Issue 19 / 27 November 2015
Junior School Bulletin
Junior School News Class Lists Class teachers have been working very hard on getting the class lists ready for 2016. They have worked hard to ensure that we have 3 even classes in each year level taking into account the learning needs of all students, those students who work well in the same class and those who would benefit from being separated and ensuring that all children have at least one friend in their class. We have considered all parent requests but please understand that we cannot meet all of them. We have also used our professional judgement to create the classes.
Reports Teachers are putting the final touches on the end of Semester 2 reports. These will be emailed to you at the end of the school year. Please take the time to read the reports with your children. In your discussions with your child I would encourage you to focus strongly on the effort that they have put into their work rather than just the final grade. Community Spirit Congratulations to the Newing and Waite families who raised $570 for the Women’s Crisis centre in Surfers. The money raised will go to support women who are in need. Thank you to all who supported this fundraising event. There was a lovely community feeling about the event and the funds raised will go a long way to adding a bit of sunshine into their lives.
Class Lists will be available on TASS Parent Lounge on Monday 25 January. Volunteers I would like to take this opportunity to thank all parents and grandparents who have volunteered their time in some way this year - in the Tuckshop, Uniform Shop, Library, Classroom or Sports Field. Your time and expertise has been appreciated and helps to build the community atmosphere that St Andrews is renowned for. Assembly Last Tuesday we were able to celebrate and say thank you to our student volunteers at our assembly. They have volunteered in leadership roles such as captains, student council, worked in the Library, assisted with technology, raised the flags, helped with the Friday morning picnic and ran the assemblies, to name a few. We would like to acknowledge them for their service throughout the year helping to make St Andrews a better place. Presentation Night (Years 4-6) The Junior School Presentation Night will be held on Monday 30 November beginning at 5:00pm. Parents are asked to be seated at 4:45pm for a 5:00pm start. It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a great year at St Andrews. It is also an important rite of passage for our Year 6 students as they enter Middle School. Prep to Year 11 Christmas Service Parents are also warmly invited to attend the Prep to Year 11 Christmas service at 8.45am (seated by 8.30am) in the MPH next Tuesday 1 December to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Thank You We have had another very successful year at St Andrews. We are very blessed to have many very experienced and talented teachers and support staff who through their work help our students to strive to achieve their true potential. Thank you to each member of staff for going well above what is expected of them. Christmas Holidays Christmas is a very special time of year where we celebrate the birth of our saviour, Jesus. It is also a time for us to celebrate with our families. I would like to wish each of you a safe and blessed Christmas. Over the course of the holidays, I would encourage all students to read regularly and to practice their number facts. I would also suggest that the students have technology free days. Have a restful break and I look forward to seeing you all in the new year. Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School
From the Deputy Head of Junior School (P - 3) These last couple of weeks have been busy with many celebrations right across our College. Our P-3 classes have been celebrating their learning too, even though they are not involved in some of the more formal occasions.
The unit provided a wonderful opportunity for our Music, Japanese and PSPE teachers to collaborate with the regular Year 3 teachers to create rich learning experiences for the students. Thank you all for your outstanding efforts. Our Year 2 students have been learning about Life Cycles and were fascinated to watch each brilliant green chrysalis transform into a beautiful Monach butterfly. Their excitement grew with each passing day.
As a culmination of the Year 3 unit of inquiry into how people recognise important events through celebrations and commemorations, they invited their parents and families, as well as all our P-2 classes, to a wonderful performance featuring songs and dances from many different countries and cultures. Students spoke capably about the historical origins of each item.
In Japanese they were also learning about Life Cycles as they enjoyed the popular story of the Very Hungry Caterpillar. How impressed I was to listen to them recite the story in Japanese. Well done, Year 2 and thank you Sensei Taki.
As this year draws to an end we give thanks for the privilege of being a wonderful and vibrant learning community of students, parents and teachers. My prayer is that each of you will now enjoy a happy and safe holiday and a truly Blessed Christmas. Joy Schloss Deputy Head of Junior School
Chaplains Chat
Counselling Update
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want… Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. – Psalm 23:1,4 (ESV)
Learning About Character Strengths Through Story Over the past week some classes in Years 4 and 6 have enjoyed listening to the story ‘Eddie Wen Go’ by author Marion Lyman-Mersereau. This is a true story of the 1978 voyage of the Hokulea, a traditional double hulled canoe, from Hawaii and Tahiti. The story is given from the perspective of the sea creatures that were there to witness the Hokulea capsizing in the Kaiwi Channel. Through engagement with the characters and the storyline, the students have discussed and reflected upon the character strengths seen throughout. They have enjoyed learning about big wave surfer and lifeguard Eddie Aikau who sacrificed his life by attempting to paddle to shore to save his fellow crew members on the Hokulea. The book has also been an educational tool for teaching about sea animals and Hawaiian culture.
