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Well Done 2024 College DUX Alvin Motet
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In my last newsletter article, I spoke to the mission statement or ‘why’ of St Andrews Christian College. Our mission statement is ‘To educate our students so that they are well skilled, understand life on the basis of biblical truth, and are motivated to walk with God and serve Him in their lives, so that they will be a positive Christian influence in the world’. When distilling our mission statement down to its core, we see four clear pillars that form our purpose here at St Andrews; well skilled, biblical truth, walk with God and serve Him, positive Christian influence. These are what we call our pillars of purpose, and they ultimately define our existence as a school and inform the direction we set for our future. In this and upcoming newsletter articles, we will be exploring and unpacking each of the four pillars of purpose and articulate what that means for our students, community and future.
The first pillar, well skilled, is one that on face value we view as being exclusively to do with the tangible outcomes of learning and the evidence that supports this. St Andrews Christian College has a strong reputation within and beyond our community for academic excellence, and for good reason. NAPLAN and VCE results continuously point toward a strong culture of learning and a desire for excellence. This reputation of excellent academic outcomes is something that we are immensely proud of and is something that we will continue to prioritise and support long into the future. However, it is also important to look to other areas that point to our students being ‘well skilled’, and understand the role these skills and capacities have to play in shaping the whole child in order to fulfil God’s plans for their lives.
To be well skilled requires more than just the understanding and application of knowledge and information; it requires far more than this. I see that self-awareness, empathy, interpersonal connection, humility and wisdom as being a few of the many characteristics or attributes that contribute to any person being well skilled in a capacity beyond the transactional demonstration of information and knowledge. Wisdom is the central theme throughout the book of Proverbs, and the narrative contained within Proverbs constantly urges us to seek and develop wisdom, comparing the way in which we should seek wisdom similar to that ‘if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure’ (Proverbs 2:4).
At St Andrews Christian College, we are committed to honouring our mission statement by focussing on our pillars of purpose. To educate our students so that they are ‘well skilled’ will always involve and prioritise excellence in learning and teaching which can be evidenced by academic outcomes. We are also committed the notion that in our work and calling as a College, educating students so that they are ‘well skilled’ will always include important character traits such as empathy, integrity, courage, humility and wisdom.
Learning Support has continued to support staff and students this term in a variety of ways this term.
This term we have conducted all the Primary and Secondary Student Support Group (SSG) meetings.
These meetings replace the normal Parent Teacher Interview meetings. Thank you to parents for engaging with us in this capacity and partnering with us to enhance each student’s ability to access what they need and to grow.
The Term 2 dates for our ASD Parent Support Group meeting will be Wednesday 3rd May (Week 2) and Wednesday 14th June (Week 8) from 9:15am. Our primary aim is to provide an opportunity for parents to connect with other parents who are faced with the challenges of a child who has autism. This is a wonderful time for parents and staff to build community and a shared understanding. Everyone is welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you.
We sadly farewell one of our secondary Learning Assistants this term. Debbie Herbert has been a wonderful part of the team at St Andrews and we are so sorry to see her leave. We wish her and her family God’s blessing as they head off to Western Australia.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Learning Support teachers. We are always willing to chat about how we can support your child to reach their potential.
Shirley Gillie – Head of Learning Support
sgillie@standrews.vic.edu.au
Josie Mayer – Learning Support Teacher – Primary
jmayer@standrews.vic.edu.au
Kerryn Terrington – Learning Support Teacher – Secondary
kterrington@standrews.vic.edu.au
The Commonwealth Attorney-General has recently asked the Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) to undertake an Inquiry into Religious Educational Institutions and Anti-Discrimination Laws.
At present, our College has clear exemptions to allow us to teach and maintain our character as a Christian school, including in relation to gender and appropriate sexual behaviour. In recent years, activists have sought to undermine these exemptions through campaigning, often using misinformation and unverified claims. This is the background in which this Inquiry is taking place.
