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Issue 16 / 16 October 2015

Middle/Senior School Bulletin

Middle & Senior School News “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank

For our Year 9 boys, The Edge program began at the start of term. Parents of Year 9 students have certainly enjoyed the GOOGA blog as a means of keeping up to date with activities on camp. Thank you to Mr Tanguy for his stellar work in preparing the students and parents for The Edge and to Mr Ivett and Mr Schache who also spent time with the boys at GOOGA.

Every minute counts and we have certainly been making the most of every minute in the first two weeks of Term 4. Our students continue to be an inspiration and it is a privilege to support them as they seek ways to make a difference in our College and the wider community. With so many students and staff already involved in the All Schools State Touch titles, Leos Service activities, Rosies volunteer work, the memorial service for Ms Moore and Dance Night, the College has seen God’s blessings and His gifts in abundance. For our Year 12 students, the term ahead will continue to unfold as perhaps one of their most memorable at St Andrews. As they transition into life after secondary schooling the focus will remain on “good living and good leaving”. The Formal, which was held at the Marriott last Saturday night, was the first in a series of celebrations and special events for our Year 12s and it was a pleasure to share the evening with these elegant, thoughtful and exemplary young people. Year 12s you are a credit to yourselves, your families and our College.

This is the College’s 13th year competing at the State Secondary All Schools Touch titles. Our teams were there to learn and improved throughout the carnival. They will all be better players for it. Our touch program grows as does the depth of talent the College has to choose from. I would like to thank Mr Hibbs who coordinates all of our Touch Football, along with his coaches, Mr Carter, Mr McGilveray, Ms Jones and Ms Stewart for their work in training teams since the end of Term 2 and Leanne Pett and past students Casey West, Jamie Stanton and Jordan McAllister for their work with our teams. I’d also like to thank the parents who travelled to support their children and who were here for early drop-offs and late pick-ups over the four day event.

This week our Senior School Art classes visited the Arts Centre Gold Coast to view the Energies exhibition and critically analyse the work of their peers from across the Gold Coast. Our Year 7 German language students attended Oktoberfest for Teens in Brisbane where they learned about this celebration and German traditions, food and culture. Staffing Updates Over the break Ms Karling MacAskill was married and returned to us as Mrs Howe. Mr Peter Morris, one of our teacher aides, will leave us at the end of next week to move back to Tamworth in order to be closer to family. Peter first joined St Andrews in 2008 and has worked as a Teacher Aide in Student Services in all three sub-schools - Junior, Middle and Senior. He has given splendid service in this role, always putting the needs of the students first and has been a wonderful support to his students and their learning. Our community will really miss Peter. Mrs Karen Hamilton will be taking leave for the last three weeks of term, and Mrs Kylie Tunkara, will return from Maternity leave to take her classes. It is with regret that I also inform you that Mr Adam Maessen, our Head of English, has accepted a position at LORDS from 2016. Since joining St Andrews eleven years ago, and through his work as Head of English since 2008, Adam’s work with students and contribution to the College have enabled our young people to learn about themselves and to grow in character, knowledge and skill. There will be an opportunity to thank and farewell Mr Maessen at the end of the year. A Few Important Reminders: Monday 19 October Moderation Day - Pupil Free Teachers around the state will be moderating Year 12 student work on Monday 19 October. We have a large number of teachers from St Andrews on panels. All other staff from P-10 will be engaged in meetings on this day. This will be a pupil free day for all students P-12. Cultural Awards Night This will be held next Friday 23 October in the Theatre starting at 6.30pm. It is a great celebration of the arts and a time to acknowledge the fine work of our students. Mufti-Day Each term the College holds a mufti-day to raise funds in support of local, national or international charities. This term, our focus is on Cancer Awareness and all funds raised will go towards supporting College families who are experiencing the impacts of serious illness in their homes. Mufti-Day will be held on Tuesday 10 November and students are encouraged to wear Yellow or Pink and to bring in a gold coin donation. Baked goods will also be on sale on the day to raise additional funds. Presentation Night Preparations are underway for this year’s Presentation Nights. •

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Senior School (Years 10-12) Presentation Night will be held on Wednesday 18 November 2015 at 6.30pm at the Arts Centre Gold Coast. Middle School (Years 7-9) Presentation Night will be

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held on Wednesday 2 December 2015 at 6.00pm in the Multi-Purpose Hall at St Andrews Lutheran College. Junior School (Years 4-6) Presentation Night will be held on Monday 30 November 2015 at 5.00pm in the Multi-Purpose Hall at St Andrews Lutheran College.

