Issue 5 / 2 April 2015
Junior School Bulletin
Junior School News Sydney and Canberra Tour Over the past seven weeks, our Year 6 students have been totally engaged in their first unit of inquiry. Investigating the central idea, ‘Societies have different structures for making decisions’ the students have been curious as to the role the Australian Government plays and the relationships between government bodies. Throughout the inquiry our students have become knowledgeable and this became evident during the recent trip to Sydney and our nation’s capital city, Canberra. The Canberra experience enabled students to consolidate their new understandings developed in class of how our government system works by visiting a number of places. Some of the visits included Old and New Parliament House, The Museum of Australian Democracy, The National Capital Exhibition, the High Court of Australia, National Museum, AIS, CSIRO, Royal Australian Mint, the Australian War Memorial and the Electoral Education Centre. The visit to Parliament House enabled students to view the House of Representatives and the Senate in action as well as enact the passing of a bill. During the visit to the Electoral Education Centre, the students held an election and experienced the voting process. By visiting these places in person, the students were able to directly ask the guides specific questions to deepen their understanding of the central idea and the key concepts being explored throughout the unit. In Sydney we visited the Rocks area and learned about the settlement of Sydney and the conclusion to our trip was a scenic tour of Sydney Harbour.
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 $80 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the College upon completion of the excursion. We would like to thank the Australian Government for their support of this program. ANZAC Day March This year marks the 100th anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli and as a result this year’s ANZAC Day March will be a special event. As has been the custom for a number of years, all students from St Andrews are invited to march behind the College banner. Students wishing to march are asked to wear their full College uniform (including formal hats). We will meet by 9.00am, in 9.30am. As a for the service 10.30am.
on the corner of James and West streets preparation for the march which begins at group, we will then sit with other schools at the Cenotaph, which should conclude by
Please be aware that parking may be difficult. The College highly recommends carpooling and/or allowing enough time to park nearby and walk into Burleigh. 3 Way Conferences The Three Way Conferences are one way in which we report to you your child’s progress at school. It was great to see so many parents taking up this opportunity to meet with their child’s teacher. As I walked about, it looked like there was very healthy dialogue and the students were affirmed in the areas that they are working well on and given goals to improve. Cross Country and Mini Cross Country It was wonderful to see the students really enjoying themselves at the recent Cross Country carnivals. You could see the students pushing themselves to try and do their personal bests. Congratulations to all of the students who were age champions and to Jubi House who won the Junior Carnival. It was great to see the healthy competition but also the sportsmanship that was exhibited. Speed Limit You may have noticed that on Tallebudgera Creek Road, the Department of Transport and Main Roads have installed flashing School Zone speed warnings. We would like to thank the Hon. Michael Hart MP for his support in making the area safer for our Community.
In addition to speed bumps, we have also recently changed the internal speed limit at the College to 10km/h. Please ensure you keep under this limit when dropping and picking up your children at the College and that you are not distracted by your mobile phone. Your help in keeping our children safe is greatly appreciated.
It is important to remember that young children learn to read at different rates … but all children benefit enormously from being READ TO from a very young age, and there really is no time when it should stop!! Oral language and vocabulary development are crucial foundation blocks for learning and can be brought to life when you read to children.
Upcoming Holidays It has certainly been a very busy and productive term and the students are looking forward to a well-deserved break. I encourage all students to take some time to recharge their batteries, but also remind them to spend some time every day reading. Just a reminder that school resumes on Monday 20 April.
All members of the family can support “Literacy” development by playing rhyming and clapping games, singing songs and talking about favourite books. Children learn to listen, pay attention and concentrate through these kind of activities, and also learn about the sounds and patterns in language. This all helps them to build up meaning of the stories read or told to them. (Children love to hear parents telling stories about when they were little!! The connections children make though this are invaluable.) If your child is fortunate enough to speak another language at home please also tell or read stories in their home language as well.
Easter We had the opportunity to worship together as a whole College at the P-12 Easter Service. It is a very special time when we can all come together. The Performing Arts students contributed beautifully to the service. Easter is a time of mixed emotions for Christians. We remember the pain and suffering that Jesus endured on the cross, but then we rejoice in His resurrection and the promise of new life that He won for us by overcoming death on the cross. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and safe Easter.
Enjoying books and stories for the fun they bring makes the work of “reading” more engaging. Talk about “how books work,” pose questions about covers, pictures and words and stop to ask what they think might happen next.
Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School darrins@salc.qld.edu.au
From the Deputy Head of Junior School (P - 3) It has been wonderful to see the support for our recent Book Fair and to hear students talking excitedly about the new books they are reading. Reading is fun - as well as such an important part of learning.
