Msss bulletin 8 2015 by St Andrews Lutheran College

Issue 8 / 22 May 2015

Middle/Senior School Bulletin

Middle & Senior School News Oh What a Fete! A sincere thank you to all parents, teachers and students who supported our College Fete on Saturday 16 May. It was a huge success and the culmination of the tremendous efforts of many of our College parents and friends. A special note of thanks to all of the parent conveners who took responsibility for additional jobs and coordinated other volunteers and the P&F Executive team. St Andrews is a truly special community!

Leos Induction The St Andrews Leo Club members continue to complete â€˜good worksâ€™ of service within and beyond our College community. Last week we inducted our Leos for 2015 and badged the Executive Team: Jon-Ross Gordon Ty Sheers Chloe Harvie Maddison Good Khali Robins

President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Project Officer

Learning Beyond the Classroom Our Year 8 students enjoyed glorious weather over their three day camp last week. They spent time developing their outdoor skills and their social-emotional skills through participating in the challenges Camp Kindness had to offer. Thank you to Ms Dockstader and the staff who accompanied Year 8 on camp.

Later in the week, Year 8s were involved in Robotics and Environmental Studies workshops, both of which involved innovative thinking and hands on learning.

of the College’s teaching team can do so by following this link asg.com.au/nominate before 31 July. If I can offer any assistance or you have any feedback about your child’s experiences at St Andrews please contact me at virginiaw@salc.qld.edu.au Virginia Warner Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School

A number of our Senior students attended Bond and Griffith University Experience Days and enjoyed connecting with two of our local universities and getting a taste of university life. The Power of Peer Learning Girls from the Middle School Elective “Not Just Skin Deep” ran small workshop groups on cybersafety for Years 5 and 6 girls. They shared personal experiences they have had on social media and gave tips on things such as how to ensure your privacy settings are adequate and the dangers of posting inappropriate photos.

Chaplains Chat “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV) Peter spoke/wrote these words to the early Church as they struggled with persecution and hardship. In amongst all the trials and hassles of following Christ and living in community, the most important thing they could be doing is loving each other deeply! What wonderful encouragement for us today – 2,000 years later. This particular verse speaks such great wisdom into our lives. All of us face times when we are challenged to remain positive in our relationships. Our natural human condition leads us to find fault in others and to judge others. Maybe there is even good reason for us to do this on occasions but a judgemental, ‘holier than thou’ attitude invariably fails to bring about positive outcomes in troublesome situations.

Mindful in May This month we have been focusing on being mindful (being fully present in the moment) and how being mindful can enhance our wellbeing and our relationships. Mindfulness, taking a pause and a few deep breaths, is a wonderful technique for handling stress. As we head into the middle of Term 2 and workloads begin to mount please encourage your son/daughter to practice mindfulness, to eat and sleep well and to seek support when it is needed. Mufti Day – Red for Daniel Next Tuesday 26 May is our Mufti Day for Term 2 with all funds raised going to the Daniel Morcombe foundation to support the important work they do to raise young peoples’ awareness of personal safety. Year 7 Canberra Trip Information Night A Canberra information evening for Year 7 parents will be held on Tuesday 26 May from 6.00pm – 7.00pm in the Worship Centre. National Excellence in Teaching Awards Nominations are open for the National Excellence in Teaching Awards. Parents who are interested in nominating a member

What is needed is a deep love for the other person who is causing grief for us. This does not mean simply over-looking the problem, but rather, confronting it with an attitude that seeks the best for the other person and a restoration of the relationship. This may seem beyond our ability if we have been significantly hurt but God’s love for us is able to lead us in ways that we would never be capable of on our own. I have been blessed to witness from afar, in others’ lives, how God is able to bring healing and restoration into situations that seemed hopeless. As Peter commands us to love others deeply, he is assuming that we are attempting to do this from a position of strength and peace that we are granted by God as we rest in his love. Our human love is never capable of covering a multitude of sins. But God’s love – alive and active within us is able to overcome the worst of hurts and pain. This is one of the wonderful promises that come to life for us as we share our lives with Christ. Graeme Schache Chaplain

Middle School News

Senior School News

NAPLAN Last week was the annual NAPLAN testing week for Years 7 & 9. All students should be congratulated on their diligent approach to the testing. ACARA is hoping to release results earlier this year although this will still be sometime toward the end of third term.

Flourishing in the Senior School This term as part of the Senior School Pastoral Care Program we are focusing on the Character Strengths of kindness, love, social intelligence, fairness, leadership and teamwork. These are founded in the Virtues of Humanity and Justice.

