Reconnect us….

We have celebrated Jesus connecting with everyone in our worship times over the past week. Jesus was the master of making connections with people during his ministry as recorded in the gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. He made a habit of connecting with members of society who others would shun. This extended to tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers and others who were not as socially alienated but still not on the top of invite lists for parties.

In some ways connecting with others was at the top of Jesus’ priorities as he made his way around his part of the world in the first century AD. Whenever he connected with an individual or a group of people he brought about miraculous change within them. A wonderful example of this is recorded in Luke 19:1-10 where Jesus connected with a tax collector called Zacchaeus. This encounter transformed Zacchaeus life and led to him moving beyond the social isolation he had experienced to being part of his community and enjoying the best parts of what it means to experience a life that is full of blessing and meaning. No longer was he alienated from others – instead he was connected.

Being connected to others in meaningful ways is perhaps the greatest joy we experience in our lives. Certainly, being ostracised or cut off from others can be a source of great pain. Our God understands this and it is for this reason that Jesus came into our world. His life, death and resurrection provide the means for us to connect or reconnect with the God who made us. In turn, our connection with God enables deep connection to others that is life giving and beautiful.

As we make our way through the great challenges of lockdown and the disconnection this brings into our lives, may each of us deepen our connection with the one who brings life and love into all situations no matter how dire they may be. Jesus is the one who connects with all people and as we receive his offer of love and connection we are always blessed – just as Zacchaeus and others were too.

And just like that. A week of online learning from home has occurred.

May I begin by congratulating our students for embracing the experience, engaging diligently online, completing set tasks and continuing on with their learning ‘business as usual’ (almost). May I also acknowledge the incredible commitment of our teachers and support staff who last Sunday were already collaborating, planning and preparing for the week ahead.

The deliverables and achievements of this past week is a clear reminder of this wonderful Andrian community working together. And as we no doubt head into another week of remote online learning, here are a few key points to remember. Further information will be available on parent lounge, should you need to refer to it. (At the time of publishing this newsletter, an extended lockdown has not been confirmed).

Key reminders regarding online learning for the week ahead;

Students follow their normal class timetable for week 5B.
Lessons are shorter 30-40-minute lessons, allowing for breaks between lessons.
Some lessons will be scheduled independent lessons with set work on OneNote, while other lessons will be online Teams lessons with explicit teaching and time for questions and feedback.

All students will have their 'Learning Advisors Group’ (LAG) time on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning only (from 8:30am).
Thursday afternoon Sport - Students are encouraged to use the time for personal exercise.
Class attendance rolls will be taken during each Teams lesson to ensure students are engaging with their Online Learning.
Students must be appropriately dressed each day ready for their online lessons.

CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES

Prior to the lockdown, our students were involved in diverse opportunities to grow and learn outside the classroom.

We had numerous teams, both boys and girls compete in the regional Champion of Champions Futsal Titles. Our students train hard and are very competitive in Futsal. Many thanks to our coaches; Mr Mark Hibbs, Mr Paul McGilveray, Mr Christophe Tanguy, Mr Graeme Schache and Miss Casey West.

With creative juices flowing, 50 Year 8,9 and 10 students spent a full 12 hours writing a book in a day. This was part of the ‘Write A Book in A Day competition’. Students compete with teams around Australia to create a book for The Kids Cancer Council to be distributed to hospitals. These students were supported, encouraged and feed by Mrs Julie Stockwell and Mrs Helena Mackay.

Service Learning opportunities for our Year 9 and 10 involved a visit to the Currumbin Community Special School. Here our students engaged with a recreation project for CCSS students and enjoyed their time connecting together and supporting one another. Many thanks to Mr James Nelson for arranging these service opportunities.

Last week was also our German Careers Day (online). Students engaged in online workshops to inform themselves about different career pathways with a foreign language. Whatever plans your child may have for the future, knowledge of German will increase their options. Through learning German, they will acquire a range of skills which can improve the quality of both their work and private life. There are plenty of great job opportunities out there for students who speak a second language. Many thanks to Mr Jochen Schaich for the excellent opportunity he creates for our German students.

As part of the Year 12 Sport and Recreation program, our Year 12 S and R students enjoyed an overnight stay at South Currigee, South Stradbroke, led by Mrs Libby Wood. These students enjoyed camping, bush skills, fishing and boating.

The College IC’21 Entrepreneur program continues each Friday afternoon with passionate innovative business students. These students are inspired and challenged each week to see problems and find creative solutions. This is an outstanding program and wonderful opportunity for selected students and is so aptly organised and led by Mrs Terri Myles, Miss Megan Yeo and Miss Meg Sippel.

Adele Ramsay
Deputy Principal Head of Secondary School

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The CRC Senior Library is developing a strong collection of books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and welcome book suggestions from our students and families.

