middle / senior school bulletin issue 7, 7 june 2013
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Middle / Senior School Bulletin Issue 7, 7 June 2013TRANSCRIPT
Middle & Senior School News
Issue 07 / 07 June 2013
Oh What a Fete! A sincere thank you to all parents, teachers and students who supported our College Fete on 25 May. It was a huge success and the culmination of the tremendous efforts of many of our College parents and friends. A special note of thanks to Mr Steve Dignan who convened the event and also to his team of parent conveners who took responsibil-ity for additional jobs and coordinated other volunteers. St Andrews is a truly special community!
Partnerships for Success Ms Stewart is running a special Mothers Afternoon on 12 June for Secondary School parents at 5.30pm in the RBT. It will feature speakers on Internet Safety (Police Officer Tracey Coulton) and Positive Parenting (Author of Be a Parent Not a Pal - Dr Jeff Kemp) as well as general discus-sion and information sharing around the latest research and identifying our biggest concerns for our daughters and students. I strongly encourage our mums to attend! Please RSVP to [email protected] by Monday 10 June.
Perseverance and Persistence Teachers at the College have been highlighting perseverance and persistence as ‘Habits of Mind’ that will assist students to complete their final assign-ments and to study for exams in order to achieve to a level which reflects their personal best. As your child(ren) con-tinue to work hard at their studies in the coming weeks, please continue to encourage them to ‘chunk’ their tasks, to find enjoyment in the challenges and to persevere be-yond setbacks. Mrs Hill often uses the word ‘gambatte’ in class which means – bit by bit - stick at it!
Exam Block (Thursday 13 June – Friday 21 June)Year 11 and Year 12 students will commence their exam block on Thursday 13 June. Students are not required to attend school outside of their scheduled exam times; how-ever, those who wish to study at the College are welcome to work in the CRC where they can be supervised. Best wishes, seniors!
Ks for Kids – Raising Funds for School Chaplains
Last Saturday a group of our Kokoda Challenge athletes took part in a 30km run from Southport to Coolangatta as part of a fundraiser for school chaplains. What a wonder-ful way to warm up for the 48km challenge they will face in a few short weeks. The Kokoda challenge is run on the final weekend of the holidays. All teams will need to show great determination; skill and perseverance in tackling the challenge and the students will certainly richer for the experience of pushing themselves through the physical and mental boundaries which come with participating in this style of rigorous event. Good luck to all competitors.
Should I be able to offer any assistance to you or your child please feel free to contact me at the College.
Every BlessingVirginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School [email protected]
GraceTwo young fish swimming down stream encounter an older fish who says:
”Good morning! How’s the water?” Being polite fish they smile and say : “Good Morning!” Swimming on a little further the one young fish turns to the other and says: “What water?”
We are so surrounded by grace that we don’t often rec-ognize it. Sometimes it is only in losing the gift that we discover its grace. For all of life and life itself is a grace. It is important to be aware and to be grateful.
For the remainder of the term our focus in chapel worship will particularly on the grace and the goodness of God.
A LabyrinthWe are undertaking a special project in our anniversary year. We will be building a labyrinth. A labyrinth is not a maze, mazes are designed with many false trails to confuse. Labyrinths are a single spiraling path into the central area and the same path is followed on the way out – you can’t get lost or confused. Labyrinths are for quiet reflection and are an aid to meditation.
Recently in Christian studies the Year Twelves walked a labyrinth, one of the students commented. “That was so good I had so much thinking to do.” Next term all students and staff will have the opportunity to create personalized bricks which will be used in construction of the labyrinth.
An invitationEvery Friday morning Holy Communion is celebrated in the Little Chapel at 7.50 am. This short reflective worship (10-12 minutes) is currently attended by some staff from the College and is open to senior students wishing to attend. Parents are warmly invited to participate in this intimate worship time.
