Issue 10 / 23 August 2013
From the Head of Junior School Schools are very busy places and the last two weeks have been no exception at St Andrews. Here are just a few of the things that the students have been involved in: Science Competition at Griffith Uni, ICAS Mathematics Competition, Year 5 Colonial Day, Choir Eisteddfod, Dance Eisteddfod, Disco, Year 4 Family Service, Japanese Language Speaking Competition, Band Eisteddfod, Book Week Activities, Bike Centre Excursion, SLAPS Athletics Carnival @ QSAC and Youth Club. Our aim at St Andrews Lutheran College is to educate the whole child. The children have plenty of opportunities to get involved in activities that educate the mind, get the body moving and stimulate the senses.
Last Wednesday we hosted the “Partners in Literacy” workshop. It was very well attended by a large number of parents and grandparents. The education of a child is a partnership between the child’s school and his/her parents. Hopefully the skills and techniques shown at the workshop will help you when you listen to and help teach your child to read. Darrin Schumacher Deputy Principal/Head of Junior School
From the Deputy Head of Junior School & PYP Coordinator One of the five essential elements of the Primary Years Programme is ‘action.’ (The five essential elements of the written curriculum in the program are: knowledge, concepts, skills, attitudes and action.) Action is included as an essential element in the PYP as it is believed that education must extend beyond the intellectual to include not only socially responsible attitudes but also thoughtful and applicable action (Making the PYP Happen, 2009).
The IB Primary Years Programme Model
Simon Davidson (2009) suggests that the most imperative aspect of PYP action is the daily classroom practice. We cannot always expect ‘big actions’ which can be remarkable large scale projects that leave a lasting impression on children, as this can be an unrealistic expectation. (It is amazing to be an observer when a ‘big action’ is undertaken by students! This can be such a rich learning experience for all involved.) Research indicates that for actions to have an enduring impact, they must reach a student’s inner conviction. For this to occur, students must be offered genuine choice and genuine responsibility. Before students can determine
what choice to make, they must have the opportunity to think it through. The ultimate aim of involving students in taking action is to allow them to choose to act, decide on their actions and to reflect on their chosen actions in order to become active global citizens.
Year 2 News
In our PYP classrooms, we strive to encourage our students Hinze Dam Excursion to learn to make good choices, to think for themselves and On the 31st July, Year 2 went on an excursion to the Hinze to take responsibility in a realistic and appropriate way. At St Andrews we see evidence of student initiated action that Dam. The transdisciplinary theme that the students were exploring was ‘Sharing the Planet’. The students were has been taken as a result of the learning process. The acinquiring into the conservation of water. tion may take many forms: finding artifacts/books/information to share with the class, engaging in conversations with community, visiting the local library, placing apeople bucketininthe thewider shower to catch excess water as a result of a learning implementing change in the home e.g. placing a bucket in class. Inthe must be noted that, sometimes will choose to take no action (as a shower to catch excess water asstudents a result of a learning engagement in class. It must be noted that, sometimes stu- may be to learn more as they may not yet fully understand the problem or the action dents will choose to take no action (as a positive choice) as d what the situation they may notis. yet fully understand the problem or the action may be to learn more and understand what the situation is. you as aCan parent, to engage conversation with child/ren to find out what I challenge you asina aparent, to engage in ayour conversation with your child/ren to find out what action they are them reflect on the taking as a result of their inquiry, and just as important, have taking as a result of their inquiry, and just as important, chosen action. have them reflect on the impact of their chosen action. “Even the smallest of choices, providing it is significant to lest of choices, providing it is significant to students, be powerful in developing students, can be powerful in developing habits ofcan making thoughtful choices and carrying them out over sustained g thoughtful choices and carrying them out over sustained periods of time.” periods of time.” Simon Davidson Simon Davidson
The Action Cycle Choose
Reflect
Act
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18NIV
The students determined the quality of the water by examJacqueline Faulkner ining the water bugs that were present. They looked at a Deputy Head of Junior School let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18NIV cross-section of the dam wall and found interesting facts PYP Coordinator about how the dam was built and what materials were kner used.
