NEWSLETTER
Number 4 - 22nd March 2013 Glory To God
Senior School Physics Luna Park Calculating the g-forces on the “Shock Drop”, feeling nearly weightless upside down on the “Enterprise” or just experiencing collisions on the “Dodgems”. The Year 12 Physics class spent a warm sunny day with 600 students from other schools at Luna Park last Thursday measuring, calculating and experiencing all the elements of their Motion topic from Unit 3 of the Physics course. Greg Crotty Head of Senior School
At the mouth.
Mirrors
What goes up, must come down!
Rides
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Friends, Another exciting few weeks has evolved at St Andrews Christian College with many varied and challenging activities for all our students. Strength Potential for our Year 10 students was one of the programs recently given to our students. This is a program where all our Year 10 students undergo a personal survey to reveal their ‘strengths’ and subsequent mentoring by a specialist to understand and further develop their ‘strengths’. Not only does this assist the student to understand how they learn best, but it also helps lead the student into possible career paths. Teachers also develop a richer relationship with each student and learn how to better cater and teach each student with their different learning styles and strengths. Student cohorts also learn to appreciate each other more, understanding that everyone is made in the image of God, but also unique and made with varying experiences, personalities and talents. As a STRENGTH POTENTIAL school we focus on strengths and learn to manage our weaknesses. God gave each of us different skills and talents and we need to understand what these are so we can use them for His glory and for His purposes.
Celebrating God, Celebrating 30 Years at St Andrews Christian College We are celebrating 30 Years in many ways this year: Biblical focus “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice.” (NIV) Philippians 4:4 Celebration poster Stickers/watermarks on College correspondence A bumper 30th Anniversary College Magazine A special event put on by the Performing and Visual Arts Departments, called “FEAST” Searching through and cataloguing archives Focus on expanding our Alumni Whole College (and past alumni) Concert on Saturday 31st August called “Celebrating God, Celebrating 30 Years at St Andrews Christian College” One of the BIG items for the night involves a community event singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” (student/staff/ parent/alumni/outside community choir)- that’s right, we’re going big on praising God together in worship on this night and we need your help to do it!
SAVE THE DATE:
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 Our resident specialist in Strength Potential (Ross Carlyon), who runs these programs is a Christian and experienced Principal in Christian Education. An article from one of his Strength Potential newsletters: A Snapshot of Young Australians Young Australians strongly value family relationships and friendships. They are most concerned about school or study problems, coping with stress and body image. These results come from a survey released last year by Mission Australia and represent the opinions of over 45,000 young people aged 11-24.
Saturday 31st August “Celebrate God, Celebrating 30 Years at St Andrews” Celebration evening. All students expected to attend.
HELP We need people to be on the committee for this concert and we need help in the following ways: People to assist Darren Waterworth in preparing the Multi Purpose Hall for the event People to assist in setting up displays Welcoming Committee Administrators to organise and circulate MUSIC to all in the choir (including those not connected to St Andrews) Administrators to advertise the event in churches and throughout Melbourne People to join the choir
Over 20% of respondents said they did not have anywhere to go for advice and support about their number one issue of concern. We at Strength Potential are passionate about offering hope to these young people. This hope comes from showing them that they are valued by God who has implanted in them specific strengths that can be identified and developed. They can be confident in who they are and resilient in dealing with the difficulties they face. 2
St Andrews Christian College Newsletter
People able to rehearse different parts (accompanists and choir leaders) for SATB Enthusiastic and committed people to be on the main working committee If you can help in any way, please inform Tamie Dekker of your availability.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Easter Are you prepared for Easter?
Diary Dates March Sat
23-24 CSA Student Leadership Conference
Sat
23
Overseas Students Outing
Mon
25
Whole School Assembly 8:55am*
I find I need to be intentional about pondering and praying about the Easter message, so as not to get stale or mechanical in my heart and mind.
Mon
25
Yr2 Incursion Suitcase Stories
Mon
25-28 Yr8 Canberra Trip
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Mon
25-28 Yr10 Work Experience
Wed
27
School Band Rehearsal 1-2pm
How amazing is God. He loves us despite us being unlovable. Although we fail Him and deny Him, He still reaches out and loves us unconditionally and offers us hope and eternal life.
