I S S U E 2 2 0 0 9

A CALL TO SERVICE: PAGE4 ARE YOU CYBER SAFE?: PAGE8 BIGGER: PAGE12 PARENTING MATTERS: PAGE16

Welcome to our second issue of LIFE Magazine as we conclude another great year at Charlton. We trust you’ll enjoy the collage of pictures in the centre of this edition which paints a picture of some of the many exciting events that have happened in the life of the College during 2009. What a great year it’s been!

Also in this issue you’ll find out more about some of the different programs on offer to our students and in an ever increasing technological world we’ve offered some great tips on how to ‘Internet parent’ and help your child to be ‘Cybersafe’. As our partner school in the Philippines (King Solomon Christian School International) continues to support its community devastated by the September floods, you can read about how the school started, and its vision for educating the urban poor out of the poverty cycle.

Featured on the front cover of this LIFE issue is Israel Puru, the first student ever enrolled at Charlton (which was then known as Lake Macquarie Christian College). Israel will commence Year 12 next year. We wonder where all the years have gone!

Thank you to our sponsors Thomas & Coffey for continuing to support the publication of LIFE. To our Charlton community and others reading our LIFE magazine, we wish you a very happy and holy Christmas.

Vicki Gunning and Michelle Porter Editors

Our VisionCharlton Christian College aims to provide affordable Christian education which develops all students in a Godly way towards a perceptive, critical (discerning) and compassionate understanding of the society in which we live.

We aim to help our students to develop ‘wisdom’, which can be described as the ability to look at and respond to life from God’s perspective. We believe that this is best achieved through grounding in the Word of God toward a lifestyle which expresses the values and attitudes contained in the Bible.

Our MissionCharlton Christian College will strive to provide Christ-focused education of excellence, within a positive, creative and caring community.

College CornerstonesLove Demonstrating God’s love within a merciful and just community.

Integrity Building character and excellence through courageous discipleship.

Faith Growing a people of hope, freedom and wisdom through confidence in the Work of Jesus Christ.

Empowerment Developing a body of passionate and radical Christians, ready to transform their world.

Editors Vicki Gunning and Michelle Porter

Charlton Christian College 43 Fassifern Road, Fassifern PO Box 605, Toronto NSW 2283

P 02 4959 9111 F 02 4959 9188E office@charlton.nsw.edu.au

Email our Principal Sue Skuthorpe: principal@charlton.nsw.edu.au

Email Michelle if you would like to receive the College newsletters: michelle.porter@charlton.nsw.edu.au

LIFE is the bi-annual publication produced for the families and wider community of Charlton Christian College.

Design Mezzanine-media www.mezzaninemedia.com.au

03 ISSUE TWO 2009

Sue Skuthorpe Principal

“The one thing that doesn’t change is the God in whom we believe”

The articles which follow in this edition of LIFE magazine are a testament to the desire of our staff to develop this College as a centre of excellence.

Even though our College has only been operating for just over a decade we are blessed to have the fine example of many wonderful Christian schools to follow. We don’t have to start everything from scratch but can rely on the expertise of people who have been in the business of building Christian Schools for more than twenty five years.

Jim Collins in his book Good to Great stated:

“Good is the enemy of great. And that is one of the key reasons why we have so little that becomes great.

We don’t have great schools, principally because we have good schools…The vast majority of companies never become great, precisely because the vast majority become quite good – and that is their main problem.”

We are certainly a “good” school, but in striving for excellence we want to investigate what makes a “great” school. What does it look like? How do we get there? What are the keys to greatness? How does great reflect God in a Christian school? This is an endeavour that will involve not only leaders but staff, parents, students and community members. It will affect relationships, systems, pedagogy, and curriculum. It’s a big job.

To assist us on the journey to excellence (and hopefully “greatness”), the College has established an Educational Excellence Taskforce. Senior and experienced teachers and leaders make up the task force to think and plan strategically for the

future. It will involve us in reading, consulting with other schools and professionals, thinking, planning, praying and listening.

