COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

In Memoriam Victor Oreshkin 1985 – 2014

Past student of RPCS (1997 – 2002)

Victor was a passenger on the Malaysian Airlines flight shot down over Ukraine on 17 July. He was flying home from Germany where he had met up with his older brother Mark. As well as holidaying, Victor had been to a Christian Conference in Germany and undertaken evangelism work in Lithuania. He was just 29 years old. Victor’s father, Serge, has served on the RPCS Maintenance team since 1999. Victor’s older siblings also attended this school: Tracey, class of 1995, Sonya, class of 1997, Mark, class of 1999. Victor was a popular student whose sudden death has been a great shock to the Regents Park Christian School community and his many school friends. While at school, Victor loved cricket, basketball and athletics. He also studied piano and Russian. Victor loved the outdoors and actively helped his father with building projects. After leaving school, Victor studied Horticulture at TAFE and worked as a gardener with Ryde Council. Victor was very active in his family church and studied part time at Morling Bible College. He loved to serve with sound production and in other practical ways at services and conferences. Victor sought to share his love of Jesus by leading in Youth and teaching Sunday School. Victor helped organise Youth Conferences and just this year was part of the organising team who hosted a large Youth Conference in Lidcombe for combined Slavic Churches. His Facebook page is a testimony to his love for Jesus, with many posts declaring his faith in Jesus Christ and encouraging others to seek Him too. Victor’s short life was one that truly portrayed our vision for students of this school: “to know the Lord Jesus Christ, grow in Him and serve Him to their full potential.” Our prayers are with Serge and Vera and the family who have always been strong supporters of the school. Victor’s favourite Bible passage was Psalm 139 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

Les Barnard, Acting Principal

Our Vision

To foster a Christ centred learning community where all students receive an education which enables them to

know the Lord Jesus Christ, grow in Him and serve Him to their full potential

Regents Park Christian School

59 Regent Street, Regents Park, 2143 Ph: 9644 5144 Fax: 9743 7082

principal@rpcs.nsw.edu.au www.rpcs.nsw.edu.au

IMPORTANT DATES TERM 3 2014 28 July Secondary Zone Athletics 28 July – 11 Aug HSC Trial Exam period 31 July Secondary Girls & Boys State Soccer GD Finals 6 Aug Primary Zone Athletics 12 Aug HSC Showcase Evening 14 Aug Prefect Induction 20 – 22 Aug Prefects Retreat 26 Aug Yr 8 Geography Field Study PRAYER POINTS Please pray for the families affected by the Malaysian Airlines disaster. Please pray for our Principal who is on sabbatical study leave

Term 3 Week 1 25 July 2014

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:17

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT REMINDER Unless you are paying your school fees by a school approved payment plan for 2014, fees for Term 3 are due in full by Friday 25 July 2014. We accept payment by BPAY (refer to Tuition Fee Statement)

EFTPOS (in main school office)

Visa/MasterCard via school website

Direct Debit (contact office for details)

Centrepay (contact office for details)

Cash / cheque / money order If you are unable to pay the entire term’s tuition fee amount by the due date, please contact Mrs Wilcox by telephone or emai l accounts@rpcs.nsw.edu.au immediately to discuss possible alternate arrangements.

NO CHANGE When you make any payments to the school in cash please ensure that it is exact as neither the main office nor the primary office hold cash for the purpose of giving change.

STATEMENTS AND RECEIPTS EMAILED From the beginning of this year the school has been emailing tuition fee and sundry statements to families who have email. From Term 3 we have commenced emailing receipts for any cash payments made. If you are unsure whether we have your current email address, please contact the school office to update any details.

BOYS’ COMB-OVER HAIRSTYLES – NO GO @ RPCS If your son is needing a haircut these holidays, please ensure that they do not talk you into a comb-over style (pictured). As described in the Primary and Senior Handbooks: hair must be worn neatly and must not cover the collar or fall below the eyebrows. Hair should be cut in a conservative style, of even length. No part of the hair may be shorter than a No. 2 comb/clipper. Students may face suspension from school for breaches of this policy. (example of unacceptable hair style)

ABSENCE NOTES Remember that it is a legal requirement that children attend school. If a child is away from school – for any reason – it is the parents’ responsibility to send a signed note of explanation. Notification by SMS, although appreciated, does not replace this requirement. If your student will be absent due to a family holiday or similar, an application form must be completed and returned to the Office for approval by the Principal IN ADVANCE. When your children are absent, ensure they are provided with a note of explanation to give to their teachers on their return.

