Junior School Bulletin Issue 3 / 3 March 2017
Junior School News Sydney and Canberra Tour Students from our College have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. Places that we visited in Canberra included Old and New Parliament House, High Court of Australia, National Museum, Australian Institute of Sport, Questacon, Royal Australian Mint and the Australian War Memorial. In Sydney we visited the Taronga Park Zoo. It was a truly magnificent trip and we all had a great time.
The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding of $60 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. Year 4 Camp As you receive this note, the Year 4 students have just returned from their three day camp to Tyalgum. The program looked very engaging and challenging, with plenty of fun for the students. St Andrews is committed to developing the ‘whole child’ and camps play a significant part. It provides students with opportunities to develop socially and emotionally, where they learn to adapt to new and challenging situations. The activities that the children get to experience whilst they are on camp cannot be replicated in the classroom and complement what is being done back at the College.
Swimming Carnival Congratulations to Binging on taking out the annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival. It was a fantastic day with all students getting into the spirit of the competition and doing their best. A number of swimmers did their personal bests and we were able to celebrate our Age Champions. Thank you to all of the secondary school students who volunteered their time to assist at the Carnival and to Mr Manion and the Sports department for their organisation of the Carnival.
Mufti Day Thank you to all who supported the Mufti Day recently. We raised $1422 which will go towards the work of Rosies. Rosies reaches out to those most in need. They spend time with the homeless sharing friendship, a simple drink and a bite to eat. Picnic in the Playground Just a reminder that the annual Picnic in the Playground will be held on Friday 17 March on the Junior School Oval. Bring your picnic, enjoy some outstanding music and spend some time with friends. It is a fun night, so I hope you can make it. Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School
From the Deputy Head of Junior School (P-3)
be inhibiting the valuable time many parents could spend talking with their children. It is in the context of extended conversations that children expand their vocabularies, increase their understandings of the world, learn about themselves and learn the skills of using language for effective communication.
When it comes to reading and supporting children’s literacy development, parents often have a myriad of questions – perhaps you have already asked your child’s teacher some questions! Reading begins from a very early age when children give attention to books and often insist on many re-readings of their favourites. However, there is no magical formula for learning to read. Children learn in their own time and at their own pace – just as they did when learning to walk and talk.
Let your children make decisions about the books they choose to read before bed time. Definitely do not limit their reading to the homework readers they bring home. These are generally books the children can read with confidence as they practise reading aloud to you. When they get a new book help to set them up for success before they read it aloud – talk about the illustrations and the title; talk about the characters in the story; make links to your child’s previous experiences and knowledge. Reading is not a test! Help to build some understanding before they read a book aloud for the first time. Most importantly, model what it means to be an enthusiastic reader. Create a special time where everyone reads. Then talk about what you read. Read aloud the part that made you laugh and share it with your child. Some of our youngest students in P2 are already loving their quiet reading times when everyone reads to themselves!! Talk is an important key to literacy learning. Children need plenty of opportunities to interact and build a strong oral language foundation for reading. Recent research indicates that children are becoming more adept at communicating in the language of commands and demands rather than being competent in extended conversations with significant others... One of my fears is that electronic devices may
Your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, O LORD - Jeremiah 15:16 ESV Article adapted from Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETTA) publication, 2017 – with permission. Joy Schloss Deputy Head of Junior School
Chaplains Chat
Japanese News Japanese Club Our Japanese Club is held on Tuesday at first break. Each week a different Year level is able to attend. The Year 6 language monitors, along with staff members - Taki Sensei, Ms Puxley and Mrs Hinze will assist with the Club each week. We hope your child enjoys the Japanese Club experience.
The Year 6 Students and accompanying staff have just completed the annual adventure to our nation’s capital. It is a wonderful opportunity to take in some of the history and current structures that contribute to our nation being arguably the best place in world to live. It is inspiring visiting such places as the War Memorial and the Institute of Sport where we are able to look back over the action and achievements of past Australians that have shaped the very fabric of who we are as a nation. There is, of course, the investigation of how our nation’s political system functions and in preparation for this the students have been looking at government structure and important concepts such as our Australian Constitution. Our carefully crafted treatise that is the touchstone of all decisions that are made down through the past century since the inception of our nation. All the rulings by our governments need to align with what is documented within it. At a basic level it can be compared to how the Bible functions within our Christian life. Ideally, all our actions and aspirations are aligned with what God has conveyed to us through His Word recorded at the time of Christ. It is an interesting exercise to compare the two documents. On one hand our Australian Constitution was compiled by a group of people to ensure fairness and equality for all in the future. While the Bible was written to ensure that God’s will and action of rescue was recorded for future generations. As this was investigated by myself in a Year level chapel with Year 6 it was interesting to note how our Constitution has been reviewed and altered down through the decades as ‘errors’ have come to light. At this time, the need to suitably include the presence of our indigenous brothers and sisters within it is under investigation. At the same time, the Bible has stood the test of time with the text we read today still the same as that recorded in documents such as the Codex Sinaiticius which is still in physical existence even though it was written in 340 AD. It is very reassuring to know our faith is based upon Christ who is the same yesterday, today and forever and His love for all people never changes. May we continue to live in this love and care as we endeavour to have it inspire all our actions and aspirations in the year ahead here at St Andrews. Graeme Schache Chaplain
Collaboration with the ELC Our hoshi club members and language monitors recently visited the ELC during the ELC Japanese time to share their knowledge about the upcoming Japanese celebration - Hinamatsuri - Girl’s Day. It was wonderful to see these students interacting and using the Japanese language with our youngest learners.
