Term 1 Week 2 Friday 6 February 2015 Newsletter Sutherland Shire Christian School At last our 2014 yearbooks are on their way to your home! Today Year 6 students handed out copies to the oldest sibling in the family in Junior School, while the youngest sibling in Secondary will receive theirs on Monday. Each family gets one copy only. Why homework? - Page 6 Working with Wicked - Page 10 Learning music has profound effect on child’s development By Mr David Humphreys, Head of Music With passages of scripture like: Swimming in the rain - Page 11 “Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises! Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody! With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!” (Psalm 98) and “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16), music is a right response to all that God has done for us. Music allows us to collectively express ourselves beyond words as we meditate on His Word as Bible-based songs rattle around in our head. With the importance of music laid out in scripture, it’s little surprise that the philosopher Confucius would acknowledge that “music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.” In the education context, at SSCS we believe it vital that our students have the exposure to music through our Prep to Year 8 music classes, run by highly-trained, To page 2 Improved memory, maths ability, comprehension . . . From page 1 specialist music teachers. There are also many opportunities for all types of instrumentalists and vocalists to learn their craft in Peripatetic lessons with qualified and experienced tutors. They can engage in ensembles that allow them to collaborate and create something bigger than what they can do by themselves. We also see it to be imperative that our gifted students are extended in elective music classes. The life-long benefits of studying music is perfectly expressed by Richard Gill, Director of the Victorian Opera and Artistic Director of the Sydney Symphony’s Education Program, when he says: “Children’s involvement in musical activity has a profound effect on the development of the child’s general learning”. Richard is talking about the student’s ability to link concepts in their brain. Benefits include increased capacity of memory, organisational skills, team skills, perseverance, coordination, mathematical ability, reading and comprehension skills, cultural history, concentration, self-expression, listening skills, discipline, performance and presentation skills. What better time to jump in and enjoy the musical gifts God has given us! SSCS’ extensive Ensemble, Peripatetic programs start next week! Individual lessons on instruments with qualified and experienced tutors are about to get underway next week as part of the Peripatetic Program. These happen on site during the school day. This fabulous (and convenient!) opportunity is available in the following instruments: Violin, Viola, ‘Cello, Drums, Percussion, Flute, Piano, Trumpet, Trombone, Guitar, Bass, and Voice. Trumpet/Trombone: Victoria Wales Guitar: Stephen Cummins Voice: Erin Jones, Sam Walker Strings: Catrina Hughes, Holly Smith Ensembles Elective Music students and Peripatetic students have been busy choosing which ensemble they will commit to participate in this year as required. Students who aren’t in Elective music or getting Peripatetic lessons are also very welcome to join us and experience the joy of making music with a bunch of like-minded people. If you are interested in tuition Find more art facts at We are currently offering the for an instrument not listed artfacts.australiacouncil.gov.au following ensembles: here, please contact the Monday lunch: Vocal Ensemble office or email sscs@sscs. Tuesday lunch: Strings, Vivace & Percussion nsw.edu.au and you will be directed to speak to Mrs Bronwyn Irvine (Peripatetic Coordinator) or Tuesday after school: Theory Mr David Humphreys (Head of Music) to discuss Wednesday Lunch: Junior Choir possible availability. Thursday after school: Concert Band Current tutors Students who are interested in an ensemble are Piano: Nicole George Ford, Gavin Cooper and encouraged to come next week to Lawson Wallace check it out and let the ensemble director know you are keen to join at Flute: Lisa McGovern the end of the rehearsal. Drums/Percussion: Selina Fung Page 2 Building a relational learning community also needs some practical and fun activities In my first ever newsletter article last week I talked about the centrality of relationships in learning. From the Principal Mr Brett Hartley Principal God calls us into a relationship with Himself through the death and resurrection of His Son. A consequence of being a Christian is that the Lord also calls us to be in a right relationship with other people. The Bible provides lots of practical advice on how to build godly relationships and I’m thankful to God that SSCS teachers both teach and model how to live the Christian life. Our teaching practice is built on this foundation. Fredo Frogs Building a relational learning community also needs some practical, and even fun, activities. Some parents may be aware that I have started giving Fredo Frogs to students for their birthday (and I’m doing my best to try and cater for students with allergies!). This has built up quite a degree of expectation among students, particularly in Years K-2. Earlier this week a girl in Year 1 gave me detailed instructions about the birthdays of numerous people in the class and urged me not to forget