Issue 16 / 29 November 2013
Middle & Senior School News End of Year As the College year begins to come to a close and we finalize the students’ reports, it is fitting that we take a moment to pause and reflect on what has been a wonderful year at St Andrews Lutheran College and the many blessings we’ve enjoyed as a community. I would like to offer a word of thanks to the students, one and all, for their exceptional approach to College life throughout the year. Their vibrancy and willingness to make contributions is truly the heartbeat of our College. I would also like to thank our College parents for their unwavering support and partnership with College staff. We appreciate the relationships we hold with you and your children. It is also fitting to acknowledge the dedication and commitment shown by our teaching staff, for if the children are the heartbeat of the College, then the staff are the nervous system. The work they do in and out of classes is what keeps our students learning, growing and developing as learners and as well-rounded individuals. Further Recognition of Excellence The recent Sports Awards night was a tribute to the exceptional standards that are being reached by our students in a wide range of sporting endeavours. It is a testimony to the talent and commitment of our students to such a wide range of sporting pursuits, and to see so many reaching elite levels of sporting performance. Congratulations to all involved.
Before the end of the year we will acknowledge student excellence at the following events: • Years 10 - 11 Awards Assembly being held next (Tuesday 3rd December) at 1.30pm in the RBT • Middle School Awards Assembly (Friday 6th December) at 1.30pm in the WC • Top of Subject, Merit, Citizenship and Service Awards will be presented. All parents are welcome to come along and join these celebrations of excellence. Early in Term 1 2014, our Academic Excellence, Academic Endeavour and Academic Improvement Awards will be presented for each year level based on their overall Semester Two results. Parents are also warmly invited to attend the Prep to Year 11 Christmas Service at 8.45 am in the Multi-Purpose Hall next Tuesday 3rd December to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Cambodia 2013 On Thursday 5 December, seven of our senior students, accompanied by Mr Grehan and Ms Galway will travel to Cambodia on a Christian Service Study Trip. Throughout the year they have been studying Cambodia as well as raising awareness and much needed funds to go towards serving people in the Krovanh district. As a College we have raised $13,835.00. Thank you to all who gave generously. Monies raised will go towards building community ponds (dams) and water filtration systems to ensure clean water for the villages in Krovanh. As well as thanking our wider community for contributing, we would like to thank the following companies for the donated goods which will be given as gifts to children and schools in the area. Mountcastle - Backpacks Staples - Stationery Cloud Office Supplies - Stationery Modern Teaching Aids - Stationery, School Supplies Rebel Sport Robina – Balls Semester Two Reports and the Start of 2014 The end of year Report Cards are in the process of being completed, and will be mailed home to parents in the first week of the holidays. The Australian Curriculum (Phase 1) has been implemented at St Andrews and this will be reflected in the Achievement Standards for each child in Middle School in the areas of English, SOSE, Mathematics and Science. Please use the feedback contained in the reports as a means of affirming your child’s effort and
progress throughout the final semester, and also as a basis for setting new learning goals for 2014. A New Student Orientation morning will be held on Friday 24th January for all Year 7 students (2014) and all new students in Years 8 – 12 from 9.00am – 11.00am in the Worship Centre. This morning ensures a smooth start for our new students. All Middle and Senior School classes resume on Tuesday 28th January and the allocation of students into classes will not be announced until the first day of school next year. Also, please remember that traffic congestion is likely on the first day, as parents stay for the Chapel service, so please exercise extra care and patience. Staffing Updates Mr Arnold Applehof will be leaving the College at the end of the year and I would like to thank him for his work with our German language students this year. Miss Tara Bible will be joining our LOTE staff as a German teacher from the start of 2014. Ms Ngaire Harman will be on leave for all of next year and Ms Andree Bemet will be working with our Senior and Middle School Art classes. Ms Gendi Moore and Mr Robert Luxton will both be on leave in Term 1 and we are in the process of finding suitable replacements for their classes. May the coming Christmas season be a timely reminder of God’s blessings and the joy of knowing that Christ gave us the ultimate gift in sending his son to save us all. A very happy and blessed holiday season. Virginia Warner Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary School virginiaw@salc.qld.edu.au
Senior School News Leadership The 2014 Captains have been finalised and I certainly look forward to working with Joshua, John, Kelsey and Virginia next year. The other Year 12 leadership positions will be announced at the Senior School Final Assembly on Tuesday 3 December. Parents are welcome to attend – 1.30pm in the Ruth Butler Theatre. I would like to remind all of our current Year 11’s that leadership is more than a badge, it is a way of walking and talking and every single one of our seniors are leaders. Final Week While the Year 11’s will be attending the RYDA Road Safety and Awareness Program on Monday 2 December the Year 10’s will be rotating in a series of presentations based around wellbeing, reflection, destinations and healthy relationships. They will then attend a presentation by the Elanora Police Beat regarding Drug Alcohol Violence Education (DAVE). On Tuesday the whole school will enjoy the
