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5WEEK

OF 9

Term 4

Gilson Gazette - 28 February 2020

SecondarySpiritual Emphasis Week

2020

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Students and Friends of Gilson College

Year 7 camp

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Contents

general newsGILSON COLLEGE CHILDRENS CENTRE ......................................4SCHOOL BANKING .....................................................................4SCHOOL FEES ............................................................................4GCCC NEWS ...............................................................................4

primary newsAWARDS NAMES ........................................................................5SCHOOL DROP OFF AND PICK UP ..............................................5WET AFTER SCHOOL PICKUP ......................................................6BEING ON TIME FOR SCHOOL ....................................................6LABELING CLOTHES AND OTHER ITEMS .....................................6UNIFORM - HATS........................................................................6SWIMMING WEEK 7 (10TH TO 13TH MARCH)...............................7YEAR 3 GSD ................................................................................7

seCondary newsYEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION ............................................7YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION ............................................7YEAR 8 CAMP .............................................................................8YEAR 9 BUANGOR CAMP ...........................................................8INTRODUCING OUR NEW TEACHING STAFF 2020 ...................10

photosYEAR 1 ZOO EXCURSION ..........................................................11SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK ....................................................12TOWERS MADE WITH PAPER AND TAPE IN STEM .....................13YEAR 7 CAMP ...........................................................................14SCHOOL BUS PICK UP LOCATION ............................................17

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If we were to ask Dr Richard Dawkins, he would say religion is bad for your health. In fact in 1996 he stated: “I think a case can be made that faith is one of the world's great evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate.”

Dawkins is right about religion being difficult to remove and for a good reason - Augustine (400 AD), Pascal (1660) and CS Lewis (1952) all discussed in one form or another about the God-shaped hole that is in each one of us.

However is he right about religion being bad for you?

In the book, “God, Faith, and Health: Exploring the Spirituality-Healing Connection,” Jeff Levin identifies five basic research findings.

Firstly, people who regularly attend religious services have lower rates of illness and death than do infrequent or non-attenders.

Secondly, for each of the leading causes of death in the United States — heart disease, cancer, and hypertension — people who report a religious affiliation have lower rates of illness.

Thirdly, older adults who participate in private and congregational religious activities have fewer symptoms, less disability and lower rates of depression, chronic anxiety, and dementia.

Fourthly, religious participation is the strongest determinant of psychological well-being in African-Americans — even more important than health or financial wealth.

Finally, actively religious people live longer, on average, than the nonreligious. This holds true even controlling for the fact that religious folks tend to avoid such behaviors as smoking and drinking that increase the risk of disease and death.

Quite obviously this data indicates religion is clearly good for you, however there are some people that bring up that tired, old argument that religions are the cause of all the wars in the modern world. You may have heard this from time to time, however what are the facts on this? If you should navigate your way to: https://psmag.com/social-justice/myth-of-the-modern-religious-war-34617 you will find John Tures’ research and data that shows the great majority of conflicts since 1648, when the Peace of Westphalia was signed, were the result of regime changes, land or power grabs, and not religion.

So may I be so bold as to suggest that we all need some religion because it connects us to the Transcendent and it also connects us to our fellow man. I can think of no better symbol than the cross to illustrate this, where the vertical post represents our connection to the Creator God and the cross beam illustrates our relationships and compassion to those around us.

It’s worth a thought

Mark B Vodéll Principal

Editorial: Is religion good for your health?

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general news

GILSON COLLEGE CHILDRENS CENTRE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

If you are interested in acquiring a place for your child at the Childrens Centre please call the College Office and request for a Expression of Interest form. More details to follow.

SCHOOL BANKINGA reminder to all our

College families, school banking has begun. Monies are collected each Thursday. If you are needing more details please call the College Office.

SCHOOL FEESCollege Fees are now due.

Payments can be made over

the phone, BPay or in person through the College office.

GCCC NEWS• February 22nd - We

welcome you to Join us in the Gilson College gymnasium for our first “Community Connect Day” for the year. On this day, it is where we get the opportunity to intentionally connect with the GSD year level and wider Gilson College School Community. The year 11 students have prepared a special Sabbath service with Pr Brayden Rath sharing the word. Toasties will be served at 9:30 am.

• February 29th - Please join us after GSD for our Church picnic on the

Secondary Spiritual Emphasis Week

Verse of the Week“I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

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front lawn. Please BYO lunch, chairs and rugs.

