In this issue

Blue Light Disco

Write Like an Author Camp

WLAA189

Orion Lagoon Little Lifesavers Program

Orions Little Lifesavers Flyer

PCC Parent Prayer group

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

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.

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.

Students can come along to the class or contact Colin for more information on 0438 865 800 or email colingarrick@gmail.com

Free Dental Care

FREE DENTAL CARE

Park Ridge Healing Rooms

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.

If you are new to our school and wondering what The Friendlies are all about, we are what some schools 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”.

We are excited to be holding a Family Portrait Fundraiser this term on Saturday 21^st of March 2020. What a great excuse to get the kids together to have a family photo with you! For only a $15 booking fee you will receive one 10”x13” family portrait along with a keyring. An adult needs to be in this photo. The remaining portraits taken may be purchased if you wish to do so on the collection date (TBA). There is no obligation to purchase more photos. If you would like to secure a spot (please choose the first available time slot) click on the link: http://www.trybooking.com/BIGFT  for more details please refer to the College Calendar.

The Friendlies meetings are always open and welcoming to any families within our Parklands community. Our first meeting for 2020 was cancelled due to the flash flooding. The March meeting is now our first meeting for 2020. It will be held at Jimboomba Maccas on Friday 13^th March at 6.45 pm. We would love to see you there!

If you are not available to come to meetings but would like 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 email list.

Keep Smiling

The Friendlies Team

Surviving Year 12

The media and those around us can spread a lot of hype and pressure about year 12, but putting things into perspective can really help to avoid becoming overwhelmed.  The final year of secondary school is important, but it will not be the most important year of your life. Keep things in perspective because you’re far more than your ATAR score or your QCE certificate.

Your performance in Year 12 is only a measure of your ability in a test or exam at one point in time. It does not control your future success or happiness.  If you feel overwhelmed at school or something isn’t quite working for you right now,  then talk to your teachers, or Mrs Wallis and/or myself to find out what your options are. Remember there are many ways to reach your goals.

For more resources about surviving Year 12 and looking after your child’s mental health go to Beyond Blue Youth Beyond Blue Surviving Year 12 .

Life after learning

And don’t forget to remind your child there is life after Year 12 exams!

Whatever your child wants to do with their life, there’s always a way for them to achieve their objective. If they have determination and a positive attitude, and are willing to do whatever it takes, they can always get where they want to go – they might just have to take a different route to get there.

VETis – Vocational Education and Training in Schools

Senior school students are increasingly combining their studies with vocational training in a bid to improve their employability and tertiary education options.  As well as school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, vocational education and training in schools (VETis) programs involve qualifications for a multitude of professions – from Certificate I to Diploma level.  Undertaking VETis can provide students with the skills to immediately secure work or continue their training as a second-year apprentice after school.  It can also be used as a pathway to university.

Using Business as an example, a student may do a Certificate III in Business (at school) and then go on to study a Diploma in Business before undertaking a business degree at university.  Or in the case of children’s services, if you complete a Certificate III whilst at school, then go on to do a Diploma after school, you may gain credit at university for completed units.    Areas of vocational courses currently studied by Parklands students include electrotechnology, children’s services, hospitality, engineering, diesel fitting, sport and recreation/fitness, retail, graphic design, beauty services, health support, fashion design/technology, animal studies and rural studies.

For more information on VETis. VETis

VET in Senior (Year 10, 11, 12)

 Parklands Christian College

Onsite VET classes

Year 10:                Certificate I in Active Volunteering, Certificate III Hospitality

Year 11:                Certificate II in Engineering Pathways, Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate III Fitness

                                Certificate III Business

Year 12:                Certificate II in Engineering Pathways, Certificate II in Hospitality, Certificate III Fitness

                                Certificate III Business

 TAFE/private colleges (off-site)

Eleven of our students are off-site at various TAFE campuses completing certificates in

• electrical
• beauty services
• fashion design and technology
• sampling and measurement
• graphics and design
• automotive vehicle preparation
• crime and justice studies

One student has commenced a Certificate III in Screen and Media at the Queensland School of Film and Television.

 SATS (School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships)

Currently, we have 14 students employed as paid school-based apprentices or trainees (SATs) in the following industries.  These opportunities would not be possible without the generous involvement of employers in the local and wider South East region and the college is grateful for their commitment to our students.

• engineering and diesel fitting
• hospitality
• business administration in the disability support industry
• children’s services
• individual support and nursing at Logan Hospital
• hairdressing with Stefan Hair Salons

In next month’s news:

 “How do I find a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship”?

