In this issue

Animal Assisted Therapy at Parklands in 2019

Research clearly identifies that animals are a valuable tool for increasing oxytocin production and therefore reducing cortisol levels which directly reduces the experience of stress or anxiety in humans.

Animals not only help increase a relaxed and fun environment which increases learning engagement but are also a social lubricant offering unconditional acceptance regardless of an individual’s circumstance therefore down regulating stress activation.

We are very excited to announce that in 2019, we will have our own dog to work with the Student Care & Wellbeing team to support students with behavioural, wellbeing and learning needs. The dog will be an Australian Cobberdog. These are specially bred hypoallergenic dogs that are genetically designed for their quiet temperament.

For the first year, the puppy will undergo significant training. Class visits and school wide engagement will not commence until it has completed its 12 months of obedience and assistance training.

Please do

1. Only approach dogs when their handler is present.
2. Always ask permission from the handler before approaching a dog.
3. When allowed to approach the dog, move slowly and quietly.
4. Hold out the back of your hand slightly toward the dog, but not in its face. Let the dog choose to sniff you.
5. Always allow the dog to choose to approach you before you touch it.
6. If the dog is sleeping, leave him alone as they might startle easily.
7. Only approach the dog one at a time.
8. Remain quiet and focused if the dog enters the classroom.
9. Start by petting their chest. Gentle scratching is also fine. From there you can gently pat or scratch their neck. Go in the direction of the fur.
10. Understand that the dog is in the process of training and be gentle!

Please don’t

1. Interfere with the dog while they are eating or playing with their toy as they may think you are going to take it off them.
2. Put your hands over the face and head.
3. Pull their ears, tails or feet.
4. Hug the dog. This makes many dogs uncomfortable.
5. Don’t put your face close to the dog’s face. This may invade its personal space.
6. Run away from the dog. This may evoke a predatory response.
7. Yell or scream around the dog. Excessive noise can scare, excite or annoy some dogs.

Meet the Student Care & Wellbeing Team

Bernii Godwin
Senior Social Worker/SC&W  Coordinator
Masters of Social Work; Bach of Human Services (Youth and Family major); Bach of Criminology & Criminal Justice. Grad Cert Neuropsychotherapy (current)
Onsite Monday-Friday
bgodwin@parklands.qld.edu.au

Laura Robinson
Social Worker/RTP Facilitator
Bachelor of Social Work
Onsite Monday-Friday
lrobinson@parklands.qld.edu.au

Justin Crawford
Social Worker/RTP Facilitator
Loving Our Kids On Purpose Program Administrator/Year 9 Strength Facilitator
Bachelor of Social Work
Onsite Monday-Friday
jcrawford@parklands.qld.edu.au

Angela Broughton
RTP Facilitator
Year 9 Shine Facilitator
Bachelor of Human Services/Youth Work
Onsite Monday & Thursday
abroughton@parklands.qld.edu.au

Zac Wassenburg
RTP Facilitator
Yr 5 Strength Facilitator/Primary Mentor Element
Bachelor of Theology
Onsite Tuesday
zwassenberg@parklands.qld.edu.au

Angela Jackman
Administration Support
Works offsite from Ireland
ajackman@parklands.qld.edu.au

Jo Edwards
RTP Facilitator/Resilient Friends Program\Resilient ME Facilitator/Year 5 Shine Facilitator
Bachelor of Human Services
Onsite Monday-Friday
jedwards@parklands.qld.edu.au

Michelle Kissick
RTP Administration Support
Loving Our Kids On Purpose Assistant
mkissick@parklands.qld.edu.au

Term Dates 2019

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

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%

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

 /pccnews
 @parklandsnews

Alabaster Kids&Youth theatre is designed to give young people the opportunity to engage in a real stage performance every semester. We are a faith based theatre company that produces an original musical every semester, our goal is to train, inspire and prepare young performers for the arts industry.

Semester One we are working on an original Musical called The Hood. Full of Hip Hop and Contemporary dancing, fairytale costumes and an unsuspecting storyline. We also have an exciting new timetable for this show that is inclusive of distance education students and school based students. You can pick which class works best for your family in the registration process. Your children will have a fun and growing experience being involved in this creative community of storytellers.

After January 31st we cannot take anymore performers, so jump online and register your child, you wont regret it!

