gilson gazette - 14 february 2014 l - gilson college€¦ · gilson college, 450 taylors rd ... for...

Gilson College, 450 Taylors Rd. Taylors Hill, Vic. 3037; Tel. 9365 9365; http://www.gilson.vic.edu.au

Weekly Newsletter for Parents, Students and Friends of Gilson College

Gilson Gazette - 14 February 2014

03WEEK

OF 10

Term 1

The VALUE for Week 3 Term 1 is:

KINDNESSKindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate. It

is a form of respect, of treating others how we would like to be treated. God demonstrated kindness through His son Jesus who healed the

sick and comforted the distressed. He encourages us to show kindness to one another.

“This is my commandment that you love one another as I have loved you.”

John 15:12

??????????????????

Luo was just a five-year-old boy when he was kidnapped and sold to a family in another part of China about 1500

kilometres away. When he realised that he wasn’t going home he set about remembering his village and the location of his house, the school, the river and the old broken bridge. He would lie in bed at night and go over the places in his mind.

Then the weeks turned into months, the months turned into years, and while young Luo was treated well by his new parents, he could never forget the memories of his family, his village and his friends.

As he got older Luo draw a map of his village so that he would not forget the details and then using the internet, google maps, and his memory he tried to find his original family.

Once as a teenager a person remarked that Luo spoke with words from the Sichuan dialect and so he figured he may have come from there. But even within this province there is more than 80 million people and an area almost 500,000 km2 in size. Meanwhile Luo continued to search and at the same time he posted photos of himself, his map and even a picture of his hand which had a scar on it from before he was stolen.

Volunteer help groups got involved and still the search seemed fruitless. Finally, in April last year he was searching via satellite maps through a village that seemed to fit his memories. His hands began to shake as he realised that this may be the missing piece of his jigsaw.

At 23 years of age, he flew out to the Sichuan province and reconnected with his family. On the day of his arrival, the whole village turned out to greet him and firecrackers announced his coming and his mother cooked him traditional noodles as a special ‘welcome home meal’.

Years earlier Luo’s distressed parents had tried everything they could to find their lost boy and now with his return they were simply overwhelmed with joy.

This story reminds me of Joseph who was sold by his brothers - how happy his father must have felt at the return of his lost child. Similarly, Jesus says that there is joy in heaven when one lost person finds their heavenly Father (Luke 15:10) and the angels dance and have a party.

Have you felt lost? Is there a piece of the jigsaw of life missing? Have you re-connected with your heavenly Father? If you do – there is a party in heaven and there is peace in one’s heart here on earth.

It’s worth a thought.

Mark B Vodell Principal

General News New Staff

This week we introduce to the community Mrs Cherie Petersen-Reid (pictured above)

Mrs Reid was born in Adelaide (and she doesn’t follow the footy!) and moved around to many different places while growing up as child. She has lived in places like Griffith, Wyong and Cooranbong. She has also travelled to Europe, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and NZ.

In her spare time, Mrs Reid likes riding her motorbike (Suzuki 650), she also likes riding her pushbike, attending live shows, reading, as well as enjoying the arts and music. She enjoys spending time with friends and family. She has two children and five grandchildren and this year is working with Year 6 on Thursdays and Fridays and the rest of the time is the maths coordinator for the primary school.

We welcome Mrs Petersen-Reid to Gilson College.


Calendar 2013 2014

Term 1 Week 4

m 16 FebruaryWorking Bee

m 17 - 21 FebruaryPrimary - Spiritual Emphasis

Week

m 17 - 21 FebruaryYear 9 Buangor Training

Camp

m 18 FebruaryYear 8 Camp Preparation

Day

m 19 FebruaryVet Year 11 Snorkelling

Excursion

Term 1 Week 5

m 24 FebruaryPrimary - Young Leadership

Day

m 25 - 28 FebruaryYear 8 Camp

m 26 February* Melton District Swimming* Year 11 / 12 Futsal

Term 1 Week 6

m 3 March* Year 9 /10 Volleyball

Term 1 Week 3

Primary Student awardS

Canteen News - Yummy Ice Treat The Canteen now has a new yummy iced treat

available at $1.00 each. These are made with natural ingredients, fresh coconut milk and fruit purees, no preservatives, dairy free, gluten free and no trans fat. Flavours available are coconut, coconut and mango, coconut and pineapple and coconut and guava.