Christian Schools Australia (CSA) and Australian Association of Christian Schools (AACS) have been actively lobbying for Christian schools to maintain their Christian distinctive and not be unreasonably limited by any changes to anti-discrimination law. As a part of this process, the Australian Christian Schools Alliance has released a website called mychristianschool.au. This website provides staff and parents of Christian schools the opportunity and ability to share their voice in the benefits and importance of Christian schooling and the ability to maintain our genuine Christian distinctive. We encourage parents to share their positive stories and experiences of Christian Education and make our voice heard in the need to maintain our Christian distinctive, not only for St Andrews Christian College, but for the sake of all Christian schools.
Ryan Evans from LEGO Masters Grand Masters will be visiting St Andrews Christian College on Wednesday 10th May. Ryan was a finalist in LEGO Masters Series 3 and is a competitor in the 2023 LEGO Masters Grand Masters, coming soon on Channel Nine.
Get ready to share your LEGO skills with a LEGO Master!!!
Further information to follow next term.
The Parents and Friends Association (PFA) at St Andrews Christian College aims to foster the fellowship and partnership amongst the College parents, carers, students, and staff to support the provision of Christian education to students and the platform for them to grow to the best of their abilities to honour and serve God.
THE PURPOSE OF PFA
The PFA’s purpose is not only to provide practical assistance in the forms of fund-raising, special projects and events that will benefit the whole College and improve the well-being, development, and enjoyment of students, but also to provide a forum of communication between parents, carers, and staff via quarterly general meetings, where parents and carers can receive essential updates from the School as well as provide feedback. The PFA also provides opportunities for parents and carers to volunteer and participate in school events, as well as be involved in raising funds to contribute towards major building projects, mission trips, technology, arts and music, sports facilities, and educational resources. The PFA serves to foster and build a united community among the College.
PFA CONTRIBUTIONS
In recent year the PFA have contributed towards:
In March 2023, the PFA purchased 8 table tennis tables for the PE department to utilise.
The PFA look forward to working with the school to further enhance the school experience of our students so that they may bring glory to our Heavenly Father in all that they do.
Towards the end of last year, the school was awarded a Junior Landcare grant to begin a Bush Tucker Garden. The wicking beds have been installed and the Prep students spent time planting the tube stock, linking to their learning in class about Indigenous plants.
Students from the Sustainability Team participated in Clean Up Australia Day on March 3rd. Being a part of a larger group all working towards a common goal showed great unity with the community.
Your family can get involved by recycling items such as basketballs, batteries, bread tags, coffee cups food scraps, phones, plant pots and more. Find out where to recycle items at cleanup.org.au, ‘Recycle Rate, Mate’.
Mrs Wheelton & the Sustainability Team
Hello from the Wellbeing Team!
It’s very exciting to see students settling into the new year and making connections with friends. They are already getting involved in lunchtime activities such as: Friday LEGO Masters for Years 7-9; the Fundamentals our basketball fun on Tuesdays for Primary students; Bible studies and prayer groups. To encourage all students to have a say in what other activities are offered, they have completed a survey (yes, the Preps too!). Student voice is very important! As more lunchtime activities are available, we will let you know.
Our fantastic Wellbeing Captains in Primary and Secondary are off to a great start. Soon they will be communicating about their first planned activity, so be on the lookout for any news via the Hub.
Primary students are continuing with MeTree in their Health sessions. This program builds from year to year and is underpinned by a Biblical worldview. Students learn to: build a positive sense of identity, use a resilience and growth mindset, become a friend to themselves, dream big, persevere and impact their world.
In Week 4, we re-launch PULSE - the online wellbeing check-in for Secondary students. As part of their Pastoral Care, students get be engaged in conversations around their feelings of safety, social and emotional health, community connection and access to learning.
A fantastic Happy Families webinar is available: ‘Getting into the Learning Zone’. “In this insightful and powerful session, James Anderson will show you how you can help your child develop a strong positive relationship with challenge. He’ll show you the practical strategies you can use at home and in school to put your child on path towards embracing challenges and becoming a skilful learner. He’ll show you how to get your child into their Learning Zone.” Please see the link and password details below.
