Issue 7 / 8 May 2015
Junior School Bulletin
Junior School News Mother’s Day One day doesn’t seem to say a big enough thank you to all the Mothers and the work they do. We at the College value the partnership that exists between the College, the students and their mothers. We have lots of mothers volunteering their time for the good of their own children but also for the benefit of the College in general. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the St Andrews Mothers a very happy Mother’s Day and I hope that each of you receive the thanks and recognition that you deserve on Sunday.
ANZAC Day March It was encouraging to see so many students from St Andrews marching at the ANZAC Day Service in Burleigh Heads. Through their marching and respectful attention at the Service the students were able to pay tribute to all those soldiers who have served Australia and defended the freedoms that we enjoy today.
Parents and Friends We are so lucky to have very hard working members of the Parents and Friends Fete committee. They have been working tirelessly to organize the College Fete, Saturday 16 May which promises to be an amazing day. They are still looking for more volunteers to fill the remaining gaps in the roster, so please sign up. Thank you to the P & F for all that you do for the College.
Family Service It was great to see so many Prep students and their families at our family church service on Sunday. The Prep’s presentation added enjoyment to our worship and the members of the congregation enjoyed seeing all of their smiling faces. Year 6 Students Visit the ELC We have many terrific students in our College! Logan, Elliot, Tenika, Sara and Nina shared a popular story called “Where is the Green Sheep?” with the Junior Kindy Group. They extended the Kindy student’s learning by getting the children to decorate a picture of the ‘Green Sheep’ using cotton buds and pegs. The Year 6 students stayed for lunch which was a thrill for the Junior Kindy students.
What is extraordinary about this event, is that the Year 6 students planned the whole event from beginning to end and organized all of the resources. Their lesson plan was very comprehensive and showed a level of maturity beyond their years. Congratulations to these students, we are very proud of your initiative and willingness to conduct a meaningful activity with the youngest students in our community. Year 12 Business Studies As a part of their Business Studies course, the students in Year 12 were asked to coordinate an event. A number of students chose to coordinate an event in the Junior School. Some of the events include decorating cup-cakes, a connect four tournament, creating animal masks and decorating shields. It is great to see the interaction between our Senior students and our Junior School students. The Junior School students obtain a great deal out of the activities and the older students learn valuable skills as part of their course. Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School darrins@salc.qld.edu.au
From the Deputy Head of Junior School & PYP Coordinator At our most recent Junior School Assembly, I had the privilege of introducing a new award to the students that we are launching across the College. The award will be known as The Spirit of St Andrews Award. The award has been developed to help build College culture through living out our mission statement, ‘Celebrating the Gospel, Nurturing the Individual and Empowering Lifelong Learners’. The award is based on the Biblical scripture of Matthew 5:14. “You are the light of the world – like a city on a hill (or in our case, a school) on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” The award is to acknowledge students who demonstrate self-initiated action to benefit others (be the shining light in our special community and beyond). We are seeking students who demonstrate empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. Those students who go way above and beyond with their actions to make a positive difference in the lives of others both within our College and the wider community.
Our Year 5 students are continuing to explore and inquire into their How the World Works Unit. They have been investigating through the key concepts of change and function, how energy from a variety of sources can be used to generate electricity. One of the learning engagements they experienced at the end of last term was the construction of a torch with Mr Rob Wecker up in the Design Technology Workshop in the Senior School. The students learnt what elements are required to make a torch, how these elements work together (function) and how energy is transferred from the batteries to the bulb (change) by physically constructing the torch. The students thoroughly enjoyed this hands on experience and came away with new understandings about energy.
Students in upper primary will have the opportunity to nominate peers and the St Andrews staff members will also be able to submit nominations. Students who meet the criteria will be awarded a special certificate which will be presented at a Junior School Assembly. From the recipients of the certificate, a Spirit of St Andrews badge may also be awarded to a student who has exemplified being a shining light by up-holding our catch cry, “Where everyone is someone.” We are looking forward to acknowledging students who advocate and encourage others through this award!