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

RPCS is in the process of starting a school orchestra (for primary and secondary). If you would like your child to learn an instrument, please contact Mr Chavura in the High School Music dept. Students who already play an orchestral instrument are encouraged to join. All levels welcome! Cost: group lessons $75 p/term. Instrument hire: $35 p/term.

Instruments are available for hire through the school: Violin, viola, cello, trumpet, baritone, tenor horn, trombone, flute, saxophone and clarinet. Making music boosts cooperation and problem-solving skills - By Christine Hsu via Counselheal.com Making music help boosts pro-social behaviour and problem-solving skills in young children, a new study suggests. Researchers randomly assigned children to either a "Music" Group or a "No Music" Group. The children were instructed to play two games: a "Cooperation" game and a "Helping" game. Researchers said that the children's problem solving ability was analysed by observing their reactions during the "Helping" game. The findings revealed that music improved helpfulness in both girls and boys. Researchers found that children in the "Music" group were over thirty times more likely to help than children in the "No Music" Group. Researchers found that girls were over twenty times more likely to help than boys. Abstract from Counselheal.com

AR 11 DRAMA PRESENTS…

HELPING KIDS MAKE SENSE

Our community has been deeply and personally affected by the air disaster of MH17. As we join our prayers and thoughts particularly with the Oreshkin family, many of us will be having conversations with our children about this and other tragedies. Michael Grose (submitted 23.07.14) has posted this blog this week which I felt to share in our Community News to help us as parents. Reports of the recent shooting down of Flight MH17 over Ukraine air space has saturated newspapers, television and the Internet for the last week. The events were shocking and many of the images shown on our television screens have been quite confronting. Worldwide outrage has been the result.

But what about the impact of the event and the subsequent media coverage on children and young people?

As adults we all want our children to live carefree lives and keep them from the pain and even horror of such tragedies and natural disasters. In reality we can’t do this.

So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring adult to do when such events fill the airwaves and the consciousness of society? Here are some ideas:

1. Reassure children that they are safe. The consistency of the images can be frightening for young children who don’t understand the notion of distance and have difficulty distinguishing between reality and fiction. Let them know that, while this event is indeed happening, it will not affect them directly.

2. Explain what happened. Sounds obvious but it’s important not to simply assume that children and young people understand what’s happened. Be calm and stick to the facts, using a map to show older children where it happened.

3. Be available. Let kids know that it is okay to talk about the unpleasant events. Listen to what they think and feel. By listening, you can find out if they have misunderstandings and you can learn more about the support that they need. You do not need to explain more than they are ready to hear but be willing to answer their questions.

4. Help children process… what they see and hear, particularly through television. Children are good observers but can be poor interpreters of events that are out of their level of understanding.

5. Support children’s concerns for others. They may have genuine concerns for the suffering that will occur and they may need an outlet for those concerns. It is heartwarming to see this empathy in children for the concerns of others.

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

6. Let them explore feelings beyond fear. Many children may feel sad or even angry with these events so let them express the full range of emotions.

7. Avoid keeping the television on all the time. The visual nature of the media means that images are repeated over and over which can be both distressing to some and desensitizing to others.

8. Be aware of your own actions. Children will take their cues from you and if they see you focusing on it in an unhealthy way then they will focus on it too. Let them know that it is happening but it should not dominate their lives.

Children’s worlds can be affected in ways that we can’t even conceive, so adults need to be both sensitive to children’s needs and mindful of what they say and how they act in front of children.

In difficult times, it is worth remembering what adults and children need most are each other.

Should you wish to discuss any concerns you have, please contact myself or Michelle Knight on (02) 9644 5144 or email us on counsellor@rpcs.nsw.edu.au.

