Volume 7
Issue 1
March 2013
“FOUNDATIONS OF FAITH, FOOTPRINTS FOR THE FUTURE”
ST ANDREWS LUTHERAN COLLEGE A 175 Tallebudgera Creek Road, Tallebudgera PO Box 2142, Burleigh BC QLD 4220 P (07) 5568 5900 F (07) 5568 5999 E office@salc.qld.edu.au W www.standrewslutheran.qld.edu.au
A co-educational P-12 College owned and operated by The Lutheran Church of Australia
An Authorised IB World School Implementing PYP Program
STAR FEATURES Foundations to Footprints
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20 Years Young 3 The Beginning of a New School Year
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Enriching Worship 5 Educational Adventures
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Nurturing Relationships 8 Aspiring Bookworms 9 We are Building St Andrews
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Working Together 11 Our School Leaders
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Neon for Nepal 13 Keeping up with Technology
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Leo’s Giving Back
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Making a Splash
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Real World Learning 19 Flexible Pathways to the Future
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Growing Friendships 20 Academic Excellence 21 Ready for the Road Ahead
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Past Students 23
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FOUNDATIONS TO FOOTPRINTS Foundations of Faith, Footprints for the Future The foundation of our faith is God’s love and forgiveness as enacted in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. This foundation is unshakeable – all may crumble down about us but Christ’s sacrifice will always remain an immutable fact. Scholars have endeavoured to discredit Christ throughout history and none more so than aggressive atheists such as Richard Dawkins. On close investigation though, such critics are forced to recognise that Jesus is a legitimate historical figure. This can come as surprise to some people who hold a view that Jesus is basically a mythical figure that was made up over an extended period of time. But any of us who take the time to examine historical records realise that this is not the case. Our Christian faith is based on a foundation that can be denied by opponents but cannot be legitimately refuted. St Andrews is based on this unshakeable foundation of
Christ. There is no other foundation that comes close to the certainty and solidity found in Him. This foundation enables us to form footprints in all manner of challenging places and situations. Christ’s love empowers us to be risk takers – loving those who are different to ourselves, caring for people who are challenging, reaching out to the objectionable – leaving footprints in these places is only possible through possessing faith in the foundation of Christ’s love and care. As our year of Celebration unfolds I pray that the steps we take into the future are guided by our Saviour’s love and forgiveness. We know that building upon the sure foundation he provides will only ever lead us in ways that are right and good. Graeme Schache Lay Chaplain
20 YEARS YOUNG 2013 marks the 20th Anniversary for St Andrews as a College. Our 20th Anniversary theme- ‘Foundations of Faith – Footprints for the Future’ is a fitting one. For the College Founders faith was necessary every step of the way – to purchase the land of what was then an old farm, and fight layers of beaucratic red tape of various forms of government to finally open a school, was an enormous act of faith. For those early families to entrust the education of their child on nothing more than a vision of what the College would become would have taken a great deal of faith. The foundations on which St Andrews was built was solid and strong- and has stood the test of time. These foundations are encapsulated in the College’s Mission Statement ‘Celebrating the Gospel, Nurturing the Individual, Empowering Lifelong Learners’. Our mission statement has stood at the heart of the College since its’ inception, and is the reason for its existence. Whilst the College has certainly changed over the past 20 years, the foundation on which it is built has not.
From very humble beginnings St Andrews has established itself as a leader in quality Christian Education on the Gold Coast. Opening in 1993 with just 52 students, and nothing more than a dream the College has grown to be a thriving community of 1120 students and 135 staff today. What our College is today is not the result of any one defining moment, but rather the aggregation of the gifts and talents that members of the local Lutheran Congregation, volunteers, staff, students and parents have brought to our community over 20 years. ‘Footprints for the Future’ acknowledges that we are still on a journey, with much still to do and achieve. St Andrews is still becoming, still evolving. A new Master Plan for the next 20 years was approved last year, new buildings including a Kindergarten are planned for 2015, the curriculum continues to evolve, co-curricular opportunities are being broadened, new progams such as Positive Psychology are being introduced. In some ways
these are a journey into the unknown, just as it was 20 years ago, but we can follow confidently in the footprints of those that have gone before, secure in the knowledge that God has a plan for our College. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. (Jeremiah 29:11) God has richly blessed our College, we have much to be thankful for, and much to look forward to as we move confidently into the future. Enjoy this edition of STAR Magazine. Tim Kotzur Principal
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THE BEGINNING OF A NEW SCHOOL YEAR At the start of each new school year we mark the beginning with a Commencement Service in both the Junior and Secondary schools.
