Newsletter March 2013 - Coolum Beach Christian College

From The Principal
Coolum Beach Christian College NEWS
Volume 11 Issue 2
Senior Experience
With Dr Chris Hurley
School has headed out of the classroom and into the real world. For the
first time ever, Coolum Beach Christian College Senior students were
taken on a four day excursion to Australia’s business capital, Sydney.
Principal, Dr Chris Hurley, said “the whole idea behind the Senior
Experience is to immerse students in to real life scenarios so they can tie
back to their assessment and what they are learning in all of their
subjects. Regardless of what subject the student chooses, it will be
connected to a real life experience.”
Continued over leaf…..
In This Edition
1 Senior Experience
2 Senior Experience Cont.
3 Calendar of Events
4 Secondary
5 Primary
6 Prep
7 Music/Library
8 Uniform News
9 Teacher Profile
10 Earn & Learn
11 Education Never Ends
12 Sports Mascots
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PRINCIPAL
A total of 25 students left the Sunshine Coast on Tuesday, March 19 and returned on the
Friday morning. Dr Hurley was accompanied by the school’s business manager, David
Reed and his wife, Brie Reed, who works with the Senior students.
Excursions included a visit to the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). This has been
the training ground of many of the world’s famous actors, including Oscar Award Winners
Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon, Mad Max, The Passion) and Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth, The
Aviator).
The students also visited Australia’s only nuclear facility at the Australian Nuclear Science
and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), about 40 kilometres south west of the Sydney
CBD. “It develops all the nuclear pharmaceuticals for hospitals,” Dr Hurley said.
“It is also one of the world’s leading institutes in nuclear technology and has a world class facility. Many people don’t
know Australia does much nuclear research, but more than that, there is a lot of money there too. This is where
scientists go and get high salaries. It is always great for students to hear Australia is leading the way in a field.”
The students also had the opportunity to visit much-loved tourist sites, like the Powerhouse Museum, where they
looked at different ways of story-telling. “This will help improve their English skills, but it also involves digital literacy
as well,” Dr Hurley said. “They used iPads and digital technology to develop their story-telling skills.” Students had the
opportunity to engage in science at the Sydney Observatory. The last visit on their busy itinerary was to the Australian
National Maritime Museum. “This is an incredible museum,” Dr Hurley said. “There are great wrecks that have been
restored.” These include famous historic vessels and migrant ships.
The learning on the four day Senior Experience wasn’t limited to the tour venues. The students also had real life
opportunities to budget, cook and plan their itineraries, some which was done long before the departure date. “They
were involved in fundraising to help subsidise the cost of the trip,” Dr Hurley said. “And while they were there they
had to run the camp themselves.”
Students were responsible for their own meal planning, they were given money to shop for the food while away. Then
on the last night, the students joined forces to prepare a “banquet” for everyone, including Dr Hurley and luckily for
them, their accommodation at the Meriton World Tower was four star. Not only did their apartments on the 71 st floor
offer a bird’s eye view of Sydney, there was the opportunity to enjoy the swimming pool and spa. “We can also walk to
everything from there,” Dr Hurley said.
For Dr Hurley, the best part of the Senior Experience wasn’t the places visited, it was watching the students experience
something new for the first time. “Some students had never been on a plane before,” Dr Hurley said. “It was a brand
new experience for them.”
Written by Kathy Sundstrom
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Chappy Chat
Term 1 of 2013 has been amazing and I can't wait for Term 2. God has been so good!
We have seen a band begin to come together for our Senior Chapel and they are such an awesome group of students!! It's such
a blessing and they are an answer to prayer.
I have more time to dedicate to the band in Term 2 and will continue to help them move forward vocally and musically... These
students (your sons and daughters) that play instruments and sing have put their hand up and said "YES, I will commit to Chapel
Band and try my best" and they have such great hearts to serve.
Last year some of the Year 9 girls did a great job drawing images such as rainbows, crosses, flowers etc on our Chappy Room
walls. This term the Year 6's have spent their lunch hours doing an amazing job painting these images. We have almost
completed the project and I look forward to sending you a photo in our next newsletter edition.
It will be a few weeks before I see you all again. I have been invited on a missions/ministry trip to Bosnia and Serbia and so will
be away the first two weeks school of Term 2.
I pray that you have an amazing Easter and a safe holiday. Always remember John 3:16-17
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have
eternal life. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.”
