Year 9 Christian Studies students are just completing their Term One unit that investigates human suffering and pain. The causes of human suffering are many and varied and as we move through life we all encounter different forms of hardship to a greater or lesser extent. One of the challenging questions within the unit is how does God fit into the bigger picture of all the suffering that occurs? Down through the centuries some philosophers have used the existence of suffering as proof that God does not exist. These types of debates will always occur but there are other angles to investigate. The question of God’s involvement in situations of hardship and suffering is one that brings challenge and encouragement to all of us.  

As we face the present health crisis it is easy to get caught up with the natural tendency to ‘bunker down’ and only be concerned about our own personal security. It is this thinking that is leading to our supermarkets being emptied of food and the abuse of store personnel who are endeavouring to maintain some semblance of order and fairness. In amongst this, some of our neighbours – neighbour being defined by other Australians - are or will be, facing significant hardship as their means of income disappears amongst all the social and economic ramifications of the crisis. 

What is God endeavouring to do? It is there in bible verse. He is longing for us to rescue the weak and needy. This is always His will for us but the need is heightened at times of crisis and great challenge such as now. It is a real blessing to draw strength from the fact that God is providing all we need to cope with the challenges ahead of us. As we recognise this, we are empowered by Him to provide help to others who so badly need it. May this be true in our lives in the weeks and months ahead. May our God of love and goodness lead us who have plenty to share with others who do not have enough so that justice and mercy prevail in our world and His will is enacted as he calls us to be His agents of love and service.

It has been an unprecedented start to the year. I am grateful every day to work at St Andrews and to spend my days with our exceptional young people and great staff. We talk a lot about the Andrian Spirit and being others-centred at St Andrews and over these last few months of bushfires and Covid-19, what has impressed me most about our young people has been their ability to keep a positive mindset and heart-set. With hearts, minds and hands they have looked to support one another and our wider community and they have continued to focus on their learning. Beyond providing a strong academic program it truly is the strengthening of character and a community spirit that continues to set a St Andrews education apart. 

This week staff and students supported past student Jack Coles (2017) and his family as they have come to terms with ongoing health issues. ‘Go Without for Jack’ grew from an idea into a community of action which not only raised ($2,521.00) much needed funds for the family. More importantly the messages of hope, encouragement and love written to Jack and his family have lifted their spirits. 

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On Mufti Day students came dressed in the colours of the rainbow as a symbol of hope and unity. We raised $1,330.25 to be sent to Australian Lutheran World Service to support their work with those most in need in the community. 

Our teaching staff have continued to work with an online platform – Microsoft Teams this week in preparation for how we may need to support at home learning. Teams is a platform that works well with OneNote which is the main point of contact for all subjects for all year levels (Year 7 – 12). I highly recommend that parents ask to see their child(ren)’s OneNote regularly just to keep up with what is being learned in different subjects. 

Academic results are posted to Parent Lounge and Student Café progressively throughout the year and if you need support accessing these results please contact us at the College. 

St Andrews is a busy, active and wonderful community. Whatever the weeks ahead bring staying connected will help all of us get through the challenges.

Virginia Warner
Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary School

MINDFUL MARCH

This week one of our thoughts for the week was to ‘stop, breathe and notice’. Mindfulness is a superpower and if we can master the ability to “simply be aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t)” then we are well on the way to mindfulness (Baraz n.d.). 

Some wonderful websites that explain this superpower and give practical applications include:

https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness

https://www.headspace.com/mindfulness

https://www.mindful.org/medita...

While we value the pursuit of academic personal bests there is nothing more fulfilling than talking to a young person about the things they are really passionate about. I have shared the following questions with LAG teachers to encourage some growth conversations as a part of our regular circle time. Growth questions for consideration include:

• What makes me come most fully alive?
• What deeply excites me?
• What am I passionate about?
• What really matters to me now?
• What gifts do I want to give the world?
• Imagine money is no option and you cannot fail. What do you want to create?

It is my firm belief that we have a lot to learn from the wonderful cartoonist and social commentator Michael Leunig. Below - his interpretations and thoughts on mindfulness.

Congratulations to:

• The Year 12 Health class who ran a successful campaign advocating for greater awareness around the issue of homelessness in Australia, particularly youth homelessness as well as enabling our young people in the Senior School to act. Their actions that made a difference:
  • donations of food, clothing and money for local agent Gold Coast Youth Services, 
  • advocated to our Leos Club to donate money to a local high school that experiences high rates of youth homelessness amongst its students,
  • contacted Local, State and Federal members to advocate for the government to do more to address this concerning and growing social issue, 
  • ran an assembly (virtually) to address the stereotypes that exist in society around homelessness and its causes and shared this knowledge with our Senior School parents as well,
  • ran a culminating activity on World Happiness Day to raise money and bring our Senior School together as ‘Homelessness is everyone’s responsibility.’
• Jack Read, Binging House Captain, on his selection in the All-School Queensland Triathlon Team. Jack will attend the National Championships later this month – good luck!

