Mark 16:6 

⁶ “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. But he has risen! He is not here! See the place where they had put him. 

Our focus for ‘Chapels’ across the College this term has been Jesus. We began with ‘Christmas’ back in Week 1 and have arrived at His death and resurrection for Week 9/10. Jesus is the Gospel we celebrate at St Andrews. This Gospel contains the Good News that the God who created the universe and all of life as we know it, came to earth as one of us to rescue us from our selfishness and death. 

This truth is the cornerstone of all that happens in our community. It is the source of love and care that every student experiences as a member of our College. It is the basis for why every student matters and leads to the practice of forgiveness and restoration when things go wrong, rather than simply following a course of consequences and punishment. 

The Gospel is also the source of hope and optimism amongst the messiness that is life in 2020. A great deal of what is right and good at SALC rests on the Gospel; this is despite the fact that Western Culture has steadily been distancing itself from the facts the Gospel is grounded in. 

It is encouraging to examine the facts around Jesus life, death and resurrection. Only the most sceptical legitimate historians believe that Jesus is a mythical figure and yet a poll in the UK found 40% of those surveyed held the view that Jesus is a myth. This points to forces at work in our culture that direct us away from Christianity despite the historical evidence being completely different. It is a bit of a stretch, but it is a little akin to rogue scholars who deny the Holocaust as a factual event. 

There can tend to be an attitude of apathy towards God and what happened in the early part of the first century AD in Israel, but it is good to investigate what is true and what is expedient in our post-modern world. I encourage all of us to consider what is at the heart of our worldview and examine where it leads us as we continue in the adventure of life. We might just be surprised by what we find!

LEARNING EVERYWHERE – THE BUZZ OF EXCITEMENT! 

There has been a buzz of excitement in the last few weeks of term as both the race to complete major assessment tasks and the culmination of learning activities collide. There is simply so much I want to share. 

TOURNAMENT OF THE MINDS

The CRC was a buzz with energy, learning and enthusiasm as our Tournament of Minds teams completed their presentations last Wednesday. It is simply inspiring to watch our young people expanding their thinking and collaborating to be so creative! Good luck to all teams!

ORANGE IS MY NEW FAVOURITE COLOUR! 

This year the Year 8 cohort have decided to take action to support the work of Orange Sky Australia by doing The Sudsy Challenge. As part of the challenge, many of our students decided to wear the same clothes for three days to develop their awareness and empathy for the 1 in 200 Australians who are experiencing homelessness. They have been raising much needed funds too! They initially set a target of raising $1200 and at last count were at $4236. The event was launched last Thursday and I’d like to acknowledge the Year 8 teachers and Mrs Renneberg, College parent, who have supported these wonderful Andrians to take part. Our IC’20 Entrepreneurs were also involved with Lucas Patchett, one of the two founders of Orange Sky Australia, speaking to the group a few weeks ago both to talk about how to develop an idea as a non-for-profit charity and to build understanding of the impact this challenge would have on our homeless. Great work and wonderful learning, Year 8! Growing within and serving beyond.

ESPORTS 

On Monday eight Year 7 and 8 Students represented St Andrews Lutheran College in The FUSE Cup Esports competition. With a strong emphasis on developing valuable life skills such as integrity, resilience, inclusion and teamwork, our teams learnt about digital wellbeing while testing their Rocket League skills against other Gold Coast schools. We would like to thank our team for showing commitment and good sportspersonship.

WRITE A BOOK IN A DAY

On Monday over 30 Middle School students took part in the ‘Write a Book in a Day’ competition which raises funds for the Kids Cancer Project. At St Andrews, ‘Write a Book in a Day’ is supported by two of our senior English teachers, Mrs Mackay and Mrs Stockwell and I’d like to thank them for providing this opportunity for our budding authors. Our students wrote and illustrated exquisite books, in one day. The learning outcomes and the final products are exceptional! I can hardly wait to finish reading their work. Well done to all involved. 

SWELL SCULPTURE FESTIVAL 

September is both the start of Spring and the Annual Swell Sculpture Festival and this year the Middle School Elective - Digitalis went to Currumbin to photograph the sculptures, considering how artists used the space and location to help create their works.  

