College Newsletter Issue 3 / 11 August 2017 From the Principal We need more of those mums and dads…. Matt Walker, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of Sleep and Neuroimaging Laboratory says: “The evidence is overwhelming, it is irrefutable. Sleep is the single most effective thing you can do to reset your brain and body health each and every day.” Walker goes on to say the sleep-loss epidemic is the greatest public health challenge we face this century. His research has linked sleep deprivation to: SHORT TERM – a poor night’s sleep may hinder our ability to accurately read the emotions of others – an impairment that may have wide-ranging consequences to our social interactions. LONG TERM – psychiatric disorders, obesity, risky behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder, and learning and memory loss. Insufficient sleep is also tied to high rates of cardiovascular disease, the calcification of coronary arteries, hypertension, a number of cancers and stroke. This is not just an issue for adults. We are increasingly aware of the impact of poor sleep on the health and wellbeing of students. Murdoch and Griffith Universities have recently released the results of their first long-term assessment of mental health effects from adolescents’ late-night mobile use (and other portable blue screen devices). The results should be of concern to parents and schools. Of particular significance was the discovery of a direct link between adolescents’ late-night mobile use and poor quality sleep, which subsequently led to poorer mental health outcomes, reduced coping, and lower self-esteem. They concluded that late night phone use was overtaking time set aside for sleep, leading to declines in cognitive functioning, overall wellbeing and mental health. According to the co-author of the study, Dr Kathryn Modecki from the Griffith Menzies Health Institute: “What is especially compelling is that these increases in poor sleep, in turn, led to rises in depressed mood and externalising behaviours (eg- disruption, conduct problems, disconnection, poor emotional response control), and declines in self-esteem and coping one year later.”
As I am quite sure is the case in all schools, here at St Andrews Lutheran College we see the negative effects which present in students of all ages who have poor sleep routines. Just in the past few weeks, I commented to a Year 12 student that she was looking ‘alive’; she rolled her eyes and said her mum had recently watched a documentary on sleep and now she confiscates her phone at 8.30 every night. We need more of those mums and dads! David Bliss Principal
Chaplains Chat A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 What we say is important. It has the power to build up another person and it has the power to tear them down. I wonder whether you can think of examples in your life when someone has said something hurtful to you, or, perhaps, when you have said something hurtful to another person. In a chapel that I led in the Junior School this week I spoke about the importance of speaking well about another person. This applies when you think that you know all the facts about a situation and when you don’t. At all times, it is really important that we honour the other person with our words. The reason for this is because our honour and reputation is like a possession that we carry. Just like other possessions, it can be lost, stolen or damaged. Sadly, it is very easy to damage the reputation of others and much harder to repair it. For this reason, each person should keep careful watch over their tongue – for whilst it is one of the smallest muscles in the body, it is capable of much good and evil (James 3). What have you been saying with your words lately? Who have you been speaking to? Have they been words of encouragement and life? Or, have they been words that bring down another person? Words that may stem out of anger, frustration, bitterness, envy or pride. I imagine that, if we are honest, most of us can remember a time when we have spoken poorly of another person. It is easy to do and easy to overlook the kind of damage it does. Sometimes, even despite our best efforts, the wrong words came out of our mouth and we wish that we could take them back.
Thankfully, God leads us to repair the damage created when we make poor choices with our words. He also helps us know how to speak good words about another person, even if there are things about them we don’t like or we find them hard to get along with. God is able to do this because he has had lots of practice. Day in and day out, He deals with us! We give Him lots of reason to be angry and frustrated but instead of returning the favour, He speaks words of love to us (in the Bible) and showers us with things we don’t deserve like His love and forgiveness.
the pieces of music they have planned. Musicians are given a copy of their part to practise. The conductor will work with each band member individually, all the while giving feedback on how to play each note, hold their instrument correctly and play at a consistent pace. The band will come together to perform together. The conductor is once again giving further feedback to the group and individual members and making notes for further instruction later. This constant cycle of feedback, rehearsal and performing as a group is critical to the success of the band and helps them to become a polished group of performers.
