Head of Secondary

Welcome back to the start of what is going to be a great year! We are looking forward to the opportunities and experiences that are ahead of us for 2020. As the new academic year approaches, it’s time to get organised, plan out the year and be ready for the busyness that comes with school life.  Below is some important information to assist with getting organised.  Don’t forget to keep checking the College Calendar and Facebook for the latest details in our Secondary College.

First Day Orientation Procedures

  • Year level timetables are attached to this home communication. Individual student timetables will be distributed to students during orientation.
  • Pastoral Care class lists will also be on display at Student Services for orientation.

 Middle School

Year 7 and 8: Wednesday 29 January

(Sport Uniform)

  • Year 7 and 8 will assemble in the Function Room on Wednesday for an 8.30am start.
    • Students only need to bring one writing book, their iPad, and pencil case for the day. Please leave all other stationery at home. During orientation, students will be instructed when booklist items will be required.
    • Students should leave their bags at the Middle School area prior to 8:30am (Enter via Gate 1, off Hillcrest Road).
  • Year 7 – S3 and S4
  • Year 8 – S1/S2 and S5/S6

 Year 9: Wednesday 29 January (Camping until Friday 31 January)

  • Students are to assemble for camp in the Function Room on Wednesday at 7.15am.
  • On Monday 3 February (summer academic uniform) meet at the Function Room for an 8.30am start.
    • Year 9 orientation is for periods 1-5. Students are to bring one writing book, their iPad, and pencil case for orientation. Students are to be prepared for normal classes on Monday for periods 6-7.
    • Year 9 are to leave bags at the Collaboration Centre (old Home Ec veranda) prior to 8:30am.

Senior College

Years 10-12: Thursday 30 January

(Summer Academic Uniform)

  • Years 10, 11 & 12 will assemble in the Church Auditorium on Thursday for an 8.30am start. Year 7 and 8 will join the senior students for a Welcome Back assembly with staff.
    • Senior orientation is for periods 1-3. Seniors are to be prepared for normal classes on Thursday for periods 4-7.
    • Students should drop their bags at the Senior College Precinct prior to 8:30am, in the below locations.
  • Year 10 – SC1 and SC3
  • Year 11 – VOC3 and VOC4
  • Year 12 – SC4 and SC6
Year Pastoral Care Teacher
Yr 7a Mr Daniel Millward
Yr 7b Mrs Sharon Thompson
Yr 8a Mrs Maegan Redman
Yr 8b Mr Wayne Schulz
Yr 8c Mrs Jaclyn Kelly
Yr 9a Mrs Rhoda Crook
Yr 9b Mr Michael Braun
Yr 10a Miss Julia Matthews
Yr 10b Sister Monique Singh
Yr 11a Mr Zachary Cunningham
Yr 11b Mrs Mercy Gunnampaty
Yr 12a Miss Jessica Grounds
Yr 12b Mr Joshua Leembruggen

New Staff Members

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome the following staff members to the Secondary College team:

  • Mr Daniel Millward (HPE/CLS)
  • Mr Wayne Schulz (Science/Maths)
  • Ms Karen Williams (Maths)
  • Mr Nathan Jones (Maths/Economics)
  • Mrs Biljana Brkic (Food and Technology/Maths/Art)
  • Dr Elizabeth Tailby (LOTE – Auslan)

and we’re delighted to have Mrs Kristie Schulz return from maternity leave.

Profile Evenings

Our Secondary profile evenings are a great opportunity to connect with teachers to discuss the progress of your child’s achievements through the year. This year’s evenings are planned for the following dates:

  • Tuesday 5th May (Term 2)
  • Tuesday 21st July (Term 3)

 Assessment

Secondary students will undertake progressive assessment throughout the course of their studies at various times throughout each term. Please note that assessment due dates will be scheduled at many different times across each term so consistent attendance is advised. As per QCAA’s QCE handbook (Section 6.6: Illness and misadventure), if assessment is missed due to family holidays we cannot approve requests for extension. Parklands therefore expects all students to only take holidays during the designated school holiday times.

 Camping Programs

Our Middle School Camping program for Year 9 will take place this year during week 1. Our students will be at the following location:

  • Bornhoffen Outdoor Education Centre: Wednesday 29th January to Friday 31st January

We highly value the outcomes of our camping program and as such it is a compulsory part of the academic program. Parents of students not attending camp should notify the Head of Secondary via the College office on 3380 4200 or via email at: jgrounds@parklands.qld.edu.au

In Senior College, some of the Student Leadership team will either be travelling to the 2020 Compass Christian Schools Conference in Canberra from 28th February to 3rd March, and others will attend the Sports Leadership Camp at Burleigh Heads from 1st to 3rd March. The Year 11 Leadership Camp will be run as a compulsory camp for all of our Year 11 students at Emu Gully in Term 3, from the 16th to 18th September. More details regarding this camp will be forthcoming.