Pastor Terry Unger
From the Chaplain
Congratulations to:Shari-Lee White who entered a recent teenage blogging competition, held as part of National Youth Week. She wrote a terrific piece called Sticks and Stones May Break Our Bones but Words Will Leave Us Scarred. She was one of five winners to receive a $100 cash prize. Her story is published online here: http://www.thekidsareallright.com.au/2013/healthandwellbeing/teen-blogging-comp-2013-sticks-and-stones-may-break-our-bones-but-words-will-leave-us-scarred/
Lani Carruthers, Kelly Thomsen, Isabelle Sypott and Callum Tyrrell who participated in the ‘K’s for Kids Walk’ on Sat-urday along with two of our Kokoda Teams. They covered 20-30km raising money for chaplaincy in schools. Lani commented to me on Friday that she was so touched with how generous the staff had been in donating money. In her words ‘I loves you all’. Isabelle sent me through a photo of herself, Kelly and Lani with Mr Young, an ex-St Andrews teacher who is now Chaplain at Mudgeeraba State School.If you have any concerns or queries please contact me on [email protected]
Tania StewartHead of Senior School
Wandering through the art rooms one can be amazed by such a range of colours, techniques, emotions and unique expressions. It is enjoyable to watch students engaged in reflecting, creating and thinking deeply about their produc-tions. What caught my eye most recently was the work of a Year 10 class who had used a range of techniques to create expressions of their own self-concept. These students were confronting stereotypes and other external pressures and at this crucial time in their life of growth into strength and wholeness. Each of them was learning about what they value and making public expressions of their self-concept.
Senior School News
Partnerships to Success – Mothers Afternoon 12 June, 5.30pm in the Ruth Butler TheatreA session for Mum’s to hear from experts with a focus on ‘What is Happening to Our Girls’, how we can support them, share stories and support each other, is being run next week. We will be hearing from Police Officer Tracey Clouston on internet safety and Dr Jeff Kemp Author of Be a Parent Not a Pal. There will also be an opportunity to share our concerns and learn from other Mums. Maybe we might even be able to come to a shared agreement on is-sues, for example no mobile technologies after 8.30pm.
Exam BlockJust a reminder to parents and students, we are now enter-ing an extremely important, busy and sometimes stressful time of the term. The Year 11’s and 12’s will be on block exams in Week 9 and 10 which means that they are not required at school unless they have an exam. If they stay at home than it is crucial that they actually spend this time
studying and if they have to come to school the library will be made available as a study room. It is very important they know when their exams are and they arrive on time, prepared and in good health. Now is the time to be eat-ing well, avoiding late nights (even cramming), sacrificing ‘party’ time and cutting back on shifts for the part time job. I think the slide (above) that Mrs Wrigley often shows to our Seniors says it all.
Life Changing Events – a little promoOne of our Mums in the Senior School alerted me to an organisation that is non-government, independent, com-munity health initiative driven to change the way we eat, drink and think – Life Changing Events. This group is about creating healthy sustainable communities supporting a local living economy. LCE’s vision is to provide education through a variety of measures and if you are interested click on the link http://lifechangingevents.net.au/ Thanks to Kym O’Connell for letting me know about this wonderful initia-tive and I hope that many more of our parents can access the available services, opportunities and information.
Student Development
Middle School News
The change in seasons appears to be upon us and as a consequence we are having the lovely fresh mornings that we Gold Coasters refer to as Winter. Compared to our southern counterparts our cold season is remarkably brief and mild; however, it does herald the dusting off of the winter wardrobe and the donning of warmer clothing. A reminder that at the College your child should be dressed in either a sports uniform or a formal uniform but not a mix-ture of both. There has been a number of students com-bining their uniforms and I would request that you assist from home by ensuring your child leaves for school dressed in the appropriate manner. Should an exceptional circum-stance prevent the appropriate uniform then a note to the LAG teacher in the diary is a suitable means of informing the College.
