Vol 24 No 11 22nd April 2015
A very pleasing start to the beginning of the term by students has allowed all classes to move smoothly back into the teaching and learning program. My thanks are extended to all students for this approach.
Today began with an Anzac Day Service led by our College student leaders. This year was special, as the nation prepares to mark the 100th Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli on Saturday. The service was a fitting reflection of the past and present for all in attendance, especially those families intimately involved with the Australian Defence Force‐ past and present.
In particular, we thank Sergeant Gerard Magann, for taking the time to speak to us today and also for spending time with our Year 5 classes.
Our student leaders will represent the College at the Anzac Day events in Wodonga this Saturday. Any students wishing to march are welcome to join our College Captains by meeting at the Lutheran Church in Havelock Street at 10.15am in full summer or winter uniform. I certainly encourage all families to support our Defence Force members and attend a local service. We will remember them.
As part of the 100th Anniversary, the College also received a Gallipoli Oak to plant as part Beautiful commemorative wreaths of the National Trust of Australia (Vic) Gallipoli Oaks Project. As a result, the tree will be made by our students planted by the College Captains as a constant reminder of all the brave men and women who have served our country‐ past and present.
Congratulations to Kiewa, who were victorious at the MS/SS Athletics Carnival last Thursday. The weather turned out perfect for the event and allowed the students to participate fully in all events, with House spirit high throughout the day.
Thank you to Miss Sarah Rae for her coordination of the Athletics Carnival and to all staff who assisted throughout the day. A very big congratulations to our students who competed hard and were wonderful ambassadors for their House. Well done everyone.
Congratulations are extended to all the students who competed at the State Swimming Championships in Melbourne last week. From all reports all students did exceptionally with some great results and personal bests achieved. A fantastic effort by all, considering they were competing against much larger schools, many of which have extensive swimming programs. Full results can be found later in the newsletter.
Last Thursday we had a visit from Victorian Independent Schools Block Grant Authority (BGA) representatives for the VCE Centre building project. This is the initial meeting with BGA Representatives to discuss our VCE Centre Project and is also an opportunity for them to look on past projects. BGA are responsible for the reviewing and granting of Federal and State Government building grants. They will now review our application and we will be notified by late May whether we are successful in obtaining a grant to assist in the building of the VCE Centre.
Earlier in the year the College was successful in joining the National Schools Chaplaincy Programme and over the holidays interviews were held with possible applicants. As a result I am pleased to announce that Mrs Kate Rotherham has been appointed to the position of College Chaplain. At this stage a start date has not been decided, but Kate will be visiting the College over the next couple of weeks to prepare for the position. We look forward to having Kate join our community and our prayers and thoughts are with her as she prepares her transition to Victory.
I recommend to you the ‘Reading Rocks’ evening to be held in Luther Hall, beginning at 7pm tonight. This will provide information to assist families with helping their child with reading and is open to all families of the College.
Finally, a reminder that this Friday, 24th April, is our annual College Photo Day. Please note students are required to be in full summer uniform for the photos.
Every blessing for the week ahead.
Yours In Christ, Gary Harding 28 Drage Road, West Wodonga, VIC 3690 PO Box 822, Wodonga, VIC 3689 www.vlc.vic.edu.au www.facebook.com/VictoryLutheranCollege
e:
[email protected] p: 02 6057 5859 f: 02 6059 4898
Anzacs and Bibles
Australian soldiers have found comfort and safety in the words of the Bible. While on overseas deployment or fighting in the trenches there are numerous examples of diggers finding protection in the promises of God and even stories of some men being literally saved by the scriptures.
One such story is of Lance Corporal Philip Davies from Ballarat. Davies was digging and laying telephone cables in Belgium near the German border on the eve of his 21st birthday in 1917. Two large shells exploded near him and the other soldiers who were working with him. One of them died, and three of them were wounded, including Davies, who suffered severe shrapnel wounds to the back of his legs and arms. He was transported back to London for surgery.
