Middle/Senior School Bulletin Issue 5 / 22 April 2016 Middle & Senior School News College Musical The Little Mermaid Jr, St Andrews Lutheran College Musical for 2016 took us on a journey ‘under the sea’ with Ariel (Tia Lightbody) and her aquatic friends to look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance and the need for us to push beyond known waters, our comfort zones, to grow and flourish. Those themes most certainly align with our approach to developing a growth mindset and strong sense of belonging at St Andrews. Congratulations and acclamations to the students from Years 4-12 who participated for their dedication and giftedness and a very wholehearted thank you to all of the staff and parents who assisted throughout the Musical preparations to make this wonderful opportunity for our students possible. In particular, thank you to our Performing Arts Department; Ms Anderson, Acting Head of Department, Ms Scott who volunteered while on maternity leave to be there for the students, Ms Harman who spent hours developing the set designs, Mr OG and Ms Washington for all things musical, Ms Guild and Ms Reynolds for their work with dancers and choreography and Ms Frost for her work on costumes. Thank you also to all of the members of the community who came along to watch this magnificent showcase of talent.
Parent Teacher Interviews MS/SS Parent Teacher Interviews were held on Tuesday. Thank you to all of the parents who attended the interviews. Conversations around student learning, specific areas for improvement and for praise, lead to accurate goal setting and improved outcomes for our young people. As a College we really value these sorts of evenings. That said, there really is no need to wait for a special evening, if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s progress, performance or homework/study requirements please get in touch with the class teacher or a member of College staff and arrange a time to meet. If I can be of assistance or if you have any feedback about the Parent Teacher Interviews please contact me virginiaw@salc.qld.edu.au ANZAC Day March As has been the custom for a number of years, students from St Andrews are invited to march behind the College banner in the Burleigh Heads ANZAC Day March on Monday 25 April. Students who would like to join us are asked to wear their full school uniform (including hat), and meet Mr Tom Casey on the corner of James and West streets by 9.00am, in preparation for the march which begins at 9.30am. We will then sit with other schools for the service at the Cenotaph, which should conclude by 10.30am.
Outdoor Amphitheatre Construction is well underway on the outdoor amphitheatre at E block. This will be a wonderful space for learning and for students to enjoy outside of classes. The transformation of this space is a real blessing.
Chaplains Chat Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! – John 1:29 (ESV) Easter is now behind us. The shops are no longer selling chocolate Easter bunnies and this is probably for the best. I wonder, however, if something of the Easter spirit remains in our community. I suspect it does. At a recent Middle/Senior School Chapel I spoke about the concept of “Easter People” – people who walk in the Easter spirit long after Easter is over. “Easter People” tend to have a number of things in common. One of these is that they know how to live and celebrate the Gospel. What does it mean to live and celebrate the Gospel? It means that the reality of a Saviour, someone who can take away sin, is cherished and called upon on a daily basis. This helps “Easter People” to walk around with less burdens on their shoulders from things they have done or failed to do in the past. They understand that their past deeds, no matter how large, find their match in the Saviour who died on the cross and rose from the grave. It also means that “Easter People” can sail confidently into the future because they know that any future mistakes, omissions, careless words and hurtful actions have already been forgiven by the same Saviour. This doesn’t give “Easter People” a licence to go and do these things anyway but it gives them a freedom and confidence to know that mistakes won’t kill them, and nothing they do is irredeemable in God’s sight. Sadly, some people live with the opposite spirit to “Easter People.” Some people live as though everything counts, nothing can be forgiven and nothing will be forgotten. It might make for good personal standards but it usually results in unhappy living or high levels of anxiety. Another way of putting it, this kind of living is living as though the Saviour did not come and Easter did not happen.