On a similar chilly theme I encounter a growing number of students each day with the runny nose that seems to spring forth this time of year. Unfortunately, many of them view the sleeve of their jumper as an appropriate item for wiping. I am a child of the handkerchief era and, as such, the thought of leaving home without my hankie is anath-ema to me despite the growing social isolation through my desperate clinging to this vestige of a by-gone era. As an alternative can I ask that we assist our students in remain-ing as germ-free as possible by asking if they’ve got a stash of tissues in their pockets? Hopefully we will pass through this cold/flu season smoothly and with minimal disruption to learning.
Electives Semester TwoI am in the final stages of organising the elective choices for Semester Two. Over the next week I will be confirming electives with students and making some minimal changes to the rolls. The programme of electives offered at the Col-lege is envied by many other schools and offers a wonder-ful opportunity for students to mix between year levels. Should your son or daughter wish to change an elective then I will meet with them to discuss the viability of the proposed change. As you would be aware not all desired changes are able to go ahead. I look forward enormously to the programme for Semester Two and the opportunities for new learning that it will bring your children.
Tom Casey Head of Middle School [email protected]
The pieces included statements such as “Family; Faith; this is me.” “Don’t let anyone dull your smile.” “Do something amazing today.” “It’s not what you look like, but what is in your heart that matters” and expressed with a range of images and symbols demonstrating their amazing insights. It is most pleasing to see young people make clear and con-fident statements about their values and making choices to value things which are life giving and honouring – a reminder from the Philippians 4:8, that we should focus on these good and valuable things.
An ability to recognize and express our values is an aspect of social intelligence that should be fostered and built upon. Young people with more developed sense of social intelligence will find navigation through the coming years considerably more enjoyable and successful.
James NelsonDirector of Student [email protected]
DESTINATIONS: Year 10All Year 10 students have now received their own copy of the JOB GUIDE 2013 which is a valuable source of career/job information. In their latest Destinations session, stu-dents spent time researching careers and occupations which appeal to them, but most importantly, they learned how they can make effective use of this guide to help them to make informed decisions about their career pathways not only for Years 11/12 but into tertiary education. Par-ents should be aware that there is a special insert in the JOBGUIDE for them called Talking Career Choices which gives practical tips about becoming involved in their child’s career planning. Of special note, this outlines current infor-mation about the many options students now have when they leave school. Many resources and websites are rec-ommended too. During the Destinations session, students also received interesting data about the current trends and future outlooks regarding tertiary qualifications, careers/oc-cupations and their employability.
Students were also given helpful advice about preparing for and participating in their week of WORK EXPERIENCE. Each student has been given a journal which they will need to complete during their week in the workplace. The com-pleted journal will be submitted to the student’s Learning Advisor on Tuesday 16 July. All students and parents are urged to read through the journal before the work experi-ence begins so that all students clearly understand what is expected of them. Each student will need to make contact with their host employer in the next two weeks to confirm final details such as times of “work”, dress code, what they will be doing, to whom they will be reporting and work-ing under and catering arrangements. A member of the College staff will visit (or phone) the workplace during the week to touch base with the employer and student. In the event of student absence during the week of work experi-ence, students/parents must let the employer and Senior Administration know. If anyone has any questions about work experience, they are urged to contact Mrs Wrigley in Senior Administration.
Christina WrigleyDirector of Learning and [email protected]
Career News Sport News
Swimming MedalsCongratulations to Dylan Jenkins who earned a gold and silver medal at the recent State Swimming Championships. Dylan was offered a place in the Queensland team but is unfortunately unable to compete at the National Champi-onships.
Noosa Ultimate Sports FestivalAbbie Hawkins had a great run in the Noosa Ultimate Sports Festival 10 Km Event on Sunday 28th April. She won the under 15 Female category with a time of 44min 20 sec.
Running Club - Athletics TrainingRun Club continues for Years 4-12 students with coaches JK Faulkner and Ms West. Also, now at Running Club you can train for events such as Long Jump, Shot Put, Discus, and maybe even some High Jump, as well as doing some running to get fir for our upcoming carnivals.