Listen for rhyming words in books, make up nonsense rhyming words and encourage your child to join in repeated words or phrases as you read. Look for letters they know and, in a favourite and well-loved book, ask them to guess the word you point to as you say the beginning sound of the word. Have fun with books!! When your children bring Readers home from school, please remember that these books should be “easy” for the children to read to you. We want them to experience success and get lots of affirmation for what they can already do!! Reading a familiar text gives them an opportunity to read fluently and with expression. Talk about the book, ask questions and enjoy it together. Slightly harder texts may be used at school when the teacher wants to focus their teaching on a particular feature of that text so your child can learn new strategies or skills.
In this article I want to share some important messages about how the skills associated with reading are developed and what parents can do at home to support this development.
Please do not get obsessed with your child’s “reading level.” Learning to read is a complex task and some students will progress faster than others. If a child comes to school saying, “My Mum or Dad says I should be on a higher level” the whole message about reading for enjoyment has changed for that child. Your child’s teacher will know what is needed to help a child move forward and will provide appropriate in-
struction in the classroom. Some children may stay on a level for what seems like a long time, and later appear to move forward more quickly. The most important thing you can do is to maintain their interest and enjoyment in reading, and to model reading at home. Of course, if you do have concerns or questions about your child’s reading development please make a time to chat to the teacher, but try very hard not to transfer your anxieties to your child. Encourage them regularly and praise their efforts. Celebrate every little success!! As Dr Seuss would say, “Encourage reading for enjoyment and open their eyes to a whole new world inside books.” Joy Schloss Deputy Head of Junior School (P-3) joys@salc.qld.edu.au
ELC News The last few weeks in the ELC have been very busy with all three groups developing connections with the College. Junior Kindy are very involved with gardening thanks to Mr Kerry Bahr College groundsman coming and doing some weeding. This has promoted a lot of interest in gardening and caring for our environment. This has sparked the childrens interest and they are having lots of conversations about what we can grow and building connections with the children’s home as well. Both Pre Prep rooms have been looking at sustainable practices using lots of items in their play from all the recycled items that have been donated. It was great to see the children reusing and recreating and caring for the environment. Pre Prep 1 have had some special visitor’s with Year 3 coming in and sharing information about bones and how the body works. They came and presented a very informative talk and played some great games. Thanks to Mrs Kizzie-Kate Hinze and her class. The science department also shared the skelton body for the children to explore and build their knowledge. Bronwyn Waters Director Early Learning Centre
Chaplains Chat The Wisdom of the Cross During his time on earth Christ demonstrated the greatest wisdom possible. He was able to confound the leaders of different religious groups when they endeavoured to trap him. He had the ability to construct answers they were unable to argue with. Seeing he possessed such amazing wisdom and insight and ability to ‘win out’ in conflict situations, it is reasonable to conclude that he could have easily argued his way out of the unfair trials he was subjected to over the Thursday night and Friday morning of Easter. And yet as we know, he refused to do this, instead he chose to quietly surrender to the authorities and receive a death sentence that he did not deserve. He even went on to ask forgiveness for those who were involved in his crucifixion. Where was the wisdom in this? When is it wise to lay down our weapons and forgive those who seek to hurt us? An amazing individual named Gordon Wilson chose to forgive the men who killed his daughter in a bomb blast during a Remembrance Day march in Ireland in 1987. There seemed little wisdom in what he did but it proved to be a most wonderful event in the process of dealing with the ongoing conflict in Ireland. His forgiveness led to a major shift in the fighting that had been going on for more than 20 years. It paved the way for a genuine laying down of arms and a move towards reconciliation between the IRA and Loyalists of the time. Gordon Wilson was empowered to forgive as he cherished the love his daughter had for him and the love he experienced in sharing his life with God. Gordon Wilson knew deep within his very being that he was forgiven by God and this enabled him to extend forgiveness to those who had committed what for most of us would be an unforgivable act. On the surface, his actions looked like pure folly but the aftermath proved it was the most remarkable and powerful thing that anyone could ever do. God’s love through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross has the power to transform the ugliest of situations. This Easter may the power of the cross and the forgiveness that accompanies it sink deep within the very soul of each of us and bring peace and beauty into our lives. Graham Schache Chaplain
Junior Library News
Junior School Japanese News Year 6 students welcomed 9 students from Japan for a half day visit. Here is what some of our Year 6 students thought of the visit -
Authentic Authors: Writing for a Purpose One way to allow students to write for a purpose is through the creation of stories and the publishing of these stories. In the Junior School, I am supporting students to become ‘published’ through the use of apps and ICT tools in order to easily distribute their writing, motivating them and allowing for a wider audience to share in their work. WANTED - Student Stories Step 1: Send me the original story juliab@salc.qld.edu.au • Any age, any topic. Step 2: Production and publishing of the story • We (the soon to be author and I) will decide on the best tool to publish the story. Step 3: Sharing the product – publishing for an audience • The story will then become available in the Junior School Library, accessible via QR codes located on the shelves or through the promotion of Featured Writers. How Does it Work? Choose your stories by browsing the shelves and looking for the QR codes. Use a QR code app on a smart device to scan the code. 1) Load the webpage and ‘read’ the story, ‘hear’ the music and narration, or ‘see’ the illustrations and storytelling.
