Issue 04/ 21 March 2014

As part of the Year 12 Lunches I’m currently holding, I like to find out what is it that our young people are hoping to do when they graduate. Their choice of post-school voca-tion is wide and varied. I recently shared with one group of 12s that I had recently read some research that this year’s graduates were going to have 8 different careers in their lifetime - not jobs, but careers. If that is the case they will be changing careers every 5 years. Even if this research is partially correct, what it signifies is that our young people will need to be capable of constantly learning new things. The days of simply knowing one set of knowledge and skills will not be enough, if our young people are going to sur-vive, and indeed thrive in the decades ahead they must be capable of managing their own learning. So at St Andrews we try to help students to be effective learners not only for today, and that test they have coming up, but also for the 5, 20 and 40 years into the future. This is part of the reason that the College is introducing the Habits of Mind that other Senior Leaders in our College have written previously about. The Habits of Mind or Learning Dispositions enable students to be better learners for both today and the future. They are part of making the College’s Mission Statement to Empower Lifelong Learners a reality.

We have reached the pointy end of the term with a range of assessment tasks taking place in the coming days and weeks. It may sound simplistic, but being organized and using a few simple strategies can make a big difference to the outcome of an assessment task. Professor John Hattie, from Melbourne University is considered a world leader in what it is that actually makes a difference to student learn-ing. Obviously teachers and what they do is significant; but the students themselves play an equally important role in determining the outcomes. Professor Hattie’s research has found that when it comes to organizational skills, strategies and routines that the following have the biggest impact on student outcomes- (we also know these to work from our own experience as teachers)

• Making an outline before writing the Essay

• Checking work before handing it into the teacher

• Making a Study Plan

• Writing a Mathematics Formula down until it is remem-bered

• Recording of Information related to study tasks (i.e. writing your homework in your diary)

• Actually scheduling Study and Homework time

Whilst these would seem to be common sense, and per-haps they are, Professor Hattie’s research empirically vali-dates them. It might be Week 8, but it is never too late to start. Being organized is an important first step in becoming an effective learner and realizing your potential.

Cyber SafetyNo program my child will want to use is essential to their development, treat all programs as an added extra, a privi-lege.

Tim Kotzur

Principal

From the Principal

Senior School News

Positive Psychology – Character Strengths Positive psychology is an umbrella term for theories and re-search about what makes life worth living and this includes positive experiences and strengths of character (Seligman & Csikszentmihalyi, 2000). Character strengths are positive traits reflected in thoughts, feelings and behaviours and they can be measured (Park, Peterson & Seligman, 2004). There are 24 character strengths, including zest, gratitude, curiosity, persistence, kindness and love. It is interesting that large organisations and even the military are investigat-ing and implementing positive psychology to enhance en-gagement, wellbeing and optimal functioning work force. Interestingly, when West Point Academy in America was identifying what made a good leader and what qualities did good leaders possess their research revealed that all had love as one of their top strengths (Signature Strength). Recently, our students have been completing the Values in Action (VIA) Character Strengths Inventory through the Au-thentic Happiness website. This will allow them to reflect on which are their top strengths also known as their Signature Strengths, which strengths they don’t tend to use (these are not weaknesses) and how the results are different from last year. Signature strengths are those that when used make you feel the most ‘you’ and the ones that you naturally

default to. Knowing, using and developing your strengths has been proven to enhance your wellbeing, increase life satisfaction and enhance learning. Positive Psychology and the understanding of one’s strengths is just another tool that St Andrews uses to help our students to flourish and be at their best.An interesting family activity could be to all do the VIA Character Strengths Inventory and discuss each person’s Signature Strengths over the dinner table.

Club RedThe Australian Red Cross blood service created an organisa-tion called Club Red. Club Red provides an opportunity for organisations and groups across Australia to get together and do something by regularly donating blood. At St An-drews, we like to give back to the community and giving blood is one of many ways we can do so. The Club Red ambassadors, will organise 4 students who are eligible to donate blood, to go off campus every fortnight (Thursday afternoon) in the Red Cross courtesy van to donate blood.

