Issue 4 / 20 March 2015
Junior School Bulletin
Junior School News The Importance of Practice Last week whilst on playground duty, I saw a number of students practicing on their newly acquired recorders. They were eagerly practicing putting their fingers in the correct location on the recorder and not blowing too soft or too hard to get a good sound. In order to encourage them to practice, the Music department have a recorder karate scheme. If they practice and learn to play a song they get a new ribbon for their recorder, in much the same you get a new belt when you go up a new level in Karate. One of the things that all of these children had, was a belief that they could learn this new skill. Having a growth mindset and having a belief that you can improve is important to acquiring any new skill. Picnic in the Playground Last Friday the Parents and Friends held their annual Picnic in the Playground. It was a fantastic night where the children could play freely in the playground and the parents could get to know each other a little better and help build a sense of community. We were very well entertained by the Middle and Senior School Music students. Thank you to the P&F executive for organizing this wonderful event.
Year 6 Sydney/Canberra Trip As you receive this bulletin, the Year 6 students would have just returned from their trip to Sydney and Canberra. The Sydney/Canberra trip is an important part of the Australian Curriculum, and is a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn about our Nation’s history and gain an understanding about our Democracy.
Traffic Safety Attendants Needed Last week I met with the Traffic Safety Attendants and they shared with me how much they have appreciated the cooperation, thank yous and kind gestures that they have been receiving from the parents and students. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Traffic Safety Attendants for helping to get the children to their cars safely. We are still looking out for more parents to assist as Traffic Safety Attendants. Please contact Jo-Anne Levey joannel@salc.qld. edu.au if you are able to assist. Easter Service Parents are warmly invited to join us for the P-12 Easter Service on Wednesday 1 April at 8.45am in the Multi-Purpose Hall. As a Christian community, it is fitting that we come together to reflect on God’s blessings at this important time in the Christian calendar year. Nut Free School Just a reminder that we are a nut free school. Please do not send in nut products including Nutella, Peanut Butter and peanuts. We have some students who are highly allergic to these nut products and even simply touching one of these products can have quite serious consequences for them. Your assistance in this matter is appreciated. Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School darrins@salc.qld.edu.au
From the Deputy Head of Junior School & PYP Coordinator
class teacher at any stage throughout the academic year. Our teachers are always happy to meet with you at a mutually convenient time.
Three-Way Conferences The Three-Way Conferences are fast approaching in Week 9 (Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 March) and in Week 10 (Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 March). A parent information letter has been made available on the TASS Parent Lounge detailing the logistics about how to book in for this very important gathering of student, parents and the class teacher. The reasons why we offer Three-Way Conferences in Term One at St Andrews as a form of reporting are as follows: • • • • •
To encourage students to take greater responsibility for their learning To provide opportunities for students to develop organisational skills and self-confidence To allow students to communicate their learning and demonstrate the qualities of the learner profile To engage students in the process of self-evaluation To support students and parents in open, honest and learning focused discussions
May the Three-Way Conferences be an insightful time of discussion with your child/ren! And Action… Mariel U’ren now currently a Year 7 student shares some action that resulted as an outcome for her learning: “As part of the Year 6 PYP Exhibition in 2014, I had been trying to contact an ice-cream company to seek their support for my group to sell ice cream at the Exhibition Evening. We were hoping to pass on the funds raised to an organisation that assists in the preservation of the Great Barrier Reef. However, this did not eventuate for a number of reasons. I maintained contact with the company, initially locally and then I made contact with the national office. I ended up communicating with the gentleman in charge of marketing. In a recent conversation with him, he has offered to supply single serves of ice cream which we are planning to sell at our up-coming College Fete.”