One of the traps for any school or organisation that is “good” is to believe that the way we’ve always done things is the best way to continue. In an ever-changing environment educationally, technologically and culturally this is a mistaken belief. We must continue to adapt and change what we do and the way that we do things so that our students are always prepared for life in the ever-changing society beyond the protection of our College.

The one thing that doesn’t change is the God in whom we believe. We also know that as we serve our God He expects us to do that with excellence.

So even though excellence or greatness makes sense from an academic and scholastic point of view, it also reflects the integrity with which we

serve a God of excellence. (After all, He made the world and everything in it…and that is a creation of excellence in every way)

May the Lord bless you and keep you as you serve our great God with all of your heart and mind and strength.

Building a School of Excellence

“God saw all that he had made, and it was great!” Genesis 1:31

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:22-24

King Solomon Christian School International (KSCSI) was established in 1994 by Jun and Milleth Paragas who are fulltime faith workers amongst the urban poor of Manila in the Philippines.

It was very clear to parents living in the squatter areas that education for their children was of paramount importance as this was the only hope for their future in an environment that all depends on the survival of the fittest.

The school is located in the suburbs of Quezon City which is a part of Metro Manila.

From its early beginnings of being a small one-teacher school, the project has continued to grow and expand each year.

KSCSI has gained an enviable reputation as a place where excellent education is provided in a loving and caring environment by a dedicated team of highly qualified teachers.

...education for their children was of paramount importance as this was the only hope for their future...

It has become a bench mark for early education in the area and adjacent suburbs and continues to impress the Education Authorities with outstanding results achieved by many children.

In 1997 a support team and sponsorship program was established in Australia. Through sponsorship from generous supporters, many of the poorest children in the area have been able to attend KSCSI in order to gain a solid start to their education and provide a hope for the future.

In 2008, together with my husband David, and children Nic and Kristyn, I went to the Philippines for a year to support the work of KSCSI amongst the urban poor.

Charlton Christian College has for many years been a generous supporter of KSCSI, providing art and craft supplies, readers, technology and resource materials with funds raised by Junior School students.

Next year Charlton is planning its first school service trip to Manila, taking students to assist and encourage the King Solomon School and its surrounding community.

King Solomon Christian School International

By Cherie Snellgrove

ISSUE TWO 200905

JUN AND MILLETH PARAGAS recently visited Charlton,

and were interviewed by Year 3

Why is the school called King Solomon?

We named the school after King Solomon in the Bible because he was

the wisest man who ever lived and we hope our children will grow up to

have great wisdom.

When did the school start?

The school started in 1994 in the living room of our house.

It started with 30 children.

How big is the school?

The school now has 478 students and 11 classrooms.

The children are aged from nursery grade to Year 4.

What time do the children start and finish school?

It depends on how old the children are. There are three sessions of school each day.

How do the children afford to come to the school if they live in the very poor slum areas?

142 of the children come for free. They have sponsors in Australia who pay their fees. The sponsorship of a child’s

education at King Solomon costs $300 per year.

Our Junior School sponsors Milo to go to KSCSI. Can you tell us a bit about Milo?

Milo’s real name is Ramoncito. His nickname is Milo because he loves to drink Milo! He lives with his

mum and dad and two brothers in a very small shanty, close to the school. It is a very small shack made with

cardboard boxes. It has a steel roof and a dirt floor.

What type of lessons are taught in the school?

The children learn mathematics, language, Christian values, Art, Music, PE, Science and Philippino.

What is the best part of your job at KSCSI?

We love seeing the children happy and learning. We love teaching them about God’s love.

What is the hardest part of your job?

It’s very difficult seeing children get sick and not being able to help them. Because of their living conditions

children and their family members suffer from dengue fever and tuberculosis.

What can we pray for you?

