Newsletter 17.06.16 - Mamre Anglican School

Mamre Messenger Ph: 9834 1881 PO Box 88 St Marys NSW 1790 Email: [email protected]

Friday 17th June 2016 Dates for your diary… From the Principal’s Desk 21st Century Learning is currently a ‘buzz’ word in Education. Recently Mr Smith, Mr Oen and I travelled to Melbourne for an educational conference. Features of the conference included a variety of education strands vital for a school’s success. Delegates learned just how important effective assessment is in developing student achievement and teacher quality. Expert educators from Australia and overseas looked at the power of coaching in teacher development and how different models exist to fit unique schools and staff members. Theory and practice were brought together to help us as educators ensure all of our students are learning at high levels, including students with learning disabilities. We enhanced our knowledge about how to create differentiated classrooms through the use of technology and educate individual children according to their unique learning characteristics. We were encouraged to embrace a culture of collaboration and collective responsibility to student learning through Professional Learning Communities. Our staff here at Mamre, both teaching and non-teaching, are competent and eager members of a strong and cohesive team who are continually striving to deliver a well-rounded academic experience for the children in our care. We are glad you are on this journey with us.

The IT committee at Mamre are currently working on developing the ‘One to One Learning Program’ to be implemented in 2017. This incorporates the integration of technology into teaching and learning. The ‘One to One Learning Program’ not only provides students with access to expanded global resources and content but also provides students with the opportunity to take ownership of their learning and enhance creative problem solving skills. Before we embark on such an exciting journey, we would value the input of parents of students in years 5-12. Over the next week a short survey about one to one learning will be sent out via email. We appreciate the time you will take to complete the survey. Your feedback is valuable to us as it provides us with information about what parents know and understand about the program. It also provides us with feedback about what families can afford and enables us to make important decisions about implementation of the program in 2017. We are in the very early phase of this strategy, so information will be distributed in term 3 in the form of a parent information evening so the school community is well prepared. Mrs Cathie Graydon Principal

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 4-7

Monday 20th June Year 7 2017 Information Evening Tuesday 21st June Sport and Group Photos Wednesday 22nd June School Class and Individual and Sibling Photos Wednesday 22nd June Kindergarten 2017 Information Evening Thursday 23rd June Music and Drama Excursion - Beauty and the Beast Musical Friday 24th June Year 7 Vaccinations Friday 24th June School Disco—3 Year Olds-Year 6 Monday 27th June Jump Rope for Heart—Jump Off Friday 1st July K-6 Talent Quest Grand Final Performance Friday 1st July LAST DAY TERM 2 Friday 14th and 15th July Football Talent ID Training Camp Monday 25th July FIRST DAY TERM 3 Wednesday 3rd August Parent Teacher Evening Wednesday 10th August Mamre Mini Olympics

Over the past two weeks I have had the pleasure and privilege of reading the reports of every student in the Junior School. The aim of our academic reports is to share with you how your child has progressed this semester and to suggest ways forward to continue further progress. I understand student reports can bring mixed feelings for parents. There is a natural sense of pleasure and pride if your child is performing well. However, reports can bring angst, frustration and worry if your child has not progressed as you hoped or expected. I have found reports can mean anxious times for children too. Children worry if their parents will be disappointed or proud. Children take their cues from the adults in their lives. If they sense disappointment, they will be disappointed too – conversely, if they sense happiness and pride, they will see themselves as learners and as people whose self-esteem and worth is based on who they are, not what they achieve or accomplish. When you receive your child’s report may I encourage you to read the Parent Information section found in the opening pages of each report. This section outlines the Stage level of each year group, and how your child’s Achievement and Application grades have been allocated. The Application grades of the report indicate the effort level your child has put into their learning across the semester. Effort is an area within your child’s control and one that can be improved with additional organisation, focus and concentration. The Achievement grades of the report indicate your child’s overall level for each subject. It is important to note that the achievement level for your child is measured against a standard, not against other students. These standards or outcomes will change as a student progresses through each Stage of learning development. For example; a student in Year 2 in 2015 is at the end of Stage 1, while in Year 3 in 2016, the same student is at the beginning of Stage 2. Junior School staff have set high standards of achievement in our students in the allocation of grades. In order to reach a high grade, we believe the students need to consistently demonstrate exceptional levels of learning. Achievement Grades have been allocated as follows: A = 90+ B = 75 – 89 C = 50-74 D – 30-49 E = below 29 Finally, I also encourage you to note the last page of the report that speaks of each child’s Social Development (how well I get along with others) and Application to Learning (my work habits). As you are reading your child’s report, I offer the following suggestions:  Pitch your expectations in line with your child’s ability. Be honest and realistic.  Accept your child learns differently and at a different rate to their peers. It isn’t helpful for children to be compared to others – or even to their past. There are early developers, late bloomers and those that are steady and consistent. See your child’s current report as an indication of where they are now.  Build confidence. Self-confidence is a pre-cursor for learning. I am reminded of the quote from Walt Disney, “The secret of making dreams come true can be summarized in four C’s. They are Curiosity, Confidence, Courage, and Constancy; and the greatest of these is Confidence.”