Blessings, Chappy Mel
Calendar of Events
MARCH/APRIL
March 28
March 29
April 1
April 15
April 16
April 23
April 24
April 25
CBCC Cross Country
Last Day of Term 1
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Pupil Free Day
First Day Term 2
P&F Meeting 1pm
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Photo Day
Anzac Day Public Holiday
P&F News
Next P&F Meeting will be held
on Tuesday16th April in the
staff lunch room at 1pm.
This is the first Tuesday back after the Easter
break. We will be discussing our Mother’s Day
Stall and other items.
We will require volunteers to help with the
stall. Please let the Admin Office know if you
can help in any way.
Donate Items
Wrap and Price Items
Help on stall
May 3
Mother’s Day Stall
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Secondary School
It has been a confident start to the year with Term 1 progressing smoothly. I
wish to publicly thank Dr. Hurley and David and Brie Reed for their investment
into the Senior students whilst in Sydney recently. By all accounts the trip was a
huge success and a further positive investment into the "Senior Experience."
Evidently, a number of Middle Schoolers are waiting in anticipation for their
turn also.
As I sit typing the final newsletter piece for the first term, I give thanks to God
for the work that He is doing in the lives of our Secondary students, particularly
the Seniors. Recent events have seen great "fruit" in the lives of our students.
This is worthy of celebration by both College staff, students and parents
because although we primarily serve to provide a quality education to the
young individuals in our care, we are called as educators and parents alike to
foster the emotional, intellectual and spiritual aspects of each child's
development.
Congratulations to our new leaders for 2013.
Guy Marano was re-elected recently as College Captain for another year, along with Grade 10 student, Ciera
Summers.
Jesse Gibson and Anje Noeth undertake responsibilities of assistants to our Captains in their respective Vice-
Captaincy positions. Jesse was a new addition to the Senior College and Anje, a student of impeccable
character and maturity, will serve the College body and Guy and Ciera well.
Genevieve Rose and Elysha Gibson fill the new positions of Middle School Captains.
Jack Armstrong (Year 7), Jaimee Goad (Year 8) and Brooke Stoddard (Year9) undertake the positions of Year
Level Representatives.
Samantha Hammond, Callum Davison and Hannah Lukritz will be proudly representing our sports teams as
House Representatives.
I am excited to announce each of the above students as I know they each have a heart for the College, a
commendable level of maturity, and most importantly as Christ states, an understanding of what it means to lead:
"...not to be served but to serve."
In closing, please be aware of the following:
1. To assist in communication with parents, all assessment tasks (seen tasks) and related draft and due dates will be
available on the public calendar. This can be accessed via the College website.
2. NAPLAN preparation has commenced! We welcome the assistance of Tracey Beaton, our Secondary Teacher Aide.
3. To assist with students attaining the best results possible, we ask that you work with your child in filling out the
assessment reflection form that has currently been distributed to all Secondary students. The form enables students
to identify their subject grades and then identify the specific areas of strength and areas for greater academic
development. Most importantly, once areas of strength and weakness have been acknowledged, students will be able
to create a workplan to remedy those areas of weakness in their studies. Respective subject teachers will then be
meeting during Study Lessons to develop the areas identified.
Blessings,
Steve Irvine
HEAD OF SECONDARY
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Primary School
As we are nearing the end of Term 1, it is definitely a good time to reflect on
what’s been happening in the Coolum Beach Christian College Primary world.
One of the great things about my role is that I have the privilege of being
involved with all the classes, students and teachers in our Primary school. This
week I spent time visiting every class; it was an opportunity to see the great
learning that was occurring and a chance to catch up with students to see how
well they have settled in to their new class environments.
Here are some of the exciting learning activities that were happening when I
visited the classrooms. In Prep, students were engaged in creative play, story
writing and wet play. Year 1 was writing very well designed stories and listening
to a story structure being modelled. Year 2 was demonstrating independent
reading skills and building reading stamina. Year 3 was also involved in literacy
workshop activities and writing reflections in their reading journals. Year 4 was
practicing independent learning skills, and Year 5 was working on fantastic
historical journals and conferencing with each other. Grade 6 was practicing their
chapel item and also was busy writing historical biographies.
Other things to note that are happening in the Primary that you may or may not have had the chance to hear about, or
see are:
Bug Club: Prep through to Year 3 has had the opportunity to be involved in Bug Club, which is a digital literacy
program that caters for different reading levels. The students can use e-Books and activities which are accessed at
both school and home. Students are really enjoying this chance to read texts in another way.
“Words Their Way”: Year 4 is trialling a spelling program called “Words Their Way” that builds on the skills that
Spelling Mastery has established. “Words Their Way” is diagnostic in nature and the students are having fun learning
the way that words work. At Coolum Beach Christian College we believe that, as teachers, we need to continually
reflect on our practices and look for ways to build on and improve the programs that we are using. Our teachers are
more than happy to discuss our classroom programs, units and other learning activities.
“The Writing Song”: Mr Winter, in his very innovative way, has written a song called “The Writing Song”. The aim is to
help students remember key elements in their writing. It is very catchy (in fact, I found myself humming it at home last
night!) So, if you have a child in Year 6, ask them to sing the song for you. As teachers we know that we have to think
of creative ways to connect students to their learning. Using music and actions is a fantastic way to aid recall.
Up and coming events next term
In school sport: Next term Years 4 - 6 will be involved in an in-school sport competition. Three different sports are on
offer with the program occurring on Friday afternoons. It is a great chance for the students to engage in exercise,
learn some new skills and raise the sporting profile of the school.
Parent teacher interviews: Parent teacher interviews will occur on Tuesday, 23 rd of April. This is in week two of next
term. Please make note of this date and book an interview with your child’s class teacher. Partnerships between home
and school produce the best educational outcomes for our students.
School photos: School photos are happening on Wednesday, 24 th of April. Please ensure that uniforms, hairstyles and
hair length for boys comply with College standards as detailed in the Parent Handbook.
I hope that this has given you a glimpse of school life. Enjoy the term break.
Tracey Shields
HEAD PRIMARY
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PREP
During Prep this term the children have been
learning about what makes a great friend great! The
children have also been doing lots of hands-on
activities around letters, sounds, their name,
counting, sorting, building wonderful relationships
with their buddy (Year 5 students) and loads more.
There is always so much to do and our Prep room is
always jam-packed full of busy bodies getting the
most out of their day at school. The class loves to
learn and ask tons of questions!
YEAR 3
Excursion to Caboolture Historical Village.
The weather was perfect with only one light rain
shower for our excursion to Caboolture Historical
Village on Wednesday, 6th March.
After arriving, we had morning tea and were then
ordered to go to the old school room when the bell
went. The olden days teacher, Mrs Merriweather, was
very strict, carried a cane and made us march and
sing the National Anthem. We all enjoyed imagining
that we were living in the olden days.
Highlights of the day included sieving for gems,
watching wool being spun, learning how we used get
milk at the old dairy and watching the blacksmith
bending iron with extreme heat.
The train ride which even went through a tunnel was
exciting and a great way to view the many village
displays. After lunch we broke into small groups to
wander through the village.
Thank you to the parent helpers!
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YEAR 8 HOME EC.
Teen Tucker is the theme for Year 8’s
first Home Economics. Year 8 is studying
healthy eating, and learning how to
implement healthy eating strategies into
their everyday life. They have been
cooking up a storm in the Home Ec room
with recipes that are great alternatives
to take away food. It has been a pleasure
to watch the Year 8’s at work in the
kitchen, focused on their food
preparation, but also motivated to leave
the kitchen neat and tidy with the
incentive of the Best Bay Award… which
for this term goes to Max and Taija for
their amazingly-neat-every-week bay!
Congratulations, guys !
From the Desk of our Music Teacher/ Librarian
What fun we’ve been having in our ‘new’ Music Room beside the Prep classroom this term. The lower grade students
sing up a storm whenever we meet and get right into playing the percussion instruments on the beat (which stays the
same), on the rhythm (which matches the words / melody), or even their own made up patterns. We’ve just started
playing the Tin Whistle with the middle grades which is an alternative to the recorder. We’re taking baby steps with
these at the moment.
Along with the necessary theory component, the keyboards get a work over every single week from the year fives and
sixes (and occasionally the year fours). At the moment they’re learning simple melodies, sometimes by ear (i.e. learning
from listening without any music), as well as reading music and learning to use the right fingers for each of the notes.
If you are a family blessed to own a few instruments or even have the odd percussive piece at home, it would be great
if you could encourage your child to practice singing and
playing songs from school or even improvising. When it
comes to music, playing IS learning. Even unstructured play
can help children discover what sounds right and wrong. At
home they can also explore the styles that suit them most.
Let the music begin! God bless you all.
Mrs Tanya McFadyen
(Primary Music Teacher / Librarian)
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Uniform Shop
Trading Hours as of Term 2
Beginning Term 2, 2013 the Uniform shop will be open every
Wednesday from 8am-1pm then 3pm-4pm.