Pray for our teachers. They work very hard and are

incredibly tired. We are also trying to start a wellness

clinic on the school grounds so we can look after the

children who get sick. Pray that plans for this will help

this dream progress.

Often, when children experience problems in their learning or with co-ordination or attention, the core problem can lie in immaturity of the reflex, visual, and auditory systems. Learning Connections is based on the premise that if you remove the cause, the symptoms disappear and the child’s learning improves.

Participating in Learning Connections activities during childhood, when a child’s brain is still growing faster than at any other time during their life, has been shown to be beneficial for all children, irrespective of their abilities or needs. Reading, writing, spelling and maths are often referred to as the ‘basics’ of schooling. However, these are extremely complex neurological processes which develop readily when there is optimal sensory motor development. It is this development that Learning Connections promotes.

Junior School staff implement the Learning Connections program each morning, sometimes outdoors and sometimes in their classroom. As well as some specific academic improvements for children who have ‘struggled’ in the past, staff have found that following participation in the activities students tend to be more focussed, settled and engaged in learning.

Seeing the children out moving and being involved in physical exercise each day is wonderful, but to know that the activities they are involved in are also helping to enhance their learning, makes it extra special.

For more information visit the Learning Connections Website at www.learningconnections.com.au

Sometimes as teachers we stumble across new pedagogy, new ideas and new inspirations that can transform our classrooms, the way we teach, or the way we have our children do things. This is what happened three years ago when Junior School was first introduced to the Learning Connection programs and decided to have 100% of our staff trained in the program.

‘Learning Connections’ is a Brisbane-based program which was established in the 1970s initially to help students with attention, behaviour and learning disabilities. Learning Connections uses a holistic approach, and is successful because it treats the underlying causes of a child’s problems and not just the symptoms. The Learning Connection School Program is a practical movement program which promotes developmental maturity. It has been modified to be a program which is becoming more widely used in schools to help all students reach their full potential, not just those who are struggling to learn.

As a staff we were familiar with perceptual motor programs and ‘Brain Gym’ which are based on the same neurological premise as the Learning Connections approach. However, we were soon to learn that the programs work in different ways with varying gains. Perceptual motor programs and ‘Brain Gym’ focus on higher levels of brain development whereas the Learning Connections Program works on brain organisation at lower levels, including the integration of primitive reflexes.

By Vicki Gunning (Head of Junior School)Junior School Focus

ISSUE TWO 200907

In planning for our country’s future, the Australian Government has seen the need for innovative design and emerging technology coming from our shores. With this emphasis in mind, school curriculum in the last decade has been revamped to include the subject of ‘Design and Technology’. Design and Technology is an amalgamation of some of the old hands-on subjects such as woodwork, cooking and textiles but with the modern concepts of emerging technology and innovation. Students are required to complete a two-year mandatory course in Years 7 and 8 with the opportunity to elect further study from Year 9 through to Year 12.

At Charlton, we have created a number of exciting, successful programs that not only teach the children to understand the Design Process but also show the importance of design itself. It is taught in a contemporary and fun fashion and is thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Long gone are the days of the mug tree and the wooden pencil box. Students are presented with a design situation and spend the lesson, week or term designing a solution. They are taught to follow a process that, in all projects, will help them to find a real solution to the problem that has been presented.

Unlike in previous generations, students do not experience gender specific or ability levelled classes in Design and Technology. The beauty of Design and Technology at Charlton is that students are only limited by their own imagination.

Our Year 7 classes of 2009 have worked from three speciality areas of Design. They have participated in Digital Media Design, which is a computer class focussing on a number of programs including Adobe Photoshop. In the Woodwork Room they have been given the opportunity to experience Architectural Design in the form of designing and producing a prototype scale model of their dream home. In the Food Technology room, students have experienced the value of nutrition and the enjoyment of becoming a ‘Master Chef’ in their own home.

At Charlton we love to be innovative. Design and Technology is just the place to do it!

