PARENTING – What a Joy!

One of my sons is a QFES Firefighter.  So, you can well imagine what this past 1-2 weeks have looked like for him.  Why on Earth am I telling you this?  That’s a good question.  It’s a matter of sharing a short story which illustrates how just as many things stay the same, some things swing 180 degrees. 

As parents, it is our joy and challenge to love our kids and care for them, through the best and worst of times. It is this daily tension, almost regardless of their age, between giving them a hand-up (not a hand-out) and allowing them to stumble and even fall at times. It has perhaps been correctly suggested over the years that I am a little bit ‘old-school’ with parenting, though my sons, now in their twenties, are starting to value that as children and teens that I would invariably remind them that they were loved, though there were times when I didn’t particularly like them (moreover a small number of specific behaviours). If only they could have applied such adult logic in their younger years. All that said, I believe my kids always knew that they were loved and that I “had their back”. Their mother often fretted over things that I more routinely had a higher “pain threshold” with. As a great Mum, she just always wanted to know that they were ok! She would lose sleep (and still does and I suspect always will) when a real challenge befalls them.

Back to the present …. Sunday evening – 8.38pm.  My son rings me and with deep fatigue evident states “Hi Dad, just wanted to give you a quick ring and let you know that I’ve just come off an 18-hour firefight. I just needed to tell you in case Mum sees or hears it on news reports and panics …. You know how she gets!  I’m off to bed. Thanks.” What a good boy!  And here was I assuming that I would be well into my senior years until I thought that it was the turn of my children to look after their parents. It’s already happening.

The joy of parenting is the moment that you realise the love, values and discipline that you have instilled (sometimes painstakingly) over their growing years has made a difference and has had an immeasurable impact on the others-centred people they have become.

Hug your kids tonight, and if appropriate and you get the opportunity, hug someone who works in emergency services.

Peace

David Bliss
Principal

WHAT IS TRUTH? 

This was the question being considered at our first 12-18 year old focused worship time last Saturday night in the Worship Centre. Basia Shelly, one of our congregation members and Year 11 student from the College put together the following response that we were privileged to hear that night and I recognised it as absolute ‘gold’ and so I am ‘reposting it’ for a wider audience. 

Basia Writes - 

What is truth is an interesting question. When Pastor Andrew told me that this was the theme for tonight, I was a bit confused with God. You know when you read a bible verse and somehow, it’s exactly what you needed to hear? Or you listen to a sermon or a chapel or a worship song and you can see how it’s message fits with your life at that moment? I had no idea how this question fitted with my life at this moment. I had no clue what God was trying to tell me. But He must have been trying to tell me something, so I thought I’d sit on the idea a bit and let Him show me. Sure enough, that night I came upon a quote as I was scrolling through Instagram: ‘Walk towards the truth in your life and be set free.’ God had answered my confusion with a somewhat cryptic message, but I figured my interpretation of it, is what I was meant to share with you.

You know when you wake up in the middle of the night because you need to go the toilet and you stumble around in the dark half asleep trying to remember where your door is, and how to open it, and which direction the bathroom is in? Then when you get inside, you start patting the wall down like an immigration officer searching for anything illegal, except you’re looking for the light switch, not drugs, and then you find the light and turn it on and you’re blinded by how bright it is? That’s what the truth is, and that’s what God is to me. 

The weeks before ‘Christian Life Week’ camp I was stumbling around in the dark, weighed down by school and work and stress. It was like I was in the hallway trying to get to the bathroom light, and I kept stumbling into things and stubbing my toe. I was walking towards the light; towards the truth, except I just couldn’t see it yet. I had to trust that the joy of getting to the bathroom would outweigh the pain of my possibly broken toe, and boy, did it ever. I found my truth at camp: the truth that God is Love, and that He loves us unconditionally, shines like a giant light in my heart. The truth in our lives is God, and walking towards it, we’ll be set free (and make it to the bathroom). 

END OF AN ERA 

Last week our Year 12 students completed their QCS tests. The preparations for these tests are cumulative and something that spans across their learning experiences from Prep to Year 12. I would like to acknowledge Mrs Christina Wrigley (Director of Learning and Student Pathways) and the Year 12 teachers for their tireless efforts towards assisting students to prepare for their best possible performances. This year the tests were held in the CRC and I would also like to thank the Library Services and IT Departments for their support and flexibility. As a tradition, to show their support and care for the Year 12 students, Year 11 students cooked breakfast for the Year 12s.