Students must be 16 years of age and can donate once per year. This new policy restricts our opportunities to give back so we would greatly appreciate donations from the wider St Andrews community such as parents/guardians and staff members. Parents and staff, if you are willing to donate blood, register your name under the SALC banner. We need all the help we can get! St Andrews students, who are over 16, can register their donation on the St Andrews Club Red Register (Ms Stewart’s office window).

Your Club Red Ambassadors for 2014 are Freja Bergen-holtz, Morgan Gabriel, Eboni Strickland, Mackenzie Hall and they will be happy to assist you.

We want to give back to the community that has always

provided for us. So roll up your sleeves, and give blood! (Freja Bergenholtz – Year 11)

Junior CouncilThe Junior Council is a great opportunity for the youth of the Gold Coast to have a voice and ensure that young peo-ple like me have the opportunity to contribute positively to

this great city. I chose to get involved with the Gold Coast Junior Council because it sounded like something I was very interested in and it was a great way I could help out our community and the youth of the Gold Coast. I will also gain valuable public speaking confidence and skills through

this program. The Junior Council has been running for over 20 years and I am honoured to be a representative for St Andrews in 2014. (Ty Sheers – Year 10)

A warm welcoming start to a new year of Junior Council, it was great to see the old faces from last year and some new faces of the Year 10’s this year. Morgan and I have been keen to welcome the newest members from Year 10 to represent St Andrews. We welcome Ty and Maddy to the program.

As usual, an icebreaker activity to start the year off gave us a chance to introduce and to be introduced to some new faces. We then heard from the students who had been nominated for a leadership position in the Junior Council Executive who gave some powerful speeches. It will be interesting to see who is honoured with the position of Junior Mayor. The future of the Gold Coast is the youth of the Gold Coast. New friends, new memories and more to come. (Thomas Marshall – Year 11)

International Competitions & Assessments (ICAS) For Schools 2014Your child is invited to take part in the 2014 Australasian Schools Competitions. A letter to all parents can be found in the TASS Parent Lounge. To book please follow this link to TryBooking http://www.trybooking.com/77036 or via the College Website. Parents have until Friday 4 April to register and pay. PLEASE NOTE: Entries cannot be accepted after this date.

Important Reminder for Senior School Students As we reach a busy stage in the term regarding submis-sion of assessment, it is important to remind Year 10, 11 and 12 students and parents of the College policy about the LATE or NON-SUBMISSION of assignments. The procedure is from the College’s Assessment and Reporting Policy and Procedures which is in line with the QSA (Queensland Studies Authority) regulations.

• It is essential that students meet deadlines. Students are expected to submit work by 3.30 pm on the due date and, when specified by the relevant subject teacher, submission must be via Turnitin.

• If a student fails to make a deadline, then the rel-evant subject teacher has to use any evidence such as the draft, outlines, essay plans, teachers notes etc that he or she has in their possession on that due date.

• If students are away or intend to be away (e.g., for a sporting or traineeship commitment) on the day an assessment item is due students are still expected to meet the specified deadline. Ideally students should try to submit the work the day before. However, the task could be emailed to the subject teacher or could be dropped off at the College to Senior Administra-tion by a parent or a sibling. If students are away for some other reason (such as illness), some form of documentation (such as a medical certificate) must be provided.

• When there is no evidence of an assessment and a non-submission of the assessment, students will be expected to complete the task in school under supervised conditions on the first day back in school after the absence.

• On certain occasions, it is possible to apply for an extension to a deadline, but students do need to organize this at least 48 hours in advance by collect-ing the PINK Request for an Extension Form from Mrs Wrigley in Senior Administration, or from Ms Stewart from her office or from the respective Year Level Coordinator in J13.

• Note that there is a YELLOW Request to Miss an Examination Form for those rare occasions when students might have to miss a scheduled examina-tion. However, students should make every effort to take their exams at the scheduled times. This form is available from Mrs Wrigley in Senior Administration.

