Year 7 News

Year 7 have officially started the academic year!

This year as a part of orientation students, their Pastoral Care teacher, Mr. Elvery, Mrs. Braun, as well as the student’s main subject teachers headed off to the Berrinba Wetlands for a morning of connection, activity and fun!

The students, in their Pastoral Care classes participated in activities designed to form connections and bond as a class and cohort, as well as establish powerful relationships with their teachers. They went for a nature walk and scavenger hunt around the wetlands with Mr. Elvery, played games and bonded with their Pastoral Care teacher and discussed their goals for the year and received their Year 7 wristband with Mrs. Braun.

Once returning to school the students were immersed in the setting up of iPads, walking around the college site and learning about the processes and daily organisation needed in Secondary college.

Being organised and prepared for class can be a struggle for many Year 7 students. Previously they may have had a tidy tray or place in a single classroom to keep their belongings. Whereas now they are moving around classrooms, carrying materials required for a morning or afternoon session and remembering different subject requirements for different days.

Some ideas to help organise your child are to:

• Have an area set aside for school items
• Only pack for what is needed for the day
• Have a separate box for books and texts not used that day
• Label all items
• Have the timetable and booklist on display
• Pack the night before
• Talk to your child about how being organised is a healthy habit and skill that can be transferred to their sport team, music lesson, part-time job and life in the coming years. Not just a chore you use for school.

Being organised is a skill and healthy habit that takes time and a lot of practice. You child will need a lot of help, a lot of reminders and a lot of love to develop this skill.

Thank you to the many parents and students who attended the annual Back to School Barbeque on Monday night. It was wonderful to meet and connect with so many families within out college.

If you have any queries, you may contact us via the College office on 3380 4200 or via email at: abraun@parklands.qld.edu.au

Mrs. Alanah Braun
Year 7 Coordinator

February/March Calendar

Subject to changes – please check the College Calendar on the College website for more detailed and up to date information on the above.

view ARTICLE

February/March Calendar

February 11, 2019Parent Prayer Group 8:30-9:30am
11-13 FebruaryYear 7 Camp
February 15, 2019Year 10 Relationship Seminar
February 12, 2019Year 10a History excursion - MacArthur Museum/Anzac Square
13-15 FebruaryYear 5&6 Camp
February 20, 2019SSDSS 10-19 year olds Swimming Carnival
February 26, 2019Primary LEADERSHIP Assembly
February 28, 2019Year 10-12 Visual Art and Visual Art in Practice Excursion
February 28, 2019Year 9-12 Drama Incursion-Physical Theatre
March 1, 2019Primary Scenic Rim Rugby League 9s Gala Day
March 1, 2019Year 10-12 Drama Incursion-Physical Theatre
March 4, 2019Parent Prayer Group 8:30-9:30am
March 5, 2019Year 9 Relationship Seminar
March 7, 2019Year 8 Relationship Seminar
March 7, 2019Year 12 English excursion - Single Asian Female
March 8, 2019Year 7 Relationship Seminar
March 14, 2019Year 9 History Excursion - The Commissariat Store Brisbane
March 18, 2019CSSAQ Swimming Carnival - 9-18 yrs old
March 22, 2019Missions Dinner and Auction
March 27, 2019Parent Prayer Group 8:30-9:30am
March 29, 2019Grade 3 Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum Excursion

Subject to changes – please check the College Calendar on the College website for more detailed and up to date information on the above.

Contact Us

    11 Hillcrest Road, Park Ridge Q 4125 Email: admin@parklands.qld.edu.au  /pccnews  @parklandsnews

view ARTICLE

Contact Us

ContactPhone Number
Student Absentee Hotline07 3380 4250 (24 hrs)
Parklands Accounts/Reception07 3380 4200
Miss Jess Grounds (a/hrs)0439 167 011
Mr Grant Jakins (a/hrs)0400 221 365
Mrs Rebecca Wallis (a/hrs)0449 027 225
Mr Colin Elvery (a/hrs)0488 200 799
Student Services07 3380 4237
Parklands After School CareRachel 0473 681 426

 

 

11 Hillcrest Road, Park Ridge Q 4125
Email: admin@parklands.qld.edu.au

 /pccnews
 @parklandsnews

Parklands OSHC

Please phone 3297 0577 during work hours or 0473 681 426 any other time.  

view ARTICLE

Parklands OSHC

Before School Care6.30am–8.30am$15.00 per session
After School Care3.00pm–6.00pm$19.00 per session
Vacation Care6.30am–6.00pm$50.00 per day

Please phone 3297 0577 during work hours or 0473 681 426 any other time.