As you and your child read their Report together, I ask you to consider the following:  Note your child’s strengths first  Focus on your child’s effort and attitude to learning  Analyse the social development of your child  Take into account your child’s view of their learning  Discuss the report with your child. Focus on strengths first. Examine areas of development.  Plan a way forward There will be a formal opportunity early next term to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss the report in detail. Children Learn What They Live By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D. If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn. If children live with hostility, they learn to fight. If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive. If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves. If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy. If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy. If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty. If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence. If children live with tolerance, they learn patience. If children live with praise, they learn appreciation. If children live with acceptance, they learn to love. If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves. If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal. If children live with sharing, they learn generosity. If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness. If children live with fairness, they learn justice. If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect. If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them. If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live. To Serve Christ Dean Smith [email protected]

We wish to say a big Thank You to the families who delivered the letterbox drop pamphlets for the Year 7 and Kindergarten Information evenings for us last weekend. We greatly appreciate the help.

Merit Award Recipients Congratulations to the following students who have received a beautiful Certificate of Merit during the past two weeks. Keep up the great work! Pre-Kindergarten: Arvin Cignarella, Tabitha Fazio, Adriana Tripodi, Isabella Withers 1.H: Joshua Carmona-Rochabrunt, Piro Eloco, Ivan Orlovic, Summer Smith 1.N: Genevieve Bazina, Isabella Callegari, Andy Dahn, Chloe Maclean, Levi Torres 2M: Jayce Joy, Demi Nikas-Hardy, Liam Thompson 2N: Zachary Burton, Charlotte Daquino, Katrina Gymellas, Kristian Vucina 3R: Riley Chavasse, Sandra Sogora, River Uelese 3/4.O: Jessica Kennedy, Talena Yan 4P: Zara Gilany, Hunter Ridgeway 5HW: Mary Stanic-Floody 5W: Kyanah Aloisio, Olivia Paruit 6.O: Allanah Carmona-Rochabrunt, Jonathon Coward, Caleb Kennedy, Brooklyn McCormack, Maddison Newham, Jessica Rutter, Sarah Wiseman-Best

House Points Week 7 4th Nicholls 3rd Andrews 2nd Flynn 1st Molloy

Week 8 =3rd Molloy and Nicolls =1st Andrews and Flynn

Overall standings for Term 2 4th Nicolls with 18 points 3rd Andrews with 19 points 2nd Flynn with 22 points 1st Molloy with 23 points