We trust that 2020 will be a blessed year, and we are looking forward to working with you all. If you have any queries, you may contact us via the College office on 3380 4200 or via email at: celvery@parklands.qld.edu.au or rwallis@parklands.qld.edu.au

Community Notices

PCC Parent Prayer group All are welcome to attend our Prayer Group meeting at Student Services at 8:30am on the following dates: Monday 3rd February …

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Community Notices

PCC Parent Prayer group

All are welcome to attend our Prayer Group meeting at Student Services at 8:30am on the following dates:

Monday 3rd February 2020
Monday 2nd March 2020
Monday 30th March 2020

Soccer

www.parkridgesoccer.majestri.com.au

Netball

Futsal

Park Ridge Cricket

Park Ridge Panthers Cricket Club is inviting players 8-16 years old to sign-on using: playcricket.com.au for the coming season, use 4125 as the postcode when asked, then select Park Ridge Panthers CC and follow the prompts.   Any Questions, contact Lewis Mills on 0413 656 058 concerning the sign-on procedure, training starting 16/9/19 at 6pm at Hubner Road, Park Ridge.

Lewis Mills Mob:  0413 656 058

Moon Lee Tae Kwon Do

Colin Garrick is currently conducting Moon Lee Tae Kwon Do self defence classes in the Baskerville Centre, Parklands Christian College, on Monday afternoons 3.30 to 4.30pm.

There is currently space for another 10 students.  He is offering a FREE Uniform (value $60) to all new  participants.
The first class is a FREE trial class and we have generous  family discounts.

For more information phone Colin on 0438 865 800 or email colingarrick@gmail.com

Free Dental Care

FREE DENTAL CARE

Park Ridge Healing Rooms

Wednesday 9.30 am – 12 pm
Parklands Christian Church
1 Hillcrest Road
Park Ridge
All ARE WELCOME
Faith Shiach 0437-206-676
Diane Kiely 0422-678-013

Free Hotshots Tennis

PARK RIDGE TENNIS

A new season of Hot Shots Tennis Coaching is starting soon, a free trial lesson is available so anyone can come and have a go.

All new pupils receive a Free Racquet & Hot Shots T-Shirt on sign up.

We have lessons that run every afternoon, for all ages & levels. Mini Hotshots for 4-7 year olds, Hot Shot programs for 7-12 year olds & advanced groups for 12-17yr olds. For adults we have Cardio Tennis, Social  comps and lessons every week night & now a new Fast 4 comp for players starting or getting back into tennis, the Fast 4 format goes for just over an hour.

To book in or to arrange a free trial phone Paul or Steph on 32000354.

 

 

Bus Service

School Bus Passes for Westside Bus Company and Park Ridge Transit Students who have a bus pass for travel will be required to obtain a …

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School Bus Passes for Westside Bus Company and Park Ridge Transit

Students who have a bus pass for travel will be required to obtain a new pass for the 2020 school year. If you are changing schools in 2020 (this includes moving to grade 7) or address you will need to contact our reception on (07) 3802 1233 and we will advise you of how to update your details. To avoid delays in receiving your pass we kindly request that you contact us prior to the end of the school year.

If you have no changes to your details, you will receive your new bus pass in the mail in early January.

Please note that there are limited reception facilities available at our Redbank depot and you should call before attending the depot as we maybe able to assist over the phone.

Bus Routes for Parklands

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

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 …

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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

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 …

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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%

2020 Term Dates

Term Dates 2020

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Term Dates 2020

Tuckshop

Tuckshop in need of volunteers There is an opportunity for parents to contribute to the life of the school by volunteering their time in the …

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Tuckshop in need of volunteers

There is an opportunity for parents to contribute to the life of the school by volunteering their time in the tuckshop.

The tuckshop has been growing since moving to the new facility and with growth in sales we would really love your help!

Please contact our Tuckshop Convenor, Marie Rushin, on 0422 637 370 or email tuckshop@parklands.qld.edu.au

Tuckshop Menu 2020

 

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 …

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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

Welcome back to the new school year. Can you believe we are in the year 2020! Praying that you all had some time to relax …

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The Friendlies

Welcome back to the new school year. Can you believe we are in the year 2020! Praying that you all had some time to relax with your families and friends over the holidays. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again and having the opportunity to meet some of our new families who have joined our school community.

