In this issue

School Days only

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

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%

School Photo Day is fast approaching

Have your child’s school memories captured forever on 24 April 2018

Your photo order envelopes will be sent home via your child in the last week of Term 1. Please start planning your purchases and payment options.

Remember these helpful points:

• Read all relevant instructions for your preferred payment method. All payments are due on photo day.
• You may pay by cash, or place your order online using your child’s individual ‘shootkey’ listed on their envelope and pay with your credit card.
• Please enclose correct money as no change will be given.
• Sibling photo envelopes are available at Student Services upon request. SIBLING PHOTOS WILL BE TAKEN BEFORE SCHOOL, ON PHOTO DAY AT 7:45AM IN THE FUNCTION ROOM. – Please instruct siblings to attend the photo studio at this time. Photographers are unable to search for students who do not attend.
• Do not seal envelopes inside each other. You may include payment for all children in one envelope, however please indicate on this envelope the names of all the children you are paying for.
• All students are to wear their CORRECT AND COMPLETE ACADEMIC UNIFORM. Students who arrive in sport uniform will not appear in their class photo.
• Grade 10-12 students are to wear their correct winter academic uniform (blazers for all and males to wear long pants and their tie).
• Grade 12 students must bring their senior jersey.

For any enquiries, please feel free to contact MSP Photography

District Swimming Carnival

On the 14^th of February Parklands took a team of 26 to the Southern District swimming carnival. Due to recent changes in the district, this enabled our 13 and over athletes to compete at this level for the first time. From this carnival we had 18 students selected to compete at the Met West carnival representing the Southern District.

Congratulations to all of the following students.

Primary

Riley Anderson
Samuel Garlick
Jett Cervenjak
Tyger Cervenjak
Kai Challen
Mikaylah Ker
Georgia Holland

Secondary

Jessica Benson
Jye Campbell
Ella Cotter
Bayden Hellyer
Lincoln Jones
Nathanial Lovaszi
Jasper MacLeod
Clare Ogilvie
Tommy Patton
Lily Penfold
Elissa Vicente

CSSAQ

Over the next week our school will be taking part in the CSSAQ swimming and Touch Carnival in  high school. This is a great opportunity for our students to compete against other Christian schools in Brisbane, and work together as they strive to achieve the best possible result. Good luck to all the students competing at the CSSAQ carnivals throughout the week.

Rebel Community Kickback

If you are looking to purchase some sporting goods at Rebel over the holidays, don’t forget to mention Parklands, as a percentage of every purchase goes back to the school.

Q-Cup

This term the primary boys AFL team has been training for the Q-Cup gala day. The competition is on Tuesday the 13^th and is held at Coorparoo JAFC. Good luck to the team and coaches.

Sport Leaders Camp

Joshua and Samuel house leaders made the annual trip to CYC Burleigh for 3 days of activities designed to challenge themselves in preparation for the year ahead. Due to the weather, we were unable to camp out at Numinbah Valley but the staff at CYC Burleigh were accommodating and adapted the program. Activities included mountain biking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, surfing, tubing and indoor rock climbing.

In amongst the activities were conversations and discussion based around there leadership role and what that looks like for them this year. The Bible is a great reference point for what Leadership should look like. The students explored a number of different leaders in the Bible and how the key leadership principles evident, could apply in their context today.

Upcoming Dates

Parklands Cross Country 27/3

Sport Website

https://sites.google.com/a/parklands.qld.edu.au/test-sport/home

The 2018 Certificate I in Engineering class, taught onsite at the College. This qualification provides an opportunity for the students to acquire a range of skills in the engineering field; in addition learning how to use hand tools, welding, soldering and applying protective coatings. Throughout this course students will learn to use machines such as the MIG welder, arc welder, metal lathe, oxy welder, pan brake and guillotine. Students also complete work experience out in the field which may lead to an apprenticeship or employment post-school.

Upon successful completion of the 1 year Certificate course, students accumulate 3 QCE credits towards their Qld Certificate of Education.

 

The college, in conjunction with the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) is proud to announce that three Year 12 Parklands students have been successful in applying for Round 9 of the QATSIF Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) Scholarships. These scholarships exist to assist Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Students to graduate from Year 12 with a QCE.

QATSIF is an independent public foundation established by the Queensland State Government in November 2008 to provide a secure funding source for improved educational outcomes for Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Aaryn Dejong, Chloe Smith and Elisabeth Degen, along with their families, recently attended a celebratory ceremony at the Australian Catholic University, Brisbane campus which included dance performances by Ambrose Treacy & Mary MacKillop Colleges and an inspirational speech from QATSIF patron, Dr Ruth Hegarty.

