Over the past couple of weeks, beyond the joy of the everyday, I have been privileged to be part of a number of special events.  I recently adjudicated a formal debate in a Year 10 Economics class.  The topic was “Should the Australian Government align with China for economic success?”  This has been a hot topic in the media in recent times and I thought I had a reasonable grasp of the concepts as I strode in to take my place of judgement.  How wrong I was.  I was surrounded by 15 and 16 year olds who had a deep understanding of both the economic and political nuances of this complex issue.  I was not shocked, though was once more thrilled and excited by the academic rigour being applied by our youth to matters of great international significance.  It was not just their knowledge.  Moreover, their capacity to analyse, synthesise and articulate complex matters left me again reflecting that our Nation’s future is in good hands.

Last week’s Interhouse Track and Field Carnival was equally a joy. Beyond some very creditable athletic performances, it was simply gratifying amongst these enduring times to see the oval awash with colour and movement.  A Carnival it was!  It did not have showbags and ferris wheels, though it had smiles and legitimate “fellowship” in abundance.  Jubi House may have lifted the trophy at the end of the day, though we were all winners, lifting our spirits.

STRATEGIC PLAN – 2021 AND BEYOND

Our current Strategic Plan (2018-2020) will soon lapse.  It would be an easy decision, amongst dealing with both the typical and atypical challenges of the here and now, to simply ‘park’ the strategic planning process and re-engage with it in future times.  On the contrary, we believe that it is perhaps more important than ever to be future-focused.  Certainly, there is no doubt from an operational perspective that much of the ‘disruption’ of 2020 has been most unwelcome.  Equally, though, our capacity to most capably ‘pivot’ learning platforms and deliver routine services within an agile framework has served as a timely catalyst to consider what else it is, in the next 1-5 years, that we need to ensure we are focused on.

Amongst things that may evolve, or even change, there are a few things that are not negotiable.  Our Mission and Values are in this category.  So too is our focus on the management of learning experiences which extend the capacity of students beyond receivers and (hopefully) retainers of knowledge and skills.  We need students, with attitudes and aptitudes for life-long learning, to be creative, curious, internationally aware and solutions-focused.

Our Mission:  

Celebrating the Gospel; 

Nurturing the Individual; 

Empowering Lifelong Learners

Peace and Grace

David Bliss

Jesus Corrects and Teaches us!

Our worship focus for this term throughout the College is Jesus and different aspects of His life and ministry. Our focus from a week ago was Jesus Corrects and our most recent one is Jesus Teaches. Ultimately, these two topics are very similar and they encapsulate some of the most important aspects of Christianity.

A group Jesus corrected regularly (and taught) were the Pharisees. These fellows were the religious establishment of the time who were convinced they were in God’s good books because of their holy and righteous living. They believed God would have to love and accept them because they kept all the commandments, plus a whole heap extra they had made up. At the same time, they were convinced God would be condemning a great host of people due to their sinfulness.

Jesus corrected these guys and taught a whole new perspective towards ‘being right with God’. He taught the wonderful fact that to be right with God we need to admit we have sinned and allow God to rescue us from the punishment all people will receive because of Adam and Eve turning away from God. We checked this out with MS/SS early in the week and on Friday we applied it to life now by having a look at Ray, from Everybody Loves Raymond. Ray was convinced he didn’t really need God because he was a ‘good person’. The 5 minutes of the show contains great comedy but also the truth that living a Christian life is all about connecting with Jesus and receiving love and goodness from Him through worshipping Him. Trusting in being a ‘good person’ leads us to being proud and putting ourselves in God’s shoes – which is a tricky place to be. Debra – Ray’s wife suggested everyone could come around on Sunday and sit around him, seeing he was ‘so good’! 

Thank God, Jesus came amongst us to provide the way to connect with God in a tangible, real manner. Great blessing comes through sharing our life with Christ. He comforts us in times of trial and He challenges us and corrects us too, when we are in need of this. Life takes on a whole new vibrancy and vitality when we go forward with Jesus as our constant companion.

(PS search ‘Everybody Loves Raymond prodigal son’ in youtube to watch the clip!)

PARTNERSHIPS FOR LEARNING 

Thank you to all families who attended the Virtual Middle School Studies Celebration last week. This is a special event and a wonderful showcase for and from students who share their learning. The exuberance and joy of our Middle School students as they shared glimpses into their learning on video embodies the notion of flourishing. 

