Junior School Bulletin Issue 12 / 22 August 2014 the best they possibly can that is the true value of performing at an eisteddfod.
From the Head of Junior School Early Learning Centre Thank you for making adjustments last Friday so that we could pour the concrete slab for the Early Learning Centre. It is a significant step in this construction of the Early Learning Centre. It was amazing to think that we laid 200 cubic metres of concrete and the Early Learning Centre will be a similar size to the Multi Purpose Hall. It promises to be a great facility.
Literacy Rotations Thank you to all of the parents who are helping with Literacy rotations. Your help with these rotations allows the teachers to differentiate the work for the students and provide activities which are at the level of the students within that group. We want to make sure that when the students are working with the teacher that they are set activities which are slightly challenging without being too hard. Eisteddfod The eisteddfod season has just begun. It gives the students an opportunity to perform their pieces to an audience. Results will be published in the bulletins over the coming weeks. While we celebrate the results that are achieved at these eisteddfods, we would also like to acknowledge all of the hard work that is put in by the students and staff. It is that process of practicing and challenging themselves to be
Music Class Last week I popped into a Prep music class and I learned about the tonal scale. The students were singing along beautifully to the classic song from the Sound of Music – “Do, Re, Mi”. They were learning about tonal scale and used their voice and body movements to help learn the scale. This is very important for students of this age, because by using their ears and mouth as well as using body movements they use multiple senses to develop their understanding.
Student LED Conferences The Student LED Conference is one part of the feedback that is given to parents about their child’s progress at school. Students lead the conference and share with their parents what they have been learning. These will take place on Thursday 28 August. Father’s Day Stall Just a reminder that the Father’s Day Stall is coming up soon on the 3rd and 4th September. The Parents and Friends have arranged some special goodies for the children to buy for their father or grandfather. If you are able to help serve on the stall, please contact the office and we will pass your name onto the organizers of this stall. Darrin Schumacher Deputy Principal Head of Junior School
From the Deputy Head of Junior School (P - 3) What a fantastic time the Year 1 students and their families had at their Skate Disco last Saturday night, at the Epic Skate Rink, Tweed Heads.
ELC News STOP PRESS - THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE ELC HAVE BEEN LAID
Friday 15th August 2014 marked an important day as stage one in the development of the Early Learning Centre here at St Andrews commenced, with 200m3 of concrete being laid. The concrete trucks were on site well before classes commenced and by 8am the construction team had poured 45m3 of concrete, which was truly amazing sight to see! Only one slight hiccup during the pour was a concrete pump breaking down but a plan was put into action and the job was quickly under way again. A huge effort by the construction team to complete the job prior to the rain arriving on the weekend.
Many of the students, and even some of the parents, demonstrated great courage in trying out something new! There were a few wobbly beginnings, but with perseverance and commitment there was a high level of success by the end of the night. Many of the students even managed to do the Limbo on skates as the bar got lower and lower.
Parent and children Interviews have been progressing well, as we have a large number of families wanting to secure a position for their child within our Centre it is taking some time to conduct the interviews and meet with families and children. I will continue to be in contact with all families on the waitlist in the coming weeks to arrange convenient appointment times. The Early Learning Centre Philosophy will be focused on “Play-based learning: A context for learning through which children organise and make sense of their social worlds, as they engage actively with people, objects and representations.� P46 Belonging, Being & Becoming EYLF.
