NEWSLETTER 14€¦ · "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honour your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may

Term 2, Week 4 May 17, 2019

Crop Circles Principal's EditorialMany of you will be familiar with those mysterious crop circles that appear in grain fields around the world. All sorts of theories have been put forward to account for their appearance including the handiwork of aliens or some type of bizarre natural event. While there is no scientific evidence to back these and hoaxers have revealed that they have been responsible for many of them, they still generate a good deal of public interest.

In the Creation journal David Catchpoole reports that back in 1995 some underwater ‘crop circles’ were found off the coast of Japan. About two metres in size the circles appear to have been carved out of the sand in a very elaborate way and yet for over a decade their origins remained a mystery.

Now we know that the small (12cm) male puffer fish spends over a week building these to attract a female and if successful the eggs are laid in the soft sand at the centre of the intricate designs.

In nature we see many complex and sophisticated designs that appear to defy the processes of random chance and natural selection. For example, the human eye caused Charles Darwin to stop and wonder how something so complex could develop. In Chapter 6 of his famous book Origin of the Species, Darwin states: "To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree."

However Darwin went on to conclude that despite the seemingly impossible he still believed that it happened. Today with the advances in technology and particularly in molecular biology the seemingly impossible is looking absolutely impossible. Consequently there is now a need to find a different explanation for the complexity of life that surrounds us. For those who research in the areas of human biology, the eye is just one area where complexity in design is clearly evident.

In Psalms 139 King David wrote “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made” and although these words were written thousands of years ago they are looking more and more accurate. As the science reveals the delicate, intricate and beautiful designs - whether in the body or on the ocean floor - it’s all pointing to a Designer.

It’s worth a thought.

Mark B Vodéll Principal

July

May

June

Pupil Free DayFirst Day Term 1Term 3 Fees due (4% discount) School Production Yr 9&10 Careers ExpoYr 4&4 HooptimeYr 5&6 ASV Basketball

Mon 15 -Tue 26 -Fri 19 -

Wed 24 -Fri 26 -Fri 26 -

Wed 31 -

Festival of Faith SecondarySchool Photos L4L Urban DayFestival of Faith Church ServiceYr 9/10 SSV Division Sports Day SSV Divison Cross Country Yr 11/12 SSV Division Sports Day

Yr 7-11 EXAMS L4L Urban DayPupil Free DayQueens Birthday HolidayL4L Urban DayYr 12 GAT Open Morning 9:30- 10:30Working BeeYr 7/8 SSV Division Sports Day Yr 5/6 SSV Division Sports Day Yr 10 Work ExperienceFestival of Faith PrimaryParent Teacher InterviewsLast Day Term 2Festival of Faith Church Service

20-24 -Thur 23 -

Fri 24 -Sat 25 -Tue 28 -

Wed 29 -Thur 30 -

4-6 -Thur 6 -

Fri 7 -Mon 10 -Wed 12 -Wed 12 -Thur 13 -Sun 16 -

Thur 20 -Fri 21 -24-28 -24-28 -

Tue 25 -Fri 28 -

Sat 29 -

NEWSLETTER 14

www.gilson.vic.edu.auPhone: 03 9717 7300370 Bridge Inn Road, Mernda, VIC, 3754

Nurturing Young MindsOnline Time Management - FAQ

I can’t take my child’s phone away from them at night because they need it as an alarm in the morning. Getting enough sleep is essential for your child’s mental health, wellbeing and ability to learn. Viewing bright visual displays at night increases alertness and does not set them up for sleep. If they need an alarm, buy them one. The sleep battle is one worth fighting (use research to support your stance).

I can’t get my child offline at night because they are doing homework. Is there anything I should do? Chances are your child is doing homework at 11:30 p.m. because they were too busy socialising online earlier in the evening. I’d negotiate with your young person about how they might start homework earlier in the night. Do thirty minutes of homework as soon as they get home to get things rolling. Then they can alternate work blocks and social blocks. Often once they start they will be less prone to procrastinate throughout the night. Productivity software may also help. Consult your child’s year level coordinator to determine how much homework they have and how much they need the internet for this.