Payment Options & Ordering
Payment options include cash and EFTPOS.
Phone orders are most welcome during our opening hours or you can email uniforms@cbcc.qld.edu.au
Second Hand uniforms
The uniform shop stocks a certain quantity of second hand uniforms so feel free to come in and browse
otherwise there is an area on our school website specifically set up for buying and selling second hand uniforms.
Under the Uniform tab you can simply list your items and contact details. Great why to pick up a bargain and
connect with others.
Winter Stock
We have ordered what we can, however it is getting harder to order one or two items of certain stock as
suppliers are requiring minimum orders. If you did submit your Winter Uniform Order you will receive an email
regarding days for pickup and payment.
Tuckshop News
Delicious meal deals are available on most Tuesday
sand Fridays. Emails and hard copies of these deals
are sent home with students.
They are well priced at $5.00 Some recent meal
deals were, Nachos, Pizzas and Curry chicken.
TERM DATES
Term 1 – Jan 29 - Mar 28
Term 2 – Apr 16 – Jun 21
Term 3 – Jul 15 – Sept 20
Term 4 – Oct 8 – Dec 3
CBCC Facebook page
Facebook.com/coolumbeachchristiancollege
www.cbcc.qld.edu.au
Study Tips
1. Establish a routine
Set aside a particular time each day for study and
revision and stick to it.
2. Create a study environment
This should be away from interruptions and household
noise, such as the television. Ensure there is adequate
lighting and ventilation, a comfortable chair and
appropriate desk.
3. Set a timetable
With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects
in an organised way, allotting the appropriate time for
each without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Look after yourself
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy
foods. Keep sugary foods to a minimum. Make sure you
get enough sleep each night. Regular physical exercise
makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you
relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at
least fit in some regular exercise as often as you can.
5. Reward yourself for studying
Watch your favourite television program, spend time
with your friends, walk to the park and play sport
throughout the week.
For More tips go to :
www.schools.nsw.edu.au/gotoschool/highschool/studyingtips.php
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Teacher Profile
SARAH DWYER
You’ve seen her running around the sports fields and having a go at beating the
students in the swimming carnival, but few people have had the opportunity to
learn about one of the school’s newest recruits: Miss Sarah Dwyer, the
Physical Education and Drama Teacher.
Miss Dwyer was born and bred in Brisbane, spending most of her time in the
last 10 years around the suburb of Carindale. Her parents wanted her to have a
“private education” and sent her to a Christian school, Citipointe Christian
College, in Mansfield. Being brought up in a Christian environment gave Miss
Dwyer an understanding of faith, but it was while on a missionary trip to the
Phillipines in Year 11 that her faith became real.
“It solidified what I believed in and why I believed in it,” she said.
On finishing school, Miss Dwyer decided to take a gap year and explore the
world. She visited places like America, the United Kingdom, Japan and the
Phillipines. “I love travelling,” she said. Her favourite place was "London,
followed by the Great Wall of China".
After her travels, Miss Dwyer started University at the Christian Heritage College where she obtained her teaching
degree, majoring in Physical Education and Drama.
While Miss Dwyer was studying full-time, she was also working as a Youth Worker for the Department of Child Safety.
This, sometimes difficult experience, has given her the ability to look beyond what appears to be pure defiance in a
misbehaving child. “Some of the stories (in Child Safety) were really heartbreaking," she said “One has a window of
opportunity to inspire and change a life, to show these children there is more to life than what was handed to them,” she
said.
Miss Dwyer worked with children over the age of 12 who had been removed by the State from the care of their parents.
“Children under 12 go into foster care, then they go into a residential facility,” she explained. “I worked in this facility.
“This taught me a lot, it built my character, as there is more to a person than meets the eye. "The kids I worked with
looked normal, but underneath there was much more than they were presenting.”
How she ended up at Coolum Beach Christian College can only be described as a God thing. "When I finished studying, I
decided to apply for at least one teaching job. I loved being a youth worker and the flexibility that came with the job.
However, when I started talking with Dr Chris Hurley, the College’s Principal and the conversation ignited the passion in
me to start the journey of being a teacher."
Now she is the envy of many of her fellow graduates – living in Marcoola and “learning to surf”. While she is still
“learning the ropes” at the College, she has many plans to introduce improvements. This will start off at the crosscountry
on March 28 where, for the first time, the various houses will have their own mascot. “I want to build up house
spirit,” she said.
Miss Dwyer's passion - next to God and teaching - is "snowboarding, I love snowboarding".