The next morning, he began to look through the pockets of his clothes and found his New Testament which hadn’t moved. On removing it, he saw the front cover was damaged and the back cover was distorted, but unbroken. As he opened the Bible, he could see a piece of shrapnel buried into the wafer thin pages.
Scholastic Book Club Issue 3
Scholastic Book Club Brochure Issue 3 has been sent home with students from Prep to Year 6 and is available in home rooms for Year 7/8 students.
To place an order you can choose from the following options: 1. Complete the order form on the back of the brochure, including your Child’s Name and Class. Place the order and payment, correct money or cheque made payable to Scholastic Australia, in a sealed envelope and return to the Library or the Administration Office.
2. LOOP (Linked Online Ordering and Payment System) – information available on the brochure or Scholastic Website.
Orders for Scholastic Book Club are due in by Friday, 1st May, 2015.
The surgeons standing near the bed said to him, “You’ve been saved by that New Testament! If the stiff back cover hadn’t stopped the shrapnel, it would have entered your heart."
The other amazing thing that happened to Davies is that the shrapnel stopped not far from Ephesians Chapter 6:16‐17, which reads:
“In all circumstances take the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
God’s Word is powerful and effective. It is protection for us in times of trial, testing and danger. Many people dismiss or disbelieve God’s Word but when our lives are on the line many people know it is a great source of truth and life.
For further information please contact the Library.
Trish Wild Book Club Co‐ordinator
Lost Property
Please could everyone check their jackets and jumpers.
Many inquiries are coming to the Administration Office to the effect that named items are missing.
We understand that jumpers, jackets, etc often go home with the wrong student. Please be vigilant in checking that your child has their own named uniform item
Alex Gleeson has lost two Sports jackets. Both are named and have phone numbers clearly labelled inside the jacket.
Please hand any items that do not belong to your children to the Administration Office and we will return them to the students.
Stamps For Missions
How do you view the Bible? What comfort do you turn to when there is no where else to go?
Thank you to all the wonderful people who collected stamps over the holidays. It was such a lovely surprise! Keep up the good work saving those stamps!
For more stories of the Anzacs and their Bibles check out the Bible Society website http://www.theirsacrifice.com/ Pastor Tim Jarick College Pastor
Chapel News
Next Friday May 1st Junior School chapel continues as normal focusing on the Apostles Creed, ‘Jesus as Lord’.
On Friday May 8th there will be a special Junior School Chapel for Mother’s Day.
The offerings this term are for the work of Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS).
Pastor Tim Jarick College Pastor
Ingrid Harder
Friday April 24th
College Photo Day Please wear
full summer uniform on this day
Family photo forms are also available from the Administration Office
Junior School Awards Dove Awards
Woolworth’s Dominoes
If anyone has unwanted dominoes from Woolworths they would be very much appreciated by our Year 2 students.
Please drop them into the administration Office or the Year 2 Portable
PMW ‐ Ryleigh Wuksta, Ari Dempsey Millie Haysom, Brian Litchfield
1MM ‐ Aiden Ludbrook, Alex Alatalo
3KW – Allaynah Blazeley‐Fox
Information night to assist families with helping their child with reading at home
Wednesday 22nd April
7 ‐ 8 pm Luther Hall
1TS ‐ Remi Little, Molli Hamilton
Gull Awards
Reading Rocks
PJE ‐ Eva Knights, Layne Rodwell, Sienna McCall, Luala Crowe
3KN – Ruby Jones
2KS – Hayley Bester
Junior School Mother’s Day Breakfast
Our annual Junior School Mother’s Day (Special Person’s Breakfast) breakfast is planned for Friday 8th May.
Details for the morning will should have come home last week together with breakfast order forms. Additional forms are available from the Administration Office.
Junior School Art - Ned Kelly
Ella Jarick
Bree Fisher
James Coyle
Zac Spalding
State Swimming
A huge thank you to the parents for their support throughout the interschool swimming competitions.
VLC MS/SS Athletics 2015
th
The MS/SS Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday the 16 of April at Alexandra Park in Albury.
