Junior School Bulletin Issue 12 / 1 September 2017
Junior School News Happy Fathers Day on Sunday to all of the College fathers. May it be a fantastic day! Book Week Week 7 was Book Week. We celebrated this week by having a focus on literacy, decorating the classroom doors and having a book character parade. While the activities were highly enjoyable and everyone had a lot of fun dressing up, the focus on literacy and encouraging students to read were the goals for the week. Thank you to Mrs Rees for the organisation of the week. We are currently hosting a Book Fair to which families can purchase books. The company coming in to sell the books will donate a number of books back to the College that we can add to our collection in the library.
Student Led Conferences. Thank you to all of the parents for making the time to come to the College to be a part of the conferences. Giving the students the ability to identify and articulate their learning strengths and areas to work on is an important life skill that will hold them in good stead for their schooling but more importantly, for their life after school. Positive Behaviours Program We were very fortunate to have two Year 11 students, Lilli MacDonald and Madeleine Tritton develop a program to encourage positive behaviours in the playground. The Year 5 students responded really well to the program and because it came from older students of the College, it had a big impact. In Brief – Celebrating the Good Stuff • Congratulations to the Semi-tones choir on receiving a second place at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod recently.
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Student Led Conferences It was great to see the school buzzing on Thursday for the
The Golden Clef Choir competed at the Gold Coast last Wednesday. The ELC contributed to the College family service recently. Their videos and performances were a real treat. It was great to see them all dancing to the songs and the end of worship. We celebrated Science Week with a number of different activities. The chicks hatching in the Prep rooms and the Ramp It Up experiments were a highlight.
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The Junior School Choirs performed at assembly during the week. Thank you to the P and F for hosting the Father’s Day stall during the week. There were many very excited children buying something special for their Dads. The Years 4-6 Athletics team competed in the Inter Lutheran Athletics carnival during the week. They finished 4th which is a fantastic result.
Darrin Schumacher Deputy Principal Head of Junior School
Chaplains Chat “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future… – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) What is God’s plan for my life? How do I follow His plan? How is this part of God’s plan? These questions and those like them are often asked of me as I bring pastoral care to students and staff in the College. Each time I am asked these questions, the person asking them has a real and tangible need. A glib or cliché answer will not do.
– but these happen within the context of love with the end goal always focussed on bringing a person to their senses and restoring their relationship with God and with others. There will be times in our lives, whatever understanding of God’s plan that we have, where it will be hard to see any rhyme, reason, sense or logic for why things have happened the way they have. In times such as these, I believe it is important to reserve our judgment of who has caused the problem and why things are the way they are and instead use our thoughts, even our anger, constructively by bringing our needs before God in prayer. We don’t have to get the words right. We don’t even have to have ourselves “sorted” before God will hear us. God hears and He will act and make plans to help us. He always does, whether we see it now or only see it in the future. Nathan Glover College Pastor
From the Deputy Head of Junior School (P-3)
I have addressed questions like these at a College Service for the Early Learning Centre on the 13th of August and a Middle/Senior Chapel on the 28th of August. As a result, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to share some of my thoughts with the wider College community in this edition of the Bulletin. First of all, I think it is easy to tie ourselves into knots if we believe that everything that has happened in the past is, in fact, God’s plan. It is often argued that God “allows” things to happen and because God “allows” it to happen then it is “God’s plan.” There are problems with this view. For one thing, it is obvious in reading the Bible that a lot of human behaviour, decisions and problems sit outside of God’s plan – they were not His idea and He did not contribute to them occurring. Some obvious examples would be Adam & Eve’s fall into sin and the sinful world that eventuated before The Flood. Even common sense tells us that each person makes their own decisions and that organisations, businesses and countries make their own plans and have been given the freewill to do so. In relation to God’s plans, it is also important to recognise that God’s plans are different from our own. God’s plans are always good and they are always for our good. As a result, many of His plans relate to the complete undoing of all that is bad, evil and wrong in the world and in our lives. It is God’s plan for everyone to live in peace, safety and wellness, free of sin and the hurt and harm that it causes. Some are quick to point out, however, that God has been involved in causing harm from time-to-time. I believe this is best explained by taking a parental outlook on things – that is, God does execute punishment and justice in certain times and places
In their current Unit of Inquiry, Prep students have been investigating how people have a responsibility to care for living things. They have been thinking about the characteristics and needs of living things as they grow and change. Over the last two weeks they were very excited to have chicken eggs in an incubator in each classroom. They watched closely and noticed the first tiny holes grow into cracks as the little chicks wobbled inside. There were loud cheers of excitement when the tiny wet chicks pushed their way out of the eggshells. P2 carefully photographed and named each of their chickens. While observing the new life of their chicks, the children also recognised that not all of
the chickens were strong enough to stay alive. They showed resilience and compassion as they reflected on the cycle of birth and death that we sometimes encounter in life.