May God help you build up the honour and reputation of others through your words and know how to speak words of love and grace, just as He does to us. Nathan Glover College Pastor
Junior School News Just recently, I had the privilege of attending the Mini Musos and Junior School Concert Band Eisteddfods. It was an honour to see them perform. The Mini Musos were excited to receive a first place in the Beginning Band Section, and the Junior School Concert Band received a second place in the Primary School Open Competition. It was a great reward for effort and everyone can feel truly proud of their achievements as a group. The feedback from the adjudicators was extremely positive and complimented the students on their musicianship and their timing.
In much the same way as a conductor prepares the band for a performance through feedback and rehearsal, a classroom teacher gently instructs the students to help them improve a little each day. The most effective type of feedback the teachers can provide to students is called formative feedback. The aim of formative feedback is to inform the students on what they are doing and how they can continue to improve what they have done or what they are doing. This is not giving a grade or putting big ticks or crosses on the page. Rather it is a constant conversation and shared dialogue between the teacher and the student. This feedback is often ongoing and for some students may be repeated on numerous occasions. The teacher is role modelling, giving examples or re-directing the student to help them develop their understanding of the topic. Through this constant dialogue and growth, the student can flourish, grow and reach their personal best.
The Mini Musos have only being playing as a group for 6 months. For many of the children in the Mini Musos it is their first foray into learning a musical instrument. Others are still learning to put their instruments together once they take them out of their cases. Over the course of the semester the conductor and the music tutors expertly bring all of the band members together to play a recognisable tune. The first thing the conductor has to do is find out what the band members can play and to make a judgement on whether or not the band, with training and practise, can play
Darrin Schumacher Deputy Principal Head of Junior School
order of the day.
Middle & Senior School News Innovating and creating opportunities to learn - IC’ 17 IC’ 17 launches at St Andrews this year with a hope and intention to build a creative mindset beyond the traditional disciplines of study in the creative arts in our students. IC’ 17 encourages a mindset in students based on innovations and ideas: I see possibilities; I see potential; I see problems; I see a need; I see solutions. At the end of last term, Mrs Polentas, Mrs Schaefer with the support of Year 10 student Annabelle Haydon-Clark ran the inaugural ‘Digital Divas Dancing Robots’ all girls coding workshop and this coming holiday they will run a multi-day program with a focus on Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Robotics. At the end of each day students will leave with a completed project. The aim is to create critical thinkers, increase science literacy whilst encouraging the next generation of innovators. Students will gain a range of transferable skills that they can use across their current subject areas. They will be coached to use Algorithmic thinking during their problems solving processes. Please contact Mrs Polentas lizp@salc.qld.edu.au for more details. Recently, a group of our students attended the Bond University’s Big Ideas and App Development afternoon where students were shown how to “front end” a prototype of an app idea – which enables the entrepreneur to show potential investors what the finished product might look like before the behind the scenes IT development takes place.
Later this term, two other IC’ I7 initiatives will commence. The Entrepreneurial Experience, a school based program designed to build entrepreneurial capability by developing creative problem solving and inter-disciplinary teamwork skills. This is a series of workshops for students who have a “big idea” or problem to solve. Participants will be engaging in action-packed sessions where students learn by doing; understanding problems, creating a solution, building prototypes and pitching business models. This series of six intensive training afternoons will focus on the entrepreneurial journey from the safety of the school environment and benefit from expert mentoring while improving your future work skills. This will be open to students in Years 7– 12. Students will need to apply to participate by submitting a 1 minute video application and numbers will be limited. Bond University is supporting our College staff in this endeavour and more information about the Entrepreneurial Experience can be found in the flyer at the back of the newsletter. We are also seeking assistance from our extended St Andrews community. Please consider acting as a mentor for this opportunity. If you are interested in being involved please contact me directly virginiaw@salc.qld.edu.au. The St Andrews Entrepreneur Academy will start in October. The academy is a nine week week after school program run in partnership with iYouth. The academy will focus on 10 Skill Workshops: Apps, Website Creation, Graphic Design, Digital Marketing, Branding, Business Models, Revenue Streams, Pitching and Presentation, Human Skills and Crowdfunding. This program is offered to our students at a subsidised rate of $421. Each students who participates will get an industry mentor. All sessions will be run on campus in the Lighthouse boardroom and iLab. Dates are: • Friday 29 September 12.00pm – 4.00pm (Pre-session for students who haven’t attended a previous APP development workshops). • Wednesdays October 4, 11, 18 and 25 3.30pm – 5.30pm • Wednesday 1 November 3.30pm – 7.00pm (Dinner supplied) • Wednesdays 8, 15, 22 November 3.30 – 5.50pm • Friday 24 November Showcase Evening 6.00 – 8.30pm Please access this link to find out more information about the Entrepreneurial Academy and to secure your space. www.iyouth.global/andrewsacademy.html
