Issue 18 / 13 November 2015
Middle/Senior School Bulletin
their works and to Ms Barclay (Visual Arts teacher aide) and Ms Harman (Head of Visual Arts) for supporting, enticing and coaxing the very best possible work out of the students.
Middle & Senior School News The Edge Last Friday the Year 9 girls returned from GOOGA and this week they worked with Mr Tanguy to reflect on their experiences. The Edge is a very powerful rite of passage for our students and often recounted as one of the fondest memories of our graduating students. It has a significant impact on students individually and as a cohort and a considerable amount of work and care that goes into the planning and running of the Edge program. Thank you to all involved and in particular Mr Tanguy for walking alongside our Year 9 students and their families throughout this journey.
Mufti Day On Tuesday the College turned Pink and Yellow and raised over $2000 to go towards assisting College families who have experienced significant health issues this year. Thank you to the students for hosting the bake sale and to the Click Photography group for hosting a Photo booth. The Year 12 students supported Blake Coleman (Year 12) with a ‘Beanies for Blake’ fundraiser and show of support. Finally, thank you to the whole community for supporting this initiative.
Graduating Class – Visual Art Exhibition Last Friday evening the Year 12 Visual Art students hosted an opening night for their Graduating Exhibition in the Learning Hub. The artistic abilities and creative energy of these young people is inspiring. Thank you to the students for sharing
Real-Life Learning Experiences Over the past few weeks our Year 11 Business Management class has been studying Human Resource Management and Operations Management within the context of Not For Profit Organisations. To build authentic connections with the theory work, the students have been visiting and working with Meals on Wheels.
We Are Not There Yet! As we draw closer to the end of the year, and some students find their focus turning to the approaching vacation, it is important that we remember to “finish strong.” There is still much work to be done. The classic children’s story, the tortoise and the hare, reminds us that slow and steady is the best way to approach all of the demands on our time. For students; assessments, exam study and general homework, all benefit from a slow and determined approach to producing the best possible work. Please encourage your child(ren) to continue to be the best they can be, in all that they do at the College until the end of term. It is how we finish the race that matters most! Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
Middle School News Thank you to Mrs Myles and the Meals on Wheels team for making this possible. Choose Your Own Device Parent Portal – ‘School Locker’ This week the College launched a new online portal for parents and students for CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) in partnership with ‘School Locker’ a division of Harvey Norman, through which parents can choose to purchase digital devices. This is to assist parents with decision making for purchasing technology devices in Years 6-12 and hopefully will make it an easier process for parents. On Thursday night an information session was held in the CRC with Mrs Jo Schaefer, our IT Manager, and a ‘School Locker’ representative. If you were unable to attend and have any questions please contact Mrs Schaefer at the College: jos@salc.qld.edu.au Farewell Year 12 Class of 2015 Next week is a significant week in the lives of our Year 12 students as they go through a number of final farewell events which culminate in the Final Assembly on Friday 20 November. Year 12 students, may God bless and keep you and on behalf of all of the College staff, I would like to thank you for your wonderful contributions to this community both this year and throughout your time at the College.
Numeracy and Study Routines One of the College’s strategic foci is the development of numeracy skills across the curriculum. As part of their regular timetable all students in Years 7 and 8 participate in a weekly numeracy lesson. Contemporary research indicates that the development of fluency in numeracy skills leads to the ‘freeing up’ of cognitive capacity that students can use for more advanced problem solving. This is most obviously seen when students have not taken the time to regularly study the fundamental ‘rules’ needed in new units of study and consequently struggle to extend their learning for more advanced topics. It is most clearly visible in Maths although in all subjects there is a core group of facts which has to be learnt. At this time of year it is worth reflecting upon whether your child’s revision program allows regular and repeated opportunities for the learning of these basic skills. Many students find this process tedious although it is essential in order for them to be able to progress significantly in their learning. Elective Changes Elective subjects for 2016 have been published for over a week. While there are a number of changes available for students, all changes must be accompanied by a signed form. These forms are available from the Middle School Administration. As numbers in some electives are limited it is impossible to allocate every child’s first preferences for each subject line. In 2014 the College transitioned to an online selection process which has significantly increased the chances of all students gaining a higher proportion of their top preferences. It is also worth remembering that electives should also provide an opportunity for students to experience a wide range of subjects as they progress through the Middle School. Tom Casey Head of Middle School
Senior School News Flourishing in the Senior School Over the last few weeks the staff have been talking about optimism and hope. Positive Psyscologist Martin Seligman believes that optimism can be learned. Shane Lopez says that hope is the belief that the future will be better than the past and that we have the power to make it so. One of the key ways to build hope for the future is to establish goals which is a focus for our students in the Senior School at the start of each term. However, one thing that many of our students seem to struggle with are the actions (multiple pathways) they need to take to achieve these goals. Having multiple pathways helps maintain motivation and ensure the ability to achieve another path if a barrier pops up. To build hope and help our students learn how to develop the skill of being hopeful our Senior School students will be involved in futurecasting, that is, thinking about their best posssible futures. Research has shown that students high in hope do better academically.