Junior School
or
We left the dam with a healthy respect for the conservation of water. Students have a great appreciation for their responsibility in protecting our waterways. Importantly, we discovered the process that water takes to get from the dam to our taps. Daniel Toomey Year 2 Teacher
Art News Junior School Choral Eisteddfods Both the Golden Clef and Semitone choirs performed last week on the Art Centre stage under the direction of Ms Kristine Dennis. It was a positive experience for them all as they watched other choirs and performed enthusiastically to large audiences. Congratulations to The Semitones who were awarded Very Highly Commended. Thank you Ms Dennis for your talent, enthusiasm and patience. Thanks also to Mrs Hayward, Mr Arnold, Miss Moore and parents for their support. Upcoming Music Events “Twilight Classics” September 2nd 4.45 – 6.00 p.m Parents and friends are invited to hear an hour of classical music in the Staff Common Room in the new Administration Building. Refreshments will be provided. Please note, it is important to R.S.V.P Miss Gendi Moore for catering and seating purposes. gendim@salc.qld.edu.au Cultural Awards Information 2013 Our Cultural Awards Evening will be held Friday 11th October, which is the end of Week 1 Term 4. As this is a little earlier than normal we are starting to gather information for the allocation of Awards. Below is the Criteria for Years 4 – 12 Essential Criteria for all levels: Active Participation in school cultural activities. Please note criteria is applicable from Years 4 - 12. Bronze Award This is awarded to students who: have been involved in several ( 3 – 4 ) cultural groups/activities throughout the year OR Passed Grade 5 or above in Music, Dance or Speech & Drama Exam OR Are nominated for outstanding contribution to a school ensemble/activity Silver Award This is awarded to students who: Have been involved in 5 or more cultural groups/activities throughout the year OR Passed Grade 5 or above in Music, Dance or Speech & Drama Exam + involvement in cultural groups/activities throughout the year OR Major Award at Regional level (GC Drama Festival / Eisteddfod Championships etc) Gold Award Representation at State level or equivalent in chosen discipline OR Major Award (eg. Top of State in Speech & Drama Exam) In Junior School, we base our information on our rolls from our Co- Curricular Groups and information provided by PAT
Teachers. If you child is involved in significant Arts Activity not associated with the College, you will need to email this information to performingarts@salc.qld.edu.au for it to be included. In MS/SS Surveys are emailed to students or are available from Head of Arts. Any questions regarding this process can be emailed to priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au Priscilla Scott Head of Arts priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au
Japanese News On Sunday, August 19, eight enthusiastic St Andrews students represented the College at the Griffith University, MLTAQ Speech Competition. I am very proud of the commitment displayed by these students. Year 4 Sarah Yates, Keira Parmley, Joel Lupton Year 5 Sophia Dart, Peter Thomas, Amber Clarke Year 6 Madison Egen, Maya Hobley It was a close competition where the students performed a rehearsed speech and then answered questions pertaining to their speech. The following students received an award. Madison Egen 4th Place Maya Hobley, Peter Thomas and Sophia Dart - Highly Commended. The students gained so much from this experience and are showing great confidence in Japanese classes. Shelly Pratt Acting Junior School Japanese Coordinator
Sport News Inter Lutheran Athletics Our Years 4-7 team competes on Wednesday 21st August at QSAC, Nathan. We will have a report on results in future publications. I’m sure our team will again display outstanding endeavor and sportsmanship. District Athletics Congratulations to the 20 students who made it through to Gold Coast South District Championship Day. This is the most St Andrews has ever had qualify for this ‘Finals’ Day. Regional Athletics Congratulations to Jack Read (800m) and Satine Masiar (200m) who have both been selected in the Gold Coast South District Athletics team to compete at the Regional Championships next Monday 26th August at QSAC. This is an awesome achievement and we hope you do very well. NetSetGO! Well done to the students who have begun the NetSetGO! Junior Netball program in the MPH on Wednesdays after school. We hear it is heaps of fun. Student Achievements. Congratulations to the following students as we recognise their outstanding achievements in sport. Mackenzie Bru, Ellie Foster, Mollie Hobbs and Emily Richards – Selected in the South Coast Representative 12 years Girls Rugby League Team to compete at the Wide Bay Carnival in Hervey Bay in September. Great work girls. St Andrews Athletics Facilities The P & F have continued their wonderful support for sporting facilities at St Andrews with the funding of a number of projects. At present we are in the process of concreting the run ups for our long jump pits and circles for shot put events. More details as we progress.