Last Friday a group of Year 10 &11 students attended Bond University’s Ideas Camp. Here the students learnt about the path of two young Gold Coast Entrepreneurs – Sam Webb (co-founder of Livin’) and Madeleine Satric (founder of dubleup). The students learnt about the importance of finding their passion and the art of hustling (ie. never give up). They also engaged in fun activities that developed their networking skills and learnt about the importance of being aware about how they make a new contact feel. Allowing themselves to step outside of their comfort zone was the
Foundations for Flourishing Everything we do at St Andrews is grounded in our commitment to be a Christ centred, flourishing community. This term, students across the secondary campus have continued to work with a strong commitment to their personal bests and to unashamedly pursue excellence. They have done so with a deep understanding that their efforts to use and grow their gifts are not for themselves alone but to make the most of God’s gifts and to serve others. In the Senior School, students have been involved in a number of life enriching service learning activities this term. Our Year 12 students have been visiting students in the Junior school and building connections to support learning
and community. Year 11 students are completing Service in Action projects and last week a group of them experienced first-hand the plight of homeless people by sleeping outside the Worship Centre on Tuesday and Wednesday night.
our trust and faith in God’s provision of all things helps us to see hope as open-ended and not limited by what we might wish for. An agility in our thinking and strengthening of our beliefs are a must if we are to grow in our faith and explore our hopes as part of God’s plan. Beyond the academic learning that takes place at St Andrews each day, our desire to promote flourishing for our students through building wellbeing; creativity, hope, faith and a servant heart guides us as we continue to educate their hearts, minds and hands. Our young men and women of character continue to inspire me every day. Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
They each donated $30 to “Rosies” and survived on $10 worth of food to last them Tuesday through to Thursday. These young people, along with peers in Year 12, have continued to help “Rosies” outreach this year by giving up Friday nights to talk to and connect with some of the Gold Coast’s homeless and disadvantaged in Southport and Surfers Paradise. Another group has been supporting Newlife Uniting Church’s outreach program for the disabled and eight of our senior girls have been visiting and working with girls at the Currumbin Special School. A few short weeks ago a number of teams competed in the Kokoda Challenge and last week the Rainbow Mufti Day raised over $1300 for the ALWS.
Beenleigh Eisteddfod It’s great to celebrate a win. As many know our bands had a very positive experience at the Beenleigh Eisteddfod with the Concert Band bringing home 1st place and Jazz Band and Percussion Ensemble a 2nd. Although the gratification of placing is rewarding, the biggest joy for me is the enthusiasm shown at our next rehearsal. There was a real sense of achievement leading to an exciting and productive session.
In Chapels so far this term, there has been a focus on the link between faith, humility and hope. Hope enables us to look forward with expectation and confidence, and placing
The hard work and consistent development in teamwork finally makes sense. All the music just feels and sounds better. Some of this comes from the confidence that wells up after a successful performance. But much of it also comes from the opportunity of seeing other performers on the same journey with a realisation that you are part of a much bigger community. It was great to hear animated conversations relating to other performers of both our own sections and others, particularly the string sections who we don’t normally hear. Students gained much more than an opportunity to perform. They undertook a musical adventure which will encourage them to excel into the future. It reminded me of a quote by one of my own conservatorium lectures, Mr Harry Gillfeder, who suggested that “recordings were musically dead. It must be seen and heard live with an opportunity to experience the energy and soul of the sound.” So as you read this, take a leaf out of our successful musicians score
Performing Arts News
and plan an outing with your students to explore some new and exciting musical landscape. They will be enthused and thank you for it. Congratulations to all band members and keep up the good work.
