Term 2 Week 10 1st July 2016 Issue No. 21
From the Principal
ISAIAH 33:2-6
Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress. At the uproar of your army, the peoples flee; when you rise up, the nations scatter. Your plunder, O nations, is harvested as by young locusts; like a swarm of locusts people pounce on it. The LORD is exalted, for he dwells on high; he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness. He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure
LORD, be gracious to us; we long for you.
We can call to our God who answers prayers and gives hope. He doesn’t
The last week has seen the news headlines filled with concerns about who is or who will be in control. The historic ‘Brexit’ decision for Britain to leave the EU has caused drama and brought prophecies of doom and/or hope (depending on who you listen to). With the Federal Election coming up in Australia we’re similarly bombarded by messages promising a better world and warnings of worse to come if we elect the other parties. I am reminded, yet again, that the one we can trust and the one whose words are sure is our God:
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promise that things will be easy but He does promise that He is our strength. He is working out his plans of justice and righteousness and He is a sure foundation for our times now and into eternity
quality Christian Education at Maitland Christian School. Enjoy your break and travel safe I pray that our students, staff and families will enjoy a well-earned rest, with time for refreshment and renewal at the end of a busy semester.
Grandparents / Open Day Thank you for your attendance at Grandparents and Open Day this year. It is always an encouragement to see the joy and delight that this day brings for our students and families.
We wish Elizabeth Reid from Year 11 all the best as she departs for France and Belgium, as one of 24 student recipients of the 2016 Premier’s ANZAC Memorial Scholarship. Elizabeth will be meeting the Premier, Mike Baird, on Wednesday, 13th July and then departing for France on 14th July. We pray for safe travels and for an excellent time of learning and camaraderie, as the group travels to commemorate and represent our country at the Centenary of some of the battles of World War I.
Reports / Parent Teacher Interviews School reports have been sent home. Thank you to our students for their hard work across this semester, to the teaching staff for the effort they have put into the student reports and to our office staff for getting these ready and sent home. I pray that each student and family will be able to celebrate areas of growth and development, as well as also setting some goals for the second half of the year.
Blessings Geoff Peet
2016 Term Dates
Parent teacher interviews will take place in the first and second week of next term – keep an eye on your emails so that you can request your appointments before the booking schedule is generated. We look forward to these evenings as a time of developing the important partnership we have with parents.
Term 3: Mon 25/07/16 - Fri 23/09/16 Term 4: Mon 10/10/16 - Fri 9/12/16 2017 Term Dates Term 1: Mon 30/01/17 - Fri 07/04/17 Term 2: Mon 24/04/17 - Fri 30/06/17 Term 3: Mon 24/07/17 - Fri 22/09/17
As well as student reports, our Annual School Report for the 2015 school year has been uploaded to the School’s website at maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au/documents and is well worth a read. There are lots of things for us to be thankful for as we continue to develop and celebrate our vision of
Term 4: Mon 9/10/17 - Wed 13/12/17
On the Cover
There were lots of cheers for our senior boys at the Metro Cup last Friday when they brought home the trophy. Page 2
Reading in Kindergarten Congratulations to the Kindergarten Literacy classes, who have completed their MiniLit program already. After less than two terms of Kindergarten, these students are reading fluently and with expression.
Soon the rest of Kindergarten will also complete the program and then progress to the Year 1 reading curriculum. It is a joy to see these students thriving academically and benefitting from the Explicit Instruction teaching methods at our school.
Winning Entries in the Term 2 High School Writing Competition The Storm
Never stopping. The thunder rumbles Majestic, growling lions from heaven.
By Megan, Year 8 The dark grey clouds gather over my head. Swirling, Menacing, Ready to kill.
The clouds getting darker, Making the sky look like it should have stars Making me think it's evening, When it's only halfway through the day.
I can tell it's going to be bad, When I see the birds fly away, Boosted by the cyclonic winds, Blowing from unknown places, Far, far away.
Then the clouds go toxic green, And the hail falls, As big as cricket balls, And as deadly as bullets. Solid balls of water Falling from the sky.
When I see the last bird enter a tree, The rain starts falling; Not in a light shower, But in thick blankets,
Welcome, To Australia. Page 3
Winning Entries in the Term 2 High School Writing Competition The Beach
Running Out of Time By Rachel, Year 8
By Rebecca Year 9
The vibration of the cars motor, Is what I feel, As I drive slowly behind the wheel. The lush green plains, Turn to a murky grey. The dark cruel clouds, Look down on me, As I come up to a fork in the road. Where to now? Which way? Lightning strikes, The hairs on my arms spike, I'm running out of time. The clouds over me turn from dark grey, To a threatening inky green, and black. Which way? Where to now? The question plays in my mind, Not leaving. I take a hard left, Hoping it's the best, The way out from under this ill-lit plain.
The harmless blue waves ran over the rocks as I dipped my toes in the surf. "Come on," Kat urged as she walked straight into the water. I sighed, but gave in, drawing my breath in quick as the water sent icy cold needles all over my body. I ducked under the water, getting it over with, and immediately regretted it. I came up gasping, my entire body shivering. Kat laughed, and dived in the water, grabbing my legs and pulling me under again. Once I regained my footing, I chased after her, but she was too quick. She laughed at me from the shore, but her expression changed to one of horror as she looked at the colossal dark wave as it reached its peak above me.
The Game
I knew I could make that last jump, but my legs wouldn't move and I plunged into the hole. Occasionally I'll hear a voice outside the box asking why I didn't jump. But it was the voice's fault. I am controlled by them.