Written and illustrated by Lucca Julia Boulton Teacher Librarian Innovation and E-Learning Leader
Nina - “It was fun trying to communicate with the Japanese students.” Tyrone - “It was an exciting day! I learnt new Japanese words.” Blake - “My Japanese student taught me about Japanese culture. He also helped me with speaking Japanese.” Morgan - “It was a great experience to talk to a Japanese student.” We hope to provide many more of these experiences for our students in the future. Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese Coordinator
Performing Arts News Term 2 Arts Dates Friday 15 May 4pm Combined Dance Troupe at Starbound Eisteddfod Saturday 16 May 10am–4pm Fete Performance Stages Saturday 30 May 7pm Jazz and Shiraz – Fundraising for Cancer Research Mini Musos On Thursday afternoon the Mini Musos held an Open Rehearsal, where parents were invited to come along and develop a better insight into what it means to be a part of the ensemble. It was very special to see so many parents join us, and quickly, the already big ensemble doubled in size, as each parent joined the band and sat beside their child. Parents watched on as Mr Pearson led the Musos through their warm ups, and the first few pieces of music they have been working hard on this term. To finish the afternoon, Mr Pearson involved everyone in the room with a fun (and very tricky) body percussion song. The afternoon was a great opportunity not only for the students to show off their new skills, but for parents to further understand the hard work that goes on during rehearsals, lessons and in between, and what is required to ensure that each child in the band can experience success and continue their musical journey this year. A special thank you to all the parents who gave their time to come along, and well done to our young musicians for showcasing their talent! Lauren Washington Junior Music Teacher
band notes The Musical Journey Part 2 As it is with Jeff Waynes musical Extravaganza ‘War of the Worlds’ the learning journey of an instrument is full of pitfalls, moments of excitement and elements of boring monotony as we travel through the minefield of practice. There is no doubt that we need to encourage our young musicians through this massive range of emotional opportunities as they move from ‘Novice to Master’. As a College we support this process by encouraging our young musicians, to become a member of an ensemble, to take up exams to map their personal progress, to play at school events from assemblies to more formal functions like the Fete and concerts. This Thursday the Mini Muso’s (our beginner band ensemble) had the opportunity to share their talents at an open rehearsal with parents joining in on the musical mayhem. For some parents who clapped, stamped and patched along to a percussion piece, it was the first opportunity to be involved in a large musical group. My comments for the day were simple. Now you know that the journey is challenging sometimes, don’t consider your reminders to students as nagging or another argument. View it as support. You are the base camp of the K2 climb. Keep it simple and remind the musicians in your house that ‘Rome (or ColdPlay) wasn’t built in a day. Focus on your practice. SLOW (always practice something new slowly and perfectly the first time), SHORT (Keep your new and difficult learning session short), OFTEN (more practice sessions rather than longer practice sessions help you learn faster) and HARD (practice the bits you don’t know rather than always playing the bits you do). Paul Oakley-Grant Music Coordinator
Sport News
Tuckshop News
Wednesday After School P-6 Sport Programs Our highly successful In2Cricket program concludes this week. The students have had a great time and learnt many new skills and games. It has been fantastic to have Senior students Lachlan Richards, Andrew Craig and Zac Lopez involved with this program most weeks. These boys have done a great job assisting the Queensland Cricket staff on a regular basis.
Cashless Card Sales Over the last few weeks we’ve introduced the new Flexi School’s Cashless system. It has been overall a success. There is a very simple process that needs to be followed before the cashless system will work for your son/daughter. • • • • •
Firstly have them associate their Student ID card with the photocopier (in the CRC); Then log into your flexi schools account. (If you have not registered follow the link below, its quick and simple to set up); Under your son/daughter’s name you will see in Blue “add Student ID number”, this will only appear if the card has been associated; Add the Student ID number then click “Save”; This should now be ready for use;
Unfortunately, it will only work in this order but if you would like to know more or are having difficulties log onto www.flexischools.com.au for more information or contact us at Tuckshop. Other News We have had a busy term with counter sales up from last year. Below is a little insight into how many people that we have served from the start of the term. It’s really is an eye opener and makes us ever so grateful for such an amazing new facility that the College and the P&F have provided that is enjoyed by the whole College Community.