Key Calendar Dates • ANZAC Day March in Burleigh Heads Monday 25 April 9.00am • Year 8 Camp 9-11 May • Years 7 & 9 NAPLAN Testing 10-12 May • Year 10 Work Experience 13-17 June Please contact me if I can offer any assistance to you or your child(ren). Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
Yet, we know that Easter did happen. A Saviour did come. That Saviour is Jesus Christ. He didn’t come so that we could remain in the mistakes we have made. He came to free us from the past so that we might walk as free people – “Easter People” week in and week out. What a good way to be. May God bless you with a bit of the Easter spirit and help you to walk as “Easter People.” Nathan Glover College Pastor
Middle School News Building Disruption and New Areas Over the holidays work began on the new amphitheatre and outdoor areas adjacent to the Middle School Administration. Our students will benefit enormously from this area upon its estimated completion later this term. Students have also adapted amazingly quick to the disruption of their normal ‘break’ areas and they should be applauded for gaining stride into the new term so quickly. Some classes have been moved for the short term so as to minimise noise. I look forward to gaining some well-needed extra space for our students when the area opens again. NAPLAN The annual NAPLAN testing takes place in Week 5 of this term. Students from Years 7 and 9 will participate in the testing. Parents will receive a letter about the testing in the coming week. Should you have any queries or concerns about the three days of testing then please feel free to contact me. Year 8 Camp At the same time as the NAPLAN testing our Year 8 students will be down at Tyalgum Rainforest Retreat for their annual camp. Mr Brendan Smith is currently organising final details about the Camp. Should you have any questions about the Camp then please contact our Year 8 Coordinator Mr Brendan Smith. Uniforms in Cooler Weather As the weather begins its slow (but not overly deep) descent into Winter please bear in mind that our sport/formal uniform should not be mixed. The College jumper should be worn only with the regular day uniform while the tracksuit top should be worn only with the sport uniform. I ask your assistance in ensuring that students leave for the College each morning in the appropriate attire. As always, should you wish to discuss anything further then please feel free to contact me at the Middle School Administration. Tom Casey Head of Middle School
Senior School News Positive Education Flourishing in the Senior School Academic Tenacity (Dweck, Walton & Cohen, 2014) This is the ability to work hard and work smart for a long time, such as, the 3 year phase of senior schooling. It is about the mindsets and skills that allow our students to look beyond short term concerns to long or higher-order goals. As I often say to the 12’s when discussing their hopes for the future; it is not the number they want for an OP
Score, the university course post Year 12 or the Certificate III that will keep them persisting through the ups and downs. It is that goal, vision or hope for beyond these short term stepping stones that will help them be tenacious. Some of our students definitely understand this concept of long term visions or hope and I was heartened to see evidence of this when reading through a Year 10 student’s Beginning Year Survey as his hope for the future was to work in London or New York for a large investment banking firm – a classic example of looking beyond the short term. Key Characteristics and Behaviors of Academically Tenacious Students nn nn nn nn nn nn
Belong academically and socially See school as relevant to their future Work hard and can postpone immediate pleasures Not derailed by intellectual or social difficulties Seek out challenges Remain engaged over the long haul
A key part of academic tenacity is the student’s belief that they can deal with immediate concerns and academic setbacks with resilience and grit. Research has shown that a key part of this resilience is a growth mindset. This is the belief that intelligence is not fixed and setbacks aren’t permanent or evidence of lack of ability. These types of beliefs can often affect effort and undermine self-esteem. Consequently and not surprisingly, academic achievement suffers. Our role at St Andrews is to not only teach the academic skills but also to send the message that every student truly belongs and has great potential. With a focus on Mindset in May students in the Senior School will be working through understanding how the brain works, values, processes and outcomes and feedback to enhance their growth mindset. Further information on Academic Tenacity and Growth Mindset can be found: http://www.edutopia.org/resource/mindset-research To develop academic tenacity students may wish to try one or more of these strategies that were gleaned from those senior students who have mastered the art. Write a to-do list Plan for at least 8-10 hours study/hw over 7 days (12-15 hours coming up to and during exams) Have a break for 5-10 minutes after a decent chunk of study/revision time (eg 30-45 minutes) - this gives you something to look forward to Keep your phone in a separate room when you study Set goals and reward yourself when you achieve them it will motivate you to keep going Plan ahead - have a clear idea of what you will do that afternoon - that way you know what you are aiming for and how much time you need to set aside Do the homework or assignments you don’t particularly like first - that way you don’t have to worry about it later Chip away at assignments and homework each night: Don’t try to write a whole assignment in one sitting. Write it section by section (chunking) Cramming isn’t successful - break your study into sections/chapters over a number of weeks Make the most of the opportunities - any opportunity to improve, get help, seek feedback, become involved. Generally speaking, doing better IS better. Aim to succeed
If you have writer’s block, try writing something anything - down. You will most likely change whatever you write later, but making a start is important Work out your optimum study conditions. Identifying when, and under what circumstances, you work best will make you a more efficient and effective student. Do you prefer to work early in the morning or late at night? Do you prefer working on one assignment exclusively, or several at the same time? Do you need complete silence to concentrate, or do you find a background buzz more conducive to effective study? Be honest with yourself - don’t plan to wake early and study at 5am if you’re not a morning person, and don’t plan to study after dinner if you always fall asleep by 8.30pm. Remember that it’s your study and the time you spend on it is up to you. If you find yourself losing direction, sit back and think of why you are doing this; remembering your goals and hopes can put everything into perspective.
