The Chat.

TERM 2, WEEK 5 INSIDE THIS ISSUE

02 From the Principal 03 Chaplaincy Around The Classes 09 Middle School 14 Senior School 16 Community Notices 17 2021 At a Glance After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9

Dear Parent / Caregiver,

At the time of writing this we are exactly half way through Term 2 already and the arbor at the front of Junior School is displaying its autumn splendour! As usual, there is plenty happening around the school and you may have noticed that last week we had three new flag poles installed on 44 Elgin Street, as well as two metal frames on the corner of both 44 and 46 Elgin Street.

Having three flag poles in the school quite obviously gives us the opportunity to fly more than just the Australian flag, which is something that I would like to discuss with the school community in my article today. The two metal frames are for displaying new signs that are currently in production. Waxing philosophical, as is my wont, I would like to suggest that many things other than physical signs such as the ones that will be soon appearing on the newly installed frames, act as signs of what organisations, in this case the Carinya Christian School community, consider important. For example, our student uniform and staff professional dress code indicate that high standards in these areas are important to us. With regards to the flags that we choose to fly on the newly installed poles, I believe that this will be a sign of the importance that we place on what the flags represent.

In particular, I am seeking feedback on how members of our school community feel about flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, as well as the Australian flag. The four points that I have listed below to help start the conversation about this, have been taken from the document titled:

Q and A – Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags

You can access the whole document by clicking on the above link.

1. Why are there two different flags for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples represent two distinct cultures. Each cultural group has its own flag, representing its own unique identity. It is important to recognise that even within each group, various languages and traditions are practiced across . Some groups may have their own flags or adaptations of these flags. 2. Why is flying the flags important? Flying the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags demonstrates Australia’s recognition of First Nation peoples, promoting a sense of community partnership and a commitment toward reconciliation. Flying the flags is a highly visible symbol of respect and can be used to promote a sense of community, create a welcoming environment and can demonstrate a commitment towards closing the gap.

3. What do the flags mean? In 1995, both the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags were recognised as official flags of Australia under Commonwealth legislation.

The Aboriginal Flag was designed by Harold Thomas, a Luritja man from Central Australia. According to Mr Thomas, the meaning of the flag is represented through:

Black: the Aboriginal peoples of Australia Yellow: the Sun, the giver of life and protector Red: the red earth, red ochre and a spiritual relationship to the land

The flag was first flown at Square in on National Aborigines Day, 12 July 1971, after which it was chosen as the flag for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972.

The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by the late Bernard Namok from Thursday Island. The flag was recognised by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission in June 1992 and given equal prominence with the Aboriginal flag. The meaning of the Torres Strait Islander flag is represented through:

Green: the land Blue: the sea White: peace Black: the Torres Strait Islander peoples

At the centre of the Torres Strait Islander flag is a dhari (headdress), which represents the people of the Torres Strait Islands. The five pointed star in the middle of the dhari represents the five major island groups, as well as the importance of stars for navigational purposes.

6. In what order should the flags be flown in? The Australian flag should take a position of precedence over other flags. This means that if all flagpoles are of the same height, the Australian flag is positioned on the extreme left hand side (as seen by those facing it). This may then be followed by state/territory flags and then the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags. The Aboriginal Flag or the Torres Strait Islander flag may be flown in either order, as they are both of equal standing in the order of precedence. Where one flagpole is taller than others, the Australian flag should be placed on the tallest flagpole, with other flags below it. Other flags should once again be ordered by precedence from left to right. On some occasions, the Aboriginal flag or the Torres Strait Islander flag may follow the Australian Nation flag ahead of other flags.

If you have any thoughts that you would like to share about the possibility of the school beginning to fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the Australian flag, please email me at: [email protected]

Canteen on Fridays The resumption of lunch orders on Fridays appears to have been successful, with many students (and no doubt parents) enjoying the weekly treat. For your information, we have again included in this edition of The Chat the introductory letter from K and K Catering, as well as the details on how to use the Qkr! App to order and pay for lunches.

Note: When using the Qkr! App, please ensure that you update your child’s/children’s class to reflect the year they are in this year, as a number of lunch orders are ending up in the classes that they were in last year.

