NEWSLETTER 37 - mk0asvmultisitevc63s.kinstacdn.com€¦ · L4L Info & Presentation Night Yr 3&4 SSV Cricket Mon 2 - Tue 3 - Tue 3 - Wed 4 - Thur 5 - Mon 9 - Mon 9 - Tue 10 - Tue 10

Term 4, Week 7 November 21, 2019

‘God bless you’ Principal's EditorialIn a few short weeks we will be having our College awards nights where we will celebrate achievements at all year levels and our Year 12s will graduate. It reminds me of similar event some years ago in The Land of Lincoln’ (Illinois) where a public school was also having their graduation ceremony.

A student (whose name is irrelevant), together with her parents and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) launched legal action to prevent the public Washington Community High School from having a prayer as a part of their program. A temporary injunction was granted which stopped an 80-year tradition and angered the rest of the community.

Many of the students met by the flagpole to have their own private prayers, some came with religious slogans written on the mortarboards. The ironic thing about this event is that there was probably far more prayer throughout that weekend as a result of some poor individual’s misguided attempts to remove God from the program.

The best response to the court’s injunction however came from a student whose name should be remembered. Ryan Brown was one of the graduates who was scheduled to make a speech during the event and on his way to the podium he stopped, bowed his head and delivered a silent prayer. When he reached the lectern he simply sneezed. At that point his friends in the audience all called out, ‘God bless you.’ He thanked them and sat down while the applause was still going. The attempt to remove God, even with legal support, failed miserably.

Sometime ago when in Athens I visited the Areopagus where the Apostle Paul met with the city elders almost 2000 years ago. In Acts 17 it mentions that Paul had found an altar in this place that was dedicated to ‘the unknown God’. About 400 years later Augustine wrote “Lord, you have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are rest less until they find rest in you.” (Confessions 1.1.1) This has generated the expression that it appears that we all have a ‘god-shaped hole’ in our hearts that only He can fill. If our searching is always in the horizontal then it will be in vain. A fuller understanding of our life must include the vertical (looking for God).

“When men choose not to believe in God, they do not simply believe in nothing, they just become capable of believing in anything.” G.K. Chesterton

Mark B Vodéll Principal

December

2020 Term Dates

No School Tomorrow

November

Yr 12 FormalYr 8 L4L Intro HikePrimary Awards NightSecondary Awards NightYr 6 Graduation DinnerClean Up DaySplash & DashFun DayLast Day term 4

Term 1 StartsTerm 1 FinshesTerm 2 StartsTerm 2 FinshesTerm 3 StartsTerm 3 FinshesTerm 4 StartsTerm 4 Finshes

Pupil Free DayYr 12 Camp L4L Info & Presentation NightYr 3&4 SSV Cricket

Mon 2 -Tue 3 -Tue 3 -

Wed 4 -Thur 5 -Mon 9 -Mon 9 -Tue 10 -Tue 10 -

30 Jan -27 Mar -14 Apr -26 Jun -13 Jul -

18 Sep -5 Oct -8 Dec -

Fri 22 -25-28 -

Thur 28 -Fri 29 -

NEWSLETTER 37Parents please remember there will be no school tomorrow, friday the 22 November.

Enjoy an extra day with your beloved child/ren this weekend.

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

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 8 General News

ThankfulnessThankfulness is the expression of warm, friendly feelings of gratitude.

"Sometimes we focus so much on what we don’t have that we fail to see, appreciate, and use what we do have!” - Jeff Dixon

"Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” - Psalm 106:1

PB4L Focus I ask questions; I use my own devices.

Baby Levatic We are excited to announce that our Receptionist Sanja Levatic has given birth to a beautiful baby girl named Eden.

Mother and baby are doing well!

Pastor Trent and His BrideCongratulations to Pastor Trent and Bek

On the 3 November Pastor Trent and his lovely Bek were married in a quaint barn set in an idyllic setting of the Victorian country side surrounded by family and friends. The barn was decorated impressively with fairy lights, candles and flowers. There were rows of beautifully crafted wooden tables that Pastor Trent lovingly built and seeing the two make promises of devotion and step forward into the future was inspiring and wonderful.

Last Saturday evening this wonderful milestone and most important life event was celebrated with the broader College and church community in the Acacia Room. All had a great time as it was a wonderful celebration of two lives that have found love. It was particularly interesting to see students dressed in formal attire, hosting the event and making tributes to the happy couple. Congratulations to Pastor Trent and Bek on a very special day! We wish them lots of love, happiness and special memories they can treasure forever!



