Junior School Bulletin Issue 15 / 10 November 2017
Junior School News Prep Orientation and Teddy Bears Picnic Last week we welcomed our Graduating Class of 2030 to the Teddy Bears Picnic. There were many eager little ones with teddy bears in tow as they met their fellow classmates and their teachers. The teachers welcomed them into their classrooms where they read books, completed puzzles, played with the toys and did some beautiful craft. They all rushed over to the picnic area where a feast was waiting for them and their teddies. It was great to welcome our 2018 Preppies and their parents to St Andrews Lutheran College.
the The Arts Centre Gold Coast. We will be able to celebrate the achievements of the students and acknowledge the Year 6 students as they end their Primary school journey and begin life as a Middle School student. Luther 500 Combined Service Sunday 29 October saw the congregations and colleges of St Andrews, Trinity and LORDS combine together for a service to commemorate 500 years since the Reformation. LORDS and St Andrews choirs performed pieces for the congregation. A group of students from Trinity performed a liturgical dance. It was a fitting way to conclude our celebrations. End of Year It is often tempting to begin the school holidays early but the teachers have got a packed program right up to the end of the year. Please make sure your child attends school everyday until the end of term. In Brief Celebrating the Good Stuff • Swimming begins for P-3 students soon. • Year 5 students conducted “mini – exhibitions” • Operation Christmas Child – lots of valuable gifts going to those who need it. • The bake sales on mufti day raised some much needed funds for worthwhile charities. • Congratulations to our touch teams who performed admirably last weekend. Students showed great improvement over the day and were happy with their performances. • Congratulations to Seren Corfield, Lachlan Horton and Isabella Nelson who received certificates from our Federal member, Hon the MP. Karen Andrews. Further congratulations to Isabella who received a highly commended award for her postcard design.
Presentation Night The annual Junior School Presentation night will be held on Tuesday 28 November beginning at 6:30 pm. It will be held at
Darrin Schumacher Deputy Principal Head of Junior School
for students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation.
Chaplains Chat Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. – Philippians 2:4 (NLT) “It’s not about you.” These words were made famous by the bestselling book, The Purpose Driven Life, written by Rick Warren. His book begins with these words and goes on to explain that human life is best centred around the worship of God. All too easily the human heart seeks after other things and the thing it likes to seek after the most, is itself. You don’t need to look far too see examples of this. One way in which the College has promoted the virtue of altruism and the idea of looking beyond one’s self, has been through Operation Christmas Child. Operation Christmas Child is an international program of giving where people from well-to-do countries put together a collection of Christmas presents, which are packed into a shoebox, and then delivered to children in developing nations at Christmas time. It is always a joy to receive Christmas presents but the greatest joy comes from giving. During the month of October, Operation Christmas Child was promoted in the College community and I am pleased to report that, together with your help, we were able to collect enough Christmas presents to fill 53 boxes and send these boxes to young children overseas. LAG groups, whole classes and year-levels got together, raised money and purchased small gifts to make this operation a success. Thank you to students and staff who got behind this initiative. Your support was gladly received. Next year, we will set our heights higher and see if we can put together 100+ boxes.
Certificates are awarded to each Year level as follows: High Distinction: to the top 1% of participants Distinction: to the next 10% of participants Credit: to the next 20% of participants We recently received the results for the Mathematics and English competitions. Congratulations to the following students who were in the top ten percent of participants: English Year 5 Angus Slater Year 6 Ashley Kuzmanov Kate Allan Mathematics Year 5 Angus Slater Congratulations to Isabella Seymour (Year 6 student) I had the privilege of attending the Fred Hollows Humanity Award ceremony held at Parliament House in Brisbane last week to see Isabella receive an award. She was acknowledged for her significant contributions to the College and the wider community. Isabella took the initiative to start a reading program for Year One students in a little local school down the road. As part of this, she organised a book donation drive with our students to help supplement this local state school library. Isabella also successfully applied for a community grant on behalf of this local school and was able to present a cheque to the school so they could purchase more reading resources. She is a principled and caring student who strives to make a difference in the lives of others. We are very proud of her achievements in serving others!
