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Junior School Bulletin Issue 7 / 20 May 2016

Junior School News NAPLAN Last week the students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 completed NAPLAN tests. In talking to a number of students at the conclusion of the tests the overwhelming response from the students was “That wasn’t that bad”. It was reassuring to hear that the students weren’t overwhelmed by the test or made it into something that these tests are not meant to be. We look forward to getting the results of these tests later in the year. As a College we will analyse the results to look for trends, strengths and areas for growth. We will also compare the student results with other data that class teachers have collected via other means. As always, the tests give us a snap shot of each child’s performance for that day, but it needs to be compared to all of the work that they do throughout the year. Year 5 Camp The students in Year 5 have just returned from their camp to Coolum. They had the opportunity to challenge themselves with surfing lessons, brave the flying fox and orienteer their way around the campsite using coordinates. In the evenings the students enjoyed the campfire and bush dancing. A camp for three days allows the students to develop social and emotional skills such as teamwork, collaboration, leadership and problem solving that cannot be replicated in the same way in the classroom.

Walk for East Timor Last Tuesday, Junior School students participated in the Walk for East Timor walkathon. The students completed laps around the oval and for every lap that they completed, sponsors donated a sum of money. The $1398.05 raised will go towards building houses in Bahareduk, East Timor. East Timorese communities are still impacted by the independence movement of last century. It is a really practical way for the students to take action, help others and make a difference in the lives of others.

ELC Family Service A reminder that this Sunday 22 May 9.00am is the ELC Family Service. Students in the ELC will be assisting with the service, and as always all families are warmly welcome.

Redevelopment Update Everything is on schedule for the work to be concluded under the ELC in early June. Assuming there are no delays, the Year 1 classes will have their first lessons in the new classrooms on Monday 6 June. This will allow the Year 4 students to move into their new classrooms in A Block. The Years 5 and 6 classes in B Block will move out of their classrooms so that they can be renovated. The Year 5 classes will be temporarily located in the current Year 4 classrooms. 6C will be located in the Utilities Room, 6B in Student Services and 6A will be in the Japanese room. This will enable the learning program to continue on as planned. We are looking forward to the B Block classrooms being renovated to create greatly enhanced open, flexible learning environments.

Chaplains Chat Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. – Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV) Everybody knows that foundations are important. A house cannot be built unless there is first a solid foundation. Advanced English and Maths cannot be learned unless there is first a solid foundation of literacy and numeracy. Whatever comes after is built upon what came before. The recent fire in the Senior School – as awful as it has been – is an opportunity for us as a community and as individuals to review the foundations upon which we have built. If, for example, we have built a foundation based around the possessions we have then the fire, for us, is a reminder just how quickly possessions can disappear. So it can’t be that. We need something else. We need a foundation that can survive fire, flood, rain, hail or storm. We need a foundation that can survive anything.

The Carpark Carpark congestion is a challenge for all schools, and we certainly experience congestion for a relatively short period of time each afternoon (2:45pm – 3:10pm). All members of the community are asked to be vigilant, patient and focused on the safety of the students while driving in and around the College grounds. (Stay focused, observe general traffic rules and don’t respond to messages or calls on mobiles.) Students in Prep – Year 3 and their older siblings should be collected from the bus shelter. I strongly recommend delaying your arrival until 3:15pm. At this time a majority of the congestion has moved on. Students in Years 4-6 should be collected from the Worship Centre. I strongly recommend arriving and departing before 3:10pm. At 3:10pm the MS/ SS students get dismissed from their classrooms. If you have children in both the JS and MS/SS please delay your arrival until 3:15pm. Can I also ask parents to be cautious and considerate by obeying the traffic rules around the College and in particular on Tallebudgera Creek Road. We are blessed to be nested into a residential area and our neighbours have expressed concerns about cars parking too close to driveways, and illegal right hand turns and U-turns performed while exiting the grounds. Whilst I appreciate that we are all busy, maintaining a sense of cheerfulness and patience when congestion occurs is best for all involved. Ensuring the safety of our children is our collective responsibility. Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School

