At the heart of our school is the genuine desire of our community to serve and support the needs of others. A Sense of Service is one of our core values at Genesis and Philippians 2:3b-4 says,
Rather in humility, let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Our students from Prep to Year 12 have recently had some wonderful opportunities to serve others and demonstrate this important value in our College.
Our Primary students recently enjoyed ‘Crazy Hair Day’ with many creative hair designs on display across the Primary school. Over $1700 was raised and donated to the NRL Wheelchair organisation.
Our Performing Arts Department and Hospitality students partnered with St Vincent’s Care to arrange a special event held at our College for approximately 150 residents from St Vincent’s homes. Almost 200 Genesis students welcomed and enjoyed conversation with the residents, blessing our visitors with their gifts through a concert and prepared morning tea.
Our Interact Club organised the GCC Backpack Bed Sleepout for students in Secondary, raising over $3700 for Backpack Beds for Homeless. Students faced the cold winter weather, ‘sleeping rough’ for the night.
Additionally, more than 20 students served in a MAD (Make a Difference) Project - a backyard blitz for a local resident. Students enthusiastically pulled weeds, laid turf, mulched new garden beds and trimmed overgrown trees, producing a wonderful yard makeover for a family in our wider community.
Once again, our Genesis students participated in the Write a Book in a Day fundraiser for Kids with Cancer. Over 70 students from Year 6 to Year 12 worked together to plan, write, edit, illustrate and publish 14 books and raise $6000 for the charity!
These events have certainly provided our students great opportunities to look not only to our own interests but also the interests of others. Serving others builds within us empathy and helps connect us to humanity. It also develops within us wisdom and gentleness, as we rub shoulders with others and with their experiences and unique perspectives. I am thankful to our staff for enabling and supporting these opportunities for our students and am incredibly proud of our students who have humbly served and expressed their love and care for those in need within our society.
Well done, Genesis!
Principal
Primary Director of Student Life (P – 6)
Primary Leadership Team Member
Di Todd is one of our Primary Leadership Team members. Her primary role as Director of Student Life (P-6) is building positive relationships amongst staff and students and she also seeks to support the holistic wellbeing of our students. Di has the responsibility of implementing wellbeing initiatives and programs for our primary students such as: leadership and service programs, Student Representative Council, Peer Mediation, Restorative Practice, Circle Time in classrooms, lunchtime clubs, running assemblies which include Teachable Moments, Cultural Shoutouts, Gotcha awards and our SECRET Skills award system. Next semester, Di will be stepping into the Acting Head of Primary School role. However, with the assistance of Mrs Cat Bennett and Mrs Jacqui Grotius the wellbeing initiatives will continue!
Outside of school, Di enjoys spending time with her grandsons, travelling with her husband, watching movies and walking. If you need to contact Di Todd about our wellbeing programs her email address is dt.todd@genesis.qld.edu.au
Mrs Jacqui Grotius has been part of the Genesis team for 12 years, working across all areas of Primary school. In 2022, Jacqui joined the Primary Leadership Team and this year has stepped into the role of Director of Care and Conduct, while continuing in her role as Learning Innovation and Technology Leader for the Primary school. Jacqui spends her day working closely with students building positive behaviour development skills and supporting them to feel safe and engaged at school. She also oversees the implementation of technology and innovative pedagogy in curriculum planning.
When Jacqui is not at school, she can be found in her garden surrounded by her family and dogs. Jacqui may be contacted on j.grotius@genesis.qld.ed.au if you need to discuss behaviour development or the Primary school technology program.
Mrs Jacqui Grotius Director of Care & Conduct Primary Leadership Team Member Mrs Di ToddCatriona is passionate about Christian education, and oversees the development, alignment and continuous improvement of learning programs, assessment, reporting and teaching practices within our Primary school. Cat does this by supporting the Innovation and Learning leaders to plan, and by working with teachers to foster a positive and engaging teaching and learning culture that incorporates and embeds a Christian worldview, while being innovative and underpinned by the latest research and best practice. Catriona also loves to provide and source fun and impactful professional learning experiences for our teachers, so they are continually developing deep expertise in how to bring out the best in our students academically and provide a caring classroom climate. When she is not at school, Cat loves to go the gym, socialise with friends, be involved in the community by volunteering at church or spending time relaxing outside. If you ever need guidance around teaching and learning practices in the classroom, assessment, reporting or curriculum, Catriona can assist you by contacting her at c.bennett@genesis.qld.edu.au
Catriona Bennett
Primary Director of Innovation and Learning
Primary Leadership Team Member
We’re excited to announce that our Learning Village precinct has won the prestigious 2023 Learning Environments Australia Design Award for 2023! Here’s what the judges had to say!