We have started the new year by receiving all of the Woolworths Earn and Learn resources. We were able to bless the teachers on their first day by having all their resources ready for them to start their year. It’s always exciting at the end of a promotion when we receive and see what we were able to order with our points from the stickers that you all collected. Thank you to everyone who was able to collect stickers last year. Without you these things wouldn’t be possible!

We are continuing with our recycling bins this year. They are located in various areas of the school. All the kids really loved helping to take care of our environment recycling all their poppers, bottles and cans last year. The recycling bins onsite are for all our staff, students and visitors to use. You are also more than welcome to bring in any of the approved recycling items and place them in one of our allocated bins. Together we can help the environment and raise money for valuable resources for our school.

If you are new to our school and wondering what The Friendlies are all about, we are what some school’s might call their P&C committee. The thing that makes us stand out from other school’s P&C’s is that we are committed to loving, encouraging and caring for all of our school community. Our mission statement is “The Friendlies are families of the Parklands Christian College 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 2020 will be on Friday 14th 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

PCC Instrumental Music

Welcome to 2020! This year promises to be another year of growth & excitement in the Parklands Instrumental Music Programme as we welcome our new …

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PCC Instrumental Music

Welcome to 2020! This year promises to be another year of growth & excitement in the Parklands Instrumental Music Programme as we welcome our new Give It A Go! students and continue to encourage our existing students to continue to learn & grow. There are lots of ways for your child to be involved in music at Parklands!

Lessons & Rehearsals

Instrumental music lessons will commence from week 2 of Term 1, with the exception of Give It A Go! lessons which will commence in week 4. Choir & Ensemble rehearsals will also begin within the first few weeks of Term 1, again with the exception of the Give It A Go! Band which will commence in Term 2. Further information from Ensemble & Choir directors will be available closer to these start dates.

Ensembles & Choirs include:

  • Primary Junior Choir (Year 2 & 3)
  • Primary Senior Choir (Years 4-6)
  • Secondary Choir (Years 7-12)
  • Wind Ensemble (Years 4-12, woodwind, brass & percussion students with minimum 12 months experience)

Give It A Go! Band Programme

We’re excited to be welcoming our third group of Give It A Go! students this year, and we are in fact beginning to open places up to Year 4 students as well. Emails will be going home to Year 4 students in the next few weeks with more information, but this is an exciting development in our Give It A Go! Band Programme. If you or your child are interested in being a part of this programme, please read the point 1 below regarding costs & inclusions.

Instruments on offer will include:

  • Flute
  • Clarinet
  • Saxophone
  •  Trumpet
  •  Trombone
  • Percussion (includes drums, auxiliary & mallet percussion)

There are a number of ways to be part of our growing Instrumental Programme – here’s how your child can be involved:

Give It A Go! Band Programme – Year 4-6 students only

This is a one year beginner programme for Year 4-6 students, giving them the opportunity to learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument in small groups during school time. There is a one-off $500 levy for the year which covers all lessons & band rehearsals, a tuition book & use of a school instrument for one year. Many places for this are currently filled, however we do have a number of vacancies across most instruments. If your child is in Year 4-6, would like to be involved & hasn’t already received an offer, please contact us at instruments@parklands.qld.edu.au

Private lessons

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.

Shared lessons

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.

Enrolment forms are also available by emailing instruments@parklands.qld.edu.au

__PCC Music Department Guidelines with form

Student Care and Wellbeing

Welcome to Parklands Christian College. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the Student Care & Wellbeing Team. My name is Miss …

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Student Care and Wellbeing

Welcome to Parklands Christian College. I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the Student Care & Wellbeing Team. My name is Miss Bernii Godwin and I have been employed at Parklands to facilitate the Student Wellbeing & RTP (Responsible Thinking Process) since 2012. I have a Masters qualification in Social Work and a Grad Certificate in Neuropsychotherapy which complements my undergraduate study (Bach Human Services/Bach Criminology). I also have over 15 years’ experience in the field of education and human behaviour.

The Responsible Thinking Classroom (RTC) has a wonderful team of staff including Mr Justin Crawford, Miss Laura Robinson, Mrs Angela Broughton, Mr Zac Wassenberg, Mrs Angela Jackman and Mrs Joanne Edwards. Together we are able to not only help students make positive informed choices, but we also have the time to get alongside students and support them to develop their social and emotional skills. You will quickly notice that we run this process fairly differently from other schools, and that we pride ourselves in keeping parents informed, involved and positive about their child’s success story.

