Middle/Senior School Bulletin Issue 6 / 12 May 2017
Middle & Senior School News I continue to be inspired by our students and I’d like to share just a few of the wonderful things that students have been up to so far this term. Last week a number of our Year 12 LAG groups visited classes in the Junior School after encouragement from Alexander Blackborough (ViceCaptain). The rich learning that happens for our ‘big kids’ and our younger students can’t be over-stated.
Our Leos were recently installed and their commitment to service in our community and beyond is a credit to their character. Through their actions they embody a reminder that we all have hands for helping. Amongst other projects, the Leos are currently doing a ball drive to support Currumbin Special School.
Our Kokoda Challenge and other sporting teams continue to train tirelessly outside of school hours and last weekend there was a special Kokoda camp where they participated in three physical training sessions and attended sessions on nutrition, the history of Kokoda, teamwork and psychology to maximise their potential at their respective events.
Our Visual Artists continue to work on their bodies of work and whenever I visit their classes I find it hard to leave – creative inspiration abounds!
Our performers, Music, Dance and Drama groups are continuing to rehearse for upcoming performances some of which will be showcased at the Fete.
Past students, Elisha Hodgson (class of 2011) and Sandrika Ryan (class of 2012) spoke as part of a panel at the Independent Women of Substance evening last week. Their stories and accounts of the journey they have been on as young women was an inspiration to students and parents alike. Their key messages were to dream big, persist towards your goals and to find what makes you shine from the inside and do that. These young women have excelled in their
chosen careers, Law and Engineering respectively and have a wisdom that is truly admirable.
missed. If you are yet to do so, I encourage you to visit the Fete website https://fete.salc.qld.edu.au. Please return raffle tickets, sold or unsold, by Friday 12 May. Additional booklets are available through the administration offices. Cake boxes will be sent home via the youngest child in each family this week. Any yummy baking will be most appreciated. If you are not a baker, please feel free to return your box so that we can pass it on to another family. Ride tickets can be purchase via www.trybooking.com/PSLB. Donations of Blocks of Chocolate, Prizes for the Cent Auction, DVDs, Video Games & Magazines (not weekly magazines), Second Hand Toys can be dropped off to Fete volunteers at the Bus Shelter or taken to the Administration Offices or Main Reception. Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
Pictured – Dr Pia Petersen, Elisha Hodgson, Sandrika Ryan, Tess Collie (Psychologist) and College counsellor Robyn Rudd during our Q&A NAPLAN Testing Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students sat the National Literacy and Numeracy Tests this week. The work done to prepare our students for the testing has been embedded in our regular teaching programs; focusing on literacy and numeracy skills as key elements, vital to academic success. As a College, our focus remains on assisting students to achieve their full potential as confident learners, critical thinkers and good citizens. I would like to thank all of the students involved in the testing for their focus and effort. Year 8 Camp – Camp Kindness Our Year 8 students attended Tyalgum Ridge for Camp Kindness this week. There is no understating the benefits of these outdoor education experiences and the many learning outcomes that come from spending time learning, problem solving and living in community in a natural environment. This camp is about building social and emotional skills and is a stepping stone experience that helps our students prepare for The Edge program and extended wilderness experience in Year 9. Thank you to Mr Smith (Year 8 Co-ordinator) and the staff who attended.
Chaplains Chat Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. – 1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV In our society, a lot of emphasis is placed on looking beautiful. We are exposed to airbrushed models, designer clothing labels, perfectly engineered Facebook profiles and Barbie Dolls that have unrealistic figures. Wherever you look there are people obsessed with how they look. In Middle/Senior Chapel last week we explored the notion of beauty as portrayed in the latest revision of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, now showing in cinemas. In this classic tale, a handsome prince is turned into a hideous beast. To escape the spell placed on him he must love and be loved by a girl before it is too late. As a result, the beast is ever-conscious of his horrible looks and wonders if anyone could love him for who he is and what he looks like. In the same way, many of us are embarrassed by how we look. There is often some feature or part of ourselves that we like to keep hidden from others. But, this is not God’s view of you and your body. When God created the world and everything in it, including human beings, he created it very good (Genesis 1:31). As a result, there is beauty to everything and everyone God has made.