Teachers have been discussing with the students what their role is during the Three-Way Conference. Students may share: »» »» »» »» »» »»
how they are tracking with the goals they have set themselves the understanding of concepts they have been inquiring into how they are developing the attributes of the IB learner profile the acquisition of skills the attitudes they are developing areas of strength and areas identified as requiring further understanding
It is hoped that the Three-Way Conference will provide an opportunity for parents to gain a clear insight into the kind of work your child is engaging in and how they are progressing. You may be able to assist your child in setting new goals and determine what support you can offer to help them meet their goals as a result of your discussion. If you feel as a parent that after you have been involved in your child’s Three-Way Conference, you need to further clarify your understanding or you need to discuss concerns without your child being present, please contact your child’s
It is wonderful to observe this purposeful and beneficial action still happening long after the PYP Exhibition has finished. Congratulations to Mariel for this outcome and may I encourage you to look out for the ice-cream stall at our College Fete on Saturday 16 May. Mariel is hoping that the funds raised may contribute to an environmental project within the College. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 Jacqueline Faulkner Deputy Head of Junior School PYP Coordinator
ELC News
Chaplains Chat
The past two weeks in the ELC have been very busy. The children are continuing to build relationships with others and making connections with their environment.
In Chapel Services last week we looked at the Parable of the Prodigal Son, which can be found in Luke chapter fifteen.
The children in Junior Kindy have been busy exploring and building with construction and participating in lots of role playing with a strong interest in construction and emergency services. Pre Prep 1 and 2 have continued to look at themselves and their family. We welcomed Pastor Kevin and Mr Bear for “Jesus Time” in each class. Sensei came in and continued building and extending our Japanese. We also had six Year 9 students visit and complete a science experiment with some Pre Prep children. The children and staff are starting to feel connected to the community. We also welcomed some Prep students to the ELC for a play to show the ELC Pre Prep 2 children how you play in Prep. Bronwyn Waters Director Early Learning Centre
The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a well-known parable and a powerful example of the love Jesus has for us. In the parable the youngest son in a family demands his share of the inheritance ahead of time so that he can leave the family and never return. The father grants the request and the son famously spends all his money on wild living until he has nothing left to spend. The son reaches rock bottom when he hires himself out to a pig farmer and starts desiring the food he is feeding the pigs. At this point the son decides he will return to his father and ask to be treated like a hired servant, not even to resume his status as a son. When the son is still a long way off the father spots him on the road and runs out to meet him. The father had been waiting and hoping his son would return and dismisses the son’s request to be treated like a hired servant. Instead the son is welcomed back into the family and the father throws a large party to celebrate because in his words: “my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” The parable is a beautiful analogy of what has happened to humankind. The Bible declares that all of us have become “dead” even though we are living and that by nature we are lost – without God and without hope, meaning and purpose. At some point we hit rock bottom having been consumed by the darkness of the world. Those that return to God are received with arms wide open and are fully reinstated as children of God. Just as there is rejoicing over the son who returned, so there is rejoicing in heaven when people turn back to God. At St Andrews our Mission Statement starts with ‘Celebrate the Gospel’ – the good news that we know a God who loves us, forgives us and waits for us – no matter what. He doesn’t want us to be “lost” and “dead” in this world – he wants us to be “found” and he wants us to be “alive.” There is nothing better than living in God’s household and receiving all his blessings. Pastor Nathan Glover College Chaplain
Farewell Charmaine Smith
We were deeply saddened with the news that Ms Charmaine Smith, former member of College staff and current College parent, recently passed away after a long and courageous battle with illness.
Charmaine has worked as a volunteer and as our crossing lady for a number of years, and her passion, sense of fun and commitment to this community, made her a very special friend to many. Charmaine had a deep and abiding faith in the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and during her lengthy battle with her health, demonstrated to all around her the real meaning of faith in the face of adversity.
