Middle/Senior School Bulletin Issue 2 / 16 February 2018
Middle & Senior School News The end of the first month of school is upon us already! And what a month of learning and experiences it has been. From awards ceremonies to squad training in Netball, Kokoda and Futsal; from our Senior Biology camp to the start of our Debating season, Chess Club, Engineers Club, Philosophers’ Lunches, and the commencement of all Performing Arts groups including Peter Pan Jr Musical Rehearsals (and so much more); life outside of scheduled classes has been busy and rich in learning. A St Andrews’ education is indeed rich in opportunities. If your child is yet to become involved in any co-curricular activities, please encourage them to spread their wings and try something new. Growth and the quest for our personal best in all endeavours is what makes a St Andrews education so rich.
Our regular subject based tutorials and the after school peer tutoring offered by senior students (Tuesdays and Thursdays) also started last week. The full list of tutorials is provided at the end of this bulletin. Amongst a number of off-site learning opportunities, our Year 11 Visual Art students explored the Portraits Exhibition at Tweed River Art Gallery last week to prepare for their study of portraits and self-portraits in the coming weeks. The Year 11 Legal Studies class attended the Brisbane Court to observe court cases, procedure, etiquette and personnel as a Launchpad to their learning. Pictured below, Year 12 Business Studies visited Royal Pines.
Our Senior Biology, Excercise Science and Business Students have also started their Griffith Connect programs which assist them not only through extending their learning, but also with early entry pathways into University. Our Year 12 Biology camp was also held this week at Hastings Point.
to our team. To follow is a welcome note from Mrs Wamsley.
Helping Hands Last week our Senior School students recommenced their support of Rosies outreach program. Thank you to Mr Schache and these wonderful young people for giving of their time to connect with our broader community in need. Our nine senior students attending the Service Learning Tour to East Timor mid-year have their first training day this weekend. Our first Mufti Day for the year will be a pink, yellow and lavender themed free dress day on Tuesday 20 February. All funds raised will go to support Cancer research. We are asking students revisit the dress expectations which are listed in the Student Diary (Page 34) and bring in a gold coin donation.
I feel blessed to be a part of such a dynamic and caring College. I have been working in Lutheran Education for the past eight years, mostly at Good Shepherd Lutheran College, Noosaville, with six months at Trinity Lutheran College, Ashmore, last year. My teaching career began in Sydney at Engadine High School – and yes, that means I am still a ‘blues’ supporter. While English, SOSE and Christian Studies are key teaching areas for me, a passion for learning and a maybe little bit of FOMA (fear of missing out) has led me to teach across a broad range of subject areas, including special needs. The Middle Years of learning, student wellbeing and the development of education in the Middle Years of schooling, has become a personal and professional focus area. I am increasingly excited about positive psychology, differentiated learning and opportunities to find new ways to engage and connect adolescents to learning. I am currently undertaking post graduate study in my focus area. A few things I love outside of school: the sea, my SUP and wave ski, yoga, weekly community Saturday Parkrun, my edible garden, flowers, art galleries, permaculture, clay, baking, reading, my family – of course and my giant malamute Harley. To follow is a welcome note from Mr Schaich.
The SRC and Leos club have also begun their meetings for 2018 and are continuing to look at ways of supporting students in our community and also our broader community in the coming months. In Week 7, a number of Middle School students will take part in an ALWS (Australian Lutheran World Service) Awareness Week activities at Trinity Lutheran College and this will be a time to connect with students from other Lutheran Schools in Queensland. This week, Sonya Ryan, CEO of the Carly Ryan Foundations held sessions with all of our Middle and Senior School students, our College Staff and our parents around the topics of online safety. The heartfelt sharing of her personal story and Carly’s story provided wise guidance for our community. This year we welcomed four new members of teaching staff
My name is Jochen Schaich and as you might have guessed, I am from Germany. I was born and raised in Stuttgart and studied English and German language and literature in Tuebingen, Southern Germany, and Leeds, England. I’ve worked as a German and English teacher at a high school in
Berlin for the last three years. Together with my Australian wife, I moved Down Under last year and found a lovely place to live in Northern NSW. I am very happy to have been welcomed so quickly into the lovely community that is St Andrews and I cherish the opportunity to teach my language and my culture to the enthusiastic students. I am looking forward to helping young people learn and grow and do so myself as well. Tonight we will celebrate the end of our first month of classes with the P&F event ‘a Picnic In The Park’ and I am looking forward to connecting with families and listening to our talented student musicians. Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School
for others. This is the meaning of Romans 5:8 – “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In other words, God is not looking for perfection before he chooses to love us. Quite the contrary, God loved us long before we loved him and long before we realise the mistakes we are making. Just as a parent loves their children no matter what they have done, so God loves us no matter what we have done or will do in the future. Therefore, instead of mistakes determining the love of God – they don’t – God uses our mistakes to grow and shape us towards maturity. We have so much to learn and so many mistakes that we are yet to make. Let us not think of them as a backward step any longer but a forward step by God’s grace and help. Nathan Glover College Pastor