The 2021 Course Booklet and Subject Information Guides can be found on the College website. Subject Selection is done via an online Web Preferences program. The link for the selections was sent via email to all Middle School families 2021 this week. Subject choices are due to be returned by Thursday 27 August. If you have any questions or feedback on the event, please contact Mrs Roper (Head of Middle School) lisar@salc.qld.edu.au or Mr Casey (Assistant Head of Middle School Curriculum) tomc@salc.qld.edu.au.

Our Year 12 students are a fortnight away from their Mock Exams. Schedules have been published and staff at the College are continuing to support our seniors learning and wellbeing with open doors and open hearts. Parents of Year 12 students may like to reach out to their child’s teachers if there are any questions or concerns about subject specific progress. In the first week of next term, Year 12 families will receive an Academic Snapshot Report prior to the External Exams. 

Last week we were delighted to be able to hold our Inter-House Athletics Carnival at St Andrews. The weather was very kind to us and the day of competition was hotly contested. It is the first Secondary School event we’ve been able to enjoy since COVID plans were introduced and it was indeed a special day. I’d like to acknowledge our students on their athleticism, House Spirit and wonderful participation throughout the day.

Congratulations to:

• Jubi House who narrowly won the overall shield. Thank you to Mrs Wood who coordinated the carnival, the ground staff, the teaching staff, and most importantly the students for their wonderful contributions on what was a superb day.
• Our Science ambassadors, accompanied by Mr Wyatt and Mrs Twine as they resumed their Seagrass monitoring at Crab Island this week, and
• Our Senior Futsal team participated in the South East Queensland Futsal Finals. 

A group of our Senior School Business students, attended the Bond University Ideas Camp and our young entrepreneurs (Years 7 – 12) who have joined IC’20 continued their ideation and product development under the tuition of College staff and industry experts and mentors this week.

Our students and staff also continue to prepare for Chicago, the College Musical, which will now be held early in Term 4. 

There is no underestimating the rich learning that occurs during these extra-curricular opportunities. I’d like to acknowledge all of the staff including our Compliance Officer, Mrs Jones, who continue to go above and beyond to ensure we are ‘COVID-Safe’ while still providing such diverse learning opportunities for our students. 

Virginia Warner 
Deputy Principal / Head of Secondary School

This week the Year 11 Science ambassadors as well as Mr Wyatt and Mrs Twine, attended our first Crab Island sea grass survey. Students were introduced to the seagrass survey techniques along a 150m transect. 50cm quadrants were placed at regular 5m intervals. Within these quadrants, many factors were observed, including sentiment composition, seagrass species ratios, epiphytes present on seagrass blades, seagrass blade length and any other special features such as sea cucumbers. This data is collected by the Morton Bay Marine Park Authority as a part of their annual data collection. Data helps the authority to determine the health of the seagrass beds and hence the local estuarine environment. Many commercial species such as red spot prawns, banana prawns, mud crabs, blue swimmer crabs, which Isabella was nearly attacked by, as well as vertebrates such as whiting flathead and even mulloway, depend on the health of these ecosystems. Students who attended included, Jett A, Isabella C, Fynnlay R and Kiara F. We greatly enjoyed the experience and look forward to the next surveying in early Term 4. 

Kiara F
Year 11 Science Ambassador

Day 3 of Science Week activities saw students continuing their deep-sea adventure by looking at reasons for rising sea levels and how the largest mammals on Earth survive in the freezing deep.

The Science Ambassadors conducted two experiments. The first looked at whether the melting of icebergs or land ice affected sea level rise the most. The second saw young scientists dip their hands into icy water to compare the difference fat has on insulating their hands.

Jett A
2020 Science Ambassador

What a wonderful day we shared as a group completing the 26kms from School down to Rainbow Bay via Burleigh Heads!

The event was low key by necessity with where our world is presently up to… but there were still plenty of highlights. Some of these include – 

Our Three Year 8 Girls – Emily L, Skylah E and Amelia W who formed a team to complete the adventure long before the event was formally announced. They did this through responding to a Chapel presented ‘on line’ during Term 2. It suggested that students could complete the walk in their own time and this was what the girls were planning on doing until the College decided to host a walk for Year 10-12 students who were keen. The initiative shown by these girls is outstanding!

