Charlton News

2015, Term 4 - Issue 16 - Friday 30th October

LOVE | INTEGRITY | FAITH | EMPOWERMENT

Pictured: Year 6 student Jesse Ilett, participating in the MS FUEL program (Military Model Making with Mr East)

From the Principal

If I Don’t Know I Can’t Fix It!

Or... It’s OK to Make Mistakes…That’s How We Learn (thanks Mrs Snellgrove)

In a recent survey conducted by Michelle from Marketing, the idea of the importance of communication occurred as one of the areas for the school to improve.

This is important information and we are striving to ensure that you have every opportunity to know what is happening at the College and that when you contact us that we get back to you.

This reminds us that communication is a two-way process. It’s not much help if my staff are disappointed in something that is happening (or not happening) in their workplace and they don’t tell me (or one of their up-line supervisors). If they just talk to each other and complain to their colleagues, that does not help me to improve the workplace or to resolve the issues of concern.

If I don’t know it, I can’t fix it.

Sometimes in these situations, I may not know about their frustrations, say with IT in the school, or being under-resourced for their teaching needs, or a tap which is always dripping and causing ‘muddy puddles’ outside a classroom. Occasionally, the staff may not know something such as budgetary considerations, or new infrastructure being put into place for IT. We should have mentioned it but didn’t

realise the level of discontent.

If I don’t know it, I can’t fix it.

Sometimes parents complain in the carpark, at the coffee shop or at sporting events, that something is disappointing about life and teaching at Charlton. Talking to each other about areas of concern, does not fix or resolve that issue. In fact, it often ends up that parents are passing along gossip and innuendo which has no real basis. However, sometimes their concerns and complaints are legitimate.

If so, I really want to know so I can explain it, understand it, and where necessary, fix it. Parents who come to my office are welcomed and respected regardless of whether they are carrying a brick, bat or a bouquet. I love you guys, and yes, while I am the Principal, and may seem a bit scary, I am not like that, and many, many parents will attest to my approachability and my desire to bring resolution to any awkward situation.

So if you don’t want to speak to a member of the Executive, please come to me, because

If I don’t know it, I can’t fix it and It’s OK to Make Mistakes…That’s How We Learn.

We have never promised to be perfect or the perfect school, but we want to be the best we can be, and with your help, by working on our weaknesses so we can improve.

And just in case you’ve forgotten:

Something wonderful is always happening at Charlton.

Sue

PRAYER POINTS • Pray for staff and families who are doing it tough

• Pray for HSC students who are still completing exams.

• Pray for a successful completion of the building projects

• Continue to pray for new enrolments.

PRAYER WEEKThe Charlton staff have spent this whole week in con-centrated prayer for God’s protection over the staff and families and for continued growth in numbers.

DO YOU HAVE A PRAYER REQUEST?Would you like someone to pray for you, your family or a friend? Would you like someone to stand with you in faith to believe for a breakthrough?

Email our chaplain, Matt Stackhouse: m.stackhouse@charlton.nsw.edu.au or phone (02) 4959 9111.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Verse for the Week: Psalm 46:1

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

‘Where could I go but to the Lord’... words from a song I heard somewhere. And it is so true! In times of trouble, where better could I go but to the Lord? A refuge or safe haven, a shelter from the storm. As we trust Him, we run to Him in times of trouble. Not because He guarantees an easy way out, but because he is the one who promises to walk with me at all times, through the fire, the flood, any calamity, as well as through the good times. Strength: He is the one who makes me strong for whatever challenge I face today or tomorrow. Strength that comes from knowing Him, the author and perfector of my faith; strength to stand in difficult times. Help when you need it most... Facing trouble? Need help? Here, the Lord promises help in your trouble... BUT see that the verse says ‘God is OUR...’ – it is a statement to ALL who know God through Jesus Christ. I pray you will know him as your refuge, strength and help in time of trouble today. There is really nothing like it.

It is interesting to note that most of our new enrolments have always come from people who hear good reports about the school from you, the “satisfied customers”. Thank you for being such great ambassadors and keep up the great work of telling your friends about our great College.