Welcome to our fabulous Give It A Go! Band students! It’s been very exciting to hear students making their first sounds on a new instrument & to see their faces light up. We’re so pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to so many students. There are lots of ways for your child to be involved in music at Parklands – you can start music lessons at any time of the year, please download the attached file to access more information and an enrolment form.

Singing Lessons

The most recent exciting development in our Instrumental department is the commencement of vocal lessons. Singing lessons are now available to students across the College from Years 5-12, with our experienced and qualified singing teacher. If your child would like to have singing lessons, you can enrol them by completing the attached enrolment form & returning it to Student Services.

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 have in fact opened places up to Year 4 students as well. We’ve had lots of interest from these Year 4’s, so it’ll be great to have these students learning music. Term 1 involves lessons only, then in Term 2 we will bring all the students together to form the Give It A Go! Band. Band rehearsals will be Wednesday mornings, starting at 7:30am.

Lessons & Rehearsals

Instrumental music lessons are settling into their rhythm, and Give It A Go! lessons have just begun in week 5. Choir & Wind Ensemble rehearsals are all underway, 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)

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

1. 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

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. When a Group of 2 or 3 is not available, students will be offered a 20min private lesson for $22/20mins.

Enrolment forms are available for download below, or by emailing instruments@parklands.qld.edu.au

__PCC Music Department Guidelines with form

Allied Health Services at Parklands Christian College

Katie-Leigh Paulsen
Senior Occupational Therapist

In Sync Kids OT are located in the Ark room at Parklands. In Sync Kids aim to make every child successful at being a kid by nurturing their foundational skills, encouraging confidence and increasing independence at school and home.

Occupational Therapy can assist children who experience: difficulties with self-regulation and attention, poor coping and participation in the classroom, delays in gross motor (sports) or fine motor skills (handwriting), challenges with visual tracking or visual perceptual skills and social/emotional difficulties.

Contact Katie to discuss to enquire about occupational therapy services for your child on 0424142404 or email Katie-leigh.paulsen@insynckidsot.com.

You can also check out the website www.insynckidsot.com more information.

Michelle Sparg
Speech Pathologist

A student’s speech, language & communication skills form the foundation for all learning at school.

Does your child experience difficulties in any of the following areas?
• Understanding/Comprehension
• Talking/Language Expression
• Pronunciation
• Reading and writing/literacy
• Listening
• Learning
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Voice
• Fluency/Stuttering
• Socialising and friendships
• Behaviour.

If so, it may be the result of an underlying Speech and Language difficulty. Speech Pathologists study, diagnose and treat communication disorders, including difficulties with speaking, listening, understanding language, reading, writing, social skills, stuttering and using voice. Speech Pathologists assess and provide life-improving treatment, support and care.
Michelle Sparg is an independent, mobile, private, certified practicing Speech Pathologist with over 23 years of generalised & highly specialist Speech Pathology experience having worked very successfully with Kindy, Primary & High School students across many varied contexts in 3 countries.

Michelle is in her 8th year of working successfully at our school alongside students, parents, teachers & learning support staff to maximise learning potential within the classroom.
Assessment & therapy are offered at school within school hours. It is convenient for busy parents as well as for students who can be seen during school hours when they are not too tired to learn.

Therapy goals are planned according to the student’s current strengths and needs in the light of their current curriculum demands in collaboration with school staff.
For further information on this highly valued service currently offered at our school, please contact:

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

School Photo Day is fast approaching

Have your child’s school memories captured forever on Tuesday 28th April, 2020

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 7:30AM 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.
  • Year 10-12 students are to wear their correct winter academic uniform (blazers for all and males to wear long pants and their tie).
  • Year 12 students must bring their senior jersey.

It has been wonderful to see students and families return for the new academic year. During our orientation program, senior 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 are well into the second week of Term, all seniors should have established a nightly study and revision routine, which will assist in the busy weeks ahead.

Academic success is not simply to do with ones intellectual ability but has much to do with a well-developed study skills. 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.

We ask that parents continue to offer assistance by encouraging your child to talk through their goals and to make use of both a diary (electronic or paper version) and to develop a study planner. 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 year’s 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. Please note, this can be subject to change.

• Senior College Calendar

For live and up-to-date information on assessment and key dates, 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.

Secondary Tutoring Program 2020

There are parental permission forms that need returning, for before or after school workshops. One of the many and varied workshops is our Zenith Club, run on a Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon and coordinated by Miss Abby Dixon. Zenith Cub is supervised by a variety of teachers. Your child may request to have a particular teacher meet at Zenith, when requiring extra support.