For more information about these please visit smooze.com.au

Air Force Cadet SchemeThe local unit of the Australian Air Force Cadets

now has vacancies for young men and women between the ages of 13-18 who are interested in aviation or a military career to join in 2014. The unit meets every Wednesday night during school term at the Army Transport Depot in Sunshine at 101 Duke Street, Sunshine.

There will be an information evening for interested teenagers and their families to attend on Wednesday 29th January at 7.00pm. Please direct any enquiries to Leading Aircraftsman (AAFC) Troy Ashton on 0406 702 296 or email [email protected]

Gilson College - Happy Hands Art timeWe invite families with Toddlers

ages 1 to 5 to come each Wednesday 10.00am – 11.30.am. For more info or to register, visit www.happyhandsart.com

Gilson College has an Adventurer Club!“Adventurers” is a great way to provide

adventures in living for 4 – 9 year old Boys and Girls.Once a month on a Saturday afternoon for club

meetings where childre learn to discover nature, do craft activities and hear interesting stories that promote Christian values. Adventurer awards are given out during the year at regular meetings. These awards include the areas of fire safety, health, pet care, courtesy, environment, fitness, crafts and general bible knowledge.

Bring your children along and get involved this year. It is a great, fun learning experience! The programs are fully supervised by club volunteers and parents are welcome to join in the fun.

Registration is on Saturday 15th February, 2.00pm – 3.00pm. Supervised games will be provided while parents register their children. Following registration, Adventurers will complete their first honour between 3.00pm - 4.00pm.

Where: Eco Science Centre, Gilson College, 450 Taylors Road, Taylors Hill

Cost: $20 per childUniform: $20 per uniform (shirt, woggle, scarf

and sash) Please have registration payments ready for

Registration Day. Uniform payment can be arranged in regular payments. Speak to Makelesi Ratabua if you have any enquiries. Please note: if you are unable to attend registration, please contact Makelesi on 90776667 or email mratabua@gmail com with any enquiries

Social Volleyball CompetitionThis semester we will be continuing the social

volleyball competition at Gilson College. Teams may be made up of students, parents, families, friends, your workplace, your church or anyone else. We currently have a single grade mixed comp but men’s or women’s teams may be arranged based upon numbers. If you are interested in entering a team request an information pack and submit your team details. We will also be taking names of those interested in becoming a referee or a scorer. For queries or expressions of Interest contact [email protected]

Volleyball Referee TrainingWe will be offering training for those

interested in refereeing games in the social volleyball competition at Gilson College. Participants will be accredited by Volleyball Victoria for three years and will be able to earn money refereeing in the competition. The training is open to anyone who is interested in volleyball. For queries or expressions of Interest contact [email protected]

GCCC Announcements • 15th February – Special program to

celebrate the conclusion of the Secondary Spiritual Emphasis week with Rome Ulia. This will commence at 10am with worship followed immediately by our Life Groups. Please bring a snack along to share during snack and chat time which will be in our life groups.

• 15th February –As we conclude our spiritual emphasis week for our high school we will have a potluck picnic lunch this coming Sabbath right here on our very own college grounds. Please note that there will be no heating facility for food on the day it will be an outdoor picnic. So please bring picnic food to share with each other.

• 15th February – Will be our first GCCC Adventurer club meeting for 2014. This is a program specifically taylored for 4-9 year olds. Registration will be between 2.00pm - 3.00pm followed by the first club meeting from 3.00pm-4.00pm.

• 22nd February – Neighbour Day program will be a fun, children focused, worship service to celebrate the end of the Primary Spiritual Emphasis week.

• 11th March – Will be the next GCCC management committee meeting for 2014 in the college staff room. We will start with a light tea at 6pm followed by the meeting.

Primary News Fairytale Fun! What

happened to the Big Bad Wolf? - Year 2A“Wolf ran home with his tail

on fire. When he got home he wrote a sign "Home Sweet Home". Then he went in the house and put his tail in a bowl of cold water.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Deutoronomy 31:16

Verse of the Week


When he finished, he went outside for some fresh air and heard a noise coming form the bushes. It was some bees getting ready to chase him!! Wolf ran for his life! He ran as fast as he could but the bees were fast too! So Wolf had to run even faster and he jumped into a river. The bees went away and he came out and went back home. He was wet and soaked. He won't ever try to eat pigs again!” Pita

Drop Off and Pick Up ProceduresPlease park, pick up and drop off your

children in the allocated areas, it is not safe to stop and get in and out of cars anywhere else. Use the MARKED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ONLY to cross the road. Remember there are young children watching you and they may follow your example. Please listen to teachers when they are directing you to the correct areas. Do not exit your car if you are driving through the pick up, drop off zone. Read the following information carefully.

