N E W S L E T T E R

G l o r y T o G o d

Number 16 - 30th November 2012

Celebrate and Thanksgiv ing

Dear Friends, What a wonderful year we have had at St Andrews Christian College! We thank God and praise Him for all He is doing at the College. Please join us for our formal end of year function at Celebration and Thanksgiving Night on Monday night, December 3rd at 7:00pm (students need to be seated by 6:45pm), where together we can thank God for this year, thank staff and acknowledge students in various areas of their education and enjoy some special student performances.

Thank you to all the parents who have had so much input into the College this year through the PFA, various committees, College Board, Year Level Reps, helping in the classroom or at College events etc. Your help is invaluable and treasured by all of us.

I thank all of the staff for their amazing work this year but want to especially thank and acknowledge a couple of staff members who are leaving.

After 6 years at St Andrews Christian College, Rob Storie will be leaving us and going to Rowville Secondary College. Rob has led our Junior Secondary School and built the PE Department and Sport programs at the College. Jonty Fernando (Year 3 teacher) is going with his wife to teach in the Northern Territory next year and Jono Goodluck is leaving after 3 years at St Andrews Christian College to teach at Donvale Christian College. Mrs Barbara Kentler is retiring from permanent teaching at the end of the year after 6 years service at St Andrews, but we are thankful to have her back next year in our Learning Assistance Department. We are thankful for each of these godly teachers who have given so much to St Andrews. We pray God’s blessings for each of them in their next ventures and in their journey in Him.

ST ANDREWS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE competing at National Level

A special congratulations goes to Mrs Ting Zhao and our students who competed in The Solar Boat Competition in the Australian-International Model Solar Challenge last weekend. We were the only school from Victoria with 2 teams in the National Finals. It was a wonderful competition where our students had to constantly remodify their ‘boat’ between races and strategise how to make their boat faster. Well done to Ingrid Scheepers, Gabby Longden, Nicole Jones, Ethan Suter, Samuel Lee and Christopher Finiotis for their efforts.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas, rejoicing in the gift God gave us all – His Son! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John3:16

Many blessings to each of you for Christmas and the holiday season! See you next year for an even more exciting year growing in Him, revelling in Him and celebrating Him in our 30th Year Anniversary at St Andrews Christian College. Yours for the kingdom,

Catriona Wansbrough

2 St Andrews Christian College Newsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Friends, What a wonderful year we have had at St Andrews Christian College! We thank God and praise Him for all He is doing at the College. Please join us for our formal end of year function at Celebration and Thanksgiving Night on Monday night, December 3rd at 7:00pm (students need to be seated by 6:45pm), where together we can thank God for this year, thank staff and acknowledge students in various areas of their education and enjoy some special student performances.

Thank you to all the parents who have had so much input into the College this year through the PFA, various committees, College Board, Year Level Reps, helping in the classroom or at College events etc. Your help is invaluable and treasured by all of us.

I thank all of the staff for their amazing work this year but want to especially thank and acknowledge a couple of staff members who are leaving.

After 6 years at St Andrews Christian College, Rob Storie will be leaving us and going to Rowville Secondary College. Rob has led our Junior Secondary School and built the PE Department and Sport programs at the College. Jonty Fernando (Year 3 teacher) is going with his wife to teach in the Northern Territory next year and Jono Goodluck is leaving after 3 years at St Andrews Christian College to teach at Donvale Christian College. Mrs Barbara Kentler is retiring from permanent teaching at the end of the year after 6 years service at St Andrews, but we are thankful to have her back next year in our Learning Assistance Department. We are thankful for each of these godly teachers who have given so much to St Andrews. We pray God’s blessings for each of them in their next ventures and in their journey in Him.