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

Teenagers. I have taught thousands of them during my career and I believe they get a lot of bad press. Teenagers are going through some of the biggest physical, mental and emotional stages that human beings must pass through, all in about approximately 3-4 years. The closest experience to these levels of change is from birth – 1 year of age.

Teenagers can be complex and hard to read. Sometimes they are laughing so hard they cry, and the next minute they are yelling or crying uncontrollably. During these times, parents need to remain calm and listen. Be the calm to their storm. These beautiful young people need to feel secure and loved.

A great time for this to happen is just before bed. Please don’t think your teenager has ‘out grown’ the bedtime wind down. If you sit on their bed at night and just be there with them, they may feel secure enough to share things about their day or life.

During these unpredictable times, our teenagers need us to again, be their ‘calm’. Talk openly and honestly to them about what is happening in our world but try to manage your own anxiety around world events. As a family, try to find some ‘good news’ stories to share. Challenge each other to find the funniest meme, the cutest animal video or watch some silly reality TV show.

The following article is titled “Three Ways to Change Your Parenting in the Teenage Years”. There might be a little piece of information in here for you to use in your family.

Article

Please contact me if you have any queries or concerns.

Lisa Roper
Head of Middle School

What is Aviation? To be honest I didn’t know what it was other than flying a plane. That was until myself and two of my peers were given the opportunity to go to Griffith University to learn more about Aviation and what role women have in this vast industry. 

On Friday, 6 March, Alexandra H, Alyssa B and I were accompanied by Ms Castles to the Griffith University Nathan Campus. Here we were met by a group of enthusiastic young women studying Aviation at the university. They led us through a day of activities, such as, flying an actual plane (in a flight simulator), testing our engineering through a paper plane competition, playing Drone Quidditch, which was quite frightening, to say the least. We also attended a lecture where we listened to seven qualified aviation personnel who outlined what their jobs entailed. 

What I enjoyed most about that day was learning more about aviation, and it is so much more than just being able to fly a plane. From listening to all the guest speakers’ stories, I got an insight into the complex field that is aviation. Which ranges from being a Pilot, an Engineer, an Aviation Psychologist and even Air Crash Investigator, to name a few. 

I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to be one of three who attended the Griffith University Aviation day and I highly recommend the experience to the girls at our College. It was a great experience, and it has opened my eyes to a possible career in Aviation.

Timini T
Year 12 Student

On Monday, 24 February, the Year 10 Geography elective class braved the weather and went on an informative and enjoyable excursion to Burleigh Heads National Park. The Year 10 students have been investigating environmental geography in class. Their unit of work specifically looked at different world views (earth and human), environmental change and management (groynes etc.) and geomorphological processes (erosion, longshore drift etc.). 

The students went to Burleigh Heads National Park to visibly see and record an environment close to them. The purpose of their inquiry was to observe, interpret, explain and analyse how geographical processes and developments have altered the natural characteristics of Burleigh Heads National Park and how human industrialisation and commercialisation has impacted the native fauna and flora. Furthermore, to understand the connection native cultures have to the land and the current management practices being exercised and what improvements could be made to ensure the continued sustainability of Burleigh Heads National Park. 

To do this, students observed and recorded various forms of primary evidence. Amongst these were field sketches from north-east and southern lookout points and photographs of flora, fauna, remnants of Aboriginal practices like corrobborees and gatherings and the evidence of management at the park. The class walked through and past littoral rainforest, mangroves, the coast, hundred-year-old trees and on their walk were able to identify brush turkeys, honeybees, lizards and even an osprey. Unfortunately, their observations, whilst including healthy flora and fauna also saw the destruction an insect from north QLD has caused the Pandanus tree – an important part of Burleigh Head National Park’s ecosystem. Moreover, aluminium cans, plastic bottles, wrappers and graffiti were around every corner, allowing the students an opportunity to reflect on the further sustainability of the park and the importance of maintaining a healthy environment. 

Students’ key learnings will be reflected in their research booklet. However, without a doubt the pollution and vandalism evident in areas of the park would have opened the student’s eyes to the problems that culminate from humans and their interaction with the natural world. Their various photographs also highlighted the importance of management (for example revegetation or the mitigating of tourists in specific areas). 

There was a plethora of highlights throughout the four-hour excursion, one being the remains of  an ancient Aboriginal midden in the park. This discovery reinforced the importance of the national park to the local Kombumerri clan who named the area Jellurgal. A second highlight was observing the incredible hundred-year-old trees which are not just a pretty face as they provide stability for the soil and help prevent erosion through their large buttresses. 