BRIAN FALKNER AUTHOR VISIT

This week Year 8 students during their English classes have had first-hand experience of the writing process with the visit by Australian Author, Brian Falkner. Brian posed the question ‘What is story?‘ and encouraged students to always start their writing by asking themselves ‘What if?’.

ESPORTS TOURNAMENTS

Congratulations to the below students who will be representing SALC in various Esports tournaments in Term 3 with the help of coaches – Mr Maliwat, Ms Norton and Ms Kristo.

FUSE Cup 7 and 8 Rocket League

Isla S
Harry L
Jakob H
Claire G

FUSE Cup 9and 10 Super Smash Bros

Eva L
Rhys B
Bryce U
Lavinia B

Chisholm Invitational League of Legends

Oli W
Eva L
Josie H
Ella M
Olivia N
Oliver B
Ruby W

LUNCHTIME ACTIVITIES

Amongst other lunchtime activities in the CRC, students have been involved with hand sewing scrunchies to donate to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, writing cards for the Super Max and Bryce initiative and cheering on their favourite sportspeople competing at the Olympics. Other mindful activities include jigsaws, card games and Scrabble, which have been a great hit with students.

PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE (PRC)

Students still have time to be involved with the Queensland 2021 Premier’s Reading Challenge. Many students have already read beyond the 15 books and only need to complete a form to hand into the CRC Library. Students can read any fiction or nonfiction book they like during the Challenge. Children and students who complete the challenge have their efforts recognised by receiving through the receipt of a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier of Queensland.

Who: Students in Years 7, 8 and 9

Criteria: Read minimum 15 books (any book)

Reading period: Now until Friday, 27 August

Cost: Free

ASK A LIBRARIAN

Your Librarians are always happy to help with research, finding resources, book recommendations and IT support. We also love to chat about books, life and the universe. Come in and chat to us or email us directly:

Teacher Librarian: Barbara Kristo
Digital Content and Resource Integration Library Aide: Briana Norton
Literacy, Reading and Resourcing Library Aide: Yvonne Barrett (M-Th) Trudy Slabosz (F)

The CRC Senior Library Team

WHITE LINE FEVER

I am a huge fan of the Olympic Games. I love watching the different sports, the competition and the spirit in which the athletes participate. Whilst there are genuine rivalries between competitors and countries, to me it seems that the bulk of the ‘Games’ are conducted respectfully, and sportsmanship of the highest regard is on display.

As a teacher on playground duty, I also enjoy watching the students engaged in their own games. At times the oval can look like all the Olympic sports are being conducted simultaneously. Generally, games are played in the right spirit, but it would be naïve to think that things didn’t boil over on occasions. As students explore the concept of competition, it can be hard for them to differentiate between a friendly kickabout and organised competitive sport.

I read a quote online that stated, ‘To be humble in victory and gracious in defeat displays a strength of character and a level of honour.’ As a father, I hope that I can assist my children to appreciate the meaning of this statement. Fostering sportsmanship isn’t always easy as some of us find it challenging to practise what we preach. I guarantee my son would tell you that I get too emotional watching the State of Origin. However, I would be quick to point out to him that professional sports and entertainment events are significantly different to backyard, schoolyard or junior sport. There is a time and place for both, but it must be hard for him to work out the difference.

In a perfect world, it would be somewhat of a playground utopia if our children could manage their own lunchtime games and do so in the right spirit. While it may not happen any time soon, we can all contribute towards making this a possibility by assisting our children to know when and where to take things more seriously. It’s a gradual process that never stops but one that it is well worth it in the end.

Some suggestions to help them with this are…

Look for examples of sportsmanship, both positive and negative, and discuss them with your child. Make use of the Olympics! (Particularly whilst in lockdown)
Play fairly and follow the rules. The greatest people in sport always prefer to win the right way, beyond reproach.
Play boardgames or cards where games are finished quickly and there are multiple opportunities for people to experience winning and losing.
Keep things in perspective. There are no medals at lunchtime, it is just for fun.
Support teammates by praising them when they do well and encourage them when they make mistakes.
Always keep your comments positive. If you have a concern about decisions or behaviour, then raise the issue in private with the coach or official after the game.
Seek to find value in things other than just winning. What improvements in skills or strategies where made?
Show respect to the opposition at the end of the game by shaking hands and applauding their effort win, lose or draw.
Participate in community sport with a club that promotes positive participation and values. The Olympic Games movement promotes three core values; Excellence, Friendship and Respect. I’d suggest that any club which upholds similar values is promoting the right attitude.

Post Script: Congratulations to our girl’s futsal team who won the South-East Queensland Championships last week. The team made up of Mia L, Shayla L, Leela M, Daisy G, Sunny P, Jayda K, Amelia H, Emerson H and Sophie P did an outstanding job representing the College. From all reports, there was plenty of exemplary sportsmanship on display. #Andrian Spirit!