Slaps Cross CountryOur best cross country runners went to Rivermount College recently to compete at the Junior Lutheran Schools Carni-val. They did a fantastic job and St Andrews finished 3rd overall.
In teams events our Boys and Girls 12/13 teams and our Boys 10 years teams finished 2nd. Girls 10 years and Boys and Girls 11 years teams finished 3rd. We now have more Cross Country Teams Award plaques to add to our shield.
Our best individuals included; Team Captains Kieran Croker and Ella Atkinson who both finished second, Darby Scott and Mitchell Blackborough who also finished 2nd, Char-lotte Chant who finished 4th and Saoirse Harding and Emily Braid who finished 5th. Well done to the whole team on a fantastic day of competition.
Football EventsSome other events coming up this term include the Gold Coast Suns Cup for Year 6/7 AFL on June 12 and the ARL Rugby League Gala Day on June 18. Good luck to all of our players who will be representing St Andrews.
Track And Field CarnivalsOur College Carnivals will be held week 1 of term 3. Years 4-6 will be on Wednesday 17 July and Years 7-12 on Friday 19 July. More detailed information will be emailed home soon.
We are fortunate to have 2 Griffith University students helping with the organisation of our carnivals. Ejlal Almak-toum and Sean Hynes are currently studying for their Bach-elor of Business and Event Management, and are working closely with the sports department to assist with some of our upcoming events.
EquestrianMikayla Van Kampen in Year 8 and Bianca Van Kampen in Year 3, both represented St Andrews recently at the South East Queensland Regional Championships Equestrian event. Mikayla was Reserve Champion for Years 8-12 and Bianca was Reserve Champion for Years 1-7. There were many schools competing over 3 days.
Both girls have now qualified for the State Championships coming up later in the year. Congratulations Mikayla and Bianca.
FutsalSt Andrews will have the Primary Boys team coached by Mr McGilveray playing on Monday 15 July, and the 15 years Boys team coached by Mr Schache playing on Thursday 18
July, in the Southern Queensland Champion of Champions Futsal competition.
Regarding individual achievements, Shane Futcher has recently returned from Barcelona where he played in an International Futsal Competition. Great work, Shane.
Andrew Manion Head of Sport
Japanese News
Senior Japanese: Real Life LearningOur Year 11 Japanese class recently participated in two unique learning experiences – the ‘Taste of Uni Japanese’ workshop at the University of Queensland and Skype with one of our Japanese partner schools. The ‘Taste of Uni Japanese’ experience was great. We listened to current university students sharing their experiences and opinions of studying Japanese in conjunction with a diverse range of degrees. We learnt of the many advantages studying a language provides, the many different study options avail-able and played a few games too. The experience was very valuable as it revealed to us what studying Japanese at university is like, which is a very real possibility for us. The Skype experience was also very rewarding. We presented information in Japanese about Australian festivals and were questioned by very eager Japanese high school students. Later this term, the same students will present information in English about Japanese festivals via Skype. This experi-ence was very valuable as it familiarised us with speaking to native Japanese speakers and helped to increase our con-fidence by using Japanese in real time with native speak-ers in Japan. Next term we look forward to receiving our Higashino High School friends for their annual visit which will occur in Week 4.
Joshua Prince Languages Ambassador
Art News
Fete PerformancesSpecial thanks to all students who provided entertainment for the Fete Stage. It was such a fantastic day watching our talented young musicians and dancers sharing their gifts. Special thanks also to Paul Oakley-Grant, Gendi Moore, Paula Guild, Mardi Frost and Kim Reynolds for assisting the students.
Student PerformancesOver the past two weeks many of our Drama and Music students have impressed audiences with their talents in a series of performances including the Drama Excellence & Yr 10 Drama Evening, Evening of Drama and Senior Music Evening.
