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Weekly Newsletter
Friday, 1 May 2015
Learning Life. Together.
THOUGHTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
A Calvin education emphasises ‘Learning Life Surveys consistently reveal that parents send
Together’.
their children to Independent schools because
they prepare students to fulfil their potential in
We do so because learning is: a process, centred later life, provide good discipline, encourage a
around relationship, occurring now (so it needs responsible attitude to school work, have high
the present tense), and occurring in real life. This quality teachers and teaching methods. These
newsletter is full of examples of ‘Learning Life all rate highly in parents’ minds. It isn’t just about
Together’.
academic achievement.
As we approach the NAPLAN tests and the end of
Semester assessments it is important to remind
ourselves that academic measures are only one of
the vital signs through which we appraise a schools’
health and a child’s progress.
Calvin is unashamedly a Christian, Independent,
K-12 School.
The research about the impact of independent
schools is strong. For instance:
On ANZAC Day the nation was united in appealing •
to the values of those who served and fell; courage,
sacrifice, freedom, responsibility. As Christians in the
culture of Calvin we are calling students to those
values every day. We are always about learning in •
class, but never about only learning in class.
At Calvin we are both lauded and shunned because
we are perceived as ‘academic’. People see different
things in that word ‘academic’. I believe that we are
unashamedly ‘for’ a child’s right to operate at their
optimal level. Yes in reading, numeracy, and science.
Yes too in music, history and geography. And also
in thinking, character, and relationship. No person
can achieve beyond their level of maturity. Without
a moral compass and the vital values of life our
knowledge can be used for immorality just as easily
as for virtue. We don’t separate all those elements.
They are all part of the recipe for our culture. We are
academic in the sense that we value learning and
achieving at your best.
•
•
Analysis of data reveals that students from
independent schools are still twice as likely
to attend university as government school
students.
Recent data also shows that, having entered
university, students educated at independent
schools are almost three times more likely to
graduate. (Household, Income and Labour
Dynamics in Australia Survey).
Independent schools produce a significant
gain for student’s achievement between Year
9 (whether NAPLAN or PISA results are used)
and Year 12 (using tertiary entrance scores).
The impact on tertiary entrance scores of
attending an independent school is greatest
for students with lower prior achievement at
Year 9. These findings have held consistently
over time.
There are profound advantages to a good
independent school education.
They are
academic, inter-personal, cultural and valueCulture is the critical word. We will fight for our based, just to name a few. We are committed to
culture because everything is born out of the fusion gowing a child in all areas of their life. That’s why
of values and beliefs. We don’t hesitate to proclaim ‘Learning Life Together’ is so important.
what we value. We are constantly communicating to
children that they too need to reach for something That’s what we do here: Learn life.
greater than themselves and their achievements to
date. That is the essence of my view on the really
vital elements of why we are an effective school.
Primary School News
PRAYER FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
It has been good to spend time praying with some of our parents on Monday afternoons. Thanks Ralph, Sara
and Gerald. Thanks for the encouragement of others who value the prayer but are unable to be there at that
time slot. This time of shared prayer for the Primary School is at 2:30 to 3:00pm each Monday afternoon.
ANZAC ACTIVITY DAY
Last Friday we held an ANZAC Activity Day. Throughout the day, all the classes were divided into seven rotating
groups which included buddies from the various classes in the school. It is a great way to get a consistent and
in depth message to all students in a fun, interactive and creative way. We had many parents come along to
help with the activities and help with the BBQ Sausage Sizzle at lunch time.
The groups included Wreath Making, Poppies, Jigsaws, Reflections of ANZAC Day, Story Telling, ANZAC Sports
and ANZAC Cookies.
We concluded the day with a respectful ANZAC Assembly led by the Year 6 students and Mrs Pursell. The
photos tell a great story!
BOUNCE BACK SONG
The Bounce Back song is a song we regularly sing at LineUp Assembly.
There is a link to a website from which we all learnt the song originally and can be found at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKN2KEHn5dk and performed by Educator & Composer, Frank Servello.