The excursion was one to remember and students learnt and experienced a lot in the four short hours. Despite getting heavily rained on, the trip to Burleigh Heads National Park was successful and memorable for both teacher and students. 

Lotte R
Year 10 Student 

READING TO YOUR CHILDREN

One of the greatest things that you can do to assist your child in their educational journey is simply to read to your children regularly. Eventually you will get to a stage where you go from reading to your child to independent reading, but I would argue that there are many benefits to reading to your Year 6 children as well. As well as getting lost in a good book, the time spent together with your children is precious and opens up lots of opportunities for rich discussions. I came across this website recently and I thought I would provide it to you for your information – Happy Reading!!!!

http://www.petaa.edu.au/imis_prod/w/Teaching_Resources/Parents_guide.aspx/

CARPARK

Thank you for your patience as we establish a new routine with our carpark. It is starting to flow naturally now. There are some pointers which can help for smooth flow:

1. If you arrive before 2:55pm, please park your car and don’t queue in the lanes. If you see someone trying to leave a parking space, please allow them out. 
2. By 3:20pm, most of the heavy traffic has dispersed and it is much quicker getting in and out of the College. 
3. Please remember to stay in your car. Our fantastic staff will help the children into the car. 
4. Having your child’s booster seats on the passenger side, will allow for the staff to easily assist your children into the car quickly and safely. 

The College would like to thank the very generous support of the Parents and Friends who donated $175 000 towards the cost of the project. Their support of the College through projects and by building community is always appreciated.

https://youtu.be/RiVimiSeNdI

THREE WAY CONFERENCES

The Three Way Conferences have begun this week and it is great to see the interactions between teacher, student and parent. It is a big part of our reporting schedule. It allows the teacher and student to share with parents how their children are progressing in the first part of the year and an opportunity for students to set goals for their learning. 

Darrin Schumacher
Deputy Principal / Head of Junior School

At St Andrews we value quality education and as educators we are always seeking opportunities to continually learn how to facilitate a significant, engaging, relevant and challenging curriculum. Our youngest learners have had the opportunity to explore self-expression of their feelings as they engage in their current unit of inquiry ‘How We Express Ourselves.’ All Prep classrooms were opened up, and the students involved themselves in a range of play-based experiences across class learning environments. Students were able to explore how to represent their feelings in a variety of ways. They were offered expression through drama, music, art and photography using the iPad. There was certainly a buzz in the air as students communicated with each other and shared their learning!

At our recent Junior School Assembly, we acknowledged two students who were the recipients of the very special Spirit of St Andrews Award. (Students who receive this award are presented with a certificate and a badge.) The purpose of this award is to encourage students to show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others.

Congratulations to Nahlah (Year 4) and James (Prep) for the action they took to make a difference in the lives of others! 

I want to take this opportunity to thank our truly dedicated staff for the additional preparation that has been occurring in the background to ensure the learning continues in the event of a school closure. As a Junior School team we have been working to ensure that our learning platforms are available for student access from home. You would have received communication from me that outlines in detail how to access these platforms and the ways in which the teachers will connect with their class students. We are all in the midst of unprecedented times but how wonderful it is that we can continue to support each other in this special learning community!

May I extend blessings of health and safety to your family.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

Jacqueline Faulkner
Deputy Head of Junior School and PYP Coordinator

On Wednesday 11 March, Students from Year 1 commenced their 'Sharing the Planet' unit by Tuning In with a provocation. Year 1 students embarked on an inquiry into features and habitats of animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Students worked cooperatively in teams to explore the habitats of the animals.  Students got up close with animals from different habitats/environment. They gathered relevant information by asking thought-provoking questions with an expert. They were given the opportunity to observe and communicate about the animals they encountered with that expert.  Later, the students will use what they have learned and apply their knowledge in their learning engagements in class.

The Prep students have been inquiring into ways children express themselves. They participated in a series of workshops based around the different languages of children. In the drama and acting workshop they explored voices and how to use a microphone. In the photography group, the lovely Mrs Rees from the Library explored the digital technologies curriculum showing the students how to construct a video using the Clips App. In the Art Room, Mrs Crispe showed the students some amazing art techniques to create art pieces around emotions. In the Music Room the students created a musical ensemble to express their feelings. The workshop also included movement exploration whilst the students navigated their way through an obstacle course. A creative day was had by all.

Deb Tyson
Prep Teacher

SLAPS (INTER LUTHERAN) SWIMMING 

Last week at the annual SLAPS Swimming Carnival, our Junior School students demonstrated some excellent Andrian spirit as they won 5 out of the 6 age divisions and won the Division Aggregate Trophy for the most points on the day. Thank you to all students involved.