“Genesis Christian College Primary Learning Village is an exceptional education project that showcases a thorough approach creating a vibrant, modern and student-centric educational facility. The project's outstanding value is evident in its spatial delight and simple interventions, which are clearly a product of careful re-imagining, alignment of the education vision with practical outcomes, and strong engagement from both the College and Design Team. The initial requirements were clearly defined from the outset and the Education Vision was constantly reviewed to ensure that the project supported the college's educational philosophies.
Overall, Genesis Christian College Primary Learning Village is an outstanding educational facility that sets a benchmark for future projects. The robust briefing, consultation, and design approach is coupled with an innovative approach to low cost, sustainable, and adaptive re-use, making it an inspiring example of what can be achieved through a strong collaboration between the college and design team.”
GCC Interact Sleepout for Shelter
Earlier this month, our Interact Club hosted GCC Interact Sleepout for Shelter. Students in Years 7-9 ‘slept rough’ to raise money for Backpack Bed for Homeless. Durin the evening, a representative from the Breakfast Club Redcliffe also attended to speak to our students about homelessness in the Moreton Bay area. We’re thrilled to have raised over $3,700 which means we were able to donate 34 beds to this amazing charity.
• Intermediate Dance Company: 2nd Jazz, VHC Lyrical, 2nd Lyrical, 1st Musical Theatre, Best overall Year 9 and Under School
• Senior Dance Company : HC Jazz, VHC Jazz , VHC Lyrical
• Intermediate Dance Company: 2nd Jazz, 2nd Lyrical, 1st Lyrical, 1st Musical Theatre
• Senior Dance Company: 5th Jazz, HC Jazz, 3rd Lyrical, 2nd Lyrical, 2nd Contemporary
• Intermediate Dance Company: 1st Jazz, 1st Lyrical, 1st Musical Theatre, 2nd Lyrical
• Senior Dance Company: 1st Jazz, 1st Contemporary, 2nd Jazz, 3rd Lyrical, VHC Lyrical
• Seniors: 1x 2nd (Musical Theatre), 1x VHC (Contemporary), 1x HC (Lyrical)
• Intermediates: 1 x 3rd (Lyrical), 2 x HC (Lyrical & Jazz)
• Juniors: 3rd (Jazz)
• Intermediate Show Choir: 3rd
• Senior Show Choir: 1st
1. Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival 2. Sunshine Coast Dance Eisteddfod 3. Evolution Dance Competition 4. Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge (BPAC) 5. Star Bound Entertainers competitionShakefest - Based on the works of Shakespeare!
• Shakefest launched this Term and over 40 Secondary students have signed up! Categories include: Monologue | Duologues | Scenes | Dance | Music | Design | Photography | Film.
Years 10-12 Drama excursion to Mouse Trap
• Yrs 10, 11 & 12 Drama students went to QPAC to see the suspenseful, murder mystery stage show Mousetrap based on the book by bestselling novelist Agatha Christie.
Years 8-9 Drama excursion to 'Ishmael’
• Yr 8 & 9 students enjoyed the box office hit, Ishmael by David Morton. Set on a futuristic version of earth that has suffered a catastrophic environmental collapse, Ishmael is a modern version of Herman Melville’s classic Moby Dick, reimagined for a new millennium as a contemporary space saga
Year 12 Dance
• Yr 12 Dance visited into QPAC to watch Australasian Dance Collective's world class production of Lucie in the Sky, featuring drones choreographed using human movement patterns to emulate emotions and personalities. The performance was ground-breaking and inspiring. The students have been challenged in their creativity and will draw upon ADC's methods to create their own dance works for assessment.
• Yr 12 Dance enjoyed a contemporary workshop with Queensland Ballet’s teaching artist, Jamie. The students did a contemporary technique class, followed by an explorative choreographic task, using some indigenous artwork as stimulus to develop their own unique work. It was an inspiring and challenging workshop, setting up the students well for their upcoming assessment.
Year 9 Dance Hip Hop Workshop
• Yr 9 Dance students thoroughly enjoyed participating in a Hip Hop Workshop with special guest Hip Hop specialist, Louise Rodrigues learning some Hip Hop technique and a Hip Hop Dance.
Year 11 Dance workshop with 'Australasian Dance Collective’
• Yr 11 Dance class were treated to a contemporary dance workshop with Harrison Elliott from Australian Dance Collective. Students explored contemporary technique and choreographic processes through a variety of challenging exercises. It was an inspiring afternoon for our students.
