Issue 04 / 15 March 2013
Middle & Senior School News Positive Community: Focus on Harmony Day and AntiBullying Over the past few weeks we have had a strong focus on fostering a sense of belonging and harmony in our community. At our Years 7-12 Assembly, our College Captains and Vice-Captains addressed the students with a focus on being a community ‘Where Everybody Is Somebody’ and where bullying; name-calling, the spreading of rumors, physical and emotional intimidation and exclusion is not tolerated. Each captain, in their own way, encouraged students to stand up for what is right and to take action to ensure St Andrews is a safe, supportive and caring community. From a real-life illustration of Chinese whispers, to a lesson about what it really means to be a mate, the message was clear; at St Andrews we treat one another with care and respect and when things go wrong, as they occasionally do, we work together to promote positive choices and relationships. As parents, you can support your child to develop positive relationships by giving them a balanced understanding that relationships are sometimes challenging. And that each of us faces different challenges that encourage us to develop resilience and the ability to cope but none of us need to tolerate being treated poorly. In all our relationships, and in our decisions, we need to be mindful and respectful of others. Parents are encouraged to contact the College if they have any concerns about bullying or relational aggression involving their child. On Harmony Day our students are going to work together to create links of support (written affirmations) along the COLA fence as a symbol of being a strong, connected and positive community. Term 1 Report and Parent Teacher Interviews (Early in Term 2) Your child’s Term 1 Interim report will be posted home on the last day of term and Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday 30 April (Week 3 – Term 2) between 3:30 – 8:00pm. Bookings for interviews must be made through Parent Teacher Online (PTO) which is accessible via the College website. Bookings will be open from the start of Term Two. The Term 1 report is intended to give you a brief overview of how your child has settled into their stud-
ies and the interviews with teachers are a great opportunity to explore concerns and areas for further improvement. Students should attend the interviews with their parents. Please discuss this report with your child and help him/her to set goals for the start of Term 2. Cross-Country Carnival The Cross-Country Carnival is being held next Wednesday 27 March at Schuster Park. The Years 4-6 events will be held in the morning, to be followed by the Years 7-12 events from 12 noon. We wish all of our competitors every success as they each strive for personal excellence in this area of their physical development. A detailed note outlining arrangements for the day will be sent home from our Sports Department but students are reminded to bring a water bottle with them, along with a healthy snack, appropriate running shoes and a hat. Easter Service Parents are warmly invited to join us for the P-12 Easter Service on Thursday 28 March at 9.00am in the MultiPurpose Hall. As a Christian community, it is fitting that we come together to reflect on God’s blessings at this important time in the Christian calendar year.
Easter
Easter Services at St Andrews Please come along and join the St Andrews congregation to celebrate Easter at the following services which will be held over the Easter weekend: at St Andr ews Thursday 28h March Maundy Thursday Service and Celebration Dinner with Holy Communion (6.00pm) Bookings essential Friday 29th March Good Friday Service with Holy Communion (9.00 am) Sun 31st March Easter Sunday Celebration with Holy Communion (9.00 am) A reminder to families that we will be working right up to Thursday 28 March (3.10pm) the end of Term 1. Every blessing for the weeks ahead and the Easter break which is fast approaching. Every Blessing Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School virginiaw@salc.qld.edu.au
has been sent out so, if you have some spare time please donate.
Senior School News Positive Psychology Continued ‘Hunting the Good Stuff’ – Three Good Things Activity (Professor Martin Seligman) There are many benefits to thinking about what was great about today and what we are grateful for. During LAG time we have been asking the students to reflect weekly on this as a way to build positive emotion. Professor Martin Seligman calls this, ‘Hunting the Good Stuff’. The purpose of this, as outlined by Karen Reivich, is to spend more time thinking about what has gone right rather than what has gone wrong, worrying about what could go wrong or replaying setbacks and failures. The latter of course leads to less positive emotion and lower life satisfaction. Seligman’s activity centres around writing down (preferably each day) three positve experiences from the day. He then encourages us to think why this good thing happened, what it means to you, what can you do tomorrow to enable more of this good thing and ways you or others contribute to this good thing.