Date/Time: Monday 27th March, 8pm.
https://schools.happyfamilies.com.au/login/saccws
PASSWORD: happysaccws
As always, please bring any concerns for your child’s wellbeing to their Homeroom teacher first. They, with collaboration from Coordinators and Heads of Schools, will refer them to Wellbeing for additional support from our Chaplain, Student Counsellor or Youth Worker. If you would like any further information, please contact us via email: wellbeing@standrews.vic.edu.au.
Finally, thank you to you, our wonderful St Andrews families, for partnering with us. And to Jesus, in whom we ‘live and move and have our being’ (Acts 17:28), you deserve all the glory!
It was lovely to connect with many families last Friday at our annual Year 1 Teddy Bear’s picnic. Many Teddy Bears joined in on the games and activities organised by the fabulous Year 1 and Prep teachers. Highlights were trying to find story book characters which were hiding in the playground, playing various relays and engaging with Mr Grant’s puppet, Monty. The students loved playing with their friends and eating a picnic dinner together. We were thankful for the beautiful evening and the opportunity to connect with families. This is our second evening event for Junior Primary this year which highlights the incredible St Andrews’ community and the value we place on building connection. Not only is it important that each child feels a sense of belonging within their classroom, amongst their peers and in the broader school, it is our desire to see parents engage, connect and feel a part of the community too. Scripture encourages us to live in community so that we can uphold each other, receive support and be an encouragement and blessing to each other (Romans 12:5). We are looking forward to meeting together again at our upcoming Parent Teacher interviews and at our final end of term Easter Assembly.
If you haven’t already heard, last week we raised over $900 dollars for those affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Students across Primary made a wonderful coin trail and we are thankful for the kind donations which will support those in need in Turkey and Syria. Additionally, this week students will have the opportunity to support City Life Community Care and Prison Ministry by baking biscuits and bringing in some easter eggs! These are all wonderful opportunities for students to think beyond themselves as well as encourage others.
If you haven’t heard yet, next week will be a super exciting week for our Year 4-6 students. Each afternoon from Monday to Wednesday children will engage in E3-Extension activities. This year we have a superhero theme and we are looking forward to seeing what the students produce!
Finally, a huge congratulations to Yoonji Cho in Year 2L for achieving a black belt in her weekend sport, Taekwondo. Not only did she receive Gold, she was the youngest working towards this level. We are very proud of all our student’s achievements.
Please keep the students in your prayers this week as we enter the school holidays. They have worked diligently and have done an amazing job.
Many Blessings,
At our most recent Primary Chapel, Mr Grant was speaking about how “if one part [of the body] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). With the recent and devastating earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, we wanted to help our brothers and sisters in need!
All students were encouraged to bring in some coins and line them up to create a huge coin trail. It was such a blessing to see the children give so generously. We ended up raising $926.95 for Barnabas Aid! This money will go to Christians living in those affected countries to help them rebuild.
Thank you for all the support. May we continue to be unified to Christ to serve His people and world.
Year 3's were so encouraged by the Year 4 students who wrote wonderful uplifting words to cheer them on throughout their NAPLAN testing last week. Here are some snaps of the Year 3 champions last week with their notes of encouragement.
Thank you 4C and 4E!
This term, 5S students participated in this year’s global Science Buddies STEM Challenge. Their challenge was to design and build a device that could pick up a ping pong ball and return it to a start line. The contraption could only be made from paper, string, tape, and paper clips. Each group was scored on how far their device could move their ping pong ball and how few materials were used. It was impressive to see how well the students collaborated in their teams to produce an array of different designs. Well done to Aaron and Harry for winning the class challenge!
On 22nd March, ten Primary School students participated in the CSEN Primary Chess Competition. After playing 7 games of chess each, our school came in 2nd place, in what was a very competitive competition. Well done to the players who attended.
Special mention goes to Asher Martinez who won 6 out of 7 games and earned 4th place overall for his individual score.
This week, the Prep students were very excited to meet their Yr 12 Buddies! The Yr 12 students were excited too and made an extra effort to be at school on time, to share Devotions with their Prep Buddies. The students enjoyed getting to know each other as they read Bible Stories together. We prayed for each other and will enjoy many more morning Devotions together during the year. We will continue to pray for each other and will also see our new friends in the school yard.