Student Acheivement Congratulations to Isabella Seymour 6B on receiving 100% on her external Japanese exam, level 2.
P & F News The P & F Committee for 2017 are as follows: President: Julieanne Andrews Vice President: Jeffrey Bauman Secretary: Nicole Ainger Treasurer: Julie Dignan We look forward to seeing you at some of the events listed below. The first P & F Meeting is Wednesday 8 March 7.00pm in the J Block Boardroom (J10). We welcome all parents and guardians to attend. Picnic in the Playground is held in first Term down on the Junior School oval, this will be on Friday 17 March 5.007.00pm. This is an exciting evening with entertainment from students at the College and will also feature a jumping castle and photobooth. It is a great opportunity to meet new parents and families. Mr David Bliss our new Principal will be attending and this will be a great social event for all families to introduce themselves to him. There is a sausage sizzle with BYO drinks as well as a coffee van onsite. The P & F would like to invite all the families of St Andrews to attend making a great community evening.
Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese
ELC News The ELC has been buzzing with excitement visiting the Junior School Library each week.
St Andrews Fete 2017 College Fete - 20 May 2017 SATURDAY 20 MAY 2017 The first Fete meeting is Wednesday 8 March 3.30pm in STSchool ANDREWS the Junior Library.LUTHERAN Meetings willCOLLEGE be held every fortnight from this date. 10AM to 4PM Donations of chocolates and bottles of wine are required for the College Fete as we arePRIZES running *the Chocolate Bed * RIDES * RAFFLE SHOWBAGS * and Wine* COFFEE Bottle Lucky Dip. Wine must be dropped off to * CENT AUCTION * LIVE MUSIC * the Collge* by an adult. All donations can be taken to the Junior FOOD MARKETS * CRAZY HAIR * ART * School* Administration Office, Junior School Library or*Cecile TALENT SHOW * HOUSE OF HORROR Ryan Centre.
* CHOCOLATE BED * TATTOOS * & MORE! *
Junior Kindy take half of the group each Monday, and on Tuesday Pre Prep 1 & 2 visit. They sit and listen to stories and are finding out about all the books and the workings of the Library. Thank you to Mrs Dalby who prepares books for the children. Bronwyn Waters ELC Director
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please contact: fete@salc.qld.edu.au
DONATIONS REQUIRED
* BOTTLES OF WINE * CHOCOLATE Please bring to Junior Administration or Libraries
STALL HOLDERS WANTED Please contact: fete@salc.qld.edu.au
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Please contact fete@salc.qld.edu.au
VOLUNTEERS INDUCTION Our next Volunteers Induction will be held at 9.00am Wednesday 8 March in the Junior School Library. Everyone who volunteers in the College is required to have attended this workshop which covers such issues as Valuing Safe Communities, Child Protection, Privacy and Fire Evacuation. Please register with Karen Deacon either by emailing: jsadmin@salc.qld.edu.au or by phone 5568 5901. A reminder to all existing volunteers that we request you to sign in and wear your name badge at all times while volunteering in the College. If you do not have a current name badge then once again, please contact Karen Deacon. We value highly the wonderful support all Volunteers offer the College in their various roles either in the classroom, on excursions, in the Library, Tuckshop, Uniform Shop or as Traffic Safety Attendants. These are just a few of the places where we find you helping out and we thank you for all you do. A welcoming cuppa and morning tea will be provided from 8.45am. Just come straight after drop-off and enjoy some social time.