Eisteddfod Please see inside this edition of The Chat for details regarding the limited number of people who can be seated in the Town Hall for school performances, and the need to purchase tickets to secure seats. For your information, our students will be performing at the Eisteddfod on the following days and times: Thursday 27th May, 9:30am – Primary Choir Friday 28th May, 9:30am – Infants Choir Friday 28th May, 12 midday – Prep Musical Entertainment Tuesday 1st June, 9:30am – to Year 6 Choral Speech

Junior School Puckapunyal It was wonderful to hold our first Junior School Puckaunyal for over 12 months last Friday, and it is safe to say that parents, staff and students alike enjoyed it immensely.

Note: Due to the Athletics Carnival being held on Friday 11th June, the Puckapunyal scheduled for that day will now be held on Friday 18th June, which is the last day of Term 2. The two classes presenting items on this day are KJ and Year 4.

Smart Watches With technology developing at an ever-increasing speed, today’s Smart watches can perform so much more than those produced not so long ago. As outlined in our Uniform Code and Dress Requirements Policy, Smart watches are not allowed at Carinya. However, I also recognise that this policy does not explain what constitutes a Smart watch, which can lead to some confusion about what can and can’t be worn to school. As such, I would like to clarify what constitutes a Smart watch so that you can determine whether or not your child’s watch is able to be worn to school. Firstly, according to our Internet Enabled Devices Policy, all mobile phones and Internet-capable devices are banned from school unless permission to bring them has been sought from and granted by, the Principal.

As such, if your child’s Smart watch has either a telephone or is capable of accessing the Internet, it is not allowed to be worn at school unless permission has been granted by the Principal.

This includes Smart watches that have these capabilities, even if they can be controlled remotely by parents or caregivers. Furthermore, if and when permission has been given, these Smart watches must be handed into Reception when students arrive at school first thing in the morning and picked up from Reception before leaving at the end of the day. In addition, Smart watches that are capable of sending messages or have cameras are not able to be worn to school.

After discussing it with other members of the School Executive, we have come up with a list of other functions that suitable for watches, including:

Heart rate trackers; Pedometer functions; Calorie trackers; Alarms.

Please contact me if you have any questions about our policies on Smart watches, telephones or Internet-capable devices.

Staffing News Due to personal reasons, Mrs Prinsloo has resigned from her position in the school and will be finishing up at Carinya Gunnedah at the end of this term. While we are sad to see her leave, we wish her all the best in the next chapter of her life and thank her for her faithful service within our school community over the past two years. We have already begun advertising in earnest for someone to replace Mrs Prinsloo and will provide updates as they become available.

As in all things, we continue to give thanks to God for the provision of both the staff that we have and the staff that we need to continue to provide the best possible education for the children in our care.

With thanks and warm regards,

Chad Kentwell Principal CHAPLAINCY

My name is Melanie Cappellin and I am Carinya Christian School’s Chaplain and Student Wellbeing Support Officer. I work as a Chaplain in the school on Mondays from 9.30am to 2.00pm and Thursdays from 10.30am to 3.00pm. My role as Chaplain is to focus on, encourage and promote wellbeing within our school community, including the children, staff and families within our school. If you require an ear to listen, referral to outside services, guidance or prayer, I welcome and encourage you to come and see me or even send me an email to make time to catch up for a casual, friendly, safe space to talk. My email address is [email protected] MELANIE CAPPELLIN Chaplain & Student Wellbeing Officer I will be located in the Jarrah 1 Meeting Room in [email protected] the Middle / Senior School. During the school’s recess and lunch breaks on Mondays and Thursdays I am out and about in the playgrounds getting to know your children better and building safe relationships to enable them to feel happier, more comfortable and safe at school. My future goal is to implement programs, organise community groups and support the children, staff and families within our school community. MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR FIVE W I T H M R S P R I N S L O O

Year 5 has been working diligently across all learning areas, including preparing for NAPLAN.

In English, we are focussing on poetry studies. While commemorating ANZAC Day, we wrote some beautiful war poems and displayed them in the classroom. We have been introduced to various types of poems and our class favourite is Haiku.

Science is one of our favourite subjects because we can partake in hand-on activities. The topic this term is Electricity and Magnetism. We designed and drew our own electrical circuit, then had the opportunity to use the Science Circuit Kits to build our own circuits. Buzzers, light bulbs or a doorbell were also skilfully attached to some circuits.

History lessons are exciting this term, as we learn more about Australia as a nation. We watched documentaries on Ned Kelly and had to decide whether Ned can be seen as a hero or villain. We have been using our artistic skills to create an authentic ‘Wanted’ poster of Ned Kelly.

We look forward to Thursdays, when we can develop our tennis skills with Mr Louis. The highlight has been playing against each other and some of us are quite competitive!