Spirit of St Andrews Award Presented to
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14
The International Baccalaureate has recently released a newly developed video presentation (Please refer to the link below. You will need to scroll down so you can view the clip.) It demonstrates the way PYP can invigorate teaching and learning in all classrooms from the perspective of teaching staff, parents and students. I trust it will highlight some of the great practices that occur in our PYP environment here at St Andrews. LINK On that same website page you will find some helpful information regarding what the PYP offers students and why we offer the PYP. There are some links to research that has been conducted. Our students were involved in the national study for the findings of student performance in Science!
I will be ‘off the air’ so to speak in the coming months as I take some Long Service Leave. During the three months away, my daughter and I will be travelling to Africa to volunteer our services over there in a rural community. We will be working in small community schools, orphanages and helping out in medical clinics. (One task that has been assigned to me is to ride out on a bicycle to remote villages to visit expectant mothers and weigh the new born babies with a mid-wife.) We are both very excited about the experiences we will encounter and I look forward to sharing some stories with the St Andrews community upon my return! In my absence, Mr Phil Buddee will be Acting Deputy Head of Junior School/PYP Coordinator. Every blessing to him as he takes on this role. I know he will do a fantastic job! “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24 Jacqueline Faulkner Deputy Head of Junior School PYP Coordinator
Performing Arts News Sing Story Program – Opera Queensland St Andrews has been one of ten lucky schools to be chosen for Opera Queensland’s “Sing Story” Program. This weeklong residency allows three classes to spend a day each with a highly skilled artist in residence, deconstructing narratives of well-known operas and collaboratively creating their own narrative. On the final day all classes involved come together to share their new works in a creative performance environment. Year 4 students will be the lucky year level to experience this program in Week 8 of Term 4! It will be a fantastic way for the students to end their Unit of Enquiry – How We Express Ourselves. Lauren Washington Junior School Music Teacher
Chaplains Chat It’s easy to stand when you are standing on solid ground, but what happens when the ground shifts? What happens when the rug is literally pulled from beneath your feet? To what can you cling? And, where can you turn for safety? These are good questions and questions that I imagine are very real for a number of College families at the present time. Even if these kind of questions are not real for you at present because everything is “plain sailing” – one can easily look at the world around us, such as the tragic earthquake in Nepal – where the ground literally moved – and see that the very foundations of life sometimes change beneath our feet. What we thought was safe and secure and what we thought would never change, changes. In such unsettling times it seems as though there is nowhere to turn – that there is nothing to grasp hold of – nothing to keep us upright or to keep us going. Whilst we might have a sense of falling or failing, there is something to which we can hold. His name is the Lord God Almighty. And no matter what has happened or no matter what kind of relationship we have had or not had with Him in the past – He has always listened to the cries of His created people and defended them in times of danger. The love and mercy of God is always kindled when His people cry out in need. God’s people from ancient times, the Israelites, knew something about this. They knew adversity but they also knew to depend on God in the midst of their hardest times. Have a read of the following Psalm that has been sung and spoken throughout the centuries by people standing on moving ground: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea. Though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:1-7 Pastor Nathan Glover Chaplain
Junior School Library News On Monday 27 April, select students from Year 3, with the support of the Year 6 ICT Mentors participated in a PROGRAMMING WITH APPS session. The students were introduced to the following concepts: • What a program is • How a computer ‘thinks’ • Computer languages and visual programming
interaction between characters. This task made connections between the story writing process and computer literacy through programming. The ICT Mentors supported and directed the younger students exceptionally well at this stage. All these apps are available for free. More apps can be found at Programming for Primary Students. If you would like to learn more, read some of our blog posts about programming on the Junior School Library blog or come and see the Bee-Bots in action during first break in the Junior School Library. Julia Boulton Teacher Librarian Innovation & E-Learning Leader
Japanese News For the past six years, our Japanese department has developed strong ties with Fuzoku Elementary School in Shikoku, Japan. We continue to strengthen our relationship through Skype sessions, emailing our inquiry questions and penpal letters. These connections were recently recognized on the NHK news in Japan. We work closely with the following staff in Japan They experimented with following instructions and thinking computationally through the use of programmable Bee-Bots and the Bee-Bot app. These tools are excellent for reinforcing directional and procedural language.