Wed
27
Yr5 Melbourne Art Gallery
Wed
27
Yr6 IMAX and Scienceworks
As we daily battle busyness and overload, let us stop. Stop everything that distracts us and come before our Lord in total awe and submission.
Wed
27
PFA Hot Cross Buns
Wed
27
PFA Pancake Day - Junior School
Max Lucado in his book 3:16 The Numbers of Hope states “ We know so much, and yet we know so little. The age of information is the age of confusion; much know-how, hardly any know-why. We need answers. Jesus offers them.
Thu
28
PFA Pancake Day - Middle and Senior School
Thu
28
Percussion Band Rehearsal 1-2pm
But can we trust him? The only way to know....is seek him out. Lift your eyes, and set your sights on Jesus. No passing glances or occasional glimpses. Enrol in his school....Make him your polestar, your point of reference.”
Thu
28
Last Day Term 1
Fri
29
Good Friday
For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10
April
I’m not talking about buying easter eggs, cooking hot cross buns or booking holidays. I’m talking about the preparation of our hearts.
May we all have a personal encounter with the risen Christ as Easter approaches. Blessings for Easter and the coming holidays,
Catriona Wansbrough
Tue
16
First Day Term 2
Wed
17
School Band Rehearsal 1-2pm
Wed
17
String Ensemble Rehearsal 1-2pm
Thu
18
Percussion Band Rehearsal 1-2pm
Mon
22
Whole School Assembly 8:55am*
Tue
23
VCE Soccer
Tue
23
Yr1 Arcare Retirement Village
Tue
23-24 Parent/Teacher Interviews*
Thu
25
Anzac Day
Fri
26
PFA Run 4 Your Gym 11am-2pm*
*parents welcome to attend
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NOTICES
House Community Points
Parent Teacher Interviews Parent Teacher Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday 23 April, 2013, between 1.30 pm & 8.00 pm and on Thursday 24
Cumulative Totals
April, 2013, between 3.30 pm and 6.00 pm. To facilitate the interview booking process, the College will be using Parent Teacher Online (PTO). This is an online booking process which will allow you as parents and carers to log in online to make bookings for teacher interviews. You will be able to see immediately if there is a request from a teacher for an interview, view times available, and make appointments from anywhere you have internet access. Appointments can be cancelled and rebooked at any time up to the day of the interview. The system is password protected and will allow you to see your child’s subjects and teachers. More details, including Login and Password will be sent out by the end of Term 1.
Barton
219
Deakin
149
Parkes
139
Formal Notice of College AGM Meeting 7:30pm, Thursday 23rd May REMBRANDTS
Robyn Ireson Parent/Teacher Interview Coordinator
Nomination forms/details will be on the school website shortly. Mr Darren Waterworth Business Manager
Please Obey The Road Laws No U Turns In Tyner Road I certainly didn’t know my road rules and I’ve discovered that completing a U turn across a solid single white line is illegal. There is a solid single white line in Tyner Road, so it is illegal to complete a U turn. A ‘concerned’ neighbour recently brought it to my attention that quite a number of drivers were completing U turns in Tyner Road after dropping off students. Could you please refrain from doing U turns in Tyner Road. Our ‘concerned’ neighbour was also going to make the Knox Police aware of the illegal U turns. So a word of warning.......
Prayer Group The St Andrews Prayer Group invites all parents to come along and join in prayer, with other parents, for the needs of the St Andrews school community. Meetings are held once a week on: Fridays 8:45am (after school drop off) Prayer will be held in the Meeting room next to the Reception area. It is a great opportunity to join in fellowship with other parents. Suzy Song Purchasing Officer
Mr Darren Waterworth Business Manager
Lost Property
No parking at Foodstar Parents are not to park across the road at FOODSTAR. The parking area is only there for patrons of the FOODSTAR restaurant.
Parents are requested to look through the lost property, located outside the school office. Any items remaining at the end of Term 1 will be disposed of, sent to the 2nd Hand Uniform Shop or a charity.
Mr Darren Waterworth Business Manager
Zoe Watson School Receptionist
Notices of Interest
* This section of our newsletter is to give our families information about programs being run by organizations outside of the school which we consider may be of benefit/interest to our school families.