On a less happy note, unfortunately, I have to inform our students this week that I have accepted a new teaching position near Penrith, commencing in Term 3. I have been really blessed to teach this lovely bunch of students, who all have a special place in my heart! I would also like to thank all of our parents for their ongoing support and effort to assist our students at home with their extended class work, as well as attending the Parent / Teacher Interviews or helping out during school Gala Days. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know you and to establish relationships during my time here at Carinya Christian School. Be assured of my prayers and best wishes to you all. YEAR SIX W I T H M R F I L S O N & M R P A S S

Year 6 has been busy in Mathematics, with lots of practice of multiplication facts. We are moving on to Measurement, where we will be calculating the area of different parts of the school.

In PE, we have been learning to play Spikeball, and have also enjoyed developing our tennis skills on Thursday afternoons with Mr Louis.

In our study of poetry in English, we have looked at lots of examples of poems written by children, and also some classics by Banjo Patterson.

In History, we have investigated early Australia and how difficult life was in days gone by.

Coding is our focus in Science, and we are becoming proficient with using Code.com activities. We are able to code various computerised creatures to perform certain actions. It’s a lot of fun! YEAR SEVEN W I T H M R W H A R T O N

Year 7 students enjoyed some spectacular, sunny autumn weather as they participated in a ‘Learn to Sail’ Program hosted at Lake Keepit Sport and Recreation Centre as part of their PDHPE Curriculum. This hands-on opportunity to try something new is a reminder of the value in being presented with new and exciting learning experiences that help us grow as individuals. Just as this outdoor learning has come and gone, so too has NAPLAN for our Year 7 students. Across Week 4, students faithfully completed four papers.

Around the classes there is very much a buzz of learning, even more so as we enter Week 5 and acknowledge our progress midway through the term. In English, students are working through their unit on ‘Sustainable Subtext’, as they consider the ways in which texts and literature communicate messages and purpose. Inspired by the novel, Trash, by Andy Mulligan, the major assessment for this term is in partnership with Gunnedah Shire Council’s Waste Into Art Program, in which each student creates a piece that is sustainable, recycled, upcycled. This connects nicely with the Year 7 Technology (Mandatory) Curriculum, where students have been designing and now creating their own clocks as part of their major project for the term. YEAR EIGHT W I T H M R W A L K E R

Year 8 enjoyed perfect conditions for sailing last Friday. There was plenty of speed across the water, and laughter as some students nearly capsized. Thankfully, no one did so it was a fantastic time. Thank you to everyone involved for their support.

In PDHPE, we continue our Invasion Games Unit and have rapidly acquired new skills and strategies for success in such sports. In theory lessons, we have explored stereotypes and how they affect relationships.

In Geography, we have been learning about water in the world. Our focus in Chinese (Mandarin) has been on how to say various school subjects.

In English, we have been studying The Karate Kid. SENIOR SCHOOL YEAR NINE W I T H M R C H A P M A N

In Pastoral Care, we are travelling with Jesus’ early disciples through the book of Acts, paying particular attention to the way the early Church expanded, as Christ said: through Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth!

In English, we are continuing our study of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. So far, it has been a nice mix of reading, translating and performing. As the unit progresses, we will be moving onto viewing some examples of the play and exploring its thematic focus.

Design and Technology students are continuing work on their Avionics unit. So far, they have successfully constructed wings and fuselage for their glider, and have learnt about some of the history of flight, particularly some Australian connections.

Food Technology students are learning about bush tucker this term, with a particular focus on bush spices. Last week, teaching staff were treated to vegie fritters.

In iSTEM, we are delving back into coding, electronics and physics to develop the remote control aspect of the launch mechanism. Having investigated pulleys and stepper motors, we are moving closer to take off.

In Mathematics, Mrs Wirth reports that 9M1 students are ‘crushing trigonometry’, which I gather is a good thing… better than being crushed by trigonometry!

In Commerce, students have just finished studying international financial markets and, by way of comparison, are now moving on to Indigenous economic markets. MUSIC

Mrs Sandra Clark from the Gunnedah Gunnedah Conservatorium Conservatorium is once again available PO Box 121 for individual piano, classical guitar Gunnedah NSW 2380 and voice lessons during school hours in 2021. If you would like Mrs Clark to Ph: (02) 6742 3998 teach your child, registration is through the Gunnedah Email: [email protected] Conservatorium.