Gold Coast Junior Council The first Gold Coast Junior Council Meeting was held last week at the Council Chambers. John Hamstra, Chloe Ivak, Morgan Atkins and Tom Marshall are our representatives and John also put his hat into the ring for a position on the Executive. Good luck John, I asked John what the highlight of his involvement in the Junior Council last year was and he mentioned gaining knowledge about youth issues, particularly homelessness, had a big impact on him as well as feeling like he was contributing to making the Gold Coast a better place to live for young people. As it was Morgan’s first Council meeting I asked her what she thought of it: ‘My first Junior Council meeting was a great experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. My favourite part was definitely meeting new people in the icebreaker activity, it was out of my comfort zone but I really liked it. I thought it was going to be this scary thing with all these older kids controlling you but it was nothing like that, everyone was so welcoming and I’m excited to go back and see what I can do to help the Gold Coast’.
Can I encourage parents to discuss the activity with their child and check out what they are writing in their diaries as part of their ‘hunting the good stuff’ and being grateful. Maybe this could even be a dinner conversation one night a week for all the family to contribute to. Leos The SALC Leos Club members will be Inducted on 21 March by Lions Officials. Parents of Leos are welcome to join us for this special occasion in the Common Room of the Main Administration Building from 3.15pm. Our Leos have raised over $900 thus far through a regular Saturday BBQ at Officeworks, Kortum Drive, Burleigh. We are looking forward to welcoming new members and growing the Club to ensure we can sustain the good works of community service and raising money for charity. Our next focus is on the school for underprivileged children in Tanzania, St Judes School. Leos is a wonderful way to give back to the community as well as gain valuable skills in leadership, organisation, experience and opportunity. Youth Day The Year 12 Leadership Team have been busy organising Youth Day for the Middle and Senior Students on the last day of term. The purpose of Youth Day is to provide the students an opportunity to work together, have fun and celebrate the end of Term. Students will be involved in house group activities on a rotation basis and will receive points to contribute to the House Cup. Club Red On Thursday our Club Red Ambassadors sent off 4 Year 12’s to donate blood, our Schools Challenge has begun. Remember we were the Southern Gold Coast Winners last year. Already St Andrews has saved 36 lives, and we are off to a flying start in 2013. Don’t forget all members of the St Andrews community can register their donation at any of the Red Cross Blood Banks. Apparently, with all the wet weather blood donations have been low and the call
Harmony Day A wonderful team of Year 11’s have taken on the job of promoting Harmony Day. In the words of the immortal John Lennon, Imagine all the people Living life in peace... You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one. On Friday 22 March SALC will promote Harmony Day, a day to recognise and celebrate difference as well as raise awareness of the issues surrounding cultural difference. There will be a Picnic-in-the-Dome (COLA) selling cupcakes, brownies and cold drinks and a handball competition. Year 10 Work Experience Year 10 Work Experience forms are now overdue. Can I encourage you to follow up with your child to ensure these forms are handed in to Senior School Administration as soon as possible as there are 89 forms to process and we only have 8 returned. When students don’t observe deadlines it puts enormous pressure on the system. If you have any concerns or queries please contact me on tanias@salc.qld.edu.au Tania Stewart Head of Senior School
Middle School News Learning social skills. At a recent family occasion I witnessed a relative stoically organising about a dozen children under five into some semblance of order for the smashing of a piñata. At such times our children learn the lessons of ‘taking turns’, ‘sharing’ and sometimes, ‘throwing up in the car’; however, it caused me to reflect upon the lessons that are learned within the events of our young adolescents’ lives and what we hold both pertinent and dear to this time of their development. It is a time when friendships groups are likely to change. Do we discuss with our children how to be a good acquaintance as well as a good friend? How to continue to be friendly and polite to someone with whom we have started to travel different friendship paths? It is a time when social interactions between the genders begin to change. Do we take the time to discuss respectful language in public? How to tell a friend that we don’t find their jokes about another person funny? These are tremendously difficult and awkward lessons for adolescents to learn. We want our children to leave our care and enter the world as young adults in whom we have an enormous confidence that they will assume stewardship of our society in a manner of which we will be proud. Until that time they will sometimes need a gentle nudge to keep them moving along that path. It is our collective responsibility as parents and as teachers to take the opportunities to provide these life lessons when they arise. Should you be unsure how to have these conversations with your son or daughter then can I encourage you to contact either the relevant Year Level Coordinator or call me at the Middle School. It is through open and honest communication that our students will learn the valuable lessons that will hold them in good stead in future years. Tom Casey Head of Middle School tomc@salc.qld.edu.au