ST ANDREWS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE competing at National Level

A special congratulations goes to Mrs Ting Zhao and our students who competed in The Solar Boat Competition in the Australian-International Model Solar Challenge last weekend. We were the only school from Victoria with 2 teams in the National Finals. It was a wonderful competition where our students had to constantly remodify their ‘boat’ between races and strategise how to make their boat faster. Well done to Ingrid Scheepers, Gabby Longden, Nicole Jones, Ethan Suter, Samuel Lee and Christopher Finiotis for their efforts.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas, rejoicing in the gift God gave us all – His Son! “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John3:16

Many blessings to each of you for Christmas and the holiday season! See you next year for an even more exciting year growing in Him, revelling in Him and celebrating Him in our 30th Year Anniversary at St Andrews Christian College. Yours for the kingdom,

Catriona Wansbrough

Celebration and Thanksgiving Night

Monday 3rd December, Rembrandts 6:00pm Musicians arrive to set-up and tune 6:45pm All students to be seated in Rembrandts. Prep students are to go to the Music Room in Rembrandts 7:00pm Evening Commences The evening will finish approximately 8:30pm. It is expected that all students attend this important event. Students are to wear full summer school uniform. Secondary students to wear blazers and boys are to wear school ties. STUDENTS PLEASE CLEAN YOUR SHOES! Students are allowed to wear their PE uniform to school on Monday, to keep their school uniform clean and looking beautiful for Monday night.

oooOOOOooo

COLLEGE OFFICE CLOSES Friday 14th December, 2012 COLLEGE OFFICE OPENS Monday 14th January, 2013 STUDENTS COMMENCE Wednesday 30th January, 2013 (Years 1 – 12) PREP STUDENTS COMMENCE Thursday 31st January, 2013

End Of Year Information Pack* We are still waiting on 59 End of Year Information packs to be returned.

It is essential that you return these forms signed and dated as soon as possible before the end of the school year. All you have to do is:

Check the information that we currently have for your family, Make any changes in RED PEN & sign at the bottom of each page!

Medical Action Plans Most families have not returned their child’s Medical Action Plan.

If you received an action plan in your pack, please make sure you have it completed & returned to school as soon as possible. Mrs Watson - School Office *End of Year Information Packs were posted home Friday 2nd November, to all families that will be attending St Andrews in 2013.

St Andrews Christian College Newsletter 3

NOTICES

Diary Dates

November

Fri 30 Yr7-9 Food Day

Fri 30 Yr2 Stay Late 3:15-6:15pm

Fri 30 PFA Picnic and Carols Night 6pm*

December

Mon 3 Celebration and Thanksgiving

Night 7pm-8:30pm (compulsory

for all students)*

Wed 5-7 Yr9 Camp

Fri 7 Last Day of Term

Fri 7 Semester 2 Reports and

2012 Annual Report Go Home

Fri 14 College Office Closes

January 2013

Mon 14 College Office Opens

Wed 30 First Day Term 1

Thu 31 Prep First Day * parents welcome to attend

House Community Points

The winner of the Allan Harman Cup for 2012 will be announced at the Celebration and Thanksgiving Night

PFA Office Bearers For 2013 At the recent AGM the following parents were elected to be Office Bearers of the PFA: President - Shaun Beovich Vice President - Lesley Goh Secretary - Elisa O’Donnell Treasurer - vacant (temporarily filled by Annie Yew) I’m confident we will fill the treasurer position next year. We’ve had a couple of enquiries including one from a parent not even at the school yet (Prep next year)! If you missed the PFA meeting following the AGM we gave approval for up to $11,000 to develop a permanent BBQ area at school; we discussed how parents like receiving the school newsletter; discussed events that we’ll organise next year and had reports on various activities within the school. With a number of 30th Year Celebration events next year and conscious of not overloading parents with events we decided to hold a Family Picnic Day to kick off the school year in early March. This will be a relaxed, family involved way to start off the celebrations for the year. Make sure you keep the afternoon of Saturday 2nd March free! Shaun Beovich PFA President

Parenting Library The Parenting Library has now closed for the year. Thanks to the many parents who have utilised this resource. Look out for it being bigger and better next year! Please ensure all books have been returned. Seonaid Chio— Parenting Subcommittee

Christmas Carols Come join us for our end of year celebration tonight in the Multi Purpose Hall.

