Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

“But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

“Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

“Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

“The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’

“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

Luke 14:16-23 (NIV)

It is often around this time of year, that I hear the words, “I don’t have time.” “I would love to help with that, but I don’t have time.” “I would love to accept the invitation, but we are already booked up!” These days we are all far too busy. This is especially true if we are a parent or in a position of helping someone else. Sometimes it feels as though we don’t have time to stop. We don’t have time to eat. We don’t have time to socialise. Sadly, sometimes, we don’t have time to invest in our children and we certainly don’t have time for God. These days, productivity has killed all the fun – people are not spending enough time with each other, with God and with their children.

The hard reality, of course, is that we have more than enough time – it is a question of how we spend it. It may be that our work calls us to balance accounts and make budgets and plans. When was the last time any one of us budgeted our time, made plans to include the things that are important or declared an audit of our time accounts? These are valuable things to do, especially if the management of our time seem to be slipping out of control.

It has been variously said that we are not human doings but human beings. We need time to “be” – in the presence of God, in the presence of each other and just “be” with ourselves. Of course, we have work to do, too – important work I’m sure – but this must be balanced against our other priorities, needs and our own health.

May God lead you to find time for the things that really matter this term and always.

THE FATHERING PROJECT

Last term I wrote to you about a new initiative starting up at St Andrews – a Dad’s group run with the help and experience of The Fathering Project (https://thefatheringproject.org/). The date of the first session is now Tuesday, 27 October at 5:15pm – this is an online event. If you would like to register for this event, please click https://thefatheringproject.or.... I believe some of what will be covered in the first session is the importance of spending time with your children!

Nathan Glover
College Pastor

MAKING THE MOST OF EVERY MINUTE

Every minute counts and we have certainly been making the most of every minute in the first two weeks of Term 4. For our Year 12 students, the term ahead will continue to unfold as perhaps one of their most memorable and challenging at St Andrews. Their pursuit of their own personal bests as they have hit the major pre-external exam revision time has been nothing short of impressive. As our seniors transition into life after secondary schooling this term, the focus will remain on 'good living and good leaving'. 

Today we held the Prep to Year 12 Journey Breakfast for our Foundation students and families who have been at the College since Prep. It is always a lovely occasion of reflection as we gather to share stories and photos of their journey. Albeit this year, like with all things in COVID times, we had to approach it differently. Thank you to Ms Stewart and Mrs Lalor for overseeing the occasion. 

Inside and outside of scheduled classes, 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 Chicago the College Musical, FUSE Cup, All Schools State Touch Titles, the IC’20 entrepreneurial program in full swing, it is fair to say the College continues to see God's blessings and His gifts in abundance daily.

Our Year 8 students attended their Camp this week and our Year 7 students also engaged in a two-day Outdoor Education experience. I would like to thank Mr Smith and Mr Harris for overseeing these programs to ensure they were possible for our young people. Thanks also to all staff who attended to support our students. 

Our Year 11 students have participated in a diverse range of ‘out of classroom’ learning this past week with the Year 11 Authentic Art Experience - a two-day excursion held along Tallebudgera Creek and the Cougal Cascades Currumbin where they created and were inspired by nature for their body of work. The Musical, Chicago was simply exceptional! I'd like to congratulate all of the students and staff involved. It was simply Superb!!

At St Andrews, we celebrate World Staff Day on Friday, 30 October and this year on behalf of College parents, the P&F are running a Coffee Van to say thank you to our wonderful team. As parents, I’d like to also encourage you to consider sending an email or a card to share gratitude with any of the members of staff you would like to acknowledge. Gratitude is a focus for us at St Andrews and a simple gesture like a smile, card or word of appreciation always helps to lift spirits. On that note, thank you to you for your ongoing support and for sharing your child/ren with us at St Andrews. They are the heartbeat of this College!

A FEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS

 CELEBRATION EVENTS

• Year 12 Valedictory and Celebration Thursday, 19 November at 6:00pm to be held at St Andrews in the Multi-Purpose Hall (for Year 12 students and parents only). Invitations and seat booking information were mailed during the break. Students are asked to wear their Formal School Uniform on this occasion.
• Year 10 & 11 Celebration and Awards Assembly Tuesday, 24 November 1:30pm – students only event.
• Year 9 Celebration Event Thursday, 26 November at 6:00pm be held at St Andrews in the Multi-Purpose Hall (for Year 9 students and parents only). Year 9 students will also have a special day of celebration to mark the end of Middle School later this term. 
• Year 7 & 8 Celebration and Awards Assembly Tuesday, 1 December at 2:00pm – students only event. 

YEARS 7-12 CULTURAL AWARDS  

This year the Cultural Awards will be a recorded showcase that celebrates the cultural life of the College and individual achievements of our students which will be shared in mid Term Four.

END OF TERM DATES

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 and 11 will be finishing the school year on Friday, 27 November. Students inYears 7-9 will finish on Tuesday, 2 December.

As you can see, we have a very busy term ahead and we look forward to continuing to celebrate your child/ren and their learning over these very important events.

Virginia Warner
Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary School

WELLBEING

Driver Safety Courses – a few of our Year 11 ladies participated in a drive safe course over the holidays. They felt that they learnt a lot and that it was very worthwhile so I thought I would share the details with you. On Tuesday, 27 October there is a day for young teens to learn driver safety and students are required to have a valid driver’s licence and a minimum of Learners to participate in the DriveSafe Program. They promise a lot of practical driving time and low student to teacher ratios. Further information can be found on their website or Instagram - https://norwellmotorplex.com.au/drivesafe/

Congratulations to:

• The St Andrews Leos who ran their very first BBQ of the year at Bunnings to raise money for our wonderful charity Super Max and Bryce. I am thrilled to report that we sold $1650 worth of sausages and drinks. Thanks to Torin W, Blake M, Oscar M, Mariel U, Bronte G, Rikki-Mae S, Stephanie C, Clare V and of course the wonderful Mrs Bartel for volunteering their time.
• Emily M who’s continued success and hard work has seen her place very well in a range of competitions with the highlight being Girls Champion at the Central QLD Junior Open. 
• Brody C in Year 10 who competed in the MTB Fondo at Nerang National Park run by Robbie McEwen. He placed first in the Under 17yrs Mens Medio 32km MTB (2 laps of a 16km course) by a margin of over 2 minutes and 15th overall in all Mens age group. Awesome effort!

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. 

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

Cecile Ryan Centre

The Senior Library is promoting Queensland Mental Health Week with book and digital displays.  Student wellbeing continues to be a core focus in the Cecile Ryan Centre especially during this busy term with exams coming up. Read more about the positive impact libraries can have on wellbeing here.

This includes considering how our students use the library space and providing a safe inclusive and welcoming environment. New furnishings including lounge chairs, portable shelving and rugs have been ordered and students are already enjoying the comfort of new bean bags. 

The Senior Library also has the following student wellbeing initiatives such as the Lego Wall and craft activities during recreational breaks.  The Minecraft club is working on a project this term “Craft the Village Green”. Opportunities to learn 3D printing and sewing will be announced soon! Many of these activities are the result of listening to the voices and perspectives of our students. 

ESPORTS

Congratulations to our Term 3 Rocket League Esports team who played in the Term 3 competition. This term the Esports in the FUSE cup is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and the students are already practicing during their lunch break to become ready for the upcoming competition against other schools.   

CREATIVE WRITING AND BOOK CLUB

In our student-led Creative Writing and Book Club we engage in activities involving literature. Held every Wednesday lunch time, students get to know and interact with others interested in reading. Every term a new Genre is chosen. Club members read books from the Library or write responses to prompts relating to that Genre. Every meeting we have activities such as story making games or picking questions about the books we are reading out of a hat, or we just listen to music while writing our own stories. Creative Writing and Book Club is a fun and chill club, and a great way for students to share their love of literature with each other. 

NEW BOOKS

We are ordering new books for students to engage and connect with reading for pleasure. Student suggestions are welcome! A suggestion box is located on the loans desk. Students can also access books digitally through the Wheelers eLibrary by using their school log-in details. 