Laura Kawaguchi, Assistant Language Teacher at Ehime University Faculty of Education Fuzoku Elementary School. Mr Takashi Shiraishi who is in charge of Grade 5 and 6 Foreign Language Activities and who leads the Grade 5 Flower Class this year. Mr Sadao Sakamoto. He is in charge of Grade 3 and 4 International Studies this year and teaches the Grade 3 Star Class. Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese
Through the use of visual programming apps, the students also learnt to create simple programs. Apps like Daisy the Dinosaur and Kodable support students to learn to code by solving puzzles. The ability to problem solve is a critical and creative skill for students to develop. The students were now ready to create their own program using Scratch Jnr. This app has a drag and drop interface designed specifically for programming with younger children. The students were given the task to collaboratively design a simple story, selecting an appropriate setting and writing an
Dates to Remember - May Tuesday 12 NAPLAN Testing Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm Wednesday 13 NAPLAN Testing Fete Meeting, Junior School Staffroom – 3.30pm Thursday 14 NAPLAN Testing Friday 15 Prep to Year 4 finish at 12pm for Fete set-up P2 Lunch and Play, Burleigh Town Tavern – 12.30pm Saturday 16 College Fete – 10.00am-4.00PM Tuesday 19 Chapel, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Wednesday 20 P1 Parents Dinner, Finders Keepers, Burleigh Heads – 6.30pm
Cross Country I will be contacting those 10–12 year olds who have qualified to compete at the Hinterland District Cross Country at Runaway Bay on Monday 18 May. The team for the SLAPS Cross Country on Monday 1 June at Rochedale, has been circulated to teachers and students already. If your child is in either of these teams, could you please keep an eye on the Parent Lounge and ‘Accept’ the invitation to attend when it comes out. AFL Auskick Auskick begins Wednesday May 6 on the Top Oval from 3.10–4.10pm. The program goes for 6 weeks. There will be separate Boys and Girls groups conducted at the same time. Recently we had staff from AFLQ come and work with our P-6 students in PSPE. You can register and pay online at www.aflauskick.com.au or obtain a form from Mr Manion, Mrs Walker or Auskick staff on Wednesdays at the sessions. Andrew Manion Head of Sport
Sport News Student Achievements St Andrews’ students continue to achieve outstanding results in sporting events. District And Regional Sports Teams Zara Colless and Morgan Clayfield-Hoskins have been selected in the Hinterland District Soccer team. The girls will compete at the Regionals in early May. Zach Nussey played for the 12 years Hinterland District AFL team at the Regional Carnival. Surf Lifesaving Aidon Murray achieved 3rd place overall for the Nippers 9 years age group at his Pacific Surf Lifesaving Club Championships. Aidon also received the “Most Improved” in his under 9’s age group. Surfing Trials I have details of the Regional Surfing Trials and the MR Shield Surfing competition for anyone who is interested. HINTERLAND DISTRICT TRIALS For 12 Years And Under This term there will be District trials for Tennis, Touch, Softball and Rugby Union. If you wish to trial, you must contact me to nominate. The calendar of trials is on the College website.
Uniform Shop News Volunteers Needed The Uniform Shop is urgently seeking volunteers to assist in the shop for one hour a week from 8am - 9am. Full training is given and it is a great way to keep your skills current if you are wishing to return to the work force in the future.
UNIFORM SHOP NEW HOURS Monday 8am - 9.30am Tuesday 8am - 9.30am Wednesday 8am - 9.30am & 2.30pm - 3.30pm Thursday 8am - 9.30am Friday 8am - 9.30am
Fete Chocolate Drive P&F News Fete – 16 May 2015 - It is fast approaching!!! The Junior School students from Prep to Year 4 will be sent home early on Friday 15 May to allow for Fete set up. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The P & F appreciates all the help we have had so far. We need more volunteers to help out with stalls and will be looking for volunteers to help on the Friday afternoon and the day of the Fete. We will also need assistance to pack up on the Sunday.
Goal – 600 + blocks of chocolate WE NEED YOUR CHOCOLATE !!! we need a minimum of 600 BLOCKS OF chocolate to make this stall a success, so when they are next on special, please grab a few for the Fete.