Year One News Year One’s Visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary As part of our Sharing the Planet UOI, Year One visited the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to find out about living things, their features, needs and habitats. Here is what they thought of this experience: On Friday we went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. I saw a kangaroo and I patted it. It was my first time to pat one. We went to the crocodile show. My favourite animal was the wedge tailed eagle at the bird show! - Chase Baldwin
Please keep her parents, Marie and Dennis, and her sons, Michael and Jon-Ross (currently in Year 11), the extended family and friends in your thoughts and prayers, as they mourn the loss of a special person. Charmaine touched so many other lives and will be missed by the St Andrews community. Families who are looking to offer support through practical means are asked to contact the Registrar, Janette Jestrimski enrol@salc.qld.edu.au
Junior Library News
On Friday we went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. We touched a snake. It felt soft to me. We went on the train. I felt happy. We went to the crocodile show and the lady fed the crocodile. I saw koalas and we patted the echidna. Then we patted a blue tongue lizard. - Emma Casey
Digital Literacy is an essential aspect of our daily life. Being digitally literate enables us to understand, analyse and critique information; to be creators who are able to communicate safely and responsibly. These downloadable ‘Family Tips Sheets’ developed by Common Sense Media are designed to support you in this journey with your child. (See “Parent Tips” flyer attached to bulletin.)
On Friday we went to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and my favourite animal was the cassowary. They are a dangerous bird. They like berries and eat red, blue and white berries. I saw an echidna. It has spikes and a long tongue. - Indi Dore
This is the first in a series of ‘Literacy Pickings’ during 2015. If you have any questions about how we are teaching digital literacy please contact me at juliab@salc.qld.edu.au Julia Boulton Teacher Librarian Innovation and E-Learning Leader
It’s called seisou katsudou 清掃活動. The jobs change every semester (in April, September, and January).
Junior School Japanese News Year 2 students this term have been learning about the responsibilities that Japanese children have at school. Students were interested to learn that Japanese children clean their classroom, so we had many inquiry questions that we emailed to Fuzoku Elementary School. 1. Why do students have to clean the classroom? It’s part of our responsibilities as students. The teachers say we have to. It’s on the schedule. 2. Why don’t the classrooms have carpet? There has never been carpet at school. It’s not common in schools. It’s easier to keep clean and it’s easier to wash the (linoleum) floor. 3. Is there a school cleaner? No, there isn’t. We have a groundskeeper who cuts the grass, trims trees, and does outdoor work. Teachers clean the pool in summer. 4. Is it fun to clean the classroom? Yes, I like it! It’s time I can spend with my friends so it’s fun. We enjoy the sense of achievement it gives us. We are able to enjoy being in a clean environment. 5. What are the cleaning jobs (clean the floor etc) ? What are their cleaning responsibilities? Raking leaves in the fall. Cleaning the floors in the classrooms, stairs, and hallways. Cleaning the washrooms. Dusting and wiping down desks. Collecting the garbage. Vacuuming the Principal and Vice Principal’s rooms. Cleaning blackboards and removing chalk dust from the erasers. Cleaning the rabbit cage. Sweeping. 6. Why do some children wear a mask when cleaning? Masks are for people with allergies. Masks are for people with colds and to prevent others from catching a cold. They aren’t used for cleaning. 7. When do they clean the classroom and is it everyday? Yes, it is every day. It is after lunch and the lunchtime break, and before the fifth period of the day for twenty minutes each day. We clean in teams which consist of members from each grade and teachers supervise and participate in the cleaning activities too.
Some students decided to take action and vacuum our College offices. Taki Sensei JS Japanese Coordinator
If you have any questions regarding sport, please contact me at: andrewm@salc.qld.edu.au
Sport News District Sport Carnivals and Trials Students are reminded to email or see me if you are interested in attending District Sport Carnivals and/or Trials which are listed under Sport on the College website. Reminders will be in student notices and various College News sites as trial dates approach, but it is every students’ responsibility to research the dates and contact me if they are interested in such events. Inter Lutheran Swimming Our Years 4-6 Swim Team recorded possibly our best result ever by finishing second in the A Division of the Southern Lutheran Associated Primary Schools Swimming Carnival last week. Our team captains Saoirse Harding and Tom Atkinson set a great example in leading the team. Our 10 years girls team finished 1st in their age group, with outstanding performances from all of the team members. Our ‘Swimmer of the Meet’ medals were awarded to Scarlett McMurtry and Ethan Read for their outstanding Division 1 performances across all strokes and relays. Even more impressive was the way that all of the students contributed. I think it is the first time that I can recall at a representative carnival where every student selected attended and every student competed in every race that they were selected for. That is what makes this such a great team effort. Thank you also to the many parents and friends who attended and supported the students’ efforts in the pool, it was truly a most enjoyable and successful day of competition. Cross Country The St Andrews Years 4-6 and Years 7-12 Cross Country Carnivals will be held on the last day of Term 1, Thursday 2 April. The Years 4-6 Carnival will be in the morning and Years 7-12 in the afternoon session. The venue will be Schuster Park as usual. More information will be circulated very soon. Student Achievement St Andrews’ students continue to achieve outstanding results in sporting events. Swimming Scarlett McMurtry, Tom Atkinson and Ieuan Watkins have all been selected in the South Coast Swim Team to go to the State Championships in Brisbane at the end of March. This is a very high level of competition for swimmers and we wish them all the best as they attempt to qualify for the Queensland team. Past Student: Surfing 2013 graduate Ellie Brooks had a big win recently in the Burton Automotive Women’s Classic in Newcastle. This was a World Qualifying Series event. These events are the next level down from the prime World Championship Tour events (such as the Roxy Pro at Snapper Rocks). It is the biggest win of her career so far and the prize money was about US$2000.00 for the win.
