Issuu

Issue 9 / 5 June 2015

Junior School Bulletin

Junior School News Reports Over the past 18 months we have had a Task Force evaluating the format of the written reports of the Junior School. At the beginning of the year, I presented some of the work that we had completed at the Parent Information Nights. 1. The first major change is that the reports will now be emailed home to you and then they will be available to you on Parent Lounge after that. We will not be sending home printed reports. 2. For students in Years 3 to 6 we have moved to an A to E scale. However, it is really important that you look at the descriptors for each of these letters. These descriptors describe what each letter grade represents. 3. Prep to Year 2 is referred to as the Early Years of Schooling in Queensland. In these early years of schooling students are viewed as capable learners who have diverse experiences and backgrounds. They are engaged in learning the curriculum in ways that are appropriate for the needs, interests and stages of development of young learners. Our Semester Reports for students in Years P-2 include a new scale that reflects a developmental approach to learning. 4. We have added a section into the reports titled “Commitment to Aspects of College Life”. This will be graded with Outstanding, Consistent and Inconsistent. A lot of these items used to be covered in the comment section. This will now give you a snapshot of how your child is performing in various aspects of College life. 5. The written comment at the end of the report will continue to be a comprehensive and affirming insight into your child’s progress at school. A greater emphasis will be placed on areas of school life that your child does well and targets for future growth. Learning Outside of the Classroom There are numerous opportunities for students to continue their learning in and outside of the classroom. Camps, excursions and other special activities give children the opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom.

The students and staff from Year 5 have just returned from their camp to Luther Heights in Coolum. They had a rewarding time participating in many activities that forced them out of their comfort zones. These included low ropes courses, flying foxes, surfing and spending 3 days and 2 nights away from home. The Year 4 students had a beneficial day learning more about Australian animals when they visited Fleays Fauna Centre on Tuesday. This excursion relates closely to the work that they are doing in their Unit of Inquiry. A select group of Year 6 students were involved in the Reader’s Cup Challenge. In the process of reading a number of books, their literacy and comprehension skills were taken to another level. Mufti Day Last week we held our termly Mufti Day. The theme was Red for Daniel Day. It was great to see a large number of students wearing red. The College raised $1487 which was donated to the Morcombe Foundation for their ongoing work with child safety. We were privileged enough to have Bruce and Denise Morcombe share their story with the students. The key message from their visit was to Recognise, React and Report. The students were encouraged to recognise those feelings when something doesn’t feel right. Our bodies tell us when we don’t feel safe through our body clues and the children were taught how to recognise those feelings. When they recognised that something wasn’t right they were encouraged to react by getting away from the danger. Finally they were told to report to an adult in their life. It is the adults who can make a situation safe again for them. Darrin Schumacher Head of Junior School

From the Acting Deputy Head of Junior School Teach a Man to Fish… I was recently talking to a parent who recounted a conversation she and her daughter were having about a Math concept. The discussion between them hit a ‘speed bump’ when one person’s strategy for solving the problem was different to the others. Whose was the right way? What is the right way? Is there a right way?

Sometimes, it also allows the ‘student’ to identify any misconceptions the ‘teacher’ may have. It is in these moments of conversation that children learn to hone their skills, improve their understanding and increase their confidence. It also provides students with genuine opportunities to demonstrate true Grit and maintain a Growth Mindset.

Teachers are often asked by parents, ‘What should I do if the way I learnt to do something is different to the way you teach now?’ It’s a perfectly understandable question because some students can become confused when they have been working toward becoming proficient with a particular strategy. Even though I believe that it is important to show our kids that there is more than one way to solve a problem, sometimes our kids need to thoroughly understand what they are doing and why. One of the best ways to test for that depth of understanding is through a form of Peer tutoring.

In my experience, the key is to remain enthusiastic, positive and offer multiple chances for success. (Try again tomorrow night. A little incentive from time to time never goes astray either.) Phillip Buddee Acting Deputy Head of Junior School/PYP Coordinator

When situations such as the one above occur, I would encourage you to engage in a bit of Peer Tutoring – you being the student. Perhaps your first lesson as a student may not be as informative as you may hope, but the experience alone has merit in itself. By allowing your child to be the expert they verbalise their thinking and take responsibility for the learning of themselves and others.

TSA's needed Traffic Safety Attendant Volunteers urgently needed on Wednesdays and Fridays. Please contact Jo-Anne Levey joannel@salc.qld.edu.au or phone 5568 5901

ELC News

Chaplains Chat

Six months on and the ELC is continuing to provide a range of experiences for the children based on their interests and needs.