Or better still ask your children to teach you!!
Primary School News
EARLY ARRIVALS AT SCHOOL
Some students are arriving at school before 8:00am. Whilst we understand that this may be for extraordinary
circumstances, we do ask that any students arriving at school before 8:20am remain in the soft rubber area
where we have Line Up. This is necessary to ensure the safety of all students. A staff member will be on
duty after 8:20am when students normally start arriving at school. All students can then place their bags and
continue their normal before school routines and welcomes until the first Line Up Bell when they need to move
to be ready for Line Up Assembly ay 8:50am.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Each Tuesday morning we sing our Australian National Anthem. We also sing the second verse believed to have
been written by Peter Dodds McCormack, the choirmaster at Scot’s Church in Sydney at the turn of the century
although this has been disputed. Nonetheless the words do reflect what we believe about God’s sovereignty
over the whole world including Australia. Some parents have requested this be shared so that they too can
sing along.
With Christ our head and cornerstone, we’ll build our nations might
Whose way and truth and light alone, can guide our path aright
Our lives, a sacrifice of love, reflect our Master’s care
With faces turned to heaven above, Advance Australia Fair
In joyful strains then let us sing, Advance Australia Fair
HELP FOR LIBRARY
We are asking for any parents who can volunteer in our Primary Library, either as a one-off or on a regular basis
to assist in the cataloguing of resources onto a new system. A short 5 minute training session is all you need
to begin and Grant Murray will be on hand to deliver this training. Please contact Grant ([email protected].
edu.au) or Karen (62293814 or [email protected]) to register your interest and availability. This
will make a significant difference in the ability to maximise the effectiveness of our Primary Library. Thanks in
advance for your help.
AID FOR NEPAL
In my role on APPA (Australian Primary Principals Association) I come across information that can be helpful in
many ways. One such opportunity came my way this week. Attached is a Media Release from APPA outlining
ways for students to get on board and help out with raising funds for children and schools affected by the
destructive earthquakes in Nepal. Please take the time to read this attachment and consider if you or your
family can help out by contributing to the appeal being organised (www.kidsgive.com.au). I will be discussing
with staff and students how we as a school will get involved in this effort as well.
SOCCER
The soccer season gets underway on Saturday. We have 9 teams who will be playing each Saturday against
other schools in the greater Hobart region. On the next page are the teams and where they will be playing
this Saturday. We will not be publishing this roster each week. Full rosters are available from http://www.
crjsa.com/rosters. It is important to check the website as it is updated constantly to cater for ground closures,
rescheduling, etc.
A huge thank you to Lyndon Webb for the enormous amount of work he has done to get the season up and
running for the Calvin teams. This is a usually thankless task which he performs with wonderful assistance
from Karen in the office. Together they have sorted registrations, allocated teams and recruited coaches, put
kit bags together, fitted students with the correct tops, etc, etc. Please make sure you get a chance to pass on
your thanks and appreciation to these wonderful servants of our community.
Primary School News
SOCCER TEAMS
Calvin U6 Black - Southern U6 Div 1 (Prep)
Coaches: Alicia Diedericks & Wendy Hovinga
Abe Diedericks
Miranda Gillie
Sophie Hofman
Bindert Hovinga
Elijah Pople
Sorry you guys have a bye this week.
Calvin U6 Gold - Southern U6 Div 2 (Prep)
Coaches: Anthony Cosentino & Melissa McAdie
Micah Cosentino
Joshua McAdie
Joshua Pohle
Jack Rider
Griffin Shepherd
Lucas Thornton
Playing Margate at 9.00am at Margate. Van Morey Rd Oval.
Calvin U7 - Southern U7 Div 2 (Year 1)
Calvin U8 - Southern U8 Div 2 (Year 2)
Coach: Christian de Kievit
Coaches: Jason Overeem & Trevor de Kievit
Hayden de Kievit
Ryan Baker
Riley Overeem
Lucas de Kievit
Alek Mangok
Toby McNeice
Jonathan Clark
Harry Davies
Jeram Okongo
Isaac Wells
Isak Diedericks
Lachlan Gillie
Playing Woodbridge at 10.00am at Margate. Van Morey Rd Nicholas Muenchhagen
Harry Zimmerman
Oval.