Student Development On any given morning at St Andrews there is a range of engaging activities for our students. I am impressed by the teachers who volunteer their time, but get great joy in seeing young people who are prioritizing organizing their time and living balanced lives. These youth are preparing their bodies well for the range of different goals they each have, setting themselves up for a great day and forging stronger friendships. The netballers are adding strength and conditioning to their skills sessions in order to better prepare for the state carnival later in the year. Futsal continues to fine tune their sublime skills as they also work towards the
SEQ Schools Futsal Championships knock out competition. The running club has begun and strong numbers persist in developing speed and technique despite the wet conditions. Numerous teams are working together in preparation for The Kokoda Challenge, and this stands out to me as unique. These students who are currently preparing for The Kokoda Challenge are seeking to understand some of the values espoused by the organizers, ie. endurance, courage, mateship and sacrifice. Many of these youngsters are completely new to training, but see value in the opportunities for relationships and character development and have a sense of this event being somewhat a ‘rite of passage.’ For so many of our teenagers to willingly commit to this endurance event shows great character already and undoubtedly the journey over the next 3 months will reinforce these values further. The organizers state that each team must ‘Finish as complete team of four (plus teacher) in honour of the spirit forged on the Kokoda Track in 1942.’
This weekend past, Mr Tanguy organized for nearly forty of us to trek through some unwelcoming terrain and some of these values were obvious in the student teams. I saw bravery (not shrinking from threat or pain, sticking with convictions), persistence (finishing what they’ve started, and continuing in a course of action despite obstacles), vitality (approaching life with excitement and enthusiasm), citizenship (valuing team work and welfare of others). To be part of young people’s growth to strength, vitality and flourishing is a special experience and to have this kind of event to prepare these young people is a great opportunity. At this stage I thank Mr Tanguy, Mr Wecker, Mr Maessen, Mr McGilveray, Mr Carter, Mr Hancock, Mr Wilbur and Mrs Walker for their participation on the weekend. James Nelson Director of Student Development jamesn@salc.qld.edu.au
QCS WORKSHOPS for Year 12 2013 Friday April 19, Friday May 10, Friday May 24, Friday July 26, Friday August 23, Tuesday September 3 & Wednesday September 4.
Career News ICAS Competitions Information and details about registering and paying for these competitions can be found on the school website and at the end of this bulletin. Career Pathways Year 10, 11 and 12 parents and students who were unable to attend the meet and greet event are able to access the powerpoint presentations given to the various year levels on Moodle. University Open Days Year 12 students have been emailed a list of the UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS for 2013. The list is also available at the Careers section of Moodle or can be accessed by visiting the QTAC website at http://www.qtac.edu.au/Schools/OpenDays.htm CONGRATULATIONS to Ben Peake and Jessica Dean, both in Year 11 who have secured prestigious school based trainee positions with the Mercure hotel chain. They will undertake a Certificate III in Hospitality working and learning as they go at the Palm Meadows resort. Year 12 - Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test information Each year, the Queensland Studies Authority conducts a common statewide test designed for Year 12 students. The QCS Test contributes information for the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) and Field Positions (FPs), which are used to rank students for tertiary entrance. The QCS Test does not test particular knowledge of specific Year 12 subjects. It tests the CCEs (Core Curriculum Elements) a set of generic skills identified in the Queensland Senior curriculum. In order to increase awareness of the CCEs, a particular CCE is brought to the attention of teaching staff and students. Of special mention each Year 12 is emailed a short QCS style question (with model responses) that tests the targeted CCE of the week. The QCS Test consists of four papers - a Writing Task (of 600 words), a Short Response paper and two Multiple Choice papers. The results achieved for each of the four test papers are combined into one grade, ranging from A (the highest grade) to E (the lowest). Those sitting the test are asked to respond to a variety of stimulus materials, such as prose passages, poetry, graphs, tables, maps, mathematical and scientific data, cartoons and artistic works. As part of St Andrews Lutheran College’s QCS Preparation program, parents should be aware of the following dates. To guarantee all students the best chance of success in the QCS tests, it is imperative that students sitting the test attend all of these sessions. Parents are asked to make note of the these days and support students in attendance in school on these days. These are all full day events.