Recently I had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of Kitty McGuinness (1B) at St Andrews Lutheran Church, the congregation that worships on campus. A baptism is a big celebration in the Lutheran Church because of our understanding that God’s grace, forgiveness and the whole work of Christ is given to those who are baptised. At Kitty’s baptism the church played a song called “Your whole life long” by Twila Paris

Junior Kindy had fun during the week making and eating Sushi, an extension from one of the children making sushi at home and also ties with their Japanese studies. Pre Prep 1 introduced a toy dog to the class. Lulu is going home for play dates and the children are reporting back about the fun adventures she has had. Pre Prep 2 have created a school and have been playing Prep children and teachers. Discussing what school is all about and reading stories to each other and they have started playing board games. Bronwyn Waters Director Early Learning Centre bronwynw@salc.qld.edu.au

The song is a beautiful song that depicts the life ahead that someone will live with, all its ups and downs, turns and twists. A repeating line throughout the song is, “I pray that you will follow Him your whole life long.” The feeling and sentiment of these words, as I understand them, is that the one ingredient most needed in life – to help with all its ups and downs – is a relationship with God, or, specifically, with Jesus. The words of the song are a refreshing reminder that a relationship with Jesus is just that, a relationship. It is not a once-off contract or agreement. It is not simply knowledge and information. It is a living relationship with our living and risen Lord. This means that, yes, there is someone to turn to in times of trouble or sadness. It means that, yes, there is someone to turn to when you are not sure which direction or path to take. And, ultimately, of course, it means that whatever happens you are safe in His hands both now and in eternity. I have many friends and other relationships in life and these are special too. However, there is nothing quite so special as the privilege and the honour of a relationship with God himself. This is nothing we deserve, but an act of God’s grace that He allows us to be in a relationship with Him, learn from Him and live with Him. It might also be the reason why Kitty smiled so much and was so delightfully happy on the day of her baptism. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. – John 15:15 Nathan Glover Chaplain

Top 7 Placings Matthew Gabriel – 4th Place 12 Years

Sport News District Sports Teams Flynn Atkins has been selected for a second round of District Rugby Union trials. Flynn is aiming to be selected in the District team. Inter Lutheran Cross Country Our SLAPS team had a great day of competition at Stolz Sports Fields, Redeemer College, on Monday. Led by Captains Paige Burnett and Matthew Gabriel, the team came 3rd in the A Division Aggregate competition and won the Percentage Trophy, which is a first for St Andrews.

Equestrian Bianca Van Kampen recently competed at the Queensland Equestrian Championships. Bianca won her class and has now qualified for the Grand Nationals in 2016. Bianca also won at the recent Interschool event and will be competing at the South East Queensland Regionals on 8 June. She is hoping to qualify and represent St Andrews again at the State Interschool Equestrian event. Skipping On the 23 and 24 May the QLD State Rope Skipping competition was held in Logan. Ashleigh Crawford, Ally Crawford, Ella Baldwin, Iyla King, Nelly Finn and Sam Butterworth all competed. The Jumping Jelly Fish team (Ally Crawford and Ella Ballwin and Iyla King) placed third in their double-dutch routine and tied third in their four person routine. Ashleigh competed in the 10 and under pairs division and placed third in her routine. Ashleigh also placed 1st for the 7 and under skip-off. All seven girls will compete at the 2015 National Rope Skipping Championship in Canberra. Andrew Manion Head of Sport

Outstanding individual performances (Top 10) were: Ethan Read

1st Place in 10 years

Imogen Stewart

3rd Place in 10 years

Matthew Mueller

4th Place in 9 years

Matthew Gabriel

4th Place in 11/12 years

Andreas Koster

5th Place in 11/12 years

Timothy Hornsey

6th Place in 11/12 years

Miles Blanchard

7th Place in 11/12 years

Thomas Atkinson

8th Place in 11/12 years

Saoirse Harding

9th Place in 11/12 years

In a great Team performance our 11/12 Boys achieved 2nd Place in the teams event. We also had two senior students, Andrew Craig and Henry Knowles, who came along as part of their traineeships and did a fantastic job assisting at the Carnival. Regional Cross Country St Andrews has 14 students representing the Hinterland District at the Regional Cross Country Championships at Runaway Bay on June. The following Junior School students have been selected to compete: Medallists at Districts Ethan Read – 1st Place 10 Years Timothy Hornsey – 3rd Place 11 Years

Performing Arts News

Junior School Japanese News

Dance Workshop with Year 3 Last week the Year 10 Dance students held an Indigenous dance and drama workshop for a very excited Year 3 cohort. In this workshop, taught by the Senior dance students, the Year 3 students learnt a movement sequence based on the story of the four College sport houses. Filled with enthusiasm, the Junior students produced wonderful work and performed these to their peers. It was enjoyable to see the Senior and Junior School students working collaboratively together to produce work for an upcoming assembly.