College Fete The Fete is only a week away (Saturday 20 May). The Fete is a special day and friend-raising event simply not to be
Christians also believe, however, that sin has forever altered the beautiful world around us – not necessarily making things less beautiful but making beautiful people do awful things. Real beauty, therefore, has less to do with outward appearances and more to do with what’s on the inside. In the movie, Beauty and the Beast, the qualities that makes the beast attractive or beautiful to his would-be bride are his inner qualities of kindness, generosity, dignity, empathy
and love. Perhaps it’s OK to seek beauty, but not beauty in the way it is often viewed. God tells us through the words written in 1 Peter 3:3-4 that real beauty is achieved through a relationship with God that is grown and nurtured in quietness and obedience to him. This is what God considers beautiful, and the truth is, this is what other people consider beautiful as well. Nathan Glover College Pastor
Middle School News NAPLAN testing This week saw the annual national testing for literacy and numeracy. In the ten years that this program has been running it has certainly been a catalyst for a range of discussion topics. Data from these tests provides the College with important information on areas of strength or need within the learning of our students. As parents it should provide you with a snapshot of your child compared to national standards. We look forward to the feedback that the 2017 assessments will provide. Year 8 Camp This week also saw the annual Year 8 Camp down at Tyalgum. Over the past four years this camp has built into a regular and highly anticipated element of Year 8. An introduction to a range of outdoor skills took place throughout the week with an eye to the future requirements of Googa in Year 9. Enormous thanks must be extended to Mr Brendan Smith and his team for their planning and dedication in making this camp a success.
Much attention has been placed on the benefits of being mindful rather than mind full and in this world of information saturation and sensory overload it is crucial to teach our young people how to calm their own minds, tap into their feelings and live in the moment. It would be interesting to ask a typical 15, 16 or 17 year old how much of their day is spent looking at a screen, plugged into their phones and even scarier how many take their phones or digital device to bed. Reach Out describes mindfulness as training yourself to pay attention in a specific way. When a person is mindful, they focus on the present moment, try not to think about anything that went on in the past or that might be coming up in future, purposefully concentrating on what’s happening around them and trying not to be judgemental about anything they notice, or label things as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. With the recent Mission Australia report revealing that 1 in 4 young people will suffer from some sort of mental health issue learning to be mindful and accepting and developing skills to cope is crucial for young people. We spend so much time thinking over stuff that has happened in the past, or worrying about things that may happen in the future, that often we actually forget to appreciate or enjoy the moment. Mindfulness is a way of bringing us back to experience life as it happens. When you’re mindful, it: • • • • • • •
Helps clear your head Helps you be more aware of yourself, your body and the environment Helps to slow down your thoughts Slows down your nervous system Helps you to concentrate Helps you relax Can help you cope with stress
Partnerships for Learning. Just a reminder that our next evening will be held on Wednesday 24 May from 7:00pm in the CRC. The topic for discussion will be around ‘Pornography and exposure to explicit material online’. All parents from Years 6-9 are welcome to attend. It is usually not appropriate for children to accompany them. The evening usually finishes at about 8:30pm. Please contact me should you wish to discuss anything further. Tom Casey Head of Middle School
Flourishing in the Senior School Mindfulness in May This month we are working with our Senior School students on being mindful, or at least paying a bit more attention as it is the month globally assigned to this skill of being present.
Independent Women of Substance Evening Thank you to all the parents and young ladies from Year 9 to 12 who attended our recent Independent Women of Substance Evening. It was a pleasure to hear from our speakers about women’s health, mental health, what it means to be an independent young woman and tips for parents about how to help our young girls achieve this. In actual fact it was a reminder for young and slightly older. I am sure the highlight for many of us was hearing our Andrians, Sandrika Ryan (2012 graduate) and Elisha Hodgson (2011 graduate). I asked a few of our current ladies what they took from the evening: “ It was good for our Mum’s to hear what we hear at school and it just reinforced what I know.” “Set goals to drive you forward.” “Don’t restrict yourself because you are afraid that you
might not be successful.” “I liked to see girls just like us be successful – knowing that they were in our position a few years ago and they were able to achieve their goals.” “It’s ok not to know what you want to do, trust in yourself but have a go.” “It’s ok to keep some things private but there are always people to talk to apart from your parents.” “Keep revisioning your goals and it’s ok to change your goals.” “Just because you might not be the best it’s ok you can still make it.” “Work on your social skills, build connections and networking is important.” “Know your strengths – don’t dwell on your limitations.”