Year 4 Drama Club performing in 'Simultaneous Storytime'
• Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime an event where a picture book is read in libraries, schools and many other locations across Australia, at exactly the same time. This year’s picture book was The Speedy Sloth, which was not only read to the children, but also acted out by the Year 4 Drama Club!
Year 10 ‘The Scene’ Project
• Year 10 Genesis Drama students are participating in ‘The Scene Project’, an educational initiative of Queensland Theatre. Each year, a professional playwright pens a new work and the participating school drama groups are challenged to create their own unique 15 min version of the play. It is also an excellent way of participating in professional development and enhancing existing curriculum in schools. The project concludes with local schools coming together in a professional theatre venue to share their performances.
Open Days are an exciting chance for future and current students, together with their family and friends, to learn more about the campuses, facilities, programs, opportunities and services offered at various Tertiary Institutions. It is also the perfect opportunity for those, who have not visited campuses previously, to tour around the grounds freely or on a guided tour. For a full list, see our Facebook post or contact futurepathways@genesis.qld.edu.au
Why go to an Open Day?
• Get the necessary Answers to Questions you may have
• Become Familiar with the Campus
• Consider the location and travel
• Gather Information regarding degrees, diplomas and other courses
• Talk to current and past students, academic and administrative staff.
JULY OPEN DAYS – 2023*
• TSXPO Expo: Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 July, 10am – 4pm (EKKA Showgrounds)
• UniSC: Sunday, 16 July, 9am – 2pm (Sippy Downs campus)
Sunday, 23 July 9am – 2pm (Moreton Bay campus)
• Bond University: Saturday, 29 July (On-campus Open Day)
• QUT: Sunday, 30 July 9am – 3pm (Gardens Point & Kelvin Grove)
* For all Open Day see our Facebook post or email futurepathways@genesis.qld.edu.au
6 teams played in the inaugural NISSA competition:
• Junior A team (finished 1st )
• Junior B team
• Junior Social team
• Intermediate A team (finished 2nd)
• Intermediate B team (finished 5th )
• Mixed team (finished 2nd)
2 teams played in the Vicky Wilson Cup competition
• Senior team won all their games convincingly! They moved into the grand final for the development division where they played against Bracken Ridge SHS. After a closely contested first half, the girls put everything on the line but missed out on a win by 1 point. However, it was a fantastic day with all students in the team playing very well. A great show of sportsmanship and teamwork as the girls stood shoulder to shoulder on the court. After not playing in this competition for 5 years, it is a great achievement and I look forward to seeing the team improve for next year.
• Junior team placed 3rd in their pool. With starting the day with a draw against Southern Cross, they had a challenging day ahead of them. The girls played against Netball academy schools like Wavell SHS and St Margarets and only lost by 3 points. An excellent standard of netball was displayed and this team remained resilient. They were determined to do their best and were able to win against North Lakes SC in the final round. After playing 6 games across the day, the junior team has shown great potential. I am very excited to see how this young team of athletes improve for next year.
This wraps up Netball for our Year 7-10 students this year. Our Yr 11s are heading into their BOSL season starting next term and are working hard during our training sessions.
On Wednesday, 31 May, students from Years 9-12 showcased their love for performing music at Music Through The Years. Performances included solo, duo, small group, and bands, and ranged from classical and romantic violin and piano pieces to hard rock and overdriven guitars. The stage lighting was designed by our Yr 11 student, Jayden N.
Genesis Senior Primary Choir joined with choirs from Northpine Christian College, Northside Christian College and Petrie State School to collectively perform in the annual concert, Sing 4 Joy, a combined choral event that involves Primary School choirs from the North Brisbane area.
This is a musical initiative that aims to unite and encourage students to experience and celebrate the joy of singing within a non-competitive, informal concert setting. It was also a wonderful opportunity for the choirs to listen and watch each other perform.
As part of the Music curriculum, Year 4 Music students attended an orchestral concert presented by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, entitled "Leon and the Place Between" held at QPAC. This was an opportunity to introduce student to Orchestra
This term our Year 2-3's enjoyed a visit from Eastwinds by Musica Viva who inspire students to harness their creativity by expressing their personal experiences through music. Drawing on their own diverse cultural and musical backgrounds, Eastwinds create a sound that is uniquely theirs. In this special program, teachers and students were given the tools to create and connect to each other through making music.