2013 marks our 20th Anniversary, and so the Commencement Services took on a special focus. It was an opportunity to look back on where we have come from, as well as an opportunity to look forward to the year ahead. Students were challenged to consider what they would do to help to make St Andrews a better place, a better school? What could they do to help to improve their own learning? What they could do to care for others? What they could do to contribute to the rich tapestry of sport, arts and service programs? What would you like to be remembered for when in the future when we celebrate 50 years, and 100 years as a College? What will be their legacy to St Andrews?
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A special feature of these services is the induction of student leaders for the year. At St Andrews our approach to leadership is very much one of Servant Leadership - we lead through serving. This philosophy is made plain to the whole student body through the ritual of the Principal washing the feet of the College Captains, just as Christ did with his disciples some 2000 years ago. It was pleasing to see a large number of our students willingly embrace this approach to leadership.
ENRICHING WORSHIP Someone once quipped:
“God made man in His own image and ever since man has been making God in man’s image.” Much too often we get caught up in our image of God – what we think he is like. Instead we should be more interested in the way that God has made himself known as the dying and rising Jesus. When we know him this way we know him as the God of personal relationship who identifies so closely with his creation that he embraces and accepts all the pain and suffering of life for us. This was the faith that was presented at the whole College worship to celebrate Good Friday and Easter. The worship was enriched with performances by the Senior Choir who sang Coldplay’s - A Message and the Golden Clefs who sang Beyonce’s Ave Maria – both choirs had new conductors this term. They achieved a high standard at short notice. Madi Cockerill and an ensemble also led worship with a song of faith “Lead Me to the Cross”. The final song was led by Susie Cox and Grace Catherwood who were supported by the Preps and Year Ones who sang engagingly Donald Fishel’s Alleluia No. 1. The service could not happen without the willing cooperation of an extended group of staff and students drawn from across the College. It is this willing cooperation and preparedness to invest time and effort in preparation that contributes so much to making these successful worship times. Terry Unger Pastor
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EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURES Outdoor Education is a very important part of the school curriculum here at St Andrew Lutheran College. While it appears that the students are just having a great time in a camp environment, they are in fact learning very valuable life lessons including – identifying personal strengths, working together as a team, developing physical coordination, building self-confidence and self-esteem and age appropriate independence from Mum and Dad. This year, students in Year 4 went to Tyalgum, Year 6 to Warrawee and Year 7 to Burleigh. Later in the year Year 5 will be going to Coolum and the Year 7 classes will be heading down to our nation’s capital, Canberra.