Playing St Aloysius at Calvin at 10.00am. Primary Oval.
Calvin U9 Girls - Girls U9 Div 2 (Year 2/3)
Coach: Darren Carr
Sarah Carr
Hollie Allie
Grace Hogermeer
Filippa Kay
Evelyn Kerstan
Esther Kuilenburg
Maia Pegram
Amelia Smith
Victoria Sritawat-Dowling
Asal Zendehboudi
Playing St Mary’s at Calvin at 12.00pm. Primary Oval.
Calvin U9 Boys - City U9 Div 5 (Year 3)
Coaches: Ian Cannon & Lyndon Webb
Oliver Cannon
Caleb Webb
Jeriah Webb
Oliver Laning
Jacob Lanting
Reuben Moroni
Jonathan Okongo
Zachariah Vonk
Nathan Wall
Billy Warn
Aiden Webb
Playing Princess St at Calvin at 11.00am. Primary Oval.
Calvin U10 Boys - City U10 Div 5 (Year 4)
Coaches: Anthony Kuilenburg & Peter Schnetler
Jai Kuilenburg
Samuel Schnetler
Ramon Forsman
Javier Laning
Samuel Layng
Cameron McEwan
Zackary McNeice
Godfer Okongo
Jackson Rutledge
Wesley Straatsma
Thomas Thornton
Daniel Verdouw
Playing Margate at 12.00pm - Calvin - Dennison St Oval.
Calvin U12 Girls - Girls U12 Div 2 (Year 5/6)
Coach: Bernadette Davies
Mia Davies
Jorja-Holly Laning
Megan Lanting
Julia Moroni
Phoebe Ody
Amy Ollington
Lilli Pople
Jasmine Straatsma
Esther Webb
Helen Hovinga
Playing Mt Stuart at 10.00am at Calvin. Dennison St Oval.
Calvin U12 Boys - City U12 Div 3 (Year 5/6)
Coach: Andrew Kent
Rory Kent
Alex Allie
Fletcher de Kievit
Jaden Forsman
Ethan Lanting
Daniel Layng
Ben Legg
Nicholas Moore
Oscar Ody
Marco Severini
Joel Verdouw
Playing St Therese at 11.00am at Calvin. Dennison St Oval.
Secondary School News
YEAR 9 CAMP
The Year 9’s set off on an adventure that started at a supermarket. Groups planned their menus and
equipment and were responsible for collecting, supplying, budgeting and purchasing everything they
needed for 3 days in the wild. We set up base camp in Lime Bay, sharing the space with a million mosquitos,
some possums, wallabies and a friendly Eastern Barred Bandicoot.
Day 2 involved groups getting dropped at various locations around the reserve and, using maps and a
compass, finding their way back to camp before dark. Challenges were set along the way that added a bit
of adventure and learning. Fake snake bites, group photos and picnic lunches were just the beginning.
Evenings were spent around the camp fire telling stories and jokes. Somehow through the camp we
fitted in swimming, soccer and surfing. Everyone had a great time and learnt a bit about preparation and
adventure.
A big thanks goes out to Mrs Bester, Mr Amos, Mr Walker, Mrs Straatsma, Mr Crombie … and Bob.
Jason - “I don’t recommend 2 minute noodles and Gatorade as a diet.”
Justin - “The walk was great because the group worked together and talked about stuff.”
Zayden – “Sleeping in an open swag wasn’t the best move.”
Mr Amos – “The bush toilet solutions were … interesting.”
Secondary School News
YEAR 8 GIRLS CAMP
The Year Eight girls went to Roches Beach where they had to quickly drop off their gear before half the group had
to set off to do some abseiling with Mr Stam. The other half of the group set up their tents before walking along the
beach and up the hill to join the abseiling and swap over activities.
After this it was a quick change to get ready for surfing. All of the girls managed to complete an abseil and most of
the girls had a fabulous time learning to surf at Clifton Beach.