Man” and now each child has a tomato plant to care for as they take responsibility for their own plant and observe the changes as they grow. They have planted bean seeds in their greenhouses and will again monitor and compare growth and change, depending on the plants’ access to light (sunlight/ artificial light/ no light) sources. Through the varied investigations that are part of this unit, the Prep students have many opportunities to demonstrate how they are becoming caring, responsible, committed and independent learners. How exciting life in Prep is!! To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted. Ecclesiastes 3 : 1-2 (KJV) Joy Schloss Deputy Head of Junior School
Japanese News Year 5 Japanese Our Year 5 students are currently inquiring into - A nation is shaped by its past.
The Prep students each kept a journal where they recorded their observations. They used their Maths strategies to find out how many chicks had hatched and how many eggs were still in the incubator … a real life application of their number concepts and their scientific observations.
Students are taking action by making 1000 cranes that we will send to Hiroshima International School. Students from Hiroshima International School will then deliver our cranes to the Peace memorial park in Hiroshima. Now the students are beginning to explore the characteristics and needs of plants. On Monday they welcomed “Mr Tomato
Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese
Junior Library News The Primary Campus was full of colour, laughter and excitement on Friday the 25th August for the Book Character Parade. Students and teachers looked wonderful in their costumes and it was great to see so many parents and family members at the parade. Celebrating Book Week is a very special event, helping to promote and foster literacy through the love of books and the joy of reading for pleasure. Thank you to Lauren Majinovic for organising the music, Phil Buddee for his help with the planning of the event, Eric Sheers, Stephen Dalby and Kate Dalby for all the help on the day and the judges of the door competition Chrystal Fuller, Sandy Gooley, Catherine Walker and Belinda Holmes.
The door competition was a very difficult task to judge. I was impressed at how much effort the teachers and students put into decorating their doors using a shortlisted book or the theme - Escape to everywhere as their inspiration. A big thank you to classroom teachers for coordinating the decorating of the doors with your students. The Book Fair will commence on Monday 4th of September and will run all week (Week 9). Students will have the opportunity to purchase their favourite books and stationary items. This is a fantastic fundraising opportunity for the College and helps the library purchase more resources for students and teachers. Competition Winners Prep - Year 2 Jack Butterworth Willa Barry Highly Commended Shaya Leyland Alexander Grimley-Campbell Elizabeth Hacker Dylan Beale Years 3 - 4 Kate Walden Macy Weston Highly Commended Noah Dalby Alexi Russell Years 5 - 6 Ella Baldwin Kye Butler Highly Commended Chloe Jennings Clare Godson Giselle Courtney Vikki Rees Junior Library
ELC News It’s been a busy few weeks in the ELC. We have enjoyed the Book week and Book Fair. Dress up day was lots of fun and we loved joining the whole Junior School. A huge thank you to all the Prep and Year 1 families for driving slower and safer in the carpark. Can we ask please if you are assisting in the classrooms to park on the basketball courts to free some car parks for families to drop children off at the ELC. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Have a great week! Bronwyn ELC Director
Performing Arts News Cultural Awards 2017 Cultural Awards is our night of nights in the Arts – where we celebrate all things creative across the College. Our Cultural Awards will be held Friday 20 October at 6pm in our new Theatre. Over the coming weeks we will gather information to determine who will receive the awards. In the Junior School we use our ensemble rolls for Years 4 – 6 and ask parents to email priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au with any other information relating to events outside of the College. Years 7–12 students are required to complete a survey and return to me by Week 9. Cultural Awards Criteria Cultural Awards recognise individual student achievement in the Performing and Visual Arts. In the area of Performing Arts the awards include achievements in Music, Drama (stage and screen) and Dance (achievements within College Dance Programs, Dance Schools, Professional Dance Companies, Stage Productions and RAD Examinations are included). Visual Arts include photography and filmmaking. Essential Criteria for all levels: Active Participation in school cultural activities Bronze Award This is awarded to students who • Have been involved in several (3 – 4) cultural groups/ activities throughout the Year OR • Passed Grade 5 or above in Music, Dance or Speech & Drama Exam OR • Are nominated for outstanding contribution to a school ensemble/activity Silver Award • Grade 5 or above in Music or Speech & Drama Exam + involvement in cultural groups/activities throughout the Year OR • Major Award at Regional level (GC Drama Festival / Eisteddfod Championships etc)
Peter Pan Auditions Week 9 Our next whole of College musical is Peter Pan Jr. It will be on at The Arts Centre Gold Coast 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
Gold Award • Representation at State level or equivalent in chosen discipline (eg cast in a professional production) OR • Major Award (eg. Top of State in Speech & Drama Exam)
ACTIVE SCHOOL LEADERS Our Year 6 Active School Leaders recently conducted ‘Beep Test’ and Handball Competitions for Years 3 to 6 during their break times. I am pleased to announce that our winners were as follows;
FOSTAA The FOSTAA Award acknowledges an individual for their contribution to the Cultural Life of the College. The focus of this award is on how an individual works within a cast/choir or ensemble, their attitude as well as their ability.