YEAR 7 CULTURAL DAY

This week the Year 7 cohort was immersed in a Cultural day of learning which focused on gaining insights and experiences that reflect the German, Chinese and Japanese cultures. Thank you to Mrs Goucher and the languages staff for creating such a wonderful day of learning.

YEAR 12 FORMAL 

The Formal, which will be held at HOTA tomorrow, is the first in a series of celebrations and milestones for our Year 12s. It will be 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. We will be sharing images and videos of the arrivals with our wider community. 

Finally, a word of thanks from me as we head into the term break. I am grateful every day for this community. Thank you to all of our students, staff and families for the ongoing hard work and support that has helped our young people to flourish in Term 3. Also, I genuinely appreciate all of the messages of encouragement I’ve received from families since it was announced that I will be leaving St Andrews at the end of 2020. – God bless you. 

Virginia Warner 
Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School

WELLBEING

What a busy term it has been but we say that every time. Our Year 12’s have just experienced the Mock External Exams and these results will be used by teachers to fine tune their preparations for the real thing. This will be done through normal lessons in the first three weeks of Term 4 and then through intensive study blocks as sent out to Year 12 families. The Year 11’s have also just finished exams and early next term we will have some of our Year 12’s run a session for them titled “I wish I knew then what I know now”. That will include tips for how to better prepare for the external exams. One tip a Year 12 shared with me today was, “I wish I’d started my study/revision notebook right at the start of Unit 3 and not a month out from the mock exams this term. “

I think it is safe to say we will all enjoy a well-earned break come Friday Week 10.

GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING (skirts and jewellery)

As we are over half-way through the year the young ladies might need to adjust the hems on their skirts. Our Uniform Policy states that they should sit just above the knee (approx 5cm). Please note the jewellery aspect of our Policy – students SHOULD NOT have piercings anywhere but the lower lobe of the ears.

CONGRATULATIONS TO: 

• Emily M who placed 3^rd at the recent Queensland School Sport Golf Championships.

• To Mr Nelson who organised pathways partnerships for our Year 10’s. These lucky students had the opportunity to tap into the knowledge of a wide range of career paths and hear first-hand from someone in that career. I had the pleasure of sitting in and listening to a Doctor talk about their passion for the job and helping people, but more importantly, a work-life balance.

UPCOMING EVENTS 

The Year 12’s recently received the final weeks schedule (which includes links to booking our Introductory Barista, RSA and First Aid Courses and an outline of the compulsory activities/events) and an External Assessment Block Tutorial Schedule. 

Year 12 Formal – We are looking forward to sharing a wonderful evening with the very glamorous Year 12’s of 2020.

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

The teenage brain. It is undergoing massive changes, second only to the time between birth and 1 year old. Over the past 5 years, there has been a lot of research done to monitor and analyse what is occurring. The pre-frontal cortex goes through a period of renew and pruning. This is the centre for logical decision making, moderating social decision making and complex thought processes. At times you may wonder why your child has become forgetful. Or why they do some very crazy things. Asking a young person why they have done something, will often illicit the response “I don’t know”. Below is a link to a Government website that goes through this in more detail.

https://www.sparktheirfuture.qld.edu.au/understanding-the-teenage-brain/

Another point to note. Boys brains take longer to develop than girls, a difference of approximately 2 years. I mentioned Maggie Dent last newsletter and her new book “From Boys to Men”. This week on my morning walk, I listened to a Podcast with Maggie on ABC Conversations. For parents of young men, I highly recommend you listen to this.

Link to Podcast

The September holidays are always my favourite. This year, I am very much looking forward to this time, to relax and renew. I hope that you and your family take time to relax and refresh. We all need it.

YEAR 7 CULTURAL DAY

Our students in Year 7 really enjoyed the College’s first ever Year 7 Cultural Day.  Students participated in workshops on German dancing, the Chinese language, Japanese toys and competed in a global language and cultural knowledge competition.  They ate German pretzels and some of our students attempted to use chopsticks for the first time eating a Japanese obento.  Fun was had by all including the Language staff.

