Term 1 Week 7 11th March 2016 Issue No. 7
From the Principal works starting to take shape, through to clever software design in Year 9 and 10, electric motors being constructed in Physics, Kindergarten students reading words and short sentences after only six weeks at school, Primary students doing great work in their classes as well as in their Music and Art, through to senior students working hard on their studies.
It seemed like we were only starting the school term yesterday and here we are well and truly past the halfway point in first term. Where did that time go? However, in that short time many exciting things are happening and there is real momentum developing in student learning and activities. In this week’s newsletter there are plenty of stories of student success in the many aspects of school. I trust you will enjoy these.
It seems that no matter which door I open in the school at present, there are exciting learning activities in progress. I know that your prayers would be valued as we enter the start of the busy assessment season for high school students and also with the half yearly exams coming up for Year 12 in the not too distant future.
As I’ve walked around the school during the week, I’ve been amazed by how hard the students are working in their classes – from Year 12 major Page 1
There are a couple of key events noted in the newsletter that I would like to draw your attention to:
The following verses from Psalm 119:65 – 68 remind us of God’s goodness, His trustworthiness to always keep His word and to develop good judgement and knowledge through immersing ourselves in His word and spending time with Him.
• Endless Praise – our students have had a great time today with the group Endless Praise at school. TONIGHT at 7:00pm, parents, students and members of the school community are most welcome at Metford Community Baptist Church as Endless Praise share their music and the hope we can have in Jesus.
You have dealt well with your servant, O Lord, according to your word. Teach me good judgement and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.
• Parent Auslan classes – an excellent chance for parents from across the school to learn Auslan (Australian Sign Language), which is the language we study with our Year 7 students. This is a funded opportunity for this year only at present, so please take the opportunity if you are able. A great skill to learn and a great way to connect with some other parents.
Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. May we all be walking daily with God and growing in our understanding of who He is and who we can be in and through Him. Rich blessings
• Parent Teacher Interviews – the first round of interviews are coming up soon. These are important evenings for parents and students to share together on how the year has started and to support the best outcomes for all involved.
Geoff Peet
On the Cover
A smooth transition to Kindergarten assists students academically and socially. Before commencing Kindergarten at Maitland Christian School, students who attend Prep become accustomed to the routines of school life and start learning skills in preparation for the school curriculum.
• ANZAC Day – Anzac Day occurs at the end of the school holidays this year. We’d love to go as close as we can to match the 100 students who attended last year’s East Maitland March and Dawn Service. We’re also hosting a cooked breakfast at school this year, to avoid the queues at McDonalds and to allow a more spacious venue for people to share and talk.
This transition to life in Primary School has been a great blessing over the last two years and our Kindergarten students are well prepared to tackle the serious business of learning. Page 2
Parents Can Learn Auslan Too!
2016 Term Dates 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 Primary Assemblies
Auslan is the sign language used by most of the deaf community in Australia. Maitland Christian School continues to run a successful Auslan program in Year 7, so that our students will have the ability to communicate with people who have hearing impairments.
Term 1
Date
Class
Week 9
Thu, 24th March
Easter Service
Week 11
8th April
5G
Week 3
13th May
4P
Week 5
27th May
6H
Week 7
10th June
3/4L
Term 2
Now, parents and friends can learn this important language, thanks to a unique AIS funded program. The course will be held every Wednesday at the school, starting on 23rd March at 7:00pm. It will run for the remainder of Term 1 and most of Term 2 for 90 minutes each evening and involves lots of fun while you learn.
Let’s Talk About It!
Parent/Teacher Interviews are an excellent opportunity to meet and discuss the progress that our students are making, set goals for future expectations, and share experiences that will help to shape the students’ learning. We value this important partnership between home and the school and the role it plays in helping to shape the education of your children.
If you would like more information or you would like to register your interest in joining our next course please contact Mrs Rachel Brewer by email on r.brewer@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au
At Maitland Christian School, Parent/Teacher Interviews are held twice a year at the end of Term 1 and the beginning of Term 3. This year the first interviews will be held on Wednesday, 30th March and Wednesday, 6th April. All bookings can be made online and instructions and codes to access the booking site will be emailed out in the coming week. Please watch out for the email and follow the instructions to request interviews with your children’s teachers.
Years 7 & 8 Camps: Lost Property
A considerable amount of lost property was brought back from last week’s camps. If your child is missing an item from camp, please have them call into the front office to search for the item in the lost property basket. Page 3
In the Pool Over the Last Week Secondary Zone Swimming Carnival Our team came 5th overall at the Secondary Zone Swimming Carnival last week, with a total of 237 points. Annalise, Carlee, Mari-Ann and Tim will all progress to the state carnival on 21st March. Primary State Swimming Carnival
Carlee broke a record in her 50 metre freestyle event and Annalise, Mari-Ann and Tim all came 2nd in the championships for their respective age groups. Michael from Year 7 also came 3rd in the 12 years boys’ championship.