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It is the final week for our Year 12’s and I would like to wish our graduates of 2015 all the best for their final exams and for their future endeavours. We look forward to hearing about all the wonderful things they get up to as they begin the next journey. I would also like to thank our Year 12 parents, it has been a very busy year and I am sure you will also enjoy knowing that your child has succesfully finished one stage of the journey in life. I am sure all of our parents are very proud of these fine young people as we are at the College.
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Ashleigh Kemp and Jenna Mobberley for being exemplary Senior School Buddies in 2015. Jessica Palfreyman who was shortlisted for the Australian Ice Dancing team to attend the Youth Olympics. To the nine Year 11 students who showed a willingness to serve as College Captains in 2016. They are an impressive group and gave nine very different but amazing speeches last week. Well done, Izak Schache, Ben Wooldridge, Ben Beggs, Oliver Waddingham, Riley Kennedy, Tia Lightbody, Paris McKay-Holley, Darby Kenyon and Khali Robins. Our College Leadership is in very good hands. Thank you to our Year 10 families for their amazing generosity and support for Jack Coles and his family. I received a wonderful thank you from Mrs Coles. The whole family was thoroughly overwhelmed. What an amazing community we have. Below is a great photo of Jack with his gifts and card of support.
Our Year 10’s had four very whip-smart university students come in to speak to them last week about study skills. We had an overwhelmingly positive response from the Year 10’s and LAG teachers who experienced the elevate program. The students have a booklet that they took notes in and for the rest of the year and into 2016 will be revisiting these skills in LAG. They were also given access to the elevate website and special features. To access the online website students can use the following username and password: Go to: www.elevateeducation.com Enter Username: STUDENT Type in Password: pacco Congratulations to: • Jenna Mobberley on her selection in the Australian Futstars team. Jenna travels to America next year with the team. • Izak Schache and Ben Wooldridge for the great job they have done organising and running the lunchtime Futstars Tournament for Middle and Senior School students. The finals took place this week and it has been impressive to see the talent, enthusiasm and great team spirit on the pitch.
If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me on tanias@salc.qld.edu.au Tania Stewart Head of Senior School
Chaplains Chat
Business Management News
Celebrating the Gospel As I write this, October 31 has just recently come and gone…. This time last year I led a Junior School chapel time based around Halloween. It is not difficult to connect Halloween with Christian teachings because it originally was associated with All Saints Day which is November 1. This year though, I turned my attention to another historical event – Reformation Day. This is the day that is celebrated in memory of Martin Luther nailing his 95 theses or 95 points of objection to church practice 498 years ago. This act by Luther was momentous, and changed the course of history. In 2 years, 2017 will mark 500 years since this important event.
On Wednesday 28 October the Year 11 Business Management class visited Meals on Wheels at Kingscliff. The aim of the visit was to learn about how Meals on Wheels manage Human Resources and Operations from a Not for Profit perspective. Over the past four years Meals on Wheels Kingscliff has grown rapidly, increasing the number of meals they deliver per week from 200 to nearly 900. The students had a lovely morning helping deliver meals to the elderly and experiencing the welcoming, happy, vibrant culture that is Meals on Wheels.