Year 10 and Year 11 students are able to request a change of subject up until Friday 14^th February, after which subjects are locked in for the semester. If your child is feeling unsure about their academic pathway, please encourage them to speak with Mrs Hudson (Vocational Education & Training Officer), their Pastoral Care (PC) teacher, Abby Dixon (Year 10 Coordinator) or myself. We are passionate about senior students knowing there are options and to be in a pathway that matches their interest, skillset and ability – so they can work towards their God given potential.

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 extra-curricular 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

School Zone, Cark Park Speed and Vigilance

A reminder to please obey the 40klm School Zone speed around the school 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.

Can I ask that you 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 to cars!

We ask that parents only park in the designated car parks and NOT on the “No Parking” grass area at the top of Hillcrest Road for sporting events or on the grass area next to the fire service road below the Yr. 5 classrooms.

Toys

Recently we seem to have lots of toys (walkie talkies, Pokémon cards, trucks, teddies etc.) being brought to school. Please, can I ask that children do NOT bring toys or personal possessions to school? The reason for this school policy is that it causes problems when things get lost, broken, taken or cause disagreements when ‘swaps’ take place. The only time children can bring toys into school is for “show & tell” (items to be left in class) or if children have been asked to do so by teachers, as part of their learning.

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!

Student Collection and Pick Up Time

Our school hours are 8am – 4pm. We are unfortunately finding that several parents are taking advantage of the fact that students are brought up to Student Services after 3:30 but are still not arriving to collect their child/ren by 4pm.

Can we please ask that all students are collected by 4pm sharp or kindly advise Student Services of your late arrival?

Thank you for your support and understanding in this matter

Primary Student Leadership

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

Well done 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:                                                      VICE CAPTAIN

1. Alexis Irwin                                          1.  Annabelle Rauwendaal
2. Ashtyn Jackson                                   2.  Braxtyn Nam

ART CAPTAIN:  Anabelle Langfield

MUSIC CAPTAIN:  Bobbie-Leigh Dean

LIBRARY CAPTAINS:  1.  Megdalena Muluberhan  &    2. Jesse Rose

SPORT CAPTAINS:  1.  Natalia Marsh    &     2.  Judah Cully

CHAPEL CAPTAINS:   1.  Sarah Bazley    &     2. Cody Doolan

CLASS AMBASSADORS                                                     

• Prep H – Lily Doedens
• Prep F – Emma Moreton
• 1 C – Amelia Prevett
• 1 D – Clare Richardson
• 2 K – Lucy-Anne Reise
• 2 M – Eleanor Krueger
• 3 A – Hannah Veltkamp
• 3 K – Charlotte Tonges
• 4 B – Kate Cole-Gibson
• 4 P – Caitlyn Cresswell
• 5 E – James Gray
• 5 N – Christina Thomas
• 6 B – Mercedes Barallon
• 6 H – Shae Kirkwood

We pray you have a wonderful year assisting and guiding students.

Each year, we take our College Captains to Canberra for the Compass Leadership Conference, and two of our alumni who live in Canberra kindly make the effort to meet up with us while we’re there. Both Tina and Philip have siblings at the school, Tina’s sister is on staff with us, and I just love how connected in their families are with our Parklands family. Seeing these past students, who I taught in Maths and Science classes, is such a highlight, as I get to see them thriving in their adventures as young adults. Indeed, a highlight at many of our College events, such as fete, is the many alumni who join us for the event. To see our students all grown up and living their life, and to know that they care enough to come back to us and to say hi, is so heart-warming as an educator. At Parklands, it’s not the career that we are primarily wanting to know about – though of course we want each student to leave well-equipped for work or further study – but ‘are they okay?’ Knowing that life is complex and it can take some time to find their niche, we want to know that they are equipped to navigate these complexities of the ups and downs of life. Do our alumni have quality relationships with their family and friends, are they progressing on their spiritual journey, are they thriving, do they know their worth? These are what reassure us, along with a joy at hearing the varied work and studies that our alumni move on to.

The connections made as students are valuable and can be ongoing, both with specific teachers and with the College. We consider our teachers to be “role-model disciplers”, to love our students while educating them. To see Tina and Philip, and no doubt many more alumni throughout 2020, to see them thriving, is such a joy, and as we partner with families in the educational journey of our current students, so too do we come alongside families to love our students, educate them, and seek to encourage them to thrive.

Year 7 are currently halfway through term one.

It feels crazy for me to say that, as it feels like we have just welcomed 60 new faces into our Secondary school, but our beautiful Year 7’s have been here for six weeks now.