Year 10 Music Elective students entertained an appreciative Year 3 audience last week. Gasps and smiles adorned small faces when Thomas Marshall and Finn McLynskey started playing a woodwind version of “Somebody That I used to Know”by Goyte. Maddi Clark improvised on keys with a backing from her father’s band. All students are commend-ed for their diligent preparation and enthusiasm.
Priscilla ScottHead of [email protected]
Dates to remember June
Monday 10 Queen’s Birthday Public HolidayWednesday 12 P & F General Meeting 7.00pm CRCYrs 11 & 12 Drama RBT 6.30pmThursday 13 Thursday 13 Year 11 and 12 ExamsFriday 14 Year 11 and 12 ExamsMonday 17 Year 11 and 12 ExamsICAS Writing Yrs 4-12Yr 10 Work ExperienceTuesday 18 Year 11 and 12 ExamsYr 10 Work ExperienceWednesday 19 Year 11 and 12 ExamsYr 10 Work ExperienceThursday 20 Year 11 and 12 ExamsYr 10 Work ExperienceFriday 21 Yr 11 & 12 Exams finish at noon. All Yr 11& Yr 12 Students must attend all day.
College Fees – Optional Instalment ArrangementsTuition Fees become due at the beginning of each Term. How-
ever, we do understand that this may at times present cashflow problems for parents.
In 2013, St Andrews Lutheran College has implemented Direct Debit facilities for parents wanting to pay for their children’s
tuition fees on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis through a regular deduction from your nominated bank account, credit card, or debit card. Transactions are processed through a secure Westpac facility using the latest 128-bit SSL encrypting technol-
ogy which is the banking industry standard.
If you are interested in this option to help with the family budget, please express your interest to the Business Manager,
Mr Stephen Cooke - [email protected].
YOUR BOOK HAS NOW EXPIRED!!!Start saving money while having fun!!
Purchase your NEW ENTERTAINMENT BOOK today!!!
The price is $55.00 per book and $11.00 from each book goes to fundraising for the College. Books are available from Reception, Junior Administration and Uniform Shop.
Only at St Andrews: Go in the draw to win a family pass to Currummbin Wildlife sanctuary! Please contact Marg Moore at Reception for more information.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ONLINE NOW!
The Uniform Shop will help keep you warm at school. We have plenty of stock of jumpers, tracksuit tops and pants, navy trousers for JS boys, grey trousers for MS & SS boys, gloves, scarves & navy tights. Come and see us - the heater is on!
Found in Uniform Shop - Adult sized red sunglasses.
Jacqui DesfossesUniform Shop [email protected]
Uniform Shop News
Term 3 will see a new menu. This will be available to download from the College’s website and Flexi Schools will also be updated.
Did you know that we can cater for your child’s birthday? We have available freshly baked mini cookies and also choc-olate mousse cups. Go to Flexi Schools to place your order.
There are a number of students who still have outstanding accounts from Tuckshop for supplied lunches; it would be greatly appreciated if these could be paid by end of Term. We are still requiring volunteers for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, if you are available please contact me at [email protected]
Trina van der KampTuckshop Manager
Tuckshop News
GOLD COAST HOSPITAL AND HEALTH SERVICES – ORAL HEALTH SERVICES ORAL HEALTH CARE MATTERS Did you know that Gold Coast Hospital and Health Services – Oral Health Services in both the community and school dental clinics accept Teen Dental Vouchers? Good oral health care is important for young people. The government has provided Teen Dental Vouchers to help enable and maintain good oral health and preventative care. These vouchers can be presented to private dentists or Gold Coast Hospital and Health Services – Oral Health Services, including a community or school dental clinic. Children attending schools up to the end of Year 10 who present a Teen Dental Voucher with Gold Coast Oral Health Services will receive a comprehensive examination, x-rays, scale, clean and a full course of care. Children in Years 11 and 12 in receipt of a voucher can only be seen by Gold Coast Oral Health Services if the eligibility criteria is met. They will then be placed on a waiting list to receive a comprehensive examination, x-rays, scale, clean and a full course of care. If the Teen Dental Voucher has been used at a private dental practice, completion of the private dentist’s treatment plan will need to be undertaken privately at own cost. Gold Coast Hospital and Health Services will only be able to provide Emergency Care for these children, not a full course of care as prescribed by the private dentist. Gold Coast Hospital and Health Services – Oral Health Services have qualified and experienced dentists, oral health therapists, dental therapists and dental assistants who work together to provide a range of oral healthcare services to meet your child’s specific oral health needs in a caring environment. As the Teen Dental Voucher expires by 31.12.13, it is important that you arrange your appointment as soon as possible by telephoning the Gold Coast Oral Health Services Call Centre on 1300 300 850. Oral health services are also provided during all school holiday periods. For more information on the nearest community or school dental clinic, the Oral Health Call Centre will be able to assist you with your enquiry.