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NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS The Year 7 camp was an amazing experience, even though it was only two days. When we first arrived at camp, we settled in and got to know each other in our LAG classes by rotations such as a dunk tank, a jumping castle, and some angry bird soccer! Once we had tired ourselves out with “bouncy” activities, we put on our swimmers and headed off for some water fun. While splashing about in the creek, nature decided to water its’ garden and the poor team trying to stay dry building shelters, got soaking wet. After we had dried off and arrived back at camp, we cleaned off and joined together to play some games with the Camp Instructors. Then, after we had munched down a delicious dinner, we reassembled in the hall and were joined by some lovely Year 12’s. The Year 12’s talked and
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played some games with us, and then Mr Casey told us a hilarious story. Just before we went to bed, Mrs Roper read us a Dr Seuss story, called “Oh, the Places You’ll Go”. When it was finally time for bed, the girls went straight to sleep, but the boys didn’t get to sleep until much later. On the second day, the boys woke up bright and early, much to the pleasure of the teachers. After we had all digested a beautiful breakfast, we bounced down to the hall full of excitement and anticipation for the tubing raft building and other activities planned for the day ahead. To most of the campers’ dismay, however, the
wet weather had made it unsafe for us to take part in the exciting things planned so instead we were taken indoor rock-climbing. Even though we were disappointed about not getting the chance to get wet and muddy, rock climbing was a blast. It was so exciting to see everyone cheering each other on and congratulating them, even if they didn’t know them well. It was with great reluctance when the Year 7’s packed their bags and headed for the bus. Camp was an amazing experience for us all and many close friendships were made on those two fun-packed and adventurous days. Joanna Loudon Year 7
le me peop spired so in ne s o a h e b e I will “Nett r. Maybe te ri w a to be w up”. when I gro r 3 a Y Mady - e
“I thought that Nette Hilton was a fantastic author. I als o loved the activities that she did with us. I would love to read all her books”. Mya - Year 3
many n has made “Nette Hilto s and lots pes of book different ty ally liked books. We re class. of children’s ur coming to o Nette Hilton stories. f o us all sorts She showed ur own o f o a story e d a m ss a cl Our d ran. We that ran an y o b a t u o ab tte Hilton fun with Ne had lots of mous”. ber she’s fa and remem r3 Caylin - Yea
“She taught us to write better stories and its structure”. Blaise - Year 3
“She ha
s inspire d me to be a great w riter”. Jasmine - Year 3
ASPIRING BOOKWORMS Author Nette Hilton visited Year 3 on Monday 4th March and Author and Illustrator Martin Chatterton visted Year 5 on Tuesday 5th March. “He came and talked about his life and how he became an author and illustrator. We fired some interesting questions at him and he drew pictures of some of the children. We laughed so much and we will always remember how much fun we had with our favourite visiting author and illustrator”. By Kalindi 5AB
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Christopher, ‘My teacher cares for me’.
Ellen, ‘I like learning Japanese’.
Zane, ‘It’s fun using the computer’.
Sasha, ‘I like learning and caring for my friends’.
It’s wonderful to be at St Andrews. Everybody has been very welcoming and really helpful. This is a rea lly good school and it’s been a great term and I’m looking forward to next term. William H 7A p very big jum drews was a n s A w St re d t a n A g Startin school. St w e n a to m g the ti e for me goin rs that put in e ch a te ly hool work. has got love u in your sc yo lp e h d n appy and to teach a t is caring, h e m ve I’ e n this school Everyo be coming to to ich l u yf jo vable in wh always rt is unbelie o sp e h T . y. o a d everyd n choose to sports you ca A Georgia D 7 The sport is b etter and the Science is WAY better. It’s go od how we get to use our iPads for wo rk. Luke W 7C
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g at St Startin s been ws ha any Andre have m ers I ! t a e gr each . The t friends t and very a are gre ful. help n B 7A Scanlo
Sam, ‘I like going outside to play in the sandpit’.
WE ARE BUILDING ST ANDREWS These words spoken by some of our new Prep and Year 7 students are quite profound. Each and every student is certainly helping to shape St Andrews into a vibrant and caring learning community.
who helps to create a better and more peaceful world, through their engagement in our Primary and Middle Years Program.
The foundations for Prep and Year 7 have been set during It is also very true that St Andrews is helping to build each a successful Term One…… We look forward to seeing where the future leads our newest students. and every student, as we strive to encourage them each to become an active, compassionate and lifelong learner
WORKING TOGETHER At St Andrews we really value the community spirit. This is never more evident than when we get the parents and teachers together. In the first term, teachers and parents had the opportunity to get to know each other a little better and to share valuable information about what is going to occur within the classroom for the year. The Information Nights were well attended by the parents and they had the opportunity to see where their children sit and even complete some school work set by the teacher. These nights provide a fantastic opportunity for parents and teachers to come together for a common goal and that is to provide the children at St Andrews with the best education possible.