The Reformation that followed Luther’s objections involved all sorts of aspects – political, social and spiritual, but for us now in 2015 the most important element is the fact that we have a very clear focus on the Gospel. Celebrating the Gospel are the first three words of our College Mission statement. The Gospel we celebrate today was all but lost 500 years ago amongst layers of tradition and man-made rules of the church at the time. These rules involved people being encouraged to pay money to help ensure theirs and others position in heaven. It was these types of teachings that Martin Luther objected to and through scripture/the Bible, he was able to clearly set out that a relationship with God is based entirely on God’s grace. This means that God extends His love to us and we receive this through faith. His love for us is a free undeserved gift, and is life changing. As a Lutheran school we are blessed to have clearly stated in our Mission Statement that we Celebrate the Gospel. As we do this week in and week out God strengthens our connection with Him and his saving work continues on as it has done down through the centuries for all those who put their trust in His Grace. Graeme Schache Chaplain
Terri Myles Head of Business
Performing Arts News Term 4 Dates As we look ahead to an exciting and busy Term in Performing Arts. Below are some key dates to pop in the calendar. Saturday 14 November Animi Dance Concert (2 Sessions) 4.30pm 6.30pm
RBT
Thursday 19 November Piano Concerts (2 Sessions) 3.30-4.30pm 4.45-5.45pm
MPH
Tuesday 24 November
Speech and Drama (2 afternoon concerts) 3.30-4.15pm 4.30-5.45pm
RBT
Friday 27 November
Band Soiree Afternoon 4.00-5.30pm
RBT
Sunday 29 November
Aged Care Christmas Concert 4.00pm (Music Theatre Elective + selected PAT Vocal Students)
St Andrews Aged Care
PAT 2016 As we start to look forward to 2016, a few reminders about PAT Tuition. 1. Unless we receive a Cancellation Form all existing PAT Students they will roll over into 2016 timetables. If you do not wish for your child to continue – please complete the online Cancellation Form on the website. Please do not just tell the PAT Tutor as this information is not always passed on to Anne who is doing the timetables. Alternatively you can email performingarts@salc.qld.edu directly.
Les Miserables The mood was palpable. I didn’t think todays young adults would be interested in French history and the story of the revolution. Was it the business acumen of the young innkeeper that they were taking note of. His ability to subtlety include the GST without discussion or argument for ‘extra’s in his trade was truly inspiring. Or the determination of the police officer, following his ‘outlaw crime’ boss, keen to fulfil his duty. No, the story of the young girl, born into difficult circumstances who overcomes them and finds love and a sense of family.
On Wednesday 11 November, the Year 11/12 music class went to Les Miserables, performed at the Lyric Theatre at Qpac. To suggest they were engaged in this fabulous show is an understatement as their conversations on the bus trip home supported. The opportunity for our students to see a professional show of this standard really allows them to understand the level of commitment required to become a seasoned performer. Students were impressed by the production of the musical which is known, not only for its historical plot but epic staging, lighting and pyrotechnics, all adding a deep dimension to our experience. It was great to see students unknowingly put into context songs they have heard, but not really known from where. Our instrumentalists were impressed by the performance abilities of the orchestra, showing another musical pathway for those interested. But the stage, Oh the stage:- the bright lights and sets, and those amazing performers just made us all feel inspired as we left the theatre. What a great way to end a year and give us deep experiences, inspiring us into our musical studies.
2. Students in Year 3 Strings and Mini Musos are reminded to return the forms that were sent home last week to ensure they are timetabled in for 2016. 3. If you are considering enrolling in 2016 – please complete the application form this term as we are starting the timetabling process towards the end of this term. We do have finite places in our programs and it is a case of first in best dressed. Cilla Scott Head of Arts
Viva la France! Paul Oakley-Grant Senior School Music Teacher
Home Ec News
IT News
Year 11 Buffet On Monday evening 2 November the Year 11 Hospitality class presented a Buffet to parents and family. Students showcased preparation and presentation skills which has been the focus of the Year 11 progam.
Parent CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) Portal The College is pleased to announce the launch of our new online portal to purchase technology for students.
