28/01/2015 Issue 1

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105

As you walk into our school, up to where the front desk is at the front of the school, you might have noticed a little plaque with this bible verse on it (in a slightly different translation). What a great thing it is to have this written at the entrance of our school! It is my prayer for you and for our whole school that this verse would be a great encouragement and strength to all of us for this coming year.

During the previous year in the news, we heard about many things that have unsettled our world in a new way. People are anxious and fearful. Much of the world is wrestling with quite some amount of violence and hardship. In comparison, we have it pretty good—but then does that mean that we don’t need God?

Often we go to pick up a lamp (or “a torch”!) when it’s dark—and then the lamp brings not just light, but with it strength and encouragement. God’s word brings comfort and hope, and most importantly, it kindles the light of faith, because it shows us our Saviour—Jesus.

Dear Lord Jesus, let the light of your word shine brightly this year in our

school, in our homes and in our lives. Amen.

Welcome to St Mark’s It is a privilege to welcome 350 students and their families to our first school day at St Mark’s for a year of learning and growth. I’m excited by the opportunities we have planned for students and the commitment of staff to do all we can for our students. I wish to thank and acknowledge staff for their enormous contribution of time and effort given in preparation for today. St Mark’s has been buzzing with excitement for well over a week now as staff began preparing to welcome students today. As you walk through St Mark’s this week, I’m sure you will gladly join me in thanking our Business Manager, Holly Wake who is commended for coordinating and managing the facilities upgrades completed over the break. Our students have improved learning areas to return to. Student Leaders At the end of 2014 I was pleased to announce Charli S and Vincent W as our School Captains for 2015. I congratulate them on their election to this significant position of responsibility. In the coming weeks, each class in Year 1 to 5 will elect a Student Representative Council (SRC) member from their class. They will then join our School Captains as our SRC leaders for Semester 1 2015. In addition, House Captains will be elected from our Year 6 students for each of our School Houses - Barker, Davison, Sturt and Dunn. Our House Captains play an important role during the year in a range of sporting and student events. Our student leaders will be installed into their leadership positions on Friday 13th February at our regular Friday morning chapel service. Administrative Forms Last week each family received a database check form, a permissions and consent form and information regarding options for the payment of tuition fees. To assist us, please complete and return each of these forms to the office by this Friday, 30th January. If you did not receive these forms or have questions regarding them, please contact the school office. cont’d o/leaf …

37 Hampden Road, Mt Barker SA 5251 T 8391 0444 E contact@stmarks.sa.edu.au W ww.stmarks.sa.edu.au

Do you recognise these spaces? Probably not as they show the work completed over the holidays.

New Families On behalf our community, I extend a warm welcome to new families joining us. We look forward to your time as part of the St Mark’s community.

New Foundation students and their families:

Ryan & Rebecca B and Samuel, Brad & Renae C and Lucy, Troy & Juanita D and Maddi, Keith G & Marie G and Henry and Monte, Gavin & Jessica H and Angus, Christopher & Nerida J and Lincoln, Sam J & Hiroshima V and Senuthi, Robert & Elizabeth K and Angus, Michael & Rebecca Mand April, Joshua & Jessica M and William, Nicholas & Jessica M and Poppy, Scott & Lisa M and Lawson, Andrew K and Amy M and Tristan, Andrew & Victoria M and Amelia, Adam & Toni M and Cooper, Bradley & Amanda P and Mitchell, Christopher & Sarah S and Jessica, Kyle S and Ashley S and Declan, Adriaan & Bernice V and Olivia, Haydn & Stacey W and Amelia.

Foundation siblings of current families:

Joshua B, Jayden B, Thomas C, Noah C, Enah C, Campbell D, Imaan D, James F, Ashton H, Charlie H, Kayley H, Malie H, Amelie H, Emma K, Siena L, Ava M, Taylor M, Isla N, Jesse N, Willa P, Charlotte P, Hayley R, R Rix, Max R, Jasper R, Jayla S, Kayla S, Halle S, Dylan W, William W, Marcus W, Suzelle Z.

Also:

Matthew & Bianca B and Sophie (Year 1), Andrew & Kirrily P and Olivia (Year 1) and Vanessa (Year 6), Jason & Lisa B and Mackenzie (Year 2), Bradford & Paulene P and Sophie (Year 3) and Ella (Year 4), Ibtehal G & Mariam T and Mina (Year 4), Nathan & Serena E and Spencer (Year 5), Tim & Dionne F and Jordan (Year 5), Tim W & Catherine W and Chester (Year 5), Simon H and Nicole & Brett I and Lachlan H (Year 5), Thomas C & Sylvia C and Gabriel (Year 6).

