Dear Parents, In this newsletter, we’re trying something new and including more video content. Please tap the laptop on the right to watch my latest Principal’s Update. Blessings, Paul Sterling Principal
Please take a moment to watch the Secondary School update from Mr Taylor! Click or tap the TV below to view.
Here’s a recap on the important changes we’ve introduced over the past few months: • We’ve introduced Single Sign On (SSO) to provide you with a seamless and more secure log in process to ParentLounge, My School Connect and ParentOrbit • We’ve replaced our previous app with the feature-packed ParentOrbit – have you downloaded it yet? • After parent feedback, we have replaced Flexischools with MySchoolConnect (MSC). Through MSC, students can purchase items from Eden Eats with their ID card, purchase printing credits (secondary) and order uniforms. More features to be rolled out soon! • Watch the video update by tapping the phone!
In 1B and 1G, we have been learning all about sound! We have been conducting some exciting experiments finding out that sound is caused by vibrations, and it travels in waves! Who knew!? We discovered this by creating the old tried and true method of a cup phone! We all voted and thought that this experiment would definitely not work. Our results shocked us!!!! When the string connecting the cups together was pulled really tight, we could hear each other! Woah! When the string is tight it's able to vibrate enough to travel all the way to the other cup. The students of 1B and 1G xoxo
As the school year comes to an end and our Year 12 students approach graduation, the Future Pathways team have been helping our seniors navigate the challenging transitions ahead by assisting them in making informed decisions about their post-school options. Our students are exploring pathways to universities, TAFEs, apprenticeships, employment, and gap year programs and the Future Pathways team is there to ensure that every student is equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to make the best choices for their unique futures. The Future Pathways team have been meeting with students to help them with their QTAC applications and preferencing, signing up for ATAR accounts, submitting Early Offer applications, choosing TAFE courses and VET programs, and investigating Traineeships and Apprenticeships. The Future Pathways team will continue to be available to our Year 12 students through their External Exams and after graduation. Post graduation, our new graduates will be able contact us at qtacadvice@genesis.qld.edu.au. This email will be monitored throughout December and January to ensure we are supporting our Year 12 graduates as they step into the bright futures they have been diligently working towards.
Work experience was once again a very valuable experience for our students during the recent September holidays, with a mixture of Years 10, 11 and 12 students participating. Students undertook placements in everything from Landscape Architecture to Biotechnology, Engineering, Childcare, Floristry, and Trades. “I enjoyed working with the animals and gaining more independence and confidence doing things on my own. “ Natasha L, Veterinary Surgery. “I experienced the different areas of work and getting to ask questions about the workplace. It helped me learn some new skills in that field and to be more confident in talking to people” Caleb D, Timber Manufacturing Through their placements, students develop a valuable understanding of their preferences which has helped them confirm or refine their subject choices for Years 11 and 12, and develop essential life skills that connect to their future goals!
After one year of planning, dreaming and hoping our first Japan Outbound Exchange since 2018 spent 17 busy and fulfilling days in Japan! Our students and staff travelled to quintessential Japan destinations and participated in a huge range of cultural activities! Our 35 students (Yrs 8 to 11) plus 7 accompanying staff leaders found themselves enjoying and trying all things like: • exploring the beautiful and original Himeiji Castle • spending a time of sombre reflection in Hiroshima • Visiting the world's largest wooden building Todaiji with its giant bronze Buddha and surrounding gardens with wild deer • Being wowed at the dazzling TeamLab digital immersive art show and views from Tokyo Skytree • And of course, the fun of Disneyland for an entire day. The highlight and core of JOE, a one week sister school visit and home stay, remains the most heartwarming and fulfilling part of JOE. The staff and families at Minokamo High School showed levels of kindness, care and giving that are hard to match. Relationships were rebuilt with the students who visited us last February and new friendships created in the hoping of seeing each other next year when the Minokamo Year 9 come to visit us. Well done and tank you to all on JOE 2023! Mrs Learna Shimizu, JOE Team Leader.
Learn To Swim
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Swim Safer Week is coming soon to GSA Swim School: 20th – 26th November 2023 Swim Safer Week educates parents and children about the importance of swimming lessons and swimming safer in water. December and January Holiday Swim Clinics- pop these dates in your diary and don’t forget to book in November to secure your child’s spot. 11th – 15th December 2023 8th – 12th January 2024 15th – 19th January 2024 Term 4 ends after lessons Sat, 9 Dec We had lots of fun at our swim clinics over the September holidays Squad’s first club night was run for the season with lots of new faces – what a turn out!
Tennis • The beginning of this term has seen the tennis promotions for primary students during school! • We ended Term 3 with Friday fixtures! Gym • Little GAPP have focused on boxing and gymnastics the first few weeks of this term with the kids loving it Multisport • We ran the Multisport Aquathlon the first week of Term 4 was a fabulous day for all! Football • Football finished up with the break up party and awards a fun afternoon! Holiday Camp • GSA had our holiday camp over the holidays which was a huge success with another one planned for the Christmas Holidays, registrations are now open!