The Junior Primary Choir competed in the Queensland Youth Music Awards last night and were presented with a GOLD award for their beautiful and fun performance. There were also awarded second place overall.
Congratulations to the Choir, their conductor Mrs Lang, accompanist Mrs Hosking and QYMA for running such a wonderful competition.
JOE 2023 – ADVENTURE IS CALLING
LESS THAN 99 DAYS TO GO!
After a break from visiting our sister school through the Japan Outbound Exchange (JOE) we are now preparing with our Team JOE 2023 team of 35 students and 7 staff and as our blogsite ticked over to 99 days to go this week the excitement is building.
We have our itinerary set and our JOE students are looking forward to catching up with the Minokamo students who visited us earlier this year.
JOE offers cultural immersion and travel opportunities for our students in Years 8 to 11. Visiting both ancient sites and modern locations with a sister school homestay in the middle of the trip.
You can view the linked itinerary and then follow the team when we depart Term 3 Week 9 for 17 days of learning, challenges, and adventure!
https://genesis2japan.com/
Our Senior Agricultural Science students attended the Summerland Camels Farm a few days ago on a school excursion.
Here’s a review from Yr 11 student, Kyan S:
• I enjoyed the day and took away a lot of information that I didn't already know about camels and the different farming methods they use on the farm
• It was a great and very fun experience while also being helpful for the Subject academically
• I would rate it a 10/10, and definitely want to go again
Konnichiwa!
There are not only language talents that we see in our Japanese classes. We have vocabulary list for each unit, and we have been able to have personalised cover page. Thank you, Jade Haua for designing this for our last unit. They are working very hard to prepare their assessment. Who can read their names in katakana (and hiragana and kanji for sensei).
Year 5 students were taught the design process and how to apply it to a real-world scenario. They considered on how humans in civilisations all around the world have applied their knowledge of sustainable practices within their environment. Students navigated competing considerations in the design of a house that considered the needs of humans and animals. They used their knowledge of biome adaptions to influence their design and construction of their own model house.
Duke of Edinburgh develops balance, responsibility, leadership, resilience and co-operation in a choose your own adventure context. A highlight was the Adventurous Journey canoeing on Somerset Day as the sun broke the horizon.
We have three participants who have met the criteria or are very close:
• Elise E who has completed all 4 components.
• Connor A who is finishing his service coaching tennis.
• Eliza D who is just finishing her Skill, playing chess.
This is what Connor had to say about the experience:
“I have acquired numerous valuable skills throughout my journey with the Duke of Edinburgh program. Not only have I forged new connections, but I have also gained insights into areas I had never previously considered. This program has undoubtedly contributed to my personal growth, making me a better and more resilient individual. Completing the Duke of Edinburgh has instilled in me the belief that I can conquer any challenge that comes my way.”
Year 3 has had a busy Term 2 full of fun learning and new experiences. One of our learning highlights was learning how to make cool stop motion animation videos using skittles, playdoh and toys in Media Arts.
In English, we have been learning to write amazing procedures that include adverbs and clear instructions. We have even tested our procedure writing skills by making pirate hats, origami sunglasses and sandcastles.
A highlight of being in Year 3 means we can participate in cross country and the athletics carnival. We were also super pumped to try these new activities and our House teams worked really hard to win and earn house points.
In Science we have just started learning about how to classify living things using the MRS GREN acronym and using characteristics to classify animals into groups like mammals, reptiles and amphibians. We will extend on this learning in Term 3 on our excursion to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, in Week 1! Also, in Term 3 we get to go on our FIRST CAMP! We can’t wait! We will keep you posted with pictures next term.
Written by Madeleine S, Evangeline K and Gemma W, on behalf of Year 3
Family Friday’s
On 9 June, Family Friday returned complete with our second pancake breakfast for the year. The delicious brekky was provided by our Genesis P&F Association and was a welcomed warm meal on a cold winter’s morning. Following the breakfast, families joined together in Oasis Church for worship. It was a great opportunity for families to share in worship and to connect with each other.
Our Family Friday’s will be back again in Term 3, we hope to see you there!
National Volunteer Week
In May, we celebrated National Volunteer Week. This special week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and provided us with an opportunity to recognise the support Genesis receives from our many and varied volunteers.
Volunteers give to our students in so many ways - as camp helpers, through our Read Everyday program, assisting in classrooms and at sporting carnivals, through College events, at Eden Eats and of course through our Parents and Friends Association.
During National Volunteer Week we were thrilled to have the chance to connect with many of our volunteers directly to thank them for their incredible contributions.
