From the Leadership Team Year 9 Journey Camp
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from the leadership team In writing this article, many thoughts and emotions competed for expression as I contemplate retirement in a personally challenging year. When I consider whether a lifetime spent as a teacher and educational leader was fulfilling and meaningful; EDITION 13 the answer is an unequivocal YES! 13 SEPTEMBER I have the privilege of working alongside young 2017 people (students in Years 7-12) and adults (teachers and support staff), experiencing the highs and lows of their journeys. All whilst guiding, nurturing, mentoring and challenging individuals and groups. Ministry Matters We are mindful of the goal to professionally provide and deliver a challenging, relevant and engaging Canteen curriculum for our students, whilst preparing them with the skills for success in the 21st century. This Parents Teachers & Friends involves teachers understanding the research that 2018 Middle School House Leaders reveals how learning occurs and basing practices on this ever-evolving understanding. It is also our Careers responsibility to equip young people to understand themselves as learners. Our Middle School is a Operation Flinders shining example of where these elements are intentional. Year 12 Drama Production The growth and development of our students Year 12 Food & Hospitality (socially, ethically, spiritually and emotionally) in our school can occur in a safe and supportive Year 12 Legacy Projects environment which is based on strong Library News relationships. The opportunity exists at Cornerstone College to develop a Christian faith as part of a student’s (and staff member’s) holistic growth. This is a real blessing on a daily basis where faith is real and relevant to life. Year 12 student, Courtney Bishop, presented a wonderful Chapel last week which was a mosaic of her life at Cornerstone College. It included her Year 10 Experience at Hermannsburg and culminated in her Year 12 Research Project, a reader/book for Aboriginal children. I know that Courtney’s direction in life has been strongly impacted by her experiences. Her achievements encapsulate my personal fulfilment as an educator. click to log in God has blessed me richly by enabling me to have a role in these life changing experiences throughout my career. year 9 journey camp Mr Rob Rohde Deputy Principal information ministry matters Canteen Committee Volunteer For the last six months the Communications and Ephesians 4 : 29 Once a term the Canteen Committee meets Engagement team at Cornerstone have enjoyed the to discuss the canteen facility: cibo bello. presence and assistance of Lur, a young lady who was working casually in the area of communications support. Do not let any The Canteen Committee consists of cibo bello staff/volunteers, College staff, elected Lur has been a special part of our college community, a student representatives and parents/ Muslim woman who has a remarkable story. In particular, unwholesome talk caregivers. her days growing up in Baghdad, her journey from the turmoil of life in Iraq, and ultimately into a more settled life in Adelaide. come out of your We are looking for an additional College As part of Lur’s final day at Cornerstone, I interviewed her in Chapel. parent or caregiver to join the Canteen Committee. Meetings occur during school At one point, Lur shared an insight into the lack of freedom for people mouths, but only hours and usually take 45 minutes. If you living in Iraq. She told of the impact of ‘Al Qeada’, and more recently are interested, please contact Ms Susy Izzo ‘Isis’, and the way in which these terrorist organisations have turned what is helpful for on 8398 6015 or email sizzo@cornerstone. the lives of Muslims upside-down, all around the world. Lur’s humble sa.edu.au. and gracious storytelling tone resonated strongly with our staff and students. building others up Mr Jamie Cameron Wellbeing Director At the close of the Chapel I suggested there were many differences between Lur and me; including according to their her dress-wear, faith, and the story she tells. At the same time, I also proposed that we have so much in common. For the sake of those listening, I challenged her on a Muslim appreciation of core values Modified Timetable Days such as compassion, grace and humility. Her answers were quite remarkable, and that each of these needs, that it may Term 4 Week 4, 6 – 10 November play an important part in her own identity as a Muslim person. Every day is a changed/modified timetable benefit those who for all students except Year 10 Experience In Australia, and across much of Western society, there is great suspicion regarding the motives and students. attitudes of peoples of other cultures and religions. In the midst of distrust however, it is important we continue to talk with each other, and listen carefully to each other’s stories. In this way we can grow listen. Term 4, Weeks 7 – 8 out of our naivety and into a fuller understanding that dispels suspicion and creates common language. 