With the support of the dedicated Hospitality staff the students had a very successful evening. Denise Pagura Head of Home Economics
The College has partnered with “The School Locker”, a division of Harvey Norman, to provide education pricing on student IT devices available for purchase through an online portal. The School Locker and the College have been negotiating with a range of vendors to setup a Parent “Choose Your Own Device” portal to assist in purchasing devices for their children. These devices have been preselected to meet the requirements for learning in the classroom. Participation in this program is voluntary. The College is simply providing an online option for parents who may be looking to purchase a new device for their child/ren and require assistance. The School Locker will be running the program and delivery of devices for parents will be directly through The School Locker as the provider. Payment can be made online via credit card or with Flexirent finance options available. The finance options available can be beneficial when combined with accidental damage protection. The College is simply promoting this as a service to make decisions and purchasing easier for families and is not involved in the contract of purchase and supply. Students/Parents need to register with a student advantage card to be eligible for these discounts online. These cards are available from Junior, Middle and Senior Administration areas or the IT Department in the Cecile Ryan Centre. The College held an information session for parents on Thursday 12 November at 5.00pm in the Cecile Ryan Centre. The devices available on the portal were on site for parents to view and test. If you were unable to attend and have any questions please contact me at the College jos@salc.qld.edu.au Portal link http://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/st-andrews-lutherancollege We hope you find this portal of assistance in purchasing your child a device. Jo Schaefer IT Manager
Careers News Information for Year 12 Parents Year 12 students will able to find out their individual QCS Test Grade (from A to E) in their Learning Account on the Student Connect website: https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld. edu.au from 9.00am on Wednesday 18 November. From 9.00am on Saturday 19 December, all results contributing to the QCE, OPs and FPs will be available in student learning accounts on the Student Connect website https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au On the Student Connect Website Year 12 students use their LUI and password to log in and check their results online. Students will find that they will gain faster access if they have previously activated their learning account. From Monday 21 December, students will begin receiving their Senior Education Profiles in the mail. Depending on students’ individual circumstances, their profile will comprise of one or more of the following documents. • QCE • Tertiary Entrance Statement • Senior Statement Year 12 End of Year Procedures 2015 Subject Achievement Indicators (SAIs) One of the many important procedures at the conclusion of the year is the assigning of Subject Achievement Indicators. SAIs are numbers given to OP Eligible students in Authority subjects for the purpose of comparing achievement within the subject group. In subjects where there are fourteen or more OP eligible students in the class, a special numbering system is used where students are assigned numbers between 200 (for the lowest student) and 400 (for the top student) to represent their position within the group. This year at St Andrews, SAIs for groups of 14 or more students will be calculated for English, Maths A, Maths B, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Visual Art. In subjects where there are fewer than 14 OP eligible students in the class the SAIs are expressed in terms of ‘level’ and rung on the R6 ladder, for example HA9 (High Achievement 9). Each SAI has meaning only when viewed in relation to the SAIs of the other OP eligible students in that subject at St Andrews Lutheran College. As required by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA), St Andrews will publish SAIs to students on Wednesday November 25 from 9.30 am noon and from 1.30pm until 4.00pm in Mrs Wrigley’s office in the CRC. The SAIs will be posted for individual students to view.
It is the student’s responsibility to check this information at this time. They should check to see that they have been placed in the correct position compared with their classmates. If they think there might be an anomaly or if it is something they do not understand, students may talk with Mrs Wrigley, their subject teacher or the subject Head of Department. SAIs are important for OPs and students should find the time to check them! Christina Wrigley Director of Learning and Teaching christina@salc.qlc.edu.au
Dates to Remember - November Saturday 14 Animi Dance Concert (Years 5-9), Ruth Butler Theatre from 6.30pm Monday 16 Year 12 Graduating Art Exhibition Year 12 Laternative Program 19-20 Nov Year 8 Immunisation and Year 10 Immunisation Catchup Year 9 Girls Reflection Day Year 9 Girls Edge Presentation & BBQ Tuesday 17 Years 8 & 9 Book Club Wednesday 18 Years 8-10 Netball Competition (selected students) Years 10-12 Presentation Night 2015 Thurday 19 Piano Soiree - 2 sessions - 3.30pm & 4.45pm Valedictory Dinner for Year 12’s, Bond University 6.30pm Friday 20 Year 12 Students Last Day Year 12 Final Assembly & Morning Tea, 8.50am WC Monday 23 Year 11 Exams 23-27 Nov East Timor Service Learning Information, Common Room 3:30pm - 5:00pm Tuesday 24 Years 8 & 9 Book Club Speech and Drama Concerts, Ruth Butler Theatre from 3.30pm Wednesday 25 P & F AGM, Cecile Ryan Centre, 7.00pm Friday 27 Year 11 RYDA Program Music for Sunsets Ensemble Soiree, RBT, from 4.00pm
P&F News
Uniform Shop News
AGM (Annual General Meeting) This year’s AGM is on Wednesday 25 November 7.00pm in the CRC (Cecile Ryan Centre).