During the first weeks of term, Year 7 have fearlessly worked towards being prepared for class, moving around the college campus and setting up homework and assignment structures at home. I have loved seeing them use their new school diaries to organise their worlds.

I have had many wonderful talks with students about their budding curiosity in their school subjects and have enjoyed watching the students feel the ‘spark of joy’ in their learning.

I have encouraged the year 7’s to continue to show our Year 7 motto and college values as they move into the busy assessment season of term. Please talk to your child about how they are going to be prepared for the upcoming busy weeks of term.

– Do they need help with an assignment task?
– Can you together set up an afterschool study structure?
– Can you use Zenith Club on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon?
– Do they need to talk about their feelings before they can begin planning and working on assessment and setting up a study structure (sometimes a hug or sometime of connection with a loved one is just what was needed)
– What positive choices can they make to be a powerful person this term?
– What positive choices can they make to help their peers be their best?

Study Tips from a Middle School Teacher

1. Have a consistent safe place to study
2. Don’t wait until the last minute
3. Don’t rely on your memory (use tools to help you)
   Note – More about this below
4. Stay organised and don’t have everything in one book
5. Use parents or peers to help you study
6. Talk to an accountability partner about how you are going
7. Ask for help, early!
8. Prioritise school (think of the holidays as your reward)

Zenith Club

Miss Abby Dixon facilitates Zenith Club, an afterschool homework and study club where students have access to a safe, productive and quiet learning space to work on homework and assessment. Our teachers and Senior leaders volunteer their time to mentor and tutor younger students and assist them in preparing for their classes.
Zenith runs from 3.30 – 4.30pm in the Vocational Centre and Miss Dixon can be emailed regarding this club adixon@parklands.qld.edu.au)

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

Uniform at Parklands

I love seeing our students in our white, blue and red uniform.  It’s a uniform that is distinct, and sets our students apart, clearly identifying our students as part of the Parklands community.  As a parent, I like seeing my kids go off to school in uniform, but sometimes it’s a little hard to keep up with all the school rules, regulations and schedules around uniform.  Sometimes it would be easier to stop caring if their uniform is washed, or they are wearing the correct socks.  In the teenage years it’s increasingly difficult to manage the uniform of someone who is old enough to dress themselves.  For a few children, uniform can become a complex issue, as the filter of friends, trends and popularity influences their self-image. During these times, it’s tempting for some parents to back off, abdicate responsibility or even add to the complexity by allowing slips in standards to avoid conflict.

I get it, believe me!  I have been dealing with uniform issues with students for much of my career.  I have seen students cry over cutting their hair, removing makeup or handing over jewellery.  I’ve even seen my fair share of parents in tears over their children’s choices, and the distress some people experience when a teen or pre-teen is unhappy.  As a parent, I have endured uniform complaints and I have faced the wrath of a grumpy child forced to comply with school rules.  During these difficult moments, all I can do is offer my empathy and understanding.  And during these times, it’s important to remember that in only a few short years, most kids will look back at their aversion to rules, and roll their eyes and laugh at their own behaviour.  One day our children will realise that school rules are pretty insignificant next to the rules and expectations they will work with for the rest of their adult lives.

Our rules are not designed to “crush self-expression” or “supress individuality”…true statements!  Our rules do offer students boundaries about how they dress, removes judgement and comparisons over clothing and fashion, encourages basic compliance, and promotes community and team spirit.  There is no Biblical basis from which we derive our rules, nor is there any research to suggest uniform in-of-itself improves grades.  Our rules are simply a set of expectations about how our community operates on a day by day basis, year after year.  Our uniform rules may change over time, but the spirit of our policies and procedures will endure to simplify and enhance the school experience for us all.  Our rules are consistent and equitably applied, and while a very small percentage of our students have occasional uniform malfunctions or suffer from poor choices regarding our rules, we work hard at maintaining a reasonable and sensible set of rules around uniform.

