Whitsunday Christian College

Dear Families, Friends and Students of Whitsunday,

The 2015 school year is well underway! We have made an excellent start. Classes have been settled as students have been engaged in their learning. It has been fantastic to have a range of new families join the Whitsunday Christian College community. I trust all our students have had a successful start to the school year, settling into routines quickly and establishing strong relationships with teachers and peers.

Volunteers’ Information Session

The College really values the help that parents and other volunteers provide by way of assistance in the classroom, helping out on excursions, etc. We have many people who are currently registered volunteers. For any parents and other school community members who would like to become a registered volunteer to be able to assist in 2015, please be advised that there will be a brief Volunteers’ Information Session held with me on Thursday February 12 in the College Hall from 2:30 – 2:45pm. Volunteer packs will be available and questions will be answered. Parent help in Primary classrooms will commence the following week, so it is important that all those wanting to volunteer have the forms completed and handed to Joanne McGregor at Administration promptly.

New Staff

We have had a number of new staff join the wonderful team here at Whitsunday Christian College, some of whom have worked at the school previously (Mrs Robina Cupitt and Mr Paul Richardson). Additionally, there have been a change of roles for certain staff. Miss Melissa Wales is now the Enrichment Coordinator, as well as the Primary School Coordinator, taking over this role from Mrs Karen Edwards who will be finishing her time at the College on Friday February 6. Mrs Edwards will be moving to Blackwater with her husband who has had a change with his work. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the amazing dedication shown by Mrs Edwards over the last five years working at the College. I would also like to express my appreciation of her commitment to ensuring there has been a thorough hand-over with Miss Wales who will now oversee Enrichment. With the departure of Mrs Edwards, Mrs Melissa Braddock has commenced in her new role as an Enrichment Teacher to ensure students across year levels are being supported and extended in their learning.

The College is blessed to have such a professional and caring team of staff who are committed to serve our families.

Newsletter

Our new staff members are Mrs Adine Horsey, (Year 1 Teacher), Miss Tawne’ van der Westhuizen, (Year 2 Teacher), Mr Nick Friend, (Year 3 Teacher), Mrs Helen Goulding, (Prep Teacher Aide), Mrs Leanne Jarvis, (Senior Studies Supervisor), Mr Arthur MacRae, (Secondary Woodwork, Manufacturing & Graphics Teacher), Mrs Helen Sedman, (Primary Music Teacher) (photo to be included next week) and Mss Ngairini O’Kell, (Secondary Art Teacher) (photo to be included next week).

Mrs Horsey Miss V Mr Friend

Miss Helen Mrs Jarvis Mr MacRae

Year Ahead

Whitsunday Christian College is on an exciting journey and is totally committed to providing an excellent service for families in terms of quality educational program and strong pastoral care. Our staff will be involved in a

range of professional development opportunities in 2015 through our Great

Teachers = Great Results and Mentoring programs, both of which are being funded through Independent School Queensland (ISQ). As part of this, teachers will be required to observe their colleagues’ teaching and undertake professional learning tasks in collaboration with them. The College is also

part of ISQ’s Self-Improving Schools program, which will see our school, along

with other independent schools, receive expert support through its own consultant who will be working with a core team to achieve improvement in key areas. 2015 is certainly going to be a special year for everyone involved in Whitsunday Christian College!

God bless,

Nathan McDonald Principal

Primary School News

Mr. James van Gelderen, Deputy Principal My name is James van Gelderen and I am the Deputy Principal at the College. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our Primary families. It was so pleasing to see many happy faces as students went to their new classrooms on Tuesday morning. We have enjoyed a settled start to the year and students have already developed new routines for the school year. At Whitsunday Christian College we realise how important it is to be confident that your children are not only actively learning, but are also happy and safe. This year we have introduced Care Groups, where students from Years 1 - 12 have been allocated a class and will get together once a week. The care group program will focus on developing communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem and will involve older students teaming up with younger students to offer them support. This is one of the benefits of being a P - 12 school and is just one new initiative that we are implementing to help our students develop a strong sense of belonging and to feel supported and cared for. I wish students a safe, enjoyable and memorable school year.