UPCOMING EVENTS• Monday 2nd November - CANTEEN CLOSED

• Monday 2nd November - Year 8 Stand Tall Event

• Monday 2nd November - Year 5 Sydney Excurion

• Tuesday 3rd November - Year 6 Sydney Excursion

• Tuesday 3rd November - Year 7 Immunisations

• Wednesday 4th November - Pl@yschool in the MPC

• Friday 6th November - Kinder Orientation Afternoon #1

• Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th November - Senior Camp

• Tuesday 10th November - Year 9 Science Excursion

• Wednesday 11th November - Remembrance Day Service

• Wednesday 11th November - Pl@yschool in the MPC

• Friday 13th November - Year 9 Geography Excursion

• Friday 13th November - Year 5/6 Milo Cricket Gala Day

• Friday 13th November - Kinder Orientation Afternoon #2

• Wednesday 18th November - Pl@yschool in the MPC

• Thursday 19th November - Year 4 Graduation, 1.30pm

• Friday 20th November - JS/MS Orientation Day

• Friday 20th November - Kinder Orientation Afternoon #3

• Friday 20th November - MS Transition Disco (Years 4/5/6)

• Monday 23rd to Friday 27th November - JS Swim School

• Tuesday 24th November - PA Meeting, 7pm

• Wednesday 25th November - Pl@yschool in the MPC

• Friday 27th November - MS Fundraiser

• Friday 27th November - Sec. Super 8’s Cricket Gala Day

Kindy Excursion to Blackbutt ReserveFriday 23rd October, 2015

Kindergarten went to Blackbutt Reserve for our HSIE excursion last Friday. We looked at how we could use our senses to observe the environment around us. We started off by doing a rainforest walk and listening to all the sounds in the bush, touching the natural habitat and smelling some interesting smells (including the fruit bats). The brave ones amongst us also tried our hand at trying to guess what was in some mystery boxes, one of which was a bearded dragon. We also enjoyed visiting and hearing about the koalas. We finished off our day with lunch and a play on the new play equipment. Well done to Kindergarten for coping in the heat and behaving beautifully!

Year 4 have been busy!Visit to Lake Macquarie City Council

Learning about their local communityThis term Year 3 and 4 are learning about their local community.

Each Year 4 student painted a fabric square showing their favourite part of the local area. We have joined these all together and this is now displayed on our Junior School noticeboard. Make sure you come and check it out!

Lake Macquarie City Council even shared it on their Facebook Page!

Today Year 4 went to visit the Lake Macquarie City Council. We met Councillor Griffiths and a ranger who told us about the roles of the council in governing our City. We really enjoyed looking around the Council Chambers and asking questions.

While we were in the neighbourhood, we also had a behind the scenes tour of Speers Point Library. We learnt about this valuable resource which the Council provides and enjoyed seeing historical photographs of the local area.

“I learnt that rangers mostly deal with dogs.” Josh A

“I learnt that there is an East, North and West ward in Lake Macquarie”. Hyrum

“There are 12 councillors in Lake Macquarie and 152 councils in NSW.” Amilija

“The population of Lake Macquarie is 202,000 people, which is more than Newcastle. “ Spencer

Last Friday, 23rd October our students represented Charlton at the CSSA State Triathlon. The racing began and our College Captain Tom Roberts blitzed the swim leg and held onto his large lead to win the

race by a huge margin.

Daneeka, Jessica

and Genya receiving their

bronze medals!

CSSA State Triathlon

Lap-a-thon for NepalWell done team!! 400 laps of swimming and a bunch of BBQ sandwiches sold for a good cause. Thanks to everyone who came to support us. Just over $1000 was raised, which will go to Transform the Nations earthquake relief effort in Nepal.

Special thanks to Janine and Paul Roberts for their help in assisting with all things from start to finish and to Andrew Delbridge, Kellie Wright and Regent St Physiotherapy for your generous donations. We greatly appreciate it!

Mission Trip to Nepal CancelledDue to wide spread fuel shortages and political unrest in Nepal, our contacts there have asked us not to come this year. This is obviously very upsetting but out of our control. The fuel shortages have meant that food cannot be transported or even cooked in the guest house and there is concern that they may not have enough food to feed the girls living in the hostels. Even the generator that pumped water into the house is out of fuel and with an 8-10 hour wait to get petrol or propane, showers aren’t working.

The Australian Government Smart Travel Advisor has increased their travel advice to “reconsider your travel needs”. We are praying that the political issues and fuel shortages will subside and that no violence erupts as a result. We hope to attempt to go next year.