BEEP TEST Yr 3 – Hamish Slater and Ashleigh Crawford (pictured on the next page with Active School Leaders Hugo Davidson and Mitchell Brace) Yr 4 – Zane Gardiner and Zoe Nichols Yr 5 – Finn Blanchard and Milla Jansen Yr 6 – Miles Blanchard and Imogen Stewart
If you have any questions regarding Cultural Awards or your child’s eligibility please email me at priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au
TOUCH We will be entering a boys team and a girls team in the Queensland Primary Schools Touch competition in Cleveland next term. Trials will be held for any interested Years 5 and 6 students on the Top Oval on Friday 8th September from 7:00am – 8:15am. If you wish to be considered but cannot attend the trial, please let Mr Manion know. GIRLS’ CRICKET There may be trials for a South Coast 12 Years Girls’ Cricket team coming up soon. If there are any girls interested, please see Mr Manion.
BOXBALL Yr 3 – Alice Mitchell and Sam Hancock (pictured below with Active School Leaders Miles Blanchard, Hugo Davidson, Joshua Horton) Yr 4 – Macy Weston and Zane Gardiner Yr 5 – Milla Jansen and Angus Slater Yr 6 – Jorja Gisinger and Lachlan Campbell Our Beep Test winners’ names go on a Shield and our Boxball winners will receive a handball prize.
NETBALL Our representative netball teams recently had practice matches against Hillcrest and played in a Carnival at Mallawa Drive in preparation for the Samsung Cup in September. Our ‘A’ Team has been progressing extremely well under the guidance of Mrs Toni Gisinger, having an excellent win against Hillcrest and then coming Runners Up at the South Coast Carnival. Our ‘B’ team is also progressing very well and now have Senior students Molly O’Brien and Sophie Kenn coaching them. We are all looking forward to a big competition on the Sunshine Coast at the end of this term.
RUGBY LEAGUE Jacob Pudlyk and Ethan Harrison recently had some outstanding success in their local junior rugby league competition. Their team, the Under 6 Tugun Seahawks won the annual D.B. Cup beating the Cudgen Hornets 32-16 in the Final. Both boys scored two tries each. Their team, which began preseason training back in February, has gone through the entire season undefeated with one game left to play.
TOTAL FOOTBALL ACADEMY TFA will be running an after School soccer program on Wednesday afternoons during Term 4 at St Andrews Lutheran College. The program is for Prep to Year 4 students. Registration forms will be distributed during a free demonstration. During the 6 week program games will be played inside an inflatable soccer field, which captures the imagination of students, giving them a great soccer experience. Training will take place inside a skills square focusing on different skills each week, such as dribbling, turning and shooting. As part of the program players can also purchase a soccer kit (top and shorts). The program will be conducted on the Top Oval and starts on Wednesday 18 October, 3:30pm to 4:30pm for Prep to Year 4 students. Parents are responsible for getting students to the program and for supervision during the activities. To sign up online; visit www.totalfootballacademy.com.au call Danny Morton on 0473 344 778 or e-mail bookings@ totalfootballacademy.com.au. Find TFA on Facebook for wet weather information and special offers. Andy Manion PSPE Teacher Junior School Sports Coordinator
awesome. I learnt how fireworks are made.” Daisie Godson, 2B.
Year 2 News Wow! What a great way to start a new unit, Where We Are in Place and Time. The Year 2 students had a visit from Street Science on Friday 25th August. Students were engaged in a presentation involving science experiments. Students became more knowledgeable about the effects of push and pull.
“Today we learnt at science that the force of push and pull. We learnt that we cannot see air but you can mix materials like water and liquid nitrogen to make a cloud. We made fireworks. We also did this air sucker where she used the force push to shoot cups off our heads. We had fun.” Oliver Gisler, 2B. “In the Science incursion, I learnt that the ashes of fireworks are cold.” Noah Dymond, 2C. I learnt that air is invisible. Kai Anthony, 2C. Kizzie Hinze Year 2
Dates to Remember
Here are what some of our students said about the learning engagement. “I discovered what copper, strontium, barium and potassium looked like when mixed with fire. My favourite thing was when the magnesium was on fire and it made a beautiful whitish colour.” Marcus Kerr, 2A. “My favourite part was when Mel (the scientist) put water in a test tube and added different chemicals and the colours changed. I liked it because it was like a magic trick and I really like magic tricks.” Finn Cloke, 2A.