Leaders’ Induction Ceremony

On Wednesday February 4, the College will be holding a Leaders’ Induction Ceremony in the Hall from 8:30 – 9:00am. Our 2015 student leaders will be inducted into their new roles, including School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains and Student Representative Council Members. Families are encouraged to attend and show their support of our new student leaders.

Sport

Monday after school sport will commence next Monday for Years 1 - 6 students. This is always a fun time where students can develop new skills and enjoy physical activity. I encourage all students to come along each week!

Primary School News

Miss Melissa Wales, Primary School Coordinator Welcome back to an exciting year in the Primary School. I am looking forward to working alongside teachers and students from Prep to Year 6 to ensure that we maintain a standard of excellence in all areas of our Primary School. It has been a great start to the year, the students have been very settled and adjusted well into the routines of classroom learning. One important part of our Primary School is our Parent Information Sessions next week.

For Foundation Phase (Prep – Year 2), these will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 as follows:

 Prep – 2:00pm-2:30pm

 Year 1 – 2:30pm- 3:00pm

 Year 2 and 2/3 – 3:00pm-3:30pm

For Junior Phase (Years 3 – 6), these will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2015 as follows:  Year 3 – 2:00pm-2:30pm  Year 4 – 2:30pm – 3:00pm  Year 5 – 3:00pm – 3:30pm  Year 6 – 3:30pm- 4:00pm

Secondary School News

Mr. James van Gelderen, Deputy Principal My name is James van Gelderen and I am the Deputy Principal at the College. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our Secondary families. Our Secondary students have made a pleasing start to the year, with students looking bright eyed and enthusiastic on Tuesday morning and have maintaining that look all week! As I chatted to students this week, one of the main messages that I gave them was to treat other students as you would like to be treated. Luke Chapter 6 verse 31 says: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them”. I believe that this is the best way to live your life and I will be encouraging students this year to follow this verse. Our class teachers work extremely hard to make our classrooms safe and enjoyable. This year we have introduced Care Groups, where students from Years 1-12 have been allocated a class and will get together once a week. This will be a very beneficial activity for our older students as they can role model desired behaviours and be empowered to take responsibility for the passing on of knowledge and skills. This is just one new initiative that we are implementing to help our students develop a strong sense of belonging and to feel supported and cared for. I wish students a safe, enjoyable and memorable school year and I hope you all make the most of the opportunities you have been given.

Leaders’ Induction Ceremony

On Wednesday February 4, the College will be holding a Leaders’ Induction Ceremony in the Hall from 8:30 – 9:00am. Our 2015 student leaders will be inducted into their new roles, including School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains and Student Representative Council Members. Families are encouraged to attend and show their support of our new student leaders.

Sport

Wednesday after school sport will begin next week and will go for the duration of the year. This is an opportunity for students to come and train for any inter-school matches we have coming up and to develop skills in different sports. Friday Sport and Recreation will begin this week. Students have been allocated an activity for the term and any money payable is due to Reception by Friday, February 13.

Tennis Lessons

Dom from Barrier Reef Tennis will be running tennis lessons this term at the College. They will be on Thursday and Friday mornings from 7:20am to 8:20am. The lessons will be for beginner to intermediate, Prep to Year 8. It will be $120 for an 8 week program and will start on Thursday and Friday in Week 2. Please contact Dom at Barrier Reef Tennis Phone 0422262581 or

[email protected] if you would like to book a spot or if you need more information.

Senior Phase

Mrs Leanne Jarvis, Senior Studies Supervisor Welcome back to our Senior Phase students and families. I would like to extend a special welcome to our Year 10 students as you begin your Senior Phase journey. Senior schooling presents such vast opportunities for young people to develop, both academically and socially. Teachers provide scaffolded support to assist students to become confident, independent learners. By Year 12, students are fine tuning important life skills of time management, team work, analysis, evaluation, collaboration and reflection, to name a few.