Designing astronger future

Describe the challengeWhat is the problem?

establish the criteriaWhat is my responsibility here and what do I need to solve this problem?

select iDeasBrainstorm my ideas. Everything is acceptable.

investigate the best iDeas Get rid of the ideas that won’t work and focus on those that might.

go or stopEither choose the best idea and begin to solve the problem or stop and rethink some new solutions.

new iDeaCarefully research, test and build your new idea.

evaluateAsk, have I solved the problem given and could I make my design even better?

DoneI’m happy that I have designed the best solution to the problem without causing more design problems!

The Design Process

By Scott Logan and Michael Cossgrove

We are all familiar with the benefits of the Internet. It allows us to connect with family and friends, research topics of interest, play games or access a wide range of video clips. Like the real world though, the virtual world has its share of hidden dangers. Giving children access to the Internet without providing them with education and support is like tossing the car keys to a teenager and wishing them luck.

You can hardly open an education journal without finding an article on cyber bullying. Cyber bullying has a far greater impact on a student than traditional forms of bullying because material can be viewed by so many peers and can be circulated so quickly. School staff increasingly find themselves having to deal with the fallout of this behaviour. A Christian school in Perth has handed out 45 suspensions across Year 9 and 10 for cyber bullying this year alone.

Another problem with the Internet is the anonymity and ease with which child predators can establish relationships with children. Child abusers are growing increasingly aggressive and sophisticated and as people responsible for the care of children we need to be aware of the ways children can be victimised. For instance, predators are now moving towards online gaming as this allows them to team up with children and gradually develop a relationship of trust and camaraderie.

Advances in technology have led to the mobilisation of the Internet which in turn has led to an increase in cyber bullying and the emergence of new practices such as “happy slapping” and “sexting”. In recent years children have been the fastest growing group of mobile technology consumers which means that the associated problems have become increasingly difficult to manage.

Our school has a strong focus on technology in the curriculum. As part of our strategy to

“I can guarantee you if she didn’t go on the Internet Friday night she’d be alive today.” Karen Rae, mother of year 8 student Chanelle Rae who committed suicide following a cyber bullying incident.

What parents can do• Stay in touch with what your children

are doing online.

• Keep the computer in a public area of the home, not in a bedroom.

• Reinforce safety messages and cyber rules. NetAlert has created house rules and internet safety contracts to help families create internet safety strategies.

Did you Know?40% of children aged between 4 and 7 years old have mobile phones.One in five children admit to doing things or looking at things online they wouldn’t like their parents to know about.

Paedophiles tend to frequent child-oriented chat rooms between 3pm and 5pm as these are the times when there is less chance of parental supervision.

In a recent survey one in ten children reported that they had been cyber bullied.

educate children about safe Internet use we maintain an online “moodle” server where young children can learn cyber etiquette and safe online practice as they chat and post to forums in a “closed” protective environment. We anticipate that this will equip them with the skills to negotiate the “open” Internet safely.

Charlton also has an email address set up that students can use to forward any cyber-bullying content to, so that appropriate follow-up can happen.

nobullying@charlton.nsw.edu.au

Helpful Websites

www.netalert.gov.au/ www.staysmartonline.gov.au/budd-e/ www.cybersmart.gov.au/

Are youcyber safe?

“We are at war with the paedophiles… it’s not make-believe and as such we have a motivation to get out there and save as many children as we possibly can.” Neil Gagen, National Manager of High Tech crime Operations with the Australian Federal Police

By Joe Haig

ISSUE TWO 200909

Each day God displays His awesome power through the creation in which we live. 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy so the Lab has taken on a Space theme; we even have a giant astronaut! As part of their studies students have had the opportunity to visit Koolang Observatory on the Central Coast where they were able to experience firsthand the vastness of our solar system and take in a view of Jupiter and its moons.