We were blessed with the weather, with rain falling on both Wednesday and Friday.
The participation and enthusiasm shown by all students was outstanding.
A special thanks to the House Captains, staff and parents who came along to support the event.
The next level of athletics, Upper Hume, will be held on Thursday the 30th of April in Albury. The Upper Hume team will be announced in the coming week.
Rhys Evans 100m backstroke – 3rd 400m freestyle ‐ 4th (8 second PB)
Morgan Morffew 50 butterfly ‐ 5th 50m free ‐ 5th 50m back ‐ 4th 200m IM ‐ 7th (15yr event) PB by 4 seconds 200m free ‐ 5th (15yr event) PB by 3 seconds
13yr freestyle relay ‐ 6th Harris Lee, Matt lade, Jordan McGuire, Spencer Jones
14yr freestyle relay ‐ 6th
Age
Boys
Girls
12
Jett Cassidy
Nikola Salinger
13
Harris Lee
Hannah Bothe
14
Tom Goyne
Juliette Cavedon
15
Julian Brown
Anna Campbell
16
Casey Marr
Alissa Donaldson
17
Mason Marr
Ebony Yap
20
Jacob Kitching
Katie Parslow
Morgan Morffew, Isaac Cassidy, Tom Goyne, Will Morrow
Record Breakers Hannah Bothe ‐ High Jump, 200m, 400m, Long Jump Juliette Cavedon ‐ Javelin, Long Jump, Triple Jump Jacob Miler ‐ High Jump Ariel Yap ‐ 800m, 200m Nikola Salinger ‐ Triple Jump, Javelin, Long Jump Anna Campbell ‐ 400m, High Jump Harris Lee ‐ Triple Jump Darcy Smith ‐ Discus Tom Goyne ‐ Long Jump Chloe Hudson ‐ 1500m Sarah Egan ‐ 1500m Emily Williams ‐ 1500m Matt Carter ‐ Discus
16yr Medley relay ‐ 6th Morgan Morffew, Rhys Evans, Matt Lade and Isaac Cassidy
Overall Results Kiewa (5208) Murray (5064) Mitta (4761) Age champions
Another thanks to those parents who drove students to Melbourne for the competition. We thank Kim & Tim Morffew, Eliza & Rohan Goyne, Julie & Peter Lade, Sharlene & Damien Cassidy, Caroline & Mark Evans.
Parent Lounge Reminders and Year 10/11 Exams
Parents are encouraged to log‐in and view the academic progress and upcoming assessment activities of their children in Parent Lounge each week. Results and feedback for all VCE subjects as well as most Year 10 subjects are now given through Parent Lounge. Year 10/11 Exams will be held from June 1‐3. The exams have been electronically added to these students ‘eDiaries’. Students can view their eDiary through their Student Café portal, whilst parents can also view this eDiary through Parent Lounge. A tutorial on how to do this can be found in Parent Lounge through School Links ‐> Parent Lounge Help. Please note that the ‘School Calendar’ feed must be ticked.
Mr Tim Hartwich Head of Senior School Academic Writing Program Next week Year 11 and 12 students have an additional Flexible Learning option. They may be involved in a five session program aimed at building their skills to cope with the demands, styles and writing conventions expected at University. As the majority of VCE assessment is done ‘in class’, students moving into University are often attending bridging courses to quickly address the skills they lack in this area. A number of Year 11/12 students have already indicated their desire to take this course next term but additional places still remain should others wish to join as well.
PARENT LOUNGE UPDATES
Violin Ensemble
In recent days a number of updates have been made to our Parent Lounge software.
Most of these will go unnoticed to you, however there are some new features we wish to point out, as well as some minor changes.
Access Links
The roll‐out of Parent Lounge this year has been overwhelmingly positively received by our Parent body.
During Term One Victory Lutheran College ran its first ever Violin Ensemble., involving Students in Years 4 and 5. The program was a great success culminating in an end of term parent’s concert for those students involved. In order to continue this opportunity we are partnering with the Murray Conservatorium of Music to continue and widen this offering.