Parents play an important role at home in supporting their young person to prioritise school and homework and prepare ahead for assessment tasks, encouraging them to maintain a healthy lifestyle through a good diet and regular exercise and striving for a positive balance between school work and other activities. While this list may seem overwhelming at first glance, it is really about keeping the lines of communication open with your young person and letting them know that you are their biggest supporter and will be cheering them on all the way to the finish line at the end of Year 12. Please remember that we as teachers are also huge supporters of your young person and their success in the Senior Phase. As we continue to partner together for the best possible outcomes for our students, please feel free to contact individual teachers or myself to touch base, clarify information, keep us in the loop with family situations that will affect schooling and raise any concerns you may have along the way. I look forward to meeting and getting to know our Senior Phase families this year.

Music Tutoring

Mr. Murray Scholz, Music Coordinator

Tutoring

Private tuition in Music is again being offered to all students (subject to availability) at the College. This year is going to be a very exciting time with two new and very experienced music tutors joining our team. Miss Helen Sedman is a qualified school teacher and holds an Associate Diploma in Music. Helen has recently moved from Clermont where she taught classroom music, piano tutoring and conducted choirs for a number of years. Helen will be taking on the role of teaching piano and choir. Mrs. Kym Alexander also has a wonderful range of experience in music, including conducting choirs and vocal tutoring. Kym will be teaching singing and assisting Helen with choir. We also have Mr. Bob Barford and myself who both teach a variety of instruments for students at the College. Private tuition is available for students from as young as Prep to Year 12 unless specified by the tutor. If you are interested in your child learning an instrument or singing but have not yet filled out an application form, please do so as soon as possible as places in some areas are limited. Learning an instrument has so many benefits including educational, emotional, social and spiritual. Lessons can be undertaken for a variety of reasons from improving concentration in schooling, overcoming shyness, to becoming a professional performer. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

College Band and Choir

If you enjoy singing or playing an instrument, the College will be offering Junior Band, Junior Choir, Senior Band and Senior Choir commencing in Week 2 of Term 1. Students in Years 3 to 6 can apply to become involved with both Junior Choir and Junior Band. There may be exceptions for younger students providing they are receiving private tutoring and have developed the necessary skill level to participate. Students in Years 7 to 12 can apply to become involved in both Senior Choir and Senior Band.

There will be a number of occasions where students will be able to perform in front of an audience including the Mackay Eisteddfod and Mackay Interschool Band Competition. Please see your Orientation Pack for further details or Mrs. McGregor in Administration for application forms.

School Bus State Government Travel Assistance

Mrs. Maree Foote, Bus Manager

School Bus Assistance for Lower Income Families

The Safety Net Scheme was developed by the State Government to assist students who do not receive other forms of School Transport Assistance and are members of lower income families.

Who May Be Eligible?

To be eligible for assistance under the Safety Net Scheme, students must be in one of the following categories:

 Students of families eligible for a Health Care Card;

 Students eligible for a Health Care Card;

 Students of families eligible for a Pensioner Concession Card;

 Students of families receiving Veteran Affairs Pension; or

 Students placed under a Care and Protection Order.

Conyenance Allowance Assistance

Conveyance Allowance Assistance is an assistance provided by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to eligible parents/guardians who drive their students to school or to the route of a school bus.

There are several types of Conveyance Allowance available. These are determined by the type of school attended, distance driven to school or bus route and the type of school bus service (if any) provided in your area. Application forms with further details are available by calling Translink Division of the Department of Transport and Main Roads in Nelson Street, Mackay or by telephoning 4951 8673.

School Fees

Mrs. Michelle Playford, Accounts & Fees Officer The week all families will receive letters outlining Tuition Fees for 2015.

Fees are due for payment by Friday February 6 2015. Families that pay

upfront by this date will receive the upfront payment discount of $150.00 per payable student. If you would like to pay your fees by direct debit arrangement and have not already returned your direct debit forms for processing please contact us to receive a copy of the form. All forms must

be return by Thursday, 5th _{February 2015. If you have any queries please}

contact me on 4948 5103 or [email protected] .