Two groups of students who undertook running the event! Well done to these ladies and gentleman and thank you to Mr Bliss and Mr Hunt for ‘escorting’ them on the journey.

The main group of students who walked together for more than half of the journey. There was a great vibe amongst the group as we walked together along the paths. Visually, it was awesome to see all the ALWS ‘Blue’ shirts heading south and this afforded us opportunity to share with various ‘locals’ what it was all about.

The support given to the walkers and runners by the staff who ‘personed’ the aid stops along the way. It was great to be greeted by smiling faces who provided food, water and encouragement for all of us!

The entire event proceeded very smoothly and this was due to the fantastic attitude and effort displayed by every participant – staff and students! AND all the great planning and preparation put in by Kirra Lewis from ALWS and our staff, Mrs Warner and Mrs Jones who completed all sorts of logistics to ensure everybody was safe and cared for.

Walk my Way was a marvellous success and we look forward to hosting a similar event in the future which will hopefully include wider community involvement as we move on from the challenges of COVID-19. 

The College raised $3,755 to support refugee children to go to school. Thank you to all staff, students and families for their involvement.

READING 

In the very early years of schooling each child spends a significant amount of time learning how to read. As they start to become more fluent at reading and are able to make meaning from the text they then start to ‘read for meaning’. At all stages, reading should be seen as a pleasurable experience with lots of powerful outcomes. While teachers play an important part in the technical aspects of reading, parents have an equally important part in this process as well.  

Our recent Book Character Parade and Book Fair were enjoyed immensely by the children. It is great to see the students engaging in the books and having fun with the characters. I love seeing the excitement on a child’s face when they take possession of a brand new book.  

I came across these very practical tips on how parents can help instil a love of reading in their children. The full article can be found by following this link: www.pearson.com  

1. Make books part of your family life – always have books around so that you and your children are ready to read whenever there’s a chance.  
2. Join your local library – get your child a library card. You’ll find the latest videogames, blu-rays and DVDs, plus tonnes of fantastic books. Allow them to pick their own books, encouraging their own interests.  
3. Match their interests – help them find the right book - it doesn’t matter if it’s fiction, poetry, comic books or non-fiction.  
4. All reading is good – don’t discount non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, magazines and leaflets. Reading is reading and it is all good.  
5. Get comfortable! – snuggle up somewhere warm and cosy with your child, either in bed, on a beanbag or on the sofa, or make sure they have somewhere comfy when reading alone. 
6. Ask questions – to keep them interested in the story, ask your child questions as you read such as, ‘What do you think will happen next?’ or ‘Where did we get to last night? Can you remember what had happened already?’  
7.  Read whenever you have the chance – bring along a book or magazine for any time your child has to wait, such as at a doctor’s surgery.  
8. Read again and again – encourage your child to re-read favourite books and poems. Re-reading helps to build up fluency and confidence.  
9. Bedtime stories – regularly read with your child or children at bedtime. It’s a great way to end the day and to spend valuable time with your child.  
10. Rhyme and repetition – books and poems which include rhyme and repetition are great for encouraging your child or children to join in and remember the words. 

SHUTTLE 

The Bus Shuttle Service to Coplicks and Fleays will continue until the end of the Term. 

3 WAY CONFERENCES 

Just a reminder that the 3 Way Conferences will be held on Friday, 4 September. This is a great opportunity for you to connect with your teacher about your child’s progress.These will be held virtually for the first time. I know the teachers are looking forward to connecting with you on this date.  

NO SCAREDY CATS 

By having an understanding of how anxiety develops, teachers and parents can work together to counter its progress in children. We are running this session in Weeks 7, 8 and 9 as part of our partnerships for learning. We have had to cap the numbers this year but will run the program again early next year. 

Darrin Schumacher
Deputy Principal / Head of Junior School

This term our Year 6 students have commenced their PYP Exhibition (PYPx) journey. This culminating experience is undertaken each year by the Year 6 cohort as it is the final year in the Primary Years Programme (PYP) at St Andrews. The Exhibition represents a significant event for a PYP school and each student is required to demonstrate their learning process and engagement with the elements: knowledge, concepts, approaches to learning and action. The PYPx is a powerful demonstration of student agency, as well as the agency of the community that has nurtured them through their years in the PYP.