Dates to Remember Monday 6 Year 6 Sydney/Canberra Trip Recovery Day Prep Parents Coffee Morning at Dunes Cafe, Palm Beach after drop off Tuesday 7 Junior School Chapel, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Wednesday 8 Years 4-6 (SLAPS) Swimming Carnival – St Peters LC Indooroopilly Volunteers Induction, Junior School Library – 9.00am P & F Fete Meeting, Junior School Library – 3.30pm P & F General Meeting, J10 – 7.00pm The Idea of North Concert, Redeemer – 7.00pm Thursday 9 1B Parents’ Dinner, JFK Woodfire Kitchen & Bar – 6.30pm Tuesday 14 Primary SEQ Qld FUTSAL Comps Oxley Futsal Centre Brisbane – 14 & 15 March Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm 3-Way Conferences from 3.15pm Wednesday 15 3-Way Conferences from 3.15pm Friday 17 P & F Picnic in the Playground, Junior School lower oval – 5.00pm
*ADULT BALLET & STRETCH CLASS*
WE WANT your recycled objects please! Can you please collect your tissue boxes, toilet rolls, paper towel rolls and egg cartons and send them to the Senior Art Room - Year 3 will thank you!
Animi Dance is offering a casual Ballet and Stretch class for adults this year. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Whether you’ve danced in the past and would love to again, have always wanted to or just want to have fun while getting fit, this class is for you. 4:15pm – 5:00pm each Tuesday in J Block/demountable building on the top oval. Cost is $10 per class, pay as you go. All you need to bring is yourself and your smile! Any queries, please contact Tina Tanguy at: tinat@salc.qld.edu.au
St Andrews Fete 2017 SATURDAY 20 MAY 2017
ST ANDREWS LUTHERAN COLLEGE
10AM to 4PM
* RIDES * RAFFLE PRIZES * SHOWBAGS * * COFFEE * CENT AUCTION * LIVE MUSIC * * FOOD MARKETS * CRAZY HAIR * ART * * TALENT SHOW * HOUSE OF HORROR * * CHOCOLATE BED * TATTOOS * & MORE! *
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please contact: fete@salc.qld.edu.au
DONATIONS REQUIRED
* BOTTLES OF WINE * CHOCOLATE Please bring to Junior Administration or Libraries
STALL HOLDERS WANTED Please contact: fete@salc.qld.edu.au
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Please contact fete@salc.qld.edu.au
St Andrews Fete 2017 St Andrews Fete - Saturday 20 May 2017 - 10am-4pm It is time for all students and families to get excited and enthusiastic for this years College Fete!! They only come around every two years and this will prove to be the best yet. The Fete Committee are requiring a lot of community support to make this a success ranging from donations to volunteers. Fete Meeting The first Fete meeting is Wednesday 8 March 3.30pm in the Junior School Library. We will keep you updated via this article on when the next meeting is. Donations Required: » Prizes for the Cent Auction » Bottles of Wine (delivered by adults only please) » Blocks of Chocolate All donations can be taken to the Junior School Administration Office, Junior School Library or Cecile Ryan Centre. Guinness World Record Attempt A Guinness World Record will be attempted of 500 capes in one area on the Village Green during the College Fete. This will be an official Guinness World Record which we will be aiming for. Cake Stall Closer to the time all you bakers out there, we will require cakes or biscuits and slices for the cake stall. Boxes will be sent home with your students the week before the Fete with delivery instructions for you to return the baked goods. Volunteers: will be needed to help man stalls as well as assist in coordinating the parking. All volunteers can send through their details to: fete@salc.qld.edu.au It is the College community help which makes this day exciting for all students and our local community. To get in touch and be a part of this great day please contact: fete@salc.qld.edu.au Stall Holders We are looking for stall holders to join us at the Fete. All parents or families are invited to have a stall, there is a small charge for hire of the site, anyone who would like information please enquire at: fete@salc.qld.edu.au
Sponsorship of Prizes for Cent Auction Once again we will be holding a Cent Auction at this year’s Fete. Its success is dependent on community support and your generous prize donations. So if you have a business or know anyone who would like to donate an item that can be used as a prize we would be very grateful. Please contact Jessica Russell on 0408 125 310 or russell.lj@bigpond.com Those businesses that donate prizes will be recognised with their business’s details displayed on Fete day and in a list of prize donors in the College Bulletins and Newsletters in the lead up and immediately after the Fete. A big thank you to the following businesses for their generous donations to the Cent Auction! Bunnings, Burleigh Burleigh Brewing Company Currumbin RSL Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Doughnut Time Draculas Dreamworld Epic Skate, Tweed Heads Furniture N More, Burleigh Grill’d, Robina JFK Woodfire Kitchen & Bar Kaiser Craft, Robina Kidz n Play, Robina McDonalds Mudgeeraba Cutting & Colour Shoppe Norwex - Consultant Shavaun Brazel Pancakes on the Rocks PHJ Services Plantation House Cafe Rocks Resort, Currumbin Spot on Lawn & Garden Maintenance Super Cheap Auto, Robina Club Talle The Arts Centre Gold Coast Tupperware - Consultant Nurit Dimanstein Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts Vapiano, Surfers Paradise Witches Falls Winery, Mt Tamborine Xtend Barre, Burleigh
WANTED: * VOLUNTEERS * STALL HOLDERS * DONATIONS * SPONSORS
For more information please contact fete@salc.qld.edu.au
Picnic in the Playground Friday 17 March Junior School Playground
5:00pm - 7:00pm Please come and join the College community for our Term 1 social event. sausage sizzle & drinks for sale. * * * *
Raffle Live Music BYO Drinks Jumping Castle
* * * *
Sausage Sizzle Undercover Area Playground Photobooth
Please RSVP by Saturday 4 March pandf@salc.qld.edu.au
POSITIVE PARENTING
How to get kids off to school on time without yelling, whining or constantly reminding! By Michael Grose If you struggle with peace, harmony and getting kids focused on school these 6 suggestions will help your mornings run a littler smoother. Getting kids to school on time can be infuriating and anxiety-inducing for parents, especially if you work! The clock just keeps ticking and doesn’t make allowances for morning meanderers. It’s easy if your child is the brighteyed, bushy-tailed type who wakes up ready and focused for school. But what if you have a child who
needs time to wake up, and is easily distracted by the television, a pesky sibling or even the family pooch that wants to be patted? What if you have a child who drags the chain and wouldn’t get to school without at least five parental reminders to hurry up? In these cases mornings can be chaotic and very stressful.