Chaplains Chat “If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner.” – Tallulah Bankhead In Middle/Senior chapel last week, I was discussing wisdom under an unfamiliar banner of mistake-making! When was the last time you made a mistake? If you’re like me, you make them all the time – sometimes they are predictable – things I am prone to doing or not doing because of my personality, preferences and style – and sometimes – they are completely unforeseen. Either way, mistakes litter my past week, my past year and my life. This is not surprising. What you might find surprising is that I am OK with making mistakes. I am OK with making mistakes because mistakes help me learn, grow and mature. In my view, mistakes are the key to learning and the pathway to growth and Christian maturity. When a child plays, for example, it is really a discovery of thousands of incorrect ways of doing things until, through practice, the child becomes better at what they are doing. Unlike adults, children are more willing to give things a go – to play and have fun – because they are not concerned about making mistakes – that is part of the fun! And, in the process of it all, learning takes place. Christian maturity also takes time and mistakes, plenty of mistakes. Some of the greatest New Testament heroes of faith like Peter or Paul were experts at making mistakes. Peter was brash and foolhardy – often saying things that would get him into trouble. Paul was once the greatest persecutor of Christians, rounding them up and arresting them. Yet, knowing in advance their tendencies and their flaws, Jesus chose these men to be his disciples and carry the Gospel to others. In the same way, Jesus knows all the mistakes we have made and all the mistakes we will make in the future – and He still wants to be our friend and place or call us into service
Performing Arts News PAT (Performing Arts Tuition) 2018 Our PAT programs are now in full swing for 2018 across the College with over 600 enrolments from Prep through to Year 12 in Dance, Instrumental Music, Voice and Speech and Drama. A reminder that all enrolments and cancellations for PAT lessons are via the online form on the website. Any enquiries regarding PAT Tuition can be emailed to Anne at performingarts@salc.qld.edu.au
New members are welcome in our bands and choirs. Dance troupers are audition based. Should you have any questions regarding any programs with PAT, please download the PAT Parent Handbook in the Arts section of the College website at www.salc.qld.edu.au. Spotlight on Musical We are well on our way to Neverland with set building and painting taking place over the past few weeks and costumes arriving steadily (currently a larger than life dog suit and crocodile greet visitors to the Arts Staffroom). Rehearsals are back in full swing with JS and MS/SS cast coming together to see what each other have been working on. Below are some behind the scenes pictures of what will be a fantastic production.
Festival of Song – featuring Katie Noonan Thursday 15 March Ruth Butler Theatre Our MS/SS Choir has hit the ground running in 2018 working towards their first major event for the year. Following on from the success of the Combined Choir experience with The Idea of North in 2017, St Andrews is hosting The Festival of Song with Katie Noonan where our MS/SS Choir along with LORDS, Trinity, Redeemer and Faith Lutheran Colleges will participate in a workshop with Katie Noonan and will then share the stage with her that evening.
This event is sure to sell out so be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
Priscilla Scott Head of Arts
LOTE News こんにちは, Guten Tag Greetings from the Language Department. 2018 has started splendidly for all of the classes. Herr Schaich and Fräulein Sippel are teaching the German classes, and Wilson-sensei and I are teaching the Japanese classes. When I asked the teachers about their favourite moments this year so far, their answers were about the joy of connecting with the students and sharing their love of language and culture. Here are some photos of one of the Year 7 Japanese classes embracing some culture and having fun while learning. We have been so impressed so far with the enthusiasm, effort, knowledge, sharing and cooperation of all the classes. Keep up the excellent work German and Japanese students.
さようなら、 Auf Wiedersehen Ms Forrest
Science News Dr Gordon Naidoo recently invited two past ‘Andrians,’ Harry Veivers and Luke Silveira, back into the College to talk to physics and STEM students about the exciting careers that can be found within the discipline of physics.
Approximately 40 students were lucky enough to experience an informative lecture that covered the broad areas of aerospace and quantum mechanics. Both Luke and Harry explained how science is shaping our current world and how it will bring about significant changes to our future. Their enthusiasm was evident and I am sure this enthusiasm has
encouraged some of our present students to look seriously into a science career.
Luke Silveira Luke graduated as Dux of the College in 2013, presiding as Chair of the Student Council and sitting on the Junior Gold Coast City Council. In 2014, Luke chose to study a Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering and a Bachelor of Science at Monash University, Melbourne. Now in the 5th year of his degree, Luke has continued balancing his studies with being the elected treasurer of a Monash recreational card club at the university. Luke has continued to strive for excellence by completing a physics research project looking into the simulation of quantum systems, as well as helping others to achieve their best by tutoring at the John Monash Science School. Luke is excited to finish his degree this year and be a part of the engineering industry, where he looks forward to using all he has learned throughout his education. David Wyatt Science
Outlined below is a summary of what Harry and Luke have achieved in the exciting discipline of science. Thank you to Dr Naidoo for organising this event. Harry Veivers Since graduating St Andrews Lutheran College in 2013, Harry has moved to Brisbane to pursue a dual Bachelor of Engineering and Master of Engineering program majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace at the University of Queensland, of which he is in his final year. Harry is currently working for the company, Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC) and the UQ Composites group where he has worked on projects such as the development of the F35 Joint Strike Fighter, the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle and new high-strength aluminium materials for the aerospace industry. As a University of Queensland tutor for first and second year students, Harry is passionate about educating students about engineering as well as the potential that STEM can bring in future careers. He is very interested in the development of the aerospace industry in Australia and enjoys working with autonomous systems, rocket technology and land-based vehicles.