Term 1 2013 Events Wed 30th Jan - Welcome Morning Tea

Thu 31st Jan - Prep Tea ’n’ Tissues (morning tea)

Tues 19th Feb - PFA General Meeting 7:30pm

Sat 2nd March - Family Picnic Day

Wed 20th March - PFA General Meeting 9am

NOTICES

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Booklists Parents will have received their child’s booklist this week.

Just a reminder for those who are not completing their orders online to submit them to Suzy Song in the school office by Monday 10th December. Mrs Song - Purchasing Officer

Free to Good Home The science department has 4 lovely little goldfish who need a new home. If you have an aquarium or pond at home and would like to offer accommodation to our little fish, then please contact Mrs Farmer at school before the end of term. Mrs Farmer - Secondary Teacher

Lost Property Parents are urged to check the lost property cupboard in the school office before the end of term. Any items that remain after 7th December 2012 will be discarded, including mobile phones, USB Memory Sticks, glasses and wallets (ask Mrs Watson to view these items). Mrs Watson - School Office

OSHC Holiday Program Monday 10th December to Friday 14th December If there is sufficient interest it may be possible to operate a Holiday Program during the first week of the school holidays. Please register your interest by contacting Mrs Sally Wade via email oshc@standrews.vic.edu.au or on the registration sheet near the OSHC attendance book. Let us know the number of children and days you are interested in using the service if it was available. (Please note that the OSHC is not an approved service for Child Care Rebates for the Holiday Program). Mrs Wade - OSHC Coordinator

2013 Term Dates

2013 School Year and Holiday Coaching - PREP to YEAR 12 Reasonable rates. Qualified, experienced teacher. Committed Christian and relief teacher at St. Andrews. Phone Isobell on 0419130784

Alumni News To mark 30 years of St Andrews Christian College in 2013, the school is gearing up for a celebration. To keep in touch with what is going on, past students are encouraged to check the ‘St Andrews Christian College Alumni’ facebook page. Go to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Andrews-Christian-College-Alumni/240671339386975 Sonia Sires

30th celebration

Notices of Interest Notices of interest can be found via this link on the school website: http://www.standrews.vic.edu.au/newsletter-notices-of-interest.html

* This section of our newsletter is to give our families information about programs being run by organizations outside of the school which we consider may be of benefit/interest to our school families.

TERM 1…………...Wednesday 30th Jan - Thursday 28th March Preps begin 2013……Thursday 31st January

TERM 2…………...Tuesday 16th April - Friday 28th June TERM 3…………...Monday 22nd July - Friday 20th Sept TERM 4…………...Monday 7th Oct - Friday 6th Dec

PFA Office Bearers For 2013 At the recent AGM the following parents were elected to be Office Bearers of the PFA: President - Shaun Beovich Vice President - Lesley Goh Secretary - Elisa O’Donnell Treasurer - vacant (temporarily filled by Annie Yew) I’m confident we will fill the treasurer position next year. We’ve had a couple of enquiries including one from a parent not even at the school yet (Prep next year)! If you missed the PFA meeting following the AGM we gave approval for up to $11,000 to develop a permanent BBQ area at school; we discussed how parents like receiving the school newsletter; discussed events that we’ll organise next year and had reports on various activities within the school. With a number of 30th Year Celebration events next year and conscious of not overloading parents with events we decided to hold a Family Picnic Day to kick off the school year in early March. This will be a relaxed, family involved way to start off the celebrations for the year. Make sure you keep the afternoon of Saturday 2nd March free! Shaun Beovich PFA President

Parenting Library The Parenting Library has now closed for the year. Thanks to the many parents who have utilised this resource. Look out for it being bigger and better next year! Please ensure all books have been returned. Seonaid Chio— Parenting Subcommittee

Christmas Carols Come join us for our end of year celebration tonight in the Multi Purpose Hall.