WELL DONE!! Home Reading Award Recipients Congratulations to the following students who have received a Home Reading Certificate in the past two weeks. KB: Aryan Cignarella, Sofia Dal Pra, Fidon Eloco, Willow Mackie, Noah Mepham, Anthony-Jorge Tsopanas, Lincoln Tuakalau KS: Maddison Cox, Riley Driver, Beau Hellman, Shyla McCauley, Jhobe Smith, Oliver Thomson, Lucas Turner, Sienna Van Leerdam 1.H: Piro Eloco, Makendra Newham, Yazmine Schmidt, Aaliyah Vehikite, Monica Vitanza, Zara Wilson 1.N: Genevieve Bazina, Marissa Fazio, Zack Fletcher, Lorelai Koller, Annie Lavender, Sophia Leslie, Levi Torres 2M: Peggy, Cruz Gonzalez, Natasha Matic, Nicholas Panarello, Cody Price, Ava Thomson 2N: Sienna Young, Grace Zahra 3R: Nickolas Alfaro, Elisha Battah, Nicholas Matic 3/4.O: Talena Yan 4P: Savannah Murray, Lachlan Price, Connor Smith 5HW: Jayda Gallagher 5W: Abagail Dixon, Paige Jacobs, Luka Mikic, Harman Nijjar, Sophia Tawfik 6.O: Jonathon Coward

Citizenship Congratulations to the following children for being this week’s Citizenship Award winners: 3 Year Old Program: Mercy Chol – For showing kindness to others and a willingness to share Pre-Kindergarten: Jax Constable – For always being respectful and leading others positively KB: Christian Hepworth – For always trying his best and having a positive attitude KS: Riley Driver – For demonstrating excellent numeracy skills 1.H: Summer Smith – For always having a positive attitude towards her learning and peers 1.N: Santiago Tamayo – For being a kind and caring student 2M: Abbey Cox – For being a caring friend and role model to others 2N: Kristian Vucina – For making great choices in the classroom and working independently 3R: Violet Crawford – For always demonstrating patience and kindness 3/4.O: Mya Wilson – For showing persistence with work and always welcoming others into groups and activities 4P: Abanoub Boktor – For being generous and thoughtful 5HW: Maddison Speer – For displaying a kind and caring attitude to her peers 5W: Lachlan Panarello – For consistent application in all areas and a mature and sensible outlook 6.O: Sofia Ruperto – For being a caring and considerate class member 6W: Rachael Chung – For being always willing to assist her teacher Workers of the Week Each week I have the privilege of spending time with the children looking at the work they have produced. I learn so much chatting with them and always marvel at the spark and wonder in their eyes and at their excitement in sharing their learning. It is thrilling to observe the pride they are taking in their bookwork. Congratulations to the following children for being the Workers of the Week for their class. Keep up the great work! 3 Year Old Program: Adam Bashour, Francesca Bazina, William Schmidt Pre-Kindergarten: Stephanie Daquino, Toby Galea, Kristabell Pearce, Patrick Sweis KB: Ruby Austin, Sofia Dal Pra, Fidon Eloco KS: Charli Cook, Ezra Gallagher, Beau Hellman, Sienna Van Leerdam 1.H: Oscar Burton, Georgie Glackin, Kaiden Ramos. Aaliyah Vehikite 1.N: Leo Campbell, Marissa Fazio, Chloe Maclean, Grace Minnicino 2M: Elijah Bilivalu, Cody Price, Ava Thomson, Liam Thompson 2N: Zachary Burton, Charlotte Daquino, Cooper Mathews, Sienna Young 3R: Elisha Battah, Katarini Campbell, Riley Chavasse, Marina Orlovic 3/4.O: Joe Dabic, Luke Kennedy, Luke Martin, Talena Yan 4P: Courtney Dollin, Vaughn Gilligan, Noah McCormack, Hunter Ridgeway 5HW: Alexia Bellino, Millicent Oxley, Akshay Maharaj, Luka Vucina 5W: Kyanah Aloisio, Richard Cunningham, Luka Mikic, Sophia Tawfik 6.O: Brooklyn McCormack, Maddison Newham, Josip Orlovic, Jessica Rutter 6W: Chloe Bell, Rachael Chung, Joshua Polchleb, Shenesh Salgado

… from the Library Premier’s Reading Challenge PRC is in full swing now across all K – 6 classes! This week we’ve had three more students complete the challenge – congratulations to Caleb Kennedy, Riley Chavasse and Christian Metias!!! If your child completed the challenge at a previous school, please contact Mrs MacDougall as soon as possible so she can inform the PRC and prevent your child from missing out on special awards and prizes.