The Bible tells us that such a foundation does exist and that this foundation is found in Jesus – not Jesus generally – but faith and trust in the words He spoke. Without a doubt, Jesus entered our world and spoke a message that had never been heard before. He turned things completely upside down. Jesus said that we don’t come to the kingdom of God, the kingdom of God comes to us. Jesus said that we don’t please God through good works (we are not that good) but we please God when we come to faith in Him. Jesus said that a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of their possessions but in the greatest treasure of them all – a right relationship with God. Jesus said the last shall be first and the unhappy shall be made glad. In many other words Jesus turned the conventional wisdom of the world upside down. He proclaimed a new basis for life and even eternal life that the world had not heard before. These He said, are the basis of a good foundation. Believe these, He proclaimed, and you will be able to survive whatever comes your way. The College as we know it today is built on the foundation of Jesus and His words. This was the starting place of the congregation who established the College and it continues to be the foundation that supports our programs and achievements. Fires may come. Other challenges may arise but the College is able to continue teaching and learning because we are built on a firm foundation. Nathan Glover College Pastor

From the Deputy Head of Junior School (P-3) Throughout the Early Years of schooling our young children/ students are experiencing significant academic, as well as social and emotional development. It is important that parents and teachers work together to foster growth in all these areas as we support our little people to become caring, considerate, and confident citizens of the world. At St Andrews we do that in the Junior School by focusing intentionally on the attributes of the IB Learner Profile and the associated IB Attitudes within our Primary Years Program. Students and teachers try to “catch each other out” demonstrating these qualities, and our Student of the Week awards and Assembly certificates provide other opportunities to celebrate students as they live them out day by day.

Our teachers promote these important attitudes daily in their classrooms and parents can also do much to support them at home. There are many books in our Junior School Library and public libraries that can also be used to support the development of the social emotional skills of our young children as they navigate their relationships at home and school, and learn to contribute to the caring community that St Andrews strives to be. Reading and sharing stories is an important way of learning. These are some books that I recently came across:

Stick and Stone By Beth Ferry A delightfully illustrated story that shows the power of friends sticking together. The Crayon Box That Talked By Shane Derolf A story that teaches young readers that when we all cooperate and work together, the results are much more colourful and interesting. Enemy Pie By Derek Munson A compelling tale with charming illustrations, highlighting the difficulties and ultimate rewards of making new friends. You Get What You Get By Julie Gassman Melvin throws enormous fits when he doesn’t get his own way. He must figure out how to deal with disappointment. The Most Magnificent Thing By Ashley Spires A charming story about persevering when we are frustrated and stuck. Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. - Joel 1:3 (NIV) Joy Schloss Deputy Head of Junior School

ELC News Thank you to everyone in the community for selling and purchasing tickets in the Little Kids to Big Kids Raffle supporting children affected by the fire. We even had the Year 6 Go team selling tickets in the bus shelter. We raised $2,368.00, a wonderful result. This money will be used to support the students. Winners: • $600 Premium Scratch Removal for Car - Jasper • Chanel Sunglasses valued at over $600 - Luxottica - Liz • $300 Billabong Suitcase - Marlow • Billabong Backpack, Towel & Headphones - Kade • $250 Pilates Voucher - Pilates & Co - Kylie • $110 Carpet Cleaning & Pest Control Service - PHJ Cleaning Services - Rick • $100 Event Cinemas Voucher - Kris A • 3 x $100 Myer Giftcards - Gisler Family, Debbie B & Lesley • $50 Manicure & Spa Pedicure - Melita • $15 Bakery Voucher - Foster’s Bakery - Marlow • Hamper of Goodies – Haydn

Bronwyn Waters ELC Director

It’s that time of year to update the interest earned on your LLL account that is credited annually on 31 May. Please send your books in by last day of Term, Friday 17 June. They will be sent to Adelaide for the interest update and will be returned to you during the first week of Term 3.

