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8WEEK

OF 9

Term 4

Gilson Gazette - 20 March 2020

Amphitheatre project in progress

2020

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Students and Friends of Gilson College

Fryers Ranges Camp

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Contents

general newsCOVID-19 UPDATES ...................................................................4GILSON COLLEGE COMMUNITY CHURCH ..................................4PARKING OFF CAMPUS ..............................................................4NOTICE FROM COMMBANK SCHOOL BANKING ........................4

primary newsAWARDS NAMES ........................................................................5SCHOOL DROP OFF AND PICK UP ..............................................5

seCondary newsYEAR 9 FRYERS RANGES CAMP REFLECTIONS ...........................5

photosNEW BUILDING PROJECTS .........................................................8

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The story is told of a king who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. The kingdom had been at war and things had been very difficult. Wanting to focus on the positive the king offered significant incentives and so many artists tried. There were many beautiful paintings and although the variety was enormous the king took time to examine them all. Finally, however

the king narrowed it down to just two, but he had to choose between them. One picture was of a calm lake. Acting as a perfect mirror, the lake reflected

peaceful towering mountains all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. People smiled and relaxed when they saw the picture – it truly was a masterpiece of serenity. The colours, the detail, the lighting – were all superb. It was difficult to imagine a more tranquil setting and all who saw this picture thought that it was the perfect representation of peace.

The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare, and above was an angry sky, from which the rain fell and the lightning arced across the scene. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. Jagged and dangerous was the scene.

But when the king looked closely, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, surrounded by the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest - in perfect peace.

As the king chose the second picture he explained why."Because," said the king, "peace does not mean, to be in a place where there

is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the middle of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

Jesus said to his friends before he returned to heaven,“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 14:27 and 16:33

It’s worth a thought

Mark B Vodéll Principal

Editorial: Picture of Peace

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general news

COVID-19 UPDATESPlease note that the

College will continue to keep you informed of any updates in relation to school processes regarding the above via SEQTA. Updates have been emailed via SEQTA from the Principal as well as the Head of Primary and Secondary. If you have any queries regarding these please contact the College Office.

BUILDING PROJECTSAs you know, the

College currently has three building projects underway. The Children's Centre at the northwestern end of the campus, the Amphitheatre behind the Eco Science building and the refurbishment of the Year 7&8 building. The Children's Centre is at

the handover stage, and the Amphitheatre and the Year7&8 refurbishment are both on the way to completion.

The College will benefit greatly from the completion of these projects. The Children's Centre would be a feeder for our Foundation classes, the Amphitheatre provides an outdoor creative space for our students to perform in and the refurbishment of the Year 7&8 area provides much needed additional learning space for this year level (see photos on page 8).

GILSON COLLEGE COMMUNITY CHURCH

Please refer to the flyer on page 7.

PARKING OFF CAMPUSThank you to everyone who

has been demonstrating our PB4L values during pickup and

Primary swimming team

Verse of the Week“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

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drop off times before and after school. Please ensure that if you are picking your child up and parking outside of the school property that you are parking in the appropriate places and not double parking. Unfortunately, there are a number of parents who are double parking which is a very dangerous practise.

Recently we have seen an increase in the number of people that are using their mobile phones whilst driving. It is important to remember that you are modelling appropriate and inappropriate behaviours to your children. Please do the right thing and adhere to traffic rules.

NOTICE FROM COMMBANK SCHOOL BANKING

The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and our people is our first priority. Due to the rapidly developing situation with coronavirus, School Banking has been temporarily paused from 20 March 2020 until the start of Term 2. Please don’t bring your deposit book with your weekly banking into school and we will notify you when banking will recommence.

primary news

AWARDS NAMESOn Monday morning in

our Primary Awards Assembly one student from each class was acknowledged for demonstrating the value of Enthusiasm.