Christmas Service and then the Year 10’s and 11’s will attend their final Learning Advisor Group for the year before enjoying a BBQ with the upcoming Year 9’s and the Final Assembly from 1.30pm. Learning Performance Seminars January 2014 at Bond University Interested in improving your learning go to www.learningperformance.com.au to find out more. Reflection I have been really pleased with how well the Year 10’s and 11’s have finished in Term 4. It has been such a smooth last few weeks and, of course, a very busy one. As I look back on the year I can be grateful for the wonderful staff that are a great support to myself and our young people, often going above and beyond to ensure that everyone is someone. I am also grateful that the young people I work with are compassionate, community-minded and caring individuals who value the College they belong to and recognise the good works of their teachers. Finally, I am grateful that I have the opportunity to shape the lives of young people and hopefully in some small way make a difference. If I look back a little further, here are some words of wisdom I would give to my 17 year old self: • We are all special • Family matters • Life is tough and there will be down times but you have amazing strength and resilience • Teaching and education will be a lifetime vocation • Value and be grateful for every little experience and journey because life is precious. As I look forward to 2014 I am motivated to be continuing my journey with Positive Psychology. This is an exciting field and thrilled to have the opportunity to do some further study in the area as well as attending some national and international conferences. I am also thrilled to welcome three Year Level Coordinators (Mrs Washington, Ms Yeo and Mr Nelson) to the Senior School and can’t wait to further develop our Pastoral Care program for 2014. The big ticket items that we will focus on next year will be ensuring well-
being, a sense of purpose and flourishing individuals. We willl do that by focusing on the PERMA Model (Purpose, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment), Character Strengths, Resilience and Grit. I wish all our families a happy and safe Christmas break and we will see you in 2014 for another great year in the Senior School. If you have any concerns or queries please contact me on tanias@salc.qld.edu.au Tania Stewart Head of Senior School tanias@salc.qld.edu.au
and nuances of the College. I look forward to a growing relationship with our St Andrews families in the years ahead.
Thank you The College Community would like to thank Councillor Daphne McDonald for her kind donation towards the “Girls with a Purpose” initiative and the “Growing Good Men” projects.
Of course the dominant theme through this article is that my ‘highlights’ of this year are all to do with people. Schools may be places that run according to timetables and subjects; however, above it all they are social organisations and the relationships between individuals are the things that tie us all together. I hope that your family has a lovely Christmas break and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2014. Some key date claimers for the start of 2014: New students to the Middle School Orientation Day (inc. current Yr 6) – 24/1/14. Year 7 Orientation Camp – 11/2/14-12/2/14. The Edge Program (boys) – 7/10/14-31/10/14. The Edge Program (girls) – 21/10/14-14/11/14. Tom Casey Head of Middle School tomc@salc.qld.edu.au
Student Development Middle School News What an amazing and frenetic year it has been in a new position within a new school. The routines and practices that became familiar without even knowing it at my previous school have needed to be shed as I have thrown myself upon the patience and tolerance of the St Andrews community. As the school year for 2013 draws to a close it is worth reflecting upon some of the highlights for me this year. The speed with which students accepted me as part of their community was astounding. Morning greetings and inclusive conversations do not feature at every school and it is worth noting how welcoming our students are to newcomers within their community. It is a highlight of my day to stand on the Village Green and watch our students engage in the sort of social interactions that we take for granted but are gifts not given to all students in all schools. The support of the staff at the College but particularly the three Year Level Coordinators; Mrs Lisa Roper, Ms Colleen Ijurco and Mr Christophe Tanguy. These three have gently prodded and prompted me through the year and have flourished in their respective new roles ensuring that our students have a stronger pastoral connection within specific year levels. I look forward to their camaraderie and beautiful stewardship of our students in the coming years. Ms Chrissey De Silva has been a joy to behold as she cares for the well-being of our students from our Middle School Admin and ensures that I am where I’m meant to be and on time. The parent body has been generous not only with its trust that we will always do the right thing by their children but also with its acceptance of my ignorance of many details