Japanese News May 5th is Japanese Children’s Day - Kodomo no hi. You may have seen the carp flags (Koinobori) flown at the College. It is a special day in Japan to pray for the health and happiness of children. Prep students had the opportunity to celebrate by wearing traditional Japanese Yukata. Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese Coordinator

Sport News District Sport Carnivals and Trials All 10 to 19 year old St Andrews’ students now trial via the Hinterland District. This applies for Carnivals (Swimming, Cross Country and Athletics) and Sports Team selection trials. Don’t forget to email or see Ms West if you are interested in competing at District Sport Carnivals or attending District Sport Trials in 2016. All of the dates are listed on the College Website and on various notice boards around the College. Reminders will be in student notices and various College News sites as trial dates approach, but it is every student’s OWN responsibility to research the dates and contact Ms West if they are interested in such events. Upcoming trials include 12yrs & under Softball and Rugby Union on May 31, 12yrs & under Girls Rugby league June 14 and 18yrs & under Surfing on May 26. Nominations must be to Ms West a minimum of two weeks prior to the trial date. Hinterland District and South Coast Sport Trials St Andrews continues to have numerous students achieving selection in Representative teams through the Hinterland District and South Coast Regional School Sport trials. Latest achievements include: District Team for Boys 12s Hockey – Tim Hornsey and Dylan Franklin-Platt District Team for Girls 12s Hockey – Aimee Franklin-Platt, Caylin Nel, Brigette Newing and Miko Savory

Equestrian Last month, Bianca Van Kampen competed in 3 divisions at the 2016 Grand Nationals, at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. She won 2 silver medals and was runner up in 2 divisions. Bianca has now earnt a place to compete at the 2017 event. QLD State Skipping Championships Earlier this month Iyla King, Ally Crawford and Ella Baldwin competed in the Queensland State Skipping Championships, with amazing success. Iyla placed 2nd in the 30 second and 1 minute speed skipping events and as a result received a 3rd place for Overall Age Champion for 10yrs & under. Ally placed 3rd in the 30 second speed skipping event. As a team Iyla, Ally and Ella also received 3rd place Overall in there 4 person team event in which they completed together in a variety of events. Congratulations on your efforts girls.

District Team for Girls 15 Football – Georgia Eller and Zoe Cunningham South Coast Team for Boys 12s Hockey – Tim Hornsey

SLAPS Cross Country The SLAPS (Inter-Lutheran) Cross Country carnival will be held at Rivermount College on Tuesday 24 May. 45 students from Years 4-6 have been selected for this event. SLAPS is an exciting opportunity to showcase some of our Cross Country talent against others Lutheran School’s in Southern Queensland. Students competing in the carnival are encouraged to prepare for the event by attending Running Club on the St Andrews Top Oval, 7am Monday and Wednesday mornings. All students competing in this event must have the carnival accepted on Parent Lounge to attend. Casey West Acting Junior School Sports Coordindator/PSPE Teacher

Dates to Remember

P & F News We hope all the Mum’s had a great Mother’s Day, and enjoyed the presents received from your children. The P & F would like to thank all the parents and students that helped to organize the wrapping of the presents and the manning of the stall on the mornings before Mother’s Day. Some special thanks have to go to Trina, Jillian, Courtney, Dale, Abby, Jessica, Jodie, Peta, Natalie, Ella, Phoebe, Jenna, Summer and Ella for making the Mother’s Day stall possible. Thank you to Nicole Ainger for her coordination and helping the mothers of St Andrews to get something a little special from their children. Prizes for the Mother’s Day Raffle were donated by JFK Pizza, Beauty Bar Burleigh and The Body Shop. With special thanks to Jess Gisler and Kristyne Bauman. Raffles were won by: 1st Megan Corfield 2nd Phil Buddee 3rd Charlie McMahon The number of gifts sold this year was outstanding with the stall being sold out on the final day. P & F meetings are a great way to meet other parents from all age groups throughout the College and to find out more about what is happening at the College. There is a Principal’s Report which gives you an overall summary of the College’s performance in all activities from education, the arts and sport. At the meeting parents are able to voice ideas on what might enhance St Andrews Lutheran College.