QCS TESTS 2013 Some Year 12 students will be unsure about taking the QCS tests. At this stage, those students are advised to meet to discuss their career options with Mrs Wrigley. Alternatively, such students should attend at least this term’s workshops to find out more about the tests and the type of questions they will need to tackle. Students who are definitely not preparing for the QCS tests and participating in the workshops are expected to attend school as normal and to devote their time to assessments and work in their other school subjects. Year 12 students are beginning to seriously consider their options for after Year 12 and many are looking to carry on their studies. Understandably, many are uncertain about what they would like to study at university. Another excellent resource for exploring university courses is a self-assessment tool to be found at the QUT website called Match My Skills. This online quiz will generate a personalised list of course options. Go to http://www.qut.edu.au/study/ undergraduate-study/match-my-skills Year 11 Senior subjects are now well underway for Year 11 students. Students and parents are reminded that these are all two year courses, hence a major undertaking, so it is important that students commit to their core and electives subjects. Anyone with any concerns about their choices should discuss their options with Mrs Wrigley. For any students contemplating incorporating a school based traineeship into their Year 11 and 12 course, there are several opportunities available. Students can still retain their OP eligibility as they may study five subjects while undertaking a school based traineeship. Students are encouraged to get traineeships underway by the start of Semester Two this year to ensure completion occurs by the middle of Year 12. See Mrs Wrigley for more details about traineeships. Year 10 On the morning of February 25, all Year 10 students participated in the first designated careers event as part of the Year 10 DESTINATIONS program. After a general introduction in the Ruth Butler Theatre outlining the program, each student rotated through four workshops aimed at developing career self-assessment and self presentation skills. The four workshops focused on producing a perfect letter of application, creating the perfect resume and an interactive session on career self-assessment and interview techniques. There was also a presentation from a representative for the Australian Tax Office including the opportunity for every student to apply for their TFN (Tax File Number) through the College. Applying for a TFN through school is easier because students do not need to show identifying documentation to the ATO. The application form is available from the school and students can complete it at home. The form requires information such as the student’s name, address and date of birth. Students also need to provide the following details:
• • • • •
students born in Australia will need to provide their birth certificate number, state of issue and year of registration, or Australian passport number and date of issue. students born overseas will need to provide their overseas passport number and country of issue, or Australian citizenship certificate number and date of issue, or Australian passport number and date of issue.
It is important that the application form is fully completed and signed by the student. All information provided on the form will remain confidential. The school will certify the application form by cross-checking against the information held on their records. Students are not required to show identifying documentation to school or the ATO. Students will receive their TFN via a notification letter sent to their postal address, within 28 days of the application being received by the ATO. Work Experience Another key feature of the Destinations program is the one week’s Work Experience to be undertaken by all Year 10 students in the last week of TERM TWO from Monday June 17 until Friday June 21. Students have been given an information letter home about Work Experience. Further copies are available either via the Careers Section of Moodle or from Senior Administration. Once an employer has been found, students are urged to return the completed Work Experience Employer Preference Form to Senior Administration so that a formal contract can be produced. Year 10 Students are reminded to submit their Employer Preference to Senior Administration as soon as they have found a suitable employer for their Work Experience for June 17-June 21. These must be handed in before the end of this term.