Andrew Manion Head of Sport
Dates to Remember - March/April MARCH Saturday 21 Year 2 Family Easter Picnic, Schuster Park – 10.00am Monday 23 P1 Parents’ Coffee Morning, Plantation House – after drop off Tuesday 24 Chapel, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Scholastic Book Fair, Junior School Library – 8.00am to 4.00pm Three-Way Conferences – 3.00pm to 5.30pm Wednesday 25 ALWS Awareness Day Excursion, Redeemer Lutheran College – 7.30am (selected students) Scholastic Book Fair, Junior School Library – 8.00am to 4.00pm P-3 Mini Cross Country, Lower oval – 12.35pm Three-Way Conferences – 3.00pm to 5.30pm Thursday 26 Year 6 NAP Science and Literacy Tests Scholastic Book Fair, Junior School Library – 8.00am to 4.00pm Mini Musos Open Rehearsal, Ruth Butler Theatre – 3.30pm Friday 27 Year 6 Parents’ Coffee Morning, Plantation House – after drop off Scholastic Book Fair, Junior School Library – 8.00am to 4.00pm Year 3 Disco, Doodle Bugs, 6.00pm P2 Parents’ Dinner, Finders Keepers, 7.00pm Saturday 28 Year 1 Swimming Morning, Miami Aquatic Centre – 10.30am Monday 30 Three-Way Conferences – 3.00pm to 5.30pm Tuesday 31 Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm Three-Way Conferences – 3.00pm to 5.30pm APRIL Wednesday 1 ELC & P-12 Easter Service - All Welcome - Multi Purpose Hall - 8.45am Thursday 2 Years 4 to 6 Cross Country – 9.00am to 11.30am Prep Easter Hat Parade, Multi Purpose Hall – 2.00pm End of Term 1
P&F News
Tuckshop News
Our General Meeting was held last Wednesday 11 March and it was great to see so many at the meeting. That is the biggest meeting I have seen in a long time and everyone was so enthusiastic to find more out about our College community. Please come along, especially now as the Fete is getting closer, we need all the College community to be involved and want everyone to feel like they are making a contribution to this year’s Fete.
Cashless Cards Over the past couple of weeks we have introduced Flexi School cashless system. Students and staff are able to make purchases by using their student/staff cards on their Flexi Schools account. This service is only available to students from Years 7 – 12. Junior School will still need to bring cash for purchases.
It was agreed at this meeting the P & F will provide the funds to put up a permanent shade and weather structure outside the Tuckshop where the tables are exposed. This will be completed sometime in Term 2. Our next meeting will be held in Term 2 on Wednesday 10 June. Picnic in the Playground The annual ‘Picnic in the Playground’ was held on Friday 13 March and it was a great success. I am still astounded at the talented musicians we have at the College and the P & F would like to thank the students for giving up their time to perform.
