Issue 19 / 27 November 2015
Middle/Senior School Bulletin
Middle & Senior School News End of Year Congratulations to the Graduating class of 2015. You are an amazing group of young people and we thank you for your individual and collective contributions over your time here at St Andrews.
Year 12 Graduates, may God bless you and keep you safe through the journey of this life and may you remain confident in God’s love and plan for you. Above all else, seek joy, be hopeful and continue to share your light with the world! As we head into the final week of classes for 2015 and we finalize the students’ reports, I would like to also offer a word of thanks to the students, one and all, for their exceptional approach to College life throughout the year. Their vibrancy is truly the heartbeat of our College. I would also like to thank our College parents for their unwavering support and partnership. We appreciate the relationships we hold with you and your children. Finally, I want to acknowledge the dedication and commitment shown by our teaching staff, for their work towards coaxing, coaching and inspiring our students to strive to achieve to their true potential. The work they do in and out of classes is what keeps our students learning, growing and developing as learners and as wellrounded individuals. Non-teaching staff, teacher aides, groundsmen, Administration, Library, Tuckshop, and Uniform Shop also go above and beyond to ensure this College is flourishing and so to them we are also most grateful. Further Recognition of Excellence This Wednesday 2 December is the Middle School Presentation Night which will be held in the Multi-Purpose Hall (5.45pm for a 6.00pm start). This is a compulsory evening for all students in Years 7 – 9 and will be a wonderful showcase of our Middle School. Students are to wear formal school uniform and to sign in on arrival. Before the end of the year we will also acknowledge student excellence at the Years 10 & 11 and Middle School Award assemblies. Top of Subject, Merit, Citizenship and Service Awards will be presented at these assemblies. All parents are welcome to come along and join these celebrations of excellence. Years 10 - 11 Awards Assembly (Tuesday 1 December) at 1.30pm in the RBT Middle School Awards Assembly (Friday 4 December) at 1.30pm in the RBT Early in Term 1 2016, our Academic Excellence, Academic Endeavour and Academic Improvement Awards will be presented for each year level based on students’ overall Semester Two results. Parents are also warmly invited to attend the Prep to Year 11 Christmas Service at 8.45am (seated by 8.30am) in the Multi-Purpose Hall next Tuesday 1 December to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Staffing Updates Mr Adam Maessen will be heading to work at LORDS from the start of next year and Mr Jonathan Barker has accepted the position of Head of Department – English at the College from the beginning of 2016. Jonathan comes to us most immediately from Rivermount College where he has served for 15 years in a variety of roles including Head of Senior School, Dean of Students, Dean of Student Services and Careers Coordinator, as well as teacher of English. Jonathan was previously at Somerset College for 12 years where he also held a number of roles including Head of Library, Head of House and Creative Director for the Somerset Celebration of Literature. Jonathan has also been involved in a variety of Co-curricular activities including debating, public speaking, mooting, creative writing, volleyball and tennis. Jonathan is married, and has two young children and is a member of the Living Word Congregation at Ashmore. Next year, both Mrs Miranda Magee and Mrs Kylie Tunkara will return to work part-time after taking maternity leave this year. Mrs Christine Anderson will be on leave next year and Mrs Audrey Woodhouse will be taking her classes. Mr Bob Grehan returns to St Andrews after a year’s leave. Mr Christophe Tanguy and Mrs Liz Polentas will be on Long Service Leave for Term 1. We are currently in the process of finalising suitable replacement staff. Semester Two Reports and the Start of 2016 Report Cards will be mailed home to parents in the first week of the holidays. 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 2016. A New Student Orientation afternoon will be held on Monday 25 January for all Year 7 students (2016) and all new students in Years 8 – 12 from 1.30pm in the Worship Centre. This is compulsory and ensures a smooth start for our new students. All Middle and Senior School classes resume on Wednesday 27 January and we are working towards notification of class lists through Parent Lounge in late January. Also, please remember that traffic congestion is likely on the first day, so please exercise extra care and patience. This is our last bulletin for 2015. 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