Rochelle Dawson Student Wellbeing Co-ordinator and School Counsellor

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES Term 3 Hi everyone! We are a very supportive group where you can practice your English! Who: Family and friends are all welcome! Where: Regents Park Community Church (59-61 Regent St) When: Tuesdays from 9.30 – 11am Dates: 22 July – 16 September (9 weeks) Contact: Michelle Lin – 9738 9799 (church office)

MUMS & BUBS PROGRAM Activities: Play, story, craft and music Time: Fridays (10.30 am – 12.15 pm during school terms) Where: Regents Park Community Church (59-61 Regent St) Fee: $1 (donation)

PRIMARY NEWS

PRIMARY STARTING TIME: 8:30am This year, the hours of the primary department were changed to begin at 8:30am and finish at 3:00pm. We start our day with Morning Recess to allow our students a time to be physically active and to reconnect with their friends and classmates. This is an important time for our students and was strategically designed for our students’ well-being. Recess ends at 8:45am with a brief morning assembly before students go to class. Students are expected to be at school at 8:30am, with supervision being provided from 8:00am. From this term (Term 3), students who are not at school for the morning assembly at 8:45am will be marked late and parents will need to provide a signed note of explanation. Please ensure your child is given every opportunity for academic success and ensure they are at school on time.

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

2015 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS If you are expecting your child to start Kindergarten next year and have not yet had an interview, please contact Mrs Dorizas, our Enrolments Officer, immediately. Application forms are available from the primary office. Make sure your child does not miss out on a place!

MACQUARIE UNIVERSITY - YEAR 4 & 6 BULLYING SURVEY We have been given the opportunity to participate in a Macquarie University bullying study. The research will be made available to our school and this will assist us in the development of our policies to further enhance the well-being of our students. If your child is in Year 4 or 6 we encourage you to allow them to participate in this survey and return the permission slips as soon as possible. The survey will be conducted at school on Thursday 7 August.

PRIMARY ZONE CARNIVAL – 6 AUGUST Remember, Zone Carnival competitors need to bring in their permission slips as soon as possible.

HEADLICE IN PRIMARY Our less than welcome parasitical friends have returned. Please take the time to regularly check your children’s hair for these nasty little varmints. If you find them, please make sure the entire family is treated to avoid a recurrence. Good times!

SUBWAY FRIDAY – YEARS 3-6, 1 AUGUST Next Friday, 1 August, is our first Subway Friday for Term 3. Students in years 3-6 who would like to enjoy Subway on this day will need to place their orders by Wednesday, 30 July. The cost for a 6”Sub, drink and dessert is $6. Order forms will be sent home on Friday, 25 July.

UNSUNG HEROES BREAKFAST On Wednesday morning, Stage 2 students hosted an Unsung Heroes Breakfast for a significant person in their lives. Nominations were based on students’ own criteria: they decided how an individual was significant to them and provided reasons why their person should be honoured. There were a variety of individuals invited from the school community, leaders, teachers, siblings and support staff. As well, there were parents, grandparents and even a Sunday school teacher in attendance. It was very moving to see our students demonstrating their understanding of how important it is to recognise and value the sacrifice of others. This is Biblical and a strong value of our school community. In training our students to honour others, we are actually preparing them well for life. As honouring others becomes part and parcel of who they are, they will reap honour in return. How good is our God that when we obey Him – we are in turn blessed! (Faithlove explaining why her grandmother is significant)

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

PBS PRIMARY: BE RESPECTFUL, BE SAFE, BE KIND AND BE A LEARNER Next week, our focus will be on showing respect in our school by “Moving around the school quietly.” With the HSC trials and exams soon, we would like our students to respect others by moving around the school quietly. You can reinforce this at home and at church by reminding children to respect others by moving around sensibly and quietly. When we respect others they value us!

STATE SOCCER GALA DAY – 18 AUGUST Our Junior and Senior Soccer teams will represent our school at the State Gala Day on Monday, August 18th. Please bring in their permission slips as soon as possible.

FATHER’S DAY Our Father’s Day Breakfast will be held again on Friday, 5 September. Last year’s event was a fantastic morning for all with good food, great coffee and lots of laughs. We hope those important men in our students’ lives will be able to set aside time on this day so that our community may honour them. Raising giants for God’s kingdom is no small thing. More information will come soon.