School Banking Day

Mrs. Michelle Playford, School Banking Coordinator School Banking is a great way to encourage your child to learn to save. Banking will start on Wednesday February 11. There are some new and exciting prizes for 2015. Students are reminded to take their deposit books from their school bag as they arrive at their classroom and place it in the designated spot. Bank books that are brought into school after

Wednesday’s collection are unable to be processed.

For every deposit made at school, no matter how big or small, students will receive a cool Dollarmites token. Once students have individually collected 10 tokens they can redeem them for an exclusive School Banking reward item in recognition of their continued savings behaviour. If you would like to join up to school banking please see Mrs Playford at Reception.

Uniform Shop

Mrs. Jodi Evans, Uniform Shop Manager Uniform shop hours are every Tuesday from 8.00am to 9.00am and

2.30pm - 3.30pm, other times are by appointment only. Purchases can also be made by completing a uniform order form and handing it into Reception. Orders will then be processed and sent home with the students.

Order forms are available at the end of this newsletter and on our website.

http://www.whitsunday.qld.edu.au/for-current-students/useful-forms

Tuck Shop

Mrs. Maree Foote, Tuck Shop Manager Our Tuck Shop aims to provide healthy meals to our students. We follow the Queensland Smart Choices guidelines for all items stocked in the tuck shop. We offer a number of meal options which include:

 Lasagna

 Macaroni Cheese

 Chicken Curry (Gluten free)

 Shepherd Pie (Gluten free)

 A selection of fresh sandwiches and rolls

 Sushi (every Wednesday and Friday)

 Pies and Sausage Rolls

We also have a variety of drinks, snacks and icy poles.

Our Tuck Shop is run as a service to our students and in order to keep costs down and eliminate wastage, all meal options must be pre-ordered before 8.30am each day. Only snack items and drinks are available to purchase over the counter at break times. Primary students only receive tuck shop items in their big lunch break so please remember to still pack snacks for their morning tea.

Tuck Shop order forms are available at the end of this newsletter and on our website.

Drop and Go Zone

Mrs. Maree Foote, Property Manager Your help is appreciated every school day in keeping the traffic moving particularly in the mornings.

Our Drop and Go Zone is a drop and go zone in the morning and our car parks work well if traffic keeps moving. Our experience is that all it takes is one unattended or parked vehicle to overstay in the Drop and Go Zone to cause a line of traffic that backs onto the road placing everyone at risk.

Parents wishing to accompany their children into the school may need to find alternative parking off site and use the central walk way as the College car parks fill quickly and spaces are difficult to access during the peak flow period.

Management of Anaphylaxis

We have an increasing number of students who attend the College with dangerous allergies, in particular anaphylaxis to nuts. Some of our students are at risk of airborne anaphylaxis, which means they can have a life-threatening allergic reaction even if they have not come into direct contact with nuts. As a College, it is our aim to minimise the risk of anaphylaxis for these students. Therefore, to promote their health and well-being we wish to avoid having nuts or nut products in our College or at any school related activities. Thank you for supporting this safety measure by providing nut-free food items for your children. Should your child inadvertently bring any nut products to school, you will be made aware and asked to provide an alternative.

DEE

Diary Dates

04 February College Leaders’ Induction Ceremony

04 February Prep – Year 2 Parent Information Sessions

05 February Year 3 - Year 6 Parent Information Sessions

04 March School Photos

23 March Primary Swimming Carnival

27 March Secondary Swimming Carnival

Further information is available on the College Website.

http://www.whitsunday.qld.edu.au/

Offering classes in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop and Musical Theatre for boys and girls from three (3) years of age.

36 years of operating in the Whitsundays with three (3) fully qualified royal academy of dance registered teachers.

First class is free to help decide if Dee Jays has the right class for you.

Please phone/text 0414 282 207 or email [email protected] for class