From the Head of Junior School

Issue 17 / 26 November 2012

The end of the year is a special time to reflect on all that has been achieved this year, and to acknowledge God’s incredible blessings to this community. As we farewelled our Graduating Year 12 class at the Year 12 Valedictory Din-ner and Closing Chapel recently, I reflected on these young people, many of whom started life in Prep back in 2000, and looked with pride and delight at where they are today. For a number of them, the journey has not always been an easy one, but they have persevered, and through the support of their parents, teachers and peers, are now making their way into the real world beyond school.

Through the good times and through the not so great, one thing has remained constant, and that is their support for each other. As we begin to farewell 2012, I acknowledge the support that has made this year another very successful one for the students at St Andrews.

Farewell Mrs SamuelsonWe bid a fond farewell to Mrs Tara Samuleson at the end of the year, and thank her for the very significant contribu-tion that she has made to our community during her four years as a Prep teacher. Tara has been a shining example of commitment and enthusiasm, and we will miss the smile that lights up our day, and the warmth of the relationships that she establishes with the children in her care and with the wider community. We wish Tara, Corey, Ayva, Saige and Sunny, God’s continued blessings as they start a new life in northern NSW.

Further Recognition of ExcellenceThe recent Sports Awards night was a tribute to the excep-tional standards that are being reached by our students in

a wide range of sporting endeavours. It is a testimony to the talent and commitment of our students to such a wide range of sporting endeavours being pursued, to see so many reaching elite levels of sporting performance. Con-gratulations to all involved.

Other aspects of student excellence will be acknowledged at the Years 3-6 Awards Assembly being held next tomor-row (Tuesday 27th November) at 8.45 am in the Hall, and all parents are welcome to come along and join this celebration of excellence. Academic, Citizenship and Serv-ice Awards will feature on the program, along with some special musical items from Junior School students.

End-of-year functionsDespite the busyness of the final few weeks of school, it is appropriate and important that time is taken to reflect on the year that was and to acknowledge the commitment of those involved. The next two weeks will be a special time of reflection as we celebrate : • our Year 6 students as they make their way into the

Middle School, at the Year 6 Graduation Dinner this Thursday evening (29th);

• all things musical with the ‘Night of Music’ (Sing, Clap, Play) in the Theatre on Monday 3rd December at 6.30 pm. Students involved in the Performing Arts Program will be treating us to a special evening of music extraor-dinaire;

• the birth of Christ at the Prep to Year 11 Christmas Service at 8.45 am in the Hall next Tuesday (4th). All parents and friends are warmly welcome to join us for this special occasion.

• relationships in our class and year level with the tra-ditional Class Party Day on Thursday 6th December. Detailed information regarding the arrangements will be sent home by each year level shortly, but all stu-dents are to wear their house coloured sports uniform on the day.

• bringing the year to a close with the final Chapel Service for the Junior School on Friday 7th December at 9.30 am. This will be led by our Year 6 students and parents are very welcome to join us for this special fare-

well to 2012. Classes do not, however, finish until 2.55 pm for Junior School students on this day.

As we approach Christmas may I remind parents that any exchange of Christmas cards (for those who can’t do it away from school) should only take place on the last day of school . Parents should not feel obligated to provide cards for large numbers of students, if any at all.

P and F Executive CommitteeCongratulations are extended to the P and F Executive Committee members who were elected at last Thursday’s Annual General Meeting:

President : Daniel Renneberg Vice-President : Julianne AndrewsSecretary : VacantTreasurer : Rosanne O’Brien (interim)

The following sub-committee representatives were also ap-pointed :College Directory Representatives : Sharon McVay & Ro-sanne O’BrienFete Convenor : Steve Dignan

There are still some vacancies on the sub-committees, including FOSTAA (Friends of St Andrews Arts), SASS (St Andrews Sports Supporters) and Grants Officer. If you are interested in finding out more about these positions, please contact the P and F through the website.

Our sincere thanks are extended to the outgoing commit-tee members, particularly our outgoing President, Cather-ine Dolan. Catherine has served St Andrews for a number of years in various roles on the P and F, and has provided outstanding leadership and unrelenting commitment to our community.

