Middle/Senior School Bulletin Issue 12 / 1 September 2017
Middle & Senior School News This week our Year 12 students completed their QCS tests. While this style of testing is stressful for our students, they faced this challenge knowing they were well-prepared and that as a College we hold every confidence that each of them will achieve to the best of their abilities. While the preparations for these tests are cumulative and something that spans across their learning experiences from P-12, I’d like to acknowledge Mrs Christina Wrigley (Head of Learning and Teaching) and the Year 12 teachers for their tireless efforts towards assisting students to achieve their personal best performances. This year the tests were held in the CRC and I would also like to thank the library services and IT departments for their support and flexibility. As a tradition, to show their support and care for the Year 12 students, Year 11 students cooked breakfast for the Year 12s.
Our Year 10 students took part in a self-guided Brisbane based excursion on Tuesday and Wednesday. The City Xp enriches the curriculum at Year 10 where students already participate in Destinations and Work Experience as part of their ‘Preparation for Senior’ and journey through a St Andrews education. This excursion is focused on building Teamwork, Problem Solving, Independence and Competence, as students have to navigate their way through Brisbane CBD and engage with key civic and educational institutions. Thank you to Mr Nelson for developing the program and for the other staff who have assisted in making this experience for our students possible.
As August comes to a close so too does Eisteddfod season and I would like to congratulate all of the students involved in Eisteddfods this year. The wonderful results are a reflection of the diverse opportunities and talents of our young people and teachers. I’d like to make a special mention of the Dance Night held last Friday. It was simply an evening of performance not to be missed.
While we are all eagerly anticipating the reopening of our fabulous Theatre, the flourishing in the Arts at St Andrews continues. This is by no small measure due to the care, dedication and inspiration of the Arts staff led by Ms Cilla Scott, Head of Performing Arts, Mr Paul Oakley-Grant, Music Coordinator, and Mrs Ngaire Harman, Visual Arts Coordinator. Thank you to also to the wider Arts staff who have continued to look for alternate venues and world class opportunities for our students.
Reception or over the phone. This is the final Bulletin for Term 3. The last day of classes for this term are on Thursday 14 September. Teachers will be on campus on Friday finalising student’s reports and taking part in professional learning activities. That evening, an end of term letter will be sent out with comprehensive information about Term 4 and your child’s Term 3 Report. As always, if I can be of assistance between now and then please contact me directly at virginiaw@salc.qld.edu.au Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary 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. I have addressed questions like these at a College Service for the Early Learning Centre on the 13th of August and at 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.
As some College families may already be aware, two of our Senior School boys, Benjamin Fitzsimmons and Jack Coles, have continued to show great courage and compassion for others throughout extended treatment for Cancer over the past two years. Both young men are humble and strong beyond measure. If as a College family you would like to contribute to a support fund, donations can be made via
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 caus-
ing 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 – 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
Middle School News Year 7 Camp. Last week the Year 7 cohort headed off to Lake Ainsworth Sport & Recreation Centre for the annual Year 7 Camp. It was the first time that we had used this facility and the first time we had held this Camp in Term 3. The camp was enjoyed by staff and students alike with many students enjoying some of the outdoor pursuits at the Centre for the first time. Particular highlights were the evenings’ activities hosted by Recreation Centre staff. “Teachers’ Revenge” proved highly popular with St Andrews staff as they launched themselves at their students armed with pool noodles. Enormous thank you must go to Mrs Roper for her organisation and to Ms Pett, Mrs Hamilton, Mrs Thorpe, Ms Sippel, Mr McGilveray and Mr Laverty for their boundless enthusiasm and energy on camp.
Year 9 Googa Camp Year 9 students are deep into their preparation for their Googa experience with makeshift camping structures featuring heavily in PE classes at the moment. A reminder
to contact me should there be any elements of the Camp that will be particularly challenging for your son or daughter to overcome. In the next fortnight we will finalise all arrangements for the experience so that students can enter the holiday period certain that their preparation has been complete. I look forward to visiting the Camp for both boys and girls and seeing our students immersed in the Googa experience. As always, please contact me should you wish to discuss anything further or if I can offer any assistance at tomc@ salc.qld.edu.au Tom Casey Head of Middle School
Flourishing in the Senior School Positive Education The Power of Hope As we get bogged down in deadlines and keeping up our enthusiasm to get through the business end of the term, it might be timely to remind ourselves and our students about the power of hope. As our students know, it is important to be hopeful and to analyse what they do when faced with an obstacle. Do they give up or persist and actively look for ways to work around it? If they do the latter two then they could be described as having a hopeful outlook on life. Hope is the belief we can reach our desired goals and the belief we can find the pathways (actions or strategies) to reach our goals if we are motivated to achieve them. Here are some quick reminders about the qualities of hope and the hopeful. They believe that: • • • •
The future will be better than past & I/you have a role in making it so When times are tough the hopeful shine in negative situations as they are energized to act There are many paths to a goal/dream/hope None of those paths are free of obstacles
Using your strengths to develop hope in the face of challenge - What character strengths can you use to persist with your goals, complete tasks over tight timelines, study for exams, be there for a friend. What strengths have you seen your friends, loved ones, parents, siblings display – tell them what you have noticed. Letting someone know that you have seen them is one great way of building hope and fostering a stronger connection.