 

School Fees Due

School Fees Are deducted from your bank account on the 17th unless received by the 10th of each month. Please ensure funds are in your …

view ARTICLE

School Fees Due

School Fees

Are deducted from your bank account on the 17th unless received by the 10th of each month.

Please ensure funds are in your account one (1) business day before the 17th of the month.

Our Bank Account details are as follows:

BSB: 034115
Account Number: 169944

Please use your surname and initials as reference e.g. ‘J&C Smith’

Term Direct Debit Deduction Dates

  • 17th February
  • 17th April
  • 17th July
  • 17th September

Note: Direct Debits that reject from your account due to insufficient funds will incur a $10.00 fee and loss of discount. An additional late fee of $20 will apply to invoices outstanding at the end of the month.

Discounts Available

  • Monthly 2%
  • Term 5%
  • Annual 8%

Community Notices

Netball sign on Live Well Logan Logan City Council’s Live Well Logan program is now offering Soccer for Kids aged 5-10 years. The sessions will …

view ARTICLE

Community Notices

Netball sign on

Live Well Logan

Logan City Council’s Live Well Logan program is now offering Soccer for Kids aged 5-10 years.

The sessions will run weekly on Tuesdays from 4-5pm at Waller Park, Browns Plains and are only $5pp. Sessions commence the week beginning 28 January and bookings are required.

Register online at https://www.gingersport.com.au/activities/council-sessions/logan-city-council-programs

For more children’s activities for only $5pp or less in Logan, visit www.logan.qld.gov.au/livewell

Exchange Program

Do you have a child aged 5-17 who lives in Queensland?
Would your child like to participate in Sport?
Are you a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card holder?

You can apply for up to $150 for your child’s sport or active recreation participation.

Visit www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding and follow the link ‘for parents and kids’or call 13 74 68 to find out more.

Get Started Vouchers are part of the Queensland Government’s Get in the Game initiative.

Round 13 will open for application on 6 February 2019

2019 Term Dates

Term Dates 2019

view ARTICLE

2019 Term Dates

Term Dates 2019

Uniform Shop Hours

School Days only For further information please contact Michelle Secretan Phone: (07) 3380 4256 Mobile: 0412 917 299 Email: uniforms@parklands.qld.edu.au Second Hand Uniforms available CASH ONLY …

view ARTICLE

Uniform Shop Hours

Monday8.15am - 9.15am & 2.30pm - 3.45pm
Tuesday8.15am - 9.15am & 2.30pm - 3.45pm
Thursday8.15am - 9.15am & 2.30pm - 3.45pm

School Days only

For further information please contact Michelle Secretan
Phone: (07) 3380 4256
Mobile: 0412 917 299
Email: uniforms@parklands.qld.edu.au

Second Hand Uniforms available CASH ONLY (no refund or exchange)
For Second Hand Uniform Enquiries please email Alisha Mane amane@parklands.qld.edu.au
Also check our FB page for updates…

Uniform Shop Facebook Page

/PCCUniforms

Purchase Uniforms Online
Uniforms can now be purchased online through QuickCliq.com.au

 

The Friendlies

It was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet some of the new families in our school community and catch up with some of our …

view ARTICLE

The Friendlies

It was fantastic to have the opportunity to meet some of the new families in our school community and catch up with some of our existing families at the Information Back to School BBQ. We pray you have all settled back into school and are enjoying our school community. We’ll be looking forward to meeting all our new families within the school as the term progresses.

The Friendlies are families of the Parklands Christian College school community who endeavour to bring the love of Christ and encourage lifelong relationships within the school community. We provide opportunities to connect and fellowship at various events that we have throughout the year. We would love for you to join with us in strengthening one another

The Friendlies meetings are always open and welcoming to any families within our Parklands community. Our first meeting for 2019 will be on Friday 8th February at 6.45pm at Park Ridge Maccas.

If you are not available to come to meetings but would love to stay updated or help out at our different events just email friendlies@parklands.qld.edu.au and it will be our pleasure to add you to our list.

