27 March 2015 - Calvin Christian School

Weekly Newsletter
Friday, 27 March 2015
Learning Life. Together.
THOUGHTS FROM AB
In contemplating what to write for our Calvin
community this week, I was drawn to a story
that was told some years ago. It has an American
context, hence the timing of the middle of the
school year at Christmas time. The message of the
story is important for us to tell and share as we strive
to keep the students in our school at the centre of
our endeavour. Our students, your children, are first
of all precious in the sight of God. Because of this,
they are precious in our eyes too. Unfortunately we
don’t have the perfect vision that God has of each of
us, but we do have His Word to guide us; we do have
each other to keep us accountable to our calling
and we do have the Holy Spirit as our promised
helper. I share this story as an encouragement to
you, a reminder to us as teachers and for us all as we
continue to walk together in the work of educating
children. This does not mean quitting teaching
reading and writing and speaking (as the story
suggests), but holding our students at the centre of
our endeavour.
Because Teddy was a sullen little boy, nobody else
seemed to enjoy him, either. Now at the school
where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required
to review each child’s records and because of
things, put Teddy’s off until the last. But, when she
opened his file, she was in for a surprise.
His first-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is a bright,
inquisitive child with a ready laugh. He does work
neatly and has good manners...he is a joy to be
around.”
His second-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is
an excellent student and is well-liked by his
classmates -- but he is troubled because his
mother has a terminal illness and life at home
must be a struggle.”
His third-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy continues
to work hard but his mother’s death has been
hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father
doesn’t show much interest and his home life will
soon affect him if some steps aren’t taken.”
THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - by Roy Exum
When Tony Campolo was in Chattanooga to speak at
the annual “Gathering of Men” breakfast, the noted Teddy’s fourth-grade teacher wrote, “Teddy is
sociologist told a story that begs to be repeated.
withdrawn and doesn’t show much interest
in school. He doesn’t have many friends and
It seems that there was a lady named Jean Thompson sometimes sleeps in class. He is tardy and could
and when she stood in front of her fifth-grade class become a problem.”
on the very first day of school in the fall, she told the
children a lie. Like most teachers, she looked at her By now Mrs. Thompson realised the problem but
pupils and said that she loved them all the same, Christmas was coming fast. It was all she could do,
that she would treat them all alike. And that was with the school play and all, until the day before
impossible because there in front of her, slumped in the holidays began and she was suddenly forced
his seat on the third row, was a boy named Teddy to focus on Teddy Stoddard on that last day before
Stoddard.
the vacation would begin. Her children brought
her presents, all in colourful ribbon and bright
Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before paper, except for Teddy’s, which was clumsily
and noticed he didn’t play well with the other wrapped in the heavy, brown paper of a scissored
children, that his clothes were unkempt and that he grocery bag.
constantly needed a bath. Add to it the fact, Teddy
was unpleasant.
It got to the point during the first few months that
she would actually take delight in marking his
papers with a broad red pen, making bold ‘X’s and
then marking the ‘F’ at the top of the paper biggest
of all.
THOUGHTS FROM AB CONTINUED...
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of the other presents and some of the children started
to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet, with some of the stones missing, and a bottle that was
one-quarter full of cologne. She stifled the laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was,
putting it on, and she dabbed some of the perfume behind the other wrist.
At the end of the day, as the other children joyously raced from the room, Teddy Stoddard stayed behind,
just long enough to say, “Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to.” As soon as Teddy
left, Mrs. Thompson knelt at her desk and there, after the last day of school before Christmas, she cried for
at least an hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading and writing and speaking. Instead, she began
to teach children. And Jean Thompson paid particular attention to one they all called “Teddy”.
As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he
responded and, on days that there would be an important test, Mrs. Thompson would remember that
cologne. By the end of the year he had become one of the smartest children in the class and...well, he had
also become the “pet” of the teacher who had once vowed to love all of her children exactly the same.
A year later she found a note under her door, from Teddy, telling her that of all the teachers he’d had in
elementary school, she was his favourite.
Six years went by before she got another note from Teddy. And then he wrote that he had finished high
school, third in his class, and she was still his favourite teacher of all time.
Four years after that, she got another letter, saying that while things had been tough at times, that he’d
stayed in school, had stuck with it, and would graduate from college with the highest of honours. He
assured Mrs. Thompson she was still his favourite teacher.
Then four more years passed and yet another letter came. This time he explained that after he got his
bachelor’s degree, he decided to go a little further. The letter explained that she was still his favourite
teacher but that now his name was a little longer. And the letter was signed, “Theodore F. Stoddard, M.D.”
The story doesn’t end there. You see, there was yet another letter that Spring. Teddy said that...well, that
he’d met this girl and was to be married. He explained that his father had died a couple of years ago and
he was wondering...well, if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit in the pew usually reserved for the mother
of the groom.
You’ll have to decide yourself whether or not she wore that bracelet, the one with several rhinestones
missing. But, I bet on that special day, Jean Thompson smelled just like... well, just like she smelled many
years before on the last day of school before the Christmas Holidays began.
http://www.ccemmaus.com/teddy.html
Primary School News
IPSHA LEADERSHIP DAY
On Tuesday a group of twelve Calvin Christian Primary School students travelled to Launceston to participate in the annual
IPSHA Leadership Day held at the Launceston Church Grammar School Junior Campus. Boarding the bus at 6:30am was a
new experience for some of these students. Thanks to the parents for getting their children to the bus on time. The trip up
to Launceston seemed short, partly because of the good run in traffic and roadworks, but even more so due to the beautiful
singing by the bus load of students. I think every song I have ever heard at the Primary School, and then some more, was sung
with gusto and very much in tune. What began as a rendition of the National Anthem, because the other students back at
school would be singing it too, turned into an impromptu concert for Mrs Sara Verdouw and Mr Bauke Hovinga who came along
as support people for the day.
We were treated to morning tea after alighting the bus and proceeded to the Hall where Mrs Louise Yaxley addressed the
group of students from numerous Tasmanian Independent Primary Schools. Louise was among a squad of six cyclists training
on country roads in Germany when an oncoming, out of control car hit the pack leaving them scattered and one of their team
mates dead. Louise recounted her three year journey to “normality” in her powerful and emotional presentation. Courage and
strength, depression and forgiveness – her experience covered the full gamut of emotion.
The theme for the day was Resilience and Leadership. The students were divided into eleven groups and took part in two
activities from a range of eleven. These activities were designed by staff in each of the schools represented at the Leadership
Day.
After lunch the group listened to one of the Grammar teachers outline the workshop activity where small groups of students
needed to work together to record footage on a mobile device that told the story of a range of scenarios that were presented to
the group. These included a positive representation on Bullying, Being Left Out, Disrespect, etc. From the student feedback, it
was clear that this was the highlight of the day. We will be using some of the material back at school as we use the experiences
of the IPSHA Leadership Day to grow a deeper understanding of Resilience and Leadership in the Primary School.
A special note of thanks to Mrs Verdouw and Mr Hovinga for helping out with supervision, activities, photos and other help
throughout the day. They also had to be ready to board the bus at 6:30am and didn’t get back to Kingston until 6:00pm. A good,
long day was had by all. As we left we asked for God’s protection and blessing and thanked Him for hearing and answering our
prayers on our safe return home.
PHOTO DAY
Wednesday 1st April is Primary School Photo Day. Please make sure all students come to school dressed in full school uniform.
Year Four will be at camp on this day but have had their class and individual photos taken last month.
ABSENCES & LATE
We have updated our policy and procedure regarding attendance. If a student is absent from school due to illness or other
reasons, please inform the class teacher or school office prior to 9:15am. This can be done in a number of ways: phone 62293814,
email [email protected] or in person.
Students arriving late at school MUST report to the office and sign in the late book. If a student is marked as an unexplained
absence a SMS will be generated and sent to the parent/care giver asking them to contact the School Office.
Primary School News
PRAYER FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
It was good to spend time praying with one of our parents again on Monday afternoon. Thanks for the
encouragement of others who value the prayer but are unable to be there at that time slot. It gives us comfort
to know we are praying together in the spirit of pouring our hearts before an ever-loving, all-knowing and allpowerful God. This time of shared prayer for the Primary School is at 2:30 to 3:00pm each Monday afternoon.
HOT CROSS BUN & MILKSHAKE MORNING TEA
Calvin Primary School are having an Easter Hot Cross Bun & Milkshake Morning Tea on Thursday 2 April with all
money raised to be used to fund school projects recommended by the School Council.
Order forms have been sent home and need to be returned by Friday 27 March.
If you are able to assist please let Karen in the office know or contact Judi Tyers (0458 622 900).
MISSIONS
We have been sponsoring four young people a part of our Mission focus over the past few years.