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OUR SCHOOL LEADERS The student leaders have commenced the year extremely well and have been proactive; initiating programs that are benefiting our student body and the wider community. The Year 12 leaders have been running regular after school study sessions for our younger students and have seized every opportunity to show the ‘St Andrews way’ through promoting community, perseverance and grit! Our Inter-House Swimming and Cross Country carnivals gave the opportunity for our House Captains (Middle and Senior School) to build spirit and pride within House groups and our Cultural captains continued to promote the Arts and encourage performers.
St Andrews is an amazing school where learning opportunities are embraced every New additions to our leadership opportunities in 2013 include our Community day and there is also much fun to be had. Service Captains and the Leo’s Club executive (affiliate of Lions Club) who have been When you arrive at school, you can see that everyone has working tirelessly to promote service and a smile on their face. During sporting carnivals, you can ‘other centred’ thinking amongst our student see a rainbow of colours. body. The College Captains, Tia Faulkner and Beau Pett, and Vice-Captains Shari-Lee White and Ryan Baldwin have certainly set a stellar example through their work in leading assemblies and chapels and through being inclusive and approachable; often encouraging others to lead. Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
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There are opportunities to learn in and outside of the classroom. In the Junior School there are three single subject lessons which every student participates in. In Music you can learn to play different instruments and find out things that you have never heard of before. In PSPE you learn many new things such as, how to kick a football and pass a basketball. Not only all that but you can also learn another language. There are so many opportunities to learn inside the classroom and while you are playing. It just goes to show that St Andrews is truly the school to be at. Hannah Schooley and Misha Varley Junior School Leaders
We’d like to start by saying that this has been a great start to the year. There have been fantastic learning experiences and exciting adventures. Nearly a week ago the Years 4 and 6 students went on our camps. On those camps we built more teamwork strength and pushed ourselves out of our comfort zone. This year is St Andrews 20th Anniversary and we’re getting ready to kick start our amazing Fete. I’ve really enjoyed my new class-mates and amazing teacher Miss McQuade.
One of our first jobs as being a school captain was the new student orientation. We had mixed emotion. We were nervous, curious, excited but we had an overall sense of pride in our school and we could share that pride with the new families. Kye Shield and Jenson Burford Junior School Leaders
NEON FOR NEPAL On Tuesday 26th February, St Andrews held a Mufti Day called ‘Neon for Nepal.’ The purpose of the day was to raise money for families in Nepal who are not as fortunate as we are. As always, the St Andrews College community came together and donned their brightest neon to show their support and take action for a worthy cause. All money raised will go to the Australian Lutheran World Service. Thank you for your gold coin donations!
The focus for ALWS Awareness Week is ‘Health for Life’ in Nepal and the GO Team was lucky enough to visit Redeemer Lutheran College on the 5th of March to learn about the importance of sanitation, clean water and nutritious food for people in some areas of Nepal. We participated in a range of activities, with children from all over Brisbane that challenged our thinking and made us more open–minded and empathetic to the issues that others face around the world.
A huge thank you to Miss Stehn, Mrs Galway and Mr Grehan for joining us and helping to lead some of the activities on the day!
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KEEPING UP WITH TECHNOLOGY How’s your imagination? Let me take you on a virtual journey….. You are dressed and ready for another school day. You wonder if you will need your school jumper so you flip the lid on your iPad and google Gold Coast weather. In an instant you can see that today will be pleasant so off you go on your merry way. Before jumping into the car you ask mum to take a quick snap of you with your pet “Rusty” so you can add this to your Christian Studies keynote presentation about your unique and wonderful life. In the car you tap into ‘Notes’ and quickly scan through the key points about the differences between primary and secondary sources because you want to refresh your memory for the History exam today. In LAG, you get to share your picture of you and Rusty and others share theirs as well. The teacher is happily tapping away on her iPad marking the roll. She can already see that some students are at a futsal tournament and others are at the Inter Lutheran Swimming Carnival. Later, in English, you watch and sing along with the song, “We Are Australian” and you save it to your homescreen to share with dad tonight as a conversation starter for what you appreciate about being an Aussie. A soft blippity blip in your Reminders alerts you it is time for your guitar lesson. Mum will be pleased you didn’t forget.