• February 29th - Adventurers will be held at 3.00-5.00 pm at Gilson College. If you are an adventurer parent, please join us for a time of worship, fun and games!

primary news

AWARDS NAMESOn Monday morning in

our Primary Awards Assembly one student from each class was acknowledged for demonstrating the value of Resilience. FH – Scarlett VicekFM – Mason PilovskiFW – Sienna Saleh1B – Aaliya Gupta

1H – Bella Woods1W – Ryan Ng2C – Harley Cassar2L – Fatehjit Singh2Z – Amelia Maluso3H – Thenul Gamage3R – Hans Loli-Pinono3T – Jilianna Cima4H – Sienna Maluso4S – Layla Krukowski5A – Zac Georgiou5H – Gabriela Diaz Aliste5M – Ayaan Singla6G – Mitchell Spiteri6H – Erica McGann6M – Hugh AriokaFRENCH – Shayamal Ranasighe

SCHOOL DROP OFF AND PICK UP

Please ensure that if you drop your child off in the morning before 8:20 am, that you stay with them until the gates open. If students are early and not supervised they need to be booked into OHSC. Please also remember that students are only supervised until 3:50 pm after school. Any child who has not been picked up after this time, will be taken to OHSC and parents will have to pay the cost.

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WET AFTER SCHOOL PICKUP

We would like to thank all of our parents for the patience and resilience that has been shown when it has been raining during pickup time. If there are storms during this time, we will stop pick up until they have passed. This will ensure that our students, parents and teachers are safe.

BEING ON TIME FOR SCHOOL

We would like to remind everyone that our first period of the day begins at 8:50 am. At this time, we close our gate to the primary school playground and students are directed to the front office to sign in and collect a late pass before going to class. Please ensure your child arrives at school between 8:20 am and 8:50 am, as we work together to encourage and develop responsibility in being on time.

The VALUE for Week 6 of Term 1 will be:

Confidence is a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt

“Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong.” Peter McIntyre“I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

CONFIDENCE

LABELING CLOTHES AND OTHER ITEMS

Please ensure your child’s clothes are clearly labeled with their name so that their belongings can be returned to them. This is particularly important for those items that are regularly removed such as hats, jackets and shoes.

Lunchboxes, drink bottles, school bags, pencil cases and all stationery should also be clearly labeled. The clear and permanent naming of any uniform items, brought to school assists in the speedy return of items.

Any enquiries about lost property can be made at the school office. You will be directed to the location of the Lost Property box. Monday morning assembly is also an opportunity to locate any lost items. Lost and unnamed uniform items will be held for two weeks and then sent to the Uniform Shop for resale.

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UNIFORM - HATSPlease note that the school

hat is part of the summer uniform and must be worn during recess and lunchtime. Please refer to our SunSmart No Hat – No Play policy.

SWIMMING WEEK 7 (10TH TO 13TH MARCH)

Due to Monday 9th March being a public holiday, students will not be having swimming lessons this week. This will ensure that all students receive the same amount of time at swimming lessons.

YEAR 3 GSDOur Year Three GSD will

be on Saturday 14th March beginning at 10.00 am in the Eco Science building. This is a wonderful day where parents and students come along to praise and worship God.

secondary news

YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION

Earlier this week, the Year 12 Geography class travelled to Docklands to examine the features of one of Australia’s largest urban renewal projects. Students explored the regions’ current land uses and analysed how and why it has changed over time. Students were also able to analyse how the project has transformed the area from an unused industrial port and a wasteland into a vibrant, modern-day residential and recreational hub that it is nowadays. Students visited key sights in the area and were able to collect important data to draw conclusions about the social, economic and environmental impacts of the project as well as its effectiveness.

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YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION

As part of the VCE Geography course, the Year 11 Geography students travelled to the Organ Pipes National Park to explore the geological features of the area. Today, the region forms part of the Western Volcanic Plains which extends from Ballarat across to Mount Burn in South Australia and is the third largest volcanic plain in the world. This field trip helped students to examine the processes associated with geological hazards, including their causes and impacts.

YEAR 8 CAMPYear 8 Camp to PGL

Campaspe Downs is happening on Monday 2nd - Wednesday 4th March. Please check the reminder email sent on Friday 27th February for the packing list. Please also check and update your child’s medical forms through the front office and prepare your child’s medication accordingly. A

reminder that students will need to arrive at school at the regular time on Monday and are to drop off their luggage on Court 3 in the gym before attending Chapel.