This year we have focussed on making connections with the students in the ELC. To celebrate Japanese Children’s Day, Year 4A made a special visit to the ELC. They introduced the meaning of Children’s Day, sang the Children’s Day song in Japanese and also presented each ELC student with a Koinobori (carp) craft. It was a fun and rewarding experience for all involved.

Paula Guild Dance Teacher

MLTAQ Japanese Speech Contest Our audition process is now complete and the following students will represent the College for the Japanese Speech Contest at Griffith University in August. Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Kate Allan

Georgie Hacker

Nina Hill

Giselle Courtney

Tanah McLeod

Kate Barratt

Isabella Seymour

Summer Zietsch

Joe Hayes

All the best to these students. Sharon Taki Junior School Japanese Coordinator

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, 19 June. They will be sent to Adelaide for the interest update and will be returned to you during the first week of Term 3.

Junior School Library News QR Codes and How to Use Them What is a QR Code? QR stands for Quick Response. It is like a 2D barcode that simply gives access to information. This information is embedded within the code. A QR code is useful as it provides links to websites, articles, videos, texts or images. Basically anything that can be shared via a website can be scanned and created as a QR code.

Earlier this term, the Year 4 students were learning to write narratives. Some of these stories were selected and have been published and on display in the Junior School Library. The QR code is a part of our Featured Writer series. This process allows students to write for a purpose through the creation of stories and the publishing of these stories. Come and visit the Junior School Library to find more of these stories written by the students.

QR Code Readers Depending on what device you use (e.g. mobile phone, tablet or laptop) you need to have the appropriate tools to scan the code to read the information. Using the QR Code Reader 1. Download a QR code reader (see this link for some examples) 2. Open the app (e.g. Qrafter) 3. Scan (point the reader) at the QR code until it focuses and reads the code. 4. Open the link as directed It will depend on what the QR code is reading to how the device responds when scanned (e.g. an option to open a website). See How To Read a QR Code with a Smartphone Need More Information? Watch this video to understand QR Codes and how they are used QR Codes by Common Craft See this resource to help you understand what a QR Code is QR Codes Explained

Literacy Celebrations Week 15-19 June 2015 Open Classrooms: Open the Door to Learning Celebrating the importance of literacy and share some of the ways we are developing literacy at St Andrews. events:

• Various class activities throughout the week. • Special Assembly in the MPH 19 June 1.00pm. • Parents are also offered the opportunity to visit the Junior School classrooms after the assembly to see literacy learning in action.

The Tornado Survivors by Quinn Snide Julia Boulton Teacher Librarian Innovation & E-Learning Leader

Contemporary Learning: Session for Parents 8.30am - 9.30am, 16 June 2015 Junior School Staffroom This session will identify what contemporary learning is, share some examples of these in practice at St Andrews with some strategies to support your child in their learning journey with technology. It will address the following areas: 1. Contemporary learning & skills 2. The perspective of today’s learner 3. ICLT (ICT and Learning) at St Andrews (e.g. iPad as a learning tool) 4. What you can do to support the learning process The session will be informal and allow for questions, interaction and discussion through the sharing of resources, ICT tools, iPads and apps. For catering and resourcing RSVP Friday 12 June: Jo-Anne Levey joannel@salc.qld.edu.au For any questions about the session contact: Julia Boulton juliab@salc.qld.edu.au

Raffle The lucky winners of the raffle are as follows:

Dates to Remember - June Monday 8 Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday Tuesday 9 Selected Years 4-6 Girls Netball Trials, COLA – 7.00am JS Student Commonwealth Games Breakfast (selected students) Assembly, Multi Purpose Hall – 1.40pm Year 6 Parents Coffee Morning, Plantation House – after drop off Wednesday 10 JS Chess Tournament, Caningeraba SS P and F General Meeting, Cecile Ryan Centre – 7.00pm Sunday 14 ELC Family Service, St Andrews Church – 9.00am Monday 15 ICAS Writing Competition Literacy Celebrations Week 15-19 June Tuesday 16 Contemporary Learning Workshop, Junior School Staffroom – 8.30am Selected Years 5 & 6 Boys GC Suns Comp, Coomera ICAS Spelling Competition Chapel, Worship Centre – 1.40pm Wednesday 17 Selected Years 5 & 6 Students NRL Challenge Day, Helensvale ELC Parent/Teacher, ELC – 3.00pm – 6.00pm ELC Parent and Staff Education Night – SIDS Safe Sleeping, ELC – 6pm Thursday 18 ELC Parent/Teacher, ELC – 3.00pm – 6.00pm Friday 19 Special Literacy Assembly, MPH – 1.00pm