‘Exquisite Corpse’ oil crayon drawing to show your parents because you are quite proud of it.
Later at home, you use My Spelling Test to test your own spelling, you check out A-Z Schoolbag to see what a suffix is and you watch the recording of your oral to see where you can improve before the big day. After break you work in a group to create a Popplet Now just for fun you compose a tune for your group’s (mind map) to demonstrate why it is important to study history. This is fun, looks great and is so much quicker than music gig using Garage Band. drawing it. Think this is futuristic? It’s not…….Welcome to a day in the life of a Year 7 student at St Andrews where the In Maths, you have finished your work and you see the icon of your favourite game screaming out at you to PLAY students’ learning and the teachers’ instruction are enhanced and school life is more engaging and interactive but instead you go into Maths Bingo because you are a thanks to our digital learning buddy……the iPad. responsible digital citizen and know you should only play the games the teacher allows in class. During Art, you use your camera to take a shot of your
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Karen Hamilton Year 7 Teacher
LEO’S GIVING BACK Late last year St Andrews was approached by the President of Tallebudgera Lions to form a partnership with the College and develop a Leo Club. Leo Club is a community service group affiliated with Lions for young people from Years 7-12 and St Andrews has 55 members. This is an outstanding effort considering we have only been up and running for four months. Recently the College hosted the Annual Installation and Induction for our Leo members. With proud parents, staff, Tallebudgera Lion supporters, members from other
Leo Clubs and the District Governor of Lions watching on our students were recognised for their commitment to community service. The Leo Motto of Leadership, Experience and Opportunity will ensure our young people gain valuable skills and that others benefit from those skills. To date the Leo Club have raised over $1000 for various charities through their regular Saturday BBQ at Officeworks Burleigh Heads.
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MAKING A SPLASH Our Swim Program began with practice sessions for our Years 4-7 students at the Mudgeeraba Pool from week 1. We then had our best swimmers compete at the District Carnivals at Somerset (10-12 year olds) and TSS (13-19 year olds). We had 6 swimmers qualify for the South Coast Regional Swimming Carnival. Thomas Atkinson, Amy-Lee Holborn and Kieran Croker swam extremely well at Regionals, while Mia Jenkins, Dylan Jenkins and Max Indriawan excelled to qualify for the State Championships.
Jenkins and Oliver Wheeler, managed a 4th place in the A Division at the Southern Lutheran Associated Primary Schools carnival which was held at St Peters Lutheran College. Mia Jenkins and Max Indriawan received medals as our St Andrews ‘Swimmers of the Meet’. Our Senior Team captained by Amy-Lee Holborn and Chris Graudins achieved an outstanding result in winning the B Division Championship at the Senior Inter Lutheran Swim Meet. Our 16 year Boys, Open Girls and Open Boys teams also won their Age Group competitions.