These are compulsory evenings for students and an occasion for us to acknowledge the work of our students throughout the year and celebrate who we are as a community. More detailed information was sent home via email last week. Year 12 parents should have received information regarding booking seats and the Arts Centre. All other seating for parents will be done on arrival and students will sit with their teachers. Valedictory Dinner The Valedictory Dinner and presentation of diplomas will be held at Bond University 6.30pm Thursday 19 November. Invitations and seat booking information were mailed home this week. Students are asked to wear their formal school uniform on this occasion. Year 12 Last Day Our Year 12 students finish school on Friday 20 November with a farewell chapel starting at 8.50am in the Worship Centre. Year 12 parents are welcome to attend this service. Students in Years 10 & 11 will be finishing the school year on Tuesday 1 December. Years 7-9 students finish on Friday 4 December. Please contact me if I can offer any support over the course of the term. Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School

Chaplains Chat It is intriguing how two people can view the same event and yet come away with quite different impressions about what actually happened. My wife and I were given the opportunity to take in a movie a few weeks back and after doing my research I decided we would see Last Cab to Darwin. Any film with Michael Caton has to be worth seeing and the reviews read really well too. It all started a little slow but as the film developed it painted a crazy but real illustration of the dilemmas surrounding euthanasia. I have very strong views about the ethics associated with euthanasia. My wife not so – she is more open minded about it being adopted in our society. The film finished and both of us celebrated that it was such a beautiful story. Then I suggested how it was so good to see the issue dealt with sensitively and wasn’t it great that it conveyed an anti-euthanasia sentiment. She replied in agreeance, re the sensitivity but she saw that the film could well be interpreted to support euthanasia. Our difference in interpretation came from the different lenses we utilised to view the film.

Making our way through life is very similar – where two people can experience similar events but there can be very different responses. An individual’s reaction to setbacks and challenges can be negative and stressful. On the other hand, the same difficulties may well be viewed as an opportunity for optimism when it is shared with our loving God. Living in the love and acceptance that God offers to us through Christ’s life, death and resurrection leads us in viewing life in a hopeful, thankful manner. It brings an orientation to our hearts that is outward looking, where we are led to be concerned for others. This lens of faith that leads to a different perspective on life is a gift from God as we share our lives with Him. He works in our hearts and minds and shapes us to be more in tune with His will, leading us to pursuing the welfare of others and being on the lookout for their well-being. This is all possible because we know we are secure in our loving God’s care. We don’t need to worry about how things will play out in the future because as Paul writes in Romans – God works all things for good for those who trust Him. It is challenging at times to live life by faith but the more we ‘have a go’ the more God confirms for us that He is on our side. May this be true for all of us as we move through the final term of 2015. Graeme Schache Chaplain PS – What do the following words say?

Middle School News Year 9 ‘The Edge’ As this article is being written the Year 9 boys are finishing off their pioneering experience at Googa and preparing for extended hikes and ultimately their individual campout. This is the third year I have been involved with The Edge and my admiration for it as a significant experience in the life of these young men only grows each year. At a time in their lives and an era in society when it is easy to default to an increasingly narrow comfort zone the boys’ experiences up at Googa provides an opportunity for them to realign their ideas on becoming a young man. Enormous thanks must be extended to Mr Christophe Tanguy for his organisation and promotion of this program and also to Mr Ivett and Mr Schache for their contributions up at Googa.

Year 7 Canberra Trip The College’s final Year 7 Canberra Trip was met with magnificent weather and tumultuous politics. It is with some sadness that the Trip is now completely handed over to Year 6 as this year’s students experienced all the delights that our Nation’s capital offers for visitors. Thanks must be extended to Mrs Karen Hamilton and Mrs Lisa Roper for their organisation of the Trip while it was held within the Middle School. End of the Year Just a reminder to parents that the last week for Middle School students ends on a Friday. While students in Years 1012 will finish on Tuesday of the last week the Middle School continues for three more days. Throughout these days each year level will have culminating activities and continue with regular classes. Tom Casey Head of Middle School

