SP TLiGHT MAGAZINE ISSUE 01 – 2016ISSUE

1 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, SHARING THE that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." FUTURE By Shane Hosking, School Principal Matthew 5:16

This magazine is the first of of Sunrise Christian School whole-school community, many new projects aimed and ask where we are located. we want to applaud that, at keeping you connected I often respond with, “Where and we look forward to this with your Sunrise Christian are we not located?”. With magazine providing a way to From the Editorial Team School campus and broader schools covering the greater recognise and celebrate the [email protected] school community. We part of South , I want wider school and the great all have a role to play, a greater proportion of South things that are happening It’s been a huge beginning to 2016. and we sincerely value Australians recognising our throughout each campus. Under the leadership of Shane Hosking, your involvement with the name and hearing about the We are fiercely passionate the excellent foundations of Sunrise school community and the great things we are doing in about the good work God is Christian School are being built upon to support you constantly the name of Jesus. doing within our community make Sunrise a strong school for future provide. So we wanted to As a relatively new Principal and want to share that with growth and prosperity, ensuring the give you something to keep to Sunrise, I have had the joy you, and also give you the Sunrise philosophy has a lasting legacy you up to date and share of visiting classrooms and opportunity to share this news with families and students. Shane has the direction of the school. campuses to see first-hand with those around you, and we implemented many new initiatives, and Even though we have been the amazing things that are warmly encourage you to pass while we will see some of these reveal around since 1978, I still meet happening within each unique this magazine on to others themselves in semester two of this year, people who have not heard learning environment. As a once you have read it. this first edition of Spotlight will give you a taste of the exciting ventures to come. “Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, Join us as we journey together with a spotlight on our future. We can’t wait to they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” share it all with you. Hold on to your hat! Matthew 5:15

IN MEMORIAM Spotlight Magazine – the official publication of Sunrise Christian School. Sunrise Christian School lost a great man Issue 01 – 2016 on 27 May 2016, Lee Avery, former teacher, Campus Principal and Principal. Writers: Shane Hosking, Ben Kowald, Phil Paterson, Anne Dolan, Cate Tymko, Lee had given himself in service to Sunrise Tim Heading, Debbie Robertson, Christian School for over 30 years and his Karen Petruzzelli, Joel Munro legacy will no doubt be felt and seen for Editors: Shane Hosking, Kylie Evans decades to come. Photographers: Shane Hosking, Ben Kowald, Our thoughts and prayers are with his family Anne Dolan and the communities he so richly touched with his warm smile, gentle words and Please contact the editorial team with feedback, comments, or if you have a story loving kindness. to share: [email protected] Please look for a full story on Lee’s life and  sunrise.sa.edu.au impact on Sunrise Christian School in the second edition of the Spotlight magazine.  Sunrise Christian School –

2 Thank you to those who took part in the Overall satisfaction of the school research at the end of 2015. It was a critical component in getting us to this point today and allowed us to gain a greater 46% Very Satisfied understanding of the current and potential MARKET customer awareness, perceptions and experience with Sunrise Christian School. It’s a rare thing for schools to invest in research, Satisfied 45% however as a school, we are thankful, because RESEARCH we can develop a strategic plan built on facts, ensuring that we are not only relevant but also consistently provide the best service to our current and potential families. From the responses we found that there is • 46% Very Satisfied. • 45% Satisfied. some diversity in opinion surrounding the • 5% Neither. • 3% Dissatisfied.• 1% Very Dissatisfied. balance between providing a biblically-based environment and providing a high-quality education. We believe that it is possible for both to work hand-in-hand, and our role Sunrise Christian School values as a Christian school is to ensure that both aspirations can be achieved. Our aim is to position Interestingly, current parents recognise Sunrise Christian School ‘community’ as an important factor in the school life, more than prospective families, and as the ‘school of choice for this may be as a result of the current parents’ experience of Sunrise Christian School. Christian families in South ‘Reputation’ was rated as most important amongst both current and prospective parents. Almost all parents agreed that Sunrise Christian School Australia, focusing on a Quality of character, as seen or judged by represents the values of Christ-centred, biblically-based, and character. one school philosophy’ people in general, is important to the families and is critical for Sunrise Christian School’s • 74% Strongly Agree. • 25% Agree. future to ensure we go from ‘good’ to ‘great’. • 1% Neither/Disagree. Underpinning all of this is the Sunrise Christian School philosophy; being obedient to God’s calling upon every life; and recognising that Important features of a school each individual has an important role in building the Kingdom. Above all, in our communication Awareness of the school and planning, we know that our purpose is to CHARACTER bring glory to God in everything that we do, and 82% Very important that we stay true to the core values and heritage of Sunrise Christian School. 16% Important Aware 54% The plans we have, honour and support the 2% Neither schools’ legacy and will work to enhance it further, by providing a sustainable school. Unaware 46% Current parents are looking to the school for leadership and guidance regarding the future, and want the school to be progressive. It is a role however that does not rest solely with school, and since our inception, we have always held the belief that families play a vital role in Current Sunrise parents were most likely to consider Amongst Christian families with children under 12 guiding our approach to teaching, and planning character, family, excellence and community who don’t attend Sunrise Christian School. our curriculum for the future. to be very important to school attributes.