Earlier this year, we kicked Business off with the ‘Trading Game’. Our Year 5 boys and girls were assigned different groups with varying resources- some had scissors, paper, protractors, compasses. Others just had paper and pencil! Each group had to work with others in order to ‘trade’ resources to make shapes of different costs and make the most money. Things started to heat up when the price of certain shapes decreased….or increased!
After discussing it in classes, we realised this was a great illustration of how different countries trade with each other globally, inequity, and supply and demand. Fantastic!
We also had ‘Jake the Money Guy’ from Talk Money visit St Andrews to discuss how to save, manage and spend money, giving lots of ideas to our Year 5's. Thanks for visiting!
Despite NAPLAN being earlier in the year, our Year 5s have taken it in their stride and are very happy to put it behind them for a couple of years! We are thankful to the Lord for his mercy and kindness and are looking forward to a fun-filled year ahead.
After much anticipation, the highly requested Knitting Club has taken off to a roaring success. Miss Low was overwhelmed at the sight of so many interested and keen knitters.
We now have between 20-30 Year 5-6 students who come in regularly to learn and share new skills. It has been especially pleasing watching the progression of their work and seeing them teach each other.
We remind all students to keep the knitting to the verandah and not to bring their work or needles to the grassy area, playground or dome.
To all parents and families, we welcome any wool donations you may have at home. Please drop them off at the office or ask your child to deliver them to the 5L classroom.
Year 8 students recently visited Hanging Rock for their Humanities Excursion as part of the Landforms and Landscapes unit. We studied the geomorphic volcanic processes that shaped the landscape at this location, and geological processes that continue to reshape this place. We also studied the landscape in terms of the diversity of plants and animals.
Given that this is a popular tourist location, and the spiritual, cultural and aesthetic values placed on this aspect of God’s creation over time (this is the placing of our own spiritual values on this place!) we also studied human interactions and land management techniques. This included interviewing a land management surveyor. Students further developed their skills in observation, photography and field sketching. In response to the trip, students formed judgements and recommendations regarding the ongoing management of this landscape, which formed part of their field trip report.
The Year 9 cohort spent one week in the city, participating in activities at the MCG, Shrine of Remembrance, Salvation Army Heritage Centre, and Queen Victoria Market.
Students had the following to say about their experience:
"We learned how to use public transport and how to travel around the city. It was a very fun and unique experience. We would do it all again for sure!"
Hannah K and Anjali.
"Travelling was one of the most chaotic and funniest moments of the City Experience. I enjoyed getting to know different people."
Leah, Amalie and Kay Lee.
Week 4 of this term witnessed the remarkable dedication and hard work of our talented students, who participated in the two-day Ensembles Camp on Friday the 24th and Saturday the 25th of February. The Vocal Ensemble, Vocal Project, and Jazz Band members devoted a total of 15 hours to rehearsing and perfecting their performances, all in preparation for the esteemed Generations in Jazz competition later in Term 2.
Our students displayed an unwavering commitment to their craft, pushing their limits and making impressive strides in their respective disciplines. The Ensembles Camp provided a supportive environment for the young musicians to collaborate, learn from one another, and refine their skills. The progress made by each student in such a short time is a true testament to their dedication and passion for music.
The camp's success is not only a reflection of the students' hard work, but also a credit to the instrumental music tutors who generously offered their time and expertise. While we appreciate and acknowledge the staff's contribution, the spotlight remains firmly on our students and their incredible achievements.
During the camp, our young musicians formed stronger connections with their peers, creating a unified and cohesive atmosphere that will undoubtedly benefit them in the upcoming Generations in Jazz competition. The camaraderie and teamwork on display were truly inspiring, and we are confident that these qualities will shine through in their performances.
As we eagerly anticipate the students' showcase of talent at the Generations in Jazz competition, we can't help but feel immense pride in their accomplishments. The Ensembles Camp has demonstrated that hard work, dedication, and a passion for music are the keys to unlocking our students' potential.
SAndrews Christian College VCE Theatre Studies students present...