Middle School News Middle School Presentation Evening As I hope everyone is aware next Wednesday 2 December is our Middle School Presentation Evening in the Multi-Purpose Hall. This evening affords us an opportunity to meet as a community and celebrate the year in the Middle School. I look forward to the opportunity to have an evening dedicated solely to the achievements and talents of our Middle School students and I look forward to seeing many of you there. Middle School Leadership 2016 As this Bulletin is being read a number of nervous Year 8 students will have spoken at a Middle School Assembly about their willingness to become leaders in our community. In a stage of development where raising one’s hand to accept further responsibility is sometimes viewed with scorn it was heartwarming to receive so many nominations for the leadership positions available in 2016. Of course, I expect that all students in Year 9 will act as leaders to their younger colleagues and display this through their daily actions at the College. Announcements regarding Middle School leaders for 2016 will be made at our final assembly next Friday. Thanks As this will be the final Bulletin for the year can I take this opportunity to thank all of the parent body and the wider community for your continued support of the Middle School at the College. I am enormously respectful of our role in educating your sons and daughters at this crucial time of their development. Please have a wonderful Christmas with each other. As always please feel free to contact me via Middle School Administration should you wish to discuss any matters further. Tom Casey Head of Middle School
Senior School News
Chaplains Chat
Flourishing in the Senior School As the year draws to a very rapid close I marvel at how settled and calm it all appears in the Senior School. Students are working with purpose towards their final assessments and staff are busy providing support and quality feedback. I can’t help but think that our Senior School is truly flourishing and that the work we have done over the year on a growth mindset, resilience, optimism, knowing one’s character strengths, grit, gratitude, PERMA (positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment) and hope have stood our students and staff in good stead, particularly as challenges arise. Of course there are always ups and downs but it is how these are dealt with that shows if what we are doing is working and making a difference in the lives of our young people. A marvellous example of how I think this has been evidenced recently is the way the Year 12’s finished, that is, with a lot of gratitude towards each other, staff, their parents and the College. I was an extremely proud Head of Senior School as I watched these young men and women hug, cry, laugh, scream and shout as they capped off “the best year ever”.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:1,4 (ESV) Let’s face up to it. The end of year is here whether we like it or not. The Year 12s have graduated, Christmas trees are going up and holidays are around the corner. It is usually at this time that one begins to reflect on the events of the past year and/or focus on the year ahead. When I look back on 2015 I know that it has been a wonderful whirlwind of learning and growth in my new role as College Pastor. I have seen first-hand the strength of the St Andrews community and have appreciated the warmth and welcome I have received. I have also had the privilege of journeying together with many of you this year and I know for some of you the year has had significant and unexpected challenges.
Reminders: • About the Year 10 Study Skills session (Study Sensei) that our Year 10’s experienced recently. They will continue to work on the study skills through LAG next year and note they were given access to the Elevate website where more great study tips can be found. To access the online website students can use the following username and password: Go to elevateeducation.com Enter username STUDENT, Type in password pacco • Senior School Final Assembly begins at 1.30pm on Tuesday 1 December in the Ruth Butler Theatre – parents are welcome to attend. • Year 11’s will have a note about the 2016 Year 12 Retreat in Week 1 – parents will need to accept on Parent Lounge before the end of the school year.
As we have travelled the year together there has been one constant companion, helper and guide, who has led us through thick and thin and been the centre of our worship and life. I am referring, of course, to the Lord God, who has travelled the journey with us providing help and care along the way. A popular piece of scripture, Psalm 23, describes God as our Shepherd who leads us into good pasture and protects us against danger.
Congratulations to: • Izak Schache, Tia Lightbody, Ben Beggs and Khali Robins who have been named as College Captains and ViceCaptains in 2016 – I am really excited to be working with you all. • The Year 11 Music class who performed so beautifully at the recent Presentation Night and then stayed behind to help pack up the music equipment – Jenna Goy, Saskia Harazim-Anderssen, Jonathon Aiello, Elliott Baylis, Samantha Murrant, Jaidyn McNeill and Luca Spratt. • Zak Lopez in Year 10 who has just been offered a contract with the Pottsville Cricket Club in the “A” Grade team. I’m sure this will be the start of a great career in sport.
The Psalmist declares that even in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death – the worst possible circumstance – he is able to remain calm and confident because he knows who is there with him. The Shepherd is there. And, the Shepherd will do whatever is necessary to protect and help him.
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
In difficult moments throughout the year we may have questioned His guidance or His help but I am convinced that He is not there to take away our moments of difficulty but to walk with us in those moments caring for us and making them less than they could have been.
