Term 2 Week 9 24th June 2016 Issue No. 20
From the Principal It’s now just over a week until the Federal Election and the end of one of the longest election campaigns on record. We also have a rare double dissolution election, where both houses of Parliament will be emptied in their entirety. So our Senate vote will need to be carefully considered.
this election may be a race to not come last, rather than to come first.
As we vote, we need to be thankful for our stable democracy, our orderly elections and the freedoms we enjoy in Australia.
As you come to the time to cast your vote, people will often ask “What’s in it for me?” rather than considering what is best for us all. Are we favouring policies that seek justice, loving mercy and humbly walking with our God? What issues should we be looking out for? Here’s a few ones that are likely to have an impact on Christian Schools:
Yet, for this election there appears to be a sense of disappointment in the community on what is on offer. With both leaders of the major parties having a net satisfaction rating of –15 (i.e. 15% more people disapprove of the leader than approve of them), it appears that
▪▪Education Policies – There is a difference between Labor and Liberal in a number of areas. The amount of money on offer is more from the Labor at $4.5 billion with the Liberals increasing funding by $1.2 billion. However, more money on its own does Page 1
borrowing money. Are we making decisions in this regard responsibly? We, as a nation, spend more money than we receive and will apparently do so for quite a number of the coming years. Are we burdening our children and grand-children with an increasing level of debt because we couldn’t live within our means?
not improve educational outcomes. Will it be well-targeted and support improved outcomes? Will it involve greater bureaucracy to receive the funds? Will funds be available so that all students will be cared for properly? I encourage you to use Google to find the education policies of the major and minor parties and read them. Sadly, when I did so, the desire of The Greens appears to be to remove our freedom to hire staff in line with our ethos and beliefs. Their policies do not appear to value the benefit of both government and non-government schooling, nor the funds that are saved by the government when you, as parents, invest in your child’s education.
There is a plethora of other issues that will rightly concern people as well, including foreign aid, welfare, health care, immigration and refugees, and care of God’s world. This election will have consequences in many areas and I encourage each of you to weigh up carefully how you vote so that we, as a country, are well-governed. Also, that our school and our churches continue to have the freedom and resources to further build the amazing community that we enjoy.
▪▪Religious Freedom – The ability for religious communities to practice their faith will be an area to consider for Christian School parents. The Labor Party and The Greens are very much committed to legislating for gay marriage but with only limited protections for religious freedom (specific ministers of religion). What will this mean for faith communities such as ours?
If you’re seeking some resources to help you think through your decision on how to vote next Saturday, these links may help you prayerfully consider your decision and how the parties compare: ▪▪Federal Election Guide - http://j. mp/28Pm6B3 which is very easy to read; a concise and well-organised platform of all the major issues for this election. ▪▪How to vote and How Not to Vote - http://bit.ly/28ZyuOG which is an honest article looking at how to vote in a way that honours God and others.
Will we be free to graciously disagree or be forced to agree with possible new laws in this area? Will materials such as the controversial Safe Schools Curriculum be a requirement of all schools in the future, if the law changes in this area? Do the political parties even trust us, as a nation, to have a mature discussion and vote about this?
▪▪ Christian Values Checklist - http://bit. ly/28SX6cm is a visual checklist of parties views on a number of social issues.
▪▪Debt – I realise that there are different economic theories on debt and
The Bible reminds us that it is God who appoints our leaders and that we are to Page 2
Antarctic Animals in the Art Room
pray for them. Let’s be in prayer for God to provide us with good and wise government for our nation. Staffing Update A number of advertisements are out at present for staffing positions. We will be sadly losing the services of Mr Asher Morrison from the role of School Psychologist, at the end of this term. Asher will be moving into private practice on a full time basis. We will miss his wise and godly input. There are a couple of part-time positions available in the Learning Support Department, to cover maternity leave and due to a change of allocation for staff.
It was snowing in the art room yesterday, when 5S were making Antarctic animals and birds out of clay.
Applications close on Friday, 8th July for appropriate Christian candidates. There are more details on the employment page of our website.
After modelling and painting their little creatures, the students put them against an icy background and photographed them.