Let’s face up to it. The end of year is here whether we like it or not. The Year 12s have graduated, Christmas trees are going up and holidays are around the corner. It is usually at this time that one begins to reflect on the events of the past year and/or focus on the year ahead. When I look back on 2015 I know that it has been a wonderful whirlwind of learning and growth in my new role as College Pastor. I have seen first-hand the strength of the St Andrews community and have appreciated the warmth and welcome I have received. I have also had the privilege of journeying together with many of you this year and I know for some of you the year has had significant and unexpected challenges. As we have travelled the year together there has been one constant companion, helper and guide, who has led us through thick and thin and been the centre of our worship and life. I am referring, of course, to the Lord God, who has travelled the journey with us providing help and care along the way. A popular piece of scripture, Psalm 23, describes God as our Shepherd who leads us into good pasture and protects us against danger. In difficult moments throughout the year we may have questioned His guidance or His help but I am convinced that He is not there to take away our moments of difficulty but to walk with us in those moments caring for us and making them less than they could have been.
Mardi Frost Counsellor
The Psalmist declares that even in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death – the worst possible circumstance – he is able to remain calm and confident because he knows who is there with him. The Shepherd is there. And, the Shepherd will do whatever is necessary to protect and help him. We know this shepherd, too. His name is the Lord God almighty. He has done and continues to do all that is necessary to help and save us. Not least of which was sending His son, Jesus, to die for us and for the sake of the world. He is the one who has walked with us during this year and He is the one who will walk with us in the next. Nathan Glover College Pastor
ELC News The Christmas excitement has started to build in the ELC with Christmas craft and practice for the Christmas Celebrations and lots of discussions about Christmas. Save the date for Pre Prep children Christmas Celebration 4 December 3:304:30pm and Friday 11 December for Junior Kindy Children. Every blessing to you and your family for the Christmas Season. A reminder the Centre will close on Friday 18 December and open on Monday 4 January 2016. Bronwyn Waters ELC Director
Japanese News
Year 2 News
Beau Pett (College Captain 2013) and President of the Gold Coast Tweed Bonsai club shared his love of bonsai with our Prep classes this week as part of our Sharing the Planet unit of inquiry. Students were inquirers and asked many questions about bonsai. This has enhanced the students knowledge about the elements of a Japanese garden.
Year 2 have been learning about life cycles for our How the World Works unit of inquiry. We have kits in our classrooms that have the chrysalises of Monarch butterflies inside them. We have been writing observations each day about how the chrysalises change. Yesterday, we watched a butterfly emerge out of a chrysalis. When it came out, its wings were all scrunched up. Today, we released our last Monarch Butterfly. This is a photo of me and my classmates releasing it. We have had a lot of fun learning about life cycles and watching butterflies emerge from chrysalises. Saskia Birner 2C Student
These were some of the inquiry questions from our studentsHow old are the bonsai? Can you grow them from seeds? Do you need to water them everyday? How tall can a bonsai grow? Can bonsai have flowers on them? Why is the moss under the tree? Why is there wire on the bonsai?
Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese Coordinator
Performing Arts News PAT 2016 As we start to look forward to 2016, a few reminders about PAT Tuition 1. Unless we receive a Cancellation Form all existing PAT Students will roll over into 2016 timetables. If you do not wish for your child to continue – please complete the online form on the website. Please do not just tell the PAT Tutor as this information, is not always passed on to Anne (Performing Arts Assistant) who is doing the timetables. Alternatively you can email performingarts@ salc.qld.edu directly. 2. Students in Year 3 Strings and Mini Musos are reminded to return their forms that were sent home midterm to ensure they are timetabled in for 2016. 3. Offers for Mini Musos 2016 will be emailed to parents of students currently in Year 3 in Week 8. If you are interested in being a part of the program and receive an offer, please respond via email by the end of Week 9 otherwise offers will go to the next child on the waitlist. 4. If you are considering enrolling in 2016 – please complete the application form this term as we are starting the timetabling process towards the end of this term. We do have limited places in our programs and it is a case of first in best dressed. Speech and Drama and Vocals are already almost full for 2016.
Christmas Performances The Arts Department has been getting into the Christmas Spirit with a variety of Christmas themed performances for the ELC, Aged Care and Year 2. The Year 10 Drama Class devised a performance for Year 2 based on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” whilst the Middle School Music Theatre Elective and invited soloists performed a Variety Concert to delighted audiences.
Evening of Song Last week we enjoyed our first of our End of Year Concert Series with our Evening of Songs. It was an absolute pleasure to watch our 50 PAT Vocal Students share their gifts and talents. Special thanks to our fabulous PAT Vocal Tutors Kristine Dennis and Emily Hosking for their support of our young singers.