ASK A LIBRARIAN

Your Librarians are always happy to help with research, finding resources, book recommendations and IT support. Come in and chat to us or via Teams or email:

Warmest regards

The CRC Senior Library Team

WELCOME TO TERM 4! 

We would love to extend a warm welcome to our families and especially to the new families who have joined our learning community as we begin Term 4. It was wonderful to see the students return to campus happy and ready for the exciting term ahead. This is a busy time of the year as it is the one where we will take the time to reflect on the year and celebrate the many achievements with some upcoming special events! 

PYPX – AND LIFT OFF! 

For the first time ever, our Year 6 students launched their PYP Exhibition (PYPX) via a virtual platform. What was initially anticipated as being a challenge soon became an exciting opportunity!

All across the homes of the Year 6 students and staff, families gathered together to view the learning that was undertaken by the students throughout the previous nine weeks. For those who are not aware, The PYPX is the culminating unit for all Year 6 students which enables them to apply their skills and knowledge from previous years as they collaboratively explore a real-world issue or opportunity. This process serves as a springboard for self-initiated inquiry and action. The in-depth inquiry commenced with a provocation - a gallery walk throughout the Junior School campus to view images and captions at the various year level locations, allowing students to reminisce and reflect on units explored since Prep. (The students loved seeing images of themselves especially when they were younger!) 

The virtual platform highlighted the cohort song selected by the students, Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror, where students undertook a particular role as part of this performance: a musician, a singer, a choreographer or a technical assistant. It was a beautiful rendition of an absolute classic that reflected the notion of the PYPX  - How We Express Ourselves – ‘I’m going to make a change!’ The platform also featured an Art Gallery which contained photograph images of the student’s art pieces and an artist statement about one of their creative works. Another section of the platform allowed viewers to see several dances that had been choreographed by groups of students and of course, there were the Sway presentations completed by the PYPX groups about their issue or opportunity. Special thanks to Lachlan and Talia who did a magnificent job of being the ‘Masters of the Celebration’ by introducing the various sections available on the platform. Congratulations to our Year 6 cohort on the PYPX and thank you for sharing your learning and experiences with the Year 8 students and classes throughout the Junior School. The perseverance and resilience of our students is a true testament of their ability to demonstrate dispositions of the IB learner profile such as being open-minded, an inquirer, a risk-taker and reflective. You were amazing and should be extremely proud of your accomplishments!

The Year 6 teachers, Single Subject teachers, Art Specialists along with every teacher in the Junior School taking on a mentor role, did an outstanding job supporting students as they embraced the new virtual way of sharing the PYPX. As a community, we are very proud of our collective achievements!

GODS GREEN EARTH CLUB 

This year a new club formulated to be actively engaged in how we can be good care takers of our planet/environment that we have been given the responsibility of by God. The God’s Green Earth Club members have engaged in several self-initiated group projects this year with the latest one focusing on creating art activities with some natural materials for the Prep classes. Talia (Year 6) shares about this action:

During week 10 of Term 3, the God’s Green Earth Club undertook some arts rotations for the Preps. These activities utilised natural items, which included rocks, sticks and leaves. The aim of these activities was to create engaging tasks that were still sustainable and good for the environment. The Preps had the opportunity to participate in making hand trees, stick wands and painting rocks in their classrooms. These activities were a great experience for the God’s Green Earth Club to run as we were able to be leaders and manage the activities while being environmentally sustainable. 

The Preps really enjoyed the experience and had lots of fun doing the craft activities. Thank you for the time and effort put in by Ms Faulkner, the club and all the staff who participated. 