Lear: A Shakespearean Tragedy.
Lear is a condensed version of William Shakespeare’s tragedy King Lear. The story is about an aging monarch who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. However, his plan goes awry when his youngest daughter refuses to flatter him as her sisters did, leading to a chain of events that ultimately result in Lear's descent into madness and the deaths of several characters. Along the way, themes of power, betrayal, and family are explored, culminating in a tragic ending that leaves audiences with a sense of the futility of human ambition and the consequences of one's actions.
This show is recommended for Mature audiences as it includes portrayals of theatrical violence and themes that require a mature outlook.
28th April 2023 - Tickets on sale now!
The Senior Library is open to students in Years 4-12 for before school study or book loans from 8.30am. It is also open at recess, lunch and after school until 3.45pm.
Students in Years 7-12 are able to study in the Senior Library until 4.30pm.
Enquiries: Please email library staff at library@standrews.vic.edu.au
What happens if I damage a library book?
Primary school students are asked to bring a bag to their library lessons. It can be a book satchel or any other bag. This helps to keep the library books in good condition. However, sometimes books get damaged. Here are a few guidelines as to what to do.
If a book gets damaged by water or food stains...
Please let us know as soon as possible. Sometimes it is not too serious. If is badly affected, students will be sent a note requesting payment for a replacement. Payment can be made at reception or added to school fees.
If a page or the cover is torn...
Please send the cover / page with the book, back to the library. Please do not try to repair it. Library staff have special materials with which to fix the damage and are happy to do so.
If a book is lost...
Again, please let the library know as soon as possible. Library staff will ask students to look again at home very carefully, then look in the classroom and then to look on the shelf for the book (or ask library staff to do so), as sometimes books are put back on the shelves without being returned through the computer system. If you need more time to look for a book, please also just let library staff know via a note in the diary or an email to library@standrews.vic.edu.au
Library Staff
This has now started for students in Years 7 and 8. Students in Years 9 or 10 wishing to take part, can contact Mrs. Heath or Mrs. Marks, who will add their names to the Challenge list.
GOAL: To read at least 10 books from the VPRC list (available on the website) and at least 5 books of their own choice. These need to be recorded on the website and verified by their English teacher.
These books can be books from the school library, a public library or from home. They can be hard copy books, ebooks or even audiobooks. Just indicate the format when recording the title.
Your English teacher will give you a username and password to use to get onto the site.
Questions? Please ask library staff (library@standrews.vic.edu.au ) or any of the Year 7 and 8 English teachers.
The Year 3's had a wonderful excursion to McClelland Gallery. The students enjoyed the 'Encounters' program, where they learned about Aboriginal Culture from an Aborigial woman, Nikki. Together, they explored the flora and fauna of the site hearing about how Aboriginal people used the natural environment for food, medicine, art and other purposes. Students interacted with culturally significant aborignal items in the education centre, as they created their 'Eel puppet'.
On the 'Art Walk' program, students explored the various sculptures on the site. Some sculptures created sound and some even moved. Some sculptures, like the Labyrnith, invited people to walk through the artwork. The day concluded with some observational drawing of the 'Tree of Life' sculpture. Throughout the day the Year 3's listened well and asked thoughtful questions. The staff remarked on how switched on the students were. Overall, we are thankful to God for a fruitful art excursion!
'I enjoyed seeing unusal things. I learned what a labyrinth is.' - Ethan
'The guides used inspiring words' - Elizabeth
'I liked how they used music with just sensors and pipes' - Field
'This is the coolest thing I've seen in a while' - Joseph
'I enjoyed climbing the Bubble sculpture and hearing echo sounds. It was like another person was there!' - Zurie
'I liked the floating rock sculpture with the illusion wires' - Adele
'I learned that wind can move sculptures. I also leanred that Aboriginal people had ways of eating Lomandra plants.' - Elijah
'I learned that the Aboriginal people used a lot of the environment to survive. I liked making the Eel and learning about Eels' - Levi
This section of our Newsletter is to give our families information about programs being run by organisations outside of the school which may interest our school families.
These organisations are not endorsed by St Andrews Christian College.
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