The PYP Exhibition has a number of key purposes including the following:

• To provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning;
• To provide students with an opportunity to explore multiple perspectives;
• For students to synthesize and apply their learning of previous years, and to reflect on their journey through the PYP;
• To provide an authentic process for assessing student understanding;
• To demonstrate how students can take action as a result of their learning;
• To unite the students, teachers, parents and other members of the school community in a collaborative experience that incorporates the elements of the PYP; and
• To celebrate the transition of learners from Junior School to Middle School education.

The Exhibition Unit this year sits under the transdisciplinary theme of ‘How We Express Ourselves.’ The students are involved in an inquiry process that enables them to identify, investigate and offer solutions to real-life issues or opportunities whilst working collaboratively. The central idea for this inquiry and the lines of inquiry have been developed by the students with the support of their teachers and mentors. The students have been involved in a number of learning engagements to commence the inquiry process. To launch into the PYPx, they have had the opportunity to listen to a number of ‘guest’ speakers (Miss Madeline Trimble, Mrs Sue Rawlings, Mr Stephen Dalby and myself) as part of the ‘tuning in’ stage. The students also took a trip down memory lane to view inquiries they have experienced since their time in Prep. 

The students are now currently contacting primary sources via emails and Team meetings.

The Year 6 students have also commenced Arts Rotations for the Exhibition engaging in Dance, Drama and Visual Arts. During these sessions the learners have access to specialist teachers to support them in developing relevant technical skills within these disciplinary areas. 

This year, due to COVID restrictions, students will be sharing their experience of the PYPx process via a virtual platform. This will be launch at 6:30pm on Wednesday 16 September. Further information will be sent to parents.

“Whatever you do, do well” Ecclesiastes 9:10 NLT

Jacqueline Faulkner
Deputy Head of Junior School/PYP Coordinator

During our Year 4 'How the World Works' unit, students inquired into natural disasters in Japan.  This led us to learn about Mt Fuji and the associated art work.  Students then learnt about Hokusai and the 36 views of Mt Fuji.  Students also created artwork inspired by 'The Great Wave Off Kanagawa'. We are very proud of the creativity each student has shown. 

Sharon Taki
Junior School Japanese Teacher 

The Primary Campus was full of laughter and excitement last Thursday for our annual book character dress up day. Instead of a character parade many classes participated in an online parade in each of their classrooms. It was wonderful to see so many different characters and incredible costumes. Thank you to all the teachers and parents for making this day so successful. 

Book Fair has been on this week and continues next week in the Junior School Library. Due to Covid-19 restrictions parents are not allowed to attend the Book Fair. Students will complete a wish list during their library lesson and payment is available online. If your child brings in cash, please make sure it is in a sealed bag or small wallet/purse. Please email me if you have any questions or concerns at vikkir@salc.qld.edu.au   

Book Fair Instructions for paying online

• Click on the online payment portal https://parentpayments.scholastic.com.au/ (as per wish List)
• Enter State and School
• Enter credit card details and amount
• Record receipt number on the Wish List or print receipt
• Bring Wish List back to the school to collect books

Vikki Rees
Teacher Librarian/ICT Coordinator

Musical Update

Plans are on track for our Chicago season from the Thursday 8 – Saturday 10 October. The cast are well into final rehearsals for Act 2 and the show promises to bring the Razzle Dazzle that you would expect from a St Andrews Musical production. 

Tickets will go on sale from the Thursday, 3 September for cast and the Friday, 4 September for the SALC Community. 

From this date tickets can be ordered by emailing performingarts@salc.qld.edu.au.

Seats will be assigned to ensure physical distancing between family groupings. When registering for tickets you will need to provide contact information (name, email and phone) for each ticket holder.

Year 4 – 12 Cultural Awards

Whilst this has been a most unusual time we would very much like to celebrate and acknowledge our young performers in some way. As such we will be having a recorded Cultural Awards featuring performances from our College Ensembles from Year 4 – 12 as well as a recorded presentation of awards. 

How are awards determined?

In Year 4 – 6 we use ensemble rolls to determine levels of involvement and ask that any activities completed outside of the College (this does include those from October last year onwards) be emailed to priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au. The deadline for this information is the end of Term 3.

In Year 7 – 12, students can complete the survey which be available via student notices and email to priscillas@salc.qld.edu.au. The deadline for this information is the end of Term 3. 