We thank all of the parents for their enthusiasm and com-mitment to serving in these significant voluntary roles, and look forward to their oversight of the P and F’s work in 2013. Kiss n’ Ride NewsOur youngest students in Prep will be joining us at the Bus Shelter from the commencement of next week (Monday 3rd) for their orientation to the Kiss n’ Ride Zone before they commence Year 1 next year. There will be a brief infor-mation session for Prep parents to explain the system in P3 (Ms Chan’s room) at 8.45 this Wednesday (28th). With the new arrangements, there will be a lot of addition-al traffic, so I ask all drivers to exercise even more patience than is normally the case, and if possible to come later for pick-up than earlier – thank you as always !

Semester Two ReportsThe end of year Report Cards are in the process of being completed, and will be mailed home to parents in the first week of the holidays. The impact of the Australian Curricu-lum, implemented in all Australian schools this year, will be reflected in the Achievement Standards that are reported upon for each child. Please use the reports as a means of affirming your child’s effort and progress throughout the final semester, and as basis for setting new learning goals for 2013.

2013 ArrangementsThe allocation of students into classes will not be an-nounced until the first day of school next year. On Wednes-day 30th January, class lists will be displayed as follows from 8.00 am onwards :Prep foyer for Prep classes (Binging and Gowandi students only)A block Undercroft for Years 1-3Bus Shelter for Years 4-6 Prep students in Jubi and Wardjam will commence on Thursday 31st.

Morning tea will be available for parents outside the Wor-ship Centre from 8.30 – 9.30, and parents are welcome to join us for the Opening Chapel Service at 9.30 am. Please remember that traffic congestion is likely on the first day, as parents stay for the Chapel service, so please exer-cise extra care and patience.

The end is nigh !As we close the door on what has been another very suc-cessful year, may I take this opportunity to thank staff, stu-dents and parents for the support, commitment and close cooperation that have been hallmarks of the year just gone. The desire and ability to work together with a common vision and purpose have ensured that the very best oppor-tunities have been made available for our students, and this will continue to remain the focus in 2013.

Although I will not be here next year, I look forward to continuing to hear through the local community of the fine reputation for which St Andrews is now known, far and wide. It has been a huge privilege to serve within this com-munity, and to have been part of the growth and develop-ment of what is considered one of the finest schools on the Gold Coast. I thank the students, staff and parents for making my time here one of the most special memories of my many years in education, and for each person’s role in the growth and development of the College over the past 20 years.

May the coming Christmas season be a timely reminder of God’s blessings to our community, and may all families experience the richness and the joy of knowing that Christ came into the world to save all of us, and that the gift of salvation is the greatest gift that any of us can ever receive. Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a blessed New Year. Stephen McGrathDeputy PrincipalHead of Junior School

As the 2012 academic year comes to a close, we have certainly experienced a recent whirlwind of special events as we celebrate the many achievements of our incredible students. I am always so impressed with the progress stu-dents make each year (big and small) and the many talents they have been abundantly blessed with from above. I re-cently received an email from a very enthusiastic Year Two classroom teacher who wanted to share the writing talents of one of her students. Below is the poem written by Miko Savory from Year 2P:

What does Christmas mean to you?I look at the stars and so do you,

Then we see the lights, put up by who?Christmas, Christmas everywhere,

lots of magic when you share.Lots of love, lots of care

Lots of angels everywhere.In the night I sleep and sleep,

Then Santa comes in a great big heap.The sleigh is pulled with lots of reindeers like Rudolf and

DancerAnd don’t forget funny old Prancer

The lights shine so brightIn the darkest night.

Smell the yummy chicken and beefFor a garnish use some parsley leavesNext we make some craft with glue

And also textas in different shades of blueCongratulations to all of our students for the accomplish-ments they have achieved throughout the year whether they have been academic, sporting, cultural or interper-

sonal.