Notices of Interest can be found at: http://www.standrews.vic.edu.au/newsletter-notices-of-interest.html This week notices include PYV Regional camps and Annual Volleyball Day, Techno Tennis and Slice Tennis Holiday Clinics and Super Clinics, Eastern Christian Hockey Organisation and a free study for overweight young people looking for help.
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St Andrews Christian College Newsletter
PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION St Andrews Run 4 Your Gym
Our Major fundraiser for the year (audio/visual equipment for the Multi Purpose Hall) Ask friends, family, work colleagues and neighbours to sponsor Donations accepted Students rewarded for participation/most laps run/most funds raised/best house colour costume and more! Class that raises the most gets a lunch party hosted by the PFA House points to be won Great major prizes Raise $50 and more to sponge or slime a teacher (Mr Mellody, Mr Wade and Mr Pardo) VCE students vs parents vs teachers most laps run challenge ($50 min to be eligible for a great prize) Volunteers needed to walk with students to the lake/ supervise the course/ first aid/ marking off laps Sausage sizzle, drinks, icy poles for sale after the event / Free Smooze Fruit Ice for each participant
Sponsorship forms and more information will be coming home in the diary. Annie Yew - Run 4 Your Gym Coordinator
Sponsorship Form designed by Elise Wade
Run 4 Your Gym is proudly sponsored by:
Hot Cross Buns and Pancakes Thanks to our catering subcommittee, next Wednesday and Thursday the students will be enjoying pancakes and taking home Hot Cross Buns from Bakers Delight, Knox. Junior school students will be having their ordered pancakes on Wednesday whilst the Middle and Senior School will have theirs on Thursday.
Dr Sam and Rebecca Lim
Treasurer Wanted The position requires the ability to look after the financial records of the association and prepare simple monthly reports. It also requires some availability to be at school to help with the daily financial running of the association (floats, counting, invoices etc.) and the planning/implementation of upcoming events. We require someone who can fulfil the whole role. If you are in the position to help please email pfa@standrews.vic.edu.au
Parenting Library The parenting library is located in the school office. Parents can borrow up to 2 books at a time for a period of 2 weeks. We appreciate your prompt return of the books.
That’s Mine Labels Parents are reminded to ensure all clothing and items brought to school are labelled with your child’s full name and class details. The PFA recommend That’s Mine Labels.
Hot Cross Buns will be going home on Wednesday (not Thursday as previously advertised). Happy eating!
Entertainment Books Entertainment Books are on their way! Pre-order forms will be available soon with the books arriving at school at the start of Term 2. Keep an eye out for the flyer coming home next week. Sonia Sires Entertainment Book Coordinator
Cyber-Safety To build on Brad Huddlestons’ Cyber-Safety seminar some parents are keen to explore ways we, as parents and teachers, can continue to effectively convey Brad’s message on cyber safety to our children, students and fellow parents, particularly in light of the stresses of peer pressure our children may experience within the school and amongst friends. If you are interested in getting involved in a discussion/ working group please email pfa@standrews.vic.edu.au
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JUNIOR
MIDDLE
Year 3 and 4 Planting
Middle School Information Night
Last week the Year 3s and 4s had the wonderful opportunity of planting some beautiful flowers in the garden beds outside of their classrooms. The children are now given the responsibility of caring for the plants by watering them and clearing of any weeds and rubbish. Two parents, Mrs Bligh and Mrs Girgis helped to organise the planting with the assistance of our generous neighbours, Banksia Garden Centre.