Morning Drop OffStudents are to be dropped off at the front

of the Primary school via the drop off/pick up lane. There is no need for you to get out of your car as a teacher will be on duty to assist and ensure your child enters the school gate safely. If you do wish to get out of your car, you need to park your car in the car park located at the front of the primary school. Please do not park in staff car parks or on the main driveway through the front of the school.

If students arrive at school after 8:50am they must go to the office for a late pass.

Afternoon Pick-UpIn the afternoon there are two places

that students can be collected. If your child has a sibling in the secondary school they will be waiting at the front of the main office building.

If your child does not have any siblings in the secondary school they will be waiting in front of the primary entrance adjacent to the Foundation (Prep) classrooms. Teachers will assist your children into your car, you do not need to get out. If you would like to get out of your car to speak with anyone we ask that you park your car first.

As there is a limited number of car spaces we suggest you park off campus in one of the nearby streets and enjoy the walk to collect your child.

Bell TimesPlease note the adjusted bell times this

year.8:20 am School gates open8:50 am Classes begin10:40am – 10:55am Recess12:45pm – 1:25pm Lunch3:15pm End of the school day.

ChapelsChapels will be held each Friday morning

in the Eco Science CentreYears 3 – 6 at 9:00 amFoundation – Year 2 at 9:45 amParents are invited to join us.

Spiritual Emphasis Week (SEW)Next week, 18th – 21st February, will be

our Primary SEW (Spiritual Emphasis Week).

Each morning from Tuesday to Friday, we will be having a special Chapel program in the Eco Science Centre. We will have a special guest speaker, great music and other features for students to enjoy and be part of. SEW is a valuable part of our school program as we come together to worship and to learn more about our Creator God and His love for us. Parents are invited to join us.

Years 3 – 6 at 9:00am Foundation – Year 2 at 9:45am.Our SEW will finish on Saturday morning

at 10 am with a special program in our gym. This program will have music, stories, face painting and a great time of fellowship including a barbeque lunch. You are all invited along to share this time of celebration, praise and worship.

Homework BagsWhen students begin school in Foundation

(Prep) they are given a navy blue Homework bag as part of their book pack. This homework bag is sturdy and it is intended that students will keep using this same bag throughout Primary school. If a bag is lost or damaged a new homework bag can be purchased from the uniform shop. These bags are required for students in Foundation through to Year 4, and are recommended for students in Years 5 and 6. If your child does not have one, please purchase one from the uniform shop. They are excellent quality and only cost $8. If your child is new to Gilson College this year you will not have to pay for it.

Recess Snacks and Water BottlesRecess Fresh Fruit and Vegetable PolicyWe are interested in the overall health of

your child; therefore we ask that you take note of the following policy for recess snacks:

• Fresh fruit or vegetables and/or a yoghurt tub only to be eaten at this time, e.g. bananas, apples, oranges, celery or carrot sticks etc., natural or fruit yoghurt only

• If you choose to send along items such as cheese, muesli bars etc these need to be kept until the lunch break, to be eaten with sandwiches.

• Chocolate and lollies are not permitted.We also recommend an ice brick be included

in lunch boxes on hot days to ensure your child’s lunch stays fresh.

Each child should have their own water bottle clearly labeled with their name to ensure they are well hydrated.

Lost PropertyThere is a lost property tub located in the

Primary Learning Space. Any lost uniform items that do not have a name on them are donated to the Uniform shop at the end of the term. Other un-named items are thrown out. If items are labeled we are able to return them to their owner.

Please ensure your child’s clothes are clearly labeled with their name so that their belongings can be returned to them. This is particularly important for those items that are regularly removed such as hats, jackets and shoes.

Lunchboxes, drink bottles, school bags, pencil cases and all stationery should also be clearly labeled.

When your child has swimming lessons, please label all their clothing, towels, goggles, etc.

Young Leaders DayYear 6 students will be attending the Young

Chaplain’s Desk

Courage With Cold Feet

‘Benaiah...went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.’ 2 Samuel 23:20 NIV

Benaiah was one of King David’s ‘mighty men’. His résumé reads: ‘Benaiah...was a valiant fighter... He...went down into a pit on a snowy day and killed a lion.’ That’s what is called ‘courage with cold feet’.