We also received news this week that Mr Shafer will be taking up a Head of Department role at Dungog High School, from the beginning of Term 4 this year. While we are excited for Mr Shafer as God leads him to a new role, we are very sad to hear the news that he will be leaving us. We have been blessed by his time at the school and are glad that he will be able to finish up his senior classes with us before moving to this new role. Blessings Geoff Peet
On the Cover
During a visit to Tocal Homestead, some of Year 1 and 2 students were able to help set the table in the dining room. On Pages 4 and 5, some of the Year 1 and 2 student tell about their experiences on the excursion. Page 3
At Tocal Homestead As part of their study of History, Years 1 and 2 visited Tocal Homestead on Monday. Not only did they have a lot of fun, they also learnt a lot about living in Australia in the 1800s. Here are some recounts of their adventure by the students. Our School Excursion On the 20th of June, I went on an excursion with Grades 1 and 2 to Tocal Homestead for History. After lunch, we split into groups. First I looked at Captain Thunderbolt’s cottage. I found out that Captain Thunderbolt is not actually his name, he just changed his name. Secondly, I did the washing. When I put the washing on the washing line the big white blanket got stuck in the tree. Next, I did the bucket carrying with water in it. It was funny when Mr Durrheim, instead of going to the river to get water, got the hose to put water in the bucket! When I carried it, it was really heavy. After that I looked at the pigs. They smelled really bad. Then I dressed up in a girl’s dress from the olden days. Mr Durrheim and Mr Humphris took a photo of my group in olden day clothes.
On Monday 20th June, Year 1 and 2 went to Tocal Homestead. We did 6 activities there: water carrying, old wash board, a house and old kitchen tour, dress-ups and playing old games. We learnt about Captain Thunderbolt. My favourite activity was carrying the water buckets because it was awesome. Tocal was the best day ever! Charlie, Year 1
Afterwards, I had recess. Then I had to find some real eggs. It was fun! Finally, I looked at the old building. I had to set up the table. It was also fun! Lastly, I got on the bus and went home. I was tired but happy. My favourite part of the day was the dressing up in old fashioned clothes. Paige, Year 2 Page 4
Going to Tocal. On Monday 20 June, Years 1 and 2 went to Tocal. First, we got into six groups. Next, we went to some old fashioned games. We had lots of fun playing tug of war, especially when Mrs Howitt joined in! A few activities later, we carried buckets. They were really heavy, but lots of fun! It was the best day ever! When I got home, I was very tired so I went to bed early. Pearce, Year 1 2016 Term Dates
Grandparents’ Day Canteen
Term 2: Tue 26/04/16 - Fri 01/07/16 Term 3: Mon 25/07/16 - Fri 23/09/16 Term 4: Mon 10/10/16 - Fri 9/12/16
There will be NO High School Lunch Ordering from Canteen on Friday, 1st July but counter sales will be available.
2017 Term Dates Term 1: Mon 30/01/17 - Fri 07/04/17 Term 2: Mon 24/04/17 - Fri 30/06/17
Primary students can order through class baskets as usual but some items will not be available.
Term 3: Mon 24/07/17 - Fri 22/09/17 Term 4: Mon 9/10/17 - Wed 13/12/17 Page 5
Checkmate! Our primary chess players had a taste of a real chess tournament on Wednesday at the Interschool Chess Challenge, conducted by the Sydney Academy of Chess. Of the eight schools attending, our team came 5th overall. Mrs Durrheim was impressed with their excellent behaviour and sportsmanship. Congratulations to all those who participated!
High School Futsal Gala Day Last Friday, 17th June, Maitland Christian School sent 6 teams to the Zone Futsal Gala Day. For those who are not familiar with the sport, Futsal is a variation of indoor soccer. The Junior Boys Division 1 team won their championship. Congratulations to everyone who competed!
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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, 10th September from 9:00am to 2:00pm. 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
Community News
Do You Know Someone Who is Interested in Enrolling in Our School? In conjunction with Grandparents’ Day this year, we are holding an Open Day from 12:00pm to 2:00pm. This will be an opportunity for people to come and have a look around Maitland Christian School,
meet some of our staff and students and see the programs on offer. If you know anyone who is interested in enrolling students at our school, please invite them along on the day.
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