A day in the life of a school-based apprentice, Joel Smith

Camp time was fantastic!

At Parklands Christian College, we are a great believer in the positive aspects of camp. Our year 7, 8 and 9 students have participated in 3 separate camping programs as a part of our Middle School.

Year 8 Camp – Mapleton

 Year 8 journeyed to Mapleton in the Sunshine Coast hinterland for three days of activities including Giant Swing, Leap of Faith, Abseiling, and Archery. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves with a few of the activities, while spending time developing social skills and interactions with their year level.

Year 9 Camp – Bornhoffen

Year 9 headed to Bornhoffen in the Gold Coast Hinterland for three days of high ropes, teamwork activities, abseiling, some snake wrangling, and a great creek walking experience. This camp is designed to develop individual resilience in the students, preparing them for their final year in Middle School.

Year 7 Camp – Emu Gully

On Monday, 5^th February, year 7 students headed to Emu Gully at Helidon to partake in three days of team building, integrity, and the ANZAC attributes of courage, mateship, self- sacrifice and perseverance. Students got to get dirty, but they also participated in some amazing activities which encouraged team work and personal honesty. Each of our camps become a part of ongoing encouragement and reflections through the life of our College, and embed themselves as positive, life-long memories of achievement and joy.

Middle School Pastoral Care

An important part of Middle School at Parklands is the Pastoral Care program which functions every Thursday period 3. Students undertake a wide variety of activities and workshops tailored to their age group, and designed for personal growth and connection.

Year 7 PC

Year 7 students are interacting with an awareness program called #GameOn. This program has been created by the Queensland Government’s ‘E safety’ resources, and is designed to introduce students to safe practices around the use of technology. A number of topics are explored during this course ranging from ‘information to keep personal’, to ‘taking care of the time spent on technology’. Throughout the year, students will undertake further topics of study including, Resilient Me, Surviving High School, and How to be a Better Me.

Year 8 PC

Students in year 8 are participating in a journey through discovering their Digital Footprint: “What impression do they leave on the net?” This is a continued awareness program for students to further their understanding of online presence. In the ever-changing world in which we live, the necessity to be able to safely navigate the online world increases. As a result, we are being proactive in teaching our students safe practices regarding online programs, internet awareness and information regarding messaging and social media. Throughout the year, students in Year 8 will explore a ‘Teen Talk’ program, and look at what it means to serve others.

Year 9 PC

Our Year 9 program has undergone some changes. Students are placed into a rotation throughout the year, and tackle a number of topics in smaller groups. One group of students complete the Shine (Girls) and Strength (Boys) course – a course about promoting self-esteem and self-worth. Another group will look at Cyber-Safety, in particular the program: Tagged. The Third group concentrated their efforts on Community Service: ‘What it means to serve in the community’. These groups rotate through 3 of the terms, allowing the opportunity for all students to access all the groups. The fourth term is spent looking at global community service, with students participating in a study of the book of John, and the event, ‘Walk for Water’ – raising money for the digging of water wells in Africa.

There are many other elements which go into the Pastoral Care program for Middle School:

• Youth and Family Services are presenting seminars to students this year on “Sexting and Cyber Law”. This program is designed to make students aware of their responsibilities with online programs and messaging, as well as teaching them what actually happens when something is posted.
• Later in the year, we will have a representative from Queensland Police Service talking with students around the topic of Cyber-bullying, and a representative from Optus who will talk with students about the places online information actually goes.
• We are doing all we can to make sure we build a safe, online culture for our students, and that they are aware of the positives and pitfalls of a digital presence. All the while, we are building programs which encourage them to value themselves and strive to be all that God wants them to be.

If you ever have questions regarding the Pastoral Care program, please feel free to ask. Further information regarding government online education programs can be found at: www.esafety.gov.au

The importance of Assessment

We are fast approaching the time of year where assessment is due. Exam week is happening in week 9, and some in-class assessment is being conducted in some classes during this week.

It is important that, where possible, students are at school to give the best opportunity for success. If there are going to be issues with students making it to school, could you please endeavour to let me know. This will allow opportunity to plan for preparation time for your students so that they are not too disadvantaged.

Mr Colin Elvery
Coordinator of Middle School

The Friendlies

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. All monies raised from our various fundraisers go directly back into our school community. The most recent project we funded was the completion of the Year 7 area at the end of last year.