Charlton Christian CollegePRESENTS

RSC

5-7 April 2016

Year 7 students, Daneeka Croker, Genya Doherty and Jessica Hellyer came third in the team event, while Daneeka Croker also came 4th in her individual event.

Our Primary students participated against some very strong competition. Although they didn’t earn an individual place, they performed really well and most competed in the team events with some earning places in their section of the race.

It was a great learning experience for all involved. Thanks to all the students who competed and made the day an enjoyable one for all involved. We hope to prepare our students for next year’s competition with some cycling coaching.

Charlton Christian College Parents Association invite you to

Decorate your own Gingerbread House!

Saturday 28 November at 3pm - 5pmCharlton Christian College Multipurpose Centre

Cost$33 per person

Includes gingerbread house kit, small selection of sweets to decorate + light refreshmentsFeel free to bring more sweets to use to decorate your house! Gluten free houses are available

RSVP & Payment14 November to Reception College Administration Building

More InformationJenine 0402 907 925 or Amanda 0414 705 305

Prize for the best

decorated house!

Charlton Christian CollegePRESENTS

RSC

5-7 April 2016

Come and Celebrate!Senior School teacher, Louise Donnelly (Wandering Minstrel) is set to release her debut EP titled ‘The Anatomy of a Wing’

Louise is a multi-instrumentalist, poet, composer and music educator and has been teaching music at Charlton Christian College for the past nine years.

‘The Anatomy of a Wing’ was recorded in Bali and produced by the talented multi-instrumentalist and instrument maker Rizal Abdulhadi.

“It is a testament to the journey we must all go through to emerge as our true selves and to find the strength to conquer our fears.” Miss Donnelly said.

The EP has been four years in the making and showcases piano, guitar, flute and vocal soundscapes through layers of emotion. Miss Donnelly writes music that is soulful, earthy and honest.

Wandering Minstrel will be supported by local talent and graduates of Charlton Christian College Georgina Grimshaw (Newcastle) and Joel Sweetman (Newcastle), as well as Susie Hurley (Sydney).

The evening is set to be a beautiful night full of passionate and ethereal folk singer songwriters.

www.facebook.com/wanderingminstrelcreative

What: Wandering Minstrel EP LaunchDate: Saturday 7th November, 2015 from 6.30pmWhere: The Rhythm Hut, 135 Faunce St, GosfordCost: Entry by donationEP: For sale on the night for only $10

Come and Celebrate! It’s Christmas Hamper time!Once again the College PA are partnering with local charities to provide a little extra Christmas cheer to local families in need. We are collecting non- perishable goods to put together to make up Christmas hampers. All donations will be gratefully received but to get things started I have included a few ideas.

Please send items in to the classroom or office. These hampers are always so gratefully received by local families and it’s a wonderful way for Charlton to share our blessings with the wider community. Many thanks, in anticipation of your generosity.

Jenine Graham, PA President

THE PERKS OFVOLUNTEERING

Get your Working Bee Levy refunded

Lunch and a drink is free!

Tea and Coffee are free!

Meet amazing people

CANTEENCLOSURES

Volunteering

Canteen volunteers are needed for Term 4. Can you help out once a month, between 10.15am and 1.30pm.If so, please email canteen@charlton.nsw.edu.au, call the College Office on 4959 9111 or fill out the details below.

IT’S SO EASY!

It’s so easy!1. Your Name: ________________________________

2. Phone: ____________________________________

3. Preferred Day: ______________________________

4. Person you would like to volunteer with:

_____________________________________________

5. Email: _____________________________________

Help Needed!

Please note that the Canteen will be closed on Monday 4th November.

Thanks for your understanding!

2015 CHRISTMAS HAMPER IDEASWEEK 3:Nuts, lollies, chips, pretzels, soft drink, juice

WEEK 4:Tinned fruit, puddings, tinned ham, canned fish, rice, pasta and sauces

WEEK 5:Biscuits, muesli bars, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, dessert toppings

WEEK 6:Toiletries, toothbrush, hair care, soaps, body spray, nail polish, lip gloss

WEEK 7:Cereals, long life milk, Up n Go, breakfast bars

WEEK 8:Small gifts, stationary, stickers, balls, skipping ropes, playing cards, coloured pencils and colouring books.