Year Nine students were set the task of competing against other Hunter Region schools in the ‘Energy Australia 2009 Newcastle Science and Engineering Challenge’. Students undertook various activities from building catapults that were both accurate and able to throw long distances to receiving transmissions from outer space via homemade satellite dishes, wind propelled trains and even electricity supply chain design. Our boys were able to take out the catapult challenge with a catapult / trebuchet design which was able to produce a throw in excess of 30m with extreme accuracy. Although hesitant at first, our girls were outstanding in their attitude and effort. All students came away with greater appreciation of how science is interwoven into all aspects of our daily life.

Another highlight of the year was National Science Week in August. The lab was alive with daily experiments which attracted great excitement. The week culminated in a series of explosive demonstrations on the oval. We look forward to a bigger and better science week in 2010 and the move to our brand new Science Laboratories which will be under construction shortly.

Spotlight on:

By Nathan Wiggs

Charlton’s Science Department has taken students on a journey of discovery which has engaged their imagination and stretched their problem-solving skills throughout the year as they have delved into the various topics that come under the umbrella of Science. All have been undergirded by the acknowledgment of God as the creator of our world.

Bigger CD launch

Swimming Carnival

Slave Day - Mr. Feeney Swimming Carnival

Swimming Carnival

Swimming CarnivalCross Country Liddell Mascot

Cross Country

Blackbutt Excursion

Blackbutt Excursion

2009 In Review

Discovery Bugs

Colonial Day

Bigger CD recording

Colonial Day

Exo Day

Year 9 CampSamira and Miss Donnelly

Exo Day

ISSUE ONE 200911

Kinder Fire Brigade Visit

Circus 2009

Wetlands Excursion

Year 10 Geography Excursion

Year 9 CampZoosnooze Excursion

Camp ToukleyCircus 2009

Canberra Excursion

Year 9 CampSamira and Miss Donnelly

Year 9 Camp

Exo Day

Zoosnooze Excursion

Year 4 Historical Society Visit

Kinder Fire Brigade VisitYear 9 Camp

By Vicki Gunning

On Friday September 18th 2009 Charlton Christian College launched its BIGGER CD, now being broadcast on the airwaves of Newcastle Christian radio.

Under clear blue skies on a beautiful Spring evening the College environment came alive as parents and visitors set up chairs and picnic blankets ready for the BIGGER spectacular! Excited children purchased glow sticks, balloons, snow cones and had BIGGER logos tattooed on their arms. Families enjoyed sausage sandwiches while they eagerly waited for the show to begin!

At 6.30pm, under the masterful control of our music teacher and producer of BIGGER, Mr John Newsome, the CD was launched. For the next hour students and teachers, backed up by the College choir, performed the songs that made the final album cut.

BIGGER

The CD was a huge project undertaken by the College this year and to see it come to fruition was very exciting. The CD, which was professionally recorded and mixed, is a compilation of rock, pop and ballads.

Earlier in the year students were involved in songwriting classes and all students across the College had the opportunity to write a song which would be considered for recording.

‘BIGGER’ is an 11-song album with songs that showcase the talent of students from Kindergarten to Year 12 and also teachers. These songs are now favourites of our students, sung in chapels and assemblies and now also being used by other Christian schools around the state.

Why did we call the album BIGGER? In thinking about a title for the album we wanted to project the idea that as a school we are getting bigger, our students are growing up and our ideas and concepts are bigger and full of growth. We think it’s a great title for what we were trying to reflect

Haven’t purchased your copy of BIGGER yet?

There are still CDs available. You can order via our College website at www.charlton.nsw.edu.au or by returning the slip enclosed on the back page of LIFE.

13 ISSUE ONE 2009

By Emilio DendaluceThe Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Charlton Christian College

Rewarding the Journey

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a major international program recognised and used by organisations working with young people throughout the world. Since 1956 the program has developed and grown and now

reaches young people in over 120 countries. Charlton continues to offer this program to its Year 9 and 10 students who select the ‘Outdoor Recreation’ Interest Elective.Within the Duke of Edinburgh program students choose their activities from four sections: Community Service, Skill, Physical Recreation and Expeditions. Through their participation in the Award students develop their personal skills, initiative and self-esteem which in turn helps them become more confident members of the community. In addition, participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is highly regarded by many employers and organisations in Australia and overseas.