Our Inter House Carnivals were held at Somerset College Pool in week 5. Congratulations to Binging (Years 4-6) and Jubi (Years 7-12) as victorious Houses in the pool, and it I would like to sincerely thank those students who have was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and House spirit out given their best for our College and/or House Groups at of the pool as well as in it. these important College events. Many thanks also to the parents who have assisted at these Carnivals over Term 1. It has also been a very successful year for our Inter Lutheran Swim Teams. The Juniors, captained by Mia
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Middle / Senior School House Champions
Junior School House Champions First
Second
Third
Fourth
First
Second
Third
Fourth
Binging
Jubi
Wardjam
Gowandi
Jubi
Gowandi
Binging
Wardjam
Middle / Senior School Age Champions
Junior School Age Champions First
Second
Third
First
Second
Third
9 Yr girls
Saoirse Harding
Laura Mackenzie
Tayla Lawless
12 Yr girls
Mia Jenkins
Holly Burnett
Ella Atkinson
9 Yr boys
Daniel Craig
Thomas Warth
Tyran Lang
12 Yr boys
Oliver Wheeler
Finlay Wardop
Jordan Kenn
10 Yr girls
Sarah-Anne Hornsey
Ruby Di Sandro
Anisha Muncie
13 Yr girls
Jacinda Mulholland
Shanea Pagels
Ava Gardner
10 Yr boys
Jack Read
Ryan Sergi
Matthew Gabriel
13 Yr boys
Bailey Scott
Alexander
Aiden McNeill
11 Yr girls
Lucienne Billett
Alexandra Holloway
Clare Verschuure
14 Yr girls
Monique Holborn
Chloe Blake
11 Yr boys
Max Indriawan
Naithanial ThomsonSmith
Hayden Anderson
Taeley ThomsonSmith
14 Yr boys
Jackson Gisinger
Fraser Eller
William Atkinson
12 Yr girls
Misha Varley Caitlin Gabriel
Lili James
15 Yr girls
Natalie Roberts
Yasmin Morrison
Mia Roman
12 Yr boys
Jenson Burford
Perry Keatley
15 Yr boys
Benjamin Beggs
Finn McLynskey
Zak Taylor
16 Yr girls
Ashleigh Blake
Chloe Ivak
Taylor Garlick
16 Yr boys
Connor Dougherty
Dylan Jenkins Kye Wylde
17 Yr girls
Amy-Lee Holborn
Tahlia Derry
17 Yr boys
Christopher Ryan Janetzki Matthew Graudins Reimer
Indigo Spinks
Blackborough
Talia King
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REAL WORLD LEARNING This year our business students are experiencing the world of business in a more personal way. We are actively linking with our local community and businesses to develop a real-world perspective of business studies and to see business management in action. Year 11 and 12 Accounting students visited the KPMG Bundall office (one of the big four accounting firms in Australia) in February. They were privileged to hear two young Accountants discuss their careers in Business and the pathways they followed to achieve their goals. Our students asked many questions and enjoyed an escorted tour through the offices, observing and interacting with auditors, taxation and financial accountants. “I liked that we got to see what a real accounting firm looked like, and what the offices and rooms looked like. It was also good to hear from the young accountants and what they had to say about their career choice” said Mackenzie Edwards. Joshua Prince stated, “I believe I greatly benefited from the trip. Beforehand, I thought that accounting was quite dull. But then I saw that the office environment was fun and friendly and actually not dull”. Year 12 high-achieving business students are experiencing tertiary education first-hand. Thirteen students have been accepted to undertake the Year 12 Griffith University Business workshops in 2013. These students will be eligible for guaranteed admission and a scholarship to study Business/Commerce at Griffith University when they successfully complete the program. The following students are to be congratulated; Jacob Ashe, Samantha Granatelli, Jamie-Lee Hunt, Natasha Malcolm, Jessica Hinds, Kelly Glaister, Danielle Koschel, Courtney Biglands, Isabelle Sypott, Ellie Brooks, Zoe Schultz, Maddison Smith and Jazalyn Harrison-Lush.
Kelly Glaister commented, “The experience has taught me about what you actually do at University, for example, attend a lecture, followed by a tutorial. It taught me to make the most of the tutorials as they are the people who mark your assessments. I learnt about the different options at university, for example, part time/full time. It was overall a really insightful day”.
Year 11 Business Management students went to Robina Town Centre to undertake market research and to develop a better understanding of how businesses market their products and ideas. The students were well received by the local businesses. They got to talk to the staff in the stores and collect data on their marketing activities. This information will be invaluable to the students when they Zoe Schultz said, “I enjoyed everything about the day! But undertake their assignment. I loved the group work the most during our assessment Year 12 Business Management students while studying as I got to meet new people and we communicated with each other really well in order to produce our assessment Human Resources developed a survey to investigate employment engagement with Generation Y. The students answers”.
interviewed more than fifty people from the real world who were working in a wide variety of workplaces and industries. They compiled the results of their survey and learned from this how to engage and motivate Generation Y in the workplace. This type of real-world learning really does engage our students and helps to make learning more interesting and fun.