The “Coles Sports for Schools” promotion continues throughout the month of March, so be sure to collect any vouchers if you shop at Coles and drop them in the box located in Student Services.

Our annual Bush Dance is coming up with the amazing “Beefa’s Bush Band”. Save the date, Saturday 19^th May 2018. Make sure to put it into your calendar! You don’t want to miss out on a night full of fun for the whole family. The night will kick off at 5.30pm with a sausage sizzle and then from 6pm Beefa’s Bush Band.

Keep Smiling,
The Friendlies Team

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 trying 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

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.

Snippets

Throughout the term teachers send the RTP Facilitators positive feedback about students via our Operation Snippet initiative. They have already started rolling in and we have had some fantastic comments from teachers. 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 and we will make sure that it is passed on.

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.

Days for Girls

Looking at these photos, there are many differences that I could point out between the girls in each. However, God does not see us the way people do. I’m extremely grateful for that, and I’m glad that He has allowed us to see in the Cambodian girls’ lives, a difference that truly matters, rather than surface ones that don’t.

The difference I’m talking about today is one of NEED. These girls, and many others world over, need a functional way of managing their periods that will allow them to have their days back. Days for Girls (daysforgirls.org) has enabled us to provide kits that do this. Days for girls to go to school, days for girls to go to work, days for girls to be girls, just the way God created them.

Some of the girls in these pictures are girls from our school community – students, mums, auntys, grandmas, friends and staff – who shared a pleasant, productive afternoon together in the Function Room on February 24^th.

Girls of all ages traced, cut, sewed, pinned, stitched, folded and packed the elements that become part of the DFG kits we send to Cambodia each year. Dany and Sreymom of RAWImpact then distribute these kits, a whole lot of love, and the essential education that goes along with them.

When I look at these photos and think of the times they represent, I am glad that there really aren’t any differences that cannot be overcome with love. I love our Parklands community and the love that motivated Dayna, Ebony, Brooke, Pauline, Pat, Katie, Michelle, Sue, Nikki, Amy, Pauline, Amelia, Lily, Kate, Elissa, Robin, Lily, Natalie, Von, Sally, Christine, Kelli, Karen and all those who donated materials to work together on something so important. I am grateful for every single one of you. Thank you.

Hop Skip and Step Into Prep!

We have had a great start to Prep for 2018. This term we are focusing on “God made me special”. Our Prep classes have already begun learning about sounds with our Soundwaves program and Math concepts with hands-on experiences. We have been learning new songs, dances and bible verses. The students have been excited to wear their uniforms and meet new friends. It has been great getting to know our new cohort of students and their families. Thank you to all Prep families who have helped their children have a smooth transition into Prep. We are looking forward to a great year in Prep H and Prep K!
From Ms. Kunne and Ms. Hollands

Year 2

The fun never ends in Year 2. We have been very excited to build and try out our balloon powered vehicles over the last few weeks. Some of our vehicles have proven extremely successful – travelling for more than a metre! But don’t worry, the scientific adventures will continue. Our students are looking forward to our first incursion of the year. This incursion, “It’s Rocket Science”, will be held on Wednesday 21^st of March. We will be exploring the forces involved in launching a rocket, and our young “Rocket Engineers” will experience the rush of adrenaline as they build and fly their very own rocket! Let’s AIM FOR THE STARS Year 2.

Year 3 – Logan in the Olden Days

In Year 3 this term, we have been learning about Logan and the surrounding areas in the past and how things have changed.  The Year 3’s have also been learning about the Indigenous people from our area.  To consolidate their learning, the students will be visiting The Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum, where they will get the chance to participate in activities the way they would have been done in the 1800s and early 1900s.  Many questions have been asked, including whether kids used to wear shoes when the teachers were born and if there was electricity back then (the students seem to think we are much older than we actually are). We are looking forward to our excursion at the end of the term and being able to share photos with you.

Blessings,
Mrs Abbot, Mr Kennedy, Mrs Jones and Mrs Buckley

School Zone, Car Park Speed and Vigilence

A reminder to please obey the 40klm School Zone speed as police officers will be monitoring this! Please slow down to 20klm in the property and drive very carefully through the school car parks, especially vigilant around the pedestrian crossing. Students and parents are reminded to ONLY cross AT the pedestrian crossing and to “stop, look right, left and right” before walking over the crossing. Please take it for granted, that students will not do the correct thing, so be very careful around our car park areas. Please also remind your child to be careful with bags while moving between cars so as not to cause any marks or damage.

