Term 1 Week 3 12th February 2016 Issue No. 3
From the Principal Thank you to the many parents who participated in the main events of this last week at school.
the year ahead, learning programs, main events and how to successfully support your child’s learning and growth.
The Primary School Swimming Carnival on Monday was a delightful day with students giving their best in the pool, teams encouraging one another and great parent and grand-parent support. I was very impressed with the spirit, tone and standard of the day. Thank you to the staff, students and parents whose commitment, participation and involvement made this a success.
If you haven’t received the handouts from your child’s teacher, please take the time to get yourself a copy and read these through. Our school’s aim is to work in partnership with parents and the dialogue on these evenings is an important part of this journey.
On Tuesday evening, our Parent Information Evening was also very well attended. Our teachers from Prep – Year 11 shared important information about
In the main auditorium we were able to celebrate some of the achievements and progress as we completed our last strategic plan from 2014/2015. These included: • S piritual – increased Chaplain support, Christian camping programs from Years 3 to 9, mission trips for Years 9, 10 and
11, mission activities in areas of Prep to Year 8, the growth of our student leadership teams and the projects they have worked on, engagement in Christian leadership training for staff and students, improved Christian perspectives in the curriculum, connection with the Association of Christian Schools (ACSI) and the Global Schools Assessment to look at input toward international best practice in Christian Schooling, faith development and Christian teaching. • Academic – receiving a maximum 5 year accreditation in 2014, implementation of the Literacy/Numeracy Action Plan, growth in explicit teaching skills, development of staff coaching, the introduction of Prep, ongoing benchmarking of students, use of National Teaching Standards to direct teacher growth, NAPLAN results and growth in Reading and Numeracy. • Physical – improved internet access and speed, classroom based technology roll-out, kitchen facilities for senior students, development of Prep facilities, shade cloth installations, purchase of school buses to support excursions and school travel, remodelling the school foyer, improved school gardens, grounds and grove area. All of the above are in an environment where care with budget and fee rises was undertaken. • Social – improved digital presence on the Internet, diversity of the newsletter, a highly successful school musical, new parents dinners, serving the community through missions, community events to support parents (Tim Challies, Patricia
Weerakoon etc), explicit teaching morning tours, engagement with churches and pastors and utilising the expertise of the ACSI, Endeavour Community Relations, Christian Schools Australia and the Association of Independent Schools to develop quality practices in our school. We have much to give thanks for from the above; our staff have worked with much diligence and commitment, our students are developing in their learning, our parents have partnered with us significantly in the journey and given their considered feedback, our board have governed with vision and diligence, our church and community has prayed faithfully and our God has blessed us abundantly. This has strengthened the foundation for our direction moving forward, which I look forward to sharing with you next week. Rich blessings Geoff Peet
On the Cover The Year 9 and 10 Physical Activity and Sport Studies students designed and constructed their own nine hole golf course on the common and in the grove. The only thing to do then was to play a round of golf. Our teachers work hard to provide our students with interesting and challenging experiences in the area of Personal Development, Health and PE. This not only fulfils our obligations in relation to the curriculum but also assists in the physical development of each student, which is an important part of our mission.