Keep Smiling
The Friendlies Team

 

School Transport Assistance Scheme

School Transport Assistance Scheme The Queensland Government offers financial assistance to parents of both state and non-state school students travelling to and from school daily …

view ARTICLE

School Transport Assistance Scheme

School Transport Assistance Scheme

The Queensland Government offers financial assistance to parents of both state and non-state school students travelling to and from school daily by private arrangement. This is known as STAS (School Transport Assistance Scheme).

Please phone the Gold Coast office on 5630 8857 to clarify your eligibility. Alternatively you can visit their website http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/schooltransport

Bus Service

Please find attached all of the Bus routes, that have been made available to Parklands families. Bus Queensland now offer 3 pick ups in the …

view ARTICLE

Bus Service

Please find attached all of the Bus routes, that have been made available to Parklands families.

Bus Queensland now offer 3 pick ups in the afternoon outside Prep with various routes.

  • Departing 3:22pm
  • Departing 3:31pm
  • Departing 3:45pm

As this is a service offered by Bus Queensland (not PCC) please direct all further enquires to Bus Queensland on 3802 1233 or email customers@busqld.com.au

PRT Changes to School Bus Routes (effective 29-01-2019)

6013

6055

6113 (1)

6142

6155

PCC Instrumental Music

Instrumental lessons are beginning & the year is well and truly underway! Of course it’s never too late to be part of the Instrumental Programme …

view ARTICLE

PCC Instrumental Music

Instrumental lessons are beginning & the year is well and truly underway! Of course it’s never too late to be part of the Instrumental Programme in 2019 – here’s how your child can be involved:

1. Give It A Go! Band Programme – Year 5 students only, beginning in Week 4

This is a one year programme for Year 5 students, giving them the opportunity to learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in small groups during school time. There is a one-time $500 levy for the year which covers all lessons & band rehearsals, a tuition book & use of a school instrument for one year. Most places for this are currently filled, however we do have vacancies for trumpet, baritone & percussion. If your child is in Year 5, would like to be involved & hasn’t already received an offer, please contact us at instruments@parklands.qld.edu.au

2. Private lessons – all ages, beginning in Week 2

Private lessons are available for piano, guitar, drum kit, most woodwind & and all brass & stringed instruments. Lessons are scheduled mostly during school time, & fees are billed by & payable directly to the instrumental teachers at $30/30mins.

3. Shared lessons – all ages, beginning in Week 3

Shared lessons are available for all of the above instruments except piano. Lessons are again scheduled mostly during school time, & fees are also billed by & payable directly to the instrumental teachers at $18/30mins for a Group of 2 or $14/30mins for a Group of 3, pending availability.

Give It A Go! lessons will begin in Week 4, while private & shared lessons are beginning in weeks 2 & 3. Enrolment forms for lessons are available by emailing instruments@parklands.qld.edu.au

Ensemble rehearsals are starting to get going, particularly for choirs. Permission forms for Choir are available from either Mrs Patane or Mr Elvery. Secondary Choir begins in Week 2 on Friday 7:30 – 8:20am in S1. Primary choirs will begin in weeks 3 & 4, with rehearsal times to be confirmed very soon.

The Give It A Go! Band will commence in Term 2 after the students have had some lessons in Term 1. Lessons will commence in Week 4, and Band rehearsal times & venues will be confirmed towards the end of Term 1. More advanced students will also come together in a more advanced band towards the end of Term 1. If you have a Grade 6 or 7 child who either did GIAG last year or learned an instrument at their primary school and are keen to continue, this would be the more suitable band for them.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions on instruments@parklands.qld.edu.au

VET News

Welcome to the new school year! My name is Dee Hudson and I work 5 days a week in the role of Vocational Education and …

view ARTICLE

VET News

Welcome to the new school year! My name is Dee Hudson and I work 5 days a week in the role of Vocational
Education and Training (V.E.T.) Officer; I am located in Room SC6 (Study Hall) in the Senior Science Block;
this is my 8th year in the role.

I thoroughly enjoy working in the V.E.T. role and have a genuine care and commitment to assisting yourself
and your child/children in their senior phase of schooling. The V.E.T. area is a fast-paced and constantly
expanding area and it is not possible to always have a complete knowledge about everything career or
vocational, however if students have a particular interest or passion, I will endeavour to delve a little deeper
and find out more information. I also encourage your child to do their own research into their career interests
and ask questions of their family, friends and other contacts, myself included.