The next morning involved a rotation of different activities before the girls once again went surfing. It was good to
see so many girls make a success of their surfing lessons.
After a wet pack up we had a fun time with an Easter egg hunt and a trip out for lunch to Mures before coming back
to school.
Some comments about camp were:
“I had the most fun when we were at the camp fire and we got to sing, perform and eat marshmallows”;
“I had the most fun when we went surfing”;
“Abseiling was fun. I am afraid of heights, however, this was very fun and I hope I can do it again”;
“Working with others in a group taught me to be patient and willing to have a go. It also gave me a chance to
become better friends with my team”.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Calvin Christian School has qualified to progress to Round 2 of the Australian Brain Bee Challenge 2015 – the
Tasmanian State Finals. The event will be held at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania,
Liverpool street, Hobart on Friday 26th June, 10:30am – 3:30pm.
Our finals team will consist of:
Olivia Toohey
Josephine Cannon
Callan Waugh
Laylah Conry
Congratulations to Team Captain Olivia Toohey gaining enough marks to participate in the Individual challenge.
Individual Challenge competitors are in the running for some wonderful prizes in Round 2. The winner of the
Tasmanian State Final will progress to the Australia-New Zealand Brain Bee National Finals taking place in Sydney
in 2015. Travel and accommodation (for the finalist and their guardian) will be provided to compete in the National
Finals.
STUDENT ID CARDS
If your child would like a student ID card to be used for travel, opening bank accounts, discounts at some shops etc
then please bring in $9 to the school office and we will order one for you.
Secondary School News
YEAR 8 BOYS CAMP REPORT
What a great way to finish up the first term of school! This year the Year 8 camps were split with a separate camp for the
girls and boys. I had the pleasure of running the boys camp at Fortescue Bay.
With the camp running from the Tuesday morning through to the Thursday afternoon there was a lot of adventure and
activities to fit in, so you can imagine our disappointment when, before even arriving at Fortescue Bay camp site, we had
already clocked up 2 vehicle breakdowns.
That was where any form of disappointment ended, the young men (as that is exactly the maturity and responsibility they
had shown) that attended the camp made it something worth remembering for all of the right reasons. The young men
that took the first shuttle took full responsibility to set up all of the tents, not merely their own, allowing the young men
on the subsequent shuttles to focus on their cooking when they arrived, a small example of the standards that these men
would set for the remainder of the camp.
We enjoyed a great surfing lesson on the Tuesday morning at Conningham Beach where everyone got wet, even if not all
managed to get up on their feet. On the Wednesday we hopped aboard the new bus and headed down to the Crescent Bay
dunes where we were once again treated with the most perfect conditions and made the most of them with swimming,
dune running and body boarding and a game of cricket.
Managing to get back to the Fortescue Bay camp site in good time that afternoon allowed us to run a few more activities
which included; snorkelling for those with wet suits and a couple of nutters without, fishing off the wharf (catching plenty
of seaweed), and some relaxing time for those wanting to put their feet up at camp.
We ended the day with some quality, and not so quality food, cooked up before all gathering around the camp fire .
We had plenty of fun digging temporary trenches into the evening in preparation for the rain we knew was coming and
it proved in the morning some had spent their time wisely, while others may have done better to get their gear up high
off the ground.
Packing up tents on a wet Thursday morning proved once again the quality of these young men. Getting it done quickly
and working together as a team we were off early and stopped in Sorell for a barbeque before heading back to school
and holidays.
Thank you to Mr. Iles, Mr. Riley Mr. Boonstra and Earle Westbury for their willingness to be involved and the great work
they did on camp. Also a huge thank you to the young men that attended the camp and making it what it was. The
activities were great and we had a lot of fun doing them but camp was what it was because of what you brought to it; a
great attitude and a willingness to lend a hand, well done!
Some comments from the boys were:
“I had the most fun surfing and hanging out with my friends in the tent”;
“I liked the location because it was near water and to the snorkelling and we were close to the sand dunes”;
“I had the most fun when we were all cooperating”.