We know this shepherd, too. His name is the Lord God almighty. He has done and continues to do all that is necessary to help and save us. Not least of which was sending His son, Jesus, to die for us and for the sake of the world. He is the one who has walked with us during this year and He is the one who will walk with us in the next. Nathan Glover College Pastor
Maths News
Sport News
Mathematics Competition Results 2015 Results from the various Mathematics competitions that students of the College took part in throughout Term 3 have recently arrived. Both competitions (Australian Mathematics Competition & ICAS Mathematics Competition) have hundreds of thousands of students entered throughout many countries and are designed to be very difficult, often asking students to extend concepts above their present year’s understanding. Students from St Andrews performed extremely well and all students are to be congratulated for their efforts.
Sports Awards 2015 As previously mentioned, all of the St Andrews Lutheran College Sports Awards will be presented at the respective Junior, Middle and Senior School Presentation Evenings in 2015. There will not be a ‘Sports Awards Evening’ for 2015.
Australian Mathematics Competition: Distinction: Ben Allan (9), Luke Butterworth (12) Credit: Ethan Radley (7), Freya Sambain (7), Clare Verschuure (7), Caitlin Gabriel (8), Harrison Craig-Ward (9), Amara Butterworth (10), Olivia English (10) & Keely McVay (10) Proficiency: Hayden Verschuure (9), Jarrod Yates (9) & Spencer Brown (12) ICAS Mathematics Competition: Year 12 Distinction: Luke Butterworth Credit: Spencer Brown Year 11 Credit: Brooke Perkins & Oliver Waddingham Merit: Jackson Barter, Ben Beggs, Maddison Good, Jack Gooley, Kalem McLuckie, Izak Schache, Ty Sheers, JoelMichael White Year 10 Distinction: Amara Butterworth Credit: Jarred Connolly, Lachlan Coote, Olivia English, Danielle Hoskins, Kyla Little, Keely McVay, Nicole Richards, Patrick Silveira, Taeley Thomson-Smith & Zahra White Merit: Zak Lopez, Jessica Palfreyman, Mitchell Poile, Ambelin Rytenskild, Bailey Scott & Taylor Wells Year 9 Distinction: Ben Allan & Harrison Craig-Ward Credit: Jaimie Ahern
Futsal Stephen Lockhart has been selected in the Football Federation Australia, Queensland State Under 12 Futsal Team to play in the Australian Championships in Sydney in January 2016. This is an outstanding and well deserved achievement from a talented, dedicated and hardworking player. Congratulations to Angus Renneberg (GK), Tom Renneberg (GK) and Matthew Gabriel who trialled against very tough competition and were chosen to represent Gold Coast City in the Craig Foster Futsal Tournament and the Queensland Futsal State Titles in 2016. Triathlon There were some outstanding results from St Andrews participants at Queensland All Schools Championships at Lake Kawana on 6 November. Will Atkinson gained 5th place in the Senior race, Kieran Croker placed 6th in the Intermediate Age group and Tom Atkinson also competed and finished 7th for South Coast qualifying in the Junior race. These results qualify the boys to compete for the South Coast Team at State Championships in Hervey Bay in February 2016. Cricket Kye Shield has been selected to represent the Gold Coast Under 14’s at the State Championships in Mackay in December. Ice Hockey Regan Hackett has been selected to attend the under 17‘s National Ice Hockey Development squad in January. Only 46 players are selected from around the country. Regan was 13 when he was selected and is the youngest player attending. Regan played in the Queensland State Team this year, the team won bronze with Regan being named MVP for two of the games.
Year 8 Distinction: Ethan McVay Credit: Ieuan Watkins, Lucy Turnbull, Caitlin Gabriel, Laura Hayman, Sean Jablonski, Duke Lawson & Joshua Palfreyman Merit: Dominic Aston, Nicholas Connolly, Lili James, Angus Renneberg, Alannah Malligan, Ebony Weiss, Hannah Schooley, Gabrielle McGuire, Lachlan Phillis & Daniel Shapiro
Swimming Ieuan Watkins competed at Swimming Championships in Lismore on the weekend and has qualified for Queensland State Titles in 7 individual events. Ieuan has also qualified to compete at National Age Titles in Adelaide in April next year in both the 50m & 100m Freestyle.
Year 7 Distinction: Callum Ahern Credit: Kenzie Hoskins & Clare Verschuure
FUTSAL in 2016 Trials and Training start WEEK 2 1 February and will continue until the Championships in March.
Shane Edwards Head of Mathematics
SE QLD Secondary Championships Titles will be held from 7 – 9 March with those that finish first or second, going to the knockout final stage on Friday 11 March.