Library News This year we have some exciting changes happening up in the Library. We have a new team of enthusiastic library monitors, ready to serve our school community. Senior students have their very own study room and all students are now allowed in the library during the second half of our second break. This means that the library is open only for high school students during the first break but available to everyone in the afternoon. Students in Kindergarten to Year 2 visit the library each week. This year, our lessons will focus on Australian literature. Not only are classes enjoying reading and viewing fictional stories, they are learning more about the beautiful country we live in. Primary classes (Years 3-6) may also come to the library every week with their class teacher. Please see the timetable below to know when to pack their library bag. All students in Prep – Year 6 must have a library bag to borrow. These library bags
may be purchased from our school library for $7.00 or you may choose to supply your own library bag. Library Days Monday KG, 1T and 6S Tuesday
3O
Wednesday 2H & 4P Thursday KB, 1/2C and 5G Friday
3/4L, 5S and 6H
Please note: Prep haven’t commenced borrowing yet but Mrs Tooler will notify Prep families when this begins. If you would like to receive Scholastic catalogues, please email the Library staff at library@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au Sadly, Koorong catalogues will no longer be distributed to schools, although you can make purchases from their local Argenton store or online at www.koorong.com
What’s on the Schedule 2016 Term Dates
Kindergarten to Year 6 Assemblies
Term 1: Wed 27/01/16 - Fri 08/04/16 Term 2: Tue 26/04/16 - Fri 01/07/16 Term 3: Mon 25/07/16 - Fri 23/09/16 Term 4: Tue 10/10/16 - Fri 9/12/16
Term 1
Date
Class
Week 5
26th February
6S
Week 7
11th March
Endless Praise
Week 9
Thu, 24th March
Easter Service
Week 11
8th April
5G
Weekly Events Monday
Tuesday
Morning
Lunch
Thursday
Secondary Swimming Skills at Maitland Pool with Mr Shafer, 6:30am - 7:00am Primary Art/ Mural Club in C1 SALT in E8
After School
Wednesday
MiniSALT in M2 Years 3/4 Computer Coding Club in E3
Years 3-7 Choir in M2
Friday Secondary Swimming Skills at Maitland Pool with Mr Shafer, 6:30am - 7:00am
Years 5/6 Drama Club in D5
Secondary Boys Bible Study in E8 Years 3-6 Chess Club in the Hope Hub
Children who remain at school after 3:15pm (apart from organised activities) need to be collected from the school office
Pray Without Ceasing
Year 7 Immunisation
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
NSW Health works in partnership with schools to offer the vaccines recommended for adolescents by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) in a school-based vaccination program.
A small group of parents meet each week to pray for God’s blessing on our school community and the effective operation of the school. To be a part of this world changing ministry, come along each Monday morning at 8:30am. The wonderful office staff will help you find the prayer meeting.
Parent Information Kits for Year 7 students will be sent home to parents next month. Our first school immunisation day will be Monday, 14th March. To consent to vaccination, please read the information carefully, complete and sign the Consent Form and return it to school.
A Hole in One!! Students studying the elective Physical Activity & Sports Studies (PASS), recently created their own cross-country golf course. A nine hole course was established on the grove and common areas using cones, hula hoops and tennis balls. Students were familiarised with the term 'par', and after analysing each hole, nominated the number of shots they thought each would take them. It was encouraging to see many students record 'under par' on their score cards. Some even managed a hole in one!
Secondary Swimming Carnival The Secondary Swimming Carnival will be held next Friday, 19th February at East Maitland Aquatic Centre. Students who are competing in the 100m freestyle or the 200m individual medley should be at the pool at 8:30am. All other students can meet at the school at 8:30am and be transported to and from the pool by bus. All students should attend the carnival and participate in the activities, where possible. Students should wear their sport uniform or their house colours. Also, please remember to wear your school hat and sunscreen for sun protection.
Primary Swimming Carnival Great fun and competition was had on Monday at our Primary Swimming Carnival. The students looked colourful, as they came wearing their house colours and displayed signs to support their house. We had a high level of participation with students having a go and showing great persistence, even when it was difficult. The House Relays were hotly contested with Newton coming in first, Watts second, Wesley third and Crosby fourth. Well done to all of the Relay swimmers! There was a lot of excitement over this year’s novelty events. Students had races with noodles and kick boards, swam
through hoops and collected balls from the water. After a great day of competition and encouragement the results are as following: WATTS 1,164 NEWTON 1,114 WESLEY 1,099 CROSBY 1,071 Those students who will be representing our school at the Zone Swimming Carnival on Tuesday, 23rd February, will receive a note home soon.
Where Do Our House Names Come From? Have you ever wondered about the derivation of our sporting house names? They are the names of famous hymn writers of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. You may not recognise their names but their hymns are very popular in lots of Christian churches today.
Watts
Isaac Watts was born in 1674 and transformed the nature of Christian hymns. Two notable hymns that Watts wrote were “Joy to the World” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”.