The procedure to have this service available for your child is as follows: 1. Have your son/daughter’s Student ID card associated with the photocopier (CRC). 2. Log into Flexi Schools www.flexischools.com.au 3. Add student ID number (this is located under your child’s name written in blue). 4. Once this is done (in this order ONLY) the card will be activated. From here you will be able to set a daily limits and also view transactions online. If your son/daughter has any problems, please come and see me in Tuckshop during break and we will help them on their way. Did you know that we make many items here onsite? To see what items are available, check out the menu available on Flexi Schools and look out for the “Homemade” symbol. Volunteers Needed Volunteers are required at Tuckshop, if you have an hour to spare to restock fridges, freezer etc send us an email or drop in. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Trina van der Kamp Tuckshop Manager tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au
PRE-ORDER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BOOK NOW!! Digital or Book Memberships Available Cost is still only $55.00 www.entbook.com.au/14404l5
Fete – 16 May 2015 - it is fast approaching!!! Fete preparations are well underway and we are hoping this year’s Fete can be as successful as previous years, but we need your help. There is only 9 weeks until the Fete and we need more donations. Please see below for further details.
Fete Chocolate Drive
The next Fete meeting will be held on Wednesday 1 April in the Junior School Staffroom at 3.30pm. All welcome! Every Wednesday from now until the Fete we will be collecting donations at the Bus Shelter from 8am and the P & F office from 7.15am.
Goal – 600 + blocks of chocolate
We need books, DVDs, CDs, toys and good quality clothes. So have an Autumn clean out and bring them to the College.
WE NEED YOUR CHOCOLATE !!! we need a minimum of 600 chocolates to make this stall a success, so when they are next on special, please grab a few for the Fete. CHOCOLATE BED: A $2 coin toss game where you have the opportunity to win chocolate bars. Chocolate bars are spread over an old style metal bed and if your toss lands on a chocolate bar – you win that bar. Great fun for all ages.
RIDE PASSES!!! Early bird ride passes are now available via Trybooking (link below) $25 for over 5 years and $20 for Prep and under 5 years. Prices on the day of the fete will be $30 and $25, so get in early! http://www.trybooking.com/HDBD Raffle Tickets Raffle tickets will be coming home over the next few weeks; this year’s prizes are worth $6,000 and at only $2 a ticket, really worth buying. If every family sells one book, this will ensure the raffle is a great success. The class that sells the most books will get a Pizza day, donated by the P & F – so get selling in the holidays.
We need CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE and MORE CHOCOLATE!!! We need a minimum of 600 chocolates to make this event a success, so when they are next on special, please grab a few to donate to the Fete.
WE ARE LOOKING FOR BUSINESSES AT THE SCHOOL TO DONATE to the cent auction. Anything is appreciated. So far some of the businesses who have donated include: Air Factory – Burleigh Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Titans 2 x family passes Currumbin RSL Gold Coast Suns tickets Multifunction machine – Konica Minolta Aranyani Bison Park – one night accommodation Golf at Hope Island Billabong Wax Hands Party Face Painting Party Beauty Bar Burleigh Chevron Yoga Tablet 7 inch Android Device - donated by a parent Positive Change Purses If you have any queries please contact the P & F at fete@salc.qld.edu.au
School Fete
Saturday 16 May
Bring everyone! 10am - 4pm
Rides *LIVE MUSIC* Showbags Coffee Chocolate Bed ART tattoos House of Horror
Talent Show
Cent Auction
Fairies & Pirates
Crazy Hair
Food Markets Great Prizes & lots more! you can h Donate to el ow stalls p V H Sell Raffle o l un Please keep an eye T i c k ebte ss e n d i n g
soon to We will ickets t e l f f a ic home r fantast h t i w l l se ss that a l c e h T s a prizes! ost win m e h t sells ay. pizza d
out for the different stalls that will be at the fete and donate to help create fantastic stalls & prizes. All donations are much appreciated.
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eer We a re lo oking paren t for s t o stalls h e l p ,as ru up an sist with n Pleas d clean u set p&f i econtact p. f you the c a n in an y wa help y.
Please contact PandF@salc.qld.edu.au if you can help
CLOSED
Please wear togs & sun shirt. Bring a towel and spare clothes to change into.