Senior School News Flourishing in the Senior School To assist our students as we move very quickly towards the end of the year we are focusing on Optimism in October. Optimism is that ability to maintain focus and purpose by seeing that the glass is half full rather than half empty. Optimism is one of the strengths that assist young people sustain their efforts and academic focus so it is a really important strength to practice as the heat increases and our enthusiasm for school, assessment, deadlines and energy is challenged. In LAG last week our Senior School students set their Term goals by reflecting on their interim report, GPA and EPA. However, it is important to remember that our goals should not only focus around achievement and academics but also ecompass our social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Lastly and most importantly, as a part of goal setting our students set action plans that they are going to implement over the next few weeks to achieve their goals. Parents might like to discuss this process over the dinner table at some stage this week. The last two days of Term 3 were spent working on building positive relationships, being aware of the issues around drugs, alcohol and cybersafety with our Adopt-a-Cop (Tracey Clouston). Year 12s heard more specific information about a Safer Schoolies. The girls also heard about the work that the Cervical Cancer Prevention group are doing and the boys experienced some skills on staying calm and promoting good mental health. James Peterson, who is a young Gold Coast man, was also a guest speaker who talked about his experiences and the pressures that young people face today. Year 12s Final Term The final term and for that matter the final week for Year 12 students is a very busy one with the Foundation Breakfast, various training opportunities such as the RSA, Barista and

First Aid Courses, Presentation Night, Valedictory Dinner and Final Assembly. Students who finish Year 12 often find weeks and months after school very challenging as their daily routine changes. Attached is a link with some helpful tips for Year 12’s http://thereslifeafter.reachout.com/3/ Congratulations to: • All our Leos who ran a BBQ for the Junior School music students this week and over the break raised over $1300 from two Bunnings BBQs. Particular thanks to Jon-Ross Gordon, Hayden Verschuure, Kalem McLuckie, Austin Parker, Dannielle Hoskins, Ben Beggs, Ben Wooldridge, Maddison Good, Shurikh Murali-Zabusky, Jaimee McEwen, Jordon Dillon, Khali Robins, Serena Ijurco and George Pullen who attended the holiday BBQ’s at Bunnings. • Melissa Maessen who was a finalist at the Business Woman’s Awards. Melissa is a fine young lady and it is wonderful that her integrity, willingness to serve and positive actions have been recognised. • Mrs Washington and the Formal Committee for the wonderful celebration for the graduating class of 2015. As Mr Kotzur said the girls looked very elegant and the boys very dapper. They were a credit to our College and their parents. If you have any queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me on tanias@salc.qld.edu.au Tania Stewart Head of Senior School

Performing Arts News Dance Night 2015 Congratulations to all students who performed at our Annual Dance Night - it was a wonderful showcase of dance at St Andrews, featuring our troupes, Animi, class work and Senior Choreography assessment. We were also very fortunate to have past student Mitch Wynter perform for us.

Special thanks to our talented Dance teachers and especially to Miss Guild for her organisation of this wonderful showcase.

Term 4 Dates As we look ahead to an exciting and busy Term 4, below are some key dates to pop in the calendar. Friday 23 October

Cultural Awards Evening 6.30pm RBT

Tuesday 10 November

Evening of Song (2 Sessions)

RBT

Saturday 14 November Animi Dance Concert

RBT

Thursday 19 November Piano Concerts (2 Sessions)

MPH

Tuesday 24 November

Speech and Drama (2 afternoon concerts)

RBT

Friday 27 November

Band Soiree Afternoon

RBT

**Further details will be available soon. Cultural Awards Evening Friday 23 October 2015, 6.30pm in RBT Come along and celebrate the year in the Arts. Awardees to be seated by 6.15pm. Performers to be in their allocated dressing rooms by 6.15pm. Year 10 Drama Storytelling Last week the Year 10 Drama class travelled down the hill to perform for the Year 1 classes who are currently studying storytelling. It was a great experience for both year levels as the Year 1s had the chance to view a variety of storytelling techniques and the Year 10s had the opportunity to perform for a younger audience as an introduction to their Children’s Theatre Unit. Cilla Scott Head of Arts

