Principal’s PenOur Core BusinessCornerstone’s very name is derived from a Christian concept. The founding fathers of the College, all professing and active members of local churches, saw the power of transformation that Christian hope brings. With this personal belief in place, they birthed that initial tiny school as a means of sharing the message of good news that had taken deeply hold of their own lives.

A ‘cornerstone’ refers to the pivotal stone that forms the base of a corner of a building, joining two walls. Structurally it is imperative. Without the cornerstone present, the whole building’s structural integrity is in jeopardy.

A cornerstone of faith is what the College is built upon. Quoting from the writings of R Thompson: ‘Academic excellence is (paramount but) is not enough; worldview thinking is insufficient; and unconsidered conformity to the rules is mockery of this challenge to holistic, whole-hearted, embodied and embraced Christlike life.’ We are an establishment of education, but foundational to all we do, and all we are, is the good news of Jesus and what he has done. It’s what makes Cornerstone special. Every staff member holds a personal faith. Every board member is an active and professing Christian. Every decision made is prayerfully considered.

Often we are asked why we don’t employ those with different belief systems – but what makes us Cornerstone, is the foundation upon which we are built. Take away that foundation and suddenly Cornerstone would start to look a whole lot different. The reasons why parents would bring their children to the College would start to change, and even how we relate to one another would be different.

Your children’s teachers are all firmly committed to serving Jesus Christ and reflecting the love of God to your kids. They pray for them, they do their best for them. Of course, all decisions made have excellence in education as a desired outcome. But even greater than this, is our intent that our Creator God, who provides us with hope and love that can transform lives, is presented.

“See, I lay a stone….. a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.” 1 Peter 2:6

Christian Education is our core business. With a mission statement of Education, for Christ, Character, Community, it leaves no doubt as to what we are about.

this issuePrimary Learning Journey

End of Year EventsBook Week Dress-up Day

PO Box 775Grace CourtBusselton WA 6280p: (08) 9754 1144f: (08) 9754 1142e: admin@cornerstone.wa.edu.auw: www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au

DATES to REMEMBER

Thurs Sept 25Primary Parent AssemblyPre-Primary Mrs Clark and Mrs Van Beek2:00pm Auditorium

Thurs Sept 25Primary Learning Journey

Friday Sept 26Final Day of Term

Term 3 DatesThursday July 24 - Friday September 26

Term 4 DatesTuesday October 14 - Thursday December 12

End of Year EventsDec 8 - K-2 ConcertDec 9 - 3-6 Awards and GraduationDec 10 - Secondary Awards and Graduation

Bruce

15I S S U E

2 3 r d S e p t e m b e r2 0 1 4

NEWSLETTER

A M i n i s t r y o f

C o r n e r s t o n e C h u r c h

o f C h r i s t I n c

w w w . c o r n e r s t o n e b u s s e l t o n . c o m

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

This week!

Around the College

Cleaver’s ClangersWhere do snowmen keep their money? In snow banks.

What washes up on very small beaches? Microwaves!

Book Character Dress Up Day - PrimaryThe Primary School had a Book Character Dress-up Day last Friday, to raise funds for more class reading books. We can advise that $263 was raised on this occasion. A majority of the Primary students came to school in costume, all with books in hand indicating where their characters originated.At lunch time, a group of male staff members found bean bags or grassy garden locations to share some of their favourite stories with students. It’s been a pretty special day. Well done students, parents, and staff!

LibraryMrs King has planned a bit of a colourful make-over of the library in the next few weeks. Next term, drop on in when you are next on campus to take a look at the displays she has organised. It’s going to be great!

Moving House?If you are moving house or changing phone numbers, don’t forget to let us know. We have had a number of recent cases where we have been unable to contact parents, or mail has been returned.Please ensure that you let us know of any changes to your contact details.

Facebook PhotosFamilies would be aware that at the commencement of each year, you sign an ICT document indicating you are aware of, and will adhere to the policies

relating to the ICT area. Part of this, is your agreement to not post photographs of students in their uniforms on social media pages. This particularly becomes relevant when children other than your own are included.We wish to remind families that we do have around 20 children in our school, who CANNOT have their images displayed on the internet. The reasons are varied, but for some, they are literally in hiding and their location cannot be discoverable.In order to protect these precious kids, please ensure that unless prior approval is granted by the College, no photos can be displayed publicly. It can, in all honesty, become a matter of life and death.Please help us keep Cornerstone a safe place for everyone. Thanks for your assistance.

Follow usHave you ‘liked’ the Cornerstone Facebook page yet? It’s our most popular, and quickest way to deliver information directly to your phones or computers. Find us today and stay up to date with things as they unfold!

This year our Primary Learning Journey will look a little different. We believe everyone is on a learning journey and so we invite you to celebrate your child’s education and participate in some learning together with your child.When: Thursday 25th SeptTime: 4:30 – 6:00pmWhat’s going to happen?All primary school teachers will open their classrooms from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. You can come any time and stay as long as you like. This is the time to celebrate your child’s achievements; if you would like to discuss their progress please make an appointment for another time with your child’s teacher.While the classrooms are open a number of workshops will run. You can choose to go to all of them or none of them. It will help us if you can indicate which ones you are interested in. Each workshop will run for approximately 25 minutes. Workshops are for children and adults together. The following topics will be offered:• Games to play with your kids.• Vision and direction of the College• Healthy lunchbox ideas • Internet safety • Making and being friends at school • What is all this God stuff about?We very much anticipate your attendance at this night of journeying together.

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Dunsborough Primary SiteCORNERSTONE WAY, DUNSBOROUGH

‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid’.Jesus.

