.30pm, Mooroolbark Community Centre.Contact 0417 556 848,[email protected]/competitions

Precision Hair and BeautyHair Salon in Mount Evelyn, special offers: 15% off the following cut and colour packages. Phone 97361755.Package 1: regrowth, cut & blowave, deluxe Treatment - $110Package 2: full colour, cut & blowave, deluxe Treatment - $130Package 3: full colour, 15 foils, cut & blowave, deluxe treatment, toner - $145Package 4: 1/2 head of foils, cut & blowave, toner, deluxe treatment - $160Package 5: full head of foils, cut & blowave, toner, deluxe treatment - $190Package 6: 1/2 head of foils, full colour, cut & blowave, toner, deluxe treatment - $210

CalendarFri 19 FebruaryPre Assembly Parent Morning Tea Staffroom 9amWhole School Assembly 9.30am GymSP Swimming

Sat 20 FebruaryWorking Bee including Breakfast 7am-1pm

Mon 22 FebruaryYears 7-9 Swimming CarnivalPrimary GT 9am PUMP Room (SP Red)

Tues 23 FebruaryYear 9 BasketballJP Minibeast Dress Up Day

Wed 24 FebruaryMP Swimming

Thur 25 FebruaryYear 10 Basketball

Fri 26 FebruarySP SwimmingNew Parent Dinner 7pm

Mon 29 FebruaryMiddle School Connect Morning Tea from 8.45am Staffroom

Tues 1 MarchYear 12 PE Excursion

Wed 2 MarchYear 8 BasketballMP SwimmingMP Community BBQ 5pm

Thur 3 MarchYears 7-10 Interschool Swimming

Fri 4 MarchSP SwimmingK4 Connect Morning Tea from 8.45am Staffroom

Mon 7 - Fri 11 MarchYear 7 and 8 Clifford Park CampYear 9 City Camp

Mon 7 MarchPrimary GT 9am Pump Room MP RedParent Seminar A 7.30pm

Tues 8 MarchVCE Drama ExcursionYear 11 Legal Studies Excursion

Wed 9 MarchMP Swimming

Thur 10 MarchGrandparents and Special Friends Day

2016 Term 1 Week 3: 15 Feb - 21 Feb

2016 Term 1 Week 4: 22 Feb - 28 Feb

2016 Term 1 Week 5: 29 Feb - 6 Mar

2016 Term 1 Week 6: 7 Mar - 13 Mar

First Working Bee This Sat 20 Feb, 7am-1pm

BBQ Breakfast


jps meet the mini beasts - victoria australia · some ideas from the desk of the assistant...

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