Thank you, Mrs MacDougall and Mrs Thompson [email protected]

Tonga Sister School Update and Fundraising We are well and truly in the midst of fundraising for Tonga! The ‘Show your Colours’ Mufti Day last week was a huge success with all students having fun representing their favourite team  I would like to express my appreciation to Miss Brown, Year 11 Food Technology students and all students and staff who helped out for the BBQ. It was a huge task and I am very thankful to all involved! The day raised close to $1800 which will go towards buying laptops for the school in Tonga. The Pie Drive has also concluded this week – we have raised close to $800! Amazing! Thank you to those who purchased pies and cakes, the money will also go towards laptops, fixing the roof of the library and photocopy toner. Please remember, if you placed an order they need to be picked up between 3-5pm on Thursday 23rd of June from the Library. We can’t guarantee your order will be kept refrigerated overnight. Stationery Drive in the Junior School is also in full swing! Each class has been allocated an item to provide if you wish to contribute. Please see your class teacher for the item your class has been requested to bring in. All stationery needs to be brought in by Week 9. Finally, please keep the team and our sister school in your prayers as we plan for our travel in July. The team that is heading to Tonga in July is Salesi Vehikite, Caitlin Burrell, Sharon Palmer, April Reynolds, Sabina Lohrey, Yowan Selvadoss, Caleb Smith, Ryan Zahra and Olivia Hoffman, along with staff members including myself, Mr Oen, Miss Ryan, Miss Brown and Mrs Wilson.

Thank you, Mrs MacDougall [email protected]

Junior School Curriculum Corner Welcome to the Curriculum Corner of this week’s newsletter. Here, we will feature great ideas, teaching strategies and innovations from our wonderful Junior School staff. You might even see some awesome work samples from our students. This week, we visit Mr. Oxley and his Year 6O class during a Modelled Writing session led by Miss Skondro, a visiting teacher from Australian Catholic University. Teachers can use modelling to demonstrate, explain and even emphasise thought processes that expert Literacy users employ when using the English language. Modelled learning experiences often lead into guided activities where students can practise what teachers have modelled for them, guiding them towards greater independence.

In the picture above, we see Miss Skondro demonstrating and explaining how to apply spelling, grammar and punctuation skills when writing. As you can see, the students are very engaged!

Modelled lessons begin with clearly signalled learning intentions and discussion of specific criteria that students can use to ensure success. Here is what Year 6O was working on during their Modelled Writing lesson.

Pastoral Care in the Junior School Jump Rope for Heart 2016! Our school is participating in the Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart program and we would love your support! Your amazing efforts over the past 3 years have enabled us to donate over $20,000. Our school and your child(ren) also benefit from the money raised through the Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart. The Heart Foundation offers 10 percent of the money we raise to our school. We have been able to purchase playground resources. As a result, the year 6 Playground Activity Leaders are able to organise fun and educational activities for the children in the Junior School. Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart is an exciting and non-competitive program which encourages children to become more active through skipping, learning new skills and raising vital funds for heart research and community health programs. Jump Rope for Heart is also a great way to encourage children to get involved in our community and support Australia’s leading heart health charity, the Heart Foundation. The Jump Rope team provides us with lots of resources and support to implement the program and in return we ask that students help by seeking sponsorship for their involvement. This year, we would also like to have a parent team. Please send an email to [email protected] to register. The Jump Off will be held in WEEK 10 on MONDAY 27th JUNE, 2016 at 8:45am.

From the Director of Curriculum Dear Parents, Over the past three weeks senior school students have been completing their semester assessments and teaching staff continue to be very busy marking and writing reports. Students are to be commended on the way they have conducted themselves during the examination period and I pray and am sure that the results will be reflective of their learning. As the students are receiving the results and reports over the coming weeks, I encourage parents to sit with children to focus and talk about how each child can improve on the results gained. I also would encourage all parents to take up the opportunity of meeting the teachers in early next term at the Parent Teacher evening to discuss any issues and ideas regarding your child’s educational needs. Senior School Term 2 Assessments schedule: W9 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10