YEAR 9 BUANGOR CAMPOn Monday 17th February,

we went to Buangor State Park for the first camp of the Year 9 Learning for Life Program. It was a completely different experience for all of us, as it involved a separation from civilisation and from the life that we are used to. We got to appreciate a lot of nature on an overnight hike and, as we returned, we also experienced a sense of accomplishment for completing something we didn’t think we could do. For many of us, going on the camp helped us with the fear of the unknown and it put our own lives in perspective.

Samantha T 9MG

I didn’t like that the hike wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but I really liked that I was disconnected from the internet and that I got to bond with people I don’t really talk to.

Keanu 9CA

My experience in Buangor was actually fun. It’s very surprising because I didn’t expect to enjoy the camp. There was a lot of bonding, walking and learning. I befriended people I never would’ve

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expected to like. It brings people together and builds a team-focused mentality. The feeling once you return after the hike is very satisfying.

Isaiah 9MG

I enjoyed this camp because I got to spend time with friends and get to know people. The hike was a lot harder than I expected since I was in the high group, but I liked how I was challenged and felt really accomplished after.

Chloe 9CA

Going to Buangor made me realise how important it is for me to disconnect from the modern world and technology and connect with my friends and nature. I’m grateful that I got to challenge myself on the hike and to have such supportive peers in my group.

Krinjal 9MG

Buangor State Park was an amazing experience. I was able to talk to God during the hike and able to connect with Him and new people in my year level. I am thankful that I went.

Samantha 9CA

Personally, I think Buangor camp was a very fun experience. As our first camp this year I feel that it has already brought a few of us closer together, which is really good. The hike itself was a bit challenging at first because we weren’t used to it yet, but it got easier as our bodies

got used to carrying packs, or walking on steep mountains. I enjoyed spending a whole week with my friends.

Tracy 9MG

It was a great experience! … Even though I kinda struggled walking up a very steep hill, I’m thankful I had done it with my girls because of all the encouragement we gave each other.

Genieva 9CA

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AREA OF TEACHING / RESPONSIBILITYYear 11 Biology, Year 10 Chemistry, Year 7 Maths, Year 7 Science

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARYBachelor of Science (USP,

Fiji), Grad.Dip TESSOL (Auckland University, NZ), Adv Dip Social Services (NZ), Cert. in Computing (Te Whananga Mangere NZ), Cert. Education (Fulton College, Fiji)

CAREER SUMMARY1996 - 2000 Fiji State Schools, 2001 - 2006 Suva Adventist High School, 2008 - 2019 Auckland SDA High School

INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELFThe only lefty in my family

HOBBIESGardening, swimming, reading, travelling, adventuring

AREA OF TEACHING / RESPONSIBILITYYear 12 Religion, Year 10 and 8 Encounter

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARYBachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Teaching

CAREER SUMMARY2016-2018 Darling Downs Christian School, Toowoomba

INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELFPeanut Butter and Honey are my favourtite combo. I am the youngest of 6 children. I love a well-crafted hedge.

HOBBIESHiking, surfing, camping, community, church,

AREA OF TEACHING / RESPONSIBILITYOutdoor Recreation, Sport and Recreation, HPE, Sport

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARYBachelor of Science, Bachelor of Teaching, Diploma Outdoor Recreation, both from Avondale

College

CAREER SUMMARY2016 Katoomba High School NSW, 2017-2018 Noosa Christian College Qld

INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELFI can't lick my elbow

HOBBIESExploring, adventuring

INTRODUCING OUR NEW TEACHING STAFF 2020

AREA OF TEACHING / RESPONSIBILITYYear 9 Humanities and Mathematics Teacher; Walking-Talking-Advertisement-for-Gilson-College.

QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARYBachelor of Arts, Bachelor of

Teaching

CAREER SUMMARY2016-2019 - Macarthur Adventist College, GSC

INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELFDat is not even legally my first name.

HOBBIESMusic; making people laugh; making comments about the current state of Victorian roads.

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photos

YEAR 1 ZOO EXCURSION

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SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK

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TOWERS MADE WITH PAPER AND TAPE IN STEM

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YEAR 7 CAMP

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Gilson College Parents and Friends Committee

This corner features updates from our Parents and Friends committee. Watch this space to learn how to

get involved and meet fellow parents. PEP hours are provided for most of our activities

Welcome Gilson College families to 2020 What is the P&F Committee? The P&F committee is a chance for families to contribute back to the school community. There’s more to it than just attending meetings, it’s about having a chance to bring ideas and suggestions forward that can help to improve our children’s experiences and the environment in which they learn.