My child plays multiplayer games that go for hours; how do I manage this? Having alternating game and non-game nights is a good start. If they prove that they are unable to balance this in a reasonable way, consider banning the games during the week over the school term. Please keep in mind the quality of games played and the impact they have on the brain (see abundant research) https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/120/5/978.short

Nurturing Young Minds Edited by Dr Ramesh Manocha pages 92-101

Woolworths Earn and LearnThis year we have signed up for the Woolworths Earn and Learn sticker program!

If you find yourself (or Grandma, Grandpa or your next-door neighbour) restocking your pantry at the supermarket please collect the stickers for our school. You can stick the stickers onto the sheets provided and send them in to school or stickers can be left on the tape and we’ll do the rest. Extra sticker sheets are available at the office.

The more points we earn, the more we can redeem from a choice of over 10,000 educational resources including Mathematics and English resources, art and craft materials and much, much more! We are grateful for your support and look forward to a successful program.

Our Mission Statement -Our Vision -

Our Motto -

Through excellence in education to develop people of integrity and Christian character.

Nurture for today. Learning for tomorrow. Character for life.

Nihil Sine Deo - Nothing Without God

Value For Week 5 General News

OBEDIENCEObedience is the act of following instructions and showing respect. Obedience to God’s commands is the true sign of your love for God, and the only way you can know if you are obeying God is by knowing his Word. His Word tells us to obey and respect our parents and others in authority.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honour your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” - Ephesians 6:1-3

“Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you." - Hebrews 13:17

PB4L Focus I bring correct materials including my completed home learning; I am obedient.



Parent Volunteer Session/Literacy Support from homeWant to support your child in class or attend a school excursion? Need to fulfil your PEP hours? Come along to our Parent Volunteer information session (required every 3 years if you would like to volunteer with students) to find out what it looks like to volunteer your time in our school.

Wondering how to help your child develop their Reading skills? Stay immediately following the Parent Volunteer Information Session at 10:30am to hear how you can support your child at home and help improve their reading. Mrs Kerta will go through a simple plan you can use at home as well as hands-on practice on activities you can use with your child. Please RSVP to the office or to Mrs Batten by Tuesday 21st May.

Before and After School SupervisionPlease note that teacher supervision times are as follows:

Morning supervision starts at 8:15am. If you need to drop off a student for an early start excursion, please note that any siblings would need to be under parental care until 8:15am. Students who arrive before staff supervision times will need to be escorted to OSHC.

Before school supervision begins at 8:15am. After school supervision ends at 4:00pm. Out of these times students will be escorted to OSHC.

If you have pressing early or late afternoon appointments and it is a struggle to do drop off or pick up, please do not hesitate to book your child into the OSHC program. Feel free to contact Dorine Cadine (Mernda Oshc [email protected]) to find associated costs. The team runs a wonderful before and after school program!

PARENTVOLUNTEER

INFORMATIONSESSION

Please come along to our

R S V P t o M r s B a t t e nj o d i . b a t t e n @ g i l s o n . v i c . e d u . a u

2 4 T H O F M A Y • F R I D A Y • 9 : 3 0 A M - 1 0 : 3 0 A MA C A C I A R O O M

G I L S O N C O L L E G E M E R N D A

Please note that all volunteers must attend an information sessionevery 3 years and have a current 'Working With Children Check' in

order to volunteer at Gilson College Mernda.

PARENTEDUCATION

SESSION

Please come along to our

R S V P t o M r s B a t t e nj o d i . b a t t e n @ g i l s o n . v i c . e d u . a u

2 4 T H O F M A Y • F R I D A Y • 1 0 : 3 0 A M - 1 2 : 0 0 N O O NA C A C I A R O O M

G I L S O N C O L L E G E M E R N D A

Support your child's Literacyfrom home



Secondary News

Introducing the VTAC Careers Hub VTAC are pleased to announce the opening of the VTAC Careers Hub which has been developed to address the needs of the wider community in access to quality careers counselling.