Please contact the Director of Learning and Teaching (Mrs Wrigley) if you have any questions about Late/Non Submission and/or Extensions regarding assessments. Alternatively, you may like to discuss the procedure with Ms Stewart or your Year Level Coordinator.

If you have any concerns or queries please contact me on tanias@salc.qld.edu.au

Tania StewartHead of Senior School

Middle School News

Last week I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend a ‘Leaders of Middle Schools’ Network Meeting at Lutheran Education Qld in Brisbane. Middle School leaders from as far away as Cairns gathered to discuss current research on the essential elements of Middle Schooling and how we can best strive to attain those elements in our own environ-ments. While topics ranged from subject offerings, time-tabling and even furniture placement there was a single element which featured as a cornerstone in all discussions throughout the day – that at the core of all decisions regarding Middle Schooling must be a detailed knowledge of the adolescent being which sits in front of us each and every day.

While we as teachers talk often about the physical, emo-tional and cognitive changes that come about as a result of the onset of adolescence and the impact that these changes have upon learning at school, I sometimes feel that parents can find this time frustrating, primarily as a result of a vacuum of specific knowledge on this significant devel-opmental stage. Over the past decade there has been a number of experts in the field realise that both parents and teachers are seeking guidance as to the best path through adolescence both in order to celebrate it and to achieve through it. One such expert is Andrew Fuller. His website ‘inyahead’ (www.andrewfuller.com.au) provides a wide range of information about some key issues in this impor-tant stage of development. I hope that it may be of value to those of us seeking some extra reading on this age.

Debating and Futsal SuccessThe past week has seen a number of our students experi-ence success in differing fields of endeavour. Our Middle School Futsal players headed off to the SE Qld Secondary Futsal Titles and all teams qualified for the finals. Addition-ally, for the first time in a number of years the College has entered a team in the Gold Coast Secondary Schools De-bating Competition. These very nervous debaters squared off against a team from PBC and managed to convince the adjudicator that ‘Cats Do Not Make Better Pets Than Dogs’. Furthermore, a number of our students competed in the recent State Lifesaving Championships held over the weekend. It is a joy to see students engaging beyond the boundaries of the College in these events that we know will enrich their experiences through adolescence.

Tom CaseyHead of Middle Schooltomc@salc.qld.edu.au

Student leaders often rally support and interview with the intention of making a difference to school spirit. This year’s House Captains have shown courage midst a busy start to Year 12 and created a very worthwhile initiative. The Bingojuwarra Challenges will be a series of sporting and cultural competitions between the houses this year. In addition to existing inter-house events, they will introduce 2-3 extra inter-house events each semester in the hope of creating stronger links between Middle and Senior School students for increased house spirit and sense of belonging. Round 1 kicked off in week 6 and 7 of Term 1.

The Senior Students promoted opportunities for MS stu-dents to play basketball in the COLA, where typically MS students wouldn’t dare venture due to the number of larger students already playing there. Some MS students real-ized there was no threat and enjoyed shooting some early hoops with their friends in the shaded COLA. In week 7 they then played a scheduled and timed game each lunch time. Each house spent one whole lunch time contesting against an opponent house, such that across three days the house groups each had a chance to challenge each other. Congratulations to Gowandi who emerged from this first challenge as winners, based on games won and aggregated scores. As a team event the students related well to the structure which offered year 7s the first ten minutes to play, then year 8s could substitute in for the next ten minutes and then the 9s could join in for the final 10 minutes. This split ensure maximum participation from each house and fairness in the contest. The Captains will begin a review process in the next week and then look forward to Term 2 Bingojuwarra challenges!

James NelsonDirector of Student Developmentjamesn@salc.qld.edu.au

Life at St Andrews is so varied – ranging from the Aca-demic, to the Arts, Sport, Service and everything else in between. There is never a dull moment – a cliché, I know, but true. It is such a privilege to work in such an environ-ment. Being involved with students working so well in the classroom, on the futsal court and making music is a great source of joy for me personally. Dare I even say it – maybe I should be paying to be here – rather than the school paying me?