Student Development Across the College we are always seeking opportunities for students to serve their community in authentic and engaging actions. We understand it as formative for their character and as a Lutheran school hold it as a central tennet. Many staff speak about St Andrews students being less ‘self-centred’ and more ‘others’ centred’. The qualities of character formed in this stance support student growth, learning and of course help us Celebrate the Gospel through loving action. The value of this is seen regularly through Primary School students ‘Taking Action’, within Middle School it is an integral aspect of ‘The Edge’ and it is embedded Senior School Leadership programs. What’s also encouraging is the extra opportunities our outstanding teachers make for students to have exposure to community. This week for example, some Year 12s who were not engaged in QCS practise with their cohort were able to pursue an opportunity with Lifeline Bookfest where they worked for the full day in customer service, managing point of sale (including calculations without calculators). Our students were happy to be at school by 6:30am in order to head off for the day’s work and were rewarded by the growth opportunity. It was another timely reminder of the value of service as a learning opportunity. James Nelson Director of Student Development
P&F News Tonight is Picnic in the Park, we hope to see as many families there as possible. Come on down to the Junior School Oval at 5.30pm. The event will end at 7pm. We will have a sausage sizzle, ice creams and drinks for sale. As well as glow sticks and show bags. St Andrews PAT students will be
performing. BYO alcohol but please no glass, plastic only! It’s should be a great night. Be sure to check back in on P&F news in the next newsletter when we will have more details on: * Cookie dough drive - an exciting fundraising project we have planned for Term 1!
Tuesday 27 Hinterland Basketball Trials MARCH Thursday 1
Dates to Remember FEBRUARY Saturday 17 East Timor Training Monday 19
Years 7-12 Sport Week 4
Gold Coast Oral Health Services Book your Child’s FREE* dental check. School holiday appointments are available. Phone Gold Coast Oral Health on 1300 300 850.
Hinterland Football & Hockey Trials
Services may be accessed at Burleigh Heads School Dental Clinic: Lower Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads 4220
Year 10 Destinations
*Eligibility criteria applies. For more information visit www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au/oral-health
Tuesday 20 Hinterland Netball Trials Hinterland AFL Trials Mufti Day - Cancer Council (Pink & Yellow) Griffith Business Year 12 Program (Selected Students) Thursday 22 Rosies School Outreach Years 7-12 Sport Week 3 Friday 23 St Hilda’s Female Swim Meet Monday 26 Regional Swim Carnival at Miami Aquatic Year 12 Science Griffith Uni (Selected Students) Year 12 Science Excursion (Selected Students)
Tutorial Accounting (Compulsory for Yr 11 & 12 Accounting Students)
BCT Business Management
Chemistry English
Monday 12.50 - 1.20pm (Year 12)
Tuesday
Wednesday
2018 Tutorials (Middle & Senior School) Room 12.50 - 1.20pm (Year 11)
1.00 - 1.25pm
3.30 - 5.00pm
7.30 - 8.20am Maths (Mr Parente)
3.30 - 5.00pm
Thursday
Tutorials by appointment. Please see Mrs Myles to organise a time.
Tutorials by appointment. Please see Miss Yeo to organise a time.
J14
F3 J Upper CRC
CRC - Sem 2
12.45 - 1.20pm
F6
G2
12.45 - 1.20pm
7.15 - 8.15am Chemistry (Mr Wyatt)
German
G1
Early Bird Study Club (Chemistry & Maths)
Japanese
12.55 - 1.25pm (Ms Steele)
Friday
12.50 - 1.25pm (Mrs Lotz)
3.30 - 5.00pm
12.55 - 1.25pm (Mrs Harris) F4
1.00 - 1.25pm
12.55 - 1.25pm (Mr Edwards)
Maths
F1
1.00 - 1.25pm
Physics
1.00 - 1.25pm
7.30 - 8.25am 1.00 - 1.25pm
12.50 - 1.25pm (Mr Wecker)
1.00 - 1.25pm
7.30 - 8.25am 1.00 - 1.25pm
H2
1.00 - 1.25pm
7.30 - 8.25am 1.00 - 1.25pm
Sketching / Tech St / Graphics
E15
7.30 - 8.25am 1.00 - 1.25pm
3.30 - 4.30pm
J Upper
CRC (for
Middle School Homework Club (Yr 12 students assisting Middle School students) MS Study Room private study / computer use)
SS Study Room (for private study / computer use)
Please Note: Additional support for students is available by request / negotiation with the relevant teacher.