Fete meetings will now be held every Wednesday afternoon 3.30pm in the Junior School Staffroom, until the FETE. 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. DONATIONS NEEDED Chocolate Bed - We have 300 chocolates, we need at least 300 more! Princess & Pirate Stall - Crowns, Tiaras, Wings, Glitter, Bubble blowers, Eyepatches, Plastic swords, Pirate hats
NEED IDEAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY? Digital or Book Memberships Available Cost is still only $55.00 www.entbook.com.au/14404l5
RIDE PASSES!!! Early bird ride passes are available now 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! www.trybooking.com/HDBD
Cake Boxes have gone home, They are to be returned BY 15 May. Raffle Tickets are due back TO to MAIN RECEPTION now.
Fete – 16 May 2015 - it is Fast approaching!!! Fete meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon 3.30pm in the Junior school staffroom, until the Fete. 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 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! www.trybooking.com/hdBd
Fete ChoColate Drive Goal – 600 + blocks of chocolate We NeeD YoUR chocolate !!! We NeeD a miNimUm of 600 blocks of chocolate to make this stall a sUccess, so WheN theY aRe Next oN special, please GRab a feW foR the fete.
We need chocolate! chocolate! chocolate! We have about 300 but please keep them coming. The kids really love this stall and we need MORE CHOCOLATE to keep this stall going for the whole day.
raFFle tickets are due Back to Main reception thank you to all oF the FolloWing Businesses For supporting our Fete!
air Factory – Burleigh currumbin Wildlife sanctuary titans Family pass x 2 currumbin rsl vouchers gold coast suns tickets Multifunction machine – konica Minolta aranyani Bison park – one night accommodation eco oasis – 2 nights accommodation – Valued at $650 Barbers on swan lane – one free hair cut kaisercraft – $20 gift vouchers x 2 tablet – donated by gisler group golf at hope island golf at coplicks Billabong prize packs x 3 Wax hands party Face painting party Beauty Bar Burleigh positive change purses holiway skateboard Miami stainless – tools John ahern – Layout author(cover): CAKE BOXES!! edge gym – currumbin TO BE RETURNED caltex – gift hampers FRIDAY 15 MAY ST ANDREWS LUTHERAN C cold rock ice cream plantation house café piece style and design Mrs red’s art room thermomix tupperware chevron yoga Proudly supported by Woodbox café Calte Madison Jane Mode Voyage Cruis tea therapy Gary Gannon 0407 994 041 Wicked Beans Scott Keatley 0408 387 330 goldsteins 2 B kids Bounce avon
FETE RAF
Layout (ticket): ST ANDREWS LUTHERAN COLLEGE PARENTS & FRIENDS
FETE RAFFLE 2015
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Volunteers needed! please contact fete@salc.qld.edu.au Address
Gary Gannon
School Fete
Saturday 16 May
Bring everyone! 10am - 4pm
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Talent Show
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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
INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships
WORDS Michael Grose
Helping students get ready for the NAPLAN tests
The most resilient children and young people are those who rise to meet rather than retreat from the challenges presented to them. Perhaps it’s best to view the NAPLAN tests as good learning experiences rather than dreaded pressure tests. During the second week of May Australian children in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will take part in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). The stated purpose of this testing program is to gain an overall picture of educational attainment levels to assist education policy and decision-making. The program first implemented in 2008 has drawn some criticism from a number of different quarters, particularly in regard to the use of the information gained through the NAPLAN tests. You’ve probably heard a number of different viewpoints expressed in the media over the last few weeks. One view commonly put forward is that the NAPLAN tests put undue pressure on children to perform in test situations. If so, then perhaps the best approach for parents and teachers is to help them handle the pressure rather than avoid it. The most resilient children and young people are those who rise to meet rather than retreat from the challenges presented to them. Perhaps it’s best to view the NAPLAN tests as good learning experiences rather than dreaded pressure tests. Children and young people take their cues from their parents about how to handle many situations. American psychologist Martin Seligman discovered more than a decade ago, through his research into children’s thinking styles, how closely a child’s explanatory style
mimics that of the parent they spend most time around. Optimistic parents beget optimistic kids, just as anxious parents can beget anxious kids. The impact of a parent’s explanatory style seems to be magnified somehow in small families where there are fewer voices to be heard. As a parent it helps your child, if you take a positive view of the NAPLAN tests. It’s better to see them as learning opportunities for kids as well as opportunities to overcome any anxieties or nerves that these tests may bring on. It’s also worth remembering that many children don’t stress over these tests. The vast majority take them in their stride, wondering what all the fuss is about.