Uniforms for 2016 See flyer at end of this Bulletin for What You Need for 2016. Buy or Layby your uniforms now and avoid the January rush and any price increases. You are guaranteed you will get the items you need and you can exchange sizes in January if needed (providing items are returned in a saleable condition). Email us your list by 8am the day prior so we can have it ready for you when you come in. Or order and pay online via www.flexischools.com.au
At the meeting all current positions are declared vacant and a vote will be taken for the positions from the nominations received. All nominations must be submitted 30 days before the AGM to the President. The nomination form is available on the College website under the P & F section. The office bearer positions are as follows: President Currently Daniel Renneberg (daniel@austplan.com.au) Vice President Currently Julieanne Andrews (julieanne6@optusnet.com.au) Treasurer Currently Michelle Brown (michelle@brownslawyers.com.au) Secretary Currently Nicole Ainger (bidwill16@bigpond.com) Grants Officer Currently Kim Allan Fundraising Officer (Currently Vacant) Most of the current office bearers are unable to commit to a further year on the P & F due to full time employment and family commitments and are unable to re-nominate. Please consider taking on a role on the P & F. It is a very rewarding position to hold, allowing you to be involved in a meaningful way in your child/ren’s school. If you would like further information on the duties of any position please feel free to contact us at pandf@salc.qld.edu.au P & F general meetings are held once a term and everyone is always welcome. P & F Commitee
Surfside Bus Lines Bus Pass Applications for 2016 are now due. Should you require further information please find a Frequently Asked Questions sheet attached to this bulletin. ***Please note these bus passes do not apply to the three College bus routes or Koala Koaches bus routes to the Tallebudgera Valley.
January Opening Hours The Uniform Shop will close Friday 4 December 2015 at 10am and will reopen: JANUARY 2016 (Existing Students Only)* Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 8am - 12pm daily Monday 18 - Friday 22 1pm - 4pm daily Monday 25 8am - 12pm Tuesday 26 Closed for Australia Day Wednesday 27 (school resumes) 8am - 9.30am & 2.30 - 3.30pm Thursday 28 (normal hours) 8am - 9.30am Friday 29 (normal hours) 8am - 9.30am * Existing Students Only - Families with 3 or more children or families unable to attend during these times are requested to phone or email to book an appointment outside these hours. If you do not have an appointment please do not come outside these hours as we may have to refuse service. Save Time: Email us your order by 8am the day prior and we will have it ready for you to collect during opening hours the following day. Or order online via Flexischools and enjoy express pick up! 2nd Hand Clothing If you wish to sell 2nd hand uniform items and use the credit to purchase more uniforms in January, please submit your items before the end of term. All items must be clean & ironed (not damaged, stained, faded or showing excessive wear). Items may be submitted in January but, due to the back to school rush, any credit will not be available until mid February. Selling Senior Blazers The Uniform Shop will sell your blazer for you on consignment basis, providing it is in good condition and unmarked. Simply have your blazer dry cleaned as soon as you finish school and bring it to us with the receipt attached, preferably before the end of term. We will notify you as soon as it is sold. We already have a list of parents looking for 2nd hand blazers for next year, so the sooner you bring it in, the better chance you have of selling it. Prices paid range from $70 - $100.
Uniforms for 2016 What you need if your child is moving up to the next year level.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Year 1 The Formal Uniform is worn 3 days a week. The Sports Uniform (same as Prep Uniform) is worn 2 days a week.