them! I tried to explain to her that I will do my very best to deliver Fredos each day, but there will be occasions when students will need to wait for a day or two! The responses in Years 7-12 have been quite different. The first few times I darkened the door of a classroom, I could have heard a pin drop as students anticipated that someone was about to get into trouble, yet broke into spontaneous applause when I gave a student his Fredo. Our relational learning community is also developed by some excellent activities. Both swimming carnivals were held this week, where I saw a lot of enthusiasm, healthy competition and a great deal of positive relating. Many thanks to all those who made these events so successful. Laptops I must also thank Mr Stonestreet and the IT team for all the excellent work they put into organising laptops for Year 7 and Year 10 and also the technology boot camps for both year groups. The laptop program has been very carefully considered so as to maximise student learning. I trust that students find laptops to be a useful tool for learning. Newsletter survey Last week I referred to a survey about the school newsletter and the school’s Facebook page. We have received a large number of responses and I appreciate your feedback. This will help us to consider the most effective ways to communicate the positive experiences at SSCS. Parent events Finally, could I remind you of two upcoming parent events? The evening for parents who are new to SSCS this year will be held next Thursday (12 February), while the whole school parent information evening will be held on Wednesday 25 February. I look forward to seeing you there. We see ourselves as an extension of the home, so that Christian teaching given in the home is reinforced by the school in an inclusive caring environment. Our aim is to strive for excellence in the academic and personal life of all students so that they may reach their potential to the glory of God and the enrichment of life. Page 3 SSCS drama student chosen for ‘Young Wharfies’ program The Sydney Theatre Company (STC) has introduced an engaging new “Young Wharfies” program where a few carefully selected students are able to build on their theatrical literacy by investigating what theatre is and what theatre can be. Students do this by viewing STC productions and participating in workshops with their creatives throughout 2015. A number of students applied for this exciting program and one of our Year 11 Drama students, Laura Munckton, was chosen to participate. She reports on her first meeting of the year: “At our first meeting, we enjoyed afternoon tea with the STC staff as a way of getting to know them (including meeting Andrew Upton, the Artistic Director of the Company). “Then we were taken on a backstage tour of the STC, and ended the day with a relaxed workshop session. “In the months to come, I’m looking forward to participate in workshops focusing on script and play analysis, writing for theatre, the importance of live performance, style and function of theatre, directing, and more. 'I will also attend a range of performances including Suddenly Last Summer, Jumpy, Endgame, The Present, Arms and the Man, and Orlando. 'I feel very excited and privileged to be a part of this program and can’t wait to see what experiences Young Wharfies has in store for me.’’ We look forward to hearing about Laura’s experience as she continues to make discoveries into the theatrical world! - Mrs Kathryn Breen Please consider safety when collecting your child from school When collecting your child from SSCS in the afternoon, please take special care for your own and their safety. For the safety of our students, it is also important that parent vehicles do not enter or leave the School carpark between 2.15pm and 2.45pm. Do not walk through the school carpark, as buses enter and leave at that time, making it a dangerous situation. Sutherland Shire Council Parking Officers will be out and about at all Schools in the first few weeks of Term giving out information and answering questions, and throughout the year enforcing parking rules. We request that you stick to the pedestrian path outside and to the side of the carpark and not take a shortcut through the vehicle entry and exit gates. Also visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au Page 4 Being part of a team . . . We’ve been placing some emphasis this week on school uniforms. For 20 years of my life (until I tore a hamstring at the age of 36 - I don’t have much else in common with Michael Clarke!) I played soccer for a church football team. What made each of us a worthwhile and valued member of the team, ChaPlain talk involved much more than By Mr Bruce Christian what we wore and what we looked like when we ran Chaplain onto the field. But we did consider our uniform an important part of who we were, how we functioned and related together, and how we presented ourselves before the other team and our supporters and other spectators. In other words, we wore our team uniform proudly (in a good sense). At the Secondary School assembly on Wednesday morning this week Mrs Cole talked to us about identifying ourselves in the SSCS “team” by wearing our uniforms correctly. She reminded us that this isn’t a difficult thing to do, and that the school diary has a clear description of what is expected of “team” members. Strangely, when we don’t comply with the simple requirements, we are openly advertising to everyone around us that we have a rebellious