Year 8 Camp and Incursion Last week the annual Year 8 Camp was held. The cohort had magnificent weather for their time at Tyalgum Ridge and participated with enthusiasm in the range of outdoor activities on offer. Of course, as well as being a valuable experience in its own right, the Camp serves as an important lead up to the students’ Googa experience in Year 9. A special thanks to all staff members who went on the Camp and contributed to this positive learning experience.

These strengths are such an integral part of everyday life and on a daily basis I see examples of our young people acting these out to ensure that they: contribute in a meaningful way to our College, show compassion and kindness, help someone in need, understand how someone else is feeling, stand up for the rights of another, or work together to achieve a goal.

Additionally, last week Year 8 had an ‘incursion day’ and delved into the world of robotics and examined local environmental issues with GECKO. Both of these themed activities resonate with Middle School students and the day was both informative and enjoyable. Congratulations to Ms Dockstader and Mrs Polentas for this initiative.

Mindful May Mindful May continues with our students working on having mindful conversations. We are practising how to really be in the moment when talking to someone by using the skill of active-constructive responding. The Year 10’s have already practiced this and the whole Senior School will have an opportunity to experience this at our next assembly. Responding with interest, enthusiasm and support helps to capitalise on and build relationships as well as enhancing positive emotions.

Year 7 Canberra Information Evening This coming Tuesday evening (26 May) from 6 - 7pm an information session on the upcoming Canberra Trip will be held in the Worship Centre. Parents are encouraged to attend this session in order to find out important information about the trip and to clarify questions they might have about activities on the trip. It is aimed at parents rather than students although we are aware that some students may need to attend for supervision purposes. As always, should you have any questions about events in the Middle School then please contact me at the Middle School Administration. Tom Casey Head of Middle School tomc@salc.qld.edu.au

Congratulations to: •

The College Captains who ran an absolutely fantastic Chapel for the Senior School last week on acceptance, acknowledging that our words can hurt and that standing up as one helps to promote St Andrews as a place of acceptance.

•

Our Leos who were inducted last week by the Lions District Governor, Kent Wilcox. We also had a wonderful visit over to the Aged Care where we chatted with residents and installed some Year 10 artwork to provide some colour and interest on the walls.

•

All our Year 10’s who got their Work Experience paperwork in by the due date. Work Experience is a very significant part of the Destinations Program and a good way to figure out if what you think you are interested in is actually a path you want to pursue.

•

All of our students who contributed to the success of the 2015 College Fete. It was certainly a big day for all. A big thank you to the Year 12’s for their work on creating and running the House of Horrors – it was huge success.

Student Development Resilient Responders We receive feedback on our performance and learning regularly. We don’t always interpret it well or respond appropriately. Training our children and students to respond well to feedback is vital and a powerful Social and Emotional skill. Parents interested in accessing some skills to shape discussions might contact Year Level Coordinators or read: http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx There is power in sharing tips and strategies as a community of parents and friends. Senior Students will receive feedback on their focus in class across all learning areas this week in the form of an Audit Score. In response to this, parents and teachers are asked to encourage students to reflect on what this feedback means and how it can be used for growth.

Leo Executives (Maddison Good, Khali Robins, Jon-Ross Gordon, Ty Sheers & Chloe Harvie)

The obvious and simplest action for all students is to update their Goals and Action Plan – page 63 of the Student Diary. Teachers will be attempting to support student growth and resilience in the next couple weeks using this tool. James Nelson Director of Student Development jamesn@salc.qld.edu.au

Leo Members and Tallebudgera Lions Mentors

Reminders: •

Now that the cooler weather is upon us please ensure that students have the correct combination of jumpers, blazers and sports jackets.

•

If your child is arriving late they must sign in at Senior Administration and if leaving early sign out and present a note (or phone call) from parent/caregiver giving permission for the departure.