Dates to Remember - October Monday 19 Moderation Day – Student Free Day Tuesday 20 Years 8 & 9 Book Club Wednesday 21 Year 11 Geography Field Trip Years 8-10 Netball Competition (selected students) Friday 23 Year 10 Visual Arts Excursion Year 10 Japanese Film Festival 2015 Years 7-12 Assembly, Captains Speeches, Worship Centre, 8.30am Cultural Awards Evening, Ruth Butler Theatre, 6.15pm Monday 26 Edge Program commences - Year 9 Girls, 26 Oct - 6 Nov Year 9 Boys Service Learning 26-28 Oct Grip Leadership Conference (selected students) Tuesday 27 Junior Council GC City Council (selected students) Years 8 & 9 Book Club Wednesday 28 Year 11 BM Excursion Years 8-10 Netball Competition (selected students) Thursday 29 Year 9 Boys Final Reflection Day Year 9 Boys Edge Presentation & BBQ Friday 30 World Staff Day Day with a Difference - For current Year 6 students going into Year 7

P&F News AGM (Annual General Meeting) This year’s AGM is on Wednesday 25 November 7.00pm in the CRC (Cecile Ryan Centre). At the meeting all current office bearers will resign and a vote will be taken for the positions from the nominations received. All nominations must be submitted 30 days before the AGM to the President. A nomination form will be available shortly on the College website under the P & F section. The office bearer positions are as follows: President Currently Daniel Renneberg (daniel@austplan.com.au) Vice President Currently Julieanne Andrews (julieanne6@optusnet.com.au) Treasurer Currently Michelle Brown (michelle@brownslawyers.com.au) Secretary Currently Nicole Ainger (bidwill16@bigpond.com) Grants Officer Currently Kim Allan Fundraising Officer (Currently Vacant) Most of the current office bearers are unable to commit to a further year on the P & F due to full time employment and family commitments and are unable to re-nominate. Please consider taking on a role on the P & F. It is a very rewarding position to hold, allowing you to be involved in a meaningful way in your child/ren’s school. If you would like further information on the duties of any position please feel free to contact us at pandf@salc.qld.edu.au P & F general meetings are held once a term and everyone is always welcome.

PINK & YELLOW MUFTI DAY Tuesday 10 November

Students to wear Yellow or Pink and bring in a gold coin donation. This term, our focus is on Cancer Awareness and all funds raised will go towards supporting College families who are experiencing the impacts of serious illness in their homes. Baked goods will also be on sale on the day to raise additional funds.

INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships WORDS Michael Grose

Developing your

child’s social media scripts

It’s important to start conversations with children about using social media at a young age to prepare them to be savvy users when we’re not around. “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing

The same maxim holds true for the world

around. Here are some ideas to get you

well.”

of social media that children now inhabit

started:

This mantra always pops into mind

from an increasingly young age. Even

whenever I’m about to cut some corners

though our children are growing up

or do a rushed job in any endeavour. As a

with technology as a part of their every

result I double-check every article I write

day lives, they will still make plenty of

for mistakes. I over prepare every talk I

mistakes while using it. This means we

give. And I continually edit and re-edit my

need to have direct conversations with

books. This message keeps me at the top

our kids about the comments and posts

of my game.

that are okay to make using social media of all forms.

I can thank, or blame, my mother for

1 “Is this worth posting?” The relatively impersonal nature of social media means that we can post information and pictures with relative immunity. Also its immediacy means that we can do so without much thought. This means that kids need to be very critical about what they see online. ‘Is this accurate?’ and ‘Is this

inserting this mantra in my mind as she

As parents we teach our kids to talk

repeated it whenever I did a rushed job

politely and clearly so that they know

as a youngster making my bed, doing

how to speak to others when we’re not

homework or cleaning up my bathroom

around. In effect, we give our kids social

mess.

scripts to fall back on when they talk to

Parents of every generation have always

friends, teachers and relatives. There’s

A child who blurts out everything that

no guarantee they’ll look an adult in the

comes into his mind without thinking

eye when they speak to them, but our

is sure to put plenty of people offside.

discussions, reminders and lessons about

‘Think before you speak’ is the type of

manners will hopefully hold up when

message that every child should have

or real world intuitively knew that they

we’re not around.

in mind.

needed to teach child important lessons

The same applies to social media. Our

about safety and manners rather than

conversations and lessons will prepare

assume they’ll be understood.

them to be savvy users when we’re not

found ways to frame messages of safety and success for their children to remember. Parents of past generations who only had to contend with the offline

worth posting?’ are two valid questions children can ask when they read posts placed by others.

2 “Have you taken a big breath?”