Whether your child stresses or takes them in his stride here are some tips to help prepare for the NAPLAN tests: 1 Take your cues from your child: If your child doesn’t worry about them then neither should you. Be careful not to create a problem that doesn’t exist by incessantly talking about, or worse, worrying about the test.
2 Focus on doing their best and trying hard: Choose your words carefully when you speak with your kids. As with all their learning activities place your focus squarely on effort rather than results. The only pressure on kids should be to try hard rather than to do well.
3 Listen to any concerns they have: If your child confesses to some nerves then validate their feelings, rather than shut them down with a ‘get over it’ response. “Yes, sometimes tests can be a little scary, but they get easier every time you take them.” Use this as an opportunity to develop some emotional smarts, which starts with recognising how kids feel.
4 Give them some relaxation ideas: Anxious or nervous kids will benefit from some simple relaxation strategies. Taking some deep breaths, changing their thinking and exercising the morning of the test are some simple ways to help kids get some feeling of control.
5 Help them retain their perspective: One way to help children who become excessively anxious about an event is to ask what’s the worst thing that could happen? Okay, they may not do as well as they would like but the sun will still rise tomorrow, regardless of how well they do. Keeping perspective is a life skill that we all need to practise. A positive, caring parent attitude is one of the best gifts you can give a child when they are apprehensive or nervous about approaching any different situation whether it’s going on school camp, joining a new club or sitting a NAPLAN test.
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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© 2015 Michael Grose
INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships WORDS Michael Grose
Help your children make sense of natural disasters
As adults we all want our children to live carefree lives and keep them from the pain and even horror of tragedies such as natural disasters. In reality we can’t do this. Recent natural disasters wreak incredible havoc on so many people’s lives and will no doubt leave an indelible imprint on our collective psyches. Graphic images have been brought into our living rooms via the media over the last few weeks, and will continue to do so in the immediate future. As adults we all want our children to live carefree lives and keep them from the pain and even horror of tragedies such as natural disasters. In reality we can’t do this. So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring adult to do when the natural disasters fill the airwaves and the consciousness of society? Here are some ideas: 1 Reassure children that they are safe The consistency of the images can be frightening for young children who don’t understand the notion of distance and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fiction. Let them know that while this event is indeed happening it will not affect them directly. 2 Be available Let kids know that it is okay to talk about the unpleasant events. Listen to what they think and feel. By listening, you can find out if they have misunderstandings, and you can learn more about the support that they need. You
do not need to explain more than they are ready to hear, but be willing to answer their questions. 3 Help children process what they see and hear,particularly through television Children are good observers but can be poor interpreters of events that are out of their level of understanding. 4 Support children’s concerns for others They may have genuine concerns for the suffering that will occur and they may need an outlet for those concerns. It is heartwarming to see this empathy in children for the concerns of others. 5 Let them explore feelings beyond fear Many children may feel sad or even angry with these events so let them express the full range of emotions. They may feel sadder for the loss of wildlife, than for loss of human life, which is impersonal for them. 6 Help children and young people find a legitimate course of action if they wish Action is a great antidote to stress and anxiety so finding simple ways to help, including donating some pocket money can assist kids to cope and teaches them to contribute.
7 Avoid keeping the television on all the time The visual nature of the media means that images are repeated over and over, which can be both distressing to some and desensitizing to others. 8 Be aware of your own actions Children will take their cues from you and if they see you focusing on it in an unhealthy way then they will focus on it too. Let them know that it is happening but it should not dominate their lives. 9 Take action yourself Children who know their parents, teachers, or other significant caregivers are working to make a difference feel hope. They feel safer and more positive about the future. So do something. It will make you feel more hopeful, too. And hope is one of the most valuable gifts we can give children and ourselves. Children’s worlds can be affected in ways that we can’t even conceive of so adults need to be both sensitive to children’s needs and mindful of what they say and how they act in front of children. In difficult times, it is worth remembering what adults and children need most are each other.
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 © 2015 Michael Grose
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