May I also take this opportunity to thank the teachers for everything they do to facilitate student learning. We have remarkable teachers who demonstrate a passion for devel-oping curious inquirers. I am continually amazed by their desire to support each and every child in their class. Thank you also to the support staff who offer their valuable assist-ance to staff and children each and every day.There is one significant person who will be leaving us at the end of the year and that is our esteemed Mr Stephen Mc-Grath. It is difficult to imagine what the Junior School will be like without Mr McGrath leading the way forward.Words could never encapsulate all that he has done over the past fourteen years to ensure that the Junior School is now flourishing as a vibrant, lively and engaging learning environment. The Junior School certainly commenced with humble beginnings, but due to Stephen’s commitment,

From the Deputy Head of Junior School & PYP Coordinator

dedication and oversight, it is now well placed offering an outstanding nurturing environment for students to be supported as they develop their God-given talents. He has resonated the catch phrase for St Andrews… ‘Where every-one is someone.’ Stephen has always maintained that every decision made is based on how student learning outcomes will be positively impacted. Students have greatly appreci-ated the significant input he has had in their young lives…

“Every time he sees me he

always says hello in a friendly

way.”

“He always remembers my name

and that makes me feel special.”

“He remembers all of our birth-

days and gives us a Freddo Frog.”

“Mr McGrath has always guided

me in the right direction to make

right choices.”

Farewell to our beloved Mr McGrath

Counselling Update

the morning teas to celebrate their achievements, his presence at all Junior School functions, visits to classrooms and of course the chocolate Freddo Frogs to acknowledge student birthdays!! None of us will ever forget his ability to call every student by their first name (along with their parents and siblings who don’t even yet attend the College!) As Mr McGrath heads out of the College gates for the last time as Head of Junior School, he leaves a lasting legacy for the College. His legacy is one of passion and heart as he has cultivated such a caring and ‘relationship building’ community here at St Andrews.

We wish him every blessing as he ventures out to new beginnings in the next chapter of his life’s journey. We know that whatever God has planned for him, he will be embraced by new colleagues and a welcomed addition to their community. On behalf of the Junior School, Mr McGrath, you will be truly missed but we look forward to seeing you return to visit the St Andrews community. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything you have contributed to make the Junior School what it is today. You are an incredible leader (the best many of us have ever had the privilege of working alongside) and we have been truly blessed to have you share your extraordinary gifts and talents with us for such a significant amount of time. Mr McGrath, you are the ultimate consummate professional and you will always be held in such high regard by mem-bers of this learning community. May God continue to bless you and Mrs McGrath.

In closing, may peace, happiness and goodwill be with you and your family not only at Christmas, but throughout the year and beyond. Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10

Love has a name. JESUSLove has a place. Our hearts.

Love has a story.And it’s not finished yet.

(Author Unknown)

Jacqueline FaulknerDeputy Head of Junior SchoolPYP Coordinator

In many of my consults I ask Junior School students about their siblings. More often than not when I ask them to describe siblings, they will respond “Really annoying” or “Touches my stuff all the time”. It doesn’t take long to discover that there are lots of fun, happy and joyful times spent with their siblings as well.

Recent studies have found that the best pre-dictor for good sibling relationships later in life is how much fun the kids have together when they’re young. The rate of conflict can even be high, as long as there’s plenty of fun to balance it out. The real danger comes when the siblings just ignore each other. There may be less tension to deal with, but that’s also a recipe for a cold and distant relationship as adults.

So if you want to develop close long-term relationships between your kids, think of it as a maths equation, where the amount of enjoyment they share together should be greater than the conflict they experience. You’re never go-ing to get the conflict side of the equation to zero. Siblings argue; they just do. But if you can increase the other side of the equation, giving them activities that produce posi-tive emotions and memories, you’ll create strong bonds between them and set up a relationship that has a good chance of remaining solid for life.

Some sibling fun will occur naturally, but you can help it along, too. Break out a box of chalk and have them create a crazy new monster together on the driveway or footpath. Let them use the video camera to make a movie. Have them team up together for a surprise project to give to a grandparent. However you do it—family bike rides, board games, making cookies, teaming up against mum with the water guns, whatever—find ways to help your kids have fun together and strengthen the bonds that connect them.