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
The Secondary School swimming carnival is being held on Tuesday, 5 May at the Hobart Aquatic Centre. The day will
begin with an hour of fun and novelty events before the stroke races begin. The program is attached but please be aware
that although we try to keep to the programmed times we sometimes run ahead of time and sometimes behind.
It is designed to be a fun and enjoyable day where we can celebrate as a school both achievement and participation. All
students are expected to be involved and those who are unable to swim will still be able to help on the day to make it a
successful and enjoyable time of celebrating school community. Nominations were completed in House meetings this
week by students with help from their House Captains.
If you would like to help on the day please contact the school office
If your child is going straight to the Aquatic Centre or is leaving from there this must be communicated to office, preferably
before carnival day to allow those staff responsible for attendance of Year groups to access this information
Please note that girls should either wear one piece bathers or a rash vest over two piece bathers.
Secondary School News
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAM – LITERACY AND NUMERACY (NAPLAN) 2015
NAPLAN commenced in Australian Schools in 2008. Each year, all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate
in common national tests, which assess:
• Reading •
Writing
•
Numeracy
• Language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation)
The scheduled dates for the test in 2015 are Tuesday, 12 May, Wednesday, 13 May and Thursday, 14 May.
The benefits of participating in NAPLAN testing:
•
•
•
•
•
•
NAPLAN tests the skills that are essential for every child to progress through school and life such as
reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy.
NAPLAN results provide valuable information on how your child is progressing against national
minimum standards of literacy and numeracy sills expected for each year level.
The NAPLAN tests provide you are parents with an individual report that shows your child’s results and
a comparison of your child‘s performance against all other Australian students in their year level.
Teachers use the NAPLAN results to determine your child’s areas of strength and where future focus is
required and how best to provide support or extension activities.
School teachers analyse your child’s results to inform planning for learning. Data provides detailed
information right down to the individual questions with links to teaching strategies.
Principals, senior staff and others can use NAPLAN results to inform school planning and to allocate
resources and support including informing decisions around targeted programs and initiatives for
individuals and groups.
The best way you can assist your child is by helping them to feel comfortable about the nature and purpose
of the tests, and assure them that the tests will give them an opportunity to show what they have learned
in class.
Please see the attached documents for further information.
Whole School News
Enjoying a New Closeness A Workshop for Couples
Four Thursday Nights in May 7-­‐28th 7:15-­‐ 9:15pm Have you or your partner ever said the following?
I love you but I am not in love with you.
You are not emotionally there for me
Why do you get so upset about that?
You are so fussy about being tidy
I wish you were more affectionate
I don’t need your solutions, I just need you to care.
Some of the topics covered are:
defensiveness
understanding emotional intimacy
1/72 debrief – meet and greet ritual
the mess maker and the clean freak
the positive power of negative thinking
This workshop is based on the common issues brought to
over 14 years of couple counselling.
Kingborough Bowls Club
Channel Highway (towards Margate)
Presented to the community by Bay Christian Church
Workshop Presenter, Hans Kelder of Hobart Marriage Counselling
Cost $80.00 per couple (workbook and supper provided)
To register contact Hans Kelder on 0408450008 or [email protected]
Women’s Ministry Event:
“The Power of
Two discipleship & evangelism
through mentoring”
An opportunity for women from wherever they
are to be encouraged under Christ.
Visiting
Christian Speaker
Fiona Hall
Date: 18 May 2015
Time: 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Venue: St Clements Church, Kingston
(Corner Beach Rd and Channel Hwy)
Followed by tea/coffee
R.S.V.P: [email protected]
by 11 May 2015
Parenting News
So what does an emotionally intelligent parent look like? Here are five attributes that emotionally intelligent parents have in common.
Ten year-old Elle liked to be active, but one weekend things got out of control. A jazz ballet concert, a game of netball, and a family
visit to her cousin’s house meant no time to herself. And she let her parents know it with constant moaning, as well as a tantrum or
two. Her father held his tongue for most of the weekend, but couldn’t help but give her some fatherly advice on Sunday night. “You’ve
spent the whole weekend moaning about how busy you are. Maybe you need to drop one of your activities, if they are stressing you
out so much!” A tantrum followed…from Elle.