Term 1 2013 Events Wed 30th Jan - Welcome Morning Tea

Thu 31st Jan - Prep Tea ’n’ Tissues (morning tea)

Tues 19th Feb - PFA General Meeting 7:30pm

Sat 2nd March - Family Picnic Day

Wed 20th March - PFA General Meeting 9am

St Andrews Christian College Newsletter 5

PARENTS & FRIENDS ASSOCIATION

Target: $10,000

Notices of Interest Notices of interest can be found via this link on the school website: http://www.standrews.vic.edu.au/newsletter-notices-of-interest.html

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Yr4 Mini-Beast and Insect Incursion

On the 22nd of November, Year 4 students had some very interesting visitors in their classroom. Giant burrowing cockroaches, goliath stick insects, a tarantula, a salt water crocodile, just to name a few. Our students were great hosts as they touched, held, and patted these wonderful creations of God. They even made sure that they did not let their guests leave until they had their photographs taken with them! Below are some of the comments of our students on their experience of the incursion. Mrs Kentler, Mrs Das and Ms Brewer– Year 4 Teachers

“I learnt that the goliath stick insect can grow up to 24 cm long!”

“When Reptile Encounters came to my class, it was totally

epic! I had a photograph taken with a frog on my head! I really enjoyed the incursion and I learnt a lot. I loved the hermit crabs because they were pretty, the frogs because they were cute, the crocodile because it had smooth skin,

the stick insects because they were adorable and they crawled on me!”

“I liked the cockroaches. They were big and had a smooth

exo-skeleton.“

“We learnt that most female insects live longer than the male. The stick insect looked like a dead leaf and

sometimes a scorpion. This is camouflage and mimicry where it pretends to be something else to keep away

predators. The saltwater crocodile also showed us some of its fascinating moves!”

“I liked when the frog put his legs over my eyes.”

“I liked having a frog on my head.”

“I liked to see people’s reactions to the creatures

that they held.”

“I enjoyed holding the giant insects that looked l ike a grasshopper.”

“I liked seeing the wing of the grasshopper spread out to

frighten its predators.”

PRIMARY

St Andrews Christian College Newsletter 7

Yr6 Graduation “Our Year 6 graduation was a night to remember. It included speeches, funny videos and great food. We started the night on a high with everyone enjoying themselves but the main event was the speeches. If I had to reflect on my speech I would say that I did well and spoke clearly. The night went on and finished with a bang, with us singing “galaxies”. I really enjoyed the night and will remember it forever.” Jocelyn Widjaja “On Friday the 23rd, Year 6 had their graduation night. The night started off with conversations in the foyer, half of them commenting on the other person’s suit or dress. At 7.10, the parents, teachers and students filed in to find their designated seats. Once we sat down, a home movie came on of the people who were sick on the filming day. On Monday and Tuesday, the two classes created two separate movies using I-Movie, to be played on the night. After the first movie, we prayed and dug in to the excellent food. After around 30 minutes, grade 6F lined up to present their speeches on their life and primary schooling. After the speeches finished, the 6F movie screened, being based on a spy movie. After they finished, the same process happened with 6L. When everything had been done, Mrs. Wansbrough prayed for us, and then we sung a song called “galaxies” by Owl City. The night was a roaring success, and it went off without a hitch.” Jonathan Edwards "The Grade 6 Graduation evening was a blast! Everything ran smoothly and efficiently. The speeches were interesting and meaningful. Most importantly, the food was delicious! Our most memorable moment was spending time with our classmates, family and staff.” Hongyi Ren & Josh Humphreys

PRIMARY

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Solar Boats Nationals

Happy Holidays

As this is the final Career News for this year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all secondary students every success in their final exams, and wish them and their families a wonderful summer holiday - filled

with special times shared with friends and families. Items in the Career News this week include:

http://www.standrews.vic.edu.au/careers-news.pdf

VCE 2013 Summer Schools - January 2013 at Access Education, Neap and The School for Excellence, Summer School Programs at Hospitality Training Australia for Year 10, 11 and 12 students, The University of Melbourne (Bachelor of Environments) Summer School 2012 - for Year 10, 11 and 12 students who are interested in architecture and design, Accessing 2012 VCAA results, Skill Shortage Information, Qantm College Open Day, RSPCA Animal Career Discovery Day and Work Experience Program at the Herald Sun. Careers Coordinator Irena Yevlahova

Bravo! Benissimo! Tahliah Pillay 8B has been given a Best Effort award by the Victorian School of Languages for her Italian studies this year. Well done Tahliah! Lynne Marks Librarian / LOTE