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FLEXIBLE PATHWAYS TO THE FUTURE On Monday February 13 the Year 10 students took part in Day One of the careers and work education program, Destinations in which, after a general introduction in the Ruth Butler Theatre outlining the program, each student worked their way through four workshops aimed at promoting self presentation skills. The four workshops focused on producing a perfect letter of application, creating a professional resume and an interactive session on investigating individual career interests.
March 12 saw the annual University Showcase roll up for an expo and entertaining information sessions presented to the Year 12 students by representatives from Australian Catholic University, Bond University, Christian Heritage College, Gold Coast TAFE, Griffith University and Southern Cross University. This is always an exciting and well received event as it truly kickstarts the whole university research process for our Year 12 students considering going on to further education.
The fourth session was an information event presented by a representative from the Australian Tax Office which gave all Year 10 students the opportunity to apply for their TFN (Tax File Number). Year 10 students are currently busy organising employers for their week of work experience scheduled for the last week of Semster One.
Four of our Year 12 students are undertaking university studies early as part of their Year 12 timetable by taking part in the GUESTS program at Griffith University and the SFAS (Student for a Semester) at Bond University. Recently, Brittieka Wylde (Class of 2011) came to talk to the Year 12 students about her experiences in the UK last year on her Gap Year set up for her by Letz Live.
Year 12 students have begun their exam technique preparation specific for the QCS (Queensland Core Skills) test with two separate, but full day workshops facilitated by Mighty Minds aimed at honing their writing skills for the Writing Task and their literacy and numeracy skills for the short response item test papers.
Several senior students have opted to undertake school based traineeships and certificate courses this term as part of their Year 11 and 12 curriculum with recent traineeships established this term in Hospitality, Children’s Services, Health Services, Electrotechnology, Education Support, IT, Tourism and Sports and Recreation (Coach Assistant).
GROWING FRIENDSHIPS This term the Girls With a Purpose program was run each Wednesday afternoon. It was made available for Year 8 and Year 9 girls. The aim of the program is to allow the students to talk about issues, share experiences and increase understanding of things that come up in adolescence. This year the concept of peer mentoring from some Year 12 students was introduced. This was designed to provide the girls with a “big sister” to talk to if they needed. It has been wonderful to watch the friendships build and for the Year 12’s to share their real life school experiences with the younger girls. Mardi Frost and Miranda Duncan
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Early in February a special Academic Assembly was held in As well as acknowledging the class of 2012, students in the Middle and Senior School. other year levels were acknowledged for their work in Semester 2, 2012. Students received awards for academic The special guests at this assembly were the College’s highest excellence, improvement in academic results and sustained OP achievers from the 2012 graduating class. The class of effort. It was pleasing to see a growing number of students 2012 continued the fine tradition of academic excellence receiving awards for achieving high effort grades across all at St Andrews. 23.2%, nearly one in four students achieved their subjects, because effort is a strong predictor of success an OP between 1 and 5, a truly excellent result. One of the and improvement. members of our high achieving graduating class, Erin Lloyd (who achieved an OP 1) spoke to the student body about Congratulations to every student who received an award. what it took to achieve success. In listening to Erin speak it was clear that when it comes to academic success there is no magic bullet - hard work, self-discipline, setting goals, Tim Kotzur working consistently in class and at homework, having Principal a study plan, and asking your teachers for help were all things she highlighted as being important.