This is the last time Year 12 students in Queensland will sit the QCS tests. Next year our class of 2020 will sit a series of external exams in Term 4 which will contribute significantly towards their final results (50% in Mathematics and Science and 25% in all other areas). The OP result will become an ATAR result on a more refined scale.   

DANCE NIGHT 

I would like to make a special mention of the Dance Night held last Saturday night. It was simply an evening of performance not to have missed. Beyond the physicality and grace on display, the art of storytelling through movement took the audience on a remarkable journey that explored some deep and uplifting themes. Thank you to our boys and girls for sharing their gifts and to Miss Guild for continuing to grow our students’ abilities and passion for Dance.  

On Tuesday, our Senior Music students took to the stage to share their incredible gifts and musicality. Thank you to each of them and to Mr Oakley-Grant for another wonderful night. 

LEARNING BEYOND THE SCHOOL GATES

Our Year 10 students took part in a two day self-guided Brisbane based excursion last week. The City XP enriches the curriculum at Year 10 where students already participate  in  Destinations and  Career  Planning, as  part of  their ‘Preparation  for  Senior’ and  journey  through a  St Andrews  education. This excursion is focused on building Teamwork, Problem Solving, Independence and Competence, as students have to navigate their way through the Brisbane CBD and engage with key civic and educational institutions. Thank you to Mr Ivett for developing the program and to the other staff who assisted in making this experience for our students possible.

Last Wednesday week, some Year 10 students attended the P.A.R.T.Y. Awareness program with regards to alcohol, risk and trauma held at the Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport.

As part of our Year 9 Connect program, Year 9 students are visiting the St Andrews Aged Care Facility to learn about and engage with older Australians who live in our community. Students hopefully exchange life stories and build connections with older members of our community.

END OF TERM 3

There is much to be done in this final week of term. Please continue to communicate with your child(ren)’s teachers as assessments and end of term activities are finalised. A reminder that the last day of term is Thursday, 19 September and classes resume on Tuesday, 8 October. 

Virginia Warner
Deputy Principal/Head of Secondary School 

WELLBEING

What a busy term it has been. In the last few weeks our Year 10’s have explored future career and university pathways through the City XP, travelling to Brisbane over two days on the train and navigating their way from one venue to the next, with a little bit of help. Our Year 12’s have sat the final QCS exams ever and are now fully in the throes of their penultimate exam block, things are truly coming to the end for our 2019 graduates. The Year 11’s are keeping on as they plough through the first experience of the new senior assessment. 

Congratulations to:

• The Year 10’s for their exemplary behaviour while on the City XP and to Mr Ivett for his excellent organisation of the two days. Also a thank you to the staff and aides who joined us and made the experience possible (see image of our UQ contingent who were overwhelmed with the size of this university, which has its own post code)
• The Leos who will support the Baby Gives Back program with our sister Leo Club from Palm Beach
• Mrs Wrigley for her excellent preparation of our Seniors for the QCS exams.

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

NAPLAN ONLINE 2020

In line with Independent Schools Queensland, the College is planning to transition to online delivery of NAPLAN testing for May 2020.  This is a significant shift from the nature of the previous tests over the past eleven years.  Consequently, there is a substantial amount of work being undertaken through all levels of the education system to ensure this transition is smooth.  To this end, the College will be participating in a ‘School Readiness Test’ on Thursday, 10 October for all students in Year 8. Students on the day will be undertaking two sample tests like those planned for 2020.  Results for these tests are not collected, they are merely a means to test delivery systems and to familiarise students with the new platform of delivery.  

Families can gain a glimpse into the nature of the new format by accessing the Public Demonstration Site and following the links through to relevant tests (https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site). This site will allow the user to negotiate through to sample questions much in the same way as a student in 2020.

Should you have any questions about the School Readiness Test or wish to discuss NAPLAN Online further then please do not hesitate to contact me at the College or via email on tomc@salc.qld.edu.au.

Tom Casey
Assistant Head of Middle School - Curriculum Design

Each year in the first week of September, the Year 10 cohort embark upon a 2-day excursion to Brisbane, known as the City Experience, or “City XP”. This activity underpins the College’s focused pathway preparations for our Year 10 students, as they transition into the final 2 years of their secondary schooling. It will inform their Career plans and also their subject selection for Year 11 and 12, giving them authentic, hands-on exposure to the tertiary/career paths they are pursuing.