Holiday Homework A challenge I will set for the students at final assembly, before they head off for holidays is to keep growing, keep learning, find new things to engage with and make the most of the break from the routine of school. I will state this ‘holiday homework’ as a challenge, ‘to meet a new person, read a new book, watch a new movie, try a new food, see a new sight and strive for a new challenge’. Small challenges which can fit amongst the rest and Christmas celebrations. This might help students return with stories of engagement, interest and new life experiences to share with teachers and peers. It is hoped that this simple challenge ensures that students are more resourceful with their break and don’t simply revert to long sleep ins and weeks in front of digital media, or demanding entertainment from parents. As parents, we might help our children plan out some of these experiences and excursions, maybe to see the Sunrise from Mount Warning or a Sunset on the MainWestern Rd at Mount Tamborine. Some might consider a morning run or morning swim a great routine to help them build their bodies and confidence before another year of House Sport challenges. My personal favorite is to investigate a new food or style of cooking and engage children with the purchase, planning and presentation of this new dish. Let us consider how we role model appropriate and creative ways of experiencing leisure this holiday season. James Nelson Director of Student Development jamesn@salc.qld.edu.au
Chaplains Chat Waiting….. And Advent The ‘Church’ year has just ended and we have begun the new one with a 4 week period of time referred to as Advent. During this time we await the arrival of Jesus at Christmas. We make preparations for the celebration of this most wonderful event. But there is a second component of waiting too. It is waiting for the return of Christ at the end of time. Either way, both involve waiting. Waiting is something that we tend to struggle with as humans. Waiting in airports is one of people’s pet hates. It can be tedious and seen as a waste of time. I know I have felt that way as flights are delayed and travel plans are put back. Dr Seuss addresses this idea in his book – “The Places You’ll Go”. He has his character enjoying all manner of adventures until things begin to go astray…. And the lead character ends up at the Most Useless of places.. the waiting place. We are so conditioned to be busy and productive, that waiting is viewed as useless and detrimental to positive living. I know I view it this way. I struggle to wait 5 minutes for my daughter without lamenting how it is a waste of time. Upon reflecting on this, it struck me how waiting can be a positive time to actually connect with ourselves and more importantly, connect with our Creator. The frenetic pace of life leaves us with little time for prayer and one on one time with God. As we move through the season of Advent – waiting for the celebration of Christmas, let’s see if we can alter our view of waiting from it being a useless place to one that embraces it as a chance to spend time with our Loving God and be recharged through our connection with Him and let Him know how special He is.
LOTE News Why Japanese? At St Andrews we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to learn a foreign language right from Prep. Sometimes I am asked ‘why Japanese?’ or ‘why not Chinese’. Here are some reasons from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Website: The Australia-Japan relationship is underpinned by shared values, intersecting interests and common approaches to international security challenges. Japan has been Australia’s closest and most consistent friend in Asia for decades, and the relationship is of fundamental importance to both countries’ strategic and economic interests. Japan is: • Australia’s second largest export market and third largest source of foreign investment. • Australia’s stable political, business and investment environment makes it a critical supplier to Japan of clean and safe food products and energy and mineral resources. To further strengthen the economic relationship, the Australian and Japanese governments are now negotiating a Free Trade Agreement. The Australia in the Asian Century White Paper, released in October 2012, recognises Japan as a top-tier country for engagement. Some facts about Japan: • despite the past two decades, and despite all the legitimate excitement about other emerging powers, Japan remains an economic giant. • Japan has a major impact on the global economy with: > under 2 per cent of the world’s population but nearly 10 per cent of global GDP. > five per cent of global trade. > the world’s third largest economy. Rebekah Hill Head of Languages rebekahh@salc.qld.edu.au
Graeme Schache Chaplain
The Edge Beyond The Comfort Zone If I asked you to show me. I don’t think you could. As a matter of fact, you might not even know where ‘exactly’ it is… What I am talking about is the boundary – the one that exists between being inside or outside your ‘comfort zone’. For the most part, it is intangible – and often more about the psychological than the physical. For the Year 9 boys and girls who attended “The Edge” program this year, the experience is about pushing past that undefined boundary; to learn to rely almost exclusively on themselves and each other. The whole experience is a bit like waking up in a strange hotel. There is excitement and eagerness about being away from home, but uneasiness about being in a foreign place. During the day, it’s easy to negotiate the room. “The Edge” is like feeling the wall in the night to find the light switch that you know is there, somewhere. We search for it with open hands, brailing the walls in hope the light is not far, and that we are even going in the right direction… We are lucky if we can avoid stubbing our feet on the furniture, or falling over in the unfamiliar surroundings. And yet – we get there. The light switch, eventually, is found. The moment the light shines, there is relief – which is how most students feel finally arriving at the Googa camp itself after weeks, months, for some years, of anticipation.