In amongst the good stuff though can be all manner of challenges. It seems to me that circumstance can plot against us to steal our joy and contentment away. We can misconstrue a comment made by someone and before we know it, we maybe questioning our own abilities and whether we are doing a good job.

It is at this time that it is so assuring to be reminded of some ageless wisdom that I encountered over the holi-days. Take a quick check for yourself – ‘What or who is the source of your joy and contentment?’ Is our personal well-

being subject to the whim of others and their treatment of us. Is it based on how many jobs we can get done or even on how well we complete a task? Bottom line is – who or what is the source of our joy and contentment? If our well-being rests solely on these aspects of life, then chances are, our joy can be snatched away from us.

In contrast, if our joy ultimately rests in the fact that we are claimed by our loving God as His child then our joy is untouchable. We will still be subject to challenges in our life – we will still second guess ourselves but when troubled and perplexed, God speaks His truth into our lives and this restores our joy as we celebrate our position in His care. Our joy and well-being is untouchable when it is reliant on our God’s love and care. This fact places us in a position to always love others, no matter what may come.

Graeme SchacheChaplain

Chaplains ChatStudent Development

GCIT Certificate Courses for Year 11 and Year 12 studentsGold Coast TAFE is offering a mid-year intake for a wide range of certificate courses which students might like to in-corporate into their Year 11 and 12 studies.(Students have to be 15 at the start of the courses in July.) These courses usually run on a Friday or Thursday, last 12 or 18 months, are very reasonably priced and will give students points towards their QCE. To help the student accommodate this additional study into their timetable, they are given the opportunity to take a STUDY line. Courses on offer include the trades, early childhood studies, hairdressing, hospitality, tourism, kitchen operations, media, health services, com-munity services and fitness. Contact Mrs Wrigley for more information or visit the GCTAFE website at GCIT.EDU.AU or phone 5581 8300. Applications are online and must be submitted by close of business Friday March 21.

Australian Institute Of Creative Design (AICD)The Gold Coast campus of the Australian Institute of Crea-tive Design(Scottsdale Drive Varsity Lakes) is offering some exciting Certificate II and III courses inFashion Styling, Retail Make-Up, Skin Care, Interior Design, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Retailing, Fashion Marketing and Fashion Merchandising. Courses run on a Friday or Satur-day. Students would be eligible for a study line. Completion of certificate courses will gain points toward the QCEFor more details and prices of these courses, visit their website at http://www.aicdedu.com.au/VET-in-schools-courses.php or email admin@aicdedu.com.au or phone 55938335 for more information.

Universities/Tertiary PathwaysGraduate Careers Australia – Career ProfilesFor Secondary School Students and Parents - this website offers an insight into a range of careers in a multitude of different industries.http://www.graduatecareers.com.au/CareerPlanningandRe-sources/careerprofiles/index.htmApplications for the BOND UNIVERSITY May 2014 Stu-dent for a Semester Program are now open online.Student for a Semester Program opened on Friday, March 14th and will remain open online until Wednesday, April 30th. Students can complete an application online and get a true experience of university life, before leaving High School. Students who successfully complete two Student for a Semester subjects, can be offered direct admission into a full degree programs at Bond University upon com-pletion of their Year 12 studies (some restrictions apply*). The online application form and further program informa-tion can be found at www.bond.edu.au/student-for-a-semester. The fee for this program is $238.00.Bond University: Faculty of Society & Design Experi-ence DaySaturday 31st May, 8am – 3pm. Bond University, Faculty of Society & Design, 14 University Drive, Robina.Bond University would like to invite Year 12 students and their parents to experience what it is like to be a student at Bond by participating in lectures and ‘hands-on’ educa-

Careers News

tional workshops and lectures as well as meeting current students and academics. Register now: http://www.bond.edu.au/faculties/society-and-design/events/BD3_026007 Future Changes to Entry Requirements for Education Bachelor DegreesREMINDER: From 2016 onwards, Bachelor of Education courses will have prerequisite subjects instead of assumed knowledge.