Largely self-guided, the students are grouped into teams of like-minded peers, in order to explore the post-schooling world of tertiary study, careers and civics. Accompanied by many of their teachers, this year we visited the following sites and venues;

• The Queensland University of Technology (both Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses) with a focus on Engineering, Law, Education, Business, the Arts and Design faculties
• The University of Queensland with a focus on Business and the Arts
• The Griffith Film School
• The Griffith Conservatorium of Music
• The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
• The Queensland Museum’s NASA Exhibit
• The Science Centre
• The Dutton Park Ecosciences Precinct
• The Brisbane Law Courts

The student teams assigned themselves two destinations for each of the 2 days in Brisbane, arriving at 9:00am and leaving at 2:00pm, filling their days with not only tours and guidance from the institutions and businesses, but also negotiating their way around our Capital City via its many public transport and walkway networks. This was an invaluable experience since many may need to do so daily in a little over 2 years.

Trent Ivett
Year 10 Coordinator

ECOCLUB WASTE AUDIT

St Andrews EcoClub conducted a waste audit of the Middle and Senior School bins on Thursday, 29 August. The aim was to identify the waste that could be recycled or composted to reduce the amount going to landfill.  Contents of 30 wheelie bins were sorted into waste groups. The main group was compostable organic waste being 67% of the total.  Ninety-four containers that were eligible for the 10 cent refund were also found in the green bins and over 700 plastic cling film and chip packets were in the count.

STUDENT LED CONFERENCE 

This is an important part of the reporting process and one that allows for students to share their learning journey with their parents. It was lovely seeing the interaction and genuine excitement that the children had as they went through what they had been doing in class. 

END OF TERM 3 

It is hard to believe that we are fast approaching the end of Term 3. It has been a very busy term with lots to be proud of. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the staff in the Junior School for their hard work this term and wish you all a very happy and safe holiday break. 

IN BRIEF – Celebrating the Good Stuff

• The Year 3 Sleepover will be held next Thursday night. It will be a great way for them to finish the Term and enjoy each other’s company. 
• I loved seeing the Prep to Year 3 students participate in the Mini Olympics. The joy on their faces as they ran their little hearts out was great to see. 

• As you are receiving this newsletter, the students are enjoying their disco.  

TUCKSHOP 

Please make sure that when you order your child’s lunch through the MySchool Connect App, that you go through to the basket section and finalise the payment. We have had several students complain they haven’t received their lunch.  The main cause for this is due to the payment not being finalised.  We will contact you if this happens to try and organise a meal for your child, but please be aware that this places extra pressure on staff to have this done at serving time and your child will have to wait while it is being prepared. If we can’t contact you, we will provide a basic sandwich and piece of fruit and we will ask you to reimburse the College. 

NAPLAN ONLINE

Next year, St Andrews Lutheran College will be transitioning from the paper version of NAPLAN to NAPLAN Online. To ensure we are technically ready to move to a digital environment for the testing, we have been conducting a number of mandatory School Readiness Tests in preparation for 2020.

If you are interested in finding out more about the NAPLAN Online, this link provides a succinct overview for parents: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3S1z6kUnRRE&feature=youtu.be

One change to the testing due to the online version, is that the tests are now tailored. This means that your child will start with a set of questions, then as your child responds to the questions the questions that follow will be suited to their ability. A public demonstration site is available where you and your child can view the sorts of ICT skills that are used in questions they encounter with NAPLAN Online. (Please note that the demonstration site does not tailor to a student’s ability though. The questions are just provided to show what a test might look like.) This is the link for the Public Demonstration site: https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site

At St Andrews, we consider NAPLAN to be one small part of student assessment and that their regular work in the classroom is the most effective indicator of their achievements and success at school.

STUDENT LED CONFERENCES (SLC’s)

May I take the opportunity to thank all the parents/care givers who attended the Student Led Conferences. The SLCs allowed students to reflect deeply on their learning through the IB Learner Profile both on the day of the conferences and in the weeks building up to it. It also provided the opportunity for students to share authentic learning with their parents in the form of showing their work samples and teaching their parents games and activities utilised in class to assist with learning and understanding. When students lead conferences with their parents, they gain a voice (agency) in their education and develop skills like organisation skills, communication skills and time management skills.

The highlight of the day was seeing so many parents deeply engaged in conversations with their child…the smiles said it all!