Thank you to those who attended the Middle School Information Night that was held last Wednesday. If you missed this evening, some of the highlights included the importance of having positive relationships develop with peers and teachers through the middle years and into the senior years; the Curriculum that is followed at St Andrews (Australian Curriculum) is mandated by the government and ensures that the same concepts are covered in any School in Australia; the current VCE subject choices offered at St Andrews ensures entry into most University courses, depending on the ATAR score achieved; and that students who stay at St Andrews continue to achieve an improvement in their overall results. If you would like more information about this evening or if you have any further questions regarding Middle School, please feel free to contact Merrick Brewer. mbrewer@standrews.vic.edu.au
“
The flowers were all unique and beautiful. I enjoyed planting. I got a very small plant but after a few days, the flowers bloomed. It was wonderful! I water my plant everyday and I enjoy watching it grow. It is very healthy. Gardening was great fun! I think the flowering plants we planted make the school look really pretty. Oh, planting day was really fun! 4D chose the flower bed which already had a curry plant in it. We dug small holes around the curry plant and the olive sapling that Mrs Girgis planted. We then put our plants into the holes and covered it with soil. We have to water our plants everyday to keep them healthy. I love planting ! My plant was orange yellow and I got to water my own plant. There were some bugs in our garden bed like a bunchy boy, some sort of worm and a spider. 4L planted their plants outside the Year 2 classrooms. First we dug holes with spoons. Next we planted our plants. My plant was dark pink. I watered my plant and I also dug up a worm. I enjoyed planting at school.
“
I found a witchery grub when I was digging! We all had a great time planting our flowers. Year 3 and 4 Students and Teachers
Merrick Brewer Head of Middle School
Year 8 Medieval Incursion On 14th of March, Lorenzo (of Medieval Education Victoria) came to talk to us about how people lived in the Medieval European times. He first showed us some of the medieval armour and weapons. Some people were chosen to dress up in the armour as knights, peasants, Vikings and barbarians. He also showed us many types of medieval entertainment including juggling, freak shows, gypsy dancing, and courtesans. He showed us how the armour and weapons developed over time. Then he demonstrated some of the punishments in medieval times. For example, Faith and Ingrid were chosen as courtesans. Their punishment was getting their head shaven and then if they continued with the crime their head was branded with a hot iron rod. Some of the other punishments were getting boiled in oil, whipped, flailed, beheaded, limbs cut off, and getting hung, drawn and quartered (and many more). After that we were taught how to fire a bow and arrow. It was a difficult task and only a few people managed to hit the target (named Bill). Once lunch was finished we moved into Rembrandts and he showed us many forms of medieval dance including marriage dances, puzzle dances, peasant dances and country dances. When that was finished we had the chance to fight him with some medieval weapons, this was called a tournament. Overall the day was very interesting and enjoyable. By Kezia S. And Olivia R. 8I
.
One day at a Chess Tournament Last Monday, our girls Chess Team went to “Our Lady of Sion” to play in a Zone Tournament. Our team played very hard and after 7 rounds were finally rewarded with first place. We had a lot of fun playing chess and I made a few more friends as well. It was also a good chance to catch up with some old ‘friends’ I had made over the past two years playing in chess tournaments. It was a really fun day and I enjoyed it immensely. I am looking forward to our next tournament. Faith Tang 6F 6
St Andrews Christian College Newsletter
SENIOR
SPORTS
Year 10 Interschool Debating - Round 1
Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival
The debate went really well. Our debate topic was "The Australian Government should fund controversial art". As the chair I got to observe the debate and was surprised how well we did. Our debaters did really well and we lost only by 1 point. This is really impressive considering how its our first debate. Our opponent really surprised me as they pushed out points I did not even think of. Our next debate is next month. We are already excited for the next debate.
A fun day was had by students and teachers at the recent Swimming Carnival for Years 3 to 6. This was the climax of 2 weeks of intense swimming lessons.
Nathanael Lim, Year 9 - team member
Strength Potential Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. God has made us all unique and each was designed for his purpose. The Year 10 students have recently had their strengths assessed in very positive session with Ross Carlyon. This programme finds a person’s strengths and helps them identify ways in which they can apply them in teamwork, leadership and study. If you know a student from year 10 ask them to tell you about their strengths. Greg Crotty Head of Senior School
Senior Scholarships St Andrews Christian College will be offering a limited number of scholarships to new and existing students entering Years 9, 10 and 11 in 2014. See the school website for details.
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ALUMNI
ART
Alumni Survey
Year 2 and 3 Artist Visit
Past students and teachers are encouraged to fill out a simple survey reflecting on their time spent at St Andrews. Go to http://www.standrews.vic.edu.au/alumnisurvey.html
Illustrator Dawn Tan visited the Years 2 and 3 on Monday 11 March. The students had a terrific time creating a large painted and drawn canvas for the upcoming Feast exhibition.