3 MARKETING STRATEGY

Sunrise has recently undergone a Sunrise now has a strong marketing background (representing the warmth brand discovery journey, and we are strategic direction. You will hear us on and shining promise of the Sunrise thrilled to share this with you. Over the radio, see us online, and we will community), a stylised sun graphic the next few months, you will start partner with those that fit with our vision (that both focuses on the individual to see new advertising, messaging and mission to grow our school and child and suggests the roundedness and imagery to support the school. ensure its future is strong. We hope that or whole-of-child teaching found at We needed to undergo this exercise you will share with others what you see Sunrise), and a playful, yet structured, to re-align all the campuses under and hear, and you take the opportunity headline typeface that speaks to the one Sunrise Christian School to talk to your church communities all ages. You will start to see these banner and to elevate our profile in about Sunrise Christian School. materials roll-out progressively over the Christian market as the school You may also note, we look a little the coming months and we hope you of choice for your family. different. The new materials will love the new look and feel of Sunrise feature a vibrant, warm yellow Christian School as much as we do.

shine as one.

4 We are super excited to commence development The website will be tailored to prospective families as on the new Sunrise Christian School website. the key audience. The new School Stream App will be where current families can find all the information they Nowadays, it is important to have a website that NEW SCHOOL need, information that they may have previously gone is easy to use and provides relevant information in to the website for. This way, communicating with our a meaningful and concise way. We know that you current families should be easier as everything can do most of your product searches, and research be found in the same location. online, so it’s necessary for us to maximise our web presence, through a good strategic plan We hope you like the new site once it’s live! WEBSITE and a product that supports online searches.

NEW SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE Jump on and ‘like’ the Sunrise Christian School – South Australia Facebook page if you haven’t already. But, NEW SCHOOL APP: make sure you look out for our logo, as there are other schools around the world with the same name as us. SCHOOL STREAM The purpose of the Facebook page is to support the community and The Fullarton and Naracoorte Campuses have Once you’ve downloaded the app and found your provide channels of engagement. been trialling a new school app called School campus, click on “recent updates” in the left hand We know this is how most of you Stream. So far we have had a great response. corner and the app will load. The password can are communicating and sharing The app replaces the printed newsletter, and be retrieved from your campus reception office. news today, so we thought we this way, all communication is immediate, In terms 3 and 4 this year, all remaining campuses will would join you. Each campus current, focused, and available when you want also has a campus group, eventually migrate over to the app as the newsletter to read it (without creases and food stains!) where locally related content is becomes redundant and we go digital with our shared and driven by the parent The app is downloaded from the App Store or communications for your convenience. Parents community. Get connected, Google Play store and participants search for using it today are experiencing communication Sunrise Christian School, select your campus stay social and be active. We satisfaction, and soon, we should see all our hope this serves you well. and away you go. All other connected devices families satisfied with immediate communication, can access the app via URL. If you are from the relevant to them, when they want it.  Sunrise Christian School – Fullarton or Naracoorte Campuses and haven’t South Australia downloaded the app yet, visit the following URLs: The Whyalla Campus led the way and has had an app in place for a while now. They too are seeing Fullarton Campus: scsfc.myschoolstream.net an increase in the efficacy of communication. If you Naracoorte Campus: scsnc.myschoolstream.net have any feedback on the app please let us know.