Bethany Carlos
Director

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

Welcome to 2019! This year promises to be another year of growth & excitement in the Parklands Instrumental Music Programme as we welcome our Year 5 Give It A Go! students and continue to encourage students from last year to learn & grow.

It’s not too late to be part of the Instrumental Programme in 2019 – here’s how your child can be involved:

Lessons

1. Give It A Go! Band Programme – Year 5 students only

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

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

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 available by emailing instruments@parklands.qld.edu.au

Ensembles

2019 also promises further development in our Ensembles programme, as we will be launching a more advanced Band for the students who have already completed the Give It A Go! Band Programme in 2018. Our 2019 Give It A Go! students will form their own Concert Band in Term 2, so it will be wonderful to see our Ensembles Programme growing also. Primary & Secondary Choirs of course will also continue, so there are lots of ways for your child to be involved in music at Parklands!

Mrs Alison Harbottle

Back to School Information Night & BBQ

Back to School Information Night & BBQ 2019

Park Ridge Transit Bus Passes for 2019

All students with no change of school or home address details will have a new bus pass printed. These will be available for collection from the Park Ridge Transit office between 14^th January 2019 to 25^th January 2019. Once the first day of school arrives no passes will be available for collection as they will be sorted and sent out with the school bus drivers.

New applications for the 2019 school year are being accepted at the Park Ridge office now and throughout the school holidays.

Some bus route times have changed. Please call Park Ridge Transit on 3802 1233 or email info@busqld.com.au if you have questions regarding bus passes or bus routes.

Welcome to Parklands Christian College

Whether you are a returning or new family. I would like to wish you a warm welcome to our Secondary College, and a special welcome to our Year 7 students and families.

Year 7 is the beginning of an exciting time in an adolescent’s life. A time of transition and change. A child’s body and mind will go through many physical, chemical, emotional and social changes during these important years as they move towards adulthood.

Year 7 is a key focus area in the Secondary college. The first year of high school is vital in developing, consolidating and establishing independence, good homework and study habits, working as a cohort and team, accepting responsibility and developing strategies towards making good choices and right relationships. These are reflected in the schools Restorative Thinking Pedagogy, Christian Life Skills, Pastoral Care program as well as the connections formed between staff, students and in partnership with the parents and guardians.

We want our students to flourish in Year 7 and remember that they are creative, fearless, curious and loved.

To be creative is not simply a practice left for the arts. You do not need to be a good artist, sculptor, musician or graphic artist to be creative. Year 7 teachers want to inspire our student to use their imagination, create and manipulate original ideas and use their creativity to change the world. Our heavenly Father is the master creator and we honour him by using never doubting our creativity.  We are made to be creative.

Fear is derived from the old English word ‘fǣ’ for calamity or frighten. To be fearless is to actively not let these feelings of anxiety and fright overcome you and control you. The beginning of a new year at school or perhaps starting at a new school can certainly be a time where fear might be experienced. Isaiah 41:10 says, ‘I have chosen you and have not rejected you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.’ There will be moments during Year 7 where our students might feel overwhelmed, anxious and worried. At Parklands, we work through this drawing strength from God’s promise, and the community of love within the Parklands community.

‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.’ (William Yeats) At Parklands we encourage our students to be curious and filled with the strong desire to know and investigate any chosen topic, to find the hidden details, to be inspired to read as much information as possible, to infer and predict conclusions and to share your curiosity with

Year 7 staff cannot wait to start 2019 and are looking forward to inspiring our students to be fearless, inspired and creative and the know they are loved. I know this year will be a blessed year full of joy, connection and learning.

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

Secondary Tutorials

Secondary Tutoring 2019

Back to School Information Night & BBQ

Back to School Information Night & BBQ 2019

Park Ridge Transit Bus Passes for 2019

All students with no change of school or home address details will have a new bus pass printed. These will be available for collection from the Park Ridge Transit office between 14^th January 2019 to 25^th January 2019. Once the first day of school arrives no passes will be available for collection as they will be sorted and sent out with the school bus drivers.

New applications for the 2019 school year are being accepted at the Park Ridge office now and throughout the school holidays.

Some bus route times have changed. Please call Park Ridge Transit on 3802 1233 or email info@busqld.com.au if you have questions regarding bus passes or bus routes.