So, welcome to 2019 – I look forward to getting to know our senior cohort and families a little better as the year
progresses. The function of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Department is to establish
relationships with students and parents to ensure that students in the senior phase of learning are provided
with vocational training and workforce skills to kick-start their career. The V.E.T. Department operates under
the guidance of myself and Mrs Rebecca Wallis, Head of Senior School alongside a caring teaching team that
enables the college to offer various certificates on-campus. Students are also informed of School-based
Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SATs) opportunities, Work Experience programs, Tertiary Open Days,
Scholarships, OP Information, assistance with resumes and provided with the portals to seek or begin their
chosen post-school pathway.

Parent V.E.T. News is emailed to parents on a fortnightly basis during term time.

I also communicate via the following methods:

  • Student weekly emails – emailed to students’ school emails on Thursday mornings, so students have
    the opportunity to read their emails during Pastoral Care class (Period 3, Thursdays) – please
    encourage your child to read the weekly email.
  • PCC VET Facebook page www.facebook.com/pccvet
  • Telephone 07 3380 4200
  • Email: vet@parklands.qld.edu.au
  • Face to face appointments

Students may also access comprehensive information such as resume templates, SAT information, OP
information and more at the PCC VET Google site PCC VET. Students will need their school login details for
this site and I encourage them to make a habit of using this site.

Tax File Numbers

Students over the age of 14 years are encouraged to apply for a TFN, even if not working yet. You can apply
for a TFN at a participating Australia Post retail ouTLET if you’re an Australian resident and able to attend an
interview. There is no fee for lodging a TFN application.

If you are an Australian resident the easiest way to apply for a TFN is to:

  1. Complete the online form at Tax File Website
  2. Print the summary, which will include your application reference number, and take it to your Australia Post interview.
  1. Attend an interview at a participating Australia Post outlet within 30 days of completing your online form. You’ll need to take your printed summary and proof of identity documents to the interview.
  2. Please call 1300 720 092 with enquiries

School-based Apprenticeships

Year 12 student, Jayden Tiainen, recently commenced a school-based diesel fitting apprenticeship with a local mechanical and earthmoving repair company.

Jayden is thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to learn and work on various types of machinery with an awesome team.

For more information regarding school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, email vet@parklands.qld.edu.au or go to https://desbt.qld.gov.au/training/apprentices/sats

Active Volunteering

Our Year 10 students are off to a great start with their volunteering hours for the Certificate I in Active Volunteering.

Dylan, Lauren and Bailey were a great help at the swimming carnival yesterday and we appreciate their efforts in ensuring the day ran smoothly.

In this album, we are celebrating how the Year 10 Active Volunteering students are giving back to their community. Certificate I in Active Volunteering course provided by Volunteering Queensland (Registered Training Organisation #6020), is now being delivered to the whole Year 10 cohort. In keeping with the college Christian ethos of “culture of care” and giving to others, the Certificate I in Active Volunteering entails 5 units of competency and 20 hours (equivalent of 3 working days) of volunteer placement at a non-profit or charitable organisation. The main benefits for students taking part in this program are real world skills, a sense of community connection, and QCE credit. The Certificate I in Active Volunteering gives students vital skills to prosper in their volunteering roles, while providing a solid foundation for any career path they pursue in the future. Volunteering offers students an ideal pathway into a range of industry areas. Furthermore, research shows that if a young person participates in volunteering they will have more opportunity to be engaged and connected in their community and increased likelihood to obtain paid employment opportunities.

Year 10 students were keen to start their volunteering hours by helping at the Back to School BBQ .

Student Care and Wellbeing

The Friendship 8 Conflict is a normal part of life. Teaching our kids how to resolve some of these friendship conflicts at school can be …

view ARTICLE

Student Care and Wellbeing

The Friendship 8

Conflict is a normal part of life. Teaching our kids how to resolve some of these friendship conflicts at school can be as simple as practicing these 8 steps:

How can you help your child resolve friendship concerns?

Encourage them to try the ‘Friendship 8’

Ask them to let you know how they went and praise them for successfully putting these strategies into practice.

Remind your child about the importance of forgiveness and moving on.