Nurturing Young MindsHow Boys Are Travelling

To bring out the best in boys, help them develop a strong sense of belonging, a powerful nuanced vision for themselves and what they can offer to become well-rounded adults. To achieve this boys need to know themselves, their strengths and their weaknesses, to know how best to work with what they’ve got, to understand and respect others, to deal effectively with complex people and situations, and to look beyond themselves and their current need for entitlement and contemplate what they can offer their community, their nation, their world. If boys are to achieve this, they need strong narratives that support this vision.

‘Lucky’ boys grow up in rooms full of branded toys and gear while the rest ache for these possessions because they want to belong, because belonging’s an essential part of being human. Only a few decades back, belonging was about being useful to family and community; a boy’s greatest achievement was to be able to take care of himself and others; giving was more important than getting; the lives of others were of equal concern to his own. Now a boy’s belonging is tied to looks and possessions, to how he packages himself. Today boys ache to be heroic and aside from sport, there are few opportunities for boys to be heroes, except online.

What can be done?• Expose them to situations that give them a bigger vision of themselves and their world

by creating a helping culture at home and at school.• Assist boys to let go of any sense of entitlement- greatness is never about ‘me’.• Helping is a privilege not a chore.• Volunteering to learn about how to deal with difficult people & tricky situations, with

disappointment, fear and failure and other key life experiences by connecting with others to make a difference in other people’s lives.

• It’s okay to feel vulnerable, isolated and lonely- it's part of the human experience.• True strength is built on self-knowledge, on learning to recognise vulnerabilities and

getting help to heal.• Develop qualities that align with future needs.• Help develop solid emotional intelligence and good communication skills.

Edited by Dr Ramesh Manocha - Pages 331-345

What are your family traditions at Christmas time?Does the story of a baby born in a manger hold any relevance for today? This story, so easily sentimentalised, remains the dramatic action of a God who refused to remain aloof from human misery, but rather became part of it. This story brings hope to our messy and complicated lives, and gives value to every human being regardless of status, rank, power or capacity.

We sing, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight” in the Christmas carol, and Road to Bethlehem tells the story that brings this hope and quietens our fears.Why not establish a new family tradition this year – come to Road to Bethlehem and begin Christmas focused on what the season is really about.

An experience to share

Share Smiles, Laughter, and Joy, Bring your family, friends and colleagues to experience an outdoor walk-through the theatrical presentation that brings to life the true story and meaning of Christmas.

• Mon 9th until Thurs 12th December 2019 - 7pm till Late

• 33-61 Edinburgh Road, Lilydale VIC 3140, Australia

• Contact Us: +61 03 9264 7770



The last resort

If doing deals with kids to get cooperation is a strategy you use then it should be a strategy of last resort (to use when your mother comes to visit; when you are dog-tired; or when you want a cosy Sunday morning in bed), not the first one you use when you want your kids to behave well.

Here are 5 alternatives to ‘doing deals’ with kids:

1 Catch them doing the right thing: Make a bit of a fuss when your kids behave as you want. Tell your face that you are pleased with your kids so it lights up, and kids get to notice you are happy with their behaviour. This is based on the premise that parent recognition (“Mum/Dad is happy with me”) is a high driver for many kids.

2 Reward them after the behaviour you want: Avoid saying, “If you behave well on our shopping trip I’ll buy you a matchbox car.” This is bribery, which is tied up with the art of dealing. Instead, show your appreciation with a treat after they have behaved well. The order of events makes a huge difference!

3 Manage like a cat: There are times when a child or teen needs to know that “No means no” rather than “No is just a suggestion”. A message delivered with firm body language, a still head and a clear, flat voice without intonation indicates to a child or teen that you are serious and that no further communication is to be entered into. This non-verbal communication is quite cat-like, thus the cat metaphor for parent credibility.

4 Let consequences be your friend: Let your actions, or lack of action, do the talking. Rather than negotiating with kids to pack their toys away, put toys that are left around into the ‘mystery bin’ for a time. You may need to hold firm to a tantrum when you use this method, but hang tough so your child sees that you really mean what you say and do.

5 Focus on you, not them: Want them to go bed on time? Then start reading their bedtime story at the agreed time whether they are there or not. (This works well if your child is a reader! Not so good if your child isn’t interested in books. It’s the principle that counts). Resist calls for ‘that’s not fair!’ as not being in bed at an agreed time is not fair on you either! The simple shift from telling them what to do to telling them what you will do makes a massive difference particularly when you have a child who doesn’t like to be told what to do.

Nothing works all the time so smart parents know they need to have a number of different strategies at their disposal when they want cooperation from their kids. They also have a hierarchy of responses that places ‘making deals with kids’ their last resort, rather than their first option.