Next term our AFL AUSKICK program will be conducted, beginning on Wednesday 6 May. Further details will be sent out early in Term 2. Registration and payment can be made at www.aflauskick.com.au Student Achievement St Andrews’ students continue to achieve outstanding results in sporting events. Golf Emily Martin recently played in the Ocean Shores Junior Classic. Emily won the Girls Gross on a countback and also jagged ‘nearest to the pin’. She managed to beat her score from the same tournament last year by 10 shots. If you have any questions regarding sport, please contact me at: andrewm@salc.qld.edu.au Andrew Manion Head of Sport
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There has been over 5,734 people walk in our doors; Sold over 1,258 Sushi packs; Crumbed over 1,010 fresh Chicken Tenderloins; Served over 946 Dim Sims; Have made over 144 Macaroni Cheese packs; Have toasted 300 plus sandwiches; 1,223 bottles of milk have been drunk; 62 Freshly made juices have been enjoyed; Lastly, over 1,350 sunny boys have been cut;
I would also like to thank all of the volunteers who have helped us out this Term. We greatly appreciate the time that you have given to us. If you would like to help out in Tuckshop, please drop in or send us an email: tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au Enjoy your holidays. Trina van der Kamp Tuckshop Manager
UNIFORM SHOP Dates to Remember - April
NEW HOURS
Monday 13 Preps In The Park – Laguna Park, 9:30am Friday 17 Year 4 Playdate in the Park – Pratten Park, Broadbeach, 2.00pm Monday 20 Term 2 commences for staff and students Tuesday 21 ANZAC Service, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Wednesday 22 Fete Meeting – Junior School Staffroom, 3.30pm Saturday 25 ANZAC Day March, Burleigh Heads – Corner James & West Streets, 9.00am Tuesday 28 Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm Wednesday 29 Words Their Way Information Session – 8.45am in classroom 5B Fete Meeting – Junior School Staffroom, 3.30pm
Monday 8am - 9.30am Tuesday 8am - 9.30am Wednesday 8am - 9.30am & 2.30pm - 3.30pm Thursday 8am - 9.30am Friday 8am - 9.30am
P&F News This is the last bulletin for the term and when we return from the Easter break there will only be 5 weeks until the Fete. The P & F appreciates all the help we have had so far. Next term we will be looking for volunteers to help on the Friday afternoon and the Saturday of the Fete. We will also need assistance to pack up on the Sunday. The next P & F meeting will not be held until after the Fete on Wednesday 10 June. The next Fete meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 April in the Junior School Staffroom at 3.30pm. 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.
PRE-ORDER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT BOOK NOW!! Purchase before 21st April 2015, and you’ll receive over $130 worth of Early Bird Offers which you can use straight away!
Digital or Book Memberships Available Cost is still only $55.00 www.entbook.com.au/14404l5
WORDS THEIR WAY PARENT INFORMATION MORNING WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL Miss Lange’s Year 5B Classroom (B7) 8.45AM-10.00AM RSVP to joannel@salc.qld.edu.au by Monday 27 April
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. We still need more donations of chocolate, second hand toys, books, cd’s and DVD’s. It has been decided we will not be running a second hand clothes stall – so please no more clothes to be donated. What we already have will be donated to charity. The next Fete meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 April in the Junior School Staffroom at 3.30pm. 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.
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
Fete Chocolate Drive Goal – 600 + blocks of chocolate 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. 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. Books and money are to be returned to Main Reception, if you require more books to sell, they are available from Junior, Middle, Senior School Administration and Main Reception. Please get behind selling these tickets, it will really boost the Fete profits, all of which go back into the College. WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR BUSINESSES AT THE SCHOOL TO DONATE to the cent auction. Anything is appreciated. Please support the businesses who have donated: Air Factory – Burleigh Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Titans 2 x family passes Currumbin RSL vouchers Gold Coast Suns tickets Multifunction machine – Konica Minolta Aranyani Bison Park - One night accommodation Golf at Hope Island Golf at Coplicks Billabong prize packs x 3 Wax Hands Party Face Painting Party Beauty Bar Burleigh Chevron Yoga Tablet – donated by Gisler Group Positive Change Purses Holiway Skateboard Thermomix Tupperware Miami Stainless – Tools Eco Oasis - 2 nights accommodation – Valued at $650 Caltex - Gift Hampers Cold Rock Ice Cream 2 B Kids Plantation House Café Piece Style and Design Mrs Red’s Art Room Woodbox Café Madison Jane Mode Voyage Tea Therapy Wicked Beans Barbers on Swan Lane - One free hair cut Kaisercraft - 2 x $20 gift vouchers 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
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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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Please contact PandF@salc.qld.edu.au if you can help