Encourage your child to talk to their teacher if they have tried these friendship steps and still have been unable to resolve it.

If your child has been through these steps OR the seriousness warrants, encourage your child to report to the RTC.

Snippets

Throughout the term teachers send the RTP Facilitators positive feedback about students via our Operation Snippet initiative. Staff members can also be sent snippets from other staff, students and parents. If you would like to honour any staff member in the school for their hard work please send a snippet to rtc-staff@parklands.qld.edu.au or ajackman@parklands.qld.edu.au and we will make sure that it is passed on as a lego block.

Here are some great snippets we have had the privilege of giving to a student and staff member.
“This student did an excellent job reading this morning during a reading comprehension assessment. I am proud of the effort he gave to both his reading and to trying words he did not recognise.”

“Thank you for all of the time and effort you give to your staff. I feel grateful for the support that you give to me personally and I’m sure that many others feel the same. Thank you for your kindness and for seeing the best in people. It’s a pleasure working with you.”

Thank you for supporting this initiative and for helping us build each other up.

Silent Signals

The Silent Signals are a way for our primary students to silently communicate with their classmates and teachers during class, without disrupting the lesson. Students may ask their teacher a question using the rocket hand, ask to go to the toilet or ask their neighbour to please be silent so they can listen. We encourage our students to try these out and you may even like to practice these at home. Talk to your child today if you would like to practice the Silent Signals at home.

Scroll down to see examples of the silent signals students have created to help them communicate with each other and the teacher more effectively.

Secondary News

Tuckshop Helpers Needed If you are able to volunteer to serve in our tuckshop, please contact MarieRushin via email at mrushin@parklands.qld.edu.au or mobile 0422 637 370 …

view ARTICLE

Secondary News

Tuckshop Helpers Needed

If you are able to volunteer to serve in our tuckshop, please contact MarieRushin via email at mrushin@parklands.qld.edu.au or mobile 0422 637 370 .

Zenith Club

Zenith Club warmly invites secondary students to participate in an afternoon STUDY club which promotes a welcoming and ENRICHING learning environment. Here you can access PERSONALISED HELP from teachers, a quiet space to study as well as perfect place for COLLABORATE with peers.

Secondary Tutorials

Secondary Tutoring 2019

Head of Primary

Welcome back, I trust you took the opportunity to meet the Primary teachers at the Back to School BBQ, to ‘settle in’ and become accustomed …

view ARTICLE

Head of Primary

Welcome back, I trust you took the opportunity to meet the Primary teachers at the Back to School BBQ, to ‘settle in’ and become accustomed to Parkland’s processes and procedures?

A special ‘Welcome’ to all our new parents and students. If unsure about anything, please feel free to ask a teacher, TA, Student Services, RTC or myself.

ROSIA RD CARPARK and DROP OFF AREAS

In wishing to keep all our students safe, here is a reminder of what we do to make the “Drop Of”’ process easier, quicker and more practical for parents:

In order to speed up the PREP drop off & sign in, we ask parents to pull into the ‘drop off bays’ just in front of the Prep classes, where staff and Grade 6 leaders will be present to assist ‘Preppies’ get bags out and then escort them directly into class. A teacher at the stairs, with class lists will sign in your prep child without you even having to get out of the car! The Prep student will then follow their day’s procedure once ‘signed in’ and in the classroom!

All Grade 1-6 students and parents will follow the “normal” drop off or parking procedures where students can individually walk up or be escorted up to the undercover area by parents once they have parked in the lower car park bays. If using the Drop Off Area just past the Pedestrian Crossing, please don’t leave your car or park in any of these Drop Off bays. Parents are reminded not to drop off students on the bend near the top exit gate of the Rosia Rd Car Park. If crossing the internal road, please only cross at the Pedestrian Crossing!

ALL student pick up is as per the usual procedure, where parents may park in any available bay and go and collect students from Prep, the Undercover Area or Playground. Students are asked to remain in the Undercover Area until 3.30pm unless collected by a guardian or older sibling. Please drive slowly (20klm) and carefully through the school car parks, especially vigilant around the pedestrian crossing! Remind students to be careful with bags while moving between cars so as not to cause any marks or damage!

Morning and afternoon procedures

On arrival in the morning, students are to put their bags in the port racks outside their classroom and then make their way to the supervised, Undercover Area where they can play games and be ready for the start of day and assembly.