If you struggle with peace, harmony and getting kids focused on school these suggestions will help you make mornings run a littler smoother.
1. Prepare as much as you can the night before It may be stating the obvious but the less that children have to do in the morning the better. So putting clothes out, preparing lunches and snacks and having school bags packed and ready the night before will mean there is less decision-making and less for everyone to worry about in the morning.
2. Identify and overcome distractions As mentioned above, children can easily be distracted before school. If possible remove distractors such as televisions and digital devices. Allow them when everyone is ready for school. Minimise the impact of other distractions such as managing argumentative siblings. Stay out of these arguments as your attention usually just inflames sibling disputes. Be liberal with encouragement, affection and once-only reminders in the morning and minimise conflict resolution, arguments and angry words.
3. Make your morning routine visual If, for whatever reason, your child randomly and dreamily wanders from one activity to another then consider placing a sequenced photo chart of
parentingideas.com.au
now we know.
POSITIVE PARENTING
How to get kids off to school on time without yelling, whining or constantly reminding! 4 or 5 main activities (e.g. wake up, breakfast, get dressed, chores, pack bags) in a prominent place that he or she can refer to each morning. This visual prompt will help put some routine into your child’s morning, as well as reduce their dependence on you.
4. Delegate some responsibility Consider delegating the job of keeping a wayward child on track to a capable, bright-eyed, bushy-tailed sibling. Let me explain. If you come from a family of four or more children then there is a reasonable chance that either you or a sibling took charge of many aspects of the family routine, including getting kids up each morning and off to school. This is not so much a case of parents neglecting their responsibilities but rather letting go of the minutiae of management. When this happens a capable and caring child will generally fill the parental void. Alternatively, a parent may purposefully give that job to a child. Either way, delegation is a great way of instilling parenting skills into the next generation as well as keeping children from being dependent on their parents.
5. Make yourself scarce If you find it impossible to ignore your child’s morning meanderings or misbehaviours, or if you think that there is no way your child would get to school without your timely reminders then try keeping yourself busy.
Get yourself ready for the day and give your children the space to work things out themselves. You may be surprised how capable your child is, when no one reminds him or her of their responsibilities. A word of warning: Your child may test out your resolve by doing very little to get him or herself ready. If so, be prepared to give the next idea a go.
6. Be willing to take your child to school even if they aren’t fully ready If keeping up appearances is important then you will struggle with this idea, but bear with me. Your job as a parent is to shift the responsibility of getting to school to the person who should bear it – that is, your child. When you worry more about something than a child then that task becomes your responsibility. Mornings will always be stressful if you take responsibility for kids being at school on time. One way around this is to be willing to take your child to school even if they are not fully ready. It may mean your child has to hurriedly put his or her shoes and socks on in the car, or perhaps finish that piece of toast on the way to school. Doing this may make you feel like a mean parent but if you do it in a reasonable, matter-of-fact way then you are guilty of nothing more than putting a little responsibility the way of your child. Children will usually learn more from your actions than your words.
It’s times such as bedtime, mealtime and mornings when children transition from one activity to another that brings so much stress for parents. Often children just want to keep doing an activity they enjoy rather than go to bed, join you at the meal table or go to school as required. It’s easy to be drawn into arguments and disputes with children who don’t want to play the cooperation game. It helps at these times to stick to a known routine (that may be individual for each child); to talk a little less (cue them once but no more); and be willing to put a reasonable action or consequence in place so that children take some responsibility themselves.
Visit our website for more ideas and information to help you raise confident and resilient young people.
Special note: I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children is out. It’s available at parentingideas.com.au © Parenting Ideas 2017
parentingideas.com.au
now we know.