Term 2 Week 3 13th May 2016 Issue No. 14
From the Principal Just a quiet week at school? This week the busyness of the school term came to a halt for many of our extra programs, as NAPLAN tests and classroom learning filled the week. I am thankful that many of our students were able to approach the NAPLAN tests confident in the skills they have learnt at school.
students conquer fears, develop amazing art works, undertake sporting feats and display sportsmanship. Students were serving each other in practical ways, with musical gifts and technical skills, in drama lessons, science practical lessons and high end mathematics.
We will be able to use the information we get back from the NAPLAN tests to further track the effectiveness of our Literacy and Numeracy programs. However, while this data is helpful, NAPLAN is one snapshot on a very long journey of schooling.
Kindergarten students were reading whole books with expression (and it’s only the start of Term 2!). The packed library was a vibrant learning area. Prep students were conquering the monkey bars and there were many other wonderful snapshots that weren’t tested by NAPLAN.
Our mission as a school continues to be to develop students spiritually, academically, socially and physically. As I’ve travelled the school in the past ‘ordinary’ week I’ve seen lots of extraordinary things -
Students have lived their Christian faith in real ways through prayer, through friendship, through encouragement, through kindness, through reading their Bible and providing leadership and service to each other. Page 1
Uniform
Sometimes, I wish there was a NAPLAN test for these other rich characteristics that fill our school each day, so we could celebrate and further pursue great excellence in these areas. Tests in these areas would help us learn where our students sit, so we can celebrate broader student ‘achievement’ and be even more effective in encouraging them to grow in these areas as well.
Thank you for your patience as we’ve made the change of uniform over the start of this year. With the arrival of the new sport shirts in the past week, everything from the new uniform is now in stock and ready to be purchased. Many families will be using this transition year to wear their existing uniforms and that is very much encouraged as we act as responsible stewards of the resources God has given us. As the newer clothes are purchased, we’re excited to see the changes in presentation of the uniform and everything coming together.
Then again, it’s also great not to reduce everything to quantitative measures and be mindful that we live out our Christian life in service to God and others and not for self glorification. We give thanks to God for the good things He is able to do in us, through us and for us.
Now that everything is in stock, it’s also the opportunity to tighten uniform enforcement over the next terms and in preparation for the full transition to the new uniform in 2017. Over the next few weeks we will start this journey with the area of jewellery and grooming, ensuring students are doing the right thing in this regard.
Our prayer is that our students will find their meaning, purpose and identity in Jesus Christ. That they would know that God loves them; they would know and experience salvation from sin through Jesus and find a new life in Him. In response to this goodness from God, our prayer is that each of the young people in the school would discover more of the gifts God has blessed them with. That they would find a way to gratefully use their gifts in service to Him and in the care of others and His world.
If you are unsure about our uniform expectations in this regard or any other areas, please consult the guidelines which can be found here - http://bit.ly/1TdEz9S Blessings Geoff Peet
Will we celebrate student growth in NAPLAN? We most certainly will (that is when the results come back in several months time). We’ve worked very hard and continue to develop these areas.
On the Cover The end of 13 years of schooling is fast approaching our Year 12 students. This week they received the commemorative jerseys, which will be a uniform option for them, while they study for their Higher School Certificate and lead our student body.
Will we look at ways to address any weaknesses that are identified in learning? Again, yes we will (and we are!). Yet we will always be playing the long game and embracing the bigger vision of helping our children to be all that they can be in Jesus and glorifying Him in all that they do.
Please pray for them over the next five months, as they are given the best opportunity to show what they have learnt. Page 2
Parent Information Mornings
Captains Meet Our State Leaders
Maitland Christian School is on an exciting journey of improving student learning by using the evidence-based teaching practice of explicit instruction. This is a highly effective teaching strategy that ensures every student participates, engages and masters the content in each lesson.
School leaders from across NSW gathered at Parliament House last Thursday to find out more about our state government and to meet each other. Later, they visited Government House, as part of the Secondary School Leadership Program. Brodie and Thomas were there and they also met with the State member for Maitland, Jenny Aitcheson.
To find out more and see Explicit Instruction at work in the classrooms, join us on one of our information mornings on May 18th or June 22nd from 8:45 – 10:45 am. Only a limited number can attend each session, so parents are asked to call the office on 4933 7633 to reserve a place.
Exploring the Inside of Lungs Lungs are beautiful organs which were created by God with all the intricate details, which are necessary for breathing. This week in Science, Year 8 dissected sheep lungs to learn about the respiratory system.
Page 3
Where Do Old Uniforms Go? Now the uniform is changing, do you have plain white shirts that you no longer need? We have an opportunity to donate our old white shirts to a Christian school in Vanuatu. They wear white shirts as part of their uniform and rely on donations. If you are able to help, please drop your old white shirts into the office, so they can be collected and shipped to Vanuatu.
Years 5 and 6 Camp in Sydney It was perfect weather for a wander around the attractions in Sydney last week, when Years 5 and 6 went exploring. From their home base at a Youth Hostel in the Rocks, they were able to walk and use public transport to get to places like Darling Harbour, Cockatoo Island and Sydney Tower. A highlight of the trip was at the observatory, where they looked through telescopes and saw Jupiter and Mars close up. They also met with the Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison at Parliament House.
Page 4
Student Concession Cards
Helpers Needed for Exams
Student concessions cards are available to students 16 years of age and older. These provide half fare concession travel on trains, local bus routes and ferries.
At the end of this month, Years 7-10 will be settling into their half-yearly exams. Our learning support team is in need of helpers to assist students who need special provisions during the exams. This is a voluntary role but, as with all work around the school, you will need a Working With Children Check. To find out how to obtain a Working With Children Check, please go to the Volunteer page on our website at www.maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au
Students who would benefit from having a concession card are asked to contact the school office.
Year 7 Immunisation It’s time for the second dose of vaccine for our Year 7 students. The nurses will be at Maitland Christian School this Monday, 16th May at 8:30am to immunise our Year 7 students against Chicken Pox, Diptheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough and HPV.
If you would like to help between 23rd 26th May, please contact Debbie Zlyden by email at d.zlyden@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au or phone 4933 7633.
How to Think Successfully A Growth Mindset is a better way to think which helps you to learn, work and play effectively. Whether students find school easy, okay or difficult, they benefit from adopting this perspective.
Page 5
Page 6
What’s Happening at Metford Community Baptist Church?
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
W hat ’s
Monday
Tuesday
o n th e
S ch e du le
Before School
Lunch
Recess
After School
Supervision from 8:00am Period 1 starts 8:30am
11:03am - 11:43am
1:40pm - 2:00pm
2:51pm After 3:15pm, collect children from school office
Primary Art/Mural Club in C1 Years 3-6 Chess Club SALT in E8 Secondary Vocal Group in M2
Secondary TOPS Meeting in M1
MiniSALT in M2 Years 3-6 Computer Coding Club in E3 K-2 Choir in B2
GIFT in E15
Primary Choir in M2
Wednesday Secondary Visual Arts Club in E2
Thursday
Years 5/6 Drama Club in D5 Secondary Tops Rehearsal in M1 Mission Knitting and Quilting Group in E5
Friday
Secondary Boys Bible Study in E8
Canteen Helpers Needed Extra volunteers are needed to help in the canteen on Friday 10th June, Friday 17th June and Friday 1st July. If you are available, please contact Narelle McIver at canteen@maitlandcs.nsw.edu.au Page 8