YEAR 10 GERMAN LANGUAGE CLASS

A great success for St Andrews and our Year 10 German students. They are runners-up in this year’s Enterprise German competition with the Goethe Institute in Sydney and will receive a $100 cash prize along with their certificate from the institute.

Over 200 students have participated in this German language innovator’s competition. A group of St Andrews Year 10 boys, Rowan T, Jarrod W, Sam W and Braden S have made it into the top selection of the competition. Their innovative “Solar Sweeper” idea has convinced the jury consisting of Director of Language Programmes of the Goethe Institute, the Director of Events and Governmental Affairs of the German-Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the Director of Public affairs of the German Embassy in Canberra. 

Congratulations!

Dani Goucher
Head of International Students and Languages

“Middle School students growing within and serving beyond”  

The Year 8 cohort have taken on the Sudsy Challenge and are raising awareness by starting conversations about homelessness in the community.  After talking with Co-founder Lucas Patchett from Orange Sky Australia, the students set about raising $1200 over the course of a month.  We are proud to say that we have currently raised $4392 to support Orange Sky Australia to continue their mission of positively connecting communities through clean clothes, warm showers and conversation.

Thank you to our wonderful school community for your support. #chooseyourconversation 

Brendan Smith
Year 8 Coordinator 

Last Friday the IC’20 entrepreneur team spent the afternoon with the amazing Leanne Kemp and Emily Philips.  Leanne is an Australian Tech Entrepreneur. She is founder and CEO of Everledger and Queensland Chief Entrepreneur. Emily is Principal Communications Officer for the Office of the Queensland Chief Entrepreneur. She is also speech writer for the Governor of Queensland.

Thank you, Leanne and Emily!  The IC’20 team had a fantastic afternoon and are so inspired by the knowledge you shared about being an entrepreneur, working hard, not being afraid to fail, innovation and pitching.

Terri Myles
Head of Business Department

The Money Smart Kids class recently took part in the Queensland Government’s Buy Smart Competition and are eagerly waiting for the results which will be published next month. Students entered a multi-modal response for topics covering online shopping and scams. 

Honourable mentions to solo entrants Samantha McG and Amelia W along with duo Anna McM and Bellah L who submitted a true/false card game, a scam app and a stop motion video respectively. 

We were grateful for the feedback from Natasha Schuba from the Office of Fair Trade who was able to provide the class with some excellent feedback on their draft submissions. 

Meg Sippel
Class Teacher

EXHIBITION 

In the final year of the Primary Years Programme, students participate in a culminating unit of learning known as the Exhibition which involves students working collaboratively to conduct an in-depth inquiry into real life issues or problems. This serves as the culmination and application of all the knowledge, concepts, skills and independent actions students have developed during the Primary Years Programme. In the year of doing things differently the students shared their learning through an online platform. They have worked extremely hard and I am impressed with their in-depth knowledge of their chosen investigation. Congratulations to the students and thank you to their teachers and Ms Faulkner for guiding them through the inquiry.  

ACKNOWLEDGING OUR HARDWORKING TEACHERS 

NEiTA was founded on behalf of parents of school-age children to celebrate the profound impact that outstanding educators can have in the lives of children - whether at Early Childhood, Primary or Secondary level. 

In this most challenging year, please show your appreciation to an educator (teacher or school head) who has supported your child’s development by nominating them for a National Excellence in Teaching Award. If you would like to find out more information about these awards please go to https://www.neita.com/  

To nominate a teacher please head to this website https://neita.awardsplatform.com/

TIME CAPSULE 

The Student Council wanted to remember this year and the emotions that we experienced going through the Online Learning from Home and all the events from this year. They have chosen to bury a time capsule which will be opened at the end of Term 3 in 2025. While it has been a challenging year and there have been some families that have been really badly impacted by this, the idea of a time capsule reminds us that this event will soon be an event in history. 