This information pack is designed to provide you with an overview of how Responsible Thinking is taught to students at Parklands, its purpose and our overall goal for each child’s schooling journey. As you learn about the Responsible Thinking Process, and how this is applied at Parklands please use this info pack to seek the answers to any questions that may arise.

In addition some of the useful websites you may wish to access include:
RTP Information:

Behaviour Education: RTP


RTP Resources, Tips and Myths and Plan Examples

How RTP Works


RTP Q&A Primary and Secondary:
http://parklands.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/RTC-QandA-Primary.pdf
http://parklands.qld.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/RTC-QandA-Secondary.pdf

If you would like to discuss this further please feel welcome to pop in to the RTC to visit, phone or send through an email rtc-staff@parklands.qld.edu.au.

1. Jan 2020 Meet our Team for 2020 dark background

 

Primary News

Back to School BBQ Visit by Registered Nurse for Free Prep Vision Screening Good vision is important for a child’s educational, physical and social development. …

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Primary News

Back to School BBQ

Visit by Registered Nurse for Free Prep Vision Screening

Good vision is important for a child’s educational, physical and social development. Vision screening is therefore vital in early childhood, particularly for conditions such as ‘lazy eye’, which if not detected early can lead to blindness.

A Registered Nurse will be visiting the school in 2020 to commence vision screening for all Prep Year children.  If you wish to have your child participate in this free vision screening program, please complete and sign the consent form sent home with your child and return this to your child’s class teacher as soon as possible.   You will be advised in writing of the outcome of your child’s screening.

Please note that if your child has had a vision assessment in the past 12 months it is not necessary for him/her to participate in this screening program.  If this is the case, please complete the consent form and indicate that you do not wish for your child to participate, and ensure that you follow the schedule of reviews recommended by your eye health professional.

The consent forms will be getting sent home to prep families (via prep student) on the first day of school. Forms need to be returned by Friday 7th Feb.

Head of Primary

As the students would say; “Only a few more sleeps to go to the start of school” I trust you have had a blessed festive …

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Head of Primary

As the students would say; “Only a few more sleeps to go to the start of school

I trust you have had a blessed festive season, a good school holiday and are looking forward to the start of the school term?

Primary School First Day Procedure – Tuesday 28th January

Grade Teacher
Prep F Mrs Kerry Foster
Prep H Mrs Sarah Hope
Gr 1 C Mrs Kelly Clausen
Gr 1 D Mrs Dayna Davis
Gr 2 K Mrs Julie Koplick
Gr 2 M Miss Louise McNabb
Gr 3 A Mr Simon Ashley
Gr 3 K Mr Joshua Kennedy
Gr 4 B Mr Michael Bradshaw
Gr 4 P Mr Daniel Patane
Gr 5 N Miss Clara Needs
Gr 5 E Mrs Lisa Edwards
Gr 6 B Mrs Jessica Bourchier
Gr 6 H Mr Mark Holman
  1. Arrive and make your way to your child’s classroom (see map below)
  2. Drop your child’s bag off at their classroom, say ‘Goodbye’ and leave OR
  3. Meet their teacher and or teacher aide
  4. As a class, students will be taken to the auditorium
    at 8.40am by the teacher
  5. We’ll have a short Assembly
  6. With the class teacher, take your child back to their classroom and:
    1. Try leaving the classroom as soon as possible, if your child is happy
    2. If your child is distressed, follow the teacher’s lead in settling them
    3. Parents are invited to stay as long as they need or take your child home if too distressed
  7. Make your way to the Parent’s Retreat in the Function Room for a tea/coffee and a chat.

Class Placement

On Friday you will receive your ‘Welcome Letter’ informing you who your child’s teacher will be.

“I have learned to be content” (Philippians 4:11)

We believe God has a destiny for every student in our school. He has already placed within them the skills, gifts and talents that they need so as to become the person God intended them to be. We are also blessed to have excellent teachers at Parklands because of God’s call on their life.  Staff spend an enormous amount of time praying and working through the issues involved with class placements and in trying to ensure that students are with the right teacher and classes are well balanced. The matters of learning style, academic ability, behavioural concerns, student & staff personality, friendships, as well as social and emotional needs are earnestly discussed in the whole class selection process. Please bear in mind that friendships aren’t the main reason for class placements, being with the teacher that best suits their learning style is the key factor!