All Children Water slide Cost -$15
Tuesday 14th April W et Day
It’s that time again; the footy season has kicked off with a bang. Come dressed in your favourite AFL or NRL clothing
Footy Day
Tuesday 7th April Be Active
Monday 6th April
Easter Monday
A bottle of water, healthy morning tea and lunch.
help plan their day: planning games and a variety of activities
Closed
Cubbies and Soccer
Salt dough
Sculptures
Wednesday 15th April
Cost : $3
Thursday 16th April Musical Craft Make your own musical instrument. Then create a band with your friends and dance away the day.
Balloon Volleyball Balloon stamping Balloon animals
Cupcakes and ginger men Decorate them And take some home
All Children
Thursday 9th April Day of Balloon Fun
Wednesday 8th April Creative Arts
Cost : $3
All Children
Pizza Making Calling all chefs. Come and make yummy pizzas - ham, pineapple, capsicum, onion with lots of cheese! What do you like on your pizza.
Friday 17th April Kids in the Kitchen
Celebrate with Fruity Icy Poles
Mini Sports Carnival Egg and Spoon Races 3 leg races Sack Races
Friday 10th April Be Active
My Time Our Place Every day the children are able to choose from a variety of activities e.g. Board games, drawing, sports and construction sets, technology Friday 3rd April Vacation Care children Bring wide brim hat, Good Friday
2015 Enrolment Fee -‐ $27.50 per family. Late fee applies. OSHC -‐ Opening hours 7.00am -‐6.00pm.
Monday 13th April Art And Craft Celebrate the Season Autumn • Leaf prints • Draw an autumn tree
Payment of OSHC FEES – are to be received at the start of each week to confirm and hold bookings.
Vacation Care Fee $49 per day plus activity cost: Fee Reduction Available Even if you do not receive CCB you are generally still eligible to receive 50% of out of pocket fees back. To receive Child Care Benefits for Vacation Care please provide OSHC with Customer Reference Numbers and register your child with the Family Assistance Office—Ph.: 13 61 50
175 Tallebudgera Creek Road Tallebudgera 7.00am-‐6.00pm Contact OSHC Phone: 55225762 or standrews.oshc@qlecs.org.au
St Andrews Lutheran College Outside School Hour Care – Easter Vacation Care 2015
Monday 13th April Art And Craft
CLOSED
Easter Monday
Monday 6th April
All Children Water slide Cost -$15
Tuesday 14th April W et Day
Footy Day
Tuesday 7th April Be Active
Sculptures
Wednesday 15th April
Cost : $3
All Children
Wednesday 8th April Creative Arts
Thursday 16th April Musical Craft
Thursday 9th April Day of Balloon Fun
Cost : $3
Friday 17th April Kids in the Kitchen All Children
Mini Sports Carnival
Friday 10th April Be Active
____________________________________ ______________ ____________________ Parent’s Name: _________________________________ Parent’s Date of Birth: _________________ Contact Number : ______________________________________ Email address:_________________________________________________________________________ Parent’s signature: __________________________________
Name of Children : ___________________________________ Year Level: ______________ Date of Birth: ___________________
I have read the St Andrews Vacation Care Program and conditions and fully understand all requirements. I will ensure that my child/ren is/are fully equipped as specified on the program. I agree to abide by all requirements including payment of fees. The program may vary due to the requirements of the children, weather, staff and availability of Sites within the college. Any queries please email standrews.oshc@qlecs.org.au Late Fee applied after closure of service at 6.00pm please call 55225762 if delayed
St Andrews Lutheran College Outside School Hours Care 2014 Easter Vacation Care Booking Sheet Phone: 55225762 or standrews.oshc@qlecs.org.au Please tick the days that your child/ren is coming. One tick for each child please uses your child’s initials e.g. Z, B. if different child coming different days. Bookings must be paid in full at the start of each week to confirm booking Vacation Care Fee $47 per day plus activity cost 2013 Enrolment Fee $27.50 per family Bank Details St Andrews Lutheran College Outside School Hours Care: Bank Westpac Queens Street Brisbane: BSB 034-‐002 Account Number 748050. Identify with name.