Bullying– No Way!!

Here is an article I found very interesting and I would like to share it with you. It’s not that we have lots of bullying and negative behaviour at Parklands but rather to inform you so that we are all on the same page and speaking the same language about ‘bullying’ when it comes to talking to our children and dealing with teachers and the RTC.

“Bullying is a word that’s wrapped in emotion” – Michael Grose

For many people bullying is associated with bad childhood memories. It’s been estimated that around 40% of people have experienced some type of bullying in the past. The ghosts from the past are never far away for parents and can sometimes influence the way we react to current circumstances, including when our own children experience difficulties in their relationships inside or outside school.

Bullying is a terrible behaviour that affects children’s natural right to feel safe and secure. It can adversely affect their learning, emotional well-being, further peer relations and their sense of self.

Types of Bullying

Bullying should not be confused with teasing, rejection, random acts of violence or physicality and conflict. While children will often tease or fight, this bickering should not be confused with bullying. Bullying is the “on going”, willful desire to harm others and it takes on many forms that include physical and emotional abuse, intimidation, harassment and exclusion. Bullying is about lack of power as one person is powerless to stop the teasing or physical abuse. Bullying is the selective, uninvited, repetitive ‘picking on’ of one person by another person or group.

It now has a well-publicised cyber-dimension which has moved the goalposts for many kids. In the past children could escape bullying behaviours they may have experienced by being at home. Cyber-bullying now means that kids can’t escape the bully like they once could.
Bullying is not the domain of one gender. Girls bully just as much as boys but they do it in less physical ways. While boys use physical intimidation or verbal abuse to show power, girls are more likely to use exclusion or verbal sarcasm, ‘put downs’ to assert themselves.

If you think, your child is being bullied.

If you think your child is being bullied then handle with care as children often don’t want to admit that they are on the receiving end of bullying. Ask them the probing questions like: How often does this happen? Who is doing this continual behaviour to you? Have you reported it to RTC and spoken to a / your teacher?”

We at Parklands don’t appreciate or tolerate ‘bullying’ and this sort of negative behaviour so encourage our students to use the FRIENDSHIP 8 ideas and also to report it to the teacher on duty, their class teacher OR the RTC, thereby allowing us to follow it up and deal with all parties concerned!

Primary Student Leadership

The following students have been selected according to their merits and in accordance with our school CLEAR values.

Congratulations to these students for already showing leadership characteristics / initiative and for being chosen to represent our school!   They were represented with their badge at a special Leadership Assembly. We wish you well as you go about serving, leading and being ‘role models’ to others.

CAPTAINS: Lachlan Clausen and Jessica Irwin

VICE CAPTAINS: Ethan Jackson and Savannah Sirvio

ART CAPTAIN:  Holly Thompson

MUSIC CAPTAIN:  Melissa Bayer

RESOURCE / LIBRARY CAPTAIN:  Samantha Stark and Jazmin Stevens

SPORT CAPTAINS:  Sam Garlick and Caela Kemp

CLASS AMBASSADORS
Camryn Anderson – Prep H
William Bazley – Prep K
Isaiah Blote – 2 E
Jacob Cibulka – 4 B
Ebony Davis – 6 G
Jaiden Degen – 6 H
Amy Finch – 3 K
Emily Fotek – 1 C
Holly Gray – 3 A
Lilly Hurst – 4 P
Ella Leau – 5 N
Billy Pratt – 1G
Cadence Soesmanto – 5 S
Leyanah Tonkin – 2 K

LITTER LEGENDS
Daniel Crawford
Isaiah Blote
Keith Vang
Emily O’Callaghan
Jordana O’Neill
Georgia Knowles
Callista McKinnon
Jayden MacFarlane
Hamish Kirk
James Pottinger
Zachariah Smart
Graidy Hawken
Ely Pohlmann
Drew Fotek

CARPET CHAMPION:  Lilly Munn

LEARNING FOR LIFE LEGENDS:  Ezekiel Midson

God Bless
Mr Grant Jakins

Recently our Student Leaders went interstate to the Compass Leadership conference where a whole bunch of Student Leaders (and teachers) came together from across the country with a heart to influence the culture in their communities, through the story of Jesus. Whilst in Canberra, Miss Grounds, Mr Solymosi and students had the opportunity of catching up with one of our past students, Philip Mathews, who is currently training in the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). I will always remember how Philip admirably juggled his final Year 12 exams with the 2nd stage of interviewing in Canberra, and of course after this he was offered a position.  Philip had definitely developed some solid study habits throughout secondary school to manage himself well.