The greatest courage of all is showing courage in the face of fear. Someone said, ‘Courage is just fear that has said its prayers.’ When you know you have heard clearly from God, you are filled with faith in that moment. It puts steel in your spine. But then, as you move out in faith, you encounter the lions of fear. ‘What if this does not work? What if I fail? What will people say?’ Suddenly you are having an attack of the ‘what ifs’.

Mark Twain said, ‘Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.’ You have to decide whether you’re going to become a warrior-or a worrier. There is no middle ground. When you are faced with a health crisis, a family crisis or a financial crisis, you either choose to stand on God’s Word and fight, or give in to worry. This side of Heaven we will never fully understand why bad things happen to good people. But we know that God is good-all the time!

So when bad things happen, you will either give in to fear and allow it to destroy your peace and well-being, or you will become a warrior armed with God’s Word and rise up against it. When fear threatens to engulf your mind, stand up with the Psalmist and say, ‘Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.’ (Psalm 56:3 NKJV)

Reflection: Numbers 14-15, Matthew 11:10-19, Psalms 107:23-32, Proverbs 3:25-26

Pr. Mau Tuaoi Senior Pastor and Chaplain


For all your Wedding Video needs please contact

Mladen on 0412 355 652

Leaders Day in the city on 24th February. Details have been sent home with the students. Please return the permission slip as soon as possible.

Parent Information and CBAParent Information booklets and

Classroom Behaviour Agreements (CBA’s) were handed out at our Parent Information Evening last week. If you were unable to attend, your child should have taken a copy home with them. Please make sure you read this information and read your child’s Classroom Behaviour Agreement with them. The accompanying form should be signed to say that you have read it and agree with it and then this form returned to school with your child.

Secondary News Coaches Wanted

If there are any parents who have coaching experience and would be willing to coach a school team before or after school each week in any of the inter school sport teams for maintenance hours, could you please email [email protected]. Secondary inter school sport teams include junior, intermediate and senior teams in: futsal, volleyball, tennis, cricket, softball, baseball, soccer, badminton, table tennis, netball and basketball.

Daily arrival timesOutside supervisions in the Secondary

do not start until 8:20 each morning – students should not be arriving before this time. All students who are at school earlier than 8:20 will be accompanied to the OSHC Program and this may require payment. To avoid this please ensure students arrive at school after 8:20. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Students Driving to SchoolFinally receiving a driver license is an

exciting occasion in a young person’s life. We understand the importance of it and recognise the eagerness of students to drive to school when they are able. If a student wishes to drive to school they must apply for a Student Car Permit, for them and any passengers they may transport to school. The application must be completed and approved before a student drives to school. See student reception for details and forms.

Student Hats ReminderAs a part of our commitment to

ensuring student well-being all students will be expected to wear hats whenever they are in the sun. This includes during PE classes, sport and breaks. Gilson College hats are available at the uniform shop and all students must use them during this term. Ensure your son/daughter has their before the end of this term. We thank you for your co-operation in this regard.

Primary Swimming Carnival


Gilson Col l ege OSHCafe and Happy Hands

Program

Along with all the staff we welcome all our past and new families who support

our service.

Prep Day Wednesday– Vacancies Prep Wednesday has given the children the opportunity to be involved in cooking, crafts, activities along with dancing and games. Please help support this program to allow us to continue providing it.

Active After School Sports Program

An amazing attendance of 52 children registered for our first class of Kobudo Kai School of Martial Arts. Staff and children will be obtaining their uniforms which will be presented to them in a couple of weeks.

Happy Hands Program -

Vacancies Each Wednesday morning we have children from ages of 1 – 5 attending a fun and exciting art, music and fun program. Our OSHC children have joined in helping to set up the activities and be a part of this program each week.

We welcome families to come along and join our fun activities.