By Elizabeth, Year 11 GAME OVER The words flash in front of my eyes. As they disappear I am able to get up, rubbing where I ache. Thankful that the aches never last long.
I'm not yet ready, but I hear the music which signals that my pain is about to start. Perhaps today I'll reach the end.
This wasn't the life I chose. It was chosen for me. I'm trapped in a box where people dictate every move I make.
But that is virtually impossible. Page 4
Visual Arts in Term 2 It has been another fantastic term in the Visual Arts department. Students have been busy making clay sculptures, drawing portraits and investigating Surrealism.
Years 9, 10 and 11 went to Sydney to visit the Art Gallery of NSW, to view ARTEXPRESS and White Rabbit Gallery. ARTEXPRESS features a selection of outstanding student artworks developed for the artmaking component of the Higher School Certificate. Students were inspired and amazed by the variety of art works and the skill that was clearly displayed to make them. The images below are three examples of the work exhibited.
Year 7 have been up to their elbows in clay, making fantasy creatures. Their sculptures display incredible imagination and skill. Early next term they will be painting the glaze on and adding the excitement of colour, ready for exhibition. To start the term, Year 8 went on an excursion to Lake Macquarie Gallery. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students to visit a gallery, walk through a sculpture garden and see the infamous Archibald Prize, which was an inspirational way to start their portraiture topic. As the term has progressed, so have their portrait drawings. It is great to see the dedication, time and effort the students are showing and the amazing outcomes that are being achieved. This year there will be a portraiture competition similar to the Archibald Prize which will be called “the Bald Archie�.
The White Rabbit Gallery is a contemporary Chinese gallery, which reflects the life and times of Chinese artists. These artworks told the stories of another culture.
Primary Assemblies Term 3 Date Class Week 2
5th August
3O
Week 4
19th August
2H
Week 6
2nd September
1T
Week 8
16th September
1/2C
Week 2
21st October
Kindergarten
Week 4
4th November
Music Assembly
Term 4
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High School Special Assembly
Primary Metro Cup Congratulations to our Primary Metro Cup teams who scored two first places and a second in the zone finals last Friday.
Our high school students were honoured for their efforts academically and in sport at the special assembly last Friday. After the Year 12 Industrial Technology students showed us some of their major works in progress and we prayed for their preparation to present their work to the HSC examiners. We also listened to one of Tim’s music performances that he is preparing for his HSC. Please keep praying for these students as they get closer to their final exams.
Music Assembly, 24th June
Congratulations to the following students who received awards at the assembly KB
Amalia, Brianna, Emily, Wayde
Ethan G., Isabel, Josiah, Lucas, 3/4L Ella, Samara
KG
Cain, Keira, Kieran, Paris, Patrick
4P
Jack, Kayla, Kurtis, Reece, Sonya
1T
Amy-Lee, Cameron, Madden, Noah, Oliver, Sarah M., Zara
5G
Bayley, Caden, Cassandra, Daniel, Ezekiel, Grace C., Lily, Oscar, Riley, Sean, Taite
Audrey, Bayley, Faith, Indiana, 1/2C Alison, Jorja, Rosalind, Ruben
5S
Cooper, Heath, Issac M., Michael, Milly
2H
Hope, Jesper, Jessica. Levi, Lynette
6H
Charlotte, Clementine, Corey, Tianna
3O
Elisabeth, Flynn, Gabriella, Genevieve, Lilly 6S H., Matilda, Thomas
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Ella, Jayden, Laura, Luke, Riley K.
What’s Happening at Metford Community Baptist Church?
Save the date for this year’s Spring Fair at Metford Community Baptist Church. There will be loads of stalls, with baked goods, books, arts and crafts and new items, as well as lots of children’s activities. The fair will be held on Saturday, 10 th September from 9:00am to 2:00pm. All children’s programs at Metford Community Baptist Church are in recess during the school holidays. They will be returning on the following days: Playgroup
Tuesday, 26th July
Rhythm & Dance Wednesday, 27th July
Youth Group
Friday, 29th July
Sunday School
Kids Club
Thursday, 4th July
Sunday, 31st July
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 3 Mon 25/07 Tue 26/07
Pri
Sec
Pri Pri
First Day of Term 3 Primary World of Maths
Sec
Parent Teacher Interviews
Sec
Senior Study Day
Sec
Secondary Soccer Gala Day
Sat 30/07
Sec
Year 11/12 Music Excursion to Opera House
Tue 2/08
Sec
Uchooz visit and Parent Seminar
Thu 28/07
Wed 3/08
Pri Pri
Thu 4/08 Fri 5/08
Pri
Literacy and Numeracy Parent Morning Sec
Parent Teacher Interviews
Sec
Masterclass
Sec
Secondary Zone Athletics Carnival Primary Zone Athletics
Parent Information Morning Maitland Christian School is on an exciting journey of improving student learning by using the evidence-based teaching practice of Explicit Instruction. This strategy ensures that every student participates, engages and masters the content in each lesson.
“How do you talk to your child about sex?”
To find out more and see Explicit Instruction at work in the classrooms, join us on our information morning on Wednesday, 3rd August from 8:45 – 10:45 am.
A parent information evening.
Tuesday 2nd August 2016 (Term 3, Week 2) 7:00pm-8:15pm.
Only a limited number can attend each session, so parents are asked to call the office on 4933 7633 to reserve a place.
Marc Erbsleben, a gifted communicator to youth, will also be running seminars for Years 7-12 throughout the day. Page 8