Elle’s mum took a different tack. She had a hunch that something was bothering her daughter. “You sound like something is bothering
you big-time. What’s up?” “I’ve got to give a talk at school on Monday in front of the whole school and I haven’t time to prepare. It’ll be
awful and everyone will laugh.”
Her mum replied, “You sound like you might be pretty nervous. That makes sense. Giving a talk in front others can be nerve-wracking.”
Elle dropped her shoulders, smiled and said, “You bet!” She was relieved because her mum understood how she felt. In fact, her mum
had unlocked the problem for her and reflected back how she felt.
Elle’s dad focused on her behaviour and responded in kind (with well-meaning advice about her future behaviour), while her mother
focused on the feelings that acted as a possible driver to her daughter’s behaviour. She took an emotionally smart approach, which
turned out to be the right one in this circumstance. Emotionally intelligent parents don’t dismiss children’s behaviour and allow kids
to do as they please. There are times that we need to focus on a child’s behaviour. A child who is rude in public should be reminded in
no uncertain terms that poor manners are inappropriate. However, there are times when smart parents need to look beyond the obvious behaviours to get an good understanding of what’s happening to their child, and to help a child better understand and manage
their emotions.
So what does an emotionally intelligent parent look like? And importantly what is the impact on kids, parents and families of this approach? Emotionally intelligent parents have the following five attributes in common. They will usually:
1. Listen more and judge less
There is nothing better than being understood. Parents who operate from an emotionally-smart mindset are more likely to listen to
their kids when emotions are high, trying to access what may be going on, rather than clamping down their behaviour or closing them
down with well-meaning advice.
Impact: Better, more open relationships.
2. Accept strong emotions
Anyone who lives with teenagers will know that emotions can run very high. They can say the worst possible things to each other and,
at times, to you. Ten minutes after delivering a hateful tirade they can be cuddling up to the person who was the butt of their anger,
frustration or anxiety. Emotionally intelligent parents know that feelings need to expressed rather than bottled up, and allowed to
fester. They also believe there is nothing so bad that a child can’t give voice to in a family, however there are behaviours that are not
unacceptable.
Impact: A healthy expression of emotions.
3. Focus on the present
Most parents are rightfully future-focused. We focus on the homework that needs to be handed in tomorrow; the washing that needs
to be done; the meal that needs to be cooked. That’s part of everyday life. Children generally focus on the here and now. That of course
can be frustrating to a task-oriented future-focused mother or father. However when we lower our gaze we are more likely to pick up
how kids are feeling, and importantly help them understand and manage their moods and emotions.
Impact: Happier families and less stress felt at home.
4. Use rules rather than their moods to determine discipline
Some parents discipline according to their moods. If they feel good then they give children plenty of lenience. If they are feel bad then
they pick their kids up on every little thing. It’s better to stick to the family and house rules; that makes you more predictable, which
kids really crave.
Impact: More consistent parenting
5. Develop a language around feelings
A family develops a vocabulary around the things that are important to them. Kids in a sport mad family will inevitably have a rich
vocabulary around their chosen sport. The same holds for emotional intelligence. Families that truly value building emotional smarts
will develop in kids a rich palette of words that will help them describe how they feel. This vocabulary will inevitably stay with them for
life.
Impact: Better relationships later in life at work and in their own families.
At a time when anger and anxiety has never been so high in families, there is a massive need for a parenting approach that includes
emotional intelligence. Many parents struggle in the area of helping children understand and manage their emotions because we’ve
never had any training in it. We didn’t learn it from our parents, and more than likely haven’t learned it at work. Emotional intelligent
parenting can be learned. At Parentingideas emotional intelligence is central to the work we do with parents. We know first hand that
kids who have parents versed in Emotional Intelligence are more likely to raise kids with the skills to be happier, enjoy better relationships and experience more success at school.