heart. Belonging to a team carries with it the responsibility not to bring discredit on the whole team. All of this is important for “Team SSCS”, but it is even more important for those who belong to “Team Jesus”. Like our school diary, the Apostle Paul sets out our “uniform” requirements: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. “Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:12-17). When we get up each morning we give some thought (perhaps not very much for some of us!) to what we will wear for the day. Do we think as carefully, or even more carefully, about how we clothe ourselves spiritually? Do we decide to wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience? Do we decide to “bear with” each other and have a forgiving heart? Do we put on love over the top of everything else? Do we show by our attitude to others that we are striving to do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving our grateful thanks to God the Father for the many blessings he has showered upon us? Is it clear in everything we say and do that we belong to “Team Jesus”? Page 5 Parents encouraged to be involved We encourage and value parent involvement in our school. We have a wonderful opportunity to partner with parents to provide a Christian school community that we all belong to and can contribute to. These include helping with Visual Arts lessons, photocopying/odd jobs, pencil sharpening, P&F help, excursions and special days. Research does show that when parents take a positive interest in what happens at school, it helps children feel at home and well supported in their learning (www. kidsmatter.edu.au). I am looking forward to welcoming new parents to our community next Thursday at the New Parents Coffee and Dessert Evening. Therefore, next week, you will receive a Parent Helper letter that contains a range of ways for you to be involved. Please have a look at your family calendar and select how you would like to be involved this year. This is a great opportunity to get to know members of the Executive Team and other new parents to our school. Junior School By Mr Paul Carter Head of Junior School Why Homework? Most Junior School classes will begin homework next week. Here are a few reasons why we believe Homework is worthwhile. 1. Homework is worthwhile when it reinforces learning that occurs in the classroom. We aim to provide homework that allows students to practice skills and review knowledge and concepts that have been taught in the classroom. This is why Junior School homework has Mathletics and Reading activities as two main focuses. Each week, teachers set Mathletics activities that align with the concept being taught. Your child will have their Mathletics usernames and passwords in their diary. Reading each day is emphasised in all grades along with activities and questions that respond to what is read. We encourage parents to listen to their children read and help them think about and recall what has been read. 2. Regular Homework teaches valuable life skills such as a study routine, discipline, responsibility, time usage and working independently. 3. Homework helps parents keep in touch with how their children are going at school. If the homework set by the teacher reinforces classroom learning, then parents are able to get a picture of how their child is travelling in the classroom. If you have any questions about homework, please ask your classroom teacher. Coming to the Whole School Information Evening will help you to find out more. Page 6 For Prayer and Praise “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” - 1 John 4:10 (ESV) • Give thanks to God for his incredible love and kindness. • Pray for students as they get back into homework - that they will develop a good study routine. • Pray for students who are finding it hard to settle into a new school – that they will make friends and that other children will be caring and friendly. • Pray for teachers as they get to know their students this year. • Give thanks for the hard work of the office and administrative staff who help our school run smoothly. Mindquest extends young minds while thoroughly enjoyable Mindquest St George Girls HS Victoria St. Kogarah On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 March the 74th NSW Talented Enrichment Weekend Mindquest will be held for students from Years 1 to 6. These include gifted and talented students, gifted underachievers and students with above average ability with a special interest. Students will have an opportunity to participate in over 38 exciting courses in the two-day program. These include chemistry, earth science, drama, lego robotics, art and much more! Several of our students have attended these weekends in the past and enjoyed the enriching learning opportunities! The cost of the weekend is $180. Please contact Mrs Leonie Hampson at school for a brochure or you can call Shelagh Poray at Mindquest on 4232 2494. Closing Date: Friday 6 March 2015. Pay CAL and Hotshots online Our before-school programs - CAL English, CAL Maths and HOTSHOTS - will be starting Monday of Week 4 (16 February). Parents of students involved will receive notes home today. A new method of payment has been introduced using TryBooking online. This innovative method is direct and convenient. vocal ensemble monday lunch all staff and students welcome see Mrs Geering for more details • Go to “try booking.com” • Click on “Buy Tickets” • Search “SSCS” • Go to Faculty Events: “SSCS Learning Support