STAFFING UPDATE 

After 19 years of dedicated service to St Andrews, Maree Miller from Student Services has retired at term end. We are naturally thrilled for her as she undertakes the next phase in her life, but sad to be losing such a wonderful and dedicated employee. Maree will be sorely missed. Mrs Christa Bewley has been working in Student Services for the past term to ensure a smooth transition.  

During Term 4, I will be taking Long Service Leave to attend to some personal matters. In my absence Mrs Karen Koehler and Ms Jacqueline Faulkner will be sharing the responsibility of Acting Head of Junior School. Mrs Mardi Frost will be Acting Deputy Head of Junior School with most of her focus on pastoral care related matters. 

SHUTTLE BUSES

Just a reminder that the shuttle bus services will end at the end of this term as per Mr Bliss’ letter circulated recently. Please note there was an error in a previous bulletin. If we can car pool, catch one of the College buses, park and walk or ride a bike then we should be able to get in and out of the College quickly. 

Darrin Schumacher
From the Deputy Principal / Head of Junior School

No Scaredy Cats Parent Course

Over the past month, about 30 parents from the Junior School attended three evening sessions experiencing the No Scaredy Cats Parenting Course run by Mardi Frost (Junior School Counsellor) and Karen Koehler (Deputy Head of Junior School - Pastoral). The No Scaredy Cats Course promotes anti-fragile thinking skills and provides a framework for parents to help reduce anxiety and build resilience in their children.

The No Scaredy Cats Course has been developed and written by Michael Hawton MAPS and distributed by Parentshop. It is researched based and provides many practical resources that parents can implement to promote anti-fragile thinking.

Sessions focused on foundational thinking on resilience, understanding the brain’s function in anxiety, the five-star model for building anti-fragile thinking that is unique to the program.

A comment from a happy parent, ‘Truly, this is one of the most valuable PD’s / workshops I’ve ever attended as I took away so much and could implement strategies immediately.  Predominantly, I feel much more prepared, confident and calm in helping navigate my family forward!’ 

The Course was well received by all parents and we hope to run it again in Term 1 of 2021. If you are interested in joining the next Course keep an eye out for information in your inbox.

Karen Koehler
Deputy Head of Junior School Pastoral 

Hello from your friendly P&F team,

Next term the P&F are launching an exciting raffle to end this turbulent year.  Anyone over 18 will be able to purchase tickets at $5 a ticket, so we are really hoping everyone is able to get on board and sell tickets to family, friends, work colleagues … anyone!! 

First prize is $3,000 cash or one child’s annual school fees for 2021!  

Second prize is $2,000 cash or half of one child’s 2021 school fees.  

Third prize is $1,000 cash or quarter of one child’s 2021 school fees.

Terms and conditions will apply.

Knowing many of you have your own businesses, we’d love to give you the opportunity to donate a prize to this raffle.  If this interests you, please contact us at pandf@salc.qld.edu.au by no later than this Friday 25 September.  If you choose to donate, your logo will appear on the raffle tickets.

At the start of term 4, the youngest child in your family attending the College will bring home a book of 10 tickets so please keep an eye out.   

DATE SAVER:

AGM on Wednesday 11 November at 7:00 pm in J Block Lighthouse Boardroom.
Voting for the next years P&F committee members will be held at this event. 

If you would like to nominate please contact pandf@salc.qld.edu.au we will send you out the form.
If you have any questions that you would like to raise at the AGM, please feel free to contact the P&F.

We have set the date for next year’s FETE, 22 May 2021.
Unfortunately the Christmas carols are cancelled in 2020.

We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and we look forward to your participation in our community raffle next term!

SEPTEMBER

Friday 18 

Term Break 

Saturday 19

Year 12 Formal at HOTA

Monday 28

Chicago Rehearsal

Tuesday 29

Chicago Rehearsal

OCTOBER

Friday 2

State Ensemble Honours Program

Saturday 3

State Ensemble Honours Program

Sunday 4

 State Ensemble Honours Program

Tuesday 6

TERM 4 Commences

Entertainment Book for 2020/2021 is due to expire on Monday 1 June.
There are some great incentives to renew before this date, or if you are a first time user.