FM – Summer Pozo1H – Caleb Fonoia Tavita1W – Genesis Lopes2L – Esias Dzadey2Z – Jake Nguyen3R – Yuvraj Saharan4H – Lucas Saad4S – Jonathan Sawiras4W – Aayush Rana5A – Tyler Scicluna5M – Steven Pham6G – Jaya Uppal6H – Neili Perera6M – Allegra BatgerFRENCH – Ellie Poon

SCHOOL DROP OFF AND PICK UP

Please ensure that if you drop your child off in the morning before 8:20 am, that you stay with them until the gates open. If students are early and not supervised they need to be booked into OHSC. Please

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also remember that students are only supervised until 3:50 pm after school. Any child who has not been picked up after this time, will be taken to OHSC and parents will have to pay the cost.

secondary news

YEAR 9 FRYERS RANGES CAMP REFLECTIONS

From the 11th to the 13th March, the Year Nines spent three days bushwalking and navigating in the Fryers Ridge/Castlemaine area as part of the Learning for Life program. Below are some of their reflections on this experience.

Fryers Ranges hike was an incredible experience where we were able to test our navigation skills. There were also times that our environmental awareness was developed. I loved my group and teacher, as we were able to support, encourage, and help each other. The energy my group gave me really helped.

The VALUE for Week 9 of Term 1 will be:

Determination is a quality that makes you continue trying to do or achieve something that is difficult. Determined people never give up, they keep trying.

God promises to always help us, and we can do amazing things through him.“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” Galations 6:9

determination

While Buangor was crazy great, Fryers was amazingly peaceful. Spending time in nature with the peaceful world was the best. Samantha CA

My highlight was when we made it to every camp and we felt like we had accomplished something. Ryan CA

My experience at Fryers Ranges was pretty fun. There were lots of jokes and we spent a lot of time discovering more about each other. Leith BE

I enjoyed Fryers camp because it was all about our map reading skills that we got from Buangor and how we used them in this camp. Sidak CA

The Fryers Ranges camp was fun, but also challenging at times. What I enjoyed most was cooking dinner with the whole group, because we were able to share stories and laugh together. Charlotte BE

My highlights were: getting to the campsites and finishing the hike as one big group; everyone helping each other; and we all played uno with Mrs

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Jakupec and had a great time Millie CA

I think I gained resilience after getting cut so many times. I gained closer friendships with my group and teacher. Overall, it was a great hike and I was really proud of my efforts at the end. Leah CA

I enjoyed the bonding moments during all our breaks, and the freedom that we had navigating on our own. The night session where we just sat and stared at the stars was very peaceful. Anita SR

I absolutely loved the group 5 girls. They were really encouraging, as was Mrs Lindbeck. All good vibes and I had fun playing UNO with the girls. The rewards box worked as motivation too. It was nice to

have something different to look forward to. Jasmine SR

I enjoyed navigating because I got a chance to lead the group. Arriving at the campsite gives off a “you can actually do it” vibe. Trong SR

I think I did well. I was helping navigate alongside Gian, Louis, Ayman and Trong, and I loved hiking, navigating, bearings, and camping overall. I loved pushing myself, and doing great distances. I’d like to change to a higher group to push myself further and improve my fitness. Koen SR

I didn’t physically gain anything, but I did mentally. I gained trust and a friendship with the girls in my group.Genieva CA

The walk was reasonably flat with a few challenges along the way. It was my favourite

photos

NEW BUILDING PROJECTS

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Amphitheatre project

Year 7 and 8 refurbishment

Children centre

Icypole day

Unfortunately we have had to cancel selling icypoles at Friday lunch times for the rest of term 1. Icypoles can still be purchased through the canteen via a lunch order

method. Please see the Canteen Menu for further details.

PPaarreennttss && FFrriieennddss CCoommmmiitttteeee - next meeting – 2pm, Tuesday 28 April 2020

RECIPE Maltese Ricotta Pie (Torta ta L-lrkotta)

No website for this one – this is straight from the hand written notes

iinnggrreeddiieennttss

1 kilo fresh ricotta

2 cups frozen peas

Packet puff pastry

2 Eggs

Salt & pepper for seasoning

Egg wash

1 long life packet grated parmesan

cheese

Pie dish

IInnssttrruuccttiioonnss

Heat your fan forced oven to 180deg.

Grease your pie dish with oil spray. Cut and line your pie dish with the puff pastry, leaving some for the top of the pie. Poke

your base very lightly with a fork.

In a separate bowl mix the ricotta, 2 eggs, peas, parmesan cheese (to your taste) and salt and pepper (to your taste).

Now fill your pie dish with the ricotta to the top.