May the term ahead be full of new learnings for your child/ren. I encourage you to continue viewing your child’s Seesaw Digital Portfolio so you can see the progress they are demonstrating. Communication remains a high priority for us. If you have any concerns at all, please let your teachers know.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.
(Psalm 37:5 ESV)

Jacqueline Faulkner
Co-Acting Head of Junior School

PICKING UP OUR JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS

With the new Term, just a reminder about traffic on campus. Please be aware of and adhere to the traffic markings. We want to keep our students safe so please do not cross traffic, or call your child to cross any unmarked areas. There are crossings in place that are monitored by staff to ensure that all are safe. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Also, we are still following recommendations from the Queensland Health Department about parents not being on campus. We are asking again, for the safety of our students, to stay in your car when collecting your child/ren. If you do need to get out of your car, please remember physical distancing requirements.

Karen Koehler

Co-Acting Head of Junior School

“If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach.”

“If a child doesn’t know how to swim, we teach.”

“If a child doesn’t know how to multiply, we teach.”

“If a child doesn’t know how to drive, we teach.”

“If a child doesn’t know how to behave, we... teach? …punish?”

Why can’t we finish the last sentence as automatically as 

we do the others?

Tom Herner, 1998.

The pastoral care framework of the Junior School is designed to provide students with well-developed and age appropriate social emotional competencies. Rather than being viewed as a system of behaviour management tools to ensure the adherence to essential agreements, an effective pastoral care program is one that provides explicit teaching of skills. These skills include social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills and responsible decision making. These are lifelong skills that are never truly mastered, and even as adults we continue to learn through our mistakes and critical self-reflection. So, why are we so quick to leap straight to punishment and retribution when our children don’t get it right with these social emotional competencies? Or, when our child feels harmed by another student who has made poor judgement or is not reaching age appropriate milestones with social skills, why do we seek punishment and shame for that student? So that they will learn…?

Ascertaining the social emotional competencies in our students is one of the ways in which we identify if extra educational support is required to boost specific or generalised social skills. This may be done in one-to-one sessions or group activities. The learner profiles that are embedded within the PYP Framework also help to guide student learning toward building strong social skills in the classroom. Our playground provides a perfect vessel for the purpose of strengthening social connections and conflict resolution strategies when issues arise.

Beyond the College, social emotional competencies are developed in children by positive role modelling, exposure to a range of social interactions, face to face contact, and the instilling of social boundaries and values. As a parent, perhaps the most important goal to aim for with our children is a continued dialogue of what effective communication, peaceful problem solving, fairness, safety and respect should look like, sound like and feel like. 

Mardi Frost
Acting Deputy Principal/Pastoral Care

A year to the day of our first rehearsal, Chicago opened. What a journey this has been. And what a sensational production. I would like to express my gratitude and admiration to the students and creative team for their commitment to this most unusual musical experience. I am so very proud of the show and whilst we as a College have always enjoyed a reputation for producing quality musicals, I would say that this one is our best yet.

Solo Dance Eisteddfod Achievements 

Over the last few weeks, the dancers have been busy competing at solo eisteddfods across the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. They have all received exceptional results. 

Junior school student Lexi G received exceptional results at the Get The Beat Finals. Lexi was awarded 1st in Contemporary, 1st in Open and 1st in Lyrical. She was also the overall highest scoring soloist in the 10 years section and was 1st overall Top 5 Pre Junior Soloist. In addition to these results, Lexi was the overall winner and Pre Junior GTB Champion. 

Middle school student Lola G also competed at the GTB finals. Lola was awarded 1st in Tap, 3rd in Lyrical and was runner up Top 5 Teen Soloist. She also had the 3rd highest scoring soloist in the 13 years section and was Top 10 Teen Champion. 

At Evolution, Evie Kennedy was awarded 1st in Tap, 1st in Open Contemporary, 2nd in Contemporary and Highly Commended in Lyrical. She was the Top 5 highest scoring soloist in the Teen division. At Starbound, Evie placed 2nd for Tap and Highly Commended for Lyrical. Evie then also competed at Get The Beat Regional competition where she placed 2nd in Contemporary, 2nd in Lyrical, 2nd in Open, 3rd in Jazz and 3rd in Tap. She then competed in Get The Beat Finals where she placed 3rd for Tap, 5th for Open and received double platinum scores for Lyrical, Contemporary and Jazz. Evie also was in the Top 5 Dance off and Champion of Champions. 