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READY FOR THE ROAD AHEAD The annual College Staff retreat was held (January 21-22) amidst the beautiful ranges of Tyalgum at the Tyalgum Ridge Resort. In this, our 20th Anniversary year the theme, “Foundations of Faith: Footprints for the Future” was explored and celebrated throughout our times of worship, professional development and celebration. On the first day, Mr Kotzur guided staff through the strategic priorities for the year and aspects of Positive Psychology. In the afternoon, we were all treated to some amazing experiences for learning and creativity offered by the staff for the staff in our “Dare to” electives program. Workshops ranged from prayerful meditation to singing and cricket on the green.
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In the evening, staff were treated to a traditional Scottish Ceilidh, with tartan a plenty, staff performances, progressive dancing, bagpipes and the traditional ‘ode to the Haggis.’ I am not sure if the haggis was a treat but it was there for each of us to try. Thank you to Jenny Gooch who organised the dinner and to Ian and Callum Pert who travelled down to play the pipes and join us for dinner. On the second day, Mr Mark Bunn; former AFL Footballer, Author and Speaker spent the day with staff delivering key messages about achieving the outer success they desire without compromising their inner wellbeing. He reminded us about the timeless, simple truths about
health and wellbeing and how to use some simple techniques to help students; promoting healthy inner and outer learning environments. Staff left the retreat ready to face the challenges of the school year. Plans are already underway for our retreat in 2014! Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary
PAST STUDENTS Nicolle Dinn - 2003 Nikki graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science with honours in landscape fire ecology. On June 16, 2012 Nikki married Vaughn Morphett at the Fox and Hounds Inn, Port Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula in a medieval-themed handfast ceremony. In 2013 Nikki has taken on a Masters of Teaching (Primary) at UTas and is expecting her first child in June. Kelsey Walton - 2008 (Pictured) Kelsey trained and graduated from The Australian Dance Performance Institute (ADPI) in Brisbane, with an Advanced Diploma in Dance Performance. From there Kelsey auditioned for the Bachelor of Fine Arts Dance Performance degree at The Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and was 1 of the 16 people in Australia to be accepted into this degree. Kelsey has now opened her own dance school called Dance Classique in Currumbin Waters. Lauren Wilson - 2008 (Pictured) Lauren Wilson completed her 4 year contract with the Royal Australian Navy 2009-2013. She has now discharged from the Navy and focussing on being a mother to her beautiful daughter ‘Sommer’ (3 months) and finishing off her Certificate 3 in Childrens Services. She has recently moved from Sydney to Perth to raise her family and set up a family childcare business from home. Tara Pollock - 2010 Tara started a Journalism degree at Bond University in 2011. In Tara’s second year she was offered to intern at Channel 7 and Channel 10 in Brisbane as a news reporter, which was a goal. Tara spent 14 weeks with Channel 7 and 2 weeks straight with Channel 10. During her internships she had the opportunity to interview prominent and famous people such as Slash from Guns and Roses, Bob Irwin along with various state politicians. Tara also obtained a newspaper internship with Tweed Daily News
where she managed to get some work actually published. Tara will graduate this year and plans to move to Sydney to further her career in Journalism and to achieve her goal of being a news reporter.
Harley Wilkinson - 2011 Harley is enrolled at Griffith University to study Law. Harley is currently taking some time off and working part time before starting his degree in July.
Brandon White - 2011 Brandon is currently studying a Bachelor of Information Technology at Griffith University and is in his second year.
Sally McConville - 2012 Congratulations to Sally being awarded the Summerland Credit Union scholarship at Southern Cross University.
Brandon passed first year with the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence 2012 with a GPA (Grade Point Average of 6.56). Brandon has started his own business called, Byte IT Consulting. He is involved with the Gold Coast Pistol Club programming and writing a scoring application for their competitions.
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ST ANDREWS APP NOW AVAILABLE IPHONE & IPAD The St Andrews App is designed to keep our community connected with all of the latest news, events and notices from St Andrews Lutheran College via their iPhone or iPad.
Semper Fidelis
Celebrating 20 years 2013
St Andrews Fete 25 May 2013 Community Event Entertainment Rides
Art Exhibition Prizes Food
Family fun Day! All Welcome! 175 Tallebudgera Creek Rd, Tallebudgera
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