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
Sport News Futsal Last week 12 teams represented the College at the Northern Rivers Futsal Titles held down at Byron Bay. Our students did extremely well with over half the team making it through to the semi-finals. Our 13 girls won their competition and our Open Boys and 15 Boys both came runners up. We now have the following teams who have qualified to enter the Champion of Champions Titles held in July. - - - - - -
Service Our Leo club is a prime example of students using their strengths to contribute as citizens in our community. Reminder – we are looking for donations of sports balls, tennis balls, soccer balls to donate to the Currumbin Special School. If you can help please drop off the item to Middle or Senior School Admin. It was fantastic to celebrate and honour our current Leos who were inducted and our executive who were installed recently. They are a great group of young people – (44 students across Year 7 - Year 12) and growing. We have upcoming BBQ’s over the June-July break and our meetings are now on Monday lunch so more young people can attend.
13 Boys 15 Boys Open Boys 13 Girls 14 Girls Open Girls
Congratulations to not only these teams but all our players who did an outstanding job representing the College. Fuel Athletics Series This year we will be entering in a friendly track and field competition with Kings Christian College, Somerset College and Hillcrest College. The first meet will be on Thursday 18 May. Students can enter as a team or as individuals. The events for the meet will be: 1. Long Jump 2. Discus 3. 800m 4. Either 60m or 80m sprint. The meet starts at 4:00pm. Transport from school will be provided but students will need to be picked up from Kings College at 5:00pm. A training and information session will be held this Thursday 11 May. Touch Excellence Our Touch Excellence program will commence in week 8 for Semester 2 sport. This year students will trial to make an age group squad who will then be preparing for upcoming tournaments. This year we have employed the services of an expert Touch coach Mr Mark Jason who has worked extensively with Touch Queensland and prepared many representative teams. More information to come later in the term.
Expectations With our cooler weather and the expectation for winter uniform blazers should be worn to and from school, our boys should have ties on plus navy blue business socks under their long pants and ladies can wear navy tights.
Netball match verses Robina High Last Thursday our QISSN team played a friendly match against Robina High School Netball Academy. The game was of a high quality and played in good spirits and sportsmanship. Whilst our girls went down it was a closely contested game
and a great opportunity for our team to work on their combinations and plays. We will be playing a return match at Robina on Monday 22 May. Our QISSN team is making huge improvements as they continue to develop and grow under the coaching of Mrs Nicole Cusack and Ms Megan Yeo.
Student Achievement Congratulations to Samantha Todd who competed in the Tweed Get The Beat. Samantha won 3 Firsts and a Second and was awarded Teen Champion and Second Overall Champion. Samantha has now qualified for the National Competition in September. Well done, Samantha
Libby Wood Secondary School Sports Coordinator
Performing Arts News Fete is a wonderful opportunity for our performers across the College to showcase their talents. This year we will be running two separate stages – one in the MPH and the other on the Junior School Oval. Below is the schedule for the stages. Performers are to arrive 20mins prior to meet their teachers. There will be spaces available to store instruments and costumes if required.
Over the holiday break, Year 7 student Myah Gadd travelled to New Zealand to compete in the Alannah Haines Australasian Awards. This prestigious international event provides artistic development and creates a career platform for young aspiring ballet dancers at such a formative stage in their lives. Myah competed against over 165 other dancers in her age division and successfully made it to the quarter finals which is a huge achievement in itself. Congratulations Myah on a wonderful achievement!