In fact, it may be best to leave doing deals out of your parenting armoury altogether and focus on using other communications methods instead.

by Michael Grose - https://www.parentingideas.com.au/blog/avoid-doing-deals-with-kids

Car Park Etiquette/RespectParents, remember that you are responsible for your children. If your child is careless opening your car door and causes damage to another car it is your responsiblilty to ensure restoration is made with the other party.

Avoid Doing Deals With KidsHave you ever said something like this to one of your kids? “If you eat all your dinner up, I’ll let you use my iPad for five minutes.”

Most kids under the age of ten would empty their plate in an instant with that sort of carrot dangled in their face. But it’s a tricky game you play when you start to do deals with kids to win their cooperation. For a start, you need to be prepared to raise the stakes as the novelty of five minutes of iPad use will soon wear off.

This would also mean you need to be prepared to keep dealing with your kids, as they soon learn that if they hang out long enough, Mum/Dad or whoever will offer me a juicy enticement to win my favours.

You get what you negotiate.

Keep doing deals with kids enough and they learn that they get what you negotiate. That’s fine in the business-world, but hard work in families.

I’ve seen mums who deal with kids because they just want peace and quickly. I’ve also seen dads deal with their kids because they simply enjoy negotiating. They see it as a game. That’s hard work for their partner who doesn’t use those methods.

Kids who do deals

Sometimes it’s kids who do the negotiating. “You want me to go to bed at 8.00pm do you? Well I’ll go to bed at 8 o’clock if I can have a TV in my room” says a born negotiator.

It takes a savvy parent to say, “Actually, no. That’s not going to happen.” Sometimes we become involved in child-initiated deals before we’re even aware it’s happening. Again kids can take advantage of busy, tired or time-poor parents.



BattleballOn Wednesday November 13, a group of Year 5 and 6 students went to Mernda Central to compete against the local schools in a "Battleball" competition. Battleball is a modified version of Dodge Ball that involves throwing the same plush balls however students are able to go behind the other team to gain the advantage from behind enemy lines.

Our students had lots of fun learning the new game and meeting other students from our local school zone. We look forward to going back next year to try and win the trophy!

Primary News



Secondary News

Cooking for FriendsThis has been our theme for this term in Year 8. The students have been learning about how to plan for a morning tea so this term in partners they planned a special healthy finger food that was low fat and low in sugar.

The food they made was very high quality and was served to the staff for morning tea.

There was a condition to them tasting though. They had to write down feedback for taste, texture and appearance. The comments were very positive and the staff asked could we do this every week.

The last thing they will make and create are special Christmas treats so get friendly with them and you may be the next friend they serve with a goodies gift package.

2019 VCE Exams EndStudents breathed a sigh of relief on Monday 18 November when the final session concluded at 2:00pm with Religion and Society. This year more than 50,000 secondary school students sat their VCE exams. Exams were conducted in 222 exam centres across Victoria, with the largest exam centre being located at Bendigo Secondary College (1049 students) and the smallest being at Geelong Baptist College (three students). Outside of Victoria, over 130 students sat VCE written exams in Australia, eight Victorian students sat their exams overseas and over 800 non-Victorian students sat their exams in China, Philippines, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu. In 2019, the number of female students who sat at least one exam has outnumbered male students by 7243, and there were 326 mature-aged students.

To ensure a fair process for all students, representatives from the VCAA visited examination centres periodically throughout the exam period to audit security arrangements and observe exam conduct. After each exam, papers were distributed to 3000 assessors, each specially trained to mark papers in a particular area of study. Students will receive their VCE and VCAL results and ATAR statements in the mail from Thursday 12 December.

Congratulations to our Year 12 students who this week finished their final VCE exam!



No one beside me (Free Verse)

There I am sitting alone Right in front of my home As I watch the children laugh I start to cry I looked around to find someone Who would be there beside me As I sat there in the dirt I heard the sky rumbling Was it hungry? Just then a storm came I could hear the lighting crashing The rain started to pour The sky became crow black I sat there bawling my eyes out I had no one beside me Just then my dog came She lay on my legs If felt good to be with someone I know I sat there with my dog all alone Someone beside me

by Grace

Storm (Personification)

The wind was knocking at the door Lightning arched across the skies Rain battering the windows A cyclone grabbing cars and houses from the ground The clouds crept closer Blocking out the sun The waters sweeping people off their feet The storm has come Take flight! Retreat!

by Xavier

Steps of a Polish Generation

My life is sealed in a shell Not being able to escape

The traditions of generations passed down.

I have learnt to cook My favourite Polish food Along with many dances,

Some I'm still to learn. Styling many costumes

To be worn for years to come Vibrant colours that stand out for miles Are so important on the national dress.