If you are interested in volunteering at the College, please contact Main Reception.
Your child is invited to attend the inaugural Youth Sports Stars event. This event will bring together rising sporting stars, from across our region for one special morning. At the event you will hear from inspirational guest speakers who are excelling in their chosen sport. You will also have the opportunity to meet and connect with other athletes from throughout the Moreton Bay region. 7am – 9am | Tues, 1 Aug | Norths Leagues Club, Kallangur.
TICKETS
ON SALE NOW!
For more information contact Kate White k.white@genesis.qld.edu.au
SAVE
For more information contact Kate White k.white@genesis.qld.edu.au
Swim Squads
We have been in an off season so have been focusing in on team building and skill development. Our first representative events kick off in July for our seniors and juniors being the Brisbane Short Course Championships followed in August by the Queensland Short Course Championships.
One of our members, Jacobus L has been selected in the Swimming Queensland, Possible and Probable’s Shadow Squad, which has a training day this Saturday. This squad is a collection of futures possible stars in the sport.
Learn to Swim
The Swim School at Genesis has been operating at record numbers this year and our swimmers have been getting stronger and stronger in the water. Our swimming instructors attend PD every term and complete online PD modules through Lawrie Lawrence’ World Wide Swim School. Our teachers are passionate about what they do and teach to an excellent standard.
Water Safety, aquatic literacy and efficient technique are the aims of our program. Our pool is heated to 33 degrees, and we are looking forward to a great Term 3.
Multisport
We have had a successful term with the team attending many offsite events. We ran our Inaugural 1km fastest male and female at our Community and Belonging Day which always proves to be an exciting race for all involved. The team competed in the Anzac Day Criterium Relay which was an amazing day. Term 3 is promising to be a fantastic term with more events planned.
Fitness
This term we saw the inclusion of a long-awaited Athletics program within Genesis Sport and Aquatics Multisport / Fitness Centre. Coach Johnny and Will conducted a 10-week pilot program where they focused on a jump and throw program. This program was a success! With students from Primary and Secondary taking advantage of this program learning and homing in on their skills. This past term we have seen a surge of young adolescents taking control of their physical and mental well-being, becoming active lifelong fitness participant, under the guidance of our qualified fitness staff.
Tennis
This past term we have had a new structure introduced stream-ling our program. Coach Jacob has commenced with us proving to be a great asset, the children are loving their lessons with him. We have had a fun end of term with bring a friend week and come dressed as your favourite sports star. Looking forward to the GSA Tennis and Athletic Development Holiday Camp in the holidays.
Rowing
Genesis Rowing has competed in two regattas so far this term. In the first event, we had excellent results that included several first places before the regatta was called off due to high wind conditions. Last Saturday we competed in a 500m head-to-head sprint regatta, in which we again came away with a large number of wins. The hard work the squad has been putting in is paying off and we are looking forward to the final practice regatta in two weeks, with the focus of the term being the Trophy regatta at the end of week 8.
Football
What a great season we are having all teams are performing well. We have had some great home games with plenty of support from the community. All our coaches are loving showing their teams their passion for football and teaching them some life long skills.
JULY
Mon, 10 July – Fri, 14 July Year 10 Work Experience
Mon, 17 July Term 3 Commences
Tues, 18 July Year 11 Camp
Year 9 into 10 Information Night
Wed, 19 July Year 11 Camp
Thurs, 20 July Year 11 Camp
Fri, 21 July Year 11 Camp
Primary NISSA Gala Day
Mon, 24 July Year 6 Camp
Tues, 25 July Year 6 Camp
Future Horizons Breakfast (Yrs 11 & 12)
Wed, 26 July Year 6 Camp
Secondary Parent / Teacher Interviews
Thurs, 27 July Year 6 Camp
Secondary Parent / Teacher Interviews
Fri, 28 July Year 6 Camp
Sat, 29 July The Great Genesis Picnic
Mon, 31 July Year 6 into 7 Parent Information Evening
AUGUST
Tues, 1 August
Youth Sport Stars Breakfast
Thurs, 3 August Mid Winter Gala
Fri, 4 August New Leaf Day
Mon, 14 August Royal QLD Show EKKA Public Holiday
Wed, 16 Aug Pupil Free Day
Mon, 21 Aug – Fri 25 Aug School Spirit Week
Book Week
Thurs, 24 Aug
Grandparents Day (Prep – Year 2)
Mon, 28 Aug – Tues, 9 Aug Year 3 Camp
Fri, 1 Sept
Pupil Free Day