Now that Operation Christmas Child is complete for the year, this does not mean that your opportunity to bless others has stopped. What can you do to make someone’s day special this week? It is easy to think of your own needs. Spend some time today thinking of the needs of others. After all, this is what Jesus did for us when he gave up his life so that we might live. Nathan Glover College Pastor
From the Deputy Head of Junior School & PYP Coordinator Students in Years 4-6 were invited earlier in the year to participate in the International Competitions & Assessments for Schools (ICAS) for Science, Computer Skills, Writing, Spelling, English and Mathematics. The students have completed the papers on various dates throughout Term Two and Term Three. This competition provides an opportunity
Isabella is pictured with Susie O’Neill and a local MP who presented her with the award. Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NLT) Jacqueline Faulkner Deputy Head of Junior School PYP Coordinator
Japanese News Year 2 students have shown creativity in their Unit of Inquiry about life cycles. Students have also written sentences in hiragana from the story, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” Well done Year 2!
Junior Library News Last week I was thrilled to receive a children’s book for our JS collection, donated by one of our talented Year 6 students. Ashley Kuzmanov (6A) has written, illustrated and published her first children’s book, The Ninja Bunnies. I am sure you will agree that this is a wonderful achievement and I am positive it will inspire more students to do the same. Congratulations Ashley!
What was your inspiration for the story? When I was in Year 5, I started writing a story in class. My teacher really encouraged me to continue writing, editing and to publish the story. Why bunnies? I love bunnies! The photos in the story are my real pets that I had when I lived in NSW. How long did it take you? 15 months What advice would you give other students if they wanted to write and publish a book? I would tell other students to have a go! It can be challenging at times, however, you feel super proud once you have achieved it. End of Year Procedures The end of term is fast approaching. Please note that week 6 will be the last week for students to borrow books. Please return all library books by week 8 to help the library staff complete a stocktake. If your child thinks they have lost or misplaced a book please come and speak to the friendly library staff as soon as possible. Unfortunately, students are unable to borrow over the long holiday period as it is the only time we can do a thorough stocktake. I encourage you to visit the Gold Coast City Libraries for your continued reading pleasure. Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese
Vikki Rees Teacher Librarian/ICT Coordinator
Keep an eye on the flyer for the details of our remaining Concerts
Performing Arts News Evening of Song On Monday our End of Year Concert Series kicked off with our Evening of Songs as well as the start of our First Break Concerts. It is such a joyful celebration of our PAT students and a wonderful way to end the year. Congratulations to all of our singers who performed and special thanks to Mrs Kristine Dennis and Mrs Linlee Ogden for all that you do to support and encourage our young vocalists
END oF Year Concert series YOU ARE INVITED
November 6th - 24th Support your friends while having fun at our concerts. CONCERT SERIES When
Concert
Time
Venue
Monday 6th Nov Monday 6th Nov Monday 6th Nov
Evening of Song Evening of Song JS Vocal Concert (Kristine A Group) JS Vocal Concert (Kristine B Group) JS Vocal Concert (Linlee A Group) JS Vocal Concert (Linlee B Group) Animi Dance Concert