VCE Product Design and Technology Earlier in the year we saw the plans and designs from the woodwork students and these are the finished products. The workmanship is fantastic and the three students, Sam, Brett and James should be very proud of their work. Greg Crotty Head of Upper Secondary

SECONDARY & VCE

James Minett

Brett Jones

Sam Tucker

St Andrews Christian College Newsletter 9

Yr12 Valedictory Dinner The class of 2012 were farewelled on Wednesday November 28th at the Valedictory dinner at Beau Monde International in Doncaster. We thanked them for the contributions they have made over the years and in particular Jessica Wade and Andrew Snooks who have been part of the St Andrews family since prep. They will be missed around the school but will no doubt be back to visit from time to time and we send them out with God’s love, protection and blessing. Greg Crotty Head of Upper Secondary

SECONDARY & VCE

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End of Year Report

God created us all unique with different abilities and needs and at St Andrews we are working hard to help our students with additional learning needs to achieve their God-given potential. Additional needs may include learning difficulties or disabilities, giftedness, physical impairment, behavioural or emotional issues, or a different style of learning. For many students, the Learning Assistance Department becomes the vehicle for helping the family, student and classroom teacher to work together to maximise the student’s school experience.

2012 has been a year of growth and change for the Learning Assistance Department. With the appointment 3 days a week of a Learning Assistance Coordinator, the various endeavours of the team members have been brought together, so that they could work more closely with each other. The Learning Assistance Team consists of: Mrs Allyson Evans as Coordinator, Mrs Loueen Swank, Mrs Kerryn Terrington and Mrs Jenny Prendergast as Learning Assistants, Mrs Oliva Tay –Primary ESL, Mrs Irena Yevlahova – Secondary ESL, Mrs Judith Clinch and Mr Nick Hallet as Integration Aides.

Significant Developments and Achievements Reading Intervention: Mrs Jenny Prendergast has

worked hard with selected students in Years 1 and 2 on learning and using phonograms in reading and spelling. There was great improvement in the recall and knowledge of the phonograms among these students, so they now are much better equipped to tackle their literacy lessons. New students from Years 1-4 were also given an introductory ‘boost’ in learning the phonograms for 1 lesson a week for a term.

Individual Educational Planners (IEPs): We have changed

the way that we do Individual Educational Planners (IEPs) for students with additional learning needs who work with Mrs Swank and Mrs Terrington. In the past these have been very broad and general, but this year, the Learning Assistance team, along with the classroom teachers, have set specific short term goals which work towards addressing the broader needs of the child. Our Learning Assistants Mrs Swank and Mrs Terrington report that these have worked well, with the students being able to identify what they are working towards and to track their achievements. Being able to tick off each goal as it is achieved is very motivating for the students and gives them a sense of pride in their success.

Ungraded Maths Program 4-6: Our Ungraded Maths

program continued, with some of our students who are gifted in Mathematics being able to work a year above, and all students in Years 4-6 being placed in classes structured towards their ability and performance. Mrs Kerryn Terrington and Mr Tim Farmilo worked with a group of Year 6 students on some Year 7 work, and also on further developing their problem solving skills. Since there were a large number of students in Year 3, Mrs Evans has also worked with a group of gifted students at that level during the Maths Program.

Funding for students with Disabilities: Some students in

the school received funding from the Federal or State Governments under the provisions of the Students with Disabilities funding. This has led to these students having an increased educational experience. A number of further applications have been made for the 2013 school year.

Future Problem Solving: In Year 5 & 6, a small selection of

children were involved in Future Problem Solving, a program designed to foster creative, futuristic thinking and hone problem solving and analytical skills. They researched the area of human rights, in order to create an action plan to improve the lives of future ‘star-roamers’. This led to some very interesting discussions and analysis, and really stretched the minds of these students.