Participants, in conjunction with the teachers, Mr Dendaluce and Mrs Duquemin, devise an individual program of activities which is flexible enough to complement their school work and other commitments. It also centres around their interests and passions. While the preparation, facilitation and co-ordination of the program occurs during the lessons dedicated to the Outdoor Recreation elective on Friday afternoons, all the activities related to the Award must take place outside of school hours. Finally, the Expedition component consists of two multi-day bush walks scheduled at the end of Terms One and Three every year.

Charlton students who enrol in the Outdoor Recreation elective in Year 9 generally manage to complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award by the end of the year. The following year, if they are committed and continue to enrol in the Duke of Edinburgh program they will obtain the Silver Award.

Of the program, Head of Senior School Mrs Chantal Casey says, “The Duke of Edinburgh program provides students with an opportunity to develop valuable skills in a safe environment. It not only provides them with a sense of adventure but completing the hikes and camps brings a sense of accomplishment that enhances their self esteem. I would highly recommend Duke of Ed to all senior students.”

ISSUE TWO 200915

The Duke of Edinburgh program believes in ten philosophies which state that The Award is:

• Available to everyone• About experiencing, connecting and developing• Not a competition• Flexible• Balanced• Progressive• About personal achievement• A marathon, not a sprint• Voluntary• Fun

Silver Hike (The Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award)We started the first day of the hike at Congewai. From there we had to climb up a massive hill and then follow the ridge of the mountain for what seemed like forever. Finally, late in the afternoon, we arrived at our campsite at Hunter Lookout. I have never been so happy to see a cleared patch of dirt in my life! I was dead by the end of the day and could barely put up my tent.

The next day after waking up a little late we started on the hardest bit of the walk. Up and down, up and down, all day. The steepest hills I have ever seen. We only got lost like a thousand times in the never ending rainforest. But when we finally arrived at the camp at Heaton Lookout that afternoon, it was so awesome. It was so worth it.

On the last day of our hike we woke really early so we could get started walking as soon as possible. At the beginning we had a few minor set backs, like we forgot the map! But we finally started walking, and walking, and walking, until Mr D stopped us to show how far we had walked. It was amazing to see what we had achieved. Then after a little more walking we finally arrived back at the school. Yeah!!!

Cathy Mitchell Fuller

15 ISSUE TWO 2009

Internet tips:

• Keep their computer in the family room

• No more than one hour a weekday night

• No more than two hours on the weekend

• Watch for addictive traits

• Insist on total parental access to their Internet history

• Install a filter or accountability program on your home computers. There are many available which can be downloaded for free (e.g. www.x3watch.com)

• Insist on parental access to their mobile phone images

Is Your Child Addicted to Technology? By Liz Roberts, College Counsellor

Talking as I do to so many parents about their children one gets the perspective that many of us are parenting at a sprint to try and keep up with our children’s interaction with technology. It is hard to talk about technology without people switching off (excuse the pun) but we have to talk because we need to think through and debate many new parenting issues and not just let things evolve. We need to start with an acceptance that the web is here to stay and is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. I use the term master because many young people in our Australian culture are “owned” by technology so it is reasonable to ask in our school culture does technology control our children?

Do your children have the ability to have an internet free night? Can your children leave their mobile phones at home when you take them out for dinner? Can they interact with family and friends without constantly checking their messages? Does you child sleep with their mobile phone next to their bed? Do they tantrum when you ask them to turn off their MySpace or Facebook?

Technology gives our children access to the world outside our home with such ease. The web has no boundaries and neither does it have any morality or censorship. The astute amongst us gain or improve our technological knowledge as fast as our children but for others the chase is already lost.