Madeline was at St Andrews for 10 years. She reflects on her time spent at St Andrews: I live and work in Singapore. I am currently a Legal Secretary and part time Copywriter and have a Certificate in Digital Journalism. I am a wife and mother of two little girls.
Sally Darlison Art Teacher
I have wonderful memories of growing up in St Andrews. Awesome teachers, great friends and good education. Some of my best memories are of the Christmas Musicals put on every year, the huge soccer field at the old campus, the Metal Workshop at a neighbouring school and our art teacher, who inspired me to hold on to creativity throughout my life. Every day was a new adventure and every experience was special. Madeline
Year 2s creating with Dawn Tan
St Andrews Alumni
http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Andrews-Christian-CollegeAlumni/240671339386975?ref=ts&fref=ts
Year 3 dinner table art
rom the T hi s i s f a y of st d very fir 983! school 1
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St Andrews Christian College Newsletter
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION St Andrews Christian College Annual Public Speaking Competition Once again, St Andrews Christian College will be hosting the very exciting annual Public Speaking Competition. The Lord Jesus was a public speaker equal to none. He preached the Gospel of truth in public places, persuasively and by the power of the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are called to speak, not only with effectiveness, but also in a way that honours God and inspires others to follow Jesus.
Other Reasons for the Competition: 1. 2. 3. 4.
To prepare our students for the NAPLAN Persuasive Writing Task. To improve the confidence of students as future leaders. To equip our students for Oral Presentations, as they are an integral component of the teaching and learning process. To showcase the enormous talents of our students
Further Information This is the breakdown of the heats for the St Andrews Christian College Public Speaking Competition, bearing in mind the changes to the college structure: May 3rd Stage One: Teachers to isolate the top two students in each class (plus one runner up). May 10th Stage Two: Involves isolating the top two speakers (plus runner up) in a particular year level (where there is more than one class in a year level). May 27th Stage Three: Involves the top two speakers in each year level taking part in a sub-school competition. In other words, the top eight students in Yrs 5-8 and the top eight students in Yrs 9-12 competing against their respective sub-school counterparts, at a nominated forum. June 7th Stage Four FINAL: The top two speakers in each sub-school will compete against each other before the judges for the perpetual cup. The final stage of the Competition will take place on June 7th in Rembrandts between 12:00pm and 1:15pm. On this day our top two students in each section, Junior, Middle and Senior Secondary, will present their riveting speeches to our esteemed adjudicators: Alan Tudge (Federal Member for Knox), and other dignitaries. The winner will receive a perpetual cup. We encourage the St Andrews College Community to support our students in this very important and exciting curriculum initiative. Yours eloquently, Christina Natsis VCE Coordinator
St Andrews Christian College Newsletter
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CYBERSAFETY
10
St Andrews Christian College Newsletter
FAITH
CHARACTER
INFLUENCE
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STRENGTH POTENTIAL This process began with a brief introductory group workshop, followed by a 45-minute online assessment of talent, used to date by more than 8 million people worldwide. At the completion of their assessment, each student received a customized report detailing their top five talent themes along with action items to put these themes to work.
Ask any Year 10 St Andrews student what their strengths are and they will be able to answer, giving you 5 key words and a further explanation if you would like them to. Identifying these strengths is an important part of achieving the St Andrews vision for each student to be courageous, creative and confident as they develop their unique God-given qualities.
A Gallup accredited strengths-based educator then provided a coaching session to help each student further understand their unique strengths combination. This is not the end of the journey, however, and the school will continue to work with the Year 10 students as they move into their years of senior schooling, helping them to develop in their areas of strength and increasingly become the young adults God designed them to be. Ross Carlyon Strength Potential Leader
Firstly it is important for us all to recognise that we have these unique qualities, something many Australian students are not convinced of. Then we need a common language in order to talk about them. We have to celebrate them. We have to develop them. The Strength Potential program recently undertaken by St Andrews Year 10 students is a research-based development program that helps identify and capitalize on their God-given talent, helping them achieve success in school, career and beyond - across all areas of life.
This eNewsletter is proudly produced by St Andrews Christian College 130 Tyner Road Wantirna South Vic 3152 P: 03 9800 2922 | F: 03 9800 4564 | W: www.standrews.vic.edu.au