The VTAC Careers Hub provides: • One-on-one professional counselling, expert advice on study and pathway options, the application process, overcoming barriers, employability and skills, job search skills, and workshops. • Quality counselling in accordance with CICA professional standards. All counselling is provided by practitioners with postgraduate qualifications in Career Development and Education.

While we expect that most users of these services will be mature age applicants who no longer have access to counselling in a school setting, the VTAC Careers Hub also welcomes bookings from secondary school students. For students with high needs, or those who require counselling beyond the resources of the school, you may wish to refer them to the VTAC Careers Hub.

Fees apply for VTAC Careers Hub services to cover operating expenses, however consultations are free for a limited time during the launch period. Concession rates will apply for eligible clients.

For more information about the VTAC Careers Hub and services, visit the website, email [email protected], or call (03) 9926 1020. https://wp.me/p1DkN3-W2

Division Badminton Yr 8 On Tuesday May 7th, the Year 8 Badminton team competed in the division competition. Students have been practising hard for this in class and lunchtimes, and they represented the school admirably.

The boys finished 4th in the competions and the girls finished 3rd. Congratulations to all the students for their hard work.

The GATFor any student completing a unit 3/4 subject, What is the GAT? The GAT is a three-hour test of your general knowledge and skills in: • Written communication. • Mathematics, science and technology. • Humanities, the arts and social sciences.

Why do you have to do the GAT? The GAT is an essential part of the VCE assessment process. While it is important that you attempt the GAT, the test does not count directly towards your VCE. However, GAT results may play a very important part in determining your final assessments for the VCE.

GAT results are used to check that your VCE external assessments and School- based Assessments have been accurately and fairly assessed. The GAT is used in these checks because its results are a good predictor of final assessment for VCE studies. If a student has done well in the GAT, they are likely to do well in their external assessments and School-based Assessments.

How to prepare for the GAT? VCE external assessments will be conducted on the Mernda campus for the first time this year. VCE external assessments include the GAT in June and subject exams during the month of November. The GAT will be held state wide on the 12 June, 2019.

No special study is required for the GAT.

The general knowledge and skills that are tested are those students have built up through their previous study in English, mathematics, science and social sciences. Each question provides all the information needed to work out the right answer.

You can get further information about the GAT, including previous GAT papers, answers to multiple-choice questions, and step-by-step instructions for completing the GAT, on the VCAA website

Tips on doing the GAT • Read all the information carefully. • Read each question and try to pick out the key ideas and information. • For the multiple-choice questions, try to quickly reject choices that appear to be wrong, then read the question again and select the answer most likely to be right. • Attempt all questions and do not spend too much time on any one question. • Questions can be revisited later.

See Brochure: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/exams/timetable.aspx



Religion and Society ExcursionOn Tuesday 14th of May, the Year 11s went to the Jewish Museum and Islamic Museum of Australia. It was an eventful and memorable day, filled with many highlights including a trip to an orthodox synagogue and even a trip to Jerusalem to see the 'Dome of the Rock' (through Virtual Reality - VR). Our students had glowing reports of the day.

Stacy says, 'It was a great experience to be able to learn about the history of the Jewish and Muslim people. How the history was full of different events which were not always easy but at the end made the people proud to be a part of their religion and culture. Merve and Peter who were giving us the tours, were both very helpful and were very nice and the tours were really good. It was great to see all the famous people in Australia and other parts of the world who are Jewish or Muslim. It made me feel honoured that we live in a country full of culture and great religions. It was also very interesting to find out about the different months and how the year is controlled by the moon in the Jewish religion. The synagogue was very beautiful and it was full of little details, which in the big picture it looks like a very sacred place. The scrolls were also a very interesting thing to see as it can take a year to write and has been passed from generations to generations.'

Many students found it 'enlightening' as they realised that we are able to relate to others in our similarities and understand how our differences also give us a greater and more powerful opportunity to love, more than we first perceived.