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Empowering Parents There are a number of great articles and resources on this website including, developing the skills to shut down an argument with your child. You may be interested in purchasing the program or checking out the free information and resources on the following link - https://www.empoweringparents.com/ Congratulations to: • A range of beautiful young ladies in Year 11 who have worked with our Years 7 and 5 girls to build resilience, recognise the damaging impacts of bullying and develop their skills as friends. In particular, thank you to Lilli MacDonald who saw a need, created an opportunity and delivered. She had some fantastic support from her peers – Emma Rowan, Emilie Robins, Madeleine Tritton, Kelly Mackay, Ella van der Kamp, Isabella Austin-Howlett, Gemma White, Finn Nyssen, Abbey Schumacher, Cassie Crowe, Bonnie Gardiner, Malika Savory, Emily Holloway, Claudia Blockey, Zara Morrison. Thank you ladies – Mrs Rawlings said you were fantastic with the Year 5’s and should consider careers in teaching.
The senior students and staff who have attended Rosies to help feed the homeless on Friday nights. Ms Yeo was telling me about the fantastic time she had with four Year 11 students (Aiden McNeill, Claudia Blockey, Ben Allan & Georgia Dimmock) last Friday night, as they provided a hot meal and drinks to the homeless in Surfers and Southport. Thank you so much for serving the community.
If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me at tanias@salc.qld.edu.au Tania Stewart Head of Senior School
Performing Arts News Zen Zen Zo Incursion Our Year 11 Drama class enjoyed a day immersion experience with Brisbane based Theatre Company Zen Zen Zo. The students participated in three workshops : Physical Theatre , Creating Physical Theatre and Greek Theatre. These workshops developed the skills and techniques needed for their unit on staging Traditional Tragedy for modern audiences
Dance Night On Friday night, over 150 talented dance students across Junior, Middle and Senior school performed at the College’s annual Dance Night. It was a fantastic night of dance which showcased the College’s flourishing dance program. It was incredible to see such a large number of dance students involved who performed to a full house at Robina Community Centre. The students had been working tirelessly throughout the year and showcased some of their award winning Eisteddfod routines and class repertoire. It was a wonderful night had by all. We are so incredibly proud of each and everyone of our students. They all shone so brightly on that stage! Congratulations to everyone involved.
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) 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) 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. If you have any questions regarding Cultural Awards or your child’s eligibility please email me at priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au Peter Pan Auditions Week 9 Our next whole of College musical is Peter Pan Jr. It will be on at The Arts Centre in Term 2, 2018. Students from Years 3 – 11 are welcome to audition. See the flyer for details.
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
Priscilla Scott Head of Arts
Visual Art News
Year 12 will be in the Art room on Monday 4th September until 7pm working on their final body of work. This is an exciting time as all of their ideas come to fruition and we look forward to their Graduating Exhibition in November.
Congratulations to Benjamin Long for his outstanding Artwork of the Month award. His photograph is on display in Main Reception.
Also, congratulations to Liliana Mikami and Gavan Smith for their entries in Creative Generation. Their work is currently on display at Griffith University’s White Box Gallery. The standard of work is exceptionally high and we are so proud of these two students. The Gallery is open Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and Saturday 10am - 12pm.
Ngaire Harman Visual Arts
Japanese News こんにちは！ Our sister school ‘Higashino High School’ visited us for one week at the beginning of August. Thank you so much to the St Andrews families who hosted them; the home-stay was a highlight for so many of the students. They had fun-filled, educational and interactive days at school, thanks to teachers who were generous with their time and expertise. Higashino students participated in bucket drumming, Musical Theatre, Art, AFL, Science, English, International Chopstick Relays, Japanese and cultural lessons as well as running a Mini-Expo for Year 4 students.
Thank you again to the families, teachers, students and community of St Andrews for making the trip so special and memorable for the Higashino students and teachers. さようなら Kerry Forrest Japanese
IT News On Saturday 26th August students from the IT elective competed in the Young ICT Explorers at the University of Queensland. Students presented their projects to a team of judges with pride and professionalism. Congratulations to all of the students and special accolades to Mariel U’Ren and Kenzie Hoskins for achieving second place in the Year 9-10 division with their Prosthetic Robotic Hand.