The language is tough I still have not learnt

I know how to say 'Hello'

'Goodbye' And 'you're welcome.'

Stories passed down from Long

Long ago Starting in the homeland

Traveling here, Some filled with sadness The war days were tough. And others with memories

Happy to be shared. Tomorrow will be my turn

To keep the memories and traditions alive.

by Taylah Watson

Secondary Poetry PrizesOver the past few weeks we have published poetry from the Year 7 Poetry Unit and some of this was entered in the Whittlesea Show. In the Year 7 Poetry Section, Rushil achieved First Place while Aresca and Yutika came Fourth and Fifth which are excellent results considering the number of entries from the district.

Gilson also had considerable success in other year levels as well. In Year 8, Amelia achieved Fifth Place while in Year 10, Grishma not only gained First Place for her poetry but also received the Best Exhibit ribbon. Other Year 10s to receive prizes were Michael, Tala, Alecsander, Asam and Jamie. Our Year 11s ‘cleaned up’ the poetry prizes with First to Sixth Places going to Declan, Stacy, Manreet, Aya, Prashant and Viljen respectively. Finally, in Year 12, Garmai gained First Place, Joel, Second and Dhvani, Third Place.

Congratulations to all of the students who entered their work.

A Clumsy Fool (Simile)

I try to run as fast as a cheetah, but I can never be, as fierce as a lion. I’m just a clumsy fool, Trying to act so cool. Always going down the wrong path, Waiting for someone to show me the right one. But now I see someone coming, Maybe with a lantern of hope, Or maybe just another coming to make me look like a fool.

by Yash



Gilson College Mernda

PUPIL FREE

DAY

FRIDAY 22ND

NOVMBER

SCHOOL CLOSED TO STUDENTS

Curriculum Planning day forteachers at Gilson.

PLEASE MAKE OTHER

ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR

CHILDREN ON THIS DAY.





The Gilson College Acacia Room

470 Bridge Inn Road, Mernda Tues, 26 Nov (Week 8)

Starting at 6:30pm Book at Gilson College Reception or call: 9717 7300

A G

ilson

Col

lege

Com

mun

ity

Serv

ice



THE DATE FOR FUNDRAISING HAS BEEN EXTENDED!!! As you are all aware the School Fun-Run is our major fundraising event this year on 9th December 2019! Thank you to those that have started fundraising we love the effort that you have produced so far! We would love to raise lots of money to raise funds for more outdoor equipment. Our aim is to raise enough money to provide outdoor chairs, tables, benches and

outdoor play equipment for both Primary and Secondary students. About the Program The School Fun-Run promotes healthy and active lifestyles while helping us raise funds! It’s all about participation, with students treated to a great day as a reward for their fundraising efforts. Family support is key to our fundraising success and we encourage everyone to get involved. How Does My Child Fundraise? SSTTEEPP 11:: Create your online profile by logging onto schoolfundraising.com.au.

SSTTEEPP 22:: Personalise your profile page and set a goal of what prize your child would like to choose.

PRIZES start from $10. These prizes will be handed out on the fun run on the 9th December 2019. The more money your child raises the better the reward – don’t forget to check out what they could earn through our sponsorship form.

SSTTEEPP 33:: Share your child’s online fundraising link through social media, text and email.

SSTTEEPP 44:: Pick your prizes.

SSTTEEPP 55:: OUR FUN RUN BEGINS.

SSTTEEPP 66:: Like the fundraising page on Facebook and be in the chance to win $5,000 worth of groceries.

THE DATE FOR RAISING FUNDS HAS BEEN EXTENDED All fundraising is to be finished by 22nd November 2019. So we have two weeks of fundraising to achieve our goals. Getting Involved Not only can you support the school and students with your sponsorship – but you can join in on the fun! We would love to welcome parents and family members to attend the School Fun-Run. If you would also like to volunteer to help on the day, please contact school to let us know. I can’t wait to see you at our event!

Ordering Prizes – ALL PRIZES MUST BE ORDERED ONLINE Prizes MUST be ordered between the 22nd November 2019 and 26th November 2019. Simply visit schoolfundraising.com.au to create / log into your Profile Page between these dates. Then click on the ‘CLAIM YOUR PRIZE’ button and follow the prompts. If you have any questions, please contact the School Fun-Run team on 1800 FUN RUN and they will gladly assist! Thank you for your support.


Documents

NEWSLETTER 37 - mk0asvmultisitevc63s.kinstacdn.com€¦ · L4L Info & Presentation Night Yr 3&4 SSV Cricket Mon 2 - Tue 3 - Tue 3 - Wed 4 - Thur 5 - Mon 9 - Mon 9 - Tue 10 - Tue 10