You may have seen recently, the Harp featured on “The Voice”. Did you know that you can learn the Harp at Genesis? Miss Jemma Telleman is an Instrumental Music specialist who teaches Harp here at the College. We have a unique opportunity available for one current student in Years 3 to 9 to begin Harp tuition. If you would like to apply for this position, please contact Mrs Marta Preston m.preston@genesis.qld.edu.au
Genesis families enjoyed Strings in Spring last Thursday evening. The performance featured all five Genesis String ensembles and was a celebration of Strings at the College. Lead by our Strings Captains, Bronnie Wearne and Tony Li, the evening featured solos by accomplished students across all levels and ended in a combined finale of all 93 string performers combined! Thank you to Mr Redfern and Miss Hosking for encouraging such excellence and building our Strings community.
Highlights Reel! • Nationals results – 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th,2x HC • Forum with well known dancer and choreographer Kelley Abbey • Dance Workshop at Brent Street. • Saw the show Beauty in the Beast
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2 Senior shows and 1 Junior Show were well attended! It was a spectacular event! The special piece called ‘The Passion’ shared the Gospel story through dance. Audience members had the opportunities to write a prayer on a card and place into a box for the Dance Showcase team to pray over. Many prayers were received and prayed over!
As is tradition, we celebrated the incredible contributions of all our amazing Genesis Staff this World Teachers Day! Staff from across the College came together to enjoy a hot breakfast served by our Senior Leadership Team. This year’s theme was ‘Hat’s off to Genesis Staff’, so we asked everyone to bring along their most fun hat… and they met the brief. The morning was a great opportunity to recognise all Genesis staff for all that they do in educating, inspiring and supporting our students day in and day out. We’re so thankful for their dedication and hard work.
Hat’s off!
On October 21, we reunited the Classes of 2003 and 2013 and our 2023 Genesis Alumni Reunion. Held at Eatons Hill Hotel, the reunion gave us the chance to bring out the year books and some old photos and reflect on what Genesis looked like 10 and 20 years ago. There were some funny stories shared and lots of news to catch up on. It was a great opportunity to reconnect.
The Primary Disco is always a highlight on the Genesis calendar and this year was no exception. Students in Years 3 -6 came out in force, showcasing their best dance moves. DJs Zeph and Tony kept the energy high with fantastic music, games and a whole lot of fun! Big thanks to the Genesis P&F Association and our dedicated parent volunteers without whom this event wouldn’t have been possible.
Volunteer Christmas Morning Tea On November 2, we were joined by many of our parent, carer, and grandparent volunteers for our annual Volunteer Christmas Morning Tea. The morning tea is a wonderful chance for us to thank those individuals who serve the College in various ways. All throughout the year volunteers support our camp programs, excursions, classroom reading, NISSA Gala Days and P&F events. Guests were treated to a delicious morning tea as well as a performance by our String Ensemble. It was a morning of great community connection.
Thank you to all those who give of your time and talent, you have a profound impact on our staff and students. We are grateful for all that you do!
We are excited to announce nominations are now open for our Genesis Alumni Award. The Alumni Award, launching for the first time this year, acknowledges Alumni who have achieved outstanding success in one of the following areas of service: •
Service to their profession – made significant contributions to their chosen profession.
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Service to the community – made a significant contribution to their local or global community.
We invite you to nominate either yourself or a fellow Alumni for this award. Nominations are open now and will close December 1, 2023. To nominate a past Genesis student, simply click here.
Mon, 6 Nov
Kindy to Prep 2024 Transition Day #1
Tues7 Nov
Secondary Christmas Chapel
Wed, 8 Nov
P&F Meeting
Fri, 10 Nov
Years 7-10 Remembrance Day Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival
Tues, 14 Nov
Yr 12 External Exams Finish Years 7-11 Awards Assembly Primary Colours Assembly
Wed, 15 Nov
Concert on the Green
Fri, 17 Nov
Yr 12 Last Day, Valedictory, Guard of Honour, Pre-Formal, Red Carpet and Formal
Mon, 20 Nov
Yr 11 Unit 3 Exams begin Yr 6 into 7 Transition Day Kindy to Prep 2024 Transition Day #2
Tues, 21 Nov
Years 3-4 Celebration Service
Wed, 22 Nov
Middle School Presentation Ceremony
Fri, 24 Nov
Years 10-11 Last Day Years 5-6 Celebration Service Year 6 Graduation Dinner
Mon, 27 Nov
Yr 9 Celebration Ceremony Yr 9 Celebration Dinner
Tues, 28 Nov
Primary Christmas Chapel
Wed, 29 Nov
Prep – Yr 9 Last Day Prep – Yr 2 Celebration Service
Wed, 29 Nov
Prep – Year 9 Last Day Prep – Year 2 Celebration Service