Congratulations to: • Leos who ran a Bunnings BBQ over the holidays raising money for the support efforts after the cyclone in Fiji. • All students and staff who were a part of the College Musical “The Little Mermaid Jr” – another fantastic example of the range of talent we have at St Andrews and thank you to the Performing Arts Staff for all their commitment, hard work and dedication to make such a production happen. Upcoming Event: Deportment Course with Elizabeth Wilson Deportment and Grooming for girls in Years 7-12. Thursday 26 May through to 16 June from 3.15-5.30pm at a cost of $150. The course covers grooming, make-up, skin care, nail and hair care, deportment and etiquette. Venue – Senior School (J1). If you are interested please see page 7 of the bulletin or email Ms Stewart for more information. 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
Performing Arts News Musical The Little Mermaid Jr was a huge success! St Andrews 2016 College Musical was staged at The Arts Centre Gold Coast last Saturday. Both the matinee and evening shows were very well attended and entertained appreciative audiences. In excess of 150 students took to the stage in this very colourful, all singing, all dancing affair. Performing and Visual Arts staff have been hard at work since the middle of last year to bring this very special event to our community.
The students learnt so much from working in the professional venue with the professional crew. From the moment we entered through the stage doors there was a buzz of excitement. It was very special to see our Junior, Middle and Senior school students take to the stage together and the magic of this also extended back stage, where students of all ages worked together to ensure a polished production. A range of staff from all around the College lent their talents and their time to giving students this amazing experience. The sets, costumes and performances were a reflection of our very special staff and students. Thank you to all involved and the support of our families and audiences. What a great way to celebrate St Andrews students and see them shine in the community. Amy Anderson Acting Head of Performing Arts
From the Principal Quality Schools Survey This year St Andrews will be participating in a school improvement survey that is being conducted nationally for Lutheran Schools by Lutheran Education Australia (LEA). The Survey seeks feedback from parents, staff and students about the wellbeing and education of your child/ren at St Andrews. Lutheran Education Australia (LEA) has contracted Professor Cuttance and Dr Thompson at Research Australia Development and Innovation Institute (RADII) to develop and conduct the surveys online. All parents and staff, as well as students from Year 5 and above will be invited to participate in the survey. Students will complete the survey in class-time, while parents and staff will be invited to complete the survey via an electronic link that will be emailed to them. Between 28 April and 24 May, parents will receive an email from Dr Jean Thompson with an invitation to respond to the survey online. The responses to the surveys are captured by the RADII survey system. Your survey responses will not be individually identifiable by the College.
Science News CSIRO Science Boot Camp Starting from 5 April, I attended the two day CSIRO Science Boot Camp. There were children from schools all over Queensland. This boot camp was an awe-inspiring experience, with talks from leading Australian scientists and exciting activities. We talked to leading marine biologists and learnt about the equipment they use in the field, learnt about foreign plant control using specialist herbivores, talked to the crew of the Investigator (a state of the art Australian research vessel) via video link up, performed a mock forensic investigation and created an audio amplifier with a jack which can be connected to a phone or tablet after learning about sound and electrical circuits.
Participation in the Survey is voluntary, but you are encouraged to respond as the data will help to inform future decisions and directions and identify areas for ongoing development and improvement. Thank you in advance for supporting the survey process. Tim Kotzur Principal
LOTE News Host Families One of the most rewarding and exciting opportunities we can offer students of Japanese and German is the opportunity to host a student in your own home. This is a wonderful opportunity for students of languages at St Andrews to correspond with and then meet a friend from another country. Students will gain valuable experience from the visit, including an increased understanding of cultural awareness and differences and similarities between Australia and Japan as well as practical language skills. Host families are needed for Saturday 30 July to Friday 5 August for students from our Japanese sister school and for 13-23 July for students from Erich Kästner Schule, Germany. There will be applications for these opportunities emailed to you directly over the next week so don’t miss out. Rebekah Hill Head of Languages P-12
The highlight of this was definitely the mock forensic investigation. We were presented with a scenario in which cattle had been stolen from a farm, and it was our job to find out which suspect was the criminal. We performed everything from DNA tests and fingerprint analysis to ink analysis and bullet cartridge analysis. At the end, we had to identify which suspect(s) were responsible for the theft of the cattle. It was an exciting, engaging and overall incredible experience. We even had witness testimonies to help us identify the suspect, which only added to the realism factor. All in all, this was a valuable learning time and exhilarating boot camp; there was never a dull moment! Soham Kale Year 8 Student
Sport News
Running Club: Students from Years 4-12 are invited to increase their cardio vascular fitness and muscular endurance as they engage in a range of endurance based activities. This program is run every Monday and Wednesday morning from 7am-8am. Students should meet at the oval.