MAY Sunday 22 ELC Family Service, Worship Centre – 9.00am Tuesday 24 Years 4-6 SLAPS Cross Country Carnival Chapel, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Wednesday 25 Prep Mums Coffee Morning, Plantation House – after drop off Thursday 26 Mini Muso’s Debut Concert – 3.30pm Tuesday 31 ICAS Competition - Science Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm JUNE Friday 3 Year 1 Doodle Bugs Playdate - 6.00pm Wednesday 8 JUNE P & F General Meeting - CRC 7.00pm

NCE CHA IN TO W LY K WEE s!! e Priz

We look forward to seeing you all at the next meeting Wednesday 8 June 7.00pm with an update on all the events and projects the P & F are involved with around the College.

Volunteers Induction Our next Volunteers Induction will be held at 10.30am Friday 17 June in the Junior School Library. Everyone who volunteers in the College is requested to have attended this workshop which covers such issues as Valuing Safe Communities, Child Protection, Privacy and Fire Evacuation. Please register with Karen Deacon either by emailing: jsadmin@salc.qld.edu.au or by phone 5568 5901. A reminder to all existing volunteers we request that you sign in and wear your name badge at all times while volunteering in the College. If you do not have a current name badge then once again, please contact Karen Deacon. This course needs to be attended every three years. We value highly the wonderful support all Volunteers offer the College in their various roles either in the classroom, on excursions, in the Library, Tuckshop, Uniform Shop or as Traffic Safety Attendants. These are just a few of the places where we find you helping out and we thank you for all you do.

Purchase a book or digital membership for $60 www.entbook.com.au/14404l5 Raising funds for the Senior School restoration and furniture for the Junior School Library.

INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships WORDS Michael Grose

The trick to being at your parenting best

Parenting is place of great joy, but it’s also a place of great struggle.

say stupid! Thank goodness for our lizard

We struggle with our role as it’s constantly evolving and changing.

pre-frontal cortex can do it’s rational thing

brain. When I’m safe and feeling calm my once more. This system has served us well,

We struggle with external factors such as the changing face of technology and it’s impact on kids’ daily lives. We struggle with factors we can’t control such as the messages kids get from the media and their peers that we rather they didn’t receive. But the biggest struggle for most of us happens within the grey matter between our ears. It’s the battle that goes on between our lizard brain (where the fight or flight response occurs) and our pre-frontal cortex (where reasoning and calculation) occurs. The pre-frontal cortex (put your hand on your forehead and you’re there) is a cool, calm and rational place. This article is being written from that space. The lizard brain sits way back in the middle of our brain and is programmed to take over from our pre-frontal cortex when we’re under threat or stress. If I took a phone call about an imminent bomb threat while writing this article my lizard brain would take over and I’d be out of my office in a heartbeat. Writing would become impossible, not to

keeping us safe for an eternity. Unfortunately our lizard brain, the simple creature that it is, can’t differentiate between a significantly stressful situation such as a bomb threat and an everyday stressor such as a noisy sibling fight that occurs right under our nose. Our limbic system responds in exactly the same way – the lizard brain takes over from our pre-frontal cortex so you’ll either fight (argue, yell, lash out) or flee (get away fast) regardless of the stress. Both situations would elicit the same type of physical response such as an increase in heartbeat, sweaty palms and shortness of breath. Only the severity and intensity of the response is different.

Just when we need to be at our parenting best So the great struggle for many parents, and also the great irony, is that when we need to be at our parenting best (when we’re responding to poor behaviour or a child’s genuine cries for help) our lizard brain often takes over and we’re at our parenting worst.

That’s why most of us know how we want to respond and communicate with our kids when we’re calm but when we are under intense pressure not only can’t we find the words we need but we lose our cool as well! The good news is your lizard brain can be tricked into working for you, not against you. It takes patience and practice. Here’s how:

1 Recognise the situations and the symptoms Self-knowledge is the best knowledge you can have. When you understand the situations that cause you stress and bring you quickly to high emotion then you can prepare yourself in advance for such situations. Also when you understand your typical physiological responses you are well positioned to control your responses. Our physical responses vary: I generally feel nauseous; become physically agitated and my breath gets very high in my chest when I’m under intense stress. Knowing this has been a huge help to me staying calm in situations where I used to over-react.