Parent Information Nights These important nights are being held on Thursday 5th February for Years 4 to 6 classes and Tuesday 10th February for Foundation to Year 3 classes. Both evenings begin at 7.00pm in our school hall when I will overview focus areas for our year ahead as well as highlight key information relating to organisational details for our school. Following this, you will be invited to move to classrooms to meet your child’s teacher and hear from them, details of their plans for the year ahead in their classroom. We will be providing supervision for school aged children if you are not able to make other arrangements to care for your children. If you require us to supervise your children, please bring them to the Library between 6.45pm and 7.00pm.

The new Foundation classes shared learning space Janene Overton’s new room

Year 6 classroom - previously computer lab/learning hub New computer benchtop in the Library

Parents and Friends I look forward to our Parents and Friends beginning again on Thursday 19th February with our AGM. The Parents and Friends is open to all parents to come along and help us in building our community and holding activities and events that fundraise for essential resources for our students. I encourage you to come along and see how you can join us in continuing to build St Mark’s as a place of learning and community.

Hot Weather It’s great that we have cooler weather this week for the start of the school year but we anticipate hot weather in the coming weeks. During these times, some of the ways we care for our students include the following. We ask students to have drink bottles at school and on their table to stay hydrated. We change the games students play in break times to reduce running. The Library is an indoor option for students. When it becomes too hot, we stay inside at lunch times and students have play inside. We are fortunate to have all our classrooms and Library air conditioned. Be assured we want all our students and staff to stay fit and healthy during times of hot weather.

James Heyne Principal School Fees The fee statement for Term 1 fees will arrive shortly. Prompt attention to this matter is always appreciated. 2015 Calendar Dates Term Dates 2015 Term 1 Tuesday 27th January-Friday 10th April (Adelaide Cup 9th March, Good Friday 3rd April, Easter Monday 6th April) Term 2 Monday 27th April - Friday 26th June (Monday 29th June-Friday 3rd July - Pupil Free Week for staff professional development) (Queen’s Birthday Holiday: Monday 8th June) Term 3 Monday 20th July-Friday 25th September Term 4 Monday 12th October-Wednesday 9th December Parent/Teacher Information Nights - 7.00-8.30pm Thursday 5th February (Years 4-6) Tuesday 10th February (Foundation-Year 3) Installation of School Leaders Friday 13th February Parents & Friends Annual General Meeting Thursday 19th February - see flyer in next week’s newsletter St Mark’s Care-Net For a number of years we have been able to implement a Care-Net program at St Mark’s with the assistance of Class Carers. At times during the year, families experience both difficult and joyful times – bereavement, a birth, an accident, a serious illness, an injured child, etc. Through the Class Carer and Care-Net system, the school community has the opportunity to help and support each other and to provide care when needed. Attached is a form outlining practical ways assistance can be given and asking for your help in this area. It need not be a large commitment, but any offer to help will be a benefit to those whom you are supporting and showing care. If you know of any families, or are a family who would benefit from extra care or are experiencing any of the above mentioned difficult or joyous times, please let your class teacher, your Class Carers or Janene Overton (the Religious Pastoral Support Worker) know as soon as possible. If you would like to assist in the CARE-NET, please fill out the WILLINESS TO HELP form included in this newsletter and return to the front office as soon as possible. Thank you. Janene Overton Religious Pastoral Support Worker LLL Banking School banking will again be operational this year (through the Lutheran Laypeople’s League). Students can bring in their bankbooks on a Tuesday (commencing next Tuesday) and these will be returned via the class tray on Wednesday/Thursday. For new families, the LLL operates a deposit account for children attending St Mark’s. A package was included in your envelope on booklist pick up day. If you are interested, please send the necessary forms to the office. Thank you. Canteen - Tuesdays Canteen will resume next Tuesday. Orders will need to be brought in on Friday. Please find enclosed latest menu/price list from Cornerstone College along with information for new school families.