As a parent do you find yourself asking your children to get off their phone, iPad or computer and go outside? I know that I have faced this challenge myself and often reflect on how childhood free time habits have changed so much. With this in mind I came across the graph below based on research completed in Texas in the USA. This supports that school based physical activity can greatly increase your child’s recreational patterns at home.
Zoo Fitness: This is a fun and challenging body resistance training program run by Mr Ivett on Thursday mornings in the COLA from 7am-8am. This is open to all Middle and Senior School students.
The student’s at St Andrews are fortunate that they not only engage in a diverse and enriching PE program, but can also supplement this with a wide range of extra-curricular sports opportunities. So if you are keen to increase your child’s activity levels at home please have a look below at what is available here at the College. Activities Open to all Students Gym Training: This term Linzey Beister from the Gold Coast Weight Lifting club is running a fun strength and conditioning program open to all Middle and Senior School students. It is held at the College gym from 7am-8am on Monday and Wednesday mornings. Linzey is an elite coach having training the Brisbane Lions and the Australian Junior Weight Lifting Team.
Basketball Training: Come along and improve your skills with Mrs Wood on a Thursday afternoon from 3:30pm4:30pm. All ability levels, boys and girls from the Middle and Senior School are welcome to join in. Touch: With the Touch representative season just around the corner, training for the girls has commenced on Tuesday mornings from 7am-8am. Any girls in Years 6-12 keen to play are welcome to come along. Training for the boys will commence in a few weeks’ time so keep an eye out for notices regarding its commencement. Futsal I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the students and their coaches the very best in the upcoming Northern Rivers Futsal Titles. The College has approximately 100 students competing in these titles in Week 4. This not only provides vital tournament practice for those qualified for the Champion of Champions Titles in July, but also another pathway to this tournament for the girl’s teams competing.
Netball It has been pleasing to see the Netball girls selected for the QISSN team start the new term training hard for their upcoming tournament in Rockhampton. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all the girls and their coaches Ms Yeo and Mrs Roper.
Girls selected in the team include: Lauren Byrne (Captain) Emilie Robins Zara Morrison Emily Steele Lauren Castle Hayley Wells Lili James Molly Schaefer Jaimee McEwen Sophie Butler A new initiative for Term 2 has been the introduction of a Netball Development Squad. This is open to students from Years 7-9 currently playing the AGCC A division teams. The girls are training on Tuesday mornings with Mrs Roper and an external coach from 7am-8am. Breakfast Program Some mornings we have over 80 students training in variety of activities before school. To enable your child to refuel themselves for the day ahead I would encourage you to register with Flexischools for the sports breakfast. Details of how to order is on the College website under Sport Term 2. Libby Wood Secondary School Sports Coordinator libbyw@salc.qld.edu.au
QCS 2016 Employment Opportunity The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) invites applications from community members for the positions of chief community representative (CCR) in order to maintain the integrity, security and conduct of the 2016 QCS Test. A test centre is a secondary school or another place approved by the QCAA where students sit the QCS Test. All test centres are located within Queensland and have a chief supervisor to administer the test. QCAA appoints CCRs to observe and report on the administration of the test. This year’s QCS Test will be held on Tuesday, 30 August and Wednesday, 31 August. Applications for CCR positions close on Friday, 20 May 2016. Anyone who would like to apply for the positions of community representative should visit the QCAA website: https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/memos/16/035-16.pdf Complete the application form to be found at the end of this link and return it to MRS WRIGLEY christina@salc.qld. edu.au at SENIOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION by Friday, May 20.
Every two years the girls of St Andrews are given the opportunity to attend a Personal Style Workshop run by Elizabeth Wilson Deportment School here at St Andrews.