Year 11

Year 12

W10

Term 3 W1

PDHPE PDHPE English E1 Biology Food Technology

Music

Ancient History Modern History Music Physics Drama Maths General Maths Advanced Maths E1 PDHPE Chemistry

Food Technology

Dates to Diarise for Term 2/3 Monday 20 June: Year 7 2017 Information Evening Wednesday 3 August: Years 7-11 Parent Teacher Evening Monday 15 August till Friday 26 August Year 12 Trial Examinations Tuesday 30 August till Friday 9 September Year 11 Preliminary Examinations

PRAYER POINTS Pray for our Year 12 students as they prepare for the final assessments over the next 6-8 weeks Pray for staff as they continue marking and report writing

If you have any comments, questions or concerns please feel free to contact me. God bless Joemon Philip [email protected]

www.mhscareers.com is a great website for all sorts of information concerning careers and choices post school. I would encourage you and your students to utilise it. The school now subscribes to this website’s weekly careers bulletin, mhscareers, a service which allows students and parents to keep up to date with Careers News and Events. To see the news and calendar on www.mhscareers.com please use: Login: mamre

Password: mas4

Newsletters are sent weekly. To register to receive the newsletters use the CONTACT US page on www.mhscareers.com or send an email to [email protected] stating your name, email address, our school name, whether you are a student or parent and the state that you are registering for. On the website, have a look at the News Pages and Events Calendar and the many other useful careers pages. Google Classroom I will continue to pass on specific information to relevant students but I have also set up a Google classroom specifically for year 11 and 12 students for passing on information. Please have your student check this regularly. The code is: nfr59l

Dates for the diary Tuesday September 6 2016 The 2016 Western Sydney Apprenticeship & Traineeship Expo is coming! 3pm – 8pm Free Public Entry Penrith Panthers Exhibition Marquee – 123 Mulgoa Road, Penrith Brought to Penrith by TAFE NSW Western Sydney and supporting partners, Defence Force Recruiting, VERTO, MG My Gateway and the Nepean Careers Forum, the Expo is the perfect chance to apply for apprenticeships and traineeships from over 100 exhibitors representing industry, businesses, group training companies, registered training organisations and many more.

Year 10 Work Experience Year 10 should be actively seeking placement for their work experience in term 4. This is their responsibility but from time to time I place suggestions and leads that have come to my attention on the Work Experience Google Classroom. Students should check this regularly. The code is k8gpog. Recent additions include leads for Painting and Decorating and for Health and Beauty. Students may also choose to do community service at this time.

Carol Seymour Careers Advisor

THE MUSIC NOTE …With Mrs Townsley

Did you know… Children who study a musical instrument are more likely to excel in all of their studies, work better in teams, have enhanced critical thinking skills, stay in school, and pursue further education.

LEARN AN INSTRUMENT! MAS has some wonderful Peripatetic Teachers who are teaching our K-12 students piano, singing, guitar, bass and drums. Introducing our new singing tutor, Ms Tina Bangel!! Originally from the Philippines and moving to Australia at the age of 3, Tina found her voice and confidence through singing. She now has a thriving Singing school aimed to help kids and adults find, discover and master their voice. ACE Award-winning, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Music, and a seasoned performer with almost 2 decades of experience, she has helped thousands of students perform with international stars such as Charice and Tony award winning and vocal coach of The Voice Philippines, Lea Salonga. You might have also seen Tina’s students in professional shows such as The Sound of Music and The Lion King. Tina has been part of leading corporate bands in Sydney. Her performances include lead vocalist and backing vocalist for the New South Wales Police band, Channel 7, Mo Awards, NRL, Red Kite, KidsXpress, Park Hyatt Awards Night, various cabaret shows and many high profile weddings. In 2015 Tina was the top 3 Finalist for the International What’s On 4 Junior awards for the most outstanding activity leader for 5-12 year-olds. She also has a podcast on iTunes called “One Voice Can Change The World” where she interviews successful performers aimed to give inspiration and music business tips to the budding and seasoned performer. Visit her website tinabangel.com for more information! Mrs Phyllis Huthnance: Piano on Mondays Mr Craig Reardon: Guitar on Tuesdays Mr Joshua Baissari: Drums on Thursdays Ms Tina Bangel: Singing on Fridays

If you are interested, please see the front office for a form and we will get you started!