Any enquiries can be emailed to priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au or the teacher in charge of the group I look forward to a fantastic Fete. Sat 20th May 2017 Stage 1 (MPH) 10.30 - 11.30 Dance Session #1 11.30 - 12.00 Choirs 12.00 - 1.15 St Andrews Got Talent 1.30 - 2.15 MS PAT Vocalists 2.15 - 3.15 Dance Session #2 Stage 2 (Junior School Oval) 11.45 - 12.00 JS Chapel Band 12 .00 Percussion Ensemble and MS Music Elective 12.30 Guitar Ensemble 12.45 JS Concert Band 1.15 Lilli MacDonald and Zara Morrison 1.30 Isobel Thomas 1.45 Concert Band 2.15 - 3.30 SS Music Class (Solo/Duo/Small Groups) 3.30 - 4.30 Jazz Band
Cilla Scott Head of Arts
On children’s day, parents share their hope that their children grow up to be strong and successful like the carp.
Visual Art News
Here are some photos of Years 7 and 8 classes as they enjoyed Children’s Day.
BOOKS4FLOODS During the extreme weather event in Murwillumbah, at least five primary schools lost their entire school libraries. We would like to help them rebuild by donating books to help them start again. Please bring in a book appropriate for primary school age, in good condition. Books can be dropped off at H4- Senior Art room, or your child’s classroom and we can collect them. Thanks for helping us to support other students and educators! Ngaire Harman Visual Arts Teacher
SCOPE Photography Prize is now Open for Entries. The theme is SEASONS. Photographs that interpret this theme are welcome from across the St Andrews Lutheran College community. There is several sections - ELC- 3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12 and OPEN for staff, ex students, parents and adults associated with the College. Entries Due Tuesday 16 May. Prizes to be won! Digital Exhibition at the Fete and the winners announced the week after at the school Arts assemblies.
Japanese News こんにちは、 Last Friday 5 May was Japan’s Children’s Day. Not only is it a special day for children; it is also a national holiday! According to an ancient Chinese legend, a mixed school of fish tried to fight their way up a waterfall called “Ryumon,” or dragon gate. While all the other fish gave up and drifted downstream, the carp persisted, and once inside Dragon Gate, they transformed into dragons. The Japanese version ripened into a proverb — 鯉の滝登り(koi no taki-nobori) and it is thought that it was shortened to ‘koinobori,’ – meaning ‘climbing carp’ as they swam determinedly against the current.
We are delighted to announce the Language Ambassadors for 2017 German : Lilli MacDonald, Emma Rowan Japanese : Taeley Thomson-Smith, Abbey Shumacher Auf Wierdersehen and さようなら from the Language Department Kerry Forresst Head of LOTE
Student Development This month might be an ideal opportunity for parents and the College to partner with some common strategies for our students. Several teachers across Secondary are providing opportunities to help students practise Stillness as part of their learning routines in class. Previous research in schools reveal that students feel if they are given an opportunity and guidance on relaxation and focus, that this relates to motivation and learning in class. Students report that it is helpful to build practices around quietening their mind from the busyness of previous conversations or worries and focussing on the present moment, the learning and who they are currently working with. In the Primary School some teachers are continuing research and practice with students who are struggling to learn because of emotional blockers. Again, using some processes to help young learners become more aware of their emotional world and how it enhances or inhibits learning, is benefiting our learning community. There are many free Apps to support quiet practices such as mindfulness, https://smilingmind.com.au/ As parents we can model these with our children and reflect on the effects of our own levels of stress, focus, motivation and spiritual growth. Many find focussed quiet breathing helpful to practise and build into one’s prayer life also. Of course there is wider research on Mindfulness as stress reduction techniques for adults (http://www.openground.com.au/individuals/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction) that many of us can benefit from; there are resources that help us understand the link between mindfulness and positive psychology in schools (Kashdan & Ciarrochi (Eds). 2013 “Mindfulness, Acceptance and Positive Psychology” available online as pdf); the Townsville diocese for Catholic Education also reports on many positives for their students and community (http:// www.cominghome.org.au/). This is just part of the discussion around ideas we can share as a community focussed on growth and learning this month. James Nelson Student Development Christian Studies
P & F News J block recovery is progressing well with the project running to time and completion is expected later this year. The P&F meetings are held in one of the new rooms in J Block the feel and decor are fabulous. Friends of the theatre Chair Donations for the Ruth Butler Theatre are going to be available as well at the Fete and more information will be provided with a physical display. There is going to be different levels of purchase that any present, past or future families can purchase a chair donation. Platinum $200 Gold $100 Silver $50 This will give the purchases opportunity to help get J Block finished and reopened for the school community to use this fabulous new facility again from the devastating fire of last year. Their purchase will be represented in some form with the finer details are yet to be released. Upcoming FETE is calling for volunteers needed to coordinate some of the organisation. The next meeting is 17th May in the Junior School Library.