5 C MMUNITY NEWS If you have a Community News story to share please email it to: [email protected]

Supporting the community is an important We recently saw a story about Sunrise Christian part of life at Sunrise Christian School and as School on, of all places, a caravanning blog site. a leader who likes to lead by example, Shane A bus driver (and caravan enthusiast) had taken a Hosking signed up to take part in the CEO Sleepout on 16 June. Year 6 class of Sunrise Christian School students on an excursion, and was inspired by our happy, well- Every dollar the Vinnies CEO Sleepout has mannered children. He remarked how the boys let the raised helps provide crucial assistance to people girls on first, that every student thanked him and spoke experiencing homelessness, with the aim of well, and that he even received a box of chocolates as breaking the cycle of homelessness permanently a thank you present. for as many people as possible. We were thrilled to read this and have it confirmed Shane documented his experience live on our that, not only are our children growing up and learning school Facebook page, so make sure you look manners and respect, but also using these attributes back and check it out if you didn’t see it. when out of the school environment. It’s only through Thank you for getting behind Shane and the cause parent partnership that this can be achieved, and it’s by showing your support and making a donation. stories like this that keep the Sunrise community strong.

Projects in Spotlight In addition to teaching SEVEN IN A ROW your children, our staff By Phil Paterson, Campus Principal, Marion Campus are also contributing to projects with the purpose In 2016 we have seen Sunrise High School, of enhancing the future of Marion continue to build on its excellent record of the school. Some of these athletic success. projects include: In state carnivals against other Christian schools »» Curriculum Project (SACSA) and against all-comers (SSSSA), Sunrise has »» Middle School Project continued to win shields and place highly against much larger schools. »» Innovation in Curriculum »» Enrolment Journey Sunrise won a Challenge Shield at SACSA Secondary Athletics day for the seventh consecutive year, and the »» ELC Expansion boys also won first place in their division of SSSSA, These projects are just a continuing a trend of annual silverware collection in this sample of the work that competition as well. helps augment the Sunrise Individual honours have also been a regular feature, experience. It’s an exciting time with 2016 seeing Salumi Robberts (shot put), Markus of growth for Sunrise Christian Robberts (javelin) and Josiah Bishop (400) all achieving School, and we appreciate Cure, and the real sense of team engendered by our state standard at SSSSA, and Salumi and Markus both your support for these athletes and by the parents, other teachers, and old breaking SACSA records. Salumi’s effort at SSSSA projects through prayer, as scholars who help coach them. The camaraderie and Athletics Day would have medalled at the Nationals. the benefits to the community, spirit displayed by the team on competition days have and especially the students, This consistent success is a testimony to the great been just as pleasing, and are frequently mentioned in will provide a truly enriched athletic culture that has been developed by Mr Caleb feedback from other spectators. school experience.

6 SCHOOL AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME By Anne Dolan, Campus Principal, Naracoorte Campus The Sunrise Naracoorte Campus School Ambassador programme was established in 2015 with the exciting initiative seen as a way to promote and reward leadership amongst our Grade 7 students. Coaching in leadership is carried out throughout the year, beginning with attendance at the Grip MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPERIENCE Leadership Summit. Each year, one girl and one boy are chosen to represent the school at community and school events, and with the role comes varied responsibilities; public speaking, serving AT PARADISE CAMPUS others and opportunities for them to plan and By Debbie Robertson, Campus Principal, Paradise Campus implement ideas that will enhance the school programme such as lunchtime sport. The role Our desire as Christian teachers is for our Grade 6 and 7 students. We continue our culminates in a special presentation at Musical our students to have a love for learning combined assembly at the beginning, middle and Presentation night in December. that transcends their time at Sunrise and and end of term to maintain connectedness stays with them throughout their life. At as a campus, with the separate Middle School Every Grade 7 student is invited to apply to Paradise, our Middle School team have Assembly at other occasions providing participate, and in addition to the written developed some purposeful programs, relevant, age-appropriate worship, teaching application, students come before an interview activities and routines that are designed and discussion. panel consisting of the Campus Principal, a for students transitioning from primary Grade 7 teacher, the Parent Group chairperson, Paradise Campus has also strengthened to secondary education. and a community member. connections with Temple Christian College Already, 2016 is proving to be as busy as it is to assist the transition from primary to A parent of a past ambassador commented, rewarding for our school. secondary environments. Since the beginning “Representing the school and engaging in of 2016, our Grade 7 students, work on public speaking gave them a sense of pride. The popular Lego Robotics programme now practical assignments one afternoon a week, We were very proud of the ambassadors includes Grade 6 students, and we hope to in a science laboratory with Marcel Rijken, and the maturity they demonstrated during enter a team in the Mindstorm competitions in Principal of Temple Christian College. this role.” This continues to be a valuable the near future. The Graphic Arts component experience for all the candidates. of our curriculum has been developed to These are just a few of the Middle School incorporate practical campus related projects. Experience initiatives we Table tennis was introduced as a lunchtime have begun activity and new table tennis tables at Paradise and equipment purchased along with Campus. May professional coaching through funding from our students the Sporting Schools Programme and Table be inspired, Tennis Australia. encouraged and Our Middle School Assembly began this year achieve success to provide a time of worship and focused in their learning Christian teaching designed particularly for and their lives.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 7 THE FUTURE Christian School OF ELC By Cate Tymko, ELC Director