Year 7 The Formal Uniform is worn 4 days. The Sports Uniform is to be brought to school and changed into for PE. The Navy Sports Uniform is worn to/from school on Thursdays only.
BOYS Formal Hat - $45 White Short Sleeve Shirt - $31 Navy Elastic Backed Shorts - $28 Navy Knee High Formal Socks - $8 Formal Jumper (to be worn with Formal uniform) Wool $80-85 Poly Cotton $70 Black Leather Lace-up Shoes (not available from Uniform Shop) GIRLS Formal Hat - $45 Formal Dress - $70 White ankle socks with navy stripes - $8 Formal Jumper (to be worn with Formal Uniform) Wool $80-85 Poly Cotton - $70 Black Leather Lace-up Shoes (not available from Uniform Shop) Navy Tights (optional for winter with Formal Uniform) Years 2 & 3 - No Changes Year 4 ALL Navy Sports Shirt - $35 (house shirt now worn one day/week) BOYS College Shorts with belt loops - $30-$34 Belt - $20 Years 5 & 6 - No Changes
Questions? Please contact the Uniform Shop on 5568 5933 or email uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au Prices current until December 2015. 2nd Hand Uniforms may also be available.
ALL Baseball Cap or Wide Brimmed Sports Hat - $15 Sport Sockettes - $8 GIRLS Formal Blouse - $42 Formal Skirt - $55 Formal and sports sockettes - $8 each BOYS Grey Trousers are optional in Terms 2 & 3 Years 8 & 9 - No Changes
SENIOR SCHOOL IMPORTANT - SCHOOL PHOTOS (WEEK 2) ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR BLAZER FOR PHOTOS. BOYS MUST ALSO BRING THEIR TIE AND TROUSERS. Year 10 GIRLS Senior Girls Tie - $20 Blazer - $190-$195 BOYS Senior White Short or Long Sleeve Shirt (no tartan trim on pocket) - $31 The following items are required for photos but are only worn in Terms 2 & 3 Senior Boys Tie - $20 Grey Trousers - $35 Blazer - $195-$200 Years 11 & 12 - No Changes
Important information about school bus travel for 2016 School transport is not free. However, you may be eligible for transport assistance under the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS). APPLY NOW if you intend to use a Surfside Buslines bus to get to or from school.
Frequently asked questions Can I get a bus pass? There are a number of general criteria that apply to STAS. Where a student is eligible for STAS, there are two types of bus assistance available, distance based and Safety-Net travel. Visit www.translink.com.au/schooltransport for eligibility details and to print the relevant application form. Where do I send the form to? Applications for 2016 can be submitted now to Surfside Buslines PO Box 3036 Robina QLD 4230 Or Email: gcschools@tagroup.net.au Who needs to apply? If this is the first time you are applying for assistance to travel or you are moving schools, changed address, repeating a grade or are moving from primary school to secondary school you need to apply now. Existing bus pass holders If your details will not be changing from 2015 to 2016 you do not have to reapply. Students who hold a 2015 bus pass will be able to travel with that pass until 19 February 2016. This allows some time for the 2016 passes to be made. If you lose your 2015 bus pass you will have to apply to Surfside Buslines for a replacement. How do I get my bus pass? Surfside will process applications over the Christmas school holidays so your pass will be sent to your school for you to collect.
What if my pass hasn’t arrived by 19 Feb 2016? Without written confirmation from TMR stating your application has been approved you will need to pay the full cost of travel. These fares are not refundable. What if I am not eligible for STAS? The Queensland Government offers children and students a 50% concession fare by purchasing a TransLink gocard. Passengers aged 5-14 years are eligible for a child concession fare. Full time students 15 years or older are eligible for a Student Concession gocard. To receive a concession fare, students must always carry an approved Queensland student photo identification card or wear an official Queensland school uniform. Timetables Use the TransLink journey planner to plan your travel to and from school. There are helpful tips on how to plan and how to catch a bus. Alternatively telephone 13 12 30. Check out the new MyTransLink app. All bus, train, ferry and tram information is in the palm of your hand with customisable features so you will always get the updates that matter to you. Further information For more information on the School Transport Assistance Scheme, the Code of Conduct for School Children Travelling on Buses and Timetables visit: www.translink.com.au