limit. In general Year 3 and Year 4 girls will be fairies and Year 3 and Year 4 boys and Year 5 and Year 6 will be either Lost Boys or Indians The role of Tinkerbell, her lead fairies, Michael and possibly Tiger Lily will come from Junior School. There will be a separate audition (callback) where students will be invited to audition for these roles. We will ask the most outstanding from the general auditions as well as those recommended by PAT Vocal Tutors and Choral leaders. Middle and Senior We have a general audition where we teach part of a song and choreography. Students again perform in small groups. Leads audition separately and are to sing individually a verse and chorus from a Disney style song. From this group we callback those we need to see again and work with some scenes. Any enquiries about this process can be emailed directly to priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au Peter Pan Auditions - Week 9 Our next whole of College musical is Peter Pan Jr. It will be on at The Arts Centre in Term 2 2018. Students from Years 3 – 11 are welcome to audition. See the flyer for details. Priscilla Scott Head of Arts
Sport News How is the musical cast? I am often asked about the casting process for musicals – how we make casting choices and the process behind selection. With the junior cast particularly we generally have large numbers auditioning for a certain amount of roles. These numbers are determined by teacher ratio, size of stage and set pieces and saftey considerations. It is unfortunate that we cannot take everyone who auditions and managing the disappointment can be a challenge. I encourage parents to talk about the audition process and that it is okay to not get in, that there will be other opportunities and many more musicals to come as they journey through school. It is important to consider the audition process as a learning experience. Junior School In Junior School we audition by year level. Mrs M teaches the year level a song in Music Class and they will sing in small groups. We listen for tune but mostly look for expression and performance quality in the Junior Ensemble. Miss Guild then teaches a few bars of choreography to the song. Students then are lined up in order according to the roll and perform in small groups. A panel of teachers have a roll and highlight those who they consider the strongest. Our criteria for juniors is about confidence, expression, retention of choreography and behaviour during the audition process. At the end of the process we simply tally who the teachers selected and work our way through until we have hit our number
It is hard to believe that we are beyond halfway through the school year. However the sporting opportunities have not slowed down, if anything more is on offer with the opening of our new gym. Gym The school gym is in full operation now and has commenced with great success for students in Years 7-12. I have been amazed with its popularity both in the morning and after school. Much success comes down to the supervision and expertise offered in particular by Mr Callum Hannay and Ms West. Both the cardio room and weights room have provided a variety of safe yet challenging activities for our students to develop their strength and general fitness. In addition to independent training, students can join in a variety of classes including boxing, Grit Strength and HIIT. Spaces are still available and can be booked using the link below https://www.trybooking.com/QROV
Futsal This Term 5 teams from the Middle / Senior School represented the College at the South-East Queensland Champion of Champions Tournament. The teams included: • • • • •
13 Years boys 13 Years girls 14 Years girls 16 Years boys Open boys
All teams should be congratulated for making it this far in the futsal calendar but particular praise should go to the 13 Years boys team who qualified to compete in the Australasian Futsal Titles in November.
Netball After an extremely success QISSN tournament our Open girls team as well as our Middle School Team competed in the Vicki Wilson Cup and Shield. This an extremely high-level competition and whist neither team moved through to the finals week, they represented the College with a display of skill and sportsmanship. Ms Nicole Cusack a former Australian player and International coach, continues to work with our promising middle school girls and will head our Netball Excellence program during Thursday sport in Term 4.
represented the College at the annual All Hallows Touch Tournament in Brisbane. This is a high standard competition, which saw our 15 Years girls team make it through to the semi- finals finishing in a top 4 position. The 13 Years girls had a real opportunity to develop their skills and game understanding as they played against more experienced teams. This year we are fortunate to have the input Mr Mark Janson, a high level coach and player development officer. He has been guiding both our staff and students on a Thursday afternoon Touch Excellence program and before school training sessions as our teams prepare for All Schools. Later this term the teams will play the first round of All Schools as well as compete in the Ormeau competition. We have also been fortunate to get some regular fixtures against Miami State High School, Palm Beach Currumbin High School, and Hillcrest Christian College. - Sue Rawlings
Athletics This term started with the Year 7-12 Athletics carnival in Week 1. It was pleasing to see so many student participating and competing hard for their House. Congratulations to Jubi for once again winning this carnival. This week sees over 45 students from Year 4-12 represent the College at the Hinterland District trials. Students who are successful at this carnival will have an opportunity to go on to the Regional carnival held later in August. Our numbers for the Fuel athletics squad have also grown on a Thursday afternoon. Any student interested in learning new events or making improvements to their current athletic pursuits are encouraged to come along to training and to compete in the upcoming Fuel athletics meet held at Kings Christian College. Basketball Once again, Mr Edwards has selected a group of boys from the Senior School to represent the College at the upcoming All School Basketball Competition at the end of this term. The boys have been training hard on a Friday afternoon to develop their skills and game understanding for this very rigorous and tough competition.