Jacqueline Faulkner
Deputy Head of Junior School / PYP Coordinator

During Term 3, Year 4 students have been eagerly involved in exploring forces and motion through numerous design thinking challenges. The objective of the final task was to follow the design thinking process and build a ramp that demonstrates their understanding of forces and motion.  Students had fun experimenting in small groups so when a toy car was released from the top of the ramp it would travel between 1m and 1.5m from the bottom of the ramp. These challenges require students to develop creativity, critical thinking, communication and work collaboratively in groups. Students recorded their thinking and learning in their STEAM journal.

Vikki Rees
Teacher Librarian/ICT Coordinator

Year 5 students ventured into the past to experience life on the Gold Fields. Upon arrival, all dressed in their colonial outfits, the students were intercepted by a local bushranger who quickly bailed up the ‘new chums’ and robbed them of their hard-earned gold. Fortunately, the bushranger was apprehended by a ‘trap’ (police officer) and the goods were returned to the rightful owners. 

Next, everyone was led to the camp of ‘Andrews Hill’ where students explored their surroundings. Everyone got an idea of what it was like to survive during colonial times by engaging in activities such as tent making, gold mining and haggling for goods at the General Store. After a bit of fresh baked damper and tracking down some infamous local bushrangers, everyone contracted prospector’s gold fever and tried to strike it rich. Unfortunately, not everyone hit the jackpot. Some even served a stint behind bars and could not wait to get out of town.

Overall, the trip to Eureka was excellent. It was encouraging to see everyone working collaboratively to achieve a common goal. Many thanks to the parents, staff and students who made this day a fantastic learning experience that we are not likely to forget.

Phil Buddee
Year 5 Teacher

We are excited to be holding a Colour Run for Years 7 to 12 on Thursday, 17 October to fundraise for the East Timor Service Tour.

Students must wear their school sport uniform to and from school and change into a simple white t-shirt and appropriate length sports short for the Colour Run. Whilst the colours can be washed out please be aware that the students will get colours on their clothes and they will get wet. Girls are encouraged to wear a swimming costume underneath their shorts and white t-shirt. Students with light coloured hair will be provided with hair conditioner to apply before the event.

The event will cost $10.00. Participating children will receive a pair of sunglasses and a sausage sizzle. If your child wishes to participate, they need to pay their entry fee by the end of Term 3. This can be completed in 2 ways:

1. Write their name, LAG and “Colour run” on an envelope and enclose $10.00. Hand this in to Main Reception.

2. Parents can call Main Reception and pay over the phone using a credit card – make sure you state your child’s name and Year Level.

Students with respiratory condition or related allergies 

There will be an optional course available for these students which will ensure throwing of the coloured powder directly on the child is avoided.

Parents who have any concerns can email Libby Wood on libbyw@salc.qld.edu.au so they can make an informed decision on their child’s participation.

Looking forward in seeing you there!

Libby Wood
Head of Sport – Secondary School

SLAPS ATHLETICS 

At the recent SLAPS Athletics Carnival, St Andrews placed 1^st for overall points in the division 2 competition. A huge congratulations to all students who competed on the day and contributed to the win. After each Lutheran Carnival two medals are handed out to two selected students. Congratulations to Jye King and Evie Morse who received these medals for their outstanding performances, sportsmanship, courage and teamwork on the day. 

PREP TO YEAR 3 MINI GAMES

The Prep to Year 3 Mini Games was a huge success on Wednesday. The students participated in 6 different activities all led by our Year 6 Active School Leaders and three wonderful Year 8 boys. Thanks to all involved including all family members for coming along to cheer and participate with our students.

DANCE NIGHT

5 – 6 – 7 – 8! What a fantastic showcase of Dance at St Andrews. From Animi, College Troupes, to senior classwork, the audience were treated to a stunning display of Dance. We are very proud of the Dance program at the College and it has been another wonderful year for our dancers. Our sincerest thanks to our Dance Coordinator, Miss Paula Guild for her leadership and innovation and of course that amazing choreography. Bravo!

SENIOR MUSIC EVENING

This night is another highlight on the Arts Calendar where our Senior Music and Music Extension students performed to an appreciative audience of family and friends. What another wonderful display of talent and creativity and young people’s dedication to their music journey. It was also a treat to have a special guest performance from The Saints. Well done to all musicians and special thanks to Music Coordinator, Mr Paul Oakley-Grant for his encouragement and support of our musicians.