This function was organised by the Year 1 Class Coordinators, and once again we acknowledge the wonderful support that our College receives from our parents in so many ways. Their contributions to our community are invaluable in building relationships and supporting student learning. Thank you one and all. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another that together you may with one voice glorify God. Romans 15:5-6 Joy Schloss Deputy Head of Junior School (P-3)
The environment Philosophy will be focussed on the childrens interests needs and abilities with play based learning being the focal point. The outcome of the play is the process of learning ,helping children to understand and learn about their world. Bronwyn Waters Director Early Learning Centre
Chaplains Chat The Greatest Gift What is the best gift you have ever received? What is the best gift you have ever given? Max Lucado shares the following short anecdote in his book “Dad Time” My dad repaired oil-field engines for a living and rebuilt car engines for fun. Dad loved machines. But God gave him a mechanical moron…a son who couldn’t differentiate between a differential and a brake disc. My dad tried to teach me. I tried to learn. Honestly, I did. Machines anesthetized me. But books fascinated me. What does a mechanic do with a son who loves books? He gives him a library card. Buys him a few volumes for Christmas. Places a lamp by his bed so he can read at night. Pays tuition so his son can study college literature in high school. My dad did that. You know what he didn’t do? Never once did he say, “Why can’t you be a mechanic like your dad and grand dad?” The greatest gift you can give your children is not your riches, but revealing to them their own! When we read an account like this it encourages us to reflection – what might be the greatest gift we have blessed our children with? We have been celebrating Faith as a concept in Chapel this term, exploring how it impacts our life and provides us with a new lens to view life through. Mr Nelson conveyed to us that Faith is a gift we receive from God. Our eternal safety is assured due to God’s Grace. Which is God’s goodness towards us despite us being completely underserving of it. As we act in Faith we are freed from all our fears. We are freed from having to prove ourselves all the time. We are freed to love with hearts that are true. All of this is a Gift from God as we live by the Faith he grants us. Perhaps the greatest gift I received from my Dad was of forgiveness and mercy. On one particular occasion when I stuffed up and expected significant retribution, I received acceptance and compassion. In hindsight this may have shaped my outlook on life more than I realise. As we humble ourselves before our heavenly Father our lives are shaped by his love too. I pray this might be true for all of us as we receive the wonderful gift of Faith from Him.
Graeme Schache Chaplain
Counselling Update Two of the ten Learner Profiles that we teach at St Andrews as part of the IB program are being RISK TAKERS, and being OPEN-MINDED. Both of these attributes are essential for a balanced education. If children never tried anything new they would miss so many opportunities to learn. If they didn’t have an open mind they would find it very difficult to accept diversity in other peoples values, cultures and decisions. I found this article online a few weeks ago and it enforced a different side of risk-taking and open-mindedness in our children that I hadn’t really thought of. That is, the importance of being able to say no. I have put the entire article below. I am interested to hear your feedback. Let Her Say No – by Stephanie Giese http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stephanie-giese/ler-hersay-no_b_4646586.html?utm_hp_ref=tw One of the most important parenting decisions we have had to make so far happened in the middle of the county fair. We were exhausted. Our house was on the market; our youngest daughter, Penny, was an infant, and our older children were still young - ages 5 and 3. One night we decided that, in the name of providing good memories and life experiences, we would brave the crowd and the insane parking and fork over the cash to take the kids to the county fair. We pushed our stroller around barn animals and bought cotton candy and stood in line forever for ride tickets. Nicholas, our oldest, was in seventh heaven, dragging us all with him as he sprinted from ride to ride, some of them two or three times. Our middle daughter, Abby, was too scared to get on the rides. My husband tried to encourage her, but she kept saying no. At first we were both a little frustrated. We had driven past these rides several times for the past few days, and each time she would beg to stop the car so that she could go on the merry-go-round. But now she had tears in her eyes and fear in her heart as she stood in front of the giant slide or next to the Ferris wheel. As I listened to Eddie try to coax her onto the rides, my heart sank. It was no fault of his. He was being a good dad. He just wanted to show her that she could overcome that fear and have fun. “Come on, honey. I’ll be right here with you the whole time. You don’t have to be scared. You can trust me. I love you.” I knew. I knew in 10 or 12 or 20 years she would hear those same words from another boy or another man, but the stakes would be much higher.
And when my daughters hear those words, as I know they will, I want them to be able to say “no” -- and say it over and over again if they have to. Because even after they say the words there will be still be coaxing and temptation and misplaced logic, even if it comes from men with the best of intentions and with the purest of upbringings. It is our job to teach them that they never have to do something that makes them uncomfortable. Even if it means disappointing someone. Even if that someone is me or their father or the love of their life. No means no. Always.