At Sunrise Early Learning Our Morphett Vale and Whyalla Centres (ELCs), we are aware communities have been blessed by that the first five years of a thriving ELCs over the years, and child’s life are fundamentally throughout 2016 we are expanding important. These years these services to open at our provide the foundation that Marion and Paradise Campuses shapes children’s future in the near future. The addition of health, happiness, growth an ELC at each campus provides COMMUNITY BUZZ and development in every a strong transition program for By Karen Petruzzelli, Campus Principal, Fullarton Campus area of their lives. Children children moving into reception At the Fullarton Campus we’re proud of our genuine sense of need love and nurturing to while giving them an opportunity community. One aspect of this community is the buzz every develop a sense of trust to wonder, experiment and Friday afternoon after our assembly, that heralds the pop- and security that turns imagine in an encouraging and up market organised by many of our parents. Whether it is into confidence as they supportive environment. fundraising for Sunrise Bethel, our school in PNG, or fundraising grow, and this is what This is a very exciting time for our for our own campus, there are always creative and delicious we provide at Sunrise. Marion and Paradise communities goods for sale. It has been very successful and has already seen Our curriculum is based on who will soon experience the enough funds raised to purchase much-needed stage blocks the Early Years Learning unique blessings of a Christian for our hall. Since their arrival, they have seen a lot of use such Framework in which we facilitate pre-school environment. as at Grandparents’ Day, assemblies and drama activities. enquiry-based learning with Please contact your local Another fundraising initiative Our community work is also a biblical focus throughout. campus for more information was our wonderful Mothers’ Day evident every Friday between on this exciting development. stall. Weeks beforehand, groups recess and lunch when our of families were collecting and Reception, Grade 1 and Grade 2 wrapping gifts in readiness classes participate in Fun Friday. for the day. It was with great It is a time when many parents excitement that every child enjoy getting involved, and it is had an opportunity to buy a not unusual to see mothers and special gift for their mum. Our fathers using their gifts and talents Grade 7 students manned the to work with groups of students stall and helped the younger across a myriad of activities, students choose their special including craft, nature play, treasures. It truly was a day painting, construction, and dance. when our students learnt the Our teachers developed this joy of blessing another. program in-house and are excited about the connections children are making with their learning.