Touch Just last weekend our 13 Years girls and 15 Years girls teams
Libby Wood Secondary School Sports Coordinator
LOTE News Higashino High School Sister School visit: Part #1 On Saturday 29 July, 14 students and 3 teachers arrived from Saitama in Japan. They spent 6 nights with their host-families. Thank you to the families who hosted students, to the others who offered, and to the school community who always makes them feel so welcome. Stay tuned for more photos after their 4 days at school next week. Kerry Forrest Japanese
Dates to Remember AUGUST Saturday 12 Lending a helping hand at ROSIES Sunday 13 Eisteddfods Bands Commence Years 7-9 SCNA Netball Carnival National Science Week Monday 14
National Science Week Year 11 Hospitality Class Excursion MS Expo Tuesday 15 ICAS Comp Maths National Science Week JS Assembly P-6 Years 7-9 Science Trivia Challenge Years 10-12 Science Trivia Challenge Wednesday 16 National Science Week Interschool Chess Tournament Years 4-6 T20Blast Cricket P-3 In2Cricket Thursday 17 National Science Week GC Eisteddfod – MS/SS Choir Years 7-11 AGCC Comp 5 Mini Stars Basketball Week 4 Friday 18 National Science Week Years 9-12 Mens & Womens Assembly Years 7 & 8 LAG 8.30am QCS Workshop Years 5-6 Sport Practice Year 3 Mums’ Dinner Monday 21 Year 11 Drama Zen zen zo Incursion Year 7 Camp 2017 Austay School Group from Japan National Book Week Years 8 -9 It’s In The Bag Excursion Years 8-12 All Schools Touch Tuesday 22 Year 7 Camp 2017 Austay School Group from Japan National Book Week JS Chapel P-6 Wednesday 23 Year 7 Camp 2017 Austay School Group from Japan National Book Week GC Eisteddfod Percussion Ensemble Years 4-6 T20Blast Cricket P-3 In2Cricket Thursday 24 National Book Week Years 7-11 AGCC Comp 6 Red 25 Blood Donations GC Eisteddfod – SS Concert Band Years 7-12 Fuel Athletics Series Mini Stars Basketball Week 5 Friday 25 YLM or LAG Book Character Parade National Book Week Year 2 Street Science Incursion Years 7-12 Assembly New Parent & Year 7 Parents Tea Lending a helping hand at ROSIES Year 2 Dad’s Night
LLL School Banking Do your kids know the value of money?
In today’s world of electronic payments and internet banking, it is difficult to teach children the value of money. When you’re at the shops, how often do you pay with actual cash? Australians only use cash for 37% of purchases, mainly for goods costing under $10. Our kids have learned that money lives in a plastic card, and lack clear understanding of how money works. The LLL recommends teaching kids the “three ‘S’s”: Saving: Have a savings goal. Instead of purchasing a birthday or Christmas present for them, let this be the motivation for saving. Spending: For everyday items: when you’re buying a coffee and your child wants a biscuit, they can use their ‘spending’ money. They’ll learn that once money is spent, it’s gone, and it’s a great way to talk about comparing the value of items. Sharing: Help your child to develop an attitude of giving at a young age. Let them choose a cause they are passionate about. One way to do this is with three clear jam jars with the labels ‘saving, ‘spending’, and ‘sharing’. Your child can tangibly see the growth as the money accumulates.
The LLL provides savings accounts for children. The accounts have a good interest rate with no bonus hurdles to jump over AND we also pay a $5 gift for the first savings account opened for the child. Talk to the school office about opening an LLL Children’s Saving Account and participating in LLL school banking today, or visit www.lll.org.au for more information. Note: School Banking Day is Tuesday. Books can be left at Junior School Admin, Middle School Admin, Senior School Admin or Main Reception.
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bit.ly/andrewsacademy Plus, Each student is given a personal mentor and access to an online community, to sustain momentum throughout the week. Our partners, iYouth, have been awarded the title ‘Digital Champions’ by the Queensland Government and helped students raise half a million dollars.
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How to network How to pitch