Junior School Library News Could you design an App? ICLT Day – APP CREATION (using Blippit – An app creator) On Monday 4th August, a select number of students from Year 5 and 6 challenged themselves to create a web based app. Their task was to produce an app designed to teach another student about a topic that they are an ‘expert’ in. This day required the students to be open-minded, reflective, creative and courageous in order to apply creative and critical thinking skills.
We can tell them with our words, but if they have never seen it work in practice, how can they understand? If they have always been coaxed into doing things that they did not want to do in the name of “fun” and making other people happy, how can we expect them to stand up for themselves when it matters? We have to show our daughters (and our sons) RIGHT NOW that we respect their “no.” It doesn’t matter if she is only 3 or that I know she will enjoy the merry-go-round if she gives it a try. The York County Fair is the perfect place to practice when the stakes are low. We can plant seeds of encouragement in our girls at the same time that we let their brothers see examples of what their reaction should look like when someone says no. I pulled my husband aside and explained what I thought we needed to do and he agreed. Seeing the relief in my daughter’s face as her daddy hugged her and told her he would never make her do anything that made her heart feel bad was worth a million wasted ride tickets.
INSPIRATION The day began with inspiration from 12 Year Old App Developer Thomas Suarez. EVALUATING & CRITIQUING In order to create an effective app, it is important to identify what makes an app successful. Students worked collaboratively to critique the apps published on Planet Blippit.
Yes, we walked away with extra tickets, passing them on to another family who was entering the fair just as we were leaving. It was the best $20 I ever wasted. Mardi Frost School Counselling Team CREATING & RELFECTING Once they had reflected upon the essential elements of an app, it was time to create their own.
THE PROCESS & PRODUCT Students’ app topics included writing and reading ideas, computer games and helpful resources to support younger students with inquiry units. Once an app is considered to be finished by the student, they send it to be approved. Once approved it is then published. This process is to ensure accuracy and to reflect good digital citizenship in practice. All the completed St Andrews Lutheran College Junior School apps are available on the Planet Blippit website. FEEDBACK The students appeared to enjoy the experience. It seems that it “was the best day ever!” See what they had to say on the Padlet (post it notes online). SOME OF THE REFLECTIONS ON THE DAY “Today has been one of the best school days. I have learnt multiple internet skills and how to make an app. I hope my app comes in useful!!!” “BEST DAY OF THE YEAR!” “Today was amazing! Today I learned how to use blippit. Definitely the best school day ever! Making an app is so fun!” “Today I learned how to make a bibliography online with CiteThisForMe! One of the best days this year!!!!!!!!!!!And how to use blippit! Hope my app is useful for everyone.”
Julia Boulton Teacher Librarian Innovation & E-Learning Leader juliab@salc.qld.edu.au
Japanese News Junior school Japanese classes have had two visits this term from Japanese students.
Our first visit was from Higashino students, students from our sister school in Japan. They introduced traditional Japanese games to our Year 4 Japanese classes. We also welcomed 68 Japanese students to our College for a half day visit. These students entered Year 3-6 classrooms and also attended our assembly. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to communicate with children from Japan. Congratulations to all students who participated in the MLTAQ Japanese Speech Contest. We are all very proud of your hard work. We received the following results. Year 4 Sienna Dalby – Highly Commended Eliza Thorpe – Highly Commended Year 5 Nina Hill - 1st place Joel Lupton – Highly Commended Amy Dignan – Highly Commended Year 6 Bronte Good - 1st place Sarah-Anne Hornsey – Highly Commended Minnasan Yoku Dekimashita. Sharon Taki Junior Japanese Teacher
Art News Congratualtions Golden Clefs on a wonderful performance at the recent Gold Coast Eisteddfod.