ENROLMENTS AND DEPARTURES FOR 2016

CONGRATULATIONS2015 Environment Awards Winner!

Charlton Christian College has been named the overall high school winner of the 2015 Lake Macquarie School Environment Awards.

Lake Macquarie City Council established the Schools Environment Awards to support environmental education programs in state, independent, primary and secondary schools. The awards seek to recognise, support and reward schools that are participating in environmental improvement projects across the City.

Charlton Christian College was awarded the Overall High School Winner for continuing to improve sustainability in their own school grounds, as well as other areas of Lake Macquarie.

Twenty-three schools participated in the Lake Macquarie School Environment Awards program in 2015. Assistant Principal, Mr Feeney attended the awards ceremony and said he was proud of what the College had achieved and was encouraged to see what other schools were doing.

TRAVEL APPLICATION FORMS DUE BACK ASAP!REMINDER: Parents of students in Years 2 and 6 that travel by bus or train need to return their Travel Application Forms to the College Office as soon as possible. These were sent home in Week of Term 4 and are required to receive a free travel pass when they enter Year 3 and Year 7 in 2016.

Don’t miss out on a place for your child next year!

Now is a critical time for informing the College about any required enrolments or departures of students for next year. This is most important for our planning and also for you in securing positions before it is too late. A number of classes are already full with waiting lists. We also remind you that a term’s notice is required for students who are leaving to avoid paying an extra one term’s fees.

Remember to tell your friends about the College. There is always something wonderful happening at Charlton!

CAREERS INFORMATION

Thank you! EARN & LEARNA big thank you to all who collected and sent in the Woolworths Earn and Learn Stickers this year. Unfortunately the cut off period for the stickers was over the school holidays, but we still earnt over 16,000 stickers! This equates to almost $1000 in products.

This year it was used to replenish some items we already had. Some more home readers, some indoor games for those wet weather days, some maths and logic games, art supplies, extra lego for each class, and some items for the play kitchen in Kindyland.

A special thank you to our PA President, Jenine Graham for collating and filling out the sheets.

AN EXCELLENT RESOURCE

An excellent resource for students and parents is mybigtomorrow.com.au This resource provides excellent information on a range of career options and pathways for students to explore. Visit www.jobjump.com.au / Password: charlton

Students will find valuable information on a range of career options and university information.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Year 9 Work Experience takes place from Monday 30th November to Friday 4th December. Please return your Offer of Work Experience forms to Mrs Duqemin or Mr Geach.

If students in Years 10 to 12 wish to complete additional Work Experience this term, please email Mrs Duquemin on anne.duquemin@charlton.nsw.edu.au

Click on the button to download one of these great articles! “If a job’s worth doing, it’s worth doing well.”

What to say when

kids become anxiousManage

like a ‘cat’, nurture like

a ‘dog’.

HEALTHY SUMMER SNACKS!With the weather warming up, here are some healthy snack ideas to keep you and the family cool this summer:

Frozen fruits such as berries and orange quarters / Fruit kebabs / Use moulds and low fat yoghurt to make frozen yoghurt shapes / Make your own icy poles using 99% fruit juice and fresh fruit pieces / Make your own ice cream using mashed up bananas / Use fresh or frozen fruit (or vegetables) and low fat milk (or water) to make a delicious smoothie and top with plenty of ice. There are heaps of different combinations to try!

Congratulations!!Introducing: Jonathan David Samild

Born 8th Oct 2015

Weighing 51kg (9 pounds, 3oz)

Mum and bub are both flourishing! Congratulations Mr and Mrs Samild!

NINKINPA ART GALLERYFormer parent of Charlton and award winning, local contemporary Aboriginal artist, Saretta Fielding is launching her Studio Gallery in Toronto.

The Gallery will be open to the public from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th November, in Jindalee Street, Toronto.

www.saretta.com.au

Image: Saretta with her artwork titled “Wupiliko Miringil Moroon” meaning “Put Ready for Life” at the College Office.

If you’ve not seen it, come in and have a look!

43 Fassifern Road Fassifern, NSW 2283

Tel:(02) 4959 9111 Fax: (02 4959 9188

www.charlton.nsw.edu.au

2 Praise our God! His deeds are wonderful, too marvellous to describe. 6 Let every living creature praise the Lord. Shout praises to the Lord!

Psalm 150:2 and 6 (CEV)