Compass Student Leadership
Canberra Conference with alumni student Philip Mathews

This is a timely reminder on the importance of a good study routine. We are certainly getting to the busy end of the term, with revision week starting next week. Students have been encouraged to ensure they have a study routine and are working hard in their main job, which is Senior College!

QCAA recommends that senior students should be involved in 2 to 4 hours of homework and study each night to prepare adequately for final assignment work and end of term exams. Senior College exam timetables have recently been emailed to both parents and students, with a minimum of two weeks notice – plenty of time to communicate with employers to alleviate paid work
duties during the very important exam time.

The following is encouraged:
•       Get organised, develop a plan (Utilise weekly planners)
•       Work diligently (A healthy attitude by putting effort into Senior)
•       Meet due dates (Be aware and work towards meeting deadlines)
•       Seek support, as needed (Family, teachers, subject websites, weekly workshops)
•       Celebrate & Recharge (End of term breaks are important for recharging)

To support students in reaching their potential and for meeting deadlines, there are policies and procedures in place with clear guidelines, including:
•       Due Dates (Draft & final dates outlined on Assessment schedule & the PCC Calendar)
•       Senior College Assessment Policy (For detailed information on drafts, finals. Extensions, extenuating circumstances)
•       Request for Extension Form (For those extenuating circumstances where deadlines cannot be met)

A reminder that QCAA states that 10 unexplained absences per year can place a student at risk of not graduating that year level. When absent, especially for Senior assessment, a medical certificate must be obtained and a copy provided to Student Services. To further promote well-developed and effective studying habits, students in Yr 7, 9, 10 & 11 have recently attended a study skills workshop by “Elevate Education”. Yr 8 & 12 have a workshop coming up next term. Elevate seminars are study type workshops focused on teaching students skills to help them further consolidate important research and study skills.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me via Student Services or direct via email at: rwallis@parklands.qld.edu.au

Richest Blessings,
Mrs Rebecca Wallis
Coordinator of Senior College

Compass Christian Schools Conference

It was a joy and privilege to take our Year 12 Student Leaders to the four day residential Compass Schools Conference in Canberra again this year.  Through the Biblical themes of creation, fall and redemption, students were encouraged to wrestle with how their faith, life and vocation connect. Activities included lectures, discussion forums and small groups, as well as organised visits to the Federal Parliament, the Australian War Memorial, and meeting captains from other Christian schools.  Our students were exemplary in their conduct and attitude – even receiving a compliment from the security officer in Parliament House who made a point of telling me how polite and respectful our students are!  Not only were our students courteous, they also enacted their faith through looking after others and praying for other students. They actively engaged with the topics presented, and carefully considered how they implement their learning in their personal lives as well as through their leadership in the College.

Ms Jess Grounds
Head of Secondary

I had the absolute privilege of accompanying our student captains to the annual student leaders conference hosted by the Compass Foundation in Canberra over the last few days. What a delight it was to witness our students connect with leaders from Christian schools around the country!

The conference took us on an exciting journey through God’s great story. That story begins with the marvel of creation, continues with the despair of our separation from God, and Jesus’ grand plan to restore us. It concludes with the final chapter, His glorious return. We understood how humbling it is to play but one small part of this huge story. At the same time, we also recognised how privileged we are to play a role in it!

Every day, we hear, see and experience narratives that compete with this story. TV advertisements tell those magnificently well. Coca-Cola, for example, imagines the story of “seven billion unique yous who are all special in their own way”:

No feet have wandered where you’ve walked,
No eyes saw what you’ve seen.
No one’s lived the life you live,
No head has held your dreams.

To act the same would be mundane—
What a boring thing to do!
That’s why there is just one me
and a billion unique yous.
(Excerpt from “The Wonder of Us” Coca Cola ad)

Coca-Cola’s story is the story of yourself. Be unique, be different, be exciting, be yourself. Don’t walk where others have walked, don’t imitate anyone (especially if that imitation is based on thousands of years of “boring” Christian discipleship), don’t dream or think the same.

On the screen, we see so many beautiful, content and grateful people who seem to flourish on this advice! The YouTube comments of this video tell of viewers wiping tears off their face. How much do they yearn to fill the void inside that longs for satisfaction and fulfilment! We all do.