A reminder, we do not accommodate requests from parents to swap class placements. It is an extremely difficult task that is complicated by requests for and against staff and other students or friends. We ask that you would pray for wisdom and discernment for your child’s teacher as they look to care for and meet the needs of each student.

Thank you for your understanding and support in this regard and look forward to seeing a wonderful working relationship develop between teacher, student and parent!

ROSIA RD CARPARK and DROP OFF AREAS

Here is a reminder of what we do to make the ‘Drop Off’ process easier, quicker, efficient 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 Year 6 leaders will be present to assist ‘Preppies’ get bags out and then escort them directly into class.  A teacher at the gate, with class lists will sign in your prep child without you even getting out of the car! The Prep student will then follow their normal day’s procedure once ‘signed in’ and in the classroom!

All Year 1-6 students and parents will follow the “normal” drop off / parking procedures and 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.  Please don’t leave your car or park in any of the Drop Off bays past the Pedestrian Crossing. ALL student pick up is as per the usual procedure, explained by staff.  Please drive slowly (20klm) and carefully through the school car parks, especially vigilant around the pedestrian crossing! Thank you for your understanding, patience, flexibility and support in this regard.

UNIFORMS

Students will be informed (according to their time table) as to which days they need to wear Sport or Academic uniform! Can we please ask that you assist us in ensuring the students are correctly dressed in the right uniform each day?

If unsure about uniform items or correct uniform requirements, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, the RTC / Uniform Store staff or check the school’s website.

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

Trusting you have a great year as we look to work together to educate your child.

 

Mr Grant Jakins

Head of Primary

Principal’s Message

Mr Gary Cully Principal Welcome back to Parklands and the 2020 Academic Year.  The staff and I have had a great start to the year, …

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Principal’s Message

Mr Gary Cully
Principal

Welcome back to Parklands and the 2020 Academic Year.  The staff and I have had a great start to the year, and we are all looking forward to seeing our students and their families on site very soon. This will be a year of firsts for me, and I am excited to meet new families, and talk to the many new faces I see around our school.  I am particularly excited to bring my own children back to Parklands, and look forward to seeing them back in an Australian classroom after spending 3+ years of home schooling in Cebu, Philippines.

My family and I have been back in Australia since November.  Over the Christmas and New Year period, we have been busy re-connecting with family and friends near and far.  During this time we have driven as far North as Rockhampton and Yeppoon, returning to Brisbane via Bundaberg and the Sunshine Coast. All up I clocked up over 3000km in a few short weeks!  Despite the massive amount of driving (well, it is for me), I was so glad to be able to connect with my family and good friends once again.  These connections are special to me, and well worth the effort to spend hours and hours in a car, with three kids.

Being connected these days is becoming increasingly more complex and difficult.  We are all busy, and in many of our families, both parents are holding down full or part time employment. Our kids attend sport, after school activities and they often need endless amounts of transportation between scheduled commitments.  Amidst the busyness, finding time to connect can sometimes seem all too hard.  But it’s worth the effort.  All too soon, our kids are living independently and our chance to significantly invest in them is past.  My eldest daughter now has her learners permit and has started her 100 hours of driving practice.  I often look over at this young women in the driver’s seat and wonder how it came to this?  Who is this young adult sitting next to me?  How much longer is she going to be under my roof and in my direct care?  I realise my time with her is an increasingly precious commodity, and I am aware that my connection with this teenager is dependent on the work I do in our relationship now.

In a similar way, I am deeply interested in the connections within our school, and wider school community.  Building good community is important, and by forming solid and lasting relationships within the Parklands community is not only a great way to stay connected with teachers, but is an investment in a relationship with your child.  The schooling years, although sometimes stressful, are short. These years will pass by sooner than we would like, and our time navigating these years which are full of precious and unique experiences, will only happen once per child.  Our children will remember these years with fondness (I hope), and they will also remember our presence or otherwise during this time.  I never want my child to say that “dad wasn’t interested”, or “he never helped with assignments”.  I want to sit down with my kids, and their kids and laugh about their first day at school, or the time you went to camp.  I want to be able to pull out photos where my whole family is present and together at awards nights, graduations and formals.  I want to keep certificates that celebrate everything from good colouring-in, to dux of Grade 12.  I want to build memories and connection with my kids.  Yes, it’s hard, and sometimes is downright taxing, but inevitably it will be worth it.

Let me encourage us all to invest in connection, and embrace this precious time as parents.  Together, let’s celebrate the great relationships we have with our kids, and strengthen them through being present, attentive and interested.  May God grant us all the wisdom and ability to seek connection with our kids in 2020.