Faculty” • Home Page click on “Continue Booking” • Select Ticket Type click on “Continue Booking” • Go to Checkout and follow instructions • Print Receipt Page 7 Meet our new staff Mrs Kerrie Baker: Administration Support Tell us a bit about yourself I am happily married to Steve and we have four children who all attended SSCS for their entire school lives. Therefore, I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the SSCS community for over 20 years, firstly as a parent volunteer, then as a casual in administration. Now I am taking on a permanent role supporting the Front Office, Music and PDHPE Departments. I enjoy going to the beach, swimming, having coffee with friends and eating out! I am also a big netball fan and love attending all the Sydney Swifts games and then coming home and watching the games on TV! Why did you want to work at SSCS? I have been a Christian for many years and have greatly valued the input SSCS has had into our family. It is a privilege to be able to both support the school community and give back in this way. Which of your teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why? The teacher that had the biggest influence on my life was my Year 3 teacher, probably because she was passionate about her job and loved to teach. I knew that she believed in me and it made me want to do my best. Where did you work previously? Prior to having children I worked for several companies, the last being St George Bank. However, I have been privileged to do what I believe is the best job of all, parenting my children. What is your vision for this year? My desire is to serve God, through serving the staff, parents and students of SSCS. Mr Christopher Pinn: Science Teacher Tell us a bit about yourself I’ve been a Christian for the last 12 years and attend Cronulla Community Presbyterian Church along with my family, which consists of my parents, sister and my brother-in-law. I graduated from UOW with a Bachelor of Science Education, majoring in Physics in 2010. Since then, I’ve worked both in Education and Research while completing my Masters in Theoretical Physics. I taught casually at a number of schools in the Sutherland Shire but mostly at Kirrawee High School which I miss. However, I very much look forward to the educational opportunities presented here at SSCS. Which of your teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why? Of all the teachers I’ve ever had, I have to say Jesus was the largest influence on my life. Everything I’ve done since I became a Christian has been guided by His word which I believe is founded in the Bible. Where did you work previously? I’ve worked at a number of universities and schools over the last five years, the most recent being Kirrawee High School. What is your vision for your students? As stated by my new HOD, Dr David Ruys: “To equip Christian scientific thinkers to honour Christ, seek and witness to the truth through methodical, careful, creative scientific inquiry”. Nothing is more important than to understand why you think or believe something. I consider teaching these skills to my students invaluable as it will contribute to their lifelong journey of personal discovery and development. Page 8 Meet our new staff Mrs Natalie Bluhdorn: Head of English Tell us a bit about yourself * I have been married to the lovely Tim for six years and have two gorgeous, energetic boys named Samuel and Oliver. I was a student at SSCS from 1992-1997. I studied English Literature and Environmental Management for five years at Sydney University. Why did you want to work at SSCS? I joined the English department of SSCS in 2003 and since then have witnessed both the school and the subject evolve and develop over the last 12 years. It has been a privilege to work in an environment that is Christ centered. I absolutely adore exploring texts with students and welcome the challenge and opportunity to grapple with post-modern texts from a Christian perspective. Where did you work previously? After graduating from the University of Sydney, I taught in Oxfordshire, England for a year. I also taught at Kirrawee High for a short time before coming to SSCS. Which of your teachers had the biggest influence on you? Why? A previous English teacher of SSCS was my inspiration for becoming a teacher. Mrs Debbie Williams was passionate about her subject, demanded excellence and taught me how to critique and evaluate texts. What is your vision for your students? I would love English to continue to be a faculty that teaches quality, worthwhile texts with enthusiasm and respect. My prayer is to see all students explore new texts, to have their ways of thinking challenged and to equip them with the skills needed to be empowered to respond to texts in our constantly evolving world. * Mrs Bluhdorn is returning to full-time teaching after taking some time out to spend with her young family. String Ensemble Starting up in week 3. Rehearsals every Tuesday. See Mrs Geering for more details. Page 9 SSCS’ Emilie Davila workshops with Wicked cast By Emilie Davila, Year 12 On Tuesday 27 January Sutherland Shire Christian School commenced for 2015. And while most students were back flocking the halls with their bags and freshly covered books, I had the opportunity to travel to Cambelltown Hall Theatre to take part in a musical theatre audition workshop, exclusively with the current cast members of the musical phenomenon Wicked. Emily Cascarino, who plays Nessarose in the current production, and Edward Grey, who