by Michael Grose -‐ No. 1 parenting educator
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Michael Grose PresentationsPO Box 167 Balnarring Vic 3926 p + 61 3 5983 1798 f (03) 5983 1722 e [email protected] rights reserved. For more ideas, support and advice for all your parenting challenges please visit our website.
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Resiliency RobbersAll parents have the best of intentions when raising kids. Wanting what is best for kids can cause parents to make decisions that are not always in their (children’s) long-‐term best interests
If you buy the line that the promotion of resilience is in the best interests of kids then check out the following common parenting mistakes that reduce children’s resilience.
Robber # 1:Fight all their battles for themNothing wrong with going into bat when kids struggle or meet with difficulty inside or outside school but make sure this is the last resort, not the first option.
Resilience notion # 1: Give kids the opportunity to develop their own resourcefulness.
Robber # 2:Make their problem, your problemSometimes parents can take too much responsibility for issues that are really up to children to work out or decide. Here’s a clue if you are wondering what I am talking about: a jumper is something a mother puts on her son when she is cold!
Resilience notion # 2: Make their problem, their problem.
Robber # 3:Give kids too much voiceIn this era of giving children a voice it is easy to go overboard and allow them too much of a say in what happens to them. Kids often take the easy option to avoid hard or unpleasant situations.
Resilience notion # 3: Make decisions for kids and expect them to adjust and cope.
Robber # 4:Put unrealistic or relentless pressure on kids to performExpectations about success and achievement are important. Too low and kids will meet them. Too high and kids can give up. Too much and kids can experience anxiety.
Resilience notion # 4: Keep expectations in line with children’s abilities and don’t put excessive pressure on them.
Robber # 5:Let kids give in too easilyResilient learners link success with effort. They don’t give up because they don’t like a teacher or when confronted with multi-‐step or more complex activities. Similarly they don’t bail out of a sporting term half way through the season because the team is not winning or they are not enjoying it.
Resilience notion # 5: Encourage kids to complete what they have started even if the results aren’t perfect.
Robber # 6:Neglect to develop independenceDon’t wait until they are teenagers to develop the skills of independent living. Start early and promote a broad skill set so that they can look after themselves if you are not around.
Resilience notion # 6: Don’t routinely do for kids what they can do for themselves.
Robber # 7:Rescue kids from challenging or stretch situationsThere are many times kids are put in situations that are outside their comfort zones for a time. For instance, giving a talk, singing at the school concert or going on school camp may be challenges for some kids. They are all situations that kids usually cope with so show your confidence in them and skill them up rather than opt for avoidance.
Resilience notion # 7: Overcoming challenges enables kids to grow and improve.
Sometimes the manageable hardships that children experience such as a friend moving away, not being invited to a party or completing a difficult school project are fabulous learning opportunities.
They help kids to stretch and grow. Dealing with them effectively also teaches kids that they are capable of coping when they meet some of life’s curve balls.
And that is a huge lesson to learn at any age.