John 14:27

OFFICE HOURSThe Administration Office is

open from 8:15am to 4:30pm,

Monday to Friday.

Please note that if you call

the office before 8:15am it is

likely to go to message bank.

Additionally, coming into the

office prior to 8:15am will find it

unattended.

Staff are in meetings prior to

this time.

CANTEENThe College canteen is open

for business on Wednesday,

Thursday and Friday of each

week.

We prefer that orders be placed

via the online canteen.

Visit

www.ouronlinecanteen.com.au

The menu is also available for

viewing online at the College

website.

Orders must be placed by

9:30am.

UNIFORM SHOPThe uniform shop will be open

each Monday 8:30am - 9:30am

and Wednesday 3:00pm-4:00pm

You can also view the order form

on the College website at

www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au, or

complete an order form out of

your family information pack and

return it to school with your child.

YOUTH GROUPSCORE Youth - Years 7 to 9Friday night 7-9pm at Cornerstone0418 833 994 Julian/Karlien

Xtol Youth Group - Year 10 +Friday nights 7-9pm$4 entryBusso Bretho campsite0417 937 238 Margie0418 216 087 Graeme

Cleaver’s ClangersWhere do snowmen keep their money? In snow banks.

What washes up on very small beaches? Microwaves!

Parenting Insights with Michael GroseI overheard a friend tell her eight-year-old daughter last week: “You did such a good job helping your brother yesterday. You are such lovely big sister!” My friend’s face lit up with a smile as she said it. She gently put her hand on her daughter’s shoulder at the same time. The little girl beamed, then she went off to play.It was a simple parenting moment among many that my friend would have initiated that day.I couldn’t help thinking that it doesn’t take much to grow kids’ self esteem and create good feelings at home.A sincerely given compliment has an enormous impact on the person who receives it. We all grow a little taller, at least inside, when we are given a compliment.We also feel closer to the person who complimented us.Compliments satisfy the deep craving we all have to be appreciated.There is one problem. While compliments are easy to give, they are also easy not to give. We forget. We underestimate their impact. We haven’t developed the habit of giving compliments.The power of a sincere complimentAmplify the impactThere were two things my friend did that amplified the impact of her compliment.1. She smiled as she gave the compliment.2. She touched her daughter as well.Touch will always amplify a compliment. It makes it personal. Her mother’s smile told her daughter what her mum really felt. Infact, the touch and smile said it all. The words reinforced the smile and touch.The compliment was given and received through three senses – visually, kinaesthetically and auditorily.That’s how kids receive all our messages – they see, they feel, they hear – though we often focus on the words and forget the visual and kinaesthetic.Next time your child does something worthwhile take the time to give a compliment.Smile (tell your face you are happy) and add a little touch to really let them know how you feel. Watch your child’s reaction. It’ll have a significant impact. It doesn’t take much.

Canteen ResearchThe Middle School students were recently seen trying out different recipes and healthy food options for the canteen. As part of their studies for health, creativity was on display.With judges made up of students, staff, and even the canteen’s very own Mrs Shipton, around

15 different food samples were presented for consideration. From healthy salads,and smoothies, through to fruit pops and pasta. A very tasty display that made selecting a winner quite difficult.Well done to staff and students for this initiative.

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www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au

End of Year ConcertsAs mentioned last newsletter, planning is already underway for our end of year concerts and awards nights.Parents in the Primary school should note one fairly significant change that will occur in 2014.The division of concerts has changed. This year, the Kindy to Year 2 students will have their own concert on Monday Dec 8, and the Year 3 to Year 6 students have their own Awards Night and Graduation on Tuesday Dec 9. The Secondary students will have their Awards and Graduation Night on Wednesday December 10.Please note these dates in your diaries. We extend this invitation to all family members and friends.

Magpie SwoopingPlease be aware that magpie breeding season in approaching, which finds the incidence of swooping magpies increase. The season can last for six to eight weeks. To reduce the risk of injury, encourage your children to not draw attention to themselves, or to throw objects at them. This can

increase the aggression of protective magpies who may feel their nests are at risk. Taking another route to school should also be temporarily considered.

CanteenThe canteen is desperately in need of assistance. Volunteers parents are what makes the canteen system work, and unfortunately, the numbers of helpers have been dwindling in recent months. There have been occasions that Senior staff have been required to make lunches. Whilst we have leaders with a servant heart, it is not the best way to utilise their skills and so we are asking for anyone, who even on odd occasions may be able to help, to come forward.Please leave your name with the ladies at the front office if you can assist.Thanks in anticipation.

Notification of DepartureLast chance! If you are aware that your child will not be returning to Cornerstone in 2015, NOW is the time to advise us to avoid penalty fees being applied.

A full terms notice is required for departure, or the fees for that term will be applied to your account. At the end of this week, penalties will start to be applied.

Summer Uniforms and HatsGot the hats ready? Next term requires students to be at school with their school hat. If they don’t have one, they are unable to play or study outdoors. The College has a ‘no-hat-no-play’ policy, so it is really important to act now if you need to supply your child with one. Uniform changes also apply as we enter the summer months (particularly for the girls) so please check out the wardrobe today. There is only one more uniform shop day left this term......and that is tomorrow.

Have a great holiday!We pray that each family will have a wonderful break over the next few weeks. We look forward to seeing all students back on deck on Tuesday October 14. Term 4 runs from October 14 through to Thursday Dec 11.

Bookweek CostumesWell done to the hundreds of students who brought their favourite book characters to life last week. The school was awash with animals, super-heroes, princesses and even cartoon characters - all proudly holding the source of their fame in their hands and encouraging book reading in the process.Well done to all.Thanks also to Barefoot books for their support with prizes.