8 By Tim Heading, Campus Principal, BUDDY BENEFITS Morphett Vale Campus

Having an Early Learning Centre (ELC) build positive relationships with children much on campus provides a number of extra younger than themselves. educational opportunities for our Morphett Possibly the greatest benefit of this program, Vale Campus. One of the most effective however, is the confident transition of ELC programs is our Buddy program. Early students to Reception. Instead of the youngest in the year, every Grade 6 student is children in the school feeling intimidated by the teamed up with an ELC buddy, and the “big Grade 7s”, those students are their buddies students meet weekly for various activities from the previous year who often look out for that complement the ELC play-based them at recess and lunch times to check they educational program. are doing okay. The Grade 7 and Reception classes continue to meet regularly for activities Possibly the greatest benefit of this and relationship building, including a trip to the program is the confident transition beach in Term One. of ELC students to Reception The Grade 7 buddies are often the topic of Reception students’ earliest attempts at story writing, and the result of this program is that The observed benefits to both groups from this instead of tears at the beginning of the year, program are many. Grade 6 students are given we often find tears at the end of the year as a very practical opportunity to express patience Grade 7 buddies say their goodbye to their and compassion to others while learning to younger friends. STEPHANIE ALEXANDER KITCHEN GARDEN PROGRAMME By Ben Kowald, Principal, Whyalla Campus Sunrise Christian School, Whyalla was foods in their kitchen lessons. As this is a established in 2009 and, situated four hours community program, we have happily had many from at the top of Eyre Peninsula, parents volunteer their time to work with the is our school’s most northern campus. students both in the garden and the kitchen. Set within its own expansive grounds, the Most importantly, the students really appreciate campus caters for Early Learning (ELC) the ‘hands-on’ approach to learning that this up to Grade 7 students. program provides. In 2011, we introduced the Stephanie Alexander To maximise the benefits of the program, we Kitchen Garden Program, which has proven have structured our kitchen and garden lessons to be a unique and popular part of our to incorporate links to the Australian Curriculum education offering. in the areas of Science, Maths and Health. Teachers are able to take the students into the We were the first private school in Australia to garden area and measure the growth of new receive a grant to launch this program, of just seedlings, plot data and track the weather under $50,000. Since then, the upper primary conditions. This program is exciting for the classes have been involved in tending the students and allows for an interactive learning garden as well as cooking with these natural environment outside the traditional classroom. 9 HOW EFFECTIVE IS INTERNET FILTERING? By Shane Hosking, School Principal

I recently returned from two We tackle the issue of protective internet capabilities and public wifi – many offering little behaviours through three main components – or no filtered internet to its users. events: the National Policy Forum internet filtering, teaching cyber-safety, Given we are committed to teaching these and supervision. in Canberra and EduTech in life skills in using technology safely and . At both of these events Filtering responsibly, our efforts have to go further than just filtering and relying on technology to keep it was evident that technology is The first is filtering. We do have a filter in place our children safe as it may not always be there, having an unprecedented impact that screens content and packets of data. That or be successful in blocking what needs to means we are able to block inappropriate and be blocked. on the society in which we live. harmful content from being accessed, and One of the key sociological impacts of that blacklist any sites deemed unacceptable for Teaching cyber-safety school use: including the social media tools technology is that many of today’s children are The second is the teaching of cyber-safety. of Facebook and Instagram. Our filtering also using technological devices and tools that were We have all heard stories of the deception goes further to analyse the safety and security not even dreamed of when their parents were through social media, of people claiming false of everything that is being downloaded to shield young. For many of us, we are now parenting personalities to lure or deceive. Increasingly staff, students and our network from internet out of our comfort zone and experience level. the media is reporting on cyber-bullying threats such as malware, trojans and viruses etc. and trends such as sexting. These trends With the increased use of technology in our It must be remembered though that while we are increasing at an alarming rate – so fast schools, Sunrise Christian School is committed have invested in a world-class filtering product, that often our legislators cannot keep up, to ensuring that our children learn the life skills no filter will give total guarantees. as has been seen in recent changes to child necessary to use that technology (and future pornography laws capturing and convicting The advancement of mobile and tablet devices technology) safely and carefully, whilst training more teens, than the paedophiles at whom that have cellular data capability means that them to be responsible digital citizens. the laws were originally targeted. such devices can access the wide world of We are often asked what we are doing as a the Internet without going through the filtering All of our school communities have participated school? What filtering or safeguards do you have we offer on our school network, or that which in various forms of cyber-safety, many through in place to protect children from the associated is installed on your home network. Children the CyberSmart programme, previously run dangers and risks in using such technology? increasingly have access to these cellular by ACMA. There are many resources available