24 November – 8 December A different timetable will operate in Lur gave our students this opportunity last week, and she was warmly thanked at the close of the prayer points Week 7 - 8 of Term 4 to accommodate Chapel. We are grateful to God for giving us Lur for the brief time she was at Cornerstone, and wish examinations. her well in all her hopes and dreams as a future Australian. • That in a divided world, God Pastor Albert Gast grants us wisdom to find Closing Services for 2017 things that unite us. Closing Celebration Year 11 and 12 7.00pm Thursday, 30 November 7.00pm for family talking points • For all affected by storms and Year 11 and 12 students and families. • When you think about people of the Muslim faith, what is your first reaction? What is earthquakes in different parts one word that describes your reaction? of the world. Closing Service Years 7 – 10 1.45pm Thursday 7 December for • To what degree do you believe that talking to people of other faiths is a path to inclusion • For all Australians as we Year 7 – 10 students and families. in a common society? Are there negatives to such dialogue? consider the gay-marriage vote in coming weeks. And Mr Jamie Cameron • What Christian core value would you most wish to discuss with a person of a different that we honour one another’s Wellbeing Director faith (humility, grace, forgiveness, compassion, justice, love, gratitude)? perspectives on a complex matter. information Catastrophic Fire Days College Closure DECD Buses and Cornerstone College Shuttle Bus Cornerstone College's Bushfire Risk Status, has been changed to “OUTSIDE the Bushfire Safer Changes to Services in Term 3 Places” zone in Mount Barker. Given this updated rating, it is prudent to CLOSE the College on Catastrophic Fire Days, rather than remain open, as we have done in the past. Please note dates below are subject to change at the discretion of Mount Barker High School. Due to the risk of fire, there are days when it is inadvisable to travel on regional roads and Term 3 inadvisable to stay in many areas. On these days, it is unlikely that a significant bushfire would (DECD & SHUTTLE BUSES DEPART EARLY 2.10pm Friday, 29 September – Please provide diary note for student to leave early.) be contained. The Country Fire Service (CFS) and the South Australian Government have named these days ‘Catastrophic Fire Days’. For further information please contact Ms Susy Izzo on 8398 6015 or sizzo@cornerstone. sa.edu.au or visit the school website here. Group Photo Day Photographs for groups and teams will be taken on Wednesday, 27 September (Week 10). A schedule will be published in Week 9 so that students can be prepared, should they be involved, as many sports teams already have a good photograph. On photo day, the following guidelines apply: - Students in sports teams wear their PE uniform which they may wear to school for the day. - Students in non-sport teams or groups wear their winter uniform (jackets and blazers are the only option as part of their winter uniform). - Music students wear Music uniforms as directed. For more information on Bushfire Risk Status and Safer/Last Resort Places please click here or - Normal expectations of dress and appearance must be met. Including hair tied back. visit the CFS website (www.cfs.sa.gov.au). - Students must be on time for photos. Given this change, it will be important to review and update your family’s Bushfire Survival Plan. Mr Rob Rohde Please click here for more information regarding Bushfire Survival Plans or visit the CFS website. Deputy Principal Mr Craig Fielke Principal Exiting Students Preservice Teachers It is important that the College receives written confirmation, with one term's notice, of a student We currently have the following preservice teachers in our school: who may be leaving Cornerstone (as outlined in our Enrolment Policy and the Family Handbook, page 78). Mr Sean Jess from Flinders University, working in Literacy and Numeracy Ms Hayley Keen from Tabor College, working in Home Economics This includes all students in Years 7 to 11 who will be leaving Cornerstone College at the end of Mr Jay O'Connell from Uni SA, working in Design and Technology. 2017. Four Flinders University interns are maintaining their contact with the College, working on For further advice please contact Ms Helen Charles on [email protected] or 8398 projects and involvement with the community as part of their growth as professionals. 6009. We wish these aspiring teachers well and thank them for their contribution to the College and Providing this notice is appreciated and will avoid the need to pay one term of fees in lieu of the student learning.