St Andrews Fete 2017 SATURDAY 20 MAY 2017
School Fete is Saturday the 20th May.
STof ANDREWS LUTHERAN Donations Chocolate and Bottles of COLLEGE wine, second hand
books and second hand toysto are4PM required for the College 10AM Fete. We are running the Chocolate Bed and Wine Raffle second hand books and toys.
* RIDES * RAFFLE PRIZES * SHOWBAGS *
Wine* must be delivered parents and taken to the *main COFFEE * CENT by AUCTION * LIVE MUSIC admin* building. FOOD MARKETS * CRAZY HAIR * ART *
* TALENT SHOW * HOUSE OF HORROR *
It’s that time of year to update the interest earned on your LLL account that is credited annually on Wednesday 31 May. Please send your books in by last day of term, Friday 16 June. They will be sent to Adelaide for the interest update and will be returned to you during the first week of Term 3.
All chocolate, second BED hand *books and toys can be delivered * CHOCOLATE TATTOOS *& MORE! * to the bus shelter every Friday with Fete members there to take your donations. Alternatively, they can be delivered to any of the offices. DONATIONS VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED The class that donates the most chocolate will win a class ice NEEDED CHOCOLATE contact: get involve. cream party so Please all students SECOND HAND DVD’S, fete@salc.qld.edu.au
VIDEO GAMES, MAGAZINES
Next P& F meeting is 14th June at 7.00pm in the J Block Upper West we welcome all parents and guardians to attend.
Dates to Remember MAY Sunday 14 Mothers Day Monday 15 Year 12 Art Excursion to QAGOMA Wednesday 17 Year 11 & 12 Geography Field Trip Year 11 Art Excursion to QAGOMA Year 11 Business Management Excursion - Burleigh Friday 19 Lending a Helping Hand with Rosies Tuesday 23 Taiko Performance & Workshop (Years 7 - 10 Japanese Students) ICAS Comp Digital Tech (Selected Students) Friday 26 Year 7 - 12 Assembly
Second Hand Clothing St Andrews Uniform Shop will purchase from you good quality second hand uniforms subject to stock requirements. We are only interested in clothes that maintain the excellent standard of our uniform. Clothing will not be accepted if the item is:Stained, Damaged or Torn Faded or Discoloured Has buttons missing Or shows excessive wear Sorry, we cannot accept for resale discontinued lines, swimwear, shoes, socks, hats or caps. Second hand uniforms must be left at the Uniform Shop during shop hours, or no transaction will be carried out. Please confirm with the Uniform Shop that all items submitted have been accepted for resale. Uniform items not accepted, will be held for 1 month awaiting your collection, after which time they will be disposed of. Payment: Continuing students will be offered credit which can be used to purchase uniforms (this may take a few weeks in busy times). Students leaving the school - a cheque will be sent to parents. Management reserves the right to refuse to accept any second hand clothing.
St Andrews Fete 2017 SATURDAY 20 MAY 2017
ST ANDREWS LUTHERAN COLLEGE
10AM to 4PM
* RIDES * RAFFLE PRIZES * SHOWBAGS * * COFFEE * CENT AUCTION * LIVE MUSIC * * FOOD MARKETS * CRAZY HAIR * ART * * TALENT SHOW * HOUSE OF HORROR * * CHOCOLATE BED * TATTOOS * & MORE! *
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please contact: fete@salc.qld.edu.au
DONATIONS REQUIRED
CHOCOLATE SECOND HAND DVD’S, VIDEO GAMES, MAGAZINES
POSITIVE PARENTING
Fathering daughters By Michael Grose 6 practical tips for dads on how to be a great father. A father’s influence lasts a lifetime, and it is an important compliment to the mothering role. More and more research is confirming that a female’s sense of worth as a woman, is commonly rooted in her experience with her father. Fathers affect the lives of their daughters in intriguing ways. Including her academic and vocational path, her career success and financial well-being. The well-fathered daughter is also the most likely to have relationships with men that are emotionally intimate and fulfilling, and have better emotional and mental health. Here are five tips to help you be a great father to your daughter.