tub, chopping wood for the stove, feeding the cows and chooks and weeding the garden. It’s not a boot camp, it’s real life. And it’s hard work. Students learn to sort through conflicts without parental involvement and to trust themselves and each other as they participate in the program events. The last week of ‘The Edge’ is dedicated to reflection and making mission statements that the students create detailing their experiences, strengths and future goals. Before the students go to camp, there is often worry about being away from their comfort and security for almost two weeks, especially not having access to their mobile phones, computers and ipads – but by the end of Googa, they do not want to come home. They have forgotten about nail polish and the Xbox. The comfort zone of home is an easy place to stay, but growth doesn’t happen in easy places. If you want the fruit, you have to go out on the limb. If you want to travel, you have to grope in the dark for the light switch. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary. Our students come back from “the Edge” ready for Senior School. The cohort is stronger, confidence and hope abound, and the kids are happy. We know at last where the boundary is – that’s ‘The Edge’. The program moves students past its periphery into the future of Senior School that awaits their incredible shining lights. Colleen Ijurco Year 8 Coordinator
Art News PAT 2014 Unless a cancellation form is received, PAT enrolments will rollover into 2014 The only exception to this is Current Mini Musos and Year 3 Strings Players who need to complete an intention to join the PAT Program form which has been sent home. Any enquiries regarding this can be emailed to performingarts @salc.qld.edu.au Students wishing to join the PAT Program in 2014 can enrol via the College Website
The four week ‘Edge’ experience is a rite of passage for Year 9s as they leave the comfort and security of being the top dogs in Middle School to the young pups of the Senior School. The program is designed to foster independence and to empower students to trust themselves – their skills and their abilities – in a range of activities. Students engage in a week of community service, where they attend non -profit organizations and come to understand that their hands are for helping. For the next two weeks at Googa, the students are taught rope-tying and teamwork skills which help them to participate in pioneering, tree climbing, sugar gliding, and hiking. In their cabin dorms, students do chores involving making each other supper, doing dishes, washing their own clothes with a manual
Priscilla Scott Head of Arts priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au
Tuesday 28th - Friday 31st - Normal Hours 8am-10am Wednesday 29th - Normal Hours 2.30pm-3.30pm
Sport News Gold Coast Under 15 Rep Cricket Andrew Craig and Zac Lopez have made the Gold Coast Under 15’s “A” Cricket representative team to play in the State carnival, 16th to 20th December 2013. It is great to see two St Andrews boys making it through to this level, and all their hard work being rewarded. Aerobics - Alyshia Jut Alyshia recently competed in Brisbane, against 20 people that had all made it into their own state teams and came first in Queensland, and 6th in Australia. Alyshia was selected into the State team, with her aerobics group and she competed in Melbourne against over 15 teams from all over Australia. Her team produced some outstanding performances to finish in 1st place. Gold Coast Futsal After vigorous trials with around 60+ children and many selectors, Lachlan Anderson made the final team to represent the Gold Coast U9s Futsal team. They have been undefeated in their first few games. FFA Futsal Morgan Atkins has been selected for the Queensland U16 FFA Futsal side to compete in the National Championships in January 2014. The FFA selection and trialing process is extremely competitive at these older age groups and this certainly is a fantastic achievement for Morgan. Andrew Manion Head of Sport
Uniformshop News Thankyou To Our Volunteers A huge THANK YOU to Libby Nussey, Jenny Stadler, Wendy Tetsuo, Loraine Guy and Sharon McVay for all your help in the Uniform Shop this year. We are still looking for 2 more volunteers for next year so if you can help us please let us know. Uniform Shop January Opening Hours (Also On Website) The Uniform Shop will close at 10am on Friday 6th December and will reopen in January as listed below: JANUARY 2014 Wednesday 15th - Friday 17th - Mornings Only 8am-12pm Monday 20th - Thursday 23rd - Afternoons Only 1pm-4pm Friday 24th January - All Day 9am-4pm WEEK 1 Monday 27th January closed for Australia Day Holiday