10 lesson period. Teachers are also encouraged to position themselves in the classroom so they can observe the screen of each student. While we know students can become quick at “hiding” their screens, this is still a supervision practice we encourage, and recommend doing this at home. In the early days of online safety, we were encouraged to move the family computer out of the study and into a public place within the house, like the meals area or family room, so online practices could be clearly monitored. However, technology has moved rapidly in the for staff, students and parents to develop their space of personal computing with many of us understanding and practices around staying now having multiple devices that can be online; safe online. As a school, we will endeavour iPods, iPads, iPhones, smartphones, smart to continue to bring such training to our watches, tablets, ultra-books, and laptops. The communities and encourage our parents to Internet is now with you wherever you go. be ever-diligent in improving their own skills in this area. This presents new risks. Recent research shows staggering results on young people accessing Character development also plays a key part pornography. The average age that Australian as students continue to process their online children are now viewing such material for behaviours through our Philippians 4 test; is the first time is just 11 years old. In a study WHAT'S COOKING? it true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, of children and pornography, the majority of By Joel Munro, Assistant Campus Principal, praise-worthy? In the few incidents that we have students interviewed, accessed pornography Primary School, Marion Campus managed at school, all but one originated from in their bedroom on a personal device between Few things are more appealing to the a deliberate search for inappropriate content. the hours of 10pm and 2am. It is therefore clear upper primary student than good food. Technology is a privilege that comes with great to say, children should not have their devices responsibility, and using it irresponsibly will see in their bedroom at bedtime or throughout At the Marion Campus, our Grade 7 students that technology privilege removed for a period the night. have the opportunity to use some of our fine of time. I would recommend such practices secondary facilities to engage in a variety We must, as educators and parents, always be at home as well to ensure that life lessons are of hands-on learning experiences, including thorough in teaching the skills required for digital learned in all environments. practical science in the laboratory, design citizenship, and to keep the conversation open technology in the woodwork area, and food Supervision and flowing around what children are accessing preparation and enjoyment in the home or seeking to access online. The third consideration is about adequate economics room. supervision. We are currently trialling a product We look forward to putting more tools in your These valuable practical lessons are that allows us to restrict devices to the few hands as we navigate this new and complex delivered by specialist teachers, which allows st applications a teacher gives approval for in that task of being a parent in the 21 century. students to enjoy a head start in effectively transitioning into the secondary experience.

11 Dean Holmes was a student at our WHERE ARE Marion Campus and graduated in 2011. We caught up with him to find out how Sunrise Christian School THEY NOW ? helped set him on his path in life.

Are you doing what you set out to achieve? are just as important as having the knowledge From school, I have developed a number of to face the problem – along with accepting goals, and since then they have grown and myself for who I am. For a long time throughout become more refined. I achieved the goals my school life, I was nervous and shy around that I had set out before me at the time of my people until I accepted that God made me the graduation plus more than I had ever expected. person I am for a reason, and that I shouldn’t be embarrassed by how God has created What’s your best memory of school? me. I could not have come to this conclusion Grade 12 camp. After years of schooling without having the support and encouragement with the same class mates and home group of the students and staff at Sunrise. teacher, we had all developed a relationship Sunrise say they provide biblically based Sunrise say they value connection in with one another and grew quite close. We teaching. What would you say about this? community. What would you say about this? had a strong respect for each other and it was The morals and discernment of the environment The community that Sunrise provides is not just a relaxing camp on the Murray River front. that Sunrise creates was the deciding factor based around the school factors, but many of Best life lesson Sunrise taught you? for parents in choosing Sunrise. Both morals the staff and students commit themselves to the same churches, sports teams and volunteering To stay focused. As a child I had way too and discernment are key points that the Bible events. I myself, attend the same church as much energy and couldn’t sit still. So to speaks of. Along with the commandments, a few of the current students and staff. grasp the ability to focus and commit myself Sunrise explains in depth the difference has really helped, not just in academics between the New Testament law and the Thanks Dean. It’s interesting to hear how the but also in practical situations. Old Testament laws and the staff are always school delivers on what it sets out to achieve, willing to take time out of their day to help from the perspective of a past student. It What else did Sunrise teach you? any student or parent in answering their faith- sounds like we pass! Our prayer is that your Sunrise taught me that when facing a difficult based questions, which I also experienced family has an enjoyable experience just like stage in life, respect, wisdom and understanding whilst attending school and years after. Dean did.

Together

we shine. www.sunrise.sa.edu.au

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