ESL (English Second Language): In ESL, Mrs Olivia Tay, and

Mrs Irena Yevlohova have continued to work very hard with their students. Changes to the Primary ESL program saw entry and exit criteria formally articulated and goals for individual students written and recorded. It has also seen closer cooperation with other sections of the Learning Assistance Department in order to maximise the help being provided, and reduce overlap. Allyson Evans Learning Assistance Coordinator

LEARNING ASSISTANCE

St Andrews Christian College Newsletter 11

3D Printing Takes “Shape” In November, eight students from primary Advanced Maths had the opportunity to test-drive St. Andrews Christian College’s new 3D printer. Purchased through the school innovation fund, the 3D printer can print solid plastic objects from scale models made in software SketchUp. Tasked by Mrs Kerryn Terrington to model a cylinder that would match the volume of a cube with the same height, Hewett and Luke came up with this solution: First, we figured out that the base of the cylinder is the same as the base of the cube in area. So, from that we knew: π × (cylinder radius)2 = (cube side length)2 Our cube was to have a length of 6cm. Thus 36 ÷ π, then square root to get the circle’s radius. Jocelyn and Nisagar describe the process that they followed: After we had figured out the problem, we used SketchUp to make several pairs of shapes in 3D. Then the shapes were made into reality by printing the models on the 3D printer. When our shapes were finished, we tested to see if they had the same volume. We checked this by filling one shape with sand, and then pouring it into the other one. If it was filled to the top, their volumes were the same. We had a great time making our 3D shapes. I expect that there are many other applications for 3D printing in education. Please feel free to contact me at the school to find out more, or to suggest ways we might use our 3D printer at St. Andrews. Mr Nathan Alison Head of IT, Secondary

ADVANCED MATHS

This eNewsletter is proudly produced by St Andrews Christian College 130 Tyner Road Wantirna South Vic 3152

P: 03 9800 2922 | F: 03 9800 4564 | W: www.standrews.vic.edu.au

PAPER CRANES In Term 3, students in Grade 4 read “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes”, written by Eleanor Coerr. The novel recounts the true

story of an 11-year-old Japanese girl who was diagnosed with leukaemia and ultimately died from the disease. The story is set in the year 1955. Sadako Sasaki lived with her family in Hiroshima. She was just two when the atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. When Sadako first felt ill, she kept it to herself. In the book, there are vivid descriptions of Sadako’s pain, weakness, sadness, and loneliness. She was subsequently diagnosed with leukaemia, also known as “the bomb disease." Inspired by her belief in the legend that the gods would grant health to any person who could fold a thousand paper cranes, she set to this task, and with determination, strength and courage, she folded an amazing 644 paper cranes. The book highlights the young girl's hope and desire to live in peace. The descriptions of what Sadako and her loved ones experience during the time she is in the hospital are particularly sad and moving. But out of that very sadness comes a wellspring of support from friends, classmates, family, and the medical staff, as well as hope - in the form of the paper cranes she folds. It's an inspiring message that continues on even today, as both adults and children fold paper cranes and send them to Hiroshima as a symbol of solidarity in promoting peace and in honour of Sadako- the girl who wouldn't give up. As the Grade Fours read the novel, they engaged in making their own paper cranes. Aside from the more light-hearted and fun sentiment involved in this process, this activity was a means of demonstrating support for world peace - a symbolic depiction of the pain of war and respect for the fortitude of those who share Sadako’s plight . The paper cranes made by the Grade 4’s were then sent to Japan in accordance with the common practice of solidarity. Reading this novel this year, was indeed an enriching experience for all of us, in Grade Four! If you are interested in making paper cranes, please go to the link below. Have fun, but do remember the message of Peace!

http://www.origami-fun.com/origami-crane.html ASIA CHALLENGE 6: SADAKO AND THE THOUSAND PAPER CRANES Who is the author of the book, “Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes”? What is meant by the word “solidarity”? What is the main message of the “Paper Cranes”? The first email with all correct answers to the above quiz questions will be awarded 50 community points. Your email should have your name, class and community colour. Write the question number and the correct answer next to it for each of the three quiz questions and send your emails to Mrs Das at: jdas@standrews.vic.edu.au

Article written by Josephine Das (Asia Literacy Committee)

*CONGRATULATIONS to the winner of Asia Challenge 5: India

Joshua Effendi, 3B, Deakin

SPOTLIGHT ON ASIA