Liz Polentas
Year 7 News Monday to Wednesday this past week saw the Year 7 cohort travel to Lennox Heads to participate in their camp. It was a fantastic experience, for both students and staff. This group of students were amazing in terms of their behaviour, encouragement of others and respect for their peers and the environment. Many fun activities were on offer. However, the best activity was called “Teachers Revenge”. Very much the favourite of the staff who participated in it! Parents, you should be extremely proud of your sons or daughters.
Sport News Sports Award Breakfast This week all parents will be sent a Sports Awards Survey. The information gathered is used to help determine the winners of the schools major Sports Awards as well as Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. The Sports Awards Breakfast is on Tuesday 31 October from 7:30am – 9:00am in the MPH. Invitations to prize winners, and their families will issued by the end of Week 9. Please note that whilst sports achievements outside of school is wonderful, the Sports Awards Breakfast is primarily concerned about the recognition of those students who have achieved in the school sports system.
“Year 7 Lake Ainsworth Camp was a wonderful experience. Our cohort participated in many exciting activities. Ropes and kayaking were definitely a highlight. They challenged your outdoor skills and self-confidence. Kayaking took place in a beautiful tea tree lake, which is supposed to refresh your skin. Orienteering and initiatives were something I had never experienced, and I really enjoyed them. Initiatives really tested your problem solving abilities and it gave you the chance to interact with different people. All the staff and instructors were lovely people who I was happy to have teaching and caring for me. Lake Ainsworth is certainly a place I would visit again.” Lilian Morse 7A Lisa Roper Year 7 Coordinator
Recreational Sport Term 4 I have made some substantial changes to the organisation of Recreation Sport for Term 4. This is a valuable and worthwhile program designed to meet the specific needs of the various year levels and ages. All students have been asked to make their selections and will be notified of their activity in the next week. If any Year 10-11 students chose a paid option then the money must be paid up front by the end of this school term. (see note previously sent or contact Libby Wood) Libby Wood Secondary School Sports Coordinator
Dates to Remember
Student Development This week the Year 10 cohort visited Brisbane for two days, as part of the annual City XP (city experience). It complements the curriculum at Year 10 as they prepare for senior school and as we seek to empower lifelong learning. Universities open their doors to give our students insight into current courses, lifestyle opportunities, work and research options through particular courses. Current university students are available to discuss some features of their experience in study and suggestions to help motivate our Year 10s. Students also need to navigate their way via public transport to several businesses where they are able to experience mentoring from leaders at some prominent city businesses. For many students who don’t study Art, the Art Gallery and GOMA offer new experiences for them to engage with what the city has to offer. A highlight each year is for some of the students who visit the Supreme and District Courts, to understand more of the world of work for those involved in the criminal justice system.
SEPTEMBER Friday 1 GC Show Day Public Holiday Creative Generation Exhibition (September 1 to 8) (Griffith Uni) Tuesday 5 Senior Music Evening 6:30pm - 8:30pm (Years 10 - 12 Common Room) Wednesday 6 Year 11 Visual Art Excursion to Fingal Head (Selected Students) 12:00pm - 6:30pm Thursday 7 Years 11 & 12 Exams (September 7 to September 13) Year 11 Snr Leadership 2018 Applications due Science Excursion to Crab Island (Selected Students) Years 7-9 AGCC Comp Finals Friday 8 Years 11 & 12 Exams 2970 Degrees The Boiling Point Excursion, Arts Centre Gold Coast (Selected Students) Years 5-12 IC’17 Workshop Lending a helping hand at ROSIES (Selected Students) Monday 11 Years 11 & 12 Exams Tuesday 12 Years 11 & 12 Exams Years 7-12 Ormeau Touch Titles (Selected Students) Year 10 Visual Arts Excursion (Swell Sculpture Exhibition Currumbin) (Selected Students) Years 8 - 9 Me, Myself, Media (Swell Sculpture Exhibition Currumbin) (Selected Students) Wednesday 13 Years 11 & 12 Exams Thursday 14
It is hoped that students gain confidence in organisation, travel and team work as they stick to their itineraries through the 2 day experience. In addition to this that they gain confidence meeting and discussing careers, studies, character development for the world of work in their future. As students forge stronger relationships and memories together, it is also hoped that they are better positioned to spur each other on with studies, work and civic engagement in the coming years.
Term 3 Ends All Students Years 11 & 12 Champ School Basketball (Selected Students) Years 8 & 9 Visual Arts Excursion Swell Sculpture Exhibition (Selected Students) Years 5-12 IC’17 Workshop Friday 15 Years 11 & 12 Champ School Basketball (Selected Students Teacher Only Day
James Nelson Director of Student Development
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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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