plays Boq, both took time out of their busy touring schedules to train and give young performers like me an opportunity to learn and develop our musical theatre skills in a workshop format. The day commenced at 9am and, despite obvious nerves and croaky voices, each participant was called to stage to perform one song of their choosing before the audience. From this point, direct feedback was given to each person by both Emily and Ed, as they helped to navigate each performance, correcting issues and providing techniques to improve for a future audition. After lunch we were called back into the small theatre, this time for a round of dance calls. In a mock audition format, we were split into groups of four to learn a simple movement Emilie with Wicked cast members. routine, which was then performed before the audience. This gave us an opportunity to experience what it is like completing a dance audition for a show. The day finished with a debrief and a Q&A. Despite missing the first day at school, the workshop was a success and provided a great opportunity for young people to understand the musical theatre audition process. Since the workshop, I feel my own passion and skill in musical theatre has grown and changed for good. Page 10 Swimming in the Rain! Pictures by Mrs Joy Towell Yesterday we held our Primary Swimming Carnival at Engadine Leisure Centre. It was raining at the start of the day, we got the umbrella’s out, cheered on our team and dived into the pool. Either way, everyone got wet! Despite the rain, it was encouraging to see so many parents and students at the carnival. Thanks to a very efficient team of teachers and parent helpers, we finished the events by 1pm, leaving plenty of time for kids to have a free swim in the pool. Congratulations to all children who participated in the events, getting into the water and having a go. Our Zone Carnival is Monday 16 February. Students selected for this event will be notified early next week. - Mr Paul Carter Page 11 Print out the following pages and keep for future reference Junior School: Who to see when ... Mrs Sue Robinson: Mr Andrew Mellor: Prep to Year 2 Years 3-6 Head of Junior School Mr Paul Carter d Section Coordinators d Approach the relevant class teacher initially in relation to specific learning or welfare issues. d Class Teacher Principal Mr Brett Hartley Page 12 Secondary School: Who to see when . . . . Pastoral Care Teacher Head of Secondary Year Patron • Substantial student welfare issues. • Holistic learning needs in multiple subjects Individual student welfare needs, e.g.: relationships with peers Principal Mrs Marilyn Cole Deputy P-12 Subject Teacher Head of Department Learning needs relating to a specific subject, e.g.: a student is not coping with Maths homework, so the parent speaks to the student’s Maths teacher, initially. Speak with the relevant Head of Department when it it not possible to talk with the classroom teacher. Mr Brett Hartley Mr David Stonestreet Secondary Coordinator: Mrs Sharon Abrahams • Coordinates management of uniform requirements and infringements • Coordination of Secondary events • Supports Mrs Cole, Head of Secondary School, and the Year Patrons 2015 Year Patrons Year 7 Miss Kara McLaughlin Year 8 Mrs Susannah Arthur Year 9 Mr Peter Richardson Year 10 Mrs Naomi Davidson Year 11 Mr Joel Manns Year 12 Mrs Jackie Haralambou Heads of Department Drama English Mrs Natalie Bluhdorn Mrs Kathryn Breen Music TAS Mr David Humphreys Mr Reg Clarke Science Dr David Ruys Visual Arts Mrs Libby Jackson HSIE Mr Matthew Miller Mathematics Mr Chris Kearns PDHPE Mr Phil Askew Christian Studies Mr Neil Walker Student Support Services Mrs Kirren Wilson Page 13 P to 12 What’s on P-6 Secondary Mon 9 Feb Tue 11 Feb Year 10 Laptop Boot Camp AFL lessons - Junior School Year 10 Laptop Boot Camp Years 11 & 12 Drama to Onstage HSC Performances Thu 12 Feb SocS Puppet Show: Kinder to Year 2 Year 12 CAFS Guest Speaker - Diana Moes Year 11 PEPSE Connect Afternoon with Year 7 New Parents Coffee and Dessert Evening @ 7.45pm Fri 13 Feb SocS Puppet Show: Kinder to Year 2 Mon 16 Feb CSSA Primary Zone Swimming Carnival Year 9 Workshop with P & K Weerakoon Tue 17 Feb Year 8 Resiliance Seminar Wed 18 feb Years 11 & 12 Visual Arts Excursion to Art Gallery Thu 19 Feb Year 7 Vaccinations Years 11 & 12 MMR Vaccinations Community Corner Empowerment program for girls Tutor Available The Helensburgh Girls’ Brigade is part of a worldwide Christian movement that has partnered with Churches for over 120 years which aims to be relational, relevant and responsive. 2013 SSCS Graduate (ATAR 91.40) and Primary Education University student with tutoring experience is available for tuition in the following subjects: English K-10, Maths K-6. Call Chantelle Nichols on 0466 284 770 We empower girls and young women in local communities to be themselves, to develop and use their gifts and skills, and to discover what it means to have life to the full in their generation. We offer an achievement-based program developed especially for girls, incorporating physical, social, educational and spiritual aspects. Helensburgh Girls’ Brigade meets on Tuesdays from 6.30-8pm in the Helensburgh Anglican Church. For more information visit: www.gbnsw.org.au OR call Ros (Co-ordinator): 0401 923 113. Items in Community Corner of the newsletter are placed at the discretion of the School. However, the School does not endorse any such item. Page 14
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