Speech and Drama Concerts Last week we had our end of year Speech and Drama Concerts where our PAT Speech and Drama students had the opportunity to perform for their parents and friends.
Thanks to our Speech and Drama Teachers Louise Delaney and Morgan Garrity for their work with our budding young performers.
Sport News Sports Awards 2015 As previously mentioned, all of the St Andrews Lutheran College Sports Awards will be presented at the respective Junior, Middle and Senior School Presentation Evenings in 2015. There will not be a ‘Sports Awards Evening’ for 2015. Futsal Congratulations to Angus Renneberg (GK), Tom Renneberg (GK) and Matthew Gabriel who trialled against very tough competition and were chosen to represent Gold Coast City in the Craig Foster Futsal Tournament and the Queensland Futsal State Titles in 2016.
Animi Dance Concert On Saturday 14 November the annual Animi Dance Concert was held in the Ruth Butler Theatre. It was a wonderful night of students from Years 1 – 10 showcasing their routines from 2015. The students performed beautifully and the night was full of joy and energy. Well done to all involved.
Aquathlon Tim Hornsey and Ethan Read continue to add to their list of outstanding achievements this year, by placing 5th and 6th in their respective Aquathlon events held at Bundall on 14 November. This also means that both Tim and Ethan have qualified for the South Coast team to compete at the State Championships in Hervey Bay in February 2016. Swimming Saoirse Harding recently dropped 4 seconds from her 100m freestyle PB to qualify for the Queensland State Swimming Titles later this year. Andrew Manion Head of Sport FUTSAL in 2016 Trials and Training start WEEK 2 1 February and will continue until the Championships in March. SE QLD Secondary Championships Titles will be held from 7 – 9 March with those that finish first or second, going to the knockout final stage on Friday 11 March. SE QLD Primary Championships Titles are on 14 and 15 March with those that finish first or second going on to the knockout stage on Friday 18 March. 7am-8am
12.501.20pm
3.104.20pm
Monday
14/16/Open Girls
15/16 Boys
9 Boys
Tuesday
12 Boys
14/16/Open Girls
Wednesday 13/14 Boys
Cilla Scott Head of Arts
Thursday
Open Boys
Friday
15/16 Boys
Open Boys
11 Boys 9/10/11/12 Girls
12/13/14 Boys
10 Boys
Those players who wish to be considered for teams need to be willing to make the commitment to train at the above times for at least 5 weeks.
Uniform Shop News January Opening Hours The Uniform Shop will close Friday 4 December 2015 at 10am and will reopen: JANUARY 2016 (Existing Students Only)* Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 8am - 12pm daily Monday 18 - Friday 22 1pm - 4pm daily Monday 25 8am - 12pm Tuesday 26 Closed for Australia Day Wednesday 27 (school resumes) 8am - 9.30am & 2.30 - 3.30pm Thursday 28 (normal hours) 8am - 9.30am Friday 29 (normal hours) 8am - 9.30am * Existing Students Only - Families with 3 or more children or families unable to attend during these times are requested to phone or email to book an appointment outside these hours. If you do not have an appointment please do not come outside these hours as we may have to refuse service. Save Time: Email us your order by 8am the day prior and we will have it ready for you to collect during opening hours the following day. Or order online via Flexischools and enjoy express pick up! 2nd Hand Clothing If you wish to sell 2nd hand uniform items and use the credit to purchase more uniforms in January, please submit your items before the end of term. All items must be clean and ironed (not damaged, stained, faded or showing excessive wear). Items may be submitted in January but, due to the back to school rush, any credit will not be available until mid February. THANK YOU A huge thank you to our wonderful Uniform Shop Volunteers this year. • Loraine Guy, Lizzi Swatland and Kylie Wardrop we are so appreciative that you all have work and other commitments but still find the time to volunteer with us. Thank you. • Lauren Glover who made a special trip each week to drop her pre-schooler off to her parents, so she could come and help. Thank you. • Libby Nussey who helped us out many times at short notice, but unfortunately due to commitments can no longer volunteer. Thank you. • Megan Clarke, who has just resigned to take up full time employment. Thank you. We wish you all the best in your new job. We truly appreciate the wonderful work you all did in the Uniform Shop this year. New Volunteers are very welcome and urgently needed for 2016.
Dates to Remember NOVEMBER Monday 30 Prep to Year 3 Swimming Years 4-6 Presentation Evening, MPH, seated by 4.45pm DECEMBER Tuesday 1 E-11 Christmas Service, MPH, seated by 8.30am Triple P Parenting Seminar, Cecile Ryan Centre, 6.30pm Friday 4 Year 6 Closing Chapel, Worship Centre, 9.30am Prep to Yr 9 End Term 4 JANUARY Wednesday 27 Term 1 2016 Starts
Surfside Bus Lines Bus Pass Applications for 2016 are now due. Should you require further information please find a Frequently Asked Questions sheet attached to this bulletin. ***Please note these bus passes do not apply to the three College bus routes or Koala Koaches bus routes to the Tallebudgera Valley.