1. Make the connection One of the most natural ways a father can make a connection with his daughter is through purposeful physical affection. A hug, shoulder squeeze or a kiss on the cheek helps to create an emotional bond with daughters who desperately crave these displays of affection. This is great news for fathers, because if you can’t find the words to say it then you have a second opportunity to show it through physical gestures. Studies have proven that physical touch makes us feel better both physiologically and psychologically. But children — especially daughters — need more than just everyday gestures given in passing. When a girl’s need for affection is met by her father it has a protective measure on her future sexual relationships.
When fathers can have a purposeful physical relationship with their daughters, which is done in a way that supports her feelings of safety and connection, it can also help to stress-proof them. When girls are given opportunities to be involved in physical play outside the house and in outdoor activities, they begin to understand the skill of risk-taking. Girls who are treated too softly and are not provided with opportunities to experience risk, are left in a vulnerable position.
2. Invest in her As a father, you can appreciate your daughter for who she truly is. Help her to identify her unique qualities and value them. Avoid investing in who you think she should be. This can happen when fathers feel like they don’t understand their daughters. Remember, this can happen easily as girls tend to morph into what is expected of them rather than excel towards who they truly are. Instead, do whatever it takes to try to understand her. Spend time together, share stories and experiences. Give her opportunities to show her true self, and this will strengthen the relationship. Be there and be engaged. Get off the bench and into the game, be enormously present and don’t let anyone dull her spark.
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POSITIVE PARENTING
Fathering daughters 3. Listen without fixing Dads wishing to fix things can make us lousy listeners. Your important job is to listen out for the feelings and the emotions; your daughter just wants to be heard. Listening is essential for every father, even though it sometimes goes against their instincts. The father who has worked on being a sensitive listener will reap the benefits of his daughter’s trust; he’ll be the natural person to go to when she has questions about boys or men. She needs to hear your ideas and feelings about relationships. Promoting open verbal interaction with your daughter will enable you to give her a male perspective on her questions or problems. You do not need to agree with everything she says or does, but when you listen, you build the emotional connection that will help her listen to you when it really counts.
4. Watch your language The language you use when talking to girls matters. Everything that is said can be taken very seriously and to heart by your daughter. Thoughts and comments are easily internalised, amplified and exaggerated. Differentiate being pretty from being beautiful. Prettiness is not a good thing to stay to a girl, even if she is. Being told she is pretty teaches her to start to trade on her looks and she will expect people to say that. Beauty and attractiveness are not pretty, and
it is really important to differentiate those when talking with your daughter. Praise her for the values and characteristics she has which make her beautiful.
5. Provide warmth Fathers need to find their softer side when dealing with their daughters, to help them open up and share and provide an emotionally safe place for them. When fathers are called upon to give corrections or direction, they can do this in a warm and loving manner that she will positively respond to. Offer your strength to your daughter in a different way than you would to a son.
6. Be a positive male role model As a girl tries to figure out what men are like, the first one she watches is her father. He can be one very significant example of a man who is consistent, trustworthy, and sensitive to feelings, who places his family at a high priority in his schedule, who keeps his promises, and who invests his energies in the lives of those around him. As her father, you play a large role in showing your daughter what a proper, respectful male response sounds and feels like. Treat her mother and her sisters with the same respect. As a father, you have many choices about how to use your influence in a positive and empowering way.
One of the most important factors that determines a woman’s confidence in life is the relationship she had with her father. You are in a privileged position to make a remarkable difference to a future woman’s life.
Visit our website for more ideas and information to help you raise confident and resilient young people.
Special note: I’m thrilled to announce that my latest book Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children is out. It’s available at parentingideas.com.au © Parenting Ideas 2017
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now we know.