However the usage of Parent Lounge has greatly increased the internet demand for outgoing data from our school at particular times.
Without the NBN in our area yet, we must manage the demand with our current infrastructure as efficiently as possible.
To assist with this we would like to ‘share’ the demand evenly across three of our outgoing lines.
Parents and students are therefore asked to update their favourites in their internet browser and begin using the URL below that corresponds with their child’s VLC ‘House’:
New Parent Café login portals parent.kiewa.vlc.vic.edu.au parent.mitta.vlc.vic.edu.au parent.murray.vlc.vic.edu.au
New Student Café login portals student.kiewa.vlc.vic.edu.au student.mitta.vlc.vic.edu.au student.murray.vlc.vic.edu.au
These updated links will be available on our website as well.
Student Medical Details
Our updated software now makes it possible for you to request changes to your child’s medical details, medical conditions such as allergies and asthma and your current medical practitioner.
As of this term, the Violin Ensemble will be available to students from Years 4 to 7. Lessons will be conducted from 12:00 to 1:00pm (Lesson 4) each Monday with Damien Jones from the Conservatorium. The cost of the program is just $12.40 per 45 minute lesson. This fantastic discounted rate gives students the opportunity to learn from each other as well as a highly experienced classical violinist. Students do not require any prior experience with stringed instruments and loan instruments are available from the Conservatorium at a rate of $50 per term. New instruments cost around $260 and are available to Victory students at All Music, Albury, at discount rates. For entry into this program please contact the Murray Conservatorium of Music directly via the details below.
[email protected] (02) 6041 4249 502 Dean St Albury NSW 2640 Mr Andrew Baker Music Teacher
This can be managed by navigating to: ‐ Student Details drop‐down menu and then ‐ Medical Details ‐ Simply choose the appropriate action from the right of screen to request your changes.
Friday April 24th
College Photo Day
Please note that, just like your contact details, these requests are reviewed by Administration Staff at the College before being accepted.
Help Videos and Links
Please wear full summer uniform on this day
A number of additional self‐help videos for Parent Lounge have now been uploaded.
You can access these by navigating to: Links ‐> Parent Lounge Help.
While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the link to our Study Skills Online Handbook subscription in General links!
Family Photo packets are still available from the Administration Office
Mr David Hynd ICT Manager
Please send emails for students away from school to:
[email protected]
COMING UP ‐ YEAR 8 CAMP at ANGLESEA Please check Parent Lounge towards the end of the week for details.
Year 9 Forensic Science Students Visit the Victorian Police Museum
Year 9 Forensic Science students had the opportunity to visit the well‐kept secret Victorian Police Museum, where they were able to take part in a series of very engaging and informative workshops.
Mother’s Day Stall
The Mother's (or Special Person) Day stall will be held on 4th, 5th and 6th May 2015 .
This included processing a very realistic crime scene and establishing a basic knowledge of the criminal law system.
If anyone would like to donate some items or help in the stall it would be greatly appreciated.
Our students greatly impressed the VPM staff with their knowledge, understanding and enthusiasm. Mrs Valerie Ratcliff Forensic Science Teacher
Roller Ski Training for 2013
Calling for all Victory Lutheran College students from Year 3 to 12, Staff and parents who may wish to become members of the College’s first ski team/ club.
If you are able to contribute or have any suggestions Please contact Tammy on 0419402349 or email:
[email protected] Tammy Knights Stall Co‐ordinator
Walkathon News
All students should have their walkathon sponsorship forms by now. Don’t worry if they haven’t, there are spares available in the Administration Office.
Remember to read the do and don’ts with regard to gaining sponsorships and donations on the back of the form. And remember it’s a Circus Theme so lots of colour and fun.
No previous experience required. However a willingness to have fun and accept new challenges ESSENTIAL.
This year the P & F have decided to work towards some specific goals with our fundraising activities.