Ask yourself these questions:

• Has my lack of knowledge about technology caused me to give my children more freedom with strangers than I would allow in person?

• Do they use my lack of knowledge to explore their global freedom?

I want to encourage you not to be embarrassed about your lack of technological skill and certainly do not let it stop you from parenting. The internet is full of “strangers”. Students tell me they have

300+ friends online. It is actually becoming a status symbol as to how many “friends” they have. I believe it is impossible to have 300 friends, and wonder if we are losing understanding and appreciation of real friendship. Please talk to them about this lack of reality and help them nurture their school friendships. Don’t give the honour of the title “friend” to cyber acquaintances that use it to wield power when they withdraw it or block your child from their top ten on MySpace for no reason.

Of course, there are ways to protect their access to “friends” on the net but they are not automatic and they are not foolproof. Intentionally harmful people are very internet savvy. The other complication is that legitimate contacts are not necessarily expressing the same values and ethics and motivations that you want for your children so we need to continue to be engaged with anyone talking to our children so that we can guide and grow healthy relationships. Many friendships developed online have an inappropriate level of intimacy. Young children and mid-teens do not understand boundaries especially abstract ones like “truth or dare”. They don’t seem to have the ability to refuse to do what they are dared by an older child or even a peer unknown to them! When cameras and Bluetooth are involved anything is possible!

Children and teenagers need intentional and loving parenting. We have not been replaced by technology and yet much of our quality time has been. Are we still pursuing time and activity with our children? Are we still having one on one time in a way that is relevant to their maturing age? Are we as adults behaving in friendships in a way that they can emulate? Children are desperately looking for anchors in their transitional storms, so most are vulnerable to whatever voice is strong and gives them time. Please make sure it’s yours!

ISSUE TWO 200917

Everything I do... is done to draw my boys and myself closer to God.

Looking Back with Belinda Kirkegard

When did you work at Charlton and what was your role?

I began working at Charlton in 2002 as the Middle/Senior School Music Teacher. The College was called Lake Macquarie Christian College back then. I finished at the end of 2005.

How would you describe your time at Charlton?

Great teachers, great students. Great memories!

Why did you decide to be a teacher?

As a kid I loved school, particularly music. My Year 4 teacher would always sing and play the piano and it was my favourite part of the day! When I started high school I joined the school ministry team, choir, band and the yearly musical. I loved being a part of anything involving music. Even more than the music I loved each Music Teacher that passed through. I always thought it would be the most exciting job in the world!

What are some of your fondest memories of working at Charlton?

Where do I start?! I loved seeing students grow in their passion for music and God. I had a fantastic time doing ‘Joseph’, the musical in 1995 and I loved watching the elective students turn into young adults and find confidence in their God given-gifts and abilities.

What have you been doing since you left Charlton?

I finished up at Charlton at the end of 2005. Since then my life has changed dramatically. I left to become a mummy to twins! It was really difficult at first as my boys were born with a rare condition, called Achondroplasia, which is a type of dwarfism. However my husband and I came to terms with this by realising that God certainly doesn’t make mistakes. I have been privileged to be a stay- at-home mum and enjoy every moment watching them grow into two very adorable boys! I now know that the most exciting job in the world is being mum to my 3.5yr old twin boys!

I also enjoy spending a big chunk of my time at church being involved in the music ministry with my husband and doing kids ministry.

How old were you when you made a commitment to Christ?

I was 5 when I invited the Lord into my heart. As I grew up my commitment to Christ has become deeper and more fulfilling everyday.

How important is Christ in your life now?

Everything I do whether wiping snotty noses, playing at the park, reading books or sharing cuddles is done to draw my boys and myself closer to God. I want my boys to grow up to love God and love people.

Tell us something about yourself that not many people would know!!

I never drank coffee before becoming a mum! Coffee and I have become very good friends!!!

What advice would you give to current students?

Make the most of every opportunity, enjoy the simple things everyday and take time to love God and love the people He has placed in your life!