In the afternoon students can be collected, signed out from 2.30pm onwards in the Undercover Area.
We ask that no students leave the Undercover Area on their own, without a guardian or older sibling BEFORE 3.30pm.

Uniforms

Can we please ask that you assist us in ensuring the students are correctly dressed in the right uniform each day? We don’t wish to experience students wearing their sport uniforms when not required or mix and match their uniforms. If unsure about uniform items or correct uniform requirements, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, TA, the RTC or check the school’s website.

Would you please be so kind as to ensure that ALL uniform items, lunch and water bottles are clearly labeled with the student’s name?

Support-A-Reader Program

It gives me great pleasure to announce that we are continuing to provide the wonderful Support -a- Reader Program again this term. Students will be invited to attend a one on one and or very small group reading sessions with a qualified instructor. Students will be taught the basics of reading, phonics, letter recognition and reading techniques will also be worked on so as to improve the students reading level and comprehension. Can we please ask that students not be taken home early on the day they have Support -a- Reader during Structured play time?

Communication

Can I please take this time to remind you of important information about Primary School communication procedures?

  • Teachers ask that IF you have a concern or question about class work, assignments, class process or procedure, class bahaviour, calendar events etc. that you please contact the teachers directly. They are your first port of call!
  • If you require information about specialist lessons, please contact the following specific staff members directly:
    HPE – Mr. Lewis,
    Music – Mrs. Patane,
    Art – Mrs. Bazley,
    Resource Room/Library – Mrs. Bayer
    Student Services — Mrs. Oxley or Mrs. Abolins
    RTC – Ms. Godwin, Mrs. Broughton, Miss. Robinson or Mr. Crawford
  • If you wish to discuss a matter further after having spoken to the relevant teacher, would you kindly then contact me through Student Services?

Protecting our Anaphylactic students

‘Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction which is potentially life threatening. It should always be treated as a medical emergency, requiring immediate treatment! Most cases of anaphylaxis occur after a person with a severe allergy is exposed to the allergen to which they are allergic – usually a food, insect sting or medication’.
The intent of this article is to assist in preventing anaphylaxis and to provide advice for minimizing the risk of anaphylaxis at Parklands, including our “Before and After School Hours Care facility”.

On advice from Anaphylaxis Australia, we do not have a ‘total Nut-Free school’ because there are so many different allergens such as dairy and some fruits, the total focus cannot only be on nuts.

Of course we wish to do all we can to protect those students who could have an Anaphylactic reaction so we at school have put in steps / measures to protect them and this is what we ask parents to do to assist us.

We ask that you kindly avoid sending in:

  • Any fresh nuts
  • Spreads containing nuts (e.g. peanut butter and Nutella)
  • Muesli bars or biscuits that list nuts as an ingredient
  • Packages of mixed fruit that contain nuts
  • Chocolate bars that contain nuts (e.g. picnic, snickers)

Talk to the teacher before sending food to school for parties.

If your child eats peanut butter before school, please make sure they wash their hands before coming to school.

Products with a “may contain traces of nuts” warning is ok to bring to school but just should not be shared. In this instance, also remind students to wash their hands after eating such products! Thank you for your understanding, patience, flexibility and support in this regard. Please don’t hesitate to ask a teacher or staff member if there is ANYTHING you need clarified!

Tuckshop Helpers Needed

If you are able to volunteer to serve in our tuckshop, please contact MarieRushin via email at mrushin@parklands.qld.edu.au or mobile 0422 637 370 .

Looking forward to a great year of working together!
Thank you

Coordinator of Senior College

Senior News…   It has been wonderful to see students and families return for another year of school. Recently, Senior College students have been challenged …

view ARTICLE

Coordinator of Senior College

Senior News…

 

It has been wonderful to see students and families return for another year of school. Recently, Senior College students have been challenged to think about their goals for the year ahead and to make some practical applications in getting organised to start the year off strongly. As we enter the second week of the term, all seniors should have established a nightly study and revision routine, which will assist in the busy weeks ahead.