Coaching is conducted by qualified XC Ski Coaches/Instructors and active skiers.
Telemark Nordic Ski Club has spent $1700.00 upgrading and adding to the 20 sets of Roller Ski equipment that is available for class and afterschool activities.
Training recommences on Tuesday 21st April from 3.30 – 5.00 pm Sessions will continue weekly through Terms 2 ‐ 3 Meet in the lower car park at West side of Luther Hall Costs is $2.00 to cover maintenance of Roller Ski wheels and ski pole tips What to bring ‐ Sport Clothes. ‐ Bike Helmet ESSENTIAL ‐ Drink bottle ‐ Knee and Elbow protective pads. Note 10‐12 sets are available of varying sizes ‐ Spare socks ‐ Roller Blades if you own a set. These are ideal for years 3 – 6
Allocation of Fund Raising Money
The College staff put together a very considered list of items that would be of benefit to our children’s educational programmes but at present fall outside the budget constraints of the College.
The fundraising money from 2014 was allocated at the last P & F meeting to the items that the College identified as of greater need. We will list these in the newsletter next week, suffice to say the cricketers and kitchen gardeners will be pleased with the outcome!!
For this year however, we will target Lego Mindstorm Class Kits. Theses sets contain software and hardware to create customizable, programmable robots. The students through all levels have already been using and loving these kits but the IT components need updating. The cost of these is $7500.
Also we would like to raise money to purchase 10 violins at a cost of $2500 for the music centre. Many students have already enjoyed their violin lessons and been part of a string ensemble but have had to hire the violins. This would be a great adjunct to the music programme.
Therefore $10000 is our target. So lets see what we can achieve!!!!
Thanking you P & F Association Committee.
NAPLAN testing 2015 – Years 3, 5, 7 & 9 The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) testing for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9, is taking place on Tuesday 12th May, Wednesday 13th May and Thursday 14th of May 2015.
NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in Writing, Reading, Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy.
The results of the tests provide information for students, families, teachers and principals which can be used to support the teaching and learning programs. All students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN tests. In September/October, parents will receive a report indicating their child’s level of achievement in relation to national minimum standards. The College is required to provide background information (student name, gender, date of birth, language background) as part of the assessment program. This information is provided to the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) in a manner that every student’s right to privacy is maintained.
Students may be considered for exemption from the testing if they have a significant intellectual and/or functional disability or they have been learning English for less than one year. Parent consent is required before an exemption is granted. Support has been arranged for students with specific learning needs that reflects the student’s normal level of support in the classroom.
Parents have the right to withdraw their child from the tests. If you wish to do so, you must sign a Student Withdrawal form. These forms are available by emailing
[email protected].
Students will be given support in the lead‐up to the tests to become familiar with the process of the testing, the style of the questions and the nature of the tasks.
The timetable for NAPLAN testing is: Tuesday 12th May – Writing & Language Conventions
Year Level
NOTE – The writing tasks will be either narrative or persuasive. Language Conventions – 40 minutes
Year 3
Wednesday 13th May ‐ Reading
Thursday 14th May – Numeracy
Reading – 45 minutes
NOTE – In Year 7 and 9 there are two numeracy tests: one where a calculator is allowed and one where calculators are not used. Numeracy – 45 minutes
Reading – 50 minutes
Numeracy – 50 minutes
Reading – 65 minutes
Numeracy – 40 minutes x2
Reading – 65 minutes
Numeracy – 40 minutes x2
Writing – 40 minutes Year 5
Language Conventions – 40 minutes Writing – 40 minutes
Year 7
Language Conventions – 45 minutes Writing – 40 minutes
Year 9
Language Conventions – 45 minutes Writing – 40 minutes
More information about NAPLAN can be obtained from http://www.nap.edu.au/
Mrs Kathryn McAuliffe Director of Teaching and Learning.