4:00 – 5.30pm 6:00 – 7.30pm 11.00am
Ruth Butler Theatre Ruth Butler Theatre JS Music Room
11.00am
JS Music Room
11.00am
JS Music Room
11.00am
JS Music Room
4pm (Years 1 - 4) 6:30pm (Years 5 - 12) 11.00am
Ruth Butler Theatre
11.00am 3:15pm and 4pm 11.00am 4:00pm
JS Music Room MPH JS Music Room Ruth Butler Theatre
4:00pm 4:00pm
JS Music Room JS Music Room
Wednesday 8th Nov Thursday 9th Nov Friday 10th Nov Saturday 11th Nov Monday 13th Nov Wednesday 15th Nov Thursday 16th Nov Thursday 16th Nov Tuesday 21st Nov Tuesday 21st Nov Wednesday 22nd Nov Friday 24th Nov
JS Guitar Concert Piano Concert (John) Piano Soiree (Learne) Year 4 Speech and Drama Year 5 – 11 Speech and Drama Year 3 Speech and Drama Year 1 & 2 Speech and Drama
JS Music Room
Priscilla Scott Head of Arts
Science News Science Extension students from Years 5 and 6 have recently enjoyed investigating the structure and function of a mammalian heart. For this activity, students were provided with sheep hearts that they could study. Students were able to view external surfaces of the atrial and ventricular chambers. The major arteries including the cardiac, pulmonary, carotid and aorta. The superior and inferior vena cava as well as the pulmonary vein. Students delighted in being able to see how a path could be followed from the vena cava through the right atrium and right ventricle and out the pulmonary artery. This path was followed using a gloved finger, as can be seen in some of the images below. Students then carefully wielded a scalpel to enable them to dissect the heart to reveal the internal chambers. Here they saw the tricuspid and mitral valves and were able to see how the right ventricular wall was significantly thinner than the left ventricular wall. They were then able to muse at why this was the case. It was very pleasing to see our students approach this inves-
tigation enthusiastically and I have no doubt that this activity will inspire some of our young inquiring minds to follow a future medical pathway. I look forward to our next dissection in a fortnight’s time.
JS Guitar Concert (Selected Students) JS Musical Rehearsal (Selected Students) Tuesday 14 JS Chapel P-6 Wednesday 15 Year 4 Excursion to GOMA Exhibition JS Guitar Concert (Selected Students) Thursday 16 JS Piano Concert (Selected Students) Piano Soiree (Selected Students) Monday 20 P-3 Swim Program JS Musical Rehearsal (Selected Students) Jungle Book Performance for Parents, 6:00pm Ruth Butler Theatre Tuesday 21 Year 4 Speech & Drama Concert (Selected Students) MS Music Theatre Performance-Jungle Book JS Assembly P-6, 1:40pm, Multi Purpose Hall Years 5-11 Speech and Drama Concert (Selected Students) Wednesday 22 Year 3 Speech & Drama Concert (Selected Students) Thursday 23 P-3 Swim Program Year 6 Graduation Dinner Friday 24 Years 1 & 2 Speech & Drama Concert (Selected Students) Years 5-6 Sports Assembly
PAT Forms David Wyatt Head of Science
PAT lessons roll over from term to term. There is no need to fill in a NEW application for current PAT students. You only need to fill out a form if they are CANCELLING.
Dates to Remember NOVEMBER Saturday 11 Animi Concert Years 1-4 (Selected Students) Animi Concert Years 5-11 (Selected Students) Monday 13 P-3 Swim Program Trinity College London Drama Exams (Selected Students)
Lutheran Youth Queensland School Holiday Camps Escape the boredom these school holidays on an LYQ Summer Camp! 6 epic week-long camps across December and January covering Years 3-12. Check out lyq.org.au/summercamps to book your Summer of Fun!
END oF Year Concert series YOU ARE INVITED
November 6th - 24th Support your friends while having fun at our concerts.