My Time Our Place Every day the children are able to choose from a variety of activities e.g. Board games, drawing, sports and construction sets, computers
family. Late fee applies and Cancelations needs to be received 24 hours’ notice or charges will apply. All Previous outstanding monies need to be brought up to date for bookings for vacation care to proceed. Updated enrolment forms need to be completed for 2015.
Vacation Care Fee $49 per day plus activity cost: Fee Reduction Available Even if you do not receive CCB you are generally still eligible to receive 50% of out of pocket fees back. To receive Child Care Benefits for Vacation Care please provide OSHC with Customer Reference Numbers and register your child with the Family Assistance Office—Ph.: 13 61 50 Payment to be received at the start of each week to confirm and hold bookings.2015 Enrolment Fee $27.50 per
175 Tallebudgera Creek Road Tallebudgera 7.00am-‐6.00pm Contact OSHC Phone: 55225762 or standrews.oshc@qlecs.org.au
St Andrews Lutheran College Outside School Hour Care – Easter Vacation Care 2015
Please bring a backpack and bottle to fill with water. Please label all of your children’s belongings
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All children need to wear suitable play clothes/sun safe. Including WIDE BRIM HATS NOT CAPS thank-‐ you. Please pack a light jumper for cool mornings and afternoons.
Sun screen applied to children before arrival. Sunscreen is available at the OSHC service or children can bring their own labelled sunscreen 50+.
Medication if required, needs a medication form completed. This form is available at the OSHC service near sign in and out attendance roll. Please speak to OSHC Educators. All Medication needs to be handed into OSHC Educators with medication form completed. Please do not leave any medication in Children’s Bags.
Technology: -‐ Please note that if children bring in any technology such as IPADS, DS, IPODs they need to be responsible for looking after these items. OSHC does not take any responsibility for loss or broken items. Please name all such items including games. Please ensure that no M rated material including games or songs are brought into OSHC Vacation Care. The children have limited time on technology each day. Mobile Phones: -‐ children are not to make phone calls/text from personal mobile phones whilst in the care of OSHC. If children need to call Parents -‐ they can for important matters call from the OSHC landline with the permission of the OSHC Coordinator. Parents can leave message on 55225762 and OSHC Educators will communicate to the children any changes in pick up or who is collecting the children for you.
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Healthy Food: A piece of Fruit or Vegetable Sticks for Fruit Break plus Morning Tea and Lunch to be provided for children and Water bottle by families. Please keep treats to minimum. Anaphylaxis Children attend OSHC Please no NUTS in Food brought into Vacation Care. Afternoon Tea is provided by the service for the children at Vacation Care. Menu displayed on Whiteboard each day.
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All Children required to Wear Closed in shoes and Wide brim hat
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Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of Identity Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators Our OSHC service offers a wide range of age-‐appropriate programs that reflect an understanding of the importance of childhood and the value of play. Using a holistic approach, we work closely with school/ communities to develop our capacity to provide OSHC. Please do not hesitate to email standrews.oshc@qlecs.org.au or phone 55225762 any queries or concerns that you may have to the OSHC Coordinator Robyn Fuller Looking Forward to a Terrific Fun Filled Vacation Care. Bye from all OSHC Vacation Care Educators.