Crosby
Fanny Crosby was born blind in 1820 but soon developed a love of music and poetry. She wrote over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, including “Blessed Assurance” and “To God be the Glory”.
Newton
John Newton was a sailor who later became the captain of a slave ship. After committing his life to Jesus, he became a pastor and helped abolish slavery in England. He wrote “Amazing Grace”.
Music Matters At Maitland Christian School we have experienced music tutors available to tutor your children in musical instruments during or after school hours. They are taking new enrolments for 2016. If you would like your child to have lessons, please call them to organise enrolment and lesson times. Piano
Pam I'Anson
0423 693 849
ianson_music@yahoo.com
Piano, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone
Nicole Jones
0422 596 609
nicolecoombs12@gmail.com
Singing
Sophie Aked
0412 965 260
Sophie.aked@hotmail.com
Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums
Joel Procter
0421 942 551
joelproctertuition@gmail.com
Violin
Emily Wanganga 0455 071 055
Emily.wanganga@hotmail.com
Your Help at School is Appreciated The support of volunteers within the school community is greatly appreciated. Parents, grandparents and other friends and family members who volunteer play an integral role in creating an environment for the students which is conducive to learning and developing spiritually, academically, physically and socially. Volunteers can help in canteen, library, classroom activities, sport, excursions and
Mr Coller is our Careers Advisor this year and he will be ably assisted by Mr McLaren, who will manage the Distance Education students. To find information about university courses, apprenticeships, job opportunities, study skills and anything and everything else associated with careers, please
other events. To best support volunteers in the school and to continue to provide a safe environment for our students, we also need to abide by child protection laws. For more information about helping at the school, please contact Vivienne Hughes at v.hughes@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au or have a look at our volunteer page on our school website at www.maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au or call the office on 02 4933 7633.
subscribe to the Maitland Christian School blog at bit.ly/1nZS2XE Alternatively, you can follow @MCSCareers on Twitter to stay updated. If you have any questions, please send Mr Coller and Mr McLaren an email at careers@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au
Community News
What’s Happening at Metford Community Baptist Church?
Kids Club is on each Thursday night during term, between 3:30pm and 5:00pm. It is a free program for Years 3 to 6.
*** Please note the change in times *** Metford Community Baptist Church is a community of Christian believers who love Christ, each other and their community. We have services every Sunday (9:30am and 6:00pm) and would love to see you there.
Our Contact details: Pastor: John Cook 83 Chelmsford Drive Associate Pastor: Andrew Sumpton Metford NSW 2323 (Next to Maitland Christian School) Phone: 4934 5350 admin@metfordbaptist.com.au
Church Services: Every Sunday 9:30am and 6:00pm
Upcoming Events Term 1 Fri 19/02
Sec
Secondary Swimming Carnival
Mon 22/02
Sec
Secondary Touch Football Gala Day
Tue 23/02
Pri
Primary Zone Swimming Carnival
Fri 26/02
Sec
Secondary Special Assembly
Mon 29/02
Sec
Year 7 Camp Commences
Wed 2/03
Sec
Year 8 Camp Commences
Thu 3/03
Sec
Secondary Zone Swimming Carnival
Mon 7/03
Pri
Primary State Swimming Carnival
Mon 14/03
Sec
Year 7 Immunisation Day
Mon 21/03
Sec
Secondary State Swimming Carnival
Fri 25/03
Pri
Sec
Good Friday
Mon 28/03
Pri
Sec
Easter Monday
Fri 1/04
Pri
Sec
School Photo Day
Sec
Secondary Athletics Carnival
Thu 7/04 Fri 8/04
Pri
Sec
Last Day of Term 1
Mon 25/04
Pri
Sec
Anzac Day
Tue 26/04
Pri
Sec
First Day of Term 2
Thu 28/04
Pri
Year 3/4 Camp Commences
Wed 4/05
Pri
Year 5/6 Camp Commences
Fri 6/05
Pri
Mothers Day Stall
Tue 10/05
Pri
Term 2
Sec
NAPLAN Testing Commences