P & F News The next P & F meeting is on Wednesday 10 June at 7pm in the CRC. Please come along, as we will be discussing how successful this year’s Fete was. Once again, we would really like to thank all the people behind the scenes who assisted in the lead up, during and after the Fete, there are too many to name but the P & F could not have done it without you. We look forward to planning the next one in 2017 so watch this space.

1st Prize – Renee Bond 2nd Prize – Nikki Harris 3rd Prize – Rachel Muir We would especially like to thank Ray White at Mermaid Beach, Caltex Burleigh and Cruiseabout holidays for their donations towards the raffle. Once again, thanks so much for selling so many tickets. We would also like to thank First National Real Estate for running the sausage sizzle and McGrath Real Estate for the Hydration Station. The following businesses were supportive of our Cent Auction and Fete and without them, we would not have been able to run this stall. Air Factory – Burleigh Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Gold Coast Titans Currumbin RSL Gold Coast Suns Konica Minolta Aranyani Bison Park Golf at Hope Island Golf at Coplicks Billabong Wax Hands Face Painting Beauty Bar Burleigh Chevron Yoga Gisler Group Positive Change Purses Holiway Skateboard Thermomix Tupperware Miami Stainless Eco Oasis Caltex Cold Rock Ice Cream 2 B Kids Plantation House Café Piece Style and Design Mrs Red’s Art Room Woodbox Café Madison Jane Mode Voyage Tea Therapy Wicked Beans Barbers on Swan Lane Kaisercraft John Ahern – Author Avon Edge Gym – Currumbin Goldsteins Bounce Wazen – Japanese Restaurant Robina Dental Group

INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships

WORDS Jason Fox

Don’t be daft about Minecraft

Minecraft may be the best trend to hit boy world in years. Writer Jason Fox explains the attraction and outlines the benefits for kids. Minecraft may be the best trend to hit boy world in years. Writer Jason Fox explains the attraction and outlines the benefits for kids. If you have a young child or teenager, chances are you’ve heard about Minecraft. It’s a video game that’s kind of like digital LEGO, except that you’re in an ever-

But parents are worried. And rightfully so, to a degree. Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. But some parents are freaking out about the amount of time their kids are investing in the game, and are imposing blanket bans of it without first understanding its magic.

evolving world with seemingly limitless possibilities. It’s a game that inspires deep exploration, collaboration and creativity. It has been the subject of international conventions. Some schools and universities have even incorporated Minecraft into their curriculum, where students learn about city planning, environmental issues, getting things done, and even how to plan for the future, as well as things like maths and

So, let’s have a look at what makes Minecraft so engaging, why blanket bans aren’t a good idea, and how to manage your child’s play. Minecraft is an infinite, non-winnable game. Unlike a book, a game of chess, or a football match, a Minecraft game doesn’t end. There’s always more that can be explored, and more that can be done. The

problem solving. The open sandbox nature of Minecraft makes it one of the most exciting games on

projects you undertake in Minecraft are self-initiated: no one is telling you what to

the market – and not because of its flash

do. And the process of making progress

graphics or blood and gore (there are none

within Minecraft is completely autonomous

of those). The gameplay experience design

– no one is telling you how to execute your

just works. And on top of all that, it’s rated

projects and achieve your goals. It’s self-

one of the safest video games for kids ever.

regulated learning at its finest.

So, when a parent bans Minecraft it’s a lot different to banning other games. You’re not simply cutting your child out from a source of entertainment. You’re preventing them from accessing a world where it’s safe to fail, learn, explore, build and share. In essence: it can be pretty devastating – particularly when we put things back into the context of the future of work. Why? Because your child’s ability to participate in and contribute to unprecedented, self-driven, creative and collaborative work is going to be one of the key employable talents in the future. Your child could already be building a digital portfolio of project work, without you even knowing it. But being able to ‘unplug’ and manage time and energy are essential skills your child needs to learn too. So, here are three ways you can help them manage Minecraft in your house: