SCC Newsletter Term 1 - 2013

SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
“The Back Page”
MANY CULTURES  ONE FAITH
MARCH 2013 TERM 1
“RED CLAN” TAKES OUT THE
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
WELCOME TO 2013
PRIMARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL LEADERS
SECONDARY
The secondary students recently competed in the Inter-Clan Swimming
Carnival held at the Long Tan Pool. The students exhibited great spirit
and determination on the day with the vast majority participating in events to
earn points for their Clan. After a long battle with Blue Clan, the Red Clan
came out as the victors.
Assunta Massey, Matthew Sibley, Kiarna
James, Shatna Cashen-Harris with
CR Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville
Secondary School Leaders
James Matthew, Annie Ingui, Layla Nona,
Hannah Gumbleton with CR Jenny Hill Mayor of
Townsville
IMPORTANT DATES-2013
Tuesday 16th April…...Boarding students Start to travel back to School
New Enrolments are currently being taken….Call the Enrolment Officer
Tuesday 23rd April…….”Finding Your Career Direction” (Yr 12-13)
Thursday 25th April……………………..Anzac Day
Monday 6th May……………....………….Labour Day
Wednesday 22nd May…………………..Secondary Health Week Activities
Monday 27th May……………………......National Reconciliation Week
Thursday 20th June……………………..End of Term 2
2nd—“Blue Clan”
MARCH 2013
Shalom Christian College 190 Hervey Range Rd, Condon, Qld 4815
PO Box 366, Thuringowa Central, Qld 4817 Tel: (07) 4750 3400 Fax: (07) 4750 3429
www.shalomcollege.qld.edu.au
3rd—“Green Clan”
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MARCH 2013
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
- Greetings
- New Beginnings
- Dedication
- School Leaders
- Leadership
- Indigenous Health
- Trade Training Centre
- Books-Art-Health
- Science
- Water Wise
- Exercising ‘Fun’
- Dance
- Boxing
- “The Back Page”
- Sporting News
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SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
“The Back Page”
GREETINGS
Dear Parents and Guardians
U15 Girls Interschool Netball
Shalom!
During term one, our under 15 girls netballs team had a
bonanza performance with excellent team work each
game, mostly wins and only drawing against a few
schools. We played all of the other local schools with great
commendations from other parents and teachers about the
girls netball skills and teamwork.
The season of Easter is almost upon us and the First Term of 2013 is coming to a close. Very soon the
students will be home and the holidays will commence.
Shalom is now a busy place with over 300 students enrolled on the Condon campus in Townsville. They
have come from across the northern Australia mainland and from the Crocodile Islands off the Arnhem
Land coast, from Torres Strait and from the Gulf of Carpentaria. They represent many communities and
many language groups. They also represent their families.
The student numbers grew very quickly from around 160 on day one of the term to 304 by the beginning
of March. Currently, 134 of these students are boarders while we have 106 day students in the primary
and another 64 day students in the secondary section.
CONGRAT’S
CONGRAT’S—
—WELL DONE
Shalom is not organised like other schools; the secondary students are not just in a Year 8 or a Year 11
class. Instead the teaching groups are based around the particular needs of students with some classes
focussing more on literacy or vocational needs. All students under take Cultural Practice classes which
reflect the range of communities represented here and their stories. We take very seriously, the College
motto of ‘many cultures, one faith’.
Gordon Garawirrtja and Elijah Dhamarandji have had a
dream term on the Sporting Field with
Elijah being picked to play for the NT under 15
Indigenous side at this years National under 15
Kick-start competition in Townsville over the
Easter Holidays while Gordon has been selected
in the QLD side, so we will have a clash of the
Shalom boys for people to see.
The year began with a dedication service for the students and staff. Pastor Corowa delivered a special
message for all, while students and staff members led the prayers and the singing. It was a lovely service
with students from Prep to Year 13 in attendance. Pastor Corowa also presented our student leaders with
their badges before the whole student body and our visitors, including the Mayor of Townsville.
The boarding houses were inspected during the Christmas holidays and a significant amount of maintenance was undertaken to ensure that the facilities would be ready for the students. And, in mid-term we
invited representatives of the Australian Boarding Schools Association to advise on how best to support
our boarders. One outcome of this consultation is that a major training day will be held for the House
Parents before Term Two begins.
Gordon and Elijah have also been picked in the
Townsville and North QLD under 15 AFL school boy sides and will attend the state
championships in Dalby during term two but this time as team mates. Well done to
Our Parent Liaison Officers continue to provide an essential service for students, staff and the remote
communities. We have blessed by the support of John Morgan (Milingimbi), Jennifer Baker (Darwin region), Ian Gumbula (Ngukkur) and Sylvia Amagula (Groote Eylandt). We also hope to recruit people from
other regions so that more of the remote area students have the support of a Parent Liaison Officer who
understands their language and story.
GOLD COAST SUNS—VISIT SHALOM
Shalom students were the lucky recipients of a flying visit from Gold Coast Suns
stars Jarred Brennan and Aaron Hall to the school earlier this term. Brennan and Hall
spoke about the importance of education and the how going to school was a big part
of why they had been successful as football players. Both described learning to be
dedicated and getting skills for life after football as extremely important. The players
then spent a good half hour signing autographs and having their photo's taken with
the players.
Currently, the Uniting Church in Queensland is working to establish a new board under a constitution
which is focussed solely on the development of Shalom Christian College along the lines of its original vision and purpose. This board will also appoint a new principal to lead the College into the future.
The Trade Training Centre will be opening soon and this will provide a new set of learning pathways, particularly for the older students. This is a fantastic facility with workshops and training rooms for many
students to develop a variety of skills.
Similarly, the Sports Hall is now ready for use by classes in the day and various groups after school
hours. It has two basketball courts and spaces for other activities. Our boarders make a lot of use of this
after school while most of the PE classes have access during the school day.
The Shalom story is continuing in 2013 and we seek your prayers and support for the process of appointing a new board and a new Principal. Please also pray for the students and staff as they prepare to return
for Term 2.
Shalom!
Mike Millard
MARCH 2013
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SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
BOXING
NEW BEGININGS
WELCOME & FAREWELLS
Boxing and Mentor Program for Year 8/9B
If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you’, it will be enough.
Boxing can benefit all teenagers and particularly young men because of the physical outlet,
positive role modelling and character-building aspects of being involved in an activity that
requires patience, focus and grace under pressure. They learn to think before they act (or re
act), and are able to let out frustration and energy (or anger) in a positive way.
Farewell—Just a thank you is a mighty powerful prayer. Says it all.
Mr Steve Thomson
Ms Denika Logan
Mr Neil Whitley
Ms Katrina Duncan
Mr Geoff Scott
Boxing Trainer Ramon Ey, Class Teacher Shane Christensen and Mentors Tash George and
Butch Christensen are working with a selected group of boys during four boxing sessions each
week. The students get to participate in some boxing and training to help them under stand
they have to be disciplined if they want to succeed. The lessons carry over into the classroom
and everyday life.
Welcome—
Ms Juanita Taylor—Finance Officer
Ms Janet Lodge —Administration Manager
Ms Jodi McLean—Enrolments/Abstudy Officer
Ms Karen Barty—HR Manager
Ms Toni Gray—Head of Primary
Ms Melissa Sotheren—Teaching SAS
Ms Gemma Dale—Administration Officer
Ms Juelisa Nash—Dance Teacher
Ms Renee Sheppard—Primary Teacher
Ms Maree Ramsay—Finance Manager
Boxing training can provide a positive outlet for young people as well as bring discipline and
structure to their lives at a time when teenagers typically want to test the boundaries that paents
and families are trying to set for them.
Students learn that if you don’t do the things you’re supposed to do — conditioning, having
good eating habits, how you take care of yourself and the decisions that you make — then you
can’t participate in the sport. They learn not to focus on what others are doing but to put their
focus into what they have to do.
The boys take part in footwork drills, conditioning exercises and learn proper stances and
technique, including different boxing combinations. Push-ups are the penalty for not staying
on task.
All It Takes is a
Welcome: To All New Teaching Staff
Welcome: To All Aunties and Uncles in Boarding
Students must sign a Code of Conduct and perform well outside the program including at
tending all of their classes and meeting the expectations of the code of conduct.
Welcome: To All Cleaning and Kitchen Staff
Welcome To Our GAP Staff
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SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
DEDICATION & SCHOOL LEADERS
EXERCISING “FUN”
PRIMARY
The year began with a dedication service for the students and staff. Pastor Corowa delivered a
special message for all while students and staff members led the prayers and the singing. It was a
lovely service with students from Prep to Year 13 in attendance. Pastor Corowa also presented our
student leaders with their badges before the whole student body and our visitors including the
Mayor of Townsville.
Yvonne from the Activated Group has been coming in each Friday to put the students
through their paces in 'Zumba'.The children have had lots of fun whilst exercising.
Also Primary Interschool Sport began last Thursday. Rugby League for the boys and Netball for the girls with Carnivals for both on the last day of this term. Both teams recorded 7
all draws against Calvary Christian College and Rasmussen State School respectively.
Coming up this Friday the Primary school will contest it's annual Cross Country Carnival at
Pallarenda.
Music performed by our
very own Shalom Talented
Teachers and Staff
Arriving
School Choir with Ms
Mary and Ms Katrina
Mr Whitley
Enjoying the Music
DANCE
School Leaders
Receiving their Badges
Dance Classes Term 1
Participation in physical activity is important for
the positive development and well- being of young
people.
Primary School Leaders
Congratulations to Shatna Cashen-Harris, Matthew
Sibley, Kiarna James and Assunta Massey on becoming
the new Primary Student Leaders!!
They are pictured here at our 2013 Shalom Dedication
Ceremony with CR Jenny Hill Mayor of Townsville
Assunta Massey, Shatna Cashen-Harris,
Matthew Sibley, Kiarna James
During Semester One the secondary school dance
program is focussing on Hip Hop dance which
will draw movement from a number of other
dance styles with dance teachers Sandy Oxenburgh and Jules Nash.
This term, selected students have participated in two workshops with Dance
North Hip Hop Team of dancers including Jeremy Poi, Tracey Buchanan and
Andrew Searle.
In regular dance classes students have worked on Hip Hop dance choreography as well as learning a piece that has been choreographed for a large group
performance later in the year.
Students are learning to work together as a group,
developing a greater understand ing about the
need for flexibility and core strength for dance activities and develop ing their dance technique. In
the dance program all students are expected and
en couraged to “have a go” that means all students, teachers and T/A’s are encouraged to try
out any new moves if they are in the dance room.
Primary School
Leaders with
CR Jenny Hill Mayor of
Townsville
Secondary School Leaders
Congratulations to James Matthew, Annie Ingui, Layla
Nona and Hannah Gumbleton on becoming the 2013
Seconday Student Leaders!!
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SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
LEADERSHIP
WATER WISE
International Women’s Breakfast
On Thursday 7th March 2013, female school leaders - Layla Nona and Hannah Gumbleton were woken very
early to attend the International Women’s Day breakfast. School Counsellor Michele Beresford picked the
girls up at 6.00am to join other Townsville school leaders at this significant gathering of women (some men
too!). With over 500 people in attendance at Townsville Jupiter’s ballroom it was an amazing experience for
both girls. The guest speaker was Sally Sara an award winning journalist, who has reported on the plight of
women in Africa, South Asia and Kabul. Her stories were amazing and power point presentation showed images of war torn places where women and children live beside soldiers at war. Layla and Hannah were touched
by her stories of courage by the women in these places and their minds were expanded to understand how other women live around the world. We also all thanked the Soroptimist Club of Townsville for paying for our
tickets. Our only disappointment was not winning the door prize of driving a Mercedes for a weekend!! The
photo shows Hannah and Layla with Roslyn Miller from the Soroptimist Club.
Shalom Students Water Wise
Students at the Shalom Christian College are preparing for the heat by drinking more water. Fridges have
been installed in all classrooms and water bottles have
been donated by Abigroup. The students are working
with teachers to improve their hydration levels.
Year 11 and 12 Science students have produced a
pamphlet that will be distributed to around the school
in an effort to spread the word about the benefits of
drinking enough water. Students and teachers are
aware that maintaining hydration levels will improve
their general health, increase their learning capacity
and improve their attention span.
With cold, fresh water being available at all times it is anticipated that student’s hydration levels
will be maintained during the summer season and throughout the year.
BOOKS—ART
Leadership Training Sessions
School Counsellors Mr Raj and Miss Michele conducted informative workshops in Week 3, with
Indigenous guest speakers – Rick Garcia and Tammy Harrison from Qld Youth Services, sharing
their personal stories. Several Year 11 and 12 students attended the training sessions on how to be
effective leaders at their school and in their communities. The students were attentive listeners and
curious learners who asked many questions about how they could become the next – School Principal, Prime Minister or maybe a respected community leader. The students were taught about the
qualities of being a leader, however the most important message was being connected with their Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander culture and being true to themselves and their culture. The students
then finished the week by giving their leadership speeches in front of the whole school assembly.
Pictured are some of our Yolngu, Arnhem Land girls,
who during semester 2-2012 produced a bush tucker
book in their indigenous language Yolngu Matha with
English translations and artwork. In term 1-2013 they
were able to share their book with the prep year as part
of their reading session. The prep year had a great
time and enjoyed the visit from the Secondary girls.
Kitchen
Our Happy Aunties preparing Afternoon Lunch
GRIP Leadership Conference – held at Mercure 14th February was attended by 15 other
Townsville schools and their student leaders.
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SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
SCIENCE
INDIGENOUS HEALTH
Science in Practice excursions to Rowes Bay and Reef HQ
This term senior science student are learning about the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) ecosystem,
about its enormous biodiversity, about the many people who rely on the reef for their livelihoods and how what happens on the land can also impact on the reef ecosystem. Students
investigated the threats to the future of the GBR, which proclaimed a Natural World Heritage area in 1981, is a treasured ecosystem that contains a wealth of yet unknown bio-medical
and bio-technological knowledge.