Current Year 10 students wishing to study Education at University must complete these subjects in Years 11 and 12. The Queensland Studies Authority subjects are:- Senior English (4 SA) and- Mathematics: Maths A, B or C (4 SA), and- for students entering undergraduate Primary and Early Childhood programs, a Sound Achievement (4 SA) in a Queensland Studies Authority science subject, or equivalent subject from another jurisdiction.http://www.qut.edu.au/study/undergraduate-study/do-you-advise-school-students/news-and-events/news?news-id=69116

The Times Higher Education World Reputation Rank-ingsTimes Higher Education has released their ratings of world universities based on their perceived reputation from senior academics.

http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2013/reputation-ranking Top 10 University DegreesFind out what university degrees are most likely to assist you in obtaining well paid employment after you graduate.http://www.careerfaqs.com.au/news/news-and-views/top-uni-degrees-to-get-a-job-and-make-money Defence ForcesAustralian Defence Force Academy(ADFA)The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is a unique university where you’ll get paid a salary ($39,525) to study a degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW). You’ll also undertake military leadership training and learn to become an officer in Australia’s Navy, Army or Air Force. In addition to the salary all tuition fees are covered.Applying for ADFA is a dual application process that can take up to 12 months, so if you’re interested it would be best to get started in Year 11.

Find out more information here: http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/education/adfa/howToApply/applicationProcess.aspxDefence Force Work Experience ProgramPlacements around Australia for high school students are now advertised, applications are available online.http://www.defence.gov.au/workexperience/ Overseas OpportunitiesProjects Abroad Online Information SessionTuesday 15th April, 4pm – 5pm (AWST).This general information session will cover an overview of Projects Abroad, profiles of volunteers, safety concerns and information on all our different destinations and projects. You will be able to ask questions via instant messages throughout the 45 minute presentation.

http://www.projects-abroad.com.au/about-us/meet-us/online-info-sessions/ Student Exchange Australia and New Zealand Scholar-shipsApplications close Monday 31st of March for programs departing between October 2014 and March 2015.Applications close Fri October 31st for programs departing between April 2015 and September 2015.

Language scholarships, International Affairs scholarships, Indigenous scholarships and Digital Video scholarships are available for year and semester applicants only.http://studentexchange.org.au/programs-overview/dis-counts-scholarships Student Exchange Australia New Zealand: On Demand Information SessionsThe On Demand Info Session is a prerecorded video presen-tation you can watch anytime you like, from the comfort of your own home. It provides access to the same comprehen-sive information presented at the in-person sessions.http://studentexchange.org.au/info-sessions/on-de-mand-24-7/

Christina Wrigley Director of Learning and Teaching christina@salc.qld.edu.au

Art News

P&F Picnic PerformanceMany thanks to our students who performed at the P and F Picnic last Friday. It was a wonderful evening and great to see such a range of students sharing their gifts with the audience.

Many thanks also to Paul Oakley-Grant for his technical support!

Twilight Classics ConcertFriday 21st March 5.30pm Staff Common Room

As the highlight to our Focus on Classics Week, we have our Twillight Classics Concert featuring our Senior Musi-cians performing pieces with a Classical Focus. All are welcome.

Evening of Drama Term 1Tuesday 1st April 6.30pmFeaturing performances from our Year 10 and Year 11 Drama Classes. There is a wide variety of scenes from “The Crucible”, ‘A Doll’s House” and “The Glass Menagerie” as well as “The Year Nick McGowan Came to Stay” and “Liv-ing With Lady Macbeth”

Starbound EisteddfodSaturday 5th AprilAt the start of the holidays our Jazz and Contemporary Dance Troupes will compete in The Starbound Entertainers festival in the schools section on Saturday 5th April.Full details regarding this event will be loaded onto Parent Lounge this week. Any enquires can be sent to performing arts@salc.qld.edu.au (Contemporary) or paulag@salc.qld.edu.au (Jazz)

Term 2 Date ClaimersWe have some exciting events coming up in Term 2 in the Arts. Here are some date claimers

A Showcase of Senior Music StudentsSenior Music EveningThursday 8th May 6.30pm, RBT

Junior School Arts Week – Week 5This week is a celebration of the Arts and an opportunity for students to engage in a range of Arts Based Activities. There will be a Visual Artist in Residence, Lunchtime Dance Classes and Art Club as well as workshops in Dance, Music and Drama related to Units of Inquiry. There will also be a Big Day Out and JS Gala Concert on Friday 23rd May.