PRIMARY ASSEMBLY Here is our updated assembly roster for Term 3. Due to the Trial HSC exams being held this term, we will need to cancel our Primary Assembly on Friday 8 August, which will alter our assembly roster from 15 August onwards. As a consequence, 1-2M, 1-2K and Kindergarten will have their Assemblies early in term 4. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

PRIMARY CHOIR PRACTICE - Reminder Time: Wednesdays (11.10 - 11.45 am) Location: Kindergarten Room

HEALTHY TIP…

Term 3

Class Date

5-6Ja 25 July

5-6Je 1 August

No Assembly 8 August

5-6C 15 August

Solid State Circus 22 August

4D 29 August

Father’s Day 5 September

3H 12 September

1-2B 19 September

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

SECONDARY NEWS

SECONDARY ZONE ATHLETICS CARNIVAL - Monday 28 July

Students who finished 1st or 2nd in an event at the school Athletics Carnival are eligible to represent the school at the Zone Athletics Carnival. This will be held on Monday July 28, 2014 at The Crest Athletics Track, Maclean St Bass Hill. Students who attend MUST wear and compete in their full PE uniform.

BOOK WEEK 2014 – CONNECT TO READING Connection is a basic human need. We all want to connect - with each other, with our families and friends, with other parts of our own experience. Reading is a fantastic way to get us connected. Using the theme of this year’s Book Week “Connect to Reading”, all students (Years 7 – 12) are challenged to read a minimum of 6 books to make 6 connections using 6 different genres. The challenge is running during Weeks 1 – 8 in Term 3. There will be a Special Book Week Luncheon in Week 9 for those who have completed the challenge. To find out more, go to RPCS Moodle – Resources – Library – Book Week 2014.

U15 AUSTRALIAN SCHOOLBOYS RUGBY LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP Recently, Tui Katoa (Year 10) was chosen to participate in the Combined Independent Schools of NSW team at the Schoolboys Championship in Tamworth. While the final result was not what was hoped for, Tui received a letter of commendation from the Rugby League Convenor commenting on Tui’s attitude, behaviour and effort as outstanding amongst his team members. Well cone, Tui!

UNIVERSITY OPEN DAYS The University of Wollongong. Students will hear about new degrees in banking and financial services and meet the lecturers. Students can also tour the campus, meet students, corporate partners and the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Business. When: Saturday 30 August 2014, 10:00am – 2:00pm Where: Sydney Business School (part of Wollongong Uni) Gateway Bldg, Level 8, 1 Macquarie Plc, Circ. Quay RSVP: Monday 25 August 2014 to: business-events@uow.edu.au For more information please visit business.uow.edu.au or contact Kimberley Humphries: on phone 02 4221 5661. The two specialised undergraduate degrees offered at the Sydney City campus were designed in collaboration with corporate partners. Students will acquire the knowledge needed to meet the challenges of an expanding financial sector. The Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Services and the Bachelor of Banking and Financial Services are ideal for ambitious students wanting to establish a profession in areas such banking, financial planning, superannuation, accountancy, funds management, investment analysis and business development. CRICOS Provider Number: 00102E University of Sydney Venue: MacLaurin Hall, Manning Rd, Camperdown When: 31 July 2014, 10am – 1.30pm Contact: Compass Administration 02 8627 8515 or compass.administration@sydney.edu.au RSVP: 25 July 2014 University of Technology, Sydney presentations by and for Arabic speaking community Venue: Aerial Function Centre, Bldg 10, Lev 7, 235 Jones St. Sydney When: 10 September 2014, 10am – 2pm Contact: Bilquis Ghani 02 9517 7277 or bilquis.ghani@uts.edu.au RSVP: 1 September 2014

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 1

DRAWING DAY IN LIBRARY On the last Thursday lunch time of term 2, the library held a special lunch time activity called “Drawing Day”.

It was noticed that there are many students who are gifted in arts and in particular with their drawings.

Students were invited to show their collections and their talents, but most of all to have fun and enjoy the gifts God has given them.