The problem is that there is no Coke that was made just for me. There will never be. Each bottle I drink will soon be empty, and it will leave me empty too. There is, of course, the “water of life” that will never leave me thirsty again, but that’s part of God’s story.

The second story is a shallow hope. It presents a veneer of satisfaction and fulfilment but it doesn’t explain anything. It especially does not provide any answers or hope in the face of pain, tragedy, sickness or anything else that we call the “real life”. God’s big story, on the other hand, has a place for everything and everyone.

In God’s story, we are also “a billion unique yous”. But we are connected as “one body” too. Our life is also new and exciting, but it is grounded in history and the Christian tradition too.

I am grateful that every school day we get the privilege to invite all of our students into this deep, rich and purposeful story. God’s great story – It’s the Real Thing.

God bless
Mr Johannes Solymosi

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

Cully Capers

It was great to see so many of our Parklands supporters while we were in Australia over Christmas! For all of those people who were able to make it, thanks for coming and supporting us, it was great to see you all.  We felt blessed to have so many people come and listen to us, wish us well and treat us like family, it really felt like coming home. I had the opportunity to take a tour of the new Baskerville Sports Centre, and see the progress of the new commercial kitchen facilities. These two buildings look amazing, and they are a real blessing to the school.  Actually, I’m a little jealous that I won’t be around to enjoy these facilities myself.  I am particularly disappointed that I won’t be able to drop in to the new commercial kitchen and sample the culinary delights that will be produced there. I do hope someone is carrying on the tradition of “quality control” for the home economics department in my absence.

A part from a few official duties at Gateway Baptist Church, we spent the majority of our time with family at the beach feeling truly relaxed.  We miss Australian beaches! I don’t think we will make it home now for another couple of years, which made us appreciate the experience all the more. There is so much of the Australian way of life that I used to take for granted.  Now, after being home for a little while, I have come to appreciate Australia more than ever before.  For instance, I don’t think I will ever complain about Australian roads and traffic conditions ever again.  It was truly a pleasure to drive on the correct side of the road, not have to dodge motorbikes, people and dogs, or navigate my way around violently swerving Jeepnies.  And I loved that I could travel several kilometers at a time at more than walking pace.   Reality hit when we returned to Cebu and it took us over an hour to get back from the air port (35km).

When we first arrived back in Australia, we were overwhelmed by the generosity and care of our many supporters who had given generously of their money and resources so we could enjoy Christmas and have a holiday. We arrived at my father-in-law’s house to see a room full of groceries, gift vouchers and Christmas goodies.  From the bottom of our hearts, the Cully family want to say a great big thank you to everyone who gave so generously and thoughtfully.  The sacrificial giving of our supporters, friends and family are what enables us to be in Cebu and do what we do.  Bloom Cebu is open today because Australians are giving regularly and generously.  Right now we are finalizing our 2018/19 budget and we are eager to secure a little more monthly support to keep us here in Cebu.  In particular, we would like to enroll our children in one of the local international schools, and schooling here in the Philippines is not something we can currently afford.  Our kids are doing well as they study through Brisbane School of Distance Education, but we would prefer them having more contact with their peers and engaging in school extra-curricular activities.  Its often hard for them to see their friends going to camp, excursions, attend special events and doing fun things at school when they are stuck at home by themselves most days.  Any regular support is appreciated, and it doesn’t have to be large amounts, the Australian dollar goes a long way over here in Cebu. We have individual monthly deposits ranging from $40 to $400, and every dollar is appreciated.

To join the Cully Capers Support Team, please visit www.cullycapers.com and choose your method of support.  We would love to have your support and regularly keep in touch.

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

www.facebook.com/pccnews

A student’s Speech and Language skills form the foundation for all learning at school.

Does your child have difficulties in any of the following areas?

• Listening
• Speaking
• Learning
• Reading
• Writing
• Spelling
• Pronunciation
• Language
• Socialising & Behaviour

If so, it may be the result of an underlying Speech and Language difficulty.

Michelle Sparg is a private certified practicing Speech Pathologist with over 20 years of experience. Michelle has worked successfully at our school for a number of years working alongside students, parents and teachers to maximise learning potential within the classroom. Assessment and therapy are offered at school within school hours in collaboration with students, parents and staff.

For further information, please contact:

Michelle Sparg on sparg4@bigpond.com or 0435 492 716.

If you have any questions about the above services provided please contact  Jo Anderson via email at janderson@parklands.qld.edu.au