Written by Kathy Sundstrom
Ph: 5446 4780 * Fax: 5446 4893 * Email: admin@cbcc.qld.edu.au
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EDUCATION never ends,
not even if you are a teacher
Coolum Beach Christian College has been awarded a $15,000 grant for two teachers to take part in an international respected
research program that educates teachers, as well the students. Mrs Tracey Shields and Mrs Katrina Vagg have spent many
days back in a classroom over the last few months, learning from world experts the intricate details of the Robert Marzano
Research Project.
In the first week of March, the two teachers were in Brisbane for three days conference on the Art and Science of Teaching.
The conference was led by Dr Phil Warrick, the vice President of the Marzano Research Laboratory.
Robert Marzano is a well-respected leader in the field of education. Mrs Shields said the aim of his research is to determine
“best teacher practice. He looks to improve student outcomes through improving teacher practice,” Mrs Shields said.
Mrs Shields has spent many years in education and working with school curriculums, but this new project is one she is most
excited about. “The grant was given through Independent Schools Queensland, we had to apply for it. You write a project for
your school and if they think it is innovative, they take you on board as a research team. ‘
“We are not the only school doing it, it is a collaborative project involving other schools in the Academy and we all share the
results. It is so exciting, I’ve been in education for a long time and this is based on the most effective practice.”
When it came to find another teacher in the school who would be best placed to coach all the staff on what was being learnt –
she found the perfect participant in Mrs Vagg. The dynamic Prep teacher isn’t just a master at getting the best communication
from the adorable Preppies, she is also fantastic at communicating what is being learnt to the other teachers. “Katrina is a
superb coach,” Mrs Shields said.
The grant has also helped fund relief teachers to allow Mrs Shields and Mrs Vagg the opportunity to attend the conferences
and spend time during the school week conveying what they have learnt to the other teachers.
It will mean Coolum Beach Christian College students are at the forefront of the best teaching research worldwide. “Most
schools involved in the research can only include a couple of their classes,” Mrs Shields said. “We are fortunate in that we are a
small school so the whole school can get involved.”
“The teachers are using the ‘evidence based strategies’ to implement in the classrooms. This improves teaching and learning,”
Mrs Shield said.
“It involves reflective teaching practice, where we teach teachers how to not just teach, but monitor if what they are teaching
is being learnt.” Mrs Shields said the goal was to ensure the school was able to improve teacher quality.
“Of all things that affect learning, teacher quality is the number one factor. It is what produces change in students. We looked
at all other Curriculums (before choosing Marzano), but we know this is the way our school is going to change.”
Mrs Vagg is equally as excited about the project and says all
the other teachers in the school are too. “There is a real
excitement in the school about it. It provides so many tools
to introduce in the classroom.”
Many of Mrs Vagg’s Prep students may not be able to
write yet, but they are already benefitting from the skills
she has learned in the writer’s workshop. “I have started
collecting stories and asking the children how they got
there, in their story. I’ll do it again in a couple of terms
and see if there are improvements. It will help them
become better writers.”
Written by Kathy Sundstrom
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Sports Mascots
At Primary Assembly on Monday, 25 th March we had some very curious visitors. Our Sports Mascots attended in
some very unusual costumes. Not sure what the costumes are or where they came from.
The Mascots are all ready for some team motivation on Thursday at our annual Cross Country Carnival! A big
thank you to Sarah Dwyer and Corinna Nairn for all their work in organising this event.
Our Mascots need names, I wonder if you can think of some names for CBCC's newest members. Write them
down and email them to Sarah Dwyer. sdwyer@cbcc.qld.edu.au
Swimming Fun
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Dear Parents,
This year we will be participating in the Woolworths Earn & Learn program. Through this program we will be able to get
new educational resources for our school – and all we need you to do is shop for your groceries at Woolworths.
From Monday 8 th April to Sunday 9 th June, we are collecting Woolworths Earn & Learn Points. You will
get one Woolworths Earn & Learn Point for every $10 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco and gift cards). Place the
Woolworths Earn & Learn Points onto a Woolworths Earn & Learn Points Sheet and when it’s complete, the Points
Sheet can be dropped into the Collection Box here at the school or at your local store.
At the end of the promotion, we’ll be able to get some great new equipment. The range is extensive and offers lots of
items ideal for our students – including resources for Maths, English, Science and some fantastic fun supplies for Arts &
Craft, Sport and for our library. If you’d like to know more visit woolworths.com.au/earnandlearn
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