Congratulations to Matilda from 3O, who competed at the Christian Schools Primary State Swimming Carnival at Blacktown Aquatic Centre on Monday. Matilda had a great day, coming 2nd in both of her heats, and 8th and 10th places overall in her races. Both her times had improved from what she swam at zone. Congratulations Matilda!
Congratulations go out to the whole team for great sportsmanship and participation.
Kindergarten to Year 2 Choir
We are delighted to announce the start of the Kindergarten to Year 2 choir, who will be enthralling us with their beautiful music in the coming months. The choir meets each Tuesday at lunch time in Mrs Balcombe’s room. Page 4
Late Netball Registrations
Narnia performers, please note:
Maitland Christian School has registered three teams in the local Netball competition this year. However, there are still places available on each of the teams for children who are interested in playing this exciting sport.
If you wish to obtain photos of the Narnia performances, please bring your order in for a USB by next Friday, 17th March.
Opal Cards
Most of our students who travel by bus have received their School Opal cards to travel to and from school this year. Transport for NSW and transport operators have allowed eligible school students to travel without a School Opal card for the first six weeks of the school year, provided they are in school uniform or can provide evidence they are attending school.
The 3 teams are : Under 8s 8-9 years Under 12s. C o nt ac t K aren St ac kman at karenstackman@gmail.com or email the Principal’s Assistant, Nicole Teasdale, at n.teasdale@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au
Year 7 Immunisation
As most students have now received their School Opal cards, the grace period will end next Monday, 14th March.
Parents of Year 7 students are reminded that the vaccination program starts on Monday. If you haven’t completed and returned the Consent Form already and would like to take advantage of this free service, please send the form with your child on Monday.
If your child/ren should have a school transport subsidy and haven’t received their School Opal card yet, please call 131 500 to find out what you need to do.
Come and Join Us on Anzac Day! Each year a large contingent of students, parents, staff, board members and friends of Maitland Christian School, brave the pre-dawn chill to participate in the East Maitland Anzac Day March. Last year we challenged our students. Was it possible for 100 of them to come along to commemorate 100 years since the original landing at Gallipoli during World War I? Despite a monstrous storm in the week before the March which resulted in many road closures in the area, our students turned up in force to join with our community to honour the fallen.
This year we are calling on our students and their families again to come along on the day before Term 2 starts, to join in the local Anzac Day service. After the ceremony at the East Maitland War Memorial, participating families are invited back to school to enjoy a free barbecue breakfast together. Page 5
This Easter event is a time of celebration, where people from all different denominations, different ethnic heritage and different age groups, come together to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Activities begin at 11:00am. The march starts at 2:30pm.
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What’s Happening at Metford Community Baptist Church?
On Tonight, Friday, 11th March, 7:00pm at Metford Community Baptist Church 83 Chelmsford Drive, Metford Free Admission 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 Page 7
U p co m i n g E v e nt s Term 1 Mon 14/03
Sec
Year 7 Immunisation Day
Fri 18/03
Sec
Interschool Chess Challenge
Sec
Secondary State Swimming Carnival
Sec
Year 12 Mid Course Exams begin
Mon 21/03 Wed 23/03
Pri
Sec
Auslan lessons for parents begin
Thu 24/03
Pri
Sec
Prep to Year 12 Easter Service
Fri 25/03
Pri
Sec
Good Friday
Mon 28/03
Pri
Sec
Easter Monday
Wed 30/03
Pri
Sec
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Sec
Senior Study Day
Sec
School Photo Day
Sec
Year 11 PDHPE excursion
Sec
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Sec
Secondary Athletics Carnival
Thu 31/03 Fri 1/04
Pri
Mon 4/04 Wed 6/04
Pri
Thu 7/04 Fri 8/04
Pri
Sec
Last Day of Term 1
Mon 25/04
Pri
Sec
Anzac Day Dawn Service and Breakfast Term 2
Tue 26/04
Pri
Sec
Thu 28/04
Pri
Year 3/4 Camp Commences
Wed 4/05
Pri
Year 5/6 Camp Commences
Thu 5/05
Pri
Year 3/4 excursion to The Peasant Prince
Fri 6/05
Pri
Mothers Day Stall
Tue 10/05
Pri
Sec
First Day of Term 2
NAPLAN Testing Commences Page 8