What is the criteria?

Cultural Awards recognise individual student achievement in the Performing and Visual Arts. In the area of Performing Arts the awards include achievements in Music, Drama (stage and screen) and Dance (achievements within College Dance Programs, Dance Schools, Professional Dance Companies, Stage Productions and RAD Examinations are included). Visual Arts include photography and filmmaking.

Essential Criteria for all levels: Active Participation in school cultural activities

Bronze Award

This is awarded to students who 

•  Have been involved in several (3 – 4) cultural groups/activities throughout the year

      OR

• Passed Grade 5 or above in Music, Dance or Speech & Drama Exam 

     OR

Are nominated for outstanding contribution to a school ensemble/activity

Silver Award

• Grade 5 or above in Music or Speech & Drama Exam + involvement in cultural groups/activities throughout the year

     OR

•  Major Award at Regional level (GC Drama Festival / Eisteddfod Championships etc)

Gold Award

• Representation at State level or equivalent in chosen discipline

     OR

• Major Award (e.g. Top of State in Speech & Drama Exam)

When will the Cultural Awards be presented?

Performance items will be recorded from the end of Term 3 and start of Term 4 with the event made available via a link mid Term 4. 

Cilla Scott
Head of Arts

YEAR 7-12 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

On Thursday, 13 August we finally got to run our Year 7-12 Athletics Carnival. It was such a fantastic day with brilliant weather and great participation! It was wonderful to see the whole Secondary school gathered together to celebrate our community in what has been an unusual year for all of us. Once again Mr Wecker provided a great vibe and entertainment as our onsite DJ and MC. It was pleasing to see so many students getting in and having a go. From the push-up challenge to the track and field events, the oval was filled with colour and enthusiasm. The battle for the best House on the day became a race between two Houses. However, it was Jubi who used their strong relays to slightly nudge ahead of Binging to take out the Shield. Congratulations must go to the following students who were named as Age Champions on the day

12 Boys: Jack M                            12 Girls: Zoe N

13 Boys: Cru S                               13 Girls: Abbey G

14 Boys: Mitchell B                         14 Girls: Indigo C

15 Boys: Jack T                              15 Girls: Madyson C

16 Boys: Ky B                                 16: Girls: Natasha W

Open Boys: Jarrod W                      Open Girls: Sienna F

WILDCARD BASKETBALL CHALLENGE

After originally being cancelled Queensland Basketball worked extremely hard to get this event back up and running. Our students and staff responded with great enthusiasm getting a team of boys together for this two-day tournament. With the help of Mr Smith, the boys gave it all they had and managed to qualify for the Qld All Schools Basketball Titles to be held at the end of this term. This was a fantastic result considering that it is an open competition and our team comprised of primarily Year 9 and 10 boys and a couple Year 11’s. I wish them all the best as they prepare during Thursday sport with Mr Edwards who will be coaching them at the upcoming event.

SEQLD FUTSAL TITLES

On Monday, 17 August, our qualified Futsal teams finally got to finish off the tournament they had attended in Term 1. The College was represented by the 13, 14 and 16 boy’s teams as well as the 16 girl’s team. It was an extremely difficult draw for the boy’s teams with the 13 and 16 boy’s teams coming up against good opposition early in the knockout rounds. However, our 16 girls and 14 boys team progressed through to the final Futsal Tournament of Year – The Champion of Champions Titles. These will be held early in Term 4 with no Australasians this year. I wish them and their coaches Mr McGilveray, Mr Hibbs and Mr Tanguy all the best as they prepare during sport time for the challenge ahead.

Libby Wood
Head of Sport 

This year your P&F committee comprises:

President: Amanda Ryan 

Vice President: Jessica Russell

Secretary/Treasurer: Jeff Bauman

We can be contacted anytime at pandf@salc.qld.edu.au

This year we will continue our aim of “friendraising” within our wonderful school community.  Any ideas and suggestions are always welcome!!

We hope you can join us at our once a term meetings, which are held on a Wednesday at 7:00pm in the J Block Lighthouse Boardroom (park at the top of the school near Main Administration and look up - you will see the Boardroom light on upstairs in J Block).

MEETING DATE SAVERS: 

Wednesday 16 September

Wednesday 11 November

If you would like to put anything on the P&F agenda please free contact pandf@salc.qld.edu.au

God bless from P&F Team

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