Tuckshop News Many thanks to the new volunteers but also to the regular volunteers who give us a few hours each week/fortnight to give us a hand. We would be lost without your help. Please check on your child’s Flexi Schools details. We still are having students who are under last year’s class coming through. Receiving Tuckshop is a huge thrill for some children, but to find that there is no order for them in their class box is quite distressing for some. So please ensure that the classes are correct. As we are now almost in spring, below is some information regarding the importance of drinking water and staying hydrated. Fluid For Healthy Kids Drinking fluid is essential to stay alive. Water is the best fluid for everyone to drink as it is important for temperature regulation, digestion, transportation of nutrients around the body, kidney function and elimination of waste products. Water also cushions organs and joints from injury and pressure. It is so important that the body can only survive a few days without it. If we encourage children to drink water from an early age, it is likely that this good habit will continue into adulthood. Dehydration can result from not drinking enough water. This affects concentration and increases stress, headaches, lethargy, dry itchy skin and constipation. For adults who drink beverages such as alcohol and those that contain caffeine, such as coffee or cola drinks, these drinks actually increase the amount of water lost from the body by increasing urine output. Drinking large amounts of these beverages leads to a greater need for fluid. Sugary beverages such as fruit juices, fruit drinks, cordials, flavoured mineral waters, soft drinks and sports drinks are high in sugar and are of little nutritional value and therefore should be limited to occasional drinks. www.healthy-kids.com.au/category/30/fluid-facts Trina Van der Kamp Tuckshop Manager tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au
Andrew Manion Head of Sport andrewm@salc.qld.edu.au
Uniformshop News Uniform Shop Volunteer needed The Uniform Shop is looking for a volunteer for Thursday mornings. Hours 8am to 9am. Duties include serving customers, using the cash register (training provided), and re-stocking shelves. Friendly nature and a smile are essential. Please contact Jacqui or Fiona during shop hours on 5568 5933 or drop in and see us. If you have any questions please email us at uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au Jacqui Desfosses Uniform Shop Manager uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au
Dates to remember August / September Monday 26 Year 5 Parents’ Coffee Morning, The Side Walk Café and Garden, after drop off Book Week Starts Thursday 29 Student Led Conferences 7.30am to 3.00pm Friday 30 Gold Coast Show Day Holiday Book Week ends Monday 2 JS Dance Troupe Eisteddfod Friday 6 Selected Year 6 students Brisbane Writers Festival Excursion Year 2 Mums’ Night Out – Point Break Restaurant – 7.00pm
College Fees – Optional Instalment Arrangements Tuition Fees become due at the beginning of each Term. However, we do understand that this may at times present cashflow problems for parents. In 2013, St Andrews Lutheran College has implemented Direct Debit facilities for parents wanting to pay for their children’s tuition fees on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis through a regular deduction from your nominated bank account, credit card, or debit card. Transactions are processed through a secure Westpac facility using the latest 128-bit SSL encrypting technology which is the banking industry standard. If you are interested in this option to help with the family budget, please express your interest to the Business Manager, Mr Stephen Cooke - stephenc@salc.qld.edu.au
Born to knit campaign 2013 Last year, Save the Children received 4,844 blankets for children in need programs across Australia and overseas. 37 of these blankets were made with love by our St Andrews community. It is time to start knitting again. Thank you to our knitters who continued through the summer; this has provided a head start on the blanket tally for this year. Please enlist your friends, family and neighbours to knit or crochet blankets. Blankets will keep children warm and help to save lives. Save the Children request the size to be 80cm square. Make whole blankets or knit 80cm x 20cm strips. If you require wool, needles or instructions please contact tonib@salc.qld.edu.au
Parents and Friends Association
St Andrews P & F News Thankyou everyone who attended the meeting last week, it was very productive and the P & F approved funding for a number of new projects for the school.
Sponsors The P & F would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support of our school. Please show your support for these businesses.
The next meeting will be the AGM which is held in Term 4. All positions will be open for nomination, so if you need any information on any of the roles, please contact one of the members of the current P & F. The AGM will be held in Term 4 on Wednesday 6th November at 7pm, so mark it in your calendar. Funding and Projects The P & F has provided the school with funds for removable AFL goal posts for the back oval, which we hope will be enjoyed by many for years to come. A new sound system for the MPH has been approved and should be installed by Term 4. Banners which will encourage student’s creativity and sense of wellbeing in the College have also been purchased. At the last meeting further funds were requested towards the Year 12 Common Room, which all students at St Andrews will eventually be able to utilise. The P & F felt it was important the Year 12 students had somewhere they could use and make their own.
Fathers Day Stall
During the September School holidays an extension to the Bus Shelter will be built which has also been solely funded by the P & F.
Fathers Day Stall & Raffle will be held on Tuesday 27th and Wednesday 28th August 2013 from 8.30am.
A climbing wall for the MPH has been approved as well as an E-library for the College, which includes over 400 book titles for use by all students.
ALL GIFTS will be $5 and we will again be selling raffle tickets $2 each or 3 for $5 with great prizes, including Bunnings Vouchers which Dad would love.
A further donation has also gone towards funding a Lego Robotic Club which we are sure will benefit many children.
1st prize: Footy Hamper valued $120 2nd prize: $50 Bunnings Voucher + Wine 3rd prize: Wine + Selection of gifts from Fathers Day Stall
These are only a few examples of suggestions from parents attending P & F meetings which have come to fruition. Another important reason why you should get involved and have input into how the funds you help raise are put towards projects within the College. Further information on the Grandstand should be available at the AGM, plans have been prepared, and the school is awaiting quotes to determine the cost. Approval for the expenditure will be sought at future P & F meetings.
DAD
We need some volunteers to assist on both mornings, so if anyone from Junior School can assist, even if just for an hour, it is appreciated. Please contact Julieanne on 0421 795 411 or Michelle on 0418 153 731.
Julieanne Andrews pandf@salc.qld.edu.au