There is much discussion on academic success having more to do with well-developed study skills rather than intellectual ability. Setting up and maintaining effective routines for study habits to take place is key for the start of the year.  For some senior students, the problem can be in organising themselves to use their time in a structured and planned manner. Parents can offer assistance by encouraging their child to talk through their goals and encouraging them to make an actual plan for study. Parents can also assist greatly by ensuring that their child has a dedicated workspace for study. A regular study area then becomes a recognised space that students can withdraw to by habit, where they can settle down quickly to organised and effective study. Students are encouraged to only have items on desks that relate to their study, keeping it clear of other gear which may cause distractions.

Senior students have been encouraged to use their diaries on a daily basis, for keeping track of important dates. This years booklist recommended the “myHomework Student Planner”  APP. This is optional, however, all students must have some form of personal diary.

Other areas to assist with being organised include:

  • Subject Websites: Weekly Overviews + Due Dates + Resources
  • Year level Assessment Schedules: A snapshot of due dates emailed home early in each term
  • Senior College Calendar: For live and up-to-date information on key dates located on the College calendar, accessible through your child’s account.

Recently, an outline of the before, during and after school tutorial sessions was emailed to families and students. These include a variety of free programs run by secondary staff who are passionate about supporting student learning.

I trust that your child has had a positive start to the new school year. If your child needs any assistance in organising a study schedule, please encourage them to see their Pastoral Care teacher or myself. It is important that there is a balance between academic demands, involvements in extracurricular activities as well as time for relaxation and enjoyment.

If you have any questions or concerns about Senior College, I would be very happy to meet and talk in person. Please make contact through the College office or via email at: rwallis@parklands.qld.edu.au

Warmest Blessings,
Mrs Rebecca Wallis
Coordinator of Senior College

Head of Secondary

Determination – No Limits – Growth Mindset “Too steep for children”.  This phrase was used by three separate groups of well-meaning hikers as they passed …

view ARTICLE

Head of Secondary

Determination – No Limits – Growth Mindset

“Too steep for children”.  This phrase was used by three separate groups of well-meaning hikers as they passed our group who were hiking up Fluted Cape.  My daughter and I travelled to Tasmania last October holidays to spend time with our friends, Cara and her four children aged between 6 & 12.  Bruny Island provided the rugged coastline for our 2.5 hour walk, resulting in an elevation of 280m!

As we embarked on this walk, with all of five minutes of “research”, we set ourselves the goal of completing the walk in 1.5 hours, not realising what lay ahead ie the elevation of 280m.  Early on in the walk, we saw the view (see photo) of the stunning cliffs, and I asked Cara “We’re not climbing all the way up there are we?” and as we both considered it, we smiled and naively both said, “Nah!”.  But as we later discovered, yes, that’s exactly where the trail was taking us!

Having rounded a bend and started up the incline, we passed a group who told us that the hill will flatten out soon and there’s a lovely view there.  They went on to say that the path continues but that it is “too steep for children”, but the view is nice enough at that level and we could just turn around as they did.  We thanked them and continued on, and I heard Cara mutter, “how steep is too steep?  They don’t know my kids, they’re tough”.  Personally, I was wondering how tough I am and whether it would be too steep for me!

We reached the flat part, enjoyed the view, and as our kids started repeating, “the next bit is too steep for children”, Cara responded with “Let’s just try the next section, you can do that bit”.  This became a theme, as our children and other passersby said “too steep for children”, Cara would say, “Just try the next bit”.  Following the narrow path along the cliff edge, we soon had more behind us than in front, and the kids stopped repeating “too steep for children” and they just got on with it.  One of the children had a mild fear of heights, but with some mental fortitude even she determined to make it to the top.  And that we did – at a stunning 280m above sea level, we celebrated grit and determination and enjoyed the incredible view (photos don’t do it justice).

I spent the descent considering what we’d just accomplished.  It was reasonable to presume that the children couldn’t do this particular hike.  It was a bit scary at times.  It was extremely steep at times.  It was very hard work.  Those who advised us that it was “too steep for children” were well-meaning and only trying to help.  However watching my friend Cara believe in her children and encourage them to not limit themselves based on what others said or by fear or tiredness, was a powerful lesson for them, and for me.  I reflected on whether there are areas of my life where I limit my daughter…or myself…or our students.

Do we listen to the “too steep for children” equivalents in our own lives?  Do we speak these limitations over others?  Or do we encourage our kids to believe in themselves, to work hard, to be determined to achieve their goals, to just give it a go and try the next bit?