MY TIME OUR PLACE Outcomes:
Vacation Care Notes:
INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships WORDS Catherine Gerhardt
Help your kids build their own firewall against online Nasties The online world provides endless access to inappropriate content for our kids. Filters can play a part, but as Catherine Gerhardt describes, it’s much better to have a fully rounded approach to tackling the issue. Fiction vs. reality. One of the biggest concerns I have as a parent at the moment is the relative ease with which children can have access to online pornography. Recent studies revealed that children as young as eight years old have seen it, and most kids have witnessed it before parents have even considered discussing it. For me, it’s about considering what the long-term effects are going to be on our children’s future relationships. With wide access to the internet, including mobile devices and gaming systems, it is too easy for even young children to reach inappropriate content. Most kids who have seen pornography know immediately that it feels wrong. They can feel ‘strange’ and their personal instincts kick in like an alarm system telling them something is not quite right. They may feel sick, embarrassed, confused. Some kids stumble across it (many porn sites know popular key strokes kids use), and others are exposed to it by friends or family. Is pornography really that big of a deal for our kids? The simple answer is yes. Pornography damages their brains
by tricking them into releasing the same pleasure chemicals that drugs do. “A child’s brain is more vulnerable as it is rapidly forming neural connections. Viewing pornography can reprogram a child’s brain and initiate an addiction that is often harder to overcome than drugs or alcohol,” says Kristen Jenson, author of Good Pictures, Bad Pictures. Pornography harms relationships. Youth are being exposed to pornography even before they have had the opportunity to experience a relationship. Teens tell researchers that they don’t like pornography but they feel pressured to watch it, and they even acknowledge that it provides a model for them to follow. When we start to think about kids getting sex education from pornography, we can start to understand why we should be worried about their future relationships. Viewing pornography is setting up unrealistic expectations and desensitizing sexual expectations. Pornography can distort a person’s view of what a healthy relationship should be, and devalues the principles of mutual respect, trust and love we expect our children to experience in the future.
What can parents do to build their child’s firewall? Be proactive, be preventative. Like most things it’s helpful for parents to begin the conversation before their child becomes interested in porn. Younger kids are more likely to see the parent as a dependable source of information; by the time they are teenagers peers become the reliable source and peer pressure and curiosity can lead them down a path of unrealistic expectations and perhaps, even addiction. Be open. Most kids won’t tell their parents because they know they shouldn’t be looking at that stuff and, worst of all, you might take the technology away from them. Be honest, for many of us that might be our first reaction. But in hindsight it only prevents kids from telling us about their online experiences later on. It’s okay to say, “Thanks for telling me, I’ve had that happen too”, or “Let’s look into that together”.
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Building parent-school partnerships ... Help your kids build their own firewall against online Nasties ... Start by asking your child. Ask whether they have ever seen inappropriate photos online. Let them know that if it happens you expect they will come and tell you, assuring them they will not get into trouble and will not have the device taken away from them. You can suggest your child leaves a note for you if they see something online that makes them feel uncomfortable. This lets you know when they are ready to discuss it and gives you the chance to have a chat with them on the subject when you are ready. Internet filters and porn blockers. These are important, but they are not a onestop shop on protecting our kids. They can certainly help by minimising the risk of ‘random’ porn attacks, but they won’t safeguard them either. Even if we feel we have placed adequate measures within our own homes, children must, and do, go out into the wider world where they will have exposure that is beyond our control. Developing internal filters is about getting kids to understand what pornography is, how it affects their brain, and coming up with strategies they can use when they are exposed to it. Children need to be able to make safer choices when they are in situations where content filters or adults are not monitoring their behaviour. It is normal for kids to be curious and as they head into the teenage years that curiosity peaks. As children grow they spend more time online and
get exposed to more of the online world, with parents having less control over their viewing habits. Parenting responsibility. Websites and governments are taking the minimum responsibility on these issues, so it has to become primarily a parenting responsibility. Children can be protected and harm can be minimised by taking some common sense approaches. Parents need to establish their expectations about children’s viewing; make sure communication devices are used in public places; install net nannies and firewalls where appropriate and don’t be afraid to keep a check on website histories. Investigate how you can protect your children and minimise their exposure by installing a porn site blocker onto your internet connected devices. A quick Google search will provide some options which best suit your family. Discussions about pornography need to be part of an ongoing conversation within the family. Talking won’t put your kids at increased risk; in fact, it increases their awareness and empowers them to make safer decisions when the time does come. Short, frequent discussions will help your child remember information – rather than one big long lecture. As bestselling author Steve Maraboli advised: “Take action! An inch of movement will bring you closer to your goals than a mile of intention.”
Catherine Gerhardt e from Michael Grose. Join Stay one step ahead of your kids with great ideas & expert advic b.com.au. You’ll be so glad you did. Michael’s NEW Parentingideas Club today at parentingideasclu
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