The core committee meet regularly, and once a term we open our meetings for parents to join us. Our meetings are quite casual and are a great opportunity to meet new people. We have a President, Maria Draganovic and Secretary, Anna Cini along with other core members that are in charge of different duties in order to keep track of our activities and no pressure is ever placed on parents to take on roles they are not comfortable with.

Our main aim is to fundraise in order to purchase items that will enhance our schools learning environment, but alongside that we are here to help by offering our time and services to the school. In the past P&F have contributed to our school by providing furniture for classrooms, and outdoor seating, as well as tables and chairs. Our current goal is to raise funds to support the development of the school back oval.

If you’re curious about the P&F and would like to see what it’s all about, keep an eye on the newsletters.

We start off our fundraising for 2020 by running an icy pole day every Friday in Term 1. Next week, Friday 14th February will be our first day. Cost of icy poles is $1, so please remember to send money with your child.

Our first P&F meeting, which is open to all families, will be held on Tuesday 3rd March at 2.00pm in the Primary Learning Area/ Maker Space. This is the perfect opportunity for old and new Gilson College families to meet others. Please make sure you sign in at the office before coming to the meeting. We encourage you to come to P&F meetings and look forward to meeting you soon. Blessings P&F Committee

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SCHOOL BUS PICK UP LOCATIONIf your child is using our school bus services,

please make sure that they are waiting on time at the allocated pick up spot. If your child’s pick up is in front of your house ensure they are waiting OUTSIDE the house and not inside. We cannot guarantee your child/dren will be picked up every morning if they are not ready to board the bus. Please treat the pick up as any ordinary bus stop pick up.

If you are not sure what time your child has to be ready for the bus ask the bus driver. Always ensure that your child is ready at a least few minutes before the allocated time.

Thank you for ensuring a smooth operation of our school bus

service.

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Primary Chapel - Snack and Chat We would love you to come along and enjoy chapel with your children and staff each Friday morning in the Year 3 &4 building. Chapel times are Foundation to Year 3 is at 9.00 am to 9.50 am. Chapel time for Year 4 to Year 6 is from 9.50 am to 10.40 am. If you come to the first Chapel please feel free to stay and meet some other parents, grandparents/ guardians and staff for a hot drink in the Primary Staff Lounge. If you are attending the second Chapel you’re welcome to come by the Primary Staff Lounge area from 9.35 am for a hot drink and get to know other parents, grandparents/ guardians and staff before attending chapel. Chaplains, Wellbeing and your Primary Administration/ learning team along with the Head of Campus and Principal will come along at various times. It will be a great opportunity for you to see your children in chapel and to get to know other parents and staff.

Can you volunteer? - We need your help with the School Banking program! Our students really enjoy participating in the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program and to keep this program running we need your help. The program requires volunteer School Banking Co-ordinators to facilitate the banking and distribution of School Banking rewards. The School Banking is processed at the same time each week 9:30 – 11am Thursdays during school Term. Your help with the program will greatly benefit students as they develop vital saving skills and also help our school with fundraising. Currently, School Banking day is Thursday. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kelly Freiberg 0408327064 or School Office 93639363

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https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/1956X55

Parents and Friends Committee Gilson College

Any questions, please email: parentsandfriends.th@gilson.vic.edu.au

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When you love but don’t like your child

• POSITIVE PARENTING by Michael Grose

It goes without saying that we always love our children. That doesn’t mean however, that we always like them or how they are behaving. Rather than beating yourself up, it’s useful to figure out what you don’t like and work from there. Here are some of the common reasons, and some ways to help overcome it.

Common reasons

It’s their behaviour Generally, it’s a child’s behaviour that you won’t like rather than the child themselves. Whether it’s a surly adolescent who scowls every time you walk into a room, or a toddler who whines when they don’t get their own way, it can be difficult separating the child from the behaviour.

It’s a stage Some developmental stages are more problematic than others. Both toddlers and teens are programmed to get under their parent’s skin. The respective developmental tasks are independence and identity formation, both involving a degree of parental challenge, making them hard to get close to, at times.

It’s their gender Some people are naturally drawn to a particular gender, and struggle interacting with the other gender. The struggle can be personality driven, or come as a result of family background. For instance, a mother who grew up in an all-girl household may struggle with the boisterousness involved in raising a son.