Alexi R competed at Starbound Eisteddfod and was awarded 1st place in her age division for her contemporary piece 'Warrior'. Alexi's routine combined her Martial Arts and Dance training in her tribal inspired piece. 

Junior student Lylah H competed at Evolution where she received high results in both her Lyrical and Jazz routines. Lylah scored a total of 93/100 for Jazz and 91.2/100 for Lyrical. 

Congratulations to all students on these wonderful achievements. We are incredibly proud of you! 

Cultural Awards

Over the coming weeks we will be recording our Bands, Choirs and Dance troupes in preparation for our virtual Cultural Awards Showcase. Students receiving awards have been notified via email and this will also be recorded. We anticipate that the recordings will be made available towards the end of the Term. Please accept the permission on Parent Lounge if your child is involved in any of our Music or Dance groups.

Our Recording Schedule is as follows:

NB: All in RBT

Monday 19 October

7:30am - Strings

LAG – 7 – 11 Awards

11:00am - JS Awards

Tuesday 20 October

Lunchtime onwards

College Dance Troupes

Thursday 22 October

7:30am - Mini Musos, JS Concert Band, Concert Band

Friday 23 October

7:30am – Golden Clefs, Senior Choir, Show Choir

ANIMI 

At the end of this year Animi will no longer continue at St Andrews.  After 17 years, Tina Tanguy and Animi leave behind a legacy of building community and friendships through Dance. As a College we are so grateful to Tina and acknowledge and appreciate how important Animi has been to many of our College families and we wish her every blessing as she begins a new adventure.

The College Dance Program has troupes and tuition opportunities available from Year 4 through our existing Co-Curricular Dance Program and given that Animi will no longer be in place we will be offering Dance classes for Year 1 – 3. 

TERM 4 DATES

It is a busy final term in the Arts Department. Please note the following dates

Monday 19 October
The Saints at the Gold Coast Jazz Club

Thursday 22 October
House Battle of the Bands

Friday 6 November
MS Circus Elective performance to ELC

Monday 9 November
Middle School Musical Elective – Aristocats to selected JS year Levels

Thursday 12 November
Trinity College London Exam Recording

Monday 16 November
Year 7 – 12 Vocal Concert 3:30pm RBT

NB Students will perform in front of each other and a recording will be shared of individual performers with their families.

Tuesday 17 November
ASCA Drama Exams

Cilla Scott
Head of Art

In the last week of Term 3 (Thursday to Sunday) the St Andrews boys’ Basketball team participated in the annual Champion Basketball School Queensland tournament (i.e. State championships). All games were played at the historic home of Basketball in Queensland, the Auchenflower Basketball Stadium in Brisbane.

The team consisted of four Year 9s, five Year 10s and one Year 11, and considering that the teams from other schools consisted of primarily Year 12 students, the St Andrews team performed admirably. All boys showed great determination, tenacity and effort in all games, with the experience of this tournament providing a good basis for the next couple of years.

The team consisted of: Nathan C, Charlie C, William E, Dylan F, Jay G, Will M, Kyle M, Luke M, Ethan R, Jarrod W. 

Results:

St Andrews (28) v Beaudesert SHS (30)

St Andrews (25) v Siena Catholic College (59)

St Andrews (29) v Windaroo Valley SHS (52)

St Andrews (24) v Rochedale SHS (59)

St Andrews (30) v Ormeau Woods SHS (35)

St Andrews (27) v Emmaus College (50)

St Andrews (44) v Moreton Bay Boys’ College (16)

Shane Edwards
Head of Mathematics Department

Hello from your friendly P&F team,

This 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 are all welcome.   

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

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

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

Term and conditions apply.

Today your youngest child in your family attending the College will bring home a book of 10 tickets so please keep an eye out.   

We hope you can join us at the

AGM on Wednesday, 11 November at 7:00pm in the J Block Lighthouse Boardroom.

This AGM is where we vote for next years P&F. 

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. pandf@salc.qld.edu.au

We look forward to an amazing community raffle this term!