Source: http://tinabryson.com/

Mardi Frost School Counselling Team

Art NewsMini Musos 2013Letters have been sent home offering students places in the 2013 Mini Musos Program. Parents are reminded if they would like their child to be involved in this exciting opportu-nity they must email their confirmation to Kim Reynolds at performingarts@salc.qld.edu.au by Monday 3rd Dec. After this day the place will be offered to students on a waitlist.

‘Christmas Story or Poem Competition’

Year 4-Indigenous education incursion with Johnny BriggsJohnny’s second visit to year four this year included sharing a variety of aspects of indigenous beliefs and perspectives about the world during our ‘Who We Are’ unit of inquiry.

Our visitor was astounded at the maturity and ability of the Year Four students to maintain focus during the lengthy discussion that sought answers to student questions. We were astounded by his gracious and sensitive handling of such issues as his experience as a member of the stolen generation, mixed family relationships and identity. Stu-dents came away with an enormous amount of respect and pride in their own ‘mixed heritages’, and real understanding of the value of the land and aboriginal connection with the Australian landscape and the memories it holds. We can’t wait to see him again.

Year 4 News

Current Mini Musos also need to email Kim to indicate whether they are continuing in 2013 and whether they require a hire instrument.

Upcoming EventsTuesday 27th November – Make a Wish Foundation Lunch-eon (Golden Clefs and Selected soloists)Wed 28th November – Speech and Drama Concerts RBTThurs 29th November – Circus Performance for Preps RBTMon 3rd December - Sing Play Clap Twilight Concert RBT 6.30pm

PAT 2013 A reminder to all parents that unless we receive a cancella-tion form (available on the College Website) all PAT enrol-ments will automatically roll over into 2013. If you would like your child to be involved in the PAT Program 2013 limited places are still available.

Application forms are located on the College website in the Quick Links Panel on the Home Page.

Any enquiries regarding PAT can be directed to performingarts@salc.qld.edu.au

Priscilla Scott Head of Arts

The Middle Senior Creative Writing Group hosted the Junior School ‘Christmas Story or Poem Competition’ for 2013. The judging by the Group was extremely difficult as the entries were amazing! Random entries will be displayed in the window of the Junior Administration soon.1st prize was a $30.00 book voucher and 2nd prize was a $20.00 book voucher.

The winners were:Prep 1st prize a tie between Charlie McKinnon & Scarlett Thorpe2nd prize a tie between Olive Kennedy & Oliver Farrell

Year 1 1st prize to Isabella Seymour 2nd prize to Damon Scott

Year 21st prize to Andreas Koster2nd prize to Lily Barnes

Year 3 1st prize to Dane Hunter2nd prize to Kiraina Palma

Year 4 1st prize to Bronte Good2nd prize tie between Sophia Dart & Jazlin Hodge

Year 5 1st prize to Allanah Malligan

Thank you to Mr Kotzur, Mr Maessen, Mr McGrath, Mr Huth & Mrs Warner for all your support, its much appreci-ated.

Debbie Burnell

P&F News

Uniform ShopThank you to our wonderful Uniform Shop Volunteers this year - Sharon McVay, Debbie Cosier, Lynn Ralph, Narelle Hamstra, Denai Butterworth, Lorraine Guy, Tina Cuffe, Sue Gabriel, Wendy Tetsuo. We really appreciated you giving up your free time to help us. Thank you. Uniform Shop January Opening HoursThe Uniform Shop will close at 10am on Friday 7th Decem-ber 2012 and will re-open Wednesday 16th to Friday 18th January 2013 (8 am - 12pm daily) and from Monday 21st to Friday 25th January 2013 (1 pm - 4 pm daily). If you cannot attend during these times please phone 5568 5933 or email uniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au to make an appoint-ment. Families with 3 or more children are also encouraged to book an appointment time.

Avoid the Back to School Rush and buy, order or layby your uniforms for next year NOW! The Uniform Shop has plenty of stock and sizes can be exchanged in January if needed. Email us a list of what you need by 10am and we will have them ready for you to pick up the next business day or in January.