Congratulations to Danika Buie and Annie Ingui whom
have both been selected to attend the Murra Mullangari 2013
in Canberra.
This is an all expenses paid camp over the second week of
the school holidays. The camp sees Indigenous students
interested in a variety of health careers work with Indigenous
Health professionals whom match their nominated interests.
The camp also works on helping plan and establish pathways
for the students to plan their way forward for careers in
health and attending university.
There were over 180 applications from all over Australia for this camp with only 30 places
available so our two girls have done extremely well with their applications.
The two other Shalom students whom did not win a place this year will have information packs
sent out to them regarding their areas of interest to also try and help assist them in their desire to
become health professionals.
Firstly, students went to Rowes
Bay to see how mangroves and
wetlands act as filters and
nurseries for the GBR
ecosystem and to see first-hand
some of the biodiversity there Big thanks to Rita also for assisting the girls with their applications.
Certificate Two in Indigenous Health
The following week at Reef HQ
aquarium the students learned
about coral polyps and how they
build coral reefs, they also identified the natural and human
threats to the reef are and how
these are being managed.
Term one for 2013 was very busy with new students undertaking the program and past students
returning to complete the program in year 13.
We now have approximately 60 students participating in the course and learning Practical skills
that they can utilize in their communities.
This term the year 11’s have been focusing on cross cultural awareness and its importance in the
health sector whilst the year 12’s and 13’s have been working on solving conflicts in the workplace and improving their health assessment skills and self confidence.
Furthermore…
This term, to improve student relationships across the campus, students from Grade 12 and 13
visited the Primary School.
The Grade 12 and 13 Health Class came over and completed Health Checks on the students of
Grade 2/3/4. They took the student blood pressure, weighed them and measured their height,
among other things.
To conclude, Grade 2/3/4 and Grade 12/13 completed Easter activities
together.
Mrs Denniss and Mrs Parnaby
MARCH 2013
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SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
TRADE TRAINING CENTRE
Welcome to the Shalom Christian College Trade Training Centre…..
Parkour is a physical discipline which focuses on efficient movement
around obstacles. The main purpose of the discipline is to teach participants how to move through their environment by vaulting, rolling,
running, climbing, and jumping. Described variously as a sport – a discipline more comparable to martial arts and an art form akin to dance
– Parkour is a sport that encapsulates human movement in a beautiful,
dynamic and explosive form.
Crystal Creek class had an opportunity to enjoy
this activity for a week as a part of their daily time table curriculum in
Term 1. Trainer Steven Berry from Uniting Care, demonstrated the art
for students, and described Parkour as a means to teach youngsters to
get fit and healthy. “Pakour is a tremendous way to teach young people about discipline, fitness, diet and camaraderie. It’s a total mind and
body experience”, he said Counsellors
Soon...we will have the ability to say this to students with honesty of
the programs ahead. It has been a long road to follow, one that has
required exceptional patience but by maintaining our focus on the
potential that this facility offers it has been a ride worth taking.
There is little to be done now to finalise the physical space where
courses can begin. Some of these can be carried out with the assistance of students once they’re in there. Of the last remaining items to
be finished, well they are in keeping with the spirit of the building process and holding out as long as they can.
Welding bays
Shalom Christian College accessed funding to construct the facility
through the Federal governments Trade Training Centres in Schools
program. Like any program of this level it comes with conditions to
satisfy the funding agreement.
To partially fulfil this we will commence operations in the area of Certificate I & II in Automotive. These certificates were applied for last
year and are now both on the school’s scope of registration. Later in
the year we will be adding Certificate I in Agri-Food Operations
(previously Horticulture) which we are already registered to deliver
also.
Orientation Day - Year 8/9 Boys
A special orientation was organised for Year 8/9 boys to create an awareness of a
school's environment, rules, traditions, behavioural and educational expectations. The
purpose was to increase students’ comfort levels and build team spirit through group
activities. The five day orientation kicked off with a condensed program of “Journey
to Respect” facilitated by Youth Support Officer, Rick Garcia and our very own
Cultural Liaison officer Darren Butler. The day’s event were packed with cultural
activities as well as team building games organised by headspace facilitator Will Parker and Pakour activities by Stephen Barry.
Engineering work area with metal lathe
Other certificates we are committed to deliver are those of Certificate
I in both Construction and Engineering.
Overall, the orientation was a great success among the boys before they embark on
the year long educational journey together.
Lower level classroom, complete with computers
and interactive Projector
Workshop spaces
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SHALOM NEWS
SHALOM NEWS
BOARDING
BOARDING
HARMONY DAY
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