SE QLD Primary Championships Titles are on 14 and 15 March with those that finish first or second going on to the knockout stage on Friday 18 March. 7am-8am
12.501.20pm
3.104.20pm
Monday
14/16/Open Girls
15/16 Boys
9 Boys
Tuesday
12 Boys
14/16/Open Girls
Wednesday 13/14 Boys Thursday
Open Boys
Friday
15/16 Boys
Open Boys
11 Boys 9/10/11/12 Girls
12/13/14 Boys
10 Boys
Those players who wish to be considered for teams need to be willing to make the commitment to train at the above times for at least 5 weeks. Mark Hibbs Futsal Coach
Netball News For the past Semester 20 girls from Years 8 – 10 have been playing netball in the local Netball competition at Palm Beach. Some of these girls have also been training early Thursday mornings.
It is a great opportunity for the girls to practise playing together as a team, as well as just spending more time with their friends. In the future, most of these girls will want to play in the Senior QISSN team. Trials for this team will be held in Week 2 next year. The Year 8 team made it into the Semi-finals, where they unfortunately lost in a very tight game. Well done girls. Lisa Roper Netball Coach
Performing Arts News 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 will roll over into 2016 timetables. If you do not wish for your child to continue – please complete the online form on the website. Please do not just tell the PAT Tutor as this information, is not always passed on to Anne (Performing Arts Assistant) who is doing the timetables. Alternatively you can email performingarts@ salc.qld.edu directly. 2. Students in Year 3 Strings and Mini Musos are reminded to return their forms that were sent home midterm to ensure they are timetabled in for 2016. 3. Offers for Mini Musos 2016 will be emailed to parents of students currently in Year 3 in Week 8. If you are interested in being a part of the program and receive an offer, please respond via email by the end of Week 9 otherwise offers will go to the next child on the waitlist. 4. 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 limited places in our programs and it is a case of first in best dressed. Speech and Drama and Vocals are already almost full for 2016. Evening of Song Last week we enjoyed our first of our End of Year Concert Series with our Evening of Songs. It was an absolute pleasure to watch our 50 PAT Vocal Students share their gifts and talents. Special thanks to our fabulous PAT Vocal Tutors Kristine Dennis and Emily Hosking for their support of our young singers.
Speech and Drama Concerts Last week we had our end of year Speech and Drama Concerts where our PAT Speech and Drama students had the opportunity to perform for their parents and friends.
Christmas Performances The Arts Department has been getting into the Christmas Spirit with a variety of Christmas themed performances for the ELC, Aged Care and Year 2. The Year 10 Drama Class devised a performance for Year 2 based on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” whilst the Middle School Music Theatre Elective and invited soloists performed a Variety Concert to delighted audiences.
Animi Dance Concert On Saturday 14 November the annual Animi Dance Concert was held in the Ruth Butler Theatre. It was a wonderful night of students from Years 1 – 10 showcasing their routines from 2015. The students performed beautifully and the night was full of joy and energy. Well done to all involved.
Thanks to our Speech and Drama Teachers Louise Delaney and Morgan Garrity for their work with our budding young performers. Cilla Scott Head of Arts
Uniform Shop News 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 and 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. THANK YOU A huge thank you to our wonderful Uniform Shop Volunteers this year. • Loraine Guy, Lizzi Swatland and Kylie Wardrop we are so appreciative that you all have work and other commitments but still find the time to volunteer with us. Thank you. • Lauren Glover who made a special trip each week to drop her pre-schooler off to her parents, so she could come and help. Thank you. • Libby Nussey who helped us out many times at short notice, but unfortunately due to commitments can no longer volunteer. Thank you. • Megan Clarke, who has just resigned to take up full time employment. Thank you. We wish you all the best in your new job. We truly appreciate the wonderful work you all did in the Uniform Shop this year. New Volunteers are very welcome and urgently needed for 2016.
Dates to Remember NOVEMBER Saturday 28 Year 9 Graduation Dinner, The Glades 6.30pm Sunday 29 Christmas At Aged Care 4.00-6.00pm DECEMBER Tuesday 1 E-11 Christmas Service, MPH 8.30am MS Bronzed Aussie Fishing Excursion Years 8 & 9 Book Club Years 10 & 11 Final Awards Assembly, RBT 1.30pm Years 10 & 11 Students End Term 4 Wednesday 2 German Study Tour 2-23 Dec Years 7-9 Presentation Night, MPH 6.00pm Thursday 3 LABTEN Cup Netball (Year 7 students) Friday 4 Middle School Closing Assembly, RBT 1.30pm Prep to Yr 9 End Term 4 JANUARY Wednesday 27 Term 1 2016 Starts
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.
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