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 PAT Parent Survey Last week a survey was sent to all parents whose children are involved in the Performing Arts Tuition (PAT) Program at St Andrews. This is an opportunity for parents to provide feedback on what they feel is going well and what they would like to see improved upon within the program. Please take the time to complete this survey in the coming week. If you did not receive a survey and would like to participate in this feedback survey please email performingarts@salc.qld.edu.au

Student Achievements Charlee Cosgriff: Congratulations to Charlee who was recently notified that she is to receive The Barbara Sisley Award for achieving the highest result in her Trinity College, London Exam. Charlee achieved an outstanding 100% on her Gr 2 Speech and Drama Exam. Well done. Samantha Todd: Congratulations to Samantha Todd who has recently travelled to America to compete in the In10sity Dance Competition in Seattle. Samantha received a Special Adjudicators Award – Bound For Broadway, Platinum for both routines and 9th overall in the Teen Division for Acrobatics. She also made Top 15 in her Improvisation. This is an amazing result. Well done, Samantha. Dance Troupe Success Congratulations to our Combined Dance Troupe who placed 2nd at the recent Starbound Eisteddfod Schools Section with their routine Sweet Dreams, choreographed by Miss Paula Guild. Congratulations ladies on this outstanding achievement. Congratulations also to Animi Dance and Mrs Tina Tanguy for their Highly Commended in the same section. Fete Performance Stage Thanks to all of our performers who provided entertainment at the Fete. What an amazing showcase of the many talented students we have here at St Andrews. Cilla Scott Head of Arts priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au

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Dates to Remember - May/June MAY Monday 25 German Film Festival Tuesday 26 Mufti Day - Dress in RED for Daniel Year 7 Canberra Trip Parent Info Night Wednesday 27 Year 12 Study Session - 3:30pm - 5:00pm Thursday 28 Year 10 Science & Engineering Challenge Friday 29 Years 7-12 Assembly Saturday 30 Jazz & Shiraz - A Gala Concert for Gendi JUNE Wednesday 3 ICAS Comp Science Year 11 Study Session - 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Uniform Shop News Volunteers Needed The Uniform Shop is urgently seeking volunteers to assist in the shop for one hour a week from 8am - 9am. Full training is given and it is a great way to keep your skills current if you are wishing to return to the work force in the future.

INSIGHTS Building parent-school partnerships

WORDS Michael Grose

What it means to be an emotionally intelligent parent

Ten year-old Elle liked to be active, but one weekend things got out of control. A jazz ballet concert, a game of netball, and a family visit to her cousin’s house meant no time to herself. And she let her parents know it with constant moaning, as well as a tantrum or two. Her father held his tongue for most of the weekend, but couldn’t help but give her some fatherly advice on Sunday night. “You’ve spent the whole weekend moaning about how busy you are. Maybe you need to drop one of your activities, if they are stressing you out so much!” A tantrum followed…from Elle. Elle’s mum took a diﬀerent tack. She had a hunch that something was bothering her daughter. “You sound like something is bothering you big-time. What’s up?”

her mum understood how she felt. In fact, her mum had unlocked the problem for her and reflected back how she felt. Elle’s dad focused on her behaviour and responded in kind (with well-meaning advice about her future behaviour), while her mother focused on the feelings that acted as a possible driver to her daughter’s behaviour. She took an emotionally smart approach, which turned out to be the right one in this circumstance. Emotionally intelligent parents don’t dismiss children’s behaviour and allow kids to do as they please. There are times that we need to focus on a child’s behaviour. A child who is rude in public should be reminded in no uncertain terms that poor manners are inappropriate.

“I’ve got to give a talk at school on Monday in front of the whole school and I haven’t time to prepare. It’ll be awful and everyone will laugh.”

However, there are times when smart parents need to look beyond the obvious behaviours to get an good understanding of what’s happening to their child, and to help a child better understand and manage their emotions.

Her mum replied, “You sound like you might be pretty nervous. That makes sense. Giving a talk in front others can be nervewracking.”

So what does an emotionally intelligent parent look like? And importantly what is the impact on kids, parents and families of this approach?

Elle dropped her shoulders, smiled and said, “You bet!” She was relieved because

Emotionally intelligent parents have the following five attributes in common.

They will usually: 1 Listen more and judge less There is nothing better than being understood. Parents who operate from an emotionally-smart mindset are more likely to listen to their kids when emotions are high, trying to access what may be going on, rather than clamping down their behaviour or closing them down with wellmeaning advice. IMPACT: Better, more open relationships.

2 Accept strong emotions Anyone who lives with teenagers will know that emotions can run very high. They can say the worst possible things to each other and, at times, to you. Ten minutes after delivering a hateful tirade they can be cuddling up to the person who was the butt of their anger, frustration or anxiety. Emotionally intelligent parents know that feelings need to expressed rather than bottled up, and allowed to fester. They also believe there is nothing so bad that a child can’t give voice to in a family, however there are behaviours that are not unacceptable. IMPACT: A healthy expression of emotions.