SMS Messaging System The school from time to time will be utilising an SMS Messaging System to advise parents on various important matters and event reminders. Messages will be sent to the mother’s mobile telephone number. Where parents are separated and have joint custody, both parents will receive an SMS message. Where fathers are the sole caregiver, an SMS will be sent to their mobile phone. (Where there is no mobile phone number listed, the school will contact the parent on their home phone number). It is therefore important that the School has the most up-to-date information relating to mobile phone numbers. If at any time your mobile phone number details change, please inform the school as soon as possible. Music News Welcome to Music in 2015! BAND News The St Mark’s School Band consists of students who are invited to join, usually from years 4-6. Next week your child may receive an invitation to become part of the band even if they have done so before. This is so that you are able to agree to the conditions of being a band member including attendance at all rehearsals and performances for 2015. Band rehearsal days and times are yet to be confirmed and will be included in the invitation to join the band. CHOIR News In 2015 we will continue with 2 choirs; a Junior Choir (Year 1-3) and a Senior Choir (Year 4-6). All students in Year 1-3 will be involved in Junior Choir which will be a 20 minute weekly activity giving them an opportunity to sing as part of a group and begin to learn the skills involved for being a choir member. Senior Choir membership is by student choice with a commitment expected to attend all rehearsals and performances for the year. A meeting will be held on Friday Week 1 (Friday 30th January) for those interested in joining the Senior Choir. Rehearsals then begin in Week 2 for those interested to “have a go”. By Week 5, all students in Senior Choir will be asked to make a commitment to stay for the entire year. Instrumental Lessons These are available in a number of instruments including piano, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums & violin at school by visiting tutors. Please see Julianne in the front office if you are interested for an enrolment form. If you are already enrolled, tutors may be contacted directly to arrange lesson details. Fees will remain at $28 per half hour lesson for 2015. Thank you for your support in keeping our music program flourishing, Narelle Steffan Music Coordinator Secondhand Uniform Shop There is a Secondhand Uniform service available to parents of the school. The Secondhand Uniform Shop will be open after school on Wednesdays between 3.00pm and 4.00pm. Debbie b (Year 3 Parent) is the Coordinator for the Secondhand Uniform Shop. If you cannot come to the school on Wednesdays, please ring Debbie direct (0438 633 901) to arrange a mutually convenient time (the secondhand uniform shop will only be open on Wednesday afternoons and at arranged times). LIBRARY Premiers Reading Challenge Forms for the Reading Challenge will be coming home this week. The Reading Challenge has been going for over 10 years now. It was first initiated by the Premier to try to increase children’s exposure to books and to help literacy levels. Over the years, the level of participation at our school has increased. Last year we had about 60% of our students complete the challenge. So… what do children have to do? Between now and mid-September, they need to read 12 books. Eight books have to be from the Reader’s Challenge list for their year level and 4 can be free choice. In our Library, these books are identified by coloured dots. Foundation-Year 2 orange dots, Year 3-Year 5 green dots and Year 6 Blue dots. Parents of younger children who are not able to read, can read the books to the children. On the student record sheet, you need to write the title and author of the book and then sign your initials. Easy!!!! With 8 months to do it, there is really no reason why all students cannot achieve this goal. The first year of completion, students get a certificate and in the years following, they get a medal. Please help support your children by encouraging them to read. Thank you. Louise Paterson Teacher/Librarian St Mark’s Playgroup

Playgroup is a great way for pre-schoolers to socialise and interact with other children. Parents can also enjoy meeting others over a tea/coffee whilst helping with our simple weekly activities or craft, story/song time, free play, fruit time. Playgroup meets on Thursdays during school terms in the St Mark’s Church Hall from 9.00-11.00am. Cost is $2 per family. Please bring a piece of fruit. Ring Elizabeth M (0409 672 205) or Leanne M (0419 322 301).

Coming Up • Staff Installation @ St Mark’s Church - Sunday 1st February @ 10.30am • Senior Primary Chapel - Monday 2nd February • Junior Primary Chapel - Tuesday 3rd February • Parent/Teacher Information Night Years 4 to 6 - Thursday 5th February • Chapel - Friday 6th February • Parent/Teacher Information Night Foundation to Year 3 - Tuesday 10th February • Assembly - 11th February • Chapel/Installation of School Leaders - Friday 13th February

Liebe Kinder und Eltern,

Welcome back to another rather exciting year in German. In Term 1, we will

be welcoming Franziska Olliges (left) and Kristina Tappehorn (right) to St

Michael s and St Mark s Lutheran Schools, from 26th January to the 8th May,

2015. Both girls participated in the Albertus Magnus / Pembroke / Unity

College German exchange student scheme and are now studying to

become teachers. They speak excellent English and will be spending two

days a week at both schools, helping our students with their German.

During their time here we are looking for families who might be able to

provide accommodation for one or both of the girls. They are prepared to

pay $90 per week towards boarding costs and are keen to experience

Australian family life. As they have both been here before, host families

would ideally just go about their normal routines. If your family is

interested in hosting one of the girls for part (or all) of their stay, please

contact Helen Westermann at hwestermann@stmichaels.sa.edu.au or Susann

Löffelbein at sloeffelbein@stmarks.sa.edu.au

Vielen Dank!

CARE-NET / WILLINGNESS TO HELP

Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Names and Year Level(s) of children: ___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: __________________________Mobile:___________________________

Town you live in: _________________________________________________________ I would be willing to help in my child’s/children’s class (es) in the following ways:

� Transport of children to/from school in emergency situations

� Before/after school care of children in emergency situations

� Provide a meal in emergency situations

� Main meal

� Dessert

� Bake a cake or biscuits

� Be willing to phone and be phoned in emergency situations. If you have a silent number, are you willing for this to be released to Class Carers only? Yes/No

� Help with classroom matters

� Other – Do you have any other skills that you think could be useful?