The Uniform Shop new phone number is (07) 5568 5933All 2nd Hand clothing must be submitted to the Uniform Shop before the end of term if you wish to use the credit in January. Items must be clean & ironed (not damaged, stained, faded or showing excessive wear). Blazers must be dry cleaned and have the receipt attached.Jacqui Desfosses – Uniform Shop Manager

TuckshopI would like to thank all of the volunteers who have helped us out in the Tuckshop. You have truly made a difference in the College and also it was a pleasure having you all.As the year is almost over, a big thank you for all who have been utilizing the Flexi School ordering system. It has made a huge impact in the way the Tuckshop is run and has saved us a lot of time not having to count money. Don’t forget that next year we will have every Wednesday, Thurs-day and Friday as 100% only Flexi School ordering days. If you have not yet joined Flexi Schools, go to www.flex-ischools.com.au and if you have difficulty in the setup, they do have a help number that you can phone. This term’s menu will be current into Term 1 of next year.

As always we need your help to service the children who come to tuckshop. If you are available to help us out, even if only for an hour or until first break, we would love to see you. It does impact the way the Tuckshop is run and not to forget help us get meals out to students on time. If you would like to volunteer, you can phone 5568 5928 or email me on tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au.

If you have any outstanding amounts for students that have had their lunch provided by us, payment is required asap.

On the weekend of 27 & 28 October a group of VERY en-thusiastic Year 7 students (and one Year 6) went to Toow-oomba to compete in the Mission Primary Schools Netball Cup. These girls started training during the latter half of Term 3, starting each Tuesday morning at 7am!

After a very early start for some girls we played 7 games over the two days. The girls performed well in both the heat and then the cold. Toowoomba’s weather proved normal, going from one extreme to the other. Over the weekend the girls ended up winning 3 games and losing 4, placing us 4th on the ladder.

We had a wonderful night out at Sizzler where the girls and their families were able to relax in each other’s company. It was fun to take such a great group of girls away.

Netball in St Andrews is really gaining momentum. I look forward to the next 3 years watching our current Middle School netballers gain strength and experience. Thanks and see you all next year!

Mrs Roper

Netball News

Your immediate attention to this matter would be appreci-ated.

As the last bulletin for the year, I would like to thank Sonya for all of the hard work that she has done for the Tuckshop as our Representative, and also Mel, Jo and Verite, it has been a pleasure working with you all. (Trina van der Kamp - Tuckshop Manager) Fete NewsA huge welcome to our 2013 Fete Convenor who has volunteered in this role – Steve Dignan can be contacted on 0417 733 547 or email him at fete@salc.qld.edu.au. Donations are still being accepted every Wednesday morn-ing in the P&F Office (next to the Uniform Shop) between 8.00am and 9.00am. We need books (not magazines), 2nd hand toys, good quality second hand clothing, cent auction prizes, face paint and glitter, hair ties clips coloured hair spray. The last fete meeting for this year will be held on Thursday, 29th November at 1.30pm in the Junior School Staffroom, so please make sure all those involved attend so we can round off the year with a positive turnout. We are still looking for a major sponsor so if you want any more details please contact Steve.

College Directory 2013Please fill in the form attached to this bulletin and return immediately. To be included in the directory the form must be back by the end of Term 4. Every year a new form must be completed to have your family included. The directory is a great social contact point for parents and has lots of important information relating to the College and activities. The directory is distributed free to parents early in 2013. If you wish to advertise in the directory, the deadline date and payment is 8th Feb 2013. Any enquires please contact Rosanne O’Brien on 0438 243 264

Welcome to the new P&F Committee, and thank you to all the parents who attended the AGM. With the change in direction of the P&F Association from 2013, the new committee can now focus on the fete and social fundrais-ing activities. There are still positions on the P&F committee that need to be filled – we need a Secretary and a Treasurer (from 1 Jan 2013) and a Grants Officer. If you wish to find out more details about these rewarding positions, please contact Daniel Renneberg (President) on 0409 729 676. At the General Meeting it was decided to fund a number of projects around the College grounds. Thank you to the par-ents who came to the meeting and added your insight in what you would like as this is your platform to be involved as a parent group.