CONCERT SERIES When
Concert
Time
Venue
Monday 6th Nov Monday 6th Nov Monday 6th Nov
Evening of Song Evening of Song JS Vocal Concert (Kristine A Group) JS Vocal Concert (Kristine B Group) JS Vocal Concert (Linlee A Group) JS Vocal Concert (Linlee B Group) Animi Dance Concert
4:00 – 5.30pm 6:00 – 7.30pm 11.00am
Ruth Butler Theatre Ruth Butler Theatre JS Music Room
11.00am
JS Music Room
11.00am
JS Music Room
11.00am
JS Music Room
4pm (Years 1 - 4) 6:30pm (Years 5 - 12) 11.00am
Ruth Butler Theatre
11.00am 3:15pm and 4pm 11.00am 4:00pm
JS Music Room MPH JS Music Room Ruth Butler Theatre
4:00pm 4:00pm
JS Music Room JS Music Room
Wednesday 8th Nov Thursday 9th Nov Friday 10th Nov Saturday 11th Nov Monday 13th Nov Wednesday 15th Nov Thursday 16th Nov Thursday 16th Nov Tuesday 21st Nov Tuesday 21st Nov Wednesday 22nd Nov Friday 24th Nov
JS Guitar Concert Piano Concert (John) Piano Soiree (Learne) Year 4 Speech and Drama Year 5 – 11 Speech and Drama Year 3 Speech and Drama Year 1 & 2 Speech and Drama
JS Music Room
UNIFORM SHOP
January Opening Hours …
The Uniform Shop will close at 9.30am on Friday 1st December 2017 and will reopen for Existing Students Only JANUARY 2018 Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th Monday 15th to Friday 19th Monday 22nd January
8 am - 12pm daily 2 pm - 4 pm daily 8am - 12 pm
WEEK 1 OF TERM 1 Tuesday 23rd January Wednesday 24th Thursday 25th Friday 26th
8am – 9.30am 8am - 9.30am & 2.30-3.30pm 8am – 9.30am closed for Australia Day
NEW STUDENTS, families with 3 or more children and families unable to attend during these times are requested to phone or email to book an appointment outside these times.
_______________________________________________________________
Save Time…. Order and Pay Online at www.flexischools.com.au
Your order can be picked up from the Uniform Shop or delivered to your child’s class ____________________________________________________ Second hand clothing must be submitted before the end of term if you wish to use the credit in January. All items must be clean & ironed (not damaged, stained, faded or showing excessive wear). *Blazers will be accepted on consignment only. *Must be Dry Cleaned
_____________________________________________ Phone 5568 5933 Email: uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au
How to Live a Sustainable Life
Our PYP Exhibition group consists of Yuma Adachi, Michael McGuire, Romy Marais and Charli Pearse from Year 6. For the Year 6 PYP Exhibition we inquired about Sustainable Homes. We researched how individuals, families and communities share a responsibility for creating a sustainable future. We took action during Exhibition to inform others about how they can live a more sustainable life. We created a survey to see how sustainable the Junior School Staff at St Andrews are. We used the survey results to support our research. We want to provide parents with some ideas on creating a sustainable home. Some of these ideas are just little things, but they all can make a difference.
How to have a Sustainable Home Design Design your home right from the start and you'll save money and the environment. Here are some simple tips: • Orientate living areas towards the northern winter sun. • Create shaded areas and overhangs to protect the home from the direct sun. • Position windows high for natural light and ventilation. • Design cross-ventilation for breezes to flow throughout the house. Energy Efficiency • Energy efficient design • Install LED and compact fluorescent lighting. • Invest in a hot water system - either solar, gas or heat pump. • Purchase high energy star rated appliances. • Install insulation to regulate the indoor climate. Water Efficiency • Install a rainwater tank • Choose AAA rated water appliances Safety and Security • Install non-slip tiles. Social Sustainability • Install zero-threshold showers for wheelchair access. • Have wide hallways and doorways. • Have lever style handles are easier for people who experience disabilities. • Design flexible rooms that can adapt to meet your changing needs.
Eco-friendly Constructions • Use recycled materials and if possible lightweight building materials for maximum energy efficiency. • Consider bamboo flooring that is environmentally friendly. • Use eco-friendly paints that are low-toxic. • Choose materials with low 'embodied energy' - in other words less energy in their manufacturing process.