Watch this space for more MAS Music updates!

Bill Turner Trophy

Congratulations to the Bill Turner Trophy team who won their Round 4 game against PAC 4-0. With two goals to Jessica Curtale and one goal each to Julia Morales and Gemma Morgan, the team now progress to the Area Final! Well done girls!

Canteen Ordering At Mamre we use flexischools for online ordering from our school canteen www.flexischools.com.au We encourage all families to utilise flexischools when ordering from the canteen. Flexischools also have an app to make ordering easier.

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES TERM 3 & 4 As of term 3, all after school activities may be paid through Trybooking, an online payment system. Parents are still able to pay cash at the front office, but it will be more convenient to pay through the online system. The following after school activities will be available for Term 3 & 4. Once a student is enrolled in an activity, they will remain in the group for the entire term. Tennis (K-6) Monday 3.30 – 4.30pm - Pay online at http://www.trybooking.com/203567 Gymnastics (K-6) Tuesday 3.30 – 4.30pm - Pay online at http://www.trybooking.com/203568 Tutoring (K-10) Tuesday By appointment – ½ hour slots - Please email [email protected] Art Club (2-6) Wednesday 3.30 – 4.30pm - Pay online at http://www.trybooking.com/203569

Tennis, Gymnastics, Tutoring and Art Club Please see note in the Community section of our school website for more information—www.mamre.nsw.edu.au Students must register for these activities by Friday 24 June.

SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE TAKEN ON: Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 June 2016 _________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Parents, School photographs are scheduled to be taken by Advancedlife Photography. Whilst an envelope and flyer will be distributed shortly, if possible it is our preference that ordering be completed online to reduce administration and potential security issues related to the return of cash and envelopes on photo day. Orders for packages and sibling photographs can be placed securely online at www.advancedlife.com.au using our school’s unique 9 digit Online Order Code. Portrait and group package orders are due by photography day. Should you wish to purchase a sibling photograph online, the order must be placed no later than the day before photography day. Sibling photographs will only be taken if an order has been placed. Should you have any queries concerning school photographs or online ordering, please direct them via email to [email protected]

ORDER NOW WWW.ADVANCEDLIFE.COM.AU 9 Digit Online Order Code

D2F YF9 BTJ

OSHClub News Program Update

School holidays are fast approaching. If you are looking for care, the closest OSHClub centres to enrol your children are Penrith, Girraween, Kellyville and Parramatta. If any parents are interested, please book online. Julia and myself will print out the holiday program once it is released. We are aware that Mamre will be on holiday for three weeks, Cheila is in the process of sorting out whether we will run vacation care that last week. Once we have further information, we will send out an email. This fortnight our children have been super busy with fun activities such as making a time capsule, yoga, soccer, cricket and our younger children created a fire truck out of cardboard. This was a major project that some of the children really took interest in. The time capsule was also another fantastic activity; this activity consisted of the children writing a letter and giving it to Julia and Cheila to keep. The letters will be handed out at the end of the year and then the children will be given the opportunity to read their letter. The purpose of the time capsule is for the children to reflect on their year and to write a message for them to open at the end of the year. In this day and age social media has taken over society, so we wanted to do something different. For our new families joining our OSHClub community: Our centre is located in the high school section right opposite the hall and next to the field (astro turf), we are the second demountable. If there are any queries, you are most welcome to drop by our centre for a tour and/or information booklets. Our staff are more than happy to assist. We are available in our room from 2:30PM onwards or via our OSH mobile: 0401 754 866. We look forward to meeting you and hearing back from you soon. Parent Information

OSHC program phone: 0401 754 866 OSHClub Head Office: 03 8564 9000 All families who attend OSHClub must be enrolled at Mamre Anglican School to attend the program. It is free to register for OSHClub!! Please create an account online at www.oshclub.com.au All bookings and cancellations can also be managed via your online account. For on-the-day

Sponsors of Mamre Anglican School Fair 2015