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 29th January

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

By now you should have received the ‘Welcome Letter’ informing you who your child’s teacher will be. If you haven’t as yet received this informative email, would you please contact Sheryl Cherry in the Admin office on 33804200 or via email on scherry@parklands.qld.edu.au

“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 Road 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 Grade 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 Grade 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

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 2019. 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

• Pastoral Care class lists will also be on display at Student Services for orientation.

Middle School

 Year 7: Wednesday 30 January

(Sport Uniform)

• Year 7 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 S1/2  or S3/S4 prior to 8:30am (Enter via Gate 1, off Hillcrest Road).

Years 8-9: Wednesday 30 January (Camping until Friday 1 February)

• • Students are to assemble for camp in the Function Room on Wednesday at 7.15am.
  • On Monday 4 February (summer academic uniform) meet at the Function Room for an 8.30am start.

• Yr8 & 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 Friday for periods 6-7.

• • Yr8 should leave their bags at: S5 & S6 and Yr9 on the old Home Ec veranda prior to 8:30am.

Senior College

 Years 10-12: Thursday 31 January

(Summer Academic Uniform)

• Years 10, 11 & 12 will assemble in the Church Auditorium on Thursday for an 8.30am start. Year 7 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 Science Centre prior to 8:30am, in the below locations.

1. Year 10 – SC1 and SC3
2. Year 11 – Voc verandah
3. Year 12 – outside SC4

New Staff Members

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

• Mr Josh Dinale (Humanities/HPE)
• Mrs Mercy Gunnampaty (Science/Maths)
• Mrs Janelle Hughes (Food & Textiles Technology, part time)
• Mrs Jaclyn Kelly (Humanities/Arts)
• Mrs Maegan Redman (English/Humanities)

and we’re delighted to have Mrs Jessica Holman return from maternity leave.

Camping Programs

 Our Middle School Camping program for Yr 7-9 will take place this year during weeks 1 and 3. Our students will be at the following locations:

• Yr 7 at Emu Gully Adventure Camp: Monday 11^th February to Wednesday 13^th February
• Yr 8 at Mapleton Conference and Camping Centre: Wednesday 30^th January to Friday 1^st February
• Yr 9 at Bornhoffen Outdoor Education Centre: Wednesday 30^th January to Friday 1^st February

We highly value the outcomes of our camping programs 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, the Student Leadership teams will either be travelling to the 2019 Compass Christian Schools Conference in Canberra from 1^st to 5^th  March or to the Sports Leadership Camp at Burleigh Heads from 3^rdto 5^th 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 18^th to 20^th September. More details regarding this camp will be forthcoming.

Our team of caring and proficient secondary staff are looking forward to welcoming our students back to school and we have a wonderful year of learning experiences planned!

Message from the Board

We give a warm welcome to all families and staff to our school for 2019.   We trust that you have had a refreshing break over the Christmas period, and are looking forward to the opportunities that will come in the new year.

We especially welcome the new students, staff and families coming to our school this year, and trust that your time with us will be very enjoyable.

During the holiday break, the Governing Council of the school made a significant decision to change the leadership of our school.  In doing so, we have invited Pastor David Baskerville, our Founding Principal, to return and lead our school this year while we consider the options on leading our school in the year ahead.

We would like to acknowledge the significant input of Mr Johannes Solymosi over the last two years and thank him for his care and dedication.

If you have not met our founder, he is known by all as Mr B and is very approachable. He is, by his definition, an Engineer who God called to lead Christian Schools.  His first school was Calvary Christian College, Townsville, which he led for 20 years, before returning to Brisbane in 2001 to care for his parents, and to start Parklands Christian College.

We know the school is in very good hands, and we look forward to meeting with all families at our Back to School Barbeque.

Ps Mike Warman
Board Member
On behalf of Board Chairman, Mr John Blasé

Message from the Principal

I have always enjoyed my time and labours at Parklands.  It has been a wonderful journey watching the school grow from a bare farm paddock into the school we have today.

I chose to retire at the end of 2016 to spend time with my wife and family, and I continued with my association with the school as a tradesman and groundsman, and continued on the Governing Board as a Director.  When the request to help came, I was very happy to provide the necessary leadership until we can decide on our way forward.  It is most probable that I will be leading the school for the next two years in some capacity.

I am looking forward to meeting all the students again, and spending time with them in Chapel, class and sports, and watch them grow to become all that God has planned for their life.

God bless
Mr David Baskerville