Inter House Girls NetballThis week our Girls Netball teams took to the court for the Open Girls match where our top Senior and Juniors combined forces to try get the win over the opposing House.

With Mrs Maclean umpiring and assisting with gameplay throughout, the girls seem to already be showing improvement. With Barnett sharp shooting from Aya and Divya, they managed to take an early lead which they held out to the end of the match.

Congratulations Barnett! Best of luck to the Senior Girls team as they start to prepare for their upcoming SSV Division matches.

Creation Ministries InternationalRecently at secondary chapel, students were treated to a thought-provoking presentation from Mark Emerson of Creation Ministries International. Mark comes from a successful professional background, having served in the RAAF for eight years as a Telecommunications Operator (Cryptographer), then with World Vision Australia as a Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Project Manager and IT Manager for 13½ years. Finally he was employed for over 16 years by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) as Senior IT Project Manager.

In his presentation, Mark highlighted some of the problems with the theory of Biological Evolution, as well as evidence for the Biblical Creation account. He encouraged our students to approach their study of the natural world with open and discerning minds. I believe his most compelling point related to the concept of irreducible complexity; the notion that there are many elements of biology that couldn’t have evolved. Instead, they had to have been designed all at once, with all of their components, in order to exist and function.

We’re very thankful to Mark and to Creation Ministries International for providing us with such a well-informed and engaging presentation.



Medieval FestivitiesKing Noah and Queen Amelia of Year 8 Gilson Kingdom planned a feast with their lords, knights and peasants. Lady of the court Navdeep oversaw all the planning and running of the event on the day directing the guests to their seats and organising the different activities of the feast.

There were the manners first, to be read by princess Karen, grace to be said over the food by priest Diesel, knighting of Page Mutsuwashe by the king and Lord Miles and a medieval feast would not be complete without a jestor. Liam the jestor performed beautifully for the king and queen and he can get away with anything and never offend the king or suffer the harsh medieval consequences like others do.

The maiden guests each were honoured with a flower garland to wear at the table.The food was prepared by the whole Gilson Kingdom in true medieval style. It was all very delicious and authentic. You never know you could be a recipient of an invitation by the king and queen next year so be prepared!



Inter House Boys SoccerWhile the weather outlook for the week looked bleak, there was almost no deviating from the Inter House Soccer match for the Open Boys competition.With a number of experienced Senior players in the mix it was set to be a great match from before the kickoff. The match did not disappoint with a game filled with close attempt shots on goals, fancy footwork and defensive hustle.

At the end of the day there was only going to be one winning team and with some great spacing on the field from Barnett, they were able to move the ball well up the field to Arash for the one and only goal of the game. Great work to both teams for putting on an excellent performance!

Inter House Girls SoccerThis busy term has seen yet another epic instalment to Inter House Competition between the Girls Soccer teams from each House. The outlook of the day was bleak with cold weather forecast, however this did not deter our girls from getting out there with shin guards on to fight for House Points on the soccer field.

In what was an incredibly close game it seemed like a shoot out may have been required so that the game did not finish with a tie. However in the dying minutes of the game Chloe managed to score a goal for Corliss to secure victory! Great work Corliss!



Religious FreedomOUR VALUES AND BELIEFS

The SenateA Federal election for the House of Representatives and half of the Senate will take place on Saturday 18 May.

This election will be the most critical for religious freedom in living memory.

Liberal Party

Labor Party

The Greens

One Nation

Australian Conservatives

The results of the federal election in the Senate will have a critical impact on the future of our schools and the protection of our values and beliefs. Whether Labor or the Coalition form Government, once again the final say on religious freedom will be in the hands of the Senate, and, critically, in the hands of the Senate cross-bench.

Careful consideration of how to vote in the Senate will be vital for all those committed to protecting our freedoms.

Against the background of the same sex marriage survey the Government commissioned the Expert Panel on Religious Freedom to review the protections for religious freedom in Australia and make recommendations on strengthening them.