SOUTH COAST SWIMMING

Congratulations to Isabel A and Summer J on their amazing efforts at the South Coast Swimming trials. It’s wonderful to see the girls showing off their talents. Isabel has qualified for the South Coast team to compete at the State Championships. We look forward to hearing how she goes.

Casey West
Junior School PSPE Teacher / Sports Coordinator
 

SENIOR DRAMA PERFORMANCE EVENING

Last Tuesday week saw Year 11 and 12 Drama Classes present their assessment pieces for their respective units. In Unit 1, Year 11 students have explored the capacity of Drama to share stories of the human experience and presented scenes from contemporary Australian Verbatim Plays. In Unit 3, the Year 12 students explored the capacity of Drama to be a voice for social and political change and studied Brecht’s Epic Theatre and his political parable The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

P&F PICNIC PERFORMANCE

Last Friday week our Senior Music Students and The Saints provided the entertainment for the P&F Picnic in the Park. It was a great first gig for The Saints who are looking forward to a range of performance opportunities this year, including Blues on Broadbeach.

DRAMA INCURSION 1984 

On Monday Drama students from Years 10 to 12 had the opportunity to view Shake and Stir Theatre Company’s production of 1984 based on the George Orwell novel. Experiencing live theatre is such an important part of learning in Drama, and for both Year 11 and 12 students this experience will be the basis of their next assessment.

CHICAGO – Postponed until further notice.

New dates for the performance to be announced once c

Cilla Scott
Head of Arts Department

Please support our fundraising project ‘GO WITHOUT FOR JACK’. It has been 5 years of battling cancer for our past student Jack Coles. Jack was diagnosed in March at the start of Year 10. He continued his studies part-time right through to graduate in Year 12. Jack’s brother Nick gave up work some time ago to be Jack’s carer. His mum Jan, the sole income earner for the three of them, has reduced her work hours to provide extra support for Jack as he faces chemotherapy again.   

What can you do?

Give up one of your treats or luxuries and instead give the money to support Jack.

Thank you so much to all the families that came along to our first event for 2020, Picnic In The Park. We would like to acknowledge and thank the volunteers that helped us on the night and congratulate the winners of our raffles.

We have had our first meeting for 2020, thank you to all the new and existing families that came along.  We appreciate the time you took out of your busy schedules to attend the meeting. We always love your input and new ideas. 

The meetings are held once a Term on a Wednesday evening at 7:00pm.  We hope you can join us in the J Block Lighthouse Boardroom (park at the top of the school near main admin, and look up - you will see the boardroom light on upstairs in J Block).

Meeting date savers - 

• Wednesday 10 June 
• Wednesday 16 September
• Tuesday 10 November 

Keep up to date with all P&F news and events on the College Facebook page.

God bless from the P&F team.

MARCH

Saturday 21

CANCELLED South East QLD Futsal Finals

CANCELLED Kokoda Training at SALC

Monday 23

Chicago Musical Rehearsals - 3:30pm-5:00pm

CANCELLED Junior School SEQ Finals Day

CANCELLED QLD swimming Championship 10-12 years

Tuesday 24

Junior School Three Way Conferences - 3:15pm-5:00pm

Wednesday 25

Junior School Three Way Conferences - 3:15pm-5:00pm

Thursday 26

CANCELLED QLD Championship - Swimming 13-19 years

CANCELLED 20-20 Cricket Knockout

Friday 27

CANCELLED QLD Championship - Swimming 13-19 years

CANCELLED Year 7 Cultural Day

CANCELLED STEM Ambassador Conference 2020 - 7:00am-4:30pm

Saturday 28

CANCELLED QLD Championship - Swimming 13-19 years

Sunday 29

CANCELLED Year 2 Community Church Service - 9:00am-11:00am

Monday 30 

ELC Class photos

Chicago Musical Rehearsals - 3:30pm-5:00pm

Tuesday 31

CANCELLED ELC - Aged Care Visiting ELC

POSTPONED Prep to Year 3 Mini Cross Country

APRIL

Wednesday 1

CANCELLED Year 7 Water Excursion 

Thursday 2

POSTPONED Years 4-6 Cross Country

POSTPONED Years 7-12 Cross Country

Friday 3

TERM 1 CONCLUDES

Saturday 4

POSTPONED Year 12 Formal

ENTERTAINMENT FUNDRAISER MARCH PROMOTION 

Order you Entertainment book during the month of March and receive a $10 JB HI-FI eGift Card as well as an extra 3 month membership when you buy in March.

Enter the Pomo code: GIFTME  at the check out.