Cover your pie with more puff pastry, sealing the edges. Poke some air holes on the top of the pie and brush on some egg

wash. Place in the middle of the oven until golden brown. Can be served warm or cold. – Enjoy -

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Whenyouhaveaworrierinyourfamily

• ANXIETY by Michael Grose

Do you have a worrier in your family? Do you have a child who worries or over-thinks things? If so, it’s worth remember that rumination is the ruination of a peaceful mind.

If you’ve ever spent a sleepless night worrying then you’ll know how problems always seem bigger when you keep tossing them around in your head.

It can seem like everything is stacked against you. When this happens you’ve got to find the off switch so you can get away from your worries for a while.

The same principle holds for children and teenagers when they worry. Their problems just seem to get bigger and they need to turn them off or tone them down so they can ease their anxiety.

Sometimes it takes a wise adult to remind children and young people about what really is important to them. Broaden their vision

Kids get tunnel vision when they worry. They often can’t see the bigger picture. For instance, a young person may fret over minor work matters such getting the exact font match for an assignment they are working on, and neglect to get the sleep necessary for good learning the next day. Sometimes it takes a wise adult to remind children and young people about what really is important to them.

Put their attention elsewhere

Placing attention away from worries is an age old technique for parents and teachers. Commonly known as distraction, the act of focusing attention on something other than what causes them distress is vital for good mental health. Examples of distractions include – going outside, playing a game, shooting some basketball hoops or listening to music.

Give the worry a name

Somehow giving a worry a name makes it feel less scary and more manageable. A wonderful picture storybook for toddlers called ‘There’s a Hippopotamus on our Roof‘ by Hazel Edwards personifies fear of the dark as a friendly hippo. Much more friendly and easier to boss around if you’re a child.

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Put their worries in a jar

Wouldn’t it be great to put all your worries into a safe and throw away the key? As an adult you may do this when you take time out to watch your favourite TV show; or lose yourself wandering for hours online. Children need something a little more practical. They can write their worries on some paper and lock them in away in a jar by the side of the bed at the end of the day. It’s good to know that their worries can’t get out because they are locked up tight.

Limit talking time

It’s good if kids can talk about what’s on their mind but talking needs to be contained to prevent their worries from dominating their lives. Set aside ten minutes a day to talk about their worries and then put worry time aside until tomorrow. This is not about shutting kids down but teaching them they can change tack in their thinking rather than go over the same old thoughts again and again.

Normalise rather than lionise their anxiety

Anxious kids are very sensitive to their parents concerns and worries. One way we build their concerns is by continually reassuring them that things will be fine. One reassurance should be sufficient most of the time followed by “I’ve already talked to you about that.” Continually going over old ground can allow worries to linger longer than necessary.

Give them the tools to relax

Some people can relax in front of the TV, and it is enough for them to take their mind off their worries. Some people need a bigger set of tools including mindfulness and exercise to help them neutralise our worries. Talk with your kids about how they relax; share what works for you and help them explore relaxation techniques that will fit their interests, age and lifestyles.

Move baby move

Get kids moving. Physical exercise is not only a great distraction but it release feel-good endorphins that help children and young people feel better and more optimistic about the future.

Let their subconscious minds solve their problems

A wonderful strategy is the notion of allowing the sub-conscious mind to solve problems. There’s a good body of research that points to the power of the sub-conscious mind solving problems when we are asleep. If you’ve ever woken at four o’clock in the morning with an ‘aha!’ moment, where everything seems clear, then you’ll have experienced the sub-conscious mind at work. Talk about the sub-conscious mind with your kids and let them know that they can give their sub-conscious permission to go to work. “Okay, I’m not going to think about this any more. My sub-conscious can solve this now.” Andrea Farquharson – Wellbeing Coordinator.

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SECONDARY CALENDARTERM 2 2020

Week 01

m 14th aprilFirst Day of Term 2

CALENDAR 2020

Year 9 Camp

PRIMARY CALENDARTERM 1 2020

Week 09

m 24th & 25th MarchParent Teacher Interviews - Cancelled

m 27th MarchLast Day of Term 1

TERM 2 2020Week 01

m 14th aprilFirst Day of Term 2

m 15th - 17th aprilYear 5 Sovereign Hill Camp - TBA