It’s their personality Some personalities grate, even in families. If you’re a quiet, task-oriented type and you really struggle relating to loud, life of the party types at work then this won’t necessarily change when you come home. You will probably struggle to relate to that loud, got-to-be-the-centre-of-attention type of child or teen in your family. If you value sensitivity and a careful choice of words and someone else comes off as flippant with ‘no filter’, equally it can be jarring.

They’re not meeting your expectations Parents usually have hopes and dreams for their children, which are not always fulfilled. A child who doesn’t follow in your footsteps or meet your academic or lifestyle expectations can be a source of disappointment and frustration.

It’s a lack of common ground Just as is the case with adult relationships, sometimes people in the same family are just somewhat (or wildly!) different to each other. Neither of you need to work to become a carbon copy of the other, but you do need to work to understand each other. Remembering the preferences, soft spots, no-go zones and other nuances of each other’s personality goes a long way towards reaching a language you can speak fluently with each other. Kids interests can change a lot over time, and you may even find something in common that you never thought possible.

How to move forward constructively

Face your feelings Resist the temptation to push away or ignore your feelings, as this is the antithesis of emotional intelligence. Unrecognised feelings are a heavy burden to bear. It’s far better to face up to and accept the way you feel about your child. Do you feel anger, disappointment, sadness, frustration or even discouraged? Is it a mixture? Own your feelings and you’ll find that you will have more control over them in time.

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Make adjustments accordingly Work out what’s behind these feelings. If it’s a personality clash or differences in life goals then you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly or start to manage your own behaviours and reactions better. Accepting your child or young person for who they are can bring you a great deal of relief. If you have a child who you wouldn’t have chosen to be your friend, then it’s up to you to make a change. Accept and appreciate them for who they are you’ll find that your child or teen will be easier to like and your relationship will improve.

Bring some playfulness into your parenting Do you need to be more playful and less serious when you are in your child’s company? If so, look for ways to build your relationship by spending some enjoyable one-on-one time together.

Follow their interests Considering following their interests, even if they’re not necessarily your own. If you’re a creative type and your child is a sports buff, then take the time to follow their interests. Understanding why will tell you a lot about your child and what makes them tick. You may also find that he or she also starts following your interests once you take the lead.

Look for the good When we are struggling to like and connect with a child there is a tendency to focus on the things we don’t like about them. Our attention becomes like a television antenna tuned into the negative rather the positive behaviour or attitudes. Tune your antenna to look for the good rather than the bad in your child.

Bite your tongue Resist the temptation to criticise your child about minor and annoying behaviours, as nit-picking will only reinforce mutual disregard. Biting your tongue and smiling when your child says or does something that grates on you is the type of emotional labour that makes parenting challenging. But choosing your battles will make your day easier and improve your relationship long term.

Hold them accountable It’s not always appropriate to hold your tongue. Children need to be held accountable for poor, inconsiderate behaviour. There are some behaviours such as being disrespectful to others, or not following set family rules and values that need to be picked up on. Ensure that you treat all kids on your family fairly and justly.

Keep showing up There may be times where you may feel there is nothing left to do. Keep showing up anyway. The single, most important thing you can do as a parent is to show up every single day. It will send a powerful message to your child that even if you don’t like how they are behaving, you’re always going to love them. If you can accept your child for who they are, then they are more likely to make subtle changes in their behaviours to meet your needs and expectations. This type of social adjustment is the lynchpin of healthy, respectful relationships.

Our Parenting Boys and Parenting Girls online courses have helped many parents accept their sons and daughters for who they are, providing relief from the constant struggle for understanding and the desire to change them.

Michael Grose

Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s an award-winning speaker and the author of 12 books for parents including Spoonfed Generation, and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It. Michael is a former teacher with 15 years experience, and has 30 years experience in parenting education. He also holds a Master of Educational Studies from Monash University specialising in parenting education.

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SECONDARY CALENDARTERM 1 2020

Week 05

m 29th februaryGSD Year 11

Week 06

m 1st marchWorking Bee

m 2nd marchSSV Year 9-12 Boys and Girls Volleyball

Week 07

m 9th marchLabour Public HolidayWeetbix Tryathlon

CALENDAR 2020

Year 7 camp

PRIMARY CALENDARTERM 1 2020

Week 07

m 14th MarchYear 3 GSD

Week 09

m 24th & 25th MarchParent Teacher Interviews

m 27th MarchLast Day of Term 1

TERM 2 2020Week 01

m 15th - 17th aprilYear 5 Sovereign Hill Camp