Please contact the OSHC office for all enrolments on 9365 9341


Parents and Friends Committee 1 5 T H F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Welcome to Parents and Friends 2014! Parents and Friends Committee would like to extend a warm welcome to all new families and existing Gilson College families of Taylors Hill. Enthusiastic to commence a new year of Fundraising? We are looking forward to meeting lots of new people at our first Committee meeting scheduled next week (see item below). For those new to the College, Parents and Friends is very active within the Campus. We are easily identifiable by our YELLOW themed flyers and Lanyards, and we run the Parents and Friends Facebook Group which is a great source of information and facilitates communication between the College and the greater Gilson Community. We have meetings every couple of months at the Taylors Hill campus to discuss fundraisers and events, usually in the Primary Learning Area. We communicate meeting dates and times via email, Facebook, and this newsletter column. Please join our Facebook Group and email list to stay in touch with our current activities. Meeting Minutes are emailed to members following each meetings, and its posted to our Facebook Group. P&F is such a great way to meet other parents, make friends and network. Please join us! What do we do: * Stalls eg: Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Multicultural Lunch *Fundraising for events and school equipment/resources *Assist with PEP hours through your volunteer work *Network with parents and the College *School events assistance: Support the school as required. *Email list *Facebook Group *Donations to College via fundraising monies raised Kirsti Tu: President Parents and Friends Committee Parents and Friends Committee Meeting: Friday 28th February: 09:00am The first Parents and Friends Committee Meeting for 2014 will be at 09:00am in the Primary Learning Area (PLA) on Friday 28th February 2014. The PLA is through the glass doors in the Main Primary Building next to the left of the drop off gates. You do not need to sign in at the Office for the meeting. All are welcome, including non-school age children (please ensure they are supervised at all times). We have a small number of toys for the children to play with. PEP hours allocated for the amount of time present. Stay for as long or as little as you want. Warm drinks provided. We hope to see new families at our meeting, and aim to recruit enthusiastic members to actively participate in fundraising activities with a 'hands on' approach. As it is the first meeting for the year, there will be some general "housekeeping" to attend to and the meeting may possibly run a little longer than usual. The average meeting is usually an 1 hour in duration. We will also be discussing proposed activities and events for the year ahead. New fundraising ideas are always welcome, if you have an idea, bring it along! Both Mr Vodell, and the new Head of Campus (Taylors Hill) Mr Len Farquharson, will attend schedules permitting. Join our Facebook Group and stay informed: Established in 2012, the page was set up to facilitate communication between the Parents and Friends Committee and the broader Gilson Community. With now more that 150 Members, we post *School events and celebrations *P&F committee events including fundraisers *School newsletters/important notices *Excursion/Camp information *Photographs of events *Staff Photos and announcements *Classifieds/For sale items/ promotions of businesses *Flyers/ Notes/ Forms *Reminders for all of the above

The aim of the Social Group is to make school life easier by providing prompt communication in a safe environment. This is a great way to get quick answers to questions regarding school life. Joining the social group is easy, but you must have a Facebook Account. Type our Facebook link into your internet address bar, and click “JOIN” on the page. Our administrators will give you access after confirming your identity, and then you will be able to view content (until then, all content is blocked). We have a secure method of admitting people to the Group. Please check your Facebook Messages in the “Other” box if you have not heard from us within three days as we may have sent you a message to check your connection with the College. If you still have not heard from us, please email us at Parents and Friends using the email address on this page. After joining the group, take a moment to read the “About” section which outlines acceptable standards for usage of the page, and posting rules. All members are required to conduct themselves in a manner which upholds Gilson College and Seventh-Day-Adventist ethos and values. Be aware that there are Staff on this page who monitor use. Unacceptable posts will be removed by the Administrators at direction of the College. Please note: Joining the page DOES NOT give the other group members access to your profile/account. If you have any questions about the group, please feel free to contact us. The Facebook Page Administrators are: Kirsti Tu– President P&F Committee, Christina Munday, and Kathryn Oram. Recruiting “Secretary” for Parents and Friends Committee: **All expressions of interest to be made by: 21st February 2014** The Parents and Friends Committee is looking for an individual whom would be interested in taking an official "Secretary" role. Please note, this is a VOLUNTEER role, not a paid position (all core positions on P&F Committee are volunteer). This position will be reviewed annually, and requires a dedicated and enthusiastic person whom would be able to fulfil all the duties of a Secretary. This includes attending all/most of the P&F Committee meetings (~4-5 per year) which are normally on a Friday morning. Appointment to this position is subject to the approval of the College Council. If you have any enquiries or are interested in the position, please contact Kirsti Tu- President on email: [email protected]

Next Committee Meeting:

Friday 28th February

09:00am Primary Learning Area

Contact Us:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentsandfriendsgilsoncollege/ Email: [email protected]

gilson gazette - 14 february 2014 l - gilson college€¦ · gilson college, 450 taylors rd ... for...

Documents