Sport News District Sport Trials Dates for all of our College sporting events and District trials are on College webpage. Students should email Mr Manion to express your interest and then go and see him in the MPH to collect forms and register for any trials that they are interested in. Running Club Running Club for Years 4-12 students and their parents/caregivers with coach JK Faulkner is held on Mondays and Thursdays. Members should meet at the Top Oval at 7am. Sessions will go for approximately one hour. If conditions permit, we may have a cross country practice run at Schuster’s Park on the morning of Thursday 21st March. St Andrews Cross Country Carnivals Years 4-6 and Years 7-12 Cross Country Carnivals will be held on Wednesday 27th March at Schuster’s Park. (Weather and ground conditions permitting). More information will be emailed home very soon. Inter Lutheran Swimming Carnival Our awesome teams travelled to Brisbane and beyond for the annual Years 4-7 and Years 8-12 Inter Lutheran Swim Carnivals this week. Our Years 4-7 team led by Swim Captains Mia Jenkins and Oliver Wheeler, did an outstanding job to finish in 4th position in the A Division of the Southern Lutheran Associated Primary Schools.
Christina Wrigley Director of Learning and Teaching
Our Years 8-12 team achieved a victory in B Division of the Queensland Lutheran Colleges Sports Association, with the 16 years boys, Open Girls and Open Boys age groups winning their team events. Our Captains, Amylee Holborn and Chris Graudins accepted the trophy on the College’s behalf. Netball Congratulations to TAHLIA DERRY (19s) and YASMIN MORRISON (15s) who have been selected in the Hinterland District Netball Teams. We wish them all the best when they play at the Regional Trials next week. Tennis
Congratulations to LARA TUPPER and OLIVIA WALSH who recently competed in the Secondary Schools Tennis Challenge. The girls came runners-up which is an awesome achievement. Soccer Congratulations to ANNIKA SCHACHE who was selected in the Hinterland District Soccer Team. Annika has Regional Trials in May. Andrew Manion Head of Sport
Art News Composition Workshop with Gold Coast Composer Lisa Cheney On Thursday 14th March, Year 11 and 12 Music students were treated to a workshop with Gold Coast based composer, Lisa Cheney. Lisa is an experienced and qualified composer with two degrees from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. She has composed music for orchestras, choirs, ballet, theatre, film, and animation. Lisa discussed her own music and explored the music of other composers. She also offered encouragement, advice and feedback on students’ work. Priscilla Scott Head of Arts
Dates to remember March Wednesday 20th Girls with a Purpose program Yrs 8 & 9 CRC 3.15- 5.00pm Wednesday 27th St Andrews Cross Country Carnivals (Yrs 4,5,6 morning) (Yrs 7-12 11.50am to 2.45pm) Brisbane 2013 National Young Leaders Day Girls with a Purpose program Yrs 8 & 9 WC & CRC 3.15pm to 5.00pm Thursday 28th All students end Term 1 Prep-Yr 12 Easter Service MPH 9am Parents Welcome
Term 2 Bus Pass Now is the time to purchase your Term Pass from Main Reception. Please ensure that you take note of the Terms and Conditions if choosing this option. 10 trip tickets are still available for $22.00 throughout the term. TERM 2 2013 AM & PM - $220 AM Only - $110 PM Only - $110 TERMS & CONDITIONS *Must be purchased before or within first week of school * Term pass is non refundable/non transferable * Valid only for term dates shown on pass * Valid only for student shown on pass, one pass per student * If pass is lost, please see Reception, replacement charge $2.00
1st March 2013 Dear Parents INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS & ASSESSMENTS (ICAS) FOR SCHOOLS 2013 Years 4 - 12 Your student is invited to take part in the 2013 Australasian Schools Competitions: COMPUTER SKILLS (Years 4-10)
Tuesday 21May
$9.60 per student
SCIENCE (Years 4-12)
Wednesday 5 June
$9.60 per student
WRITING (Years 4-12)
Monday 17 June
$19.50 per student
SPELLING (Years 4-6)
Tuesday 18 June
$12.90 per student
ENGLISH (Years 4-12)
Wednesday 31 July
$9.60 per student
Note that all Year 12 students will be entered for English with entry fees paid for by the College. All other years this competition is optional but highly recommended. MATHEMATICS (AMC) (Years 7-12)
Thursday 1 August
$6.60 per student
MATHEMATICS (ICAS) (Years 4-12)
Tuesday 13 August
$9.60 per student