As a community, we need to band together and stay committed to our values, culture and rules, and I thank the majority of parents who do this regularly.  When families join our school, our policies and procedures around uniform are clearly explained and are published online for all to see.  Parents are responsible to leave their children at Parklands each day with the resources they need, and in full and correct uniform, and College Staff are responsible to spend their time educating children and managing their care, and it’s a big enough job without adding uniform infringements to it. Please help your student attend school in full and correct uniform every day, from the hat on top of their heads, to the leather shoes on their feet. For more information about uniform, please visit our web site at http://parklands.qld.edu.au/uniforms/

Mr Gary Cully
Principal

Mr. Gary Cully
Principal

From Saturday 29^th February to Tuesday 3^rd March, our College Captains, Ms Grounds and I attended the Compass Student Leaders Conference in Canberra.  Over the four days of conference, our students were inspired to think deeply about some big questions of life, grapple with the biblical story, and consider what they believe.  I know our students return from this conference each year very challenged, and sometimes a little shaken as they consider their place and purpose in the school, the wider community and even in life.   Every year I attend this conference, I am similarly challenged, shaken and inspired afresh to deeply consider my place in our school community, my family and the wider community, and how I am uniquely placed to serve. And as I consider my place and purpose, I have to acknowledge that my life today and even my history, is a part of a greater narrative that connects us all and sets the foundation for a story to come.

What is he on about I hear you saying?  What story are we connected to?  Well, I’m talking about a story that we are all connected to.  As we live together as neighbours, friends, relatives and community members, we are connected.  We each bring our unique gifts, talents and abilities to the story.  We have passions, opinions, bias and bents.  Some are sporty, some academic and some both.  Some of us love the outdoors, and some enjoy small spaces.  Some of us believe in God, others are still searching.  We have all experienced happiness, sadness, tragedy and joy.  And yet despite our various differences, similarities, beliefs and history, we are connected through our children, schools, sports clubs and churches.  We live in neighbourhoods teeming with people, drive in shared spaces and shop, play and entertain and find entertainment in homes, shopping centres, and parks. We are busy, noisy and surrounded by people, and yet people still tragically cry out in search for connection and still search for their place in a story.

What story are you connected to?  Is your story shaped by tragedy?  Perhaps your story is an adventure? How do you write your story?  Are you a victim or survivor?  Are you the author, or do you feel your story is written for you?  I think some of these questions are important for us to be able to answer, because “history is who we are and why we are the way we are” (David McCullough). In other words, everyone needs to appreciate their past to understand their present, and likewise our kids need to be part of a greater narrative to help them to continue the story. I would like to think that our shared Parklands Family, in some small way will provide a foundation from which our students can build their life and write their story.  However, it is the story of family that will most shape the story of our children, and we need to be careful what we are writing on the pages of their early lives.

Like an increasing number of Australians, I came from a broken family, and when my mother and father divorced the pages of my life were irrevocably marked.  This breakdown in family connection impacted my perception and changed a little of my thinking, attitudes and behaviours.  Likewise, when a family experiences change, tragedy or trauma, each member’s pages are written upon uniquely, and the following pages are tinged with the story of the pages before.  As a parent, I need to make sure I am writing valuable things on my kids’ life pages that sets up a positive foundation for the next chapter, as best as I can. As a father, I need to be mindful that the challenging chapters of my past do not provide a foundation of tragedy in my kid’s lives.  Instead, I want to use my story to teach them that pain and sorrow can be survived, and learned from.  Life is tough, and I can’t protect my children from “life”, but I can start their story well, and then release them when the time is right to continue writing and find their place in the greater narrative and connect with others who will help them to keep writing their story.

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

School Photo Day is fast approaching

Have your child’s school memories captured forever on Tuesday 28th April, 2020

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 7:30AM 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.
  • Year 10-12 students are to wear their correct winter academic uniform (blazers for all and males to wear long pants and their tie).
  • Year 12 students must bring their senior jersey.

YEAR 1

Year 1 have been busy exploring numbers to 100. We had lots of fun this week in Math groups as we practised recognising, matching and building two-digit numbers, as we learned about place value. It was a tricky concept, but the kiddos challenged themselves to keep learning and it was great to see them cooperating together. We also enjoyed collecting data about our favourite ice cream flavours and displaying the information in fun picture graph.

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

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

Parklands Outside School Hours Care is situated within the school grounds of Parklands Christian College in the Prep Building Area.  The service operates for before school, after school and vacation care.  Before and after school care offers a nutritious breakfast/afternoon tea and children are able to engage in a variety of activities based on their interests.

During the school term the service operates from 6:30-8:30am and 3:00-6:00pm (with office staff available from 2pm), and vacation care from 6:30am-6:00pm.  Parklands OSHC have qualified educators and encourage parents and families to pop into the service to discuss any care needs, suggestions or ideas or alternatively via phone 3297 0577 or email: parklandsbookings@bigpond.com.

We currently have limited spots available for before and after school care and advise families that a current 2020 enrolment is required to accept all bookings including emergency care bookings.

We look forward to assisting with all your care needs.

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%

Term Dates 2020

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

School Days only