[email protected]
Friday April 24th
College Photo Day Study Group
Study Group has recommenced for Term 2
Monday ‐ Years 10‐12 3.15pm – 4.00pm English Study with Miss Parnell and Mrs Barras Monday ‐ Year 7 Maths 3.15pm – 4.00pm Maths Study with Ms James Wednesday ‐ Years 6‐12 Maths & English 3.15‐4.00pm Study with Mr Oats
If you want to book students in, please email
[email protected]
Community Noticeboard Information on the following is available in the Administration Office
Women for Women ‐ Sunday May 3 High Tea $50 per head To support Albury/Wodonga Women’s Refuge
Healthy Eating Workshops for Parents and Carers Monday May 11th Felltimber Community Centre
FREE Anxiety Disorders Support Group 3rd Thursday of each month
Celtic Festival ‐ St Matthews ‐ June 20 Includes a Cocktail on Saturday night $35 per ticket Enquiries ‐ 6021 3022
April May
Dates For Your Diary
22 24 29 1 4,5,6 8 12 13 14 15 19 19
Reading Rocks Presentation College Photo Day ‐ Full SUMMER uniform Open Morning Whole College Walkathon Mother’s Day Stall Mother’s Day/Special Persons Breakfast NAPLAN Assessments NAPLAN Assessments NAPLAN Assessments JS Athletics Carnival College Open Day P & F Meeting
8
Queen’s Birthday Holiday
June
UPCOMING EXCURSIONS The following table will appear weekly in our Newsletter to assist you in identifying excursions that your child/children may have been invited to attend. You will need to log onto Parent Lounge to accept the invitation, prior to the Parent Lounge close date. Date
Event
Year Level
Organised By:
22/4 23/4 23/4 28/4 28/4
Meals on Wheels Rock Climbing Rock Climbing UH Soccer (Senior Boys) UH Soccer (Senior Girls)
Yr 6 Yr 11 Sport & Recreation Yr 10 Outdoor Recreation Yr 11/12 Yr 9‐12
Parent Paul Kinning Paul Kinning Paul Kinning Natalie Pursehouse
PL Close Date 22/4 20/4 20/4 24/4 24/4
29/4 30/4 30/4 1/5 4/5
Shooting Competition‐ Grading Day Rock Climbing Rock Climbing Rock Climbing Inquiry Excursion
Yr 6‐12 Yr 11 Sport & Recreation Yr 10 Outdoor Recreation Yr 9 Outdoor Ed (B) Yr 4
Paul Kinning Paul Kinning Paul Kinning Paul Kinning Elyse Saunders
Closed 20/4 20/4 27/4 30/4
1/5 & 2/5
VCE PE Study Day
Yr 11/12 PE
Caroline Whittle
5/5 7/5 7/5 7/5
Rock Climbing Meals on Wheels Rock Climbing Rock Climbing
Yr 9 Outdoor Ed (A) Yr 6 Yr 11 Sport & Recreation Yr 10 Outdoor Recreation
Paul Kinning Parent Paul Kinning Paul Kinning
1/5 22/4 20/4 20/4
12/5 14/5 14/5 18/5‐22/5
Rock Climbing Rock Climbing Rock Climbing Rock Climbing CAMP
Paul Kinning PKI / LCO Paul Kinning Paul Kinning
1/5 20/4 20/4 4/5
20/5 22/5 26/5 29/5 3/6 3/6 5/6
Meals on Wheels Primary Upper Hume Cross Country Rock Climbing Rock Climbing Meals on Wheels Shooting Competition Rock Climbing
Yr 9 Outdoor Ed (A) Yr 11 Sport & Recreation Yr 10 Outdoor Recreation Year 10/11 Outdoor with Sport & Rec. Yr 6 Yr 4‐7 Yr 9 Outdoor Ed (A) Yr 9 Outdoor Ed (B) Yr 6 Yr 6‐12 Yr 9 Outdoor Ed (B)
Parent TBA Paul Kinning Paul Kinning Parent Paul Kinning Paul Kinning
22/4 20/5 1/5 27/4 22/4 Closed 27/4
‘ Learning for Life’