Before the Panel’s report was even released malicious selective leaks became the justification for attempts to remove the existing, and long standing, protections for religious freedoms in Commonwealth law. Hiding behind the false claims of expulsions of same-sex attracted students legislation was introduced which would have threatened the ability of Christian schools to teach what we believe and operate our schools consistently with those beliefs. If the Green’s proposed amendments were accepted, we would also have lost our ability to employ staff who share those beliefs.

Religious Freedoms are at the heart of our shared values and beliefs. As many parents, carers, and grandparents say to us – it is the values of our education system that are the main reason our schools were chosen for your kids.

Those values and beliefs, that freedom of religion, is ingrained in how we teach and how we learn. Those values and beliefs must be protected for our current students and for the future.

As the election approaches, and we all consider how we will vote, there are many policy areas that should concern us.

While we will have a diverse range of opinions and priorities we must also consider the protection of our fundamental values and beliefs.

We value you, and we need you.

We are asking all parents, carers, staff, and other members of our Christian school community to join us on Facebook at ValuedVoicesAus.

We are asking you stay informed and aware of what the Government, Opposition, and the cross bench parties have to say about protecting the values of our schools, our staff, and our students when it comes to religious freedom.

Like and Follow us on Facebook

@ValuedVoicesAusfor more info.

This election, your values are on the

ballot paper

The HouseThe next Government of Australia will confront the issue of religious freedom and make policy decisions that will impact on our shared values and beliefs for generations to come.

Labor has indicated that as part of their policy intention they will remove the ability for your school to employ staff who share and live out your values and beliefs saying

“a Shorten Labor government will amend the Sex Discrimination act to remove the exemptions that permit religious schools to discriminate against students and staff” – the exemptions that also protect what we can teach.

The Liberal party has said that it is “essential that Australia’s laws are nationally consistent and effectively protect the rights and freedoms recognised in international agreements, to which Australia is a party. This particularly applies to the right to freedom of religion and the rights of equality and non-discrimination.”

Your vote in the House of Representatives will help decide who forms Government and what direction protecting our beliefs, values and freedom takes.


Authorised by Mark Spencer, Christian Schools Alliance, Suite 14/22-30 Franklin Street, Manuka ACT. Printed by Blue Star Print, 81 Derby St, Silverwater, NSW, 2128

As the election approaches, and we all consider how we will vote, there are many policy areas that should concern us.

While we will have a diverse range of opinions and priorities we must also consider the protection of our fundamental values and beliefs.


We are asking all parents, carers, staff, and other members of our Christian school community to join us on Facebook at ValuedVoicesAus.

We are asking you stay informed and aware of what the Government, Opposition, and the cross bench parties have to say about protecting the values of our schools, our staff, and our students when it comes to religious freedom.

Like and Follow us on Facebook

@ValuedVoicesAusfor more info.

This election, your values are on the

ballot paper

The HouseThe next Government of Australia will confront the issue of religious freedom and make policy decisions that will impact on our shared values and beliefs for generations to come.

Labor has indicated that as part of their policy intention they will remove the ability for your school to employ staff who share and live out your values and beliefs saying

“a Shorten Labor government will amend the Sex Discrimination act to remove the exemptions that permit religious schools to discriminate against students and staff” – the exemptions that also protect what we can teach.

The Liberal party has said that it is “essential that Australia’s laws are nationally consistent and effectively protect the rights and freedoms recognised in international agreements, to which Australia is a party. This particularly applies to the right to freedom of religion and the rights of equality and non-discrimination.”

Your vote in the House of Representatives will help decide who forms Government and what direction protecting our beliefs, values and freedom takes.


Authorised by Mark Spencer, Christian Schools Alliance, Suite 14/22-30 Franklin Street, Manuka ACT. Printed by Blue Star Print, 81 Derby St, Silverwater, NSW, 2128


Documents

NEWSLETTER 14€¦ · "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honour your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), ‘that it may