EDUCATION/LEARNING
insights Failure! What a genius idea! by Michael Grose
A leading Victorian independent school is actively encouraging its students to fail, which is an absoutely genius idea. As reported in The Age (28th August 2017), Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School is holding Failure Week to teach students that making mistakes is a crucial part of learning. Teachers are sharing their personal stories of failure and students from prep to Year 12 are learning challenging activities such as abstract painting, juggling, reciting poetry and dancing. At the end of the week they’ll be displaying their new skills in front of each other with the emphasis being on stuff ups rather than perfection. I suspect for many students making errors, stuffing up and struggling to get things right will feel uncomfortable. But that’s the whole point. Kids need to fail more if they are to succeed Traditionally, schools and, in recent years, parents have excelled at celebrating student success. “Top marks”, “Dux of the school” and “Perfect score!” are the types of aspirations that teachers and parents have for kids. But to many students academic success means “Don’t stuff it up!”, “No mistakes please!” and “You’ve got to get it right!” It’s been widely reported that Australian kids are anxious, perfectionistic and risk averse. They just don’t feel comfortable with failure. And who could blame them? We’ve hidden failure and disappointment from them for far too long. In recent years there’s been a common perception that failure damages people. Unfortunately, this is to the detriment of young people’s future success. Failure is an integral part of learning anything significant, challenging or worthwhile. Resilient learners realise that they don’t always get things right the first or even second time but with effort and practice they will master skills, find solutions and gain the knowledge they need to succeed. As reported in The Age, failure, if handled properly, provides kids with the feedback they need to help them achieve excellence. Yes, kids need positive feedback too … but only when it’s deserved. When we tell a child everything is wonderful when, in fact, his work is mediocre at best, we give him a false sense of achievement. Failure takes bravery I’ve long been a fan of encouragement. What I mean by that is parents and teachers focusing their comments on
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the processes (effort, contribution, improvement) of what kids do rather than the outcomes. Encouragement places the locus of control onto the child, which is essential for resilience. That doesn’t mean that we avoid giving a child feedback if their work or behaviour isn’t up to scratch. By all means, we should inform kids when they need to lift their game, but this feedback needs to be provided respectfully and with sensitivity if we want it to be taken on board. The real strength of encouragement is hidden in its French derivative, the verb coure: ‘to give heart’. Encouraging teachers and parents to somehow find a way to give their kids the courage to be imperfect. It takes a brave soul to make a mistake sometimes, particularly when others may be watching. Failure needs a supportive environment It’s all very well to encourage kids to have a go but they won’t stretch themselves unless mistakes are truly accepted by the people that matter to them. A child won’t speak up in class when he’s unsure of the answer if he knows his classmates will laugh at his errors. Similarly, if kids are to take more learning and social risks they need to know that mistakes and stuff ups won’t be thrown back in their faces at home by parents or siblings. Five simple ways to encourage kids to fail and celebrate errors 1. Model failure: Next time you break a plate when emptying the dishwasher, avoid negative language (“What a klutz!”) or catatrophising (“This is the worst thing ever!). It’s a plate. Stuff happens. 2. Tell stories of failure: We tend to be nostalgic of the past and tell kids of the good stuff when we talk about our childhoods. But kids love to hear the warts’n’all stories of the difficulties you faced and stuff-ups you made as a kid. It makes you more human and also gives them permission to do the same. 3. Encourage them: Develop a vocabulary around effort, improvement, contribution and enjoyment. Be your child’s cheerleader but don’t avoid giving feedback when necessary. 4. Tell and show kids how to improve: Feedback is always best when it has a teaching focus. So next time you pick up a child on their poor schoolwork or untidy bedroom, make sure you remind them how to do it right. 5. Provide the time to fail and get it right: Modern teachers and parents are time poor. Crowded curricula and busy lifestyles make us less tolerant of failure. But as anyone who has taught a young child to do up his or her shoelaces will know, some things can’t be rushed. Time and patience can be your best assets when helping kids to handle learning challenges. Failure doesn’t sit comfortably with many of us, but it’s an essential element to success. The idea of a school setting aside a week to encourage their students to fail more may challenge our perceptions of the education process. But it’s a very timely, very smart idea that should be adopted and adapted by schools and families everywhere.
Michael Grose Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s the author of 10 books for parents including Thriving! and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It, and his latest release Spoonfed Generation: How to raise independent children.
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