Step Aside Casey StonerBy Vicki Gunning and Michelle Porter

Our very own Noah Stewart in Year 3 could soon be a household name! A legend on his motorbike, at the time of publication of LIFE, Noah held the title for NSW State Champion in Dirt Track, was ranked 2nd in the NSW Long Track Titles and 3rd at National level all in the 7 – under 9 65cc 2 stroke class. Noah also held the title for Club Champion for the Hunter, Central Coast and Kurri Kurri Junior Motorcycle Clubs at the time of publication.

Supported by his father, James who manages him and by his uncle Jim Sherritt of ‘Jim Sherritt Racing’ who specialises in engine performance modifications, Noah is hoping for the Australian Title when he competes again at National level in November.

Noah loved motorcycles as a baby and at three years of age started riding on a Suzuki 50cc. At age 8, Noah started racing and currently rides a 65cc which in 5th gear reaches top speeds of up to 120km/ hour. Noah will step up to a bigger 85cc bike next year.

Noah is also currently participating in trial rides on a Junior Speedway bike as he decides whether his future racing career lies in Speedway or Road Racing. If Noah chooses to compete in Speedway from age 9 he will require endorsement to enable him to ride these bikes with no brakes.

Of his racing Noah says, “I would love to have a career in racing as I get older and win a couple of titles along the way. I love racing because motorbikes go fast and I the love speed”.

We look forward to following Noah’s progress in motorcycling as he seeks corporate sponsorship and continues to compete in top level competition.

Team Profile By Sarah Slavin

Netball has been the forefront of Charlton’s sporting success this semester with our school teams and our students involved in their local clubs achieving great results.

Earlier this year we sent a group of seven students from Years 7 and 9 to try out for the CSSA Netball team at Toongabbie. Three of our Year 9 girls were selected for team which included Ellie Macor (GK, GD) Paige O’Kane (C) and Brooke O’Kane (WA). The girls travelled to Blacktown for training and competed in a practice Gala Day with other independent schools during the Term One holidays where they finished 1st. The CIS Gala Day was held early Term 2 and the CSSA team finished in 2nd place.

While our netball success started with the CSSA team it certainly didn’t finish there. During the THACCCSA Gala Day held in Newcastle, Charlton’s 15yr Netball team entered the finals undefeated. The final was a close game against Green Point Christian College with the teams equal until the last minute and as the siren was heard, Green Point scored their last goal, beating Charlton by just one point.

This didn’t stop our girls from striving for success. The team travelled to South Penrith for the CSSA State Netball Gala Day on the 7th September. The team finished top and undefeated in their pool before reaching the finals. The girls were again undefeated, beating Penrith and Maitland in the semi finals before taking on Wycliff in the Grand Final, a well known school for their netball. Our team played extremely well. Our shooters were on target, our defenders put on lots of pressure and our attackers made a way through the gaps. The score kept jumping back and forth from a two point lead between the teams the entire game. By the time the siren buzzed for full time our team was two points in front, finishing an extremely intense game at 19 to 17.

Congratulations to the team for their great success and tremendous effort.

Team: Abby Aurelius, Jessie Aurelius, Claudia Carver, Lily Davis, Taneal Gibbons, Ellie Macor, Brooke O’Kane, Paige O’Kane, Luka-Maree Olesen and Caitlin Pinchen.

Coaches: Leanne Meiforth and assistant coach Nerida Aurelius.

ISSUE TWO 2009

1. Online at www.charlton.nsw.edu.au

2. From the College Office: 43 Fassifern Road, Fassifern

3. By phone: (02) 4959 9111

4. Or fill out the order form below and post to:

Charlton Christian College PO Box 609 TORONTO NSW 2283

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1. Visit our website www.charlton.nsw.edu.au

• Find out what’s happening at Charlton

• View our weekly newsletter

• Phone the College Office to have your Prospectus and Application Form posted to you

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