Note that all Year 8, 10 & 11 students will be entered for Maths with entry fees paid for by the College. All other years this competition is optional but highly recommended. The competitions take place each year in schools throughout Australia and the South Pacific Region. They provide opportunities for all students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation. All students receive a Certificate and an individual Results Letter indicating which questions they answered correctly, as well as the average mark for their state. The documents are suitable for inclusion in a portfolio. The Results Letter is also useful for highlighting students’ strengths and weaknesses in Mathematics. Certificates are awarded to each year level as follows:
High Distinction Distinction Credit Achievement Participation
to the top 1% of entrants in the state to the next 10% of entrants in the state to the next 20% of entrants in the state to the students who are placed in the top 20% of their Year Level at their school, but do not qualify for one of the above state Certificates to all students who do not qualify for one of the above Certificates.
Medals are awarded to the top student(s) in each Year Level in each state. Schools receive valuable statistics which enable them to compare their achievements with the rest of the state. You can access the UNSW Educational website: http;//eaa.unsw.au/etc/prepare to help prepare your child for competition papers. There is a section that provides practice questions. . If you would like your student to participate, please book and pay on line via the College website. You will find the information under “News” on the left hand side of the Home page. The closing date is THURSDAY 28 MARCH Yours faithfully
Christina Wrigley CDA & DIRECTOR LEARNING & TEACHING
Jacqueline Faulkner DEPUTY HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Parents & Friends Association Fete 2013 Semper Fidelis
Celebrating 20 years 2013
To Whom It May Concern, We are currently seeking expressions of interest to sponsor the St Andrews Lutheran College P&F Association. We are looking to partner with a limited number of sponsors to assist us to develop events and facilities for the students of the college. One of our major events is the bi annual Fete that is set to be held on the 25th May 2013. This is a major event in the area and attracts many thousands of people on the day and is a great opportunity for our sponsors to promote their businesses. We appreciate that the allocation of funds towards advertising is limited and we are looking to offer a long term partnership that is beneficial for all parties. With this in mind we are offering the following sponsorship package over a 2 year term: Major Sponsorship Package (3 only) - $1,500 ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥
Advertising on the St Andrews P & F Newsletter which is distributed to over 750 families of the College every term for a 2 year period. Advertising on the front page of every Fete newsletter. These newsletters are distributed to every College family monthly increasing to weekly as the big day approaches. Your business name will be featured on any raffle tickets which are sold by College families. Your business will appear on the Fete programme which will be distributed to all College families and on the day of the Fete. Your business will appear on flyers which will be distributed to local businesses leading up to the Fete. First right of refusal as major sponsor for the next 2 year period.
The sponsorship package is limited to 3 businesses only with no crossover in the type or category of business amongst them. We feel that the extended term of the arrangement and the exposure to a captive market is great value and we would appreciate your support. If you would like to apply for one of these sponsorship packages please email fete@salc.qld.edu.au with your package preference. If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to contact me on 0417 733 547 or on the above email. Yours faithfully, Steve Dignan Fete Convenor
Celebrations Art Exhibition St Andrews School Fete May 2013
What does Celebration mean to you? Painting and Drawing Photography Mixed Media Ceramics and Sculpture Wearable Art
Medals and prizes to be won!
GET CREATIVE! Entry forms will be available from Middle and Senior Receptions or Art Room. Entry $5 or 3 or more for $12 and handed in Monday 20 May 2013. Further details Cathy Osborne 0407406650 on entry form.