In education there’s a catchy phrase at the moment called Growth Mindset, which is pretty much all about resilience, determination and giving learning a go.  It’s such an important attitude and I’m really glad that it’s a focus area in education.  Within the classroom, we encourage our students to overcome preconceived ideas of ineptitude and instead to try new activities and to set goals for their learning.  We get alongside our students when they struggle and encourage them to keep going, to take the next step, to try a different way.

After my Bruny Island hike up a cliff, I am more passionate than ever about having a secondary college where our staff and students are determined.  Determined to try. Determined to have high quality relationships.  Determined to achieve.  Determined to look after each other.   Determined to be all that God would have us be.

Principal’s Message

Greetings “I am sitting quietly at my office desk with my pen poised, ready to write my last Newsletter comment.  This is something I have …

view ARTICLE

Principal’s Message

Greetings

I am sitting quietly at my office desk with my pen poised, ready to write my last Newsletter comment.  This is something I have done every month since 1981. All students and staff are now on the Christmas break and I am reflecting on what I might close this chapter of my life with.

I have seen so much over this time; change of governments, change of educational procedures, change of government funding process, two Christian Schools, one in the deep North, and one in the capital city, and a vast number of students ranging from students now in their early 50s (we started Calvary in 1980 with High school students) to little Preps just starting their journey.

So what do I write about in my closing Newsletter?”

These words were penned in December 2016 as I prepared to Retire at the ripe old age of 67.

I will serve as Principal again for at least the next twelve months while the School Board seeks to find my replacement.  The Christian School community is very aware of Parklands, and there will be a keen interest from people in these schools, however we are seeking a person who has an understanding of the ways of Parklands.  In a book that all the Board read recently, the concept of “the same DNA” was used to describe the type of person who enables a school culture to continue unchanged after the Founder has retired.

We have a couple of people that meet this criteria, and we will definitely approach them.

Some have kindly asked how Joyce and I have adjusted to the change from our relaxed days.  We saw a lot of the grandchildren during this break, and just as I returned to the School, Ruth, our daughter, advised that our #16 grandchild is on the way.  Joycee will spend a lot of time with her while I am back at school.

Our major building programs were completed last year, resulting in a marvellous Sporting facility and Vocational Education facility, including a state of the art Hospitality Centre. Our next build will be more classrooms for the Primary, but that is a few years away.

I also draw your attention to the new Bus run that has been offered to us to serve the Hillcrest – Regents Park area.  Bus Qld have provided this as an equal response to our help to set up their new bus depot.  I trust it will help families with alternatives to travel to and from school.

Our new Grade 7s have settled in well, and I look forward to seeing them grow and develop within our school, and I look forward to meeting the new parents in our school.  The Back to School BBQ and Information evening this week will give me opportunity to start that connection.

God bless
David Baskerville

PS I really did miss you all. It is a joy to be back to help.

Sport

Swimming Carnival On Wednesday the 6th of February the college took part in their annual 9-18yrs swimming carnival. The rain was coming down but that …

view ARTICLE

Sport

Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday the 6th of February the college took part in their annual 9-18yrs swimming carnival. The rain was coming down but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the students.

With plenty of colour shown by all, the team spirit was evident from JOSHUA and SAMUEL houses. We had great student involvement with the team relays, novelty races and teacher vs student events. It was a great way to showcase the talent the college has in the pool as well as having fun and building team spirit between the houses and students.

Congratulations to Joshua who won the day with 2490 points over Samuel’s 2296.

Age Champions

9yrs
Emmy Campbell
Marcus Boorman

10yrs
Lucy-Anne Reise
James Gray

11yrs
Carli Van Dyk
Jayden MacFarlane

12yrs
Ella Hellyer
Samuel Garlick

13yrs
Jada Miller
Tyger Cervenjak

14yrs
Ella Cotter
Jasper Macleod

15yrs
Hannah Takada
Bayden Hellyer

16yrs
Jessica Benson

Opens
Lily Penfold
Nathanial Lovaszi

Fitness Trainings

Mondays- Cardio and Cross Country Training- 7:30-8:15am on oval starting on 11th Feb

Fridays- Power and agility training-  7:30- 8:15am in BSC starting on 15th Feb.

Tuckshop

view ARTICLE

Tuckshop