“On Friday afternoon, scientist Mel came to do some experiments with us. The first one was when she put chemicals in the water to change colour. The last one was when she put liquid nitrogen and water together. It made a cloud. We put a glove over it and it flew away. It looked
SEPTEMBER Fri 1 Gold Coast Show Day Public Holiday Sun 3 Fathers Day Mon 4 Junior School Book Fair Week (4th to 8th September) Musical Auditions Week (see attached flyer for details) (4th to 8th September) Creative Generation Exhibition – all week (Griffith Uni) Tues 5 Junior School Chapel, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Wed 6 Years 4-6 T20Blast Cricket, Top Oval – 3.30 – 5.00pm P-3 In2Cricket, Top Oval – 3.30 – 5.00pm Thurs 7 Year 3 Indigenous Incursion Mini Stars Basketball, MPH – 3.30 – 4.30pm Fri 8 Prep Dad’s Night, Burleigh Brewing – 6.00pm Sun 10 Prep Church Service – Worship Centre, 9.00am Tues 12 Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm Wed 13 Year 3 Sleepover P&F Meeting 7:00pm - Lighthouse Boardroom Thurs 14 Prep to Year 3 Mini Olympics (Lower Oval) Last day for Students for Term 3
POSITIVE PARENTING
insights Father to Father by Michael Grose
As a father and father-in-law to three young dads, it’s great to see each of them embracing the life-changing nature of fatherhood and becoming fully involved in their children’s lives. I see myself in these young fathers, and in doing so I’d like to guide them away from making the same fathering mistakes I did. However, knowing that young dads are loathe to take fathering advice from a member of the previous generation, I’ll give the following advice to my younger self instead: 1. Play to your strengths Men generally parent differently to women, based on their biology. Fathers often parent in a more active or action-oriented way than mothers so games, play and physical activity become important parts of a man’s parenting repertoire. Your partner may not always appreciate your more active approach, particularly if you play with kids just before bedtime then leave it to her to calm them down. Practical advice: Be yourself, but be smart about it! 2. Lighten up – don’t take yourself too seriously It’s easy to get caught up in your own importance, taking yourself and your work too seriously. For many men a bad day at work translates into poor or, at best, distracted experiences when they’re with their families. Consider putting a strategy in place, such as exercise, that will help you leave work and the moods it engenders behind. Practical advice: Be present in mind as well as in body when you’re with your kids. 3. Have something in common with each child It would be wonderful to say that you can always connect with your kids, but family life is not that straightforward. There’ll always be a child who we struggle to connect with or a developmental stage during which a child seems alien to us. In these cases and times it helps if you share a common interest (such as a love of sport or music) with a child so that you always have something that will bring you together, even though you may not always see eye to eye. Practical advice: Be prepared to take an interest in your child’s interests. 4. Take it easy on your son Many dads are tough on their boys and have expectations way above their son’s interest and ability levels. It helps to remember that it takes a little longer for a boy to mature. Resist the temptation to turn every game and
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every joint activity into a lesson and avoid giving advice when all your son wants is some understanding. Practical advice: See the boy as he is now, not the future man, when you spend time with him. 5. Enjoy the outdoors with your daughter The biological nature of fathering causes most men to be very protective of their daughters. But that doesn’t mean you should put your daughter on a pedestal and treat her like a little princess. Expect a lot from her. Play with her, and get her outside into nature as it will do wonders for her confidence levels. Practical advice: Enjoy spending time with your daughters on a daily basis. 6. Be ready for kids to knock you off your pedestal Most children in the pre-school and middle- to late-primary school years look up to their dads. “My dad is better/bigger than your dad” is a type of mantra that’s familiar to many parents. Make the most of it as this Superman Syndrome doesn’t last. Young children soon become adolescents and will go to great lengths to prove that you’re Clarke Kent after all. Expect that they will stop laughing at your jokes, raise an eyebrow at your well-intentioned advice and even stop being friendly to you in public. Ouch! It can be hurtful to a man who just wants to be the best dad he can be. Practical advice: See number 2 above: don’t take yourself too seriously. 7. Give your kids a compass and a map One day your children will become independent of you. Don’t worry! You won’t be irrelevant, just redundant in a practical and managerial sense. There are two things you can do to help your kids safely navigate the world when you’re not around. First, help them develop a set of positive values including integrity, honesty and respect that will act as their moral compass when they have difficult decisions to make. Second, reveal your personal story over time as this narrative will become a personal map that will reassure them when life gets tough. It’s good to know that they are not in uncharted territory when they finally strike out on their own. Practical advice: Tell kids your story – don’t make them guess it or learn it from someone else. Father’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the contribution that men make to the lives of their children. It’s a very personal reflection as each man’s experience of fathering is as unique as the children they are raising. I invite you to reflect on your own fathering as well as the contribution that fathers – whether your own dad or someone else’s – have made to your own life.
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 best-selling 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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