ReminderThere is a ‘Farewell Book’ for Stephen McGrath up in the Uniform Shop for the last few weeks of term – for parents to write any goodbye messages. Open from 8.00am to 10.00am each day.

Special Thank YouThe P&F committee would like to acknowledge the help and support from the College groundsmen - Trevor, Nick and Kerry - for all that they do for our tuckshop and uni-form shop, and the P&F in general. Nothing is too much effort and they are always so happy and obliging. We

would also like to especially thank the girls in the office and IT department who have helped us out numerous times with photocopying, emails, notes to parents, and generally giving their support to the P&F when we ask.From everyone on the P&F Committee, we wish all families a safe, relaxing and joyous Christmas holidays, and see you all back in 2013 to enjoy the fete on Saturday 25th May, and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our College.

Catherine Dolan President (2011-2012)

Dates to remember November/December/January/February

NovemberTue 27th Years 3-6 Awards Assembly – 8.45 am (Hall)Thu 29th Year 6 Graduation DinnerDecemberMon 3rd Night of Music (Sing, Clap and Play) – 6.30 (Theatre) Tue 4th P-11 Christmas Service – 8.45 (Hall)Thu 6th Class Party Day Fri 7th Closing Chapel Service – 9.30 am (Worship Centre)Last day of term for students.

2013JanuaryTues 29th First day of school for MS/SS students Orientation for new JS students in Years 1-6 : 11.00 amWed 30th First day of school for Years 1-6 studentsFirst day of school for Prep students in Binging and Gow-andi housesOpening Chapel – 9.30 am Thu 31st First day of school for Prep students in Jubi and Wardjam houses

FebruaryFri 1st Years 4/5 swimmingTue 5th JS Photo DayWed 6th Prep and Year 1 Information Evening for parents – 7.00 pm Tue 12th Years 2 & 3 Information Evening for parents – 7.00 pmThu 14th Years 4-6 Information Evening for parents – 7.00 pm

ST ANDREWS LUTHERAN COLLEGE PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

P O Box 2142 Burleigh BC QLD 4220 Ph: (07) 5568 5900 Fax: (07) 5568 5999

COLLEGE DIRECTORY – 2013

□ Details same as last year □ Delete me □ New Listing □ Advertiser (Complete Name, Phone # and (Details omitted from booklet) (Complete form) (Complete form) Children’s Details only) If there are any other alterations please complete as New Listing

PLEASE INDICATE YOUR PREFERENCE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO COLLEGE RECEPTION BEFORE SCHOOL ENDS 2012 Enter only those details that you wish to appear in the Directory Only one address may be listed Only one home telephone number may be listed

NOTE: The family details contained in this directory are ONLY for private and personal use.

Parent 1: Surname: Given Name:

Occupation: Work No:

Email: Mobile No:

Parent 2: Surname: Given Name:

Occupation: Work No:

Email: Mobile No:

Primary Address and Telephone Details: Address:

Post Code: Home Telephone:

Children’s Details: (eldest to youngest) Surname: Given Name: Year Level for 2013

1.

2.

3.

4.

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Card Name: __________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________ Cash/Cheque: Payable to St Andrews Lutheran College P & F Association. Please return this completed tear off slip with cash or cheque payments.

Receipts will be issued upon payment. Please use your business name in all reference descriptions. GST is not applicable. Gold Sponsor Colour banner (1/4 page on

front cover and full colour internal page

$1000 There can be only one Gold or Silver sponsor per year, so be quick. The deadline date for all ads & payment is February, 8th 2013

Business: ...................................................................................................................

Contact name: ...........................................................................................................

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"All advertisements are at the discretion of the Principal"

Silver Sponsor Colour back cover and B&W internal page

$800

Full Colour internal page $250 Half Colour internal page $125 Full B&W internal page $100 Half B&W internal page $50 Any queries may be directed to Rosanne O’Brien:

Mobile: 0438 243 264 Email: rosanneobrien1968@yahoo.com