*If you cannot attend during these times please contact the Uniform Shop or Main Reception to make an appointment. New students and families with 3 or more children are encouraged to book an appointment time. Holiday Contact Details Please check the website for holiday opening hours, current price list and details of what you will need for 2014. If you need to contact us during the holidays please email us and we will respond, usually within 24 hours. Help Us Serve You Faster - Email Your Order The Uniform Shop gets very busy now and in January. If you know what sizes you need to buy (or try on), you can help us by emailing your uniform list by 10am (3pm in January) so we can gather the items you need and have them ready for you the following business day. Thank you to the parents already using this service. Buy Now Remember sizes can be exchanged in January - just leave the tags on the items and keep them in a saleable condition. Senior Blazers For Year 10 If you have ordered a new blazer these are expected to arrive after 21st January. You may phone or email the Uniform Shop to check if they are in if you wish. Please remember Girls will also need a senior tie and Boys will need senior white shirts, a tie and grey trousers. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and look forward to seeing you all in January 2014! Jacqui Desfosses Uniform Shop Manager uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au
Tuckshop News WOW! This year has just flown by! Next year will be an exciting year for us as we will be moving into our new Tuckshop! We will be looking forward in making a variety of fresh and exciting new dishes that the staff and students will all enjoy! Thank you again to the volunteers who have given their time to us. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with you all. Flexi School will hold any remaining monies that you have in your account and will be ready for use next year. Upon logging into Flexi Schools 2014, it will prompt you for your child’s new class, please insure that you update the details immediately as we don’t keep a track of student classes. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Trina van der Kamp Tuckshop Manager tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au
Dates to remember November Monday 2 December Year 11 RYDA Program, Southport Community Centre Year 9 Japanese Students Shopping Excursion (11.00am1.30pm) Tuesday 3 December Last Day of Term Year 10 & 11 P-11 Christmas Service 8.45am MPH Years 10 & 11 Awards Assembly 1.30 in RBT Wednesday 4 December Year 7 Annual Netball Carnival LABTEN Cup in COLA (8.40am12.00noon) Thursday 5 December Cambodia Study Trip Departs Friday 6 December Prep-Yr 9 Finish Middle School Closing Chapel 8.30am WC / Final Assembly 1.30pm in RBT Calendar Ahead 2014: Friday 24 January Middle School/Senior School New Student Orientation 9.00am in Ruth Butler Theatre Monday 27 January Australia Day Public Holiday Tuesday 28 January First day of school for all students in the Middle and Senior schools. Classes will start at 8.25 am and the first Chapel service for the year will start at 9.00 am. Parents are warmly welcome to attend. During this service our new staff and College Captains will be installed. Wednesday 29 January Year 7 Cyber-Safety 6.45pm in Worship Centre Wednesday 29 January School Photos - Year 7 to 12 All students are to wear formal school uniform including blazer with clean shoes and neat hair. Senior School boys are to wear winter formal uniform with grey trousers, blazers and ties. Boys may bring summer uniform to change after the photos if preferred. Long trousers are optional for Middle School boys.
Parents and Friends Association
St Andrews P & F News The P & F would like to wish all the families and staff of St Andrews a very happy and safe Christmas. During first term next year the annual Picnic in the Park will be held, which is a good way to start the year and meet parents. The talented students of St Andrews will perform and a jumping castle will be there for the younger children. We are still interested to hear from anyone who has any ideas for fundraising next year, as it is a non fete year. There are a number of large projects which have been suggested the P & F may fund, including a Grandstand on the top oval and the fit out of the new Tuckshop which will be built under the CRC in 2014. The first meeting of 2014 will be held in Term 1 on the 12th March and we will be looking to introduce a new “terms of reference� to replace the existing Constitution. The Constitution included the business units (Uniform and Tuckshop) which the P & F is no longer responsible for. The new terms of reference are available on the website and we welcome any comments you may have at the next meeting or by emailing pandf@salc.qld.edu.au We look forward to welcoming the new parents into the school community next year. Sponsors The P & F would like to thank the following sponsors for their continued support of our College. Please show your support for these businesses.