We have discussed the importance of understanding Missions to have a broad definition that includes a LOCAL,
STATE, NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL focus. In doing this, we will need to redefine how we sponsor our
current four Compassion children –Daniel from Ethiopia, Brayan from Ecuador, Beatrix from Indonesia and Arya
from India. (left to right)
We would love to hear from any families that would be willing to take over these sponsorships. We have
sufficient funds to cover these students into Term Two and do not want to see this sponsorship fall away, hence
our appeal that some Calvin families might take these on. The commitment totals $38 per month or $456 per
annum. While we can choose to discontinue our sponsorship at any time according to Compassion policy, we
feel an obligation to these young people.
In replacement of the Compassion child sponsorship, the student leaders will meet to plan ways to collect
and distribute towards local, state, national and international missions and charities. We believe this will be
a positive way to grow the individual and collective responsibility and calling for us to show love to a needy
world in many areas. It will also highlight the great need for support throughout our communities at home
and abroad.
Please prayerfully consider if you or a group of you could help us out.
EASTER ASSEMBLY
On Wednesday 1st April, Year Three will be hosting an Easter Assembly beginning at 2:15pm and concluding at
3:00pm. All parents are warmly invited to come along and share in the classes’ presentations.
Secondary School News
SECONDARY SCHOOL SAILING
Dr Evenhuis kindly takes a number of our students
sailing as part of our extra-curricular programme.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HOSTING OPPORTUNITY
Calvin will be hosting 20 Imae Middle School students 3 -7 August this year.
Mrs Bester has spoken to Year 7 and Year 8 HRs this week about the chance to host a Korean student and
participate in the international exchange.
If you are interested in hosting one or more Year 7 - 9 Korean students please contact Mrs Bester on 6229
4829 or via email - [email protected]
anzac Day
MOTHER’S DAY CLASSIC, SUNDAY 10 MAY 2015
This annual walk or run for breast cancer research is a
4 km walk or run or an 8 km run at the Domain. Calvin
has registered a team. This is a great community and
family event. Why not register and join the Calvin
Team. This is open to all students and family members.
Early bird registrations close on 2nd April. Online
registrations to join the team are open until Friday 8th
May. You can also register on the day, but cannot join
the Calvin team.
saturday 25th april 2015
the centenary of the gallipoli lanDings
Kingston Beach RSL Sub-Branch Inc. (A Registered Charity) ABN 9004 390 441 • 39 Beach Road, Kingston Beach • pRESiDEnt: MEl cOOpER
ALL ENquiriEs to: Secretary: David Taylor 6229 5817 • Email: [email protected]
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Arrangements will be made for disabled parking.
Elderly persons without transport should contact
Ms. georgie Hoppe of clennett’s MitRE 10 who
may be able to assist. call 6229 7888.
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ten free shuttle buses will operate continuously
between 4.30am and 6.00am between the
Metro bus stops on both sides of the road in the
kingston cBD, and the kingston Beach Dawn
Service venue. three shuttle buses will
be available from 7.30 to 9.30am for people who
wish to return to their cars by that means.
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Roads will be closed from 4.00am as shown
on the map, until approximately 8.00am.
traffic controllers will be stationed at locations
indicated. car parking passes will be issued to
essential staff of businesses on the beach.
Blackmans Bay residents are encouraged not
to use Roslyn Avenue, but use Auburn Rd or
other alternate routes to access cBD parking.
Beach residents who need to use their cars will
not be impeded.
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Approx. 300 car parking spaces are available
on kingston Beach, when this is full, traffic
will be re-directed to kingston cBD car parks.
Approx. 2,000 car parking spaces are available in
and around kingston cBD.
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please arrive in plenty of time
for the Dawn Service.
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this plan has been approved by the
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those who wish to attend the Hobart AnZAc
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kingston – Metro buses will be available
To register, go to - http://www.mothersdayclassic.
com.au/our-events/event-locations/hobart/ then go
to the Register now button. When asked, enter the
team name Calvin and the password is calvin15.
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Whole School News
SCHOOL PHOTOS - FAMILY PHOTOS
Due to a number of students either being at Year 4 camp, Year 8 camp or Year 9 camp there will be some
problems getting family photos taken this year. If you would like a family photo and your child will be away on
Wednesday, 1 April please contact either Karen in the Primary School Office or Fiona in the Secondary School
Office and we will attempt to re-schedule a “family photo” date and time.
OLIEBOLLEN - COFFEE VAN
Do you know anyone who runs a coffee van and would be interested in selling coffee at our upcoming Oliebollen
Festival on 13 September? If yes, please speak to Fiona in the Secondary School office. Thanks.