Evening of DramaTuesday 3rd JuneFeaturing Performances by our Year 10 and Year 12 Drama Classes

Priscilla ScottHead of Artspriscillas@salc.qld.edu.au

Uniformshop News

Discontinued Stock Sell Out - In store and via Flexis-chools.All items are brand new and still permitted to be worn to school. Sorry no returns unless faulty.Sports shorts size XS similar to Size 16 but longer in the leg, discontinued taslon fabric $16Girls Blouse size L/16 poly/cotton, discontinued supplier $37Wardjam Shirt size 10 discontinued supplier $15Navy Opaque Tights 40 denier sizes 10-12 years, Mids and XTalls $3 (current stock is 70 denier $7-7.50 each) Jacqui DesfossesUniform Shop Manageruniformshop@salc.qld.edu.au

Tuckshop News

The new Tuckshop area is coming along quite well. We are now starting to see the framing for the walls and pipes going in.

Looking forward to the finished product!

We have now added sorbet to our range of products served in Tuckshop. They meet the “Smart Choices” eating range and are available in Lemon, Pomegranate & Lemon,Orange and Orange-Mango. They retail at $2.50

Hot X Bun FundraisingThis year we will be holding a Hot X Bun Fundraising Event. All profits will go to “Go Team” which proceeds will help provide essential farming and village equipment much needed in Cambodia. Costing $5.50 per pack (6). Go to Flexi Schools to place your order.

Did you Know…..Water is absolutely essential to the human body’s survival. A person can live for about a month without food, but only about a week without water.

Water leads to increased energy levels. The most common cause of daytime fatigue is actually mild dehydration.

http://www.allaboutwater.org/drink-water.html

Trina van der KampTuckshop Manager tuckshop@salc.qld.edu.au

Dates to remember March / April

Wednesday 26Years 8-10 ImmunisationsFriday 28QCS Yr 12 Mighty Minds Workshop all dayMonday 31LEO Installation 2014 3pm to 4pm Common Room Main AdminTuesday 1Years 10 & 11 Drama Performance Evening 6:30pm to 8:00pmRBTWednesday 2Yrs 7-12 SALC Cross Country 11:50am to 2:45pmThursday 3P-12 Easter Service - Parents Welcome 8:45am to 9:45amMPHFriday 4Last day of Term 1

We are selling the Entertainment Books again this year!!

New this year, you have a choice:The traditional Entertainment Book Membership that comes with the Gold Card and vouchersorThe brand new Entertainment Digital Membership that puts the value of the Entertainment™ Book into your iPhone or Android smartphone.

Entertainment Memberships contain thousands of valuable up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers from many of the best restaurants, cafés, arts, attractions, hotel accommodation, travel and much more!

The price is $55.00 per book and $11.00 from each book goes to fundraising for the College.Books are available from Reception, Junior School Ad-ministration and the Uniform Shop.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE ONLINE NOW

STUDY AT ADFA IN 2015The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) combines military and leadership training with a world class degree from the University of New South Wales for the future leaders of Australia’s Navy, Army and Air Force. The key bene ts of studying at ADFA include:

• Range of undergraduate degrees available

• The best student-to-teacher ratio in the country

• No HELP debt and paid a salary to study

• Guaranteed career upon successful graduation

To nd out more about ADFA attend the next information session:

6 pm, Tues 25 March, Currumbin RSL Club, Currumbin Creek Road. To book your seat call; DFRC Coolangatta on 07 5569 3900 or email nwenberg@dfr.com.au

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