both as performers and active audience members. From a teacher’s perspective, it was so positive to overhear our students congratulating those from other schools on their dazzling performances. Choral singing is an integral part of arts education. On a secondary level, it provides a sense of real belonging while reaching out to the community. All students at St Andrews (Years 1-12) are invited to join our choirs throughout the year. Cultural Awards 2014 Over the next few weeks we will be collating information to determine the awarding of Cultural Awards for 2014. In the Junior School this process is based on rolls for our groups and gathering information from PAT Staff re exams or Eisteddfods. The criteria is as follows: Essential Criteria for all levels: Active Participation in school cultural activities Bronze Award This is awarded to students who have been involved in several ( 3 – 4 ) cultural groups/activities throughout the year OR Passed Grade 5 or above in Music, Dance or Speech & Drama Exam OR Are nominated for outstanding contribution to a school ensemble/activity Silver Award Grade 5 or above in Music or Speech & Drama Exam + involvement in cultural groups/activities throughout the year OR Major Award at Regional level (GC Drama Festival / Eisteddfod Championships etc) Gold Award Representation at State level or equivalent in chosen discipline OR Major Award (eg. Top of State in Speech & Drama Exam) If your child has been involved in additional Cultural Activities outside of school, please email this information to priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au so that information can be included. Any enquiries regarding this event or the process of determing the awards, please email priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au Cilla Scott Head of Arts
Sport News TRACK AND FIELD Congratulations to the St Andrews students who will be competing at the Regional Track and Field Championships on September 2nd. Jack Read is in the 800m and Jayden Sonter is in the Long Jump. On the 12th August, the St Andrews’ Golden Clef Junior College Choir performed at the 33rd Annual Gold Coast Music Eisteddfod. Our students performed an outstanding medley of songs under the dedicated guidance of our choir teacher, Ms Kristine Dennis. The adjudicator congratulated all of the participants on their high standard of vocal performance. The students conducted themselves superbly
Our Inter Lutheran team will be competing on the same day and we wish that team all the best also. Congratulations to the students who have been selected to represent St Andrews. After a victory in B Division last year, we now move up to A Division for this year’s Carnival.
GOLF Emily Martin had a brilliant game at the Casino Junior Open recently. She won the girls gross score for the first time in this division. She’s now had another 3 shots taken off her handicap. Well done Emily. Andrew Manion Head of Sport andrewm@salc.qld.edu.au
Uniformshop News Special Uniform sizes for 2015 The Uniform Shop carries a wide size range of uniforms but sometimes we run out of stock of less popular sizes. If you know your child needs an extra small size or is already wearing one the largest sizes, can you please contact the Uniform Shop ASAP. We have already placed most of our orders for next year but have a small opportunity to add to the orders if needed. Jacqui Desfosses Uniform Shop Manager uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au
Dates to remember August/September August Tuesday 26 Yr 4A Bike Centre Excursion – PCYC Ashmore Wednesday 27 Yr 4C Bike Centre Excursion – PCYC Ashmore Thursday 28 Student Led Conferences Friday 29 Gold Coast Show Day Holiday September Monday 1 JS Dance Troupe Eisteddfod Tuesday 2 Southern Lutheran Associated Primary Schools Athletics Carnival Assembly 1.40pm Multi Purpose Hall Wednesday 3 Gold Coast Chess Tournament, Carrara Stadium Friday 5 Year2 Excursion to Mudgeeraba Heritage Museum Year 1 Generations Morning, Multi Purpose Hall – 9.00am Prep Disco – Theatre – 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Tuckshop News Volunteers are urgently needed in Tuckshop. If you have an hour or 2 available to help out, below are the duties and days required. Duties include:- Helping with the collation etc. of Tuckshop orders, The preparation of fresh sandwiches, Re – stocking of fridges, General kitchen duties, NO CASH HANDLING OR CASHIER DUTIES WILL BE REQUIRED. If you are available to help out, the following days are available for both morning & afternoon, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Monday 1 volunteer needed, Tuesday 1 volunteer needed, Wednesday 1 volunteer needed, Thursday 2 volunteers needed, Friday 2 volunteers needed. If you are interested please contact me by email at tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au or call in anytime. Trina van der Kamp Tuckshop Manager
Closing Soon! Purchase an Entertainment Book and go into the draw for a chance to win a double pass to Yatala Drive-in! Entertainment Memberships contain thousands of valuable up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from many of the best restaurants, cafés, arts, attractions, hotel accommodation, travel and much more! 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 School Administration and the Uniform Shop.
*CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE NOW*
INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships
Ten common
discipline mistakes
WORDS Michael Grose
Here are 10 common and easily avoided mistakes parents make when disciplining their children. Replace these mistakes with better techniques and you’ll be on your way to parenting easy street. Discipline is easy when children are easy. It can be downright tricky when children are difficult, have interesting personalities or are at one of the challenging developmental stages. It’s with kids in these difficult categories that
4 Setting no limits Boundaries, rules, expectations and standards teach kids what’s expected. Boys love them. They also like to push against them, so you need a firm backbone.
we need to get our discipline techniques right.
5 Failing to follow through.
Here are 10 common mistakes I see many parents
Talk! Threaten! Nag! No way! See No. 1 above.
make when trying to get cooperation from
Keep the two actions separate so they can both be effective.
9 Deferring discipline Deferring discipline to a child care centre, preschool or school. This is taking the easy way out and teaches kids that you don’t have real authority. Have the confidence to be the authority and take a lead.
their children, keep them safe or teach them to
6 Making consequences too harsh
behave well.
10 One parent is always the bad guy
“You’re grounded for a month, Mr 6-year-old” is
This gets wearing. Also it’s hard to have fun when
Do any of these bloopers ring a bell? 1 Repeating yourself If you do this, you are training your kids to
a tad harsh and will usually bring resentment,
you are the tough cop all the time. If you are in a
not to mention confusion. Stick to the 3 Rs
two-parent situation take discipline in turns.
– respectful, reasonable and related to the
If you are parenting solo, bring sparents into the
behaviour – when setting consequences and you
act.
can’t go too far wrong.
become ‘parent deaf’. Kids learn more from respectful actions than your repeated words, so speak once – twice at most – then DO something.
7 Applying consequences when
you, or they, are angry
2 Shouting to be heard
When anger is in the air kids will become mad
You will getter better results by going below the
at you ... if they listen at all. Calmness makes a
noise baseline to get their attention rather than
huge difference to effectiveness at the point of
raising your voice.
discipline.
3 Setting limits too late
8 Mixing discipline
We’ve all made mistakes when disciplining kids. Tiredness, emotion and lack of skill can get in the way of effective discipline. But part of the evolution and growth of you as a parent involves eradicating some of your old ways, and replacing them with new, more effective, more sophisticated ways of managing yourself and your kids.
or situation is introduced (e.g. a kid gets a new
Never mix the two as it sends mixed messages.
mobile phone, a teen starts going out at night),
If a child misbehaves manage that situation. If
you will be seen to be taking away a freedom. It’s
you suspect something negative is going on in
For better, more sophisticated and more effective discipline techniques visit my online parenting manual – the Parentingideas Club. There are 1,000s of strategies waiting to be used. Take your FREE trial now at
better to set limits first then loosen them up later.
their life, then deal with that at a separate time.
parentingideasclub.com.au
If you set a limit a few weeks after new object
with counselling
from Michael Grose. Join Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advice b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did. Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu © 2014 Michael Grose
parentingideas.com.au
Father’s Day Stall Wednesday 3rd & Thursday 4th September Time
Wednesday 3rd September
Thursday 4th September
8:30am - 8:50am
Prep
Year 5
8:50am - 9:10am
Year 1
Year 6
9:10am - 9:30am
Year 2
Year 3
9:30am - 9:50am
Year 4
Great gifts for your special dad, all gifts only $5 We will also be selling raffle tickets under the bus shelter both days limited numbers available!! $2 Each or 3 for $5