Please visit, email or phone Mrs Wrigley if more information is required. (Note: these are paid positions) Christina Wrigley Director of Learning and Teaching
Classes this year will commence on Thursday 26 May. Classes run from 3.15pm to 5.30pm on Thursday afternoons for four weeks. The workshop covers: Deportment – each girl will be individually assessed and then shown how to stand tall and have good posture. Skin Care – using La Roche Posay products – a complete skin care procedure will be done in class – that’s cleansing, toning, moisturising, exfoliating and you’ll also get to use a mask. Make-Up – every girl will have an individual make-up done and you’ll be shown the new looks for 2016. Nail Care – a manicure is done in class. Hair Care – as well as showing you what products to use on your hair type, you’ll also have the opportunity to use straighteners, curling wands, miracle curls and wave envies. You’ll also be shown how to do different styles. Etiquette – this covers table manners and showing consideration to others at all times. The cost of the workshop is $150 – if you were to do this workshop in Brisbane at one of the agencies, you’d be paying up to $650 – do it at St Andrews and you’ll not only get a reduced rate, you’ll be doing it with your friends. Please contact Tania Stewart for a booking form tanias@salc.qld.edu.au
Dates to Remember APRIL Monday 25 ANZAC Day Public Holiday ANZAC Day March at Burleigh, 9.00-10.30am Tuesday 26 Bill Turner Cup Soccer (selected students) Wednesday 27 Years 11 & 12 Business Excursion Friday 29 Starbound Dance Eisteddfod (selected students) Lending a Helping Hand at ROSIES MAY Monday 2 Labour Day Public Holiday Wednesday 4 Northern Rivers Futsal Titles 13/14 Boys Years 11 & 12 Geography Field Trip Thursday 5 Northern Rivers Secondary Futsal Girls Friday 6 Northern Rivers Futsal Titles Secondary
INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships
Easing children’s anxiety
WORDS Michael Grose
Anxiety is normal and part of everyday life. There’s no better time than childhood for learning how to cope with anxiety. For those with no personal experience of anxiety it can be hard to understand how debilitating it can be. “Come on, get on with it,” seems so obvious. Of course, this response is nowhere near adequate. Most kids experience some anxious moments or have fearful thoughts and feelings from time to time about certain events. These thoughts and feelings prompt them to proceed with caution. But anxiety and fear can be paralysing. Some kids simply can’t stop their ‘bad thoughts and feelings’. They can’t silence the voice of fear that whispers to them continually.
Staying calm
ACCEPT your child’s anxious feelings. Your child needs to trust that you are with them, and then they will be more willing to let you help them cope. It’s hard sometimes to differentiate between what may be a bad case of negative thinking and true anxiety. Is a child being negative when she doesn’t want to join a new club because she thinks no one will like her, or is there something more going on? Try to confirm whether there is any validity in their fears. If not, point out diplomatically, that they may be catastrophising. If you feel there is reason for concern, help them to overcome their anxiety. CHALLENGE the validity of your child’s fears and anxiety, using logic and rational thinking. Don’t allow kids to wallow in selfpity. Move their thoughts towards the future rather than allow them to mope around.
Anxiety is a normal part of life and can be managed, but it takes time. It’s also contagious so it’s the job of parents to stay calm, think clearly and role model confidence when kids get anxious. CALM is created through your words, voice and facial expression. When children become anxious, help them recognise what’s happening. Some kids get angry, some become upset and others withdraw. Work out the pattern for your child and help them recognise when they are anxious.
Making a plan ENCOURAGE your child to overcome their anxiety through action. Vanessa came up with a creative solution to help Ruth, her seven-year-old daughter, overcome her reluctance to attend birthday parties without her. Initially Vanessa attended
parties with her daughter so she wouldn’t miss out, but Ruth was becoming too reliant on her, so it was time to make a change. The next time Ruth was invited to a party, Vanessa put a plan into action. First, she set up a little birthday party scenario at home using dolls and teddies as friends, so her daughter would know what to expect. Vanessa explained that she would leave her at the party for a short time. Vanessa let her daughter know that she had no doubt that she’d cope. The little plan worked a treat. Vanessa arrived at the party an hour after the start to find Ruth involved in a game. She acknowledged her mum, but she didn’t leave the game. Later, at home Vanessa made a fuss over her daughter for being brave. Ruth agreed that next time she was invited to a party she would go for the whole time without her mum.
Anxiety is normal and part of everyday life. However, it can be debilitating unless it’s managed. Anxiety management takes time for kids to learn, but it’s one of those valuable life skills that parents can teach their kids.
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© 2016 Michael Grose