Uniforms for 2016 What you need if your child is moving up to the next year level.
JUNIOR SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Year 1 The Formal Uniform is worn 3 days a week. The Sports Uniform (same as Prep Uniform) is worn 2 days a week.
Year 7 The Formal Uniform is worn 4 days. The Sports Uniform is to be brought to school and changed into for PE. The Navy Sports Uniform is worn to/from school on Thursdays only.
BOYS Formal Hat - $45 White Short Sleeve Shirt - $31 Navy Elastic Backed Shorts - $28 Navy Knee High Formal Socks - $8 Formal Jumper (to be worn with Formal uniform) Wool $80-85 Poly Cotton $70 Black Leather Lace-up Shoes (not available from Uniform Shop) GIRLS Formal Hat - $45 Formal Dress - $70 White ankle socks with navy stripes - $8 Formal Jumper (to be worn with Formal Uniform) Wool $80-85 Poly Cotton - $70 Black Leather Lace-up Shoes (not available from Uniform Shop) Navy Tights (optional for winter with Formal Uniform) Years 2 & 3 - No Changes Year 4 ALL Navy Sports Shirt - $35 (house shirt now worn one day/week) BOYS College Shorts with belt loops - $30-$34 Belt - $20 Years 5 & 6 - No Changes
Questions? Please contact the Uniform Shop on 5568 5933 or email uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au Prices current until December 2015. 2nd Hand Uniforms may also be available.
ALL Baseball Cap or Wide Brimmed Sports Hat - $15 Sport Sockettes - $8 GIRLS Formal Blouse - $42 Formal Skirt - $55 Formal and sports sockettes - $8 each BOYS Grey Trousers are optional in Terms 2 & 3 Years 8 & 9 - No Changes
SENIOR SCHOOL IMPORTANT - SCHOOL PHOTOS (WEEK 2) ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR BLAZER FOR PHOTOS. BOYS MUST ALSO BRING THEIR TIE AND TROUSERS. Year 10 GIRLS Senior Girls Tie - $20 Blazer - $190-$195 BOYS Senior White Short or Long Sleeve Shirt (no tartan trim on pocket) - $31 The following items are required for photos but are only worn in Terms 2 & 3 Senior Boys Tie - $20 Grey Trousers - $35 Blazer - $195-$200 Years 11 & 12 - No Changes
Important information about school bus travel for 2016 School transport is not free. However, you may be eligible for transport assistance under the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS). APPLY NOW if you intend to use a Surfside Buslines bus to get to or from school.
Frequently asked questions Can I get a bus pass? There are a number of general criteria that apply to STAS. Where a student is eligible for STAS, there are two types of bus assistance available, distance based and Safety-Net travel. Visit www.translink.com.au/schooltransport for eligibility details and to print the relevant application form. Where do I send the form to? Applications for 2016 can be submitted now to Surfside Buslines PO Box 3036 Robina QLD 4230 Or Email: gcschools@tagroup.net.au Who needs to apply? If this is the first time you are applying for assistance to travel or you are moving schools, changed address, repeating a grade or are moving from primary school to secondary school you need to apply now. Existing bus pass holders If your details will not be changing from 2015 to 2016 you do not have to reapply. Students who hold a 2015 bus pass will be able to travel with that pass until 19 February 2016. This allows some time for the 2016 passes to be made. If you lose your 2015 bus pass you will have to apply to Surfside Buslines for a replacement. How do I get my bus pass? Surfside will process applications over the Christmas school holidays so your pass will be sent to your school for you to collect.
What if my pass hasn’t arrived by 19 Feb 2016? Without written confirmation from TMR stating your application has been approved you will need to pay the full cost of travel. These fares are not refundable. What if I am not eligible for STAS? The Queensland Government offers children and students a 50% concession fare by purchasing a TransLink gocard. Passengers aged 5-14 years are eligible for a child concession fare. Full time students 15 years or older are eligible for a Student Concession gocard. To receive a concession fare, students must always carry an approved Queensland student photo identification card or wear an official Queensland school uniform. Timetables Use the TransLink journey planner to plan your travel to and from school. There are helpful tips on how to plan and how to catch a bus. Alternatively telephone 13 12 30. Check out the new MyTransLink app. All bus, train, ferry and tram information is in the palm of your hand with customisable features so you will always get the updates that matter to you. Further information For more information on the School Transport Assistance Scheme, the Code of Conduct for School Children Travelling on Buses and Timetables visit: www.translink.com.au