SOMERSET FESTIVAL

Recently many of our younger performers participated in the Somerset Young Performer’s Festival. This is a wonderful opportunity to gain confidence and have a performance experience. Special thanks to our PAT Tutors, Kristine Dennis, Linlee Ogden, Katie O’Gorman and Natalie Kirk for their support of our young performers.

CHICAGO AUDITIONS

Last week saw the auditions for our 2020 Musical Chicago. It was a joy to see so many young people singing, dancing and acting their way into the cast. As a Department we are very excited to bring this production to our home stage early Term 2 in 2020.

CULTURAL AWARDS

Looking ahead our Cultural Awards will be held early Term 4. For Years 7 to 12 it will be held Friday, 11 October at 6:30pm and for Years 4 to 6 it will be Wednesday, 16 October from 1:00pm. Students who are receiving an award will be sent an invitation via email. Those who are performing will also be emailed information before the end of Term 3.

Cilla Scott
Head of Arts

BLAZER ORDERING FOR YEAR 9 STUDENTS 

Next year your child will require a College blazer to be worn for College photos at the beginning of Term 1 and then daily as part of the formal winter uniform in Terms 2 and 3. 

Orders for blazers (new and second hand) must be placed with the Uniform Shop by Friday, 13 September 2019, so they arrive in time for official school photos early next year. Orders placed after this date may incur a late fee as charged by the supplier.

The Uniform Shop has sample blazers to try on for sizing.  There are some new and second hand blazers available for immediate purchase. More second hand blazers are expected at the end of the year and requests for these will be taken. Please click the link below and complete the survey to enable our planning.

Parent Blazer Survey

We encourage parents to accompany their child when ordering blazers to ensure the correct fitting. Please book an appointment. The Uniform Shop is open Monday to Friday from 7:45am to 9:30am and Wednesday afternoons from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. Other times by appointment.  For more information phone 5568 5933 or email uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au

New Blazers                     
Girls  $195           Boys   $200 

Second-Hand Blazers       
$100-$120 (depending on quality)

A $50 deposit will be required when placing your order and you are welcome to use our lay-by facility to make payments. 

 In addition to the blazer, the following uniform changes occur in Senior School:

• Girls will require a senior tie which is worn all year around.
• The Boys formal shirt changes to a style suitable for wearing with a tie. This shirt is worn all year with the neck left open in summer and worn with the tie in winter (the shirt with tartan trim on the pocket is not worn in the Senior School).
• Boys will require a tie and grey trousers for winter - these are needed for photos too. 

Sharon McVay
Uniform Shop Manager

SEPTEMBER

Sunday 15

Vicki Wilson Cup Netball Finals - Day 1

Tournament Of Minds - State Finals USQ Springfield Campus

Community Worship Service Prep 9:00am

Monday 16

Year 12 Exams

Year 11 Assessment block

Ormeau Touch Titles at Owen Park

Tuesday 17

Year 12 Exams

Year 11 Assessment block

Years 7 to 9 (Digitalis) Visual Art Excursion

Years 4 to 12 ICAS English Competition

Year 10 Health Elective Excursion

Years 7 to 9 (Artist Studio) Visual Art Excursion

Wednesday 18

Year 12 Exams

Year 11 Assessment block

Years 4 to 12 ICAS Mathematics Competition

Thursday 19

Term 3 Concludes Prep to Year 12

Year 12 Exams

Year 11 Assessment block

Year 3 Sleep over

Year 11  Mighty Minds Workshop

World Gratitude Day - run by Leos

Friday 20

Student Free Day / Staff Only

Creative Generation Exhibition Awards

Sunday 22

Years 11 and 12 Snow Sports Tour

Netball - Samsung Cup Day 2

Congratulations to the winners of the Father’s Raffle.  

1st Place  Mia Year 1B 

2nd Place Kirralee Year 2A

Wednesday, 20 November at 7:00pm is the AGM in the CRC (Senior School Library), parking in the very top carpark. We would love to see new faces and hear your ideas. If you would like to add anything to the Agenda for the P&F meeting please do not hesitate to email pandf@salc.qld.edu.au.  All parents & guardians are welcome to attend and you can hear Mr David Bliss’s Principal’s report and when we elect the new committee. If you would like to be a part of the new committee or if you would like to hear what is involved for a particular role, please contact Amanda Ryan pandf@salc.qld.edu.au

Save the date for the P&F Christmas Carols on the Sunday, 1 December.

Enjoy your weekend and God bless from the P&F team.