WE'VE MOVED

The Uniform Shop has moved from the Auditorium to Jarrah 11 (Middle / Senior School) UNIFORM SHOP

Gunnedah Uniform Shop operating hours : Monday | 1:00pm - 4:00pm | Jarrah 11 Orders & fittings by appointment only (Contact Gunnedah Reception on 6742 2766 or the Tamworth Uniform Shop on 6762 0970 to arrange appointments).

For uniform orders and inquiries please contact : Mrs Katie Cook | Uniform Shop Manager Ph: 6762 0970 email: [email protected] 2021 A T A G L A N C E

CALENDAR TERM DATES Term Two 2021 MAY 19th Gumnuts & Prep Term One 27th January - Parent / Teacher Interviews 26th March Primary Rugby Gala Day 20th Gumnuts & Prep, and Junior School Term Two 19th April - Parent / Teacher Interviews 18th June K - 6 Tennis 21st Horse Sports Term Three 12th July - 26th National Sorry Day 17th September RoboGals Workshop 27th K - 6 Tennis Term Four 5th October - Eisteddfod: Primary Choir 7th December Reconciliation Week begins 28th CSSA Primary and Secondary State Cross Country Eisteddfod: Infants Choir Eisteddfod: Prep Choir TERM DATES 2022 JUNE 1st Eisteddfod: Years K - 6 Choral Speech Term One 31st January - 2nd THACCSSA Primary Metro Cup 1st April Reconciliation Week ends

9th Evening Eisteddfod Concert Term Two 26th April - 11th Athletics Carnival 24th June 14th Queen's Birthday Public Holiday

18th Term 2 Concludes Term Three 18th July - 23rd September

Term Four 10th October - 8th December HOMEWORK CLUB

What, When and Where On Mondays and Wednesdays between 3 and 4 pm, we run Homework Club for Year 3 to 9 students in the Library. There is no cost for Homework Club.

Supervision Homework Club is supervised by Carinya teachers. At the end of the school day, students who have been registered to attend Homework Club on any given day are to assemble at the tables and chairs under the olive tree in the Junior School playground and wait for the supervising teacher. Students who are booked to attend the Gundhi After School Club on Mondays and Wednesdays will be taken there by the supervising teacher at the end of Homework Club (ie 4pm).

Registration To enable us to supervise student attendance accurately, students must be registered for each session by a parent or caregiver. Blanket registrations (eg this week, this month, this term) are unable to be accepted. Parents can register by: emailing [email protected] or phoning Reception on 6742 2766 When registering, you will need to provide us with details about who will be picking your child/ren up or how they will be getting home if they are not being picked up. Registrations for each session of the Homework Club must be received by 2pm.

What to Bring Students must bring enough school work to keep them occupied for the whole time they are in Homework Club. Students are also welcome to bring afternoon tea with them to eat before they begin their homework.

Please contact Mr Kentwell if you have any questions about Homework Club. ESAFETY PARENTAL CONTROLS

Would you like to learn about parental controls and how to set up your devices to help keep your children safe online? Join Esafety's new webinar series on parental controls.

The free webinar will cover: the benefits and limitations of parental controls how to set up iOS and Android devices for safety how to set up popular games and apps like YouTube and Roblox for safety using family tech agreements and other parenting strategies to manage online risks how eSafety can help when things go wrong

TRAFFIC INFORMATION & REMINDERS

For the benefit of our new families and as a Where possible, each time a student is regular reminder for existing families, being collected of an afternoon the please note the following things regarding vehicle in which they are being collected transporting children to and from school. is to display one of the school provided Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that, in A4 laminated signs with the child’s recent times, the police have been more surname on the sign. Please contact vigilant in monitoring these issues around Reception if you have either not received schools, resulting in fines for some any of these signs or you would like members of our school community. some more.

Drop Off / Pick Up Area in Little Barber Street If a child is unable to enter the car on You must not stop for more than two their own and/or put their child restraint minutes in the Drop Off / Pick Up Area. or seat belt on without the assistance of For example, the afternoon pick up the driver of the vehicle, the Drop Off / begins at 3pm. If you were to arrive Pick Up Area is not to be used for that before this time and be stopped for any child. Instead, the child will have to be longer than two minutes, you could be collected from the school grounds. fined. The Drop Off / Pick Up Area in Little Bus Zones at the front of 46 Elgin Street Barber Street only extends from the (Junior School) corner of Elgin and Little Barber Streets There are two bus zones out the front of down to just before the new crossing in the Junior School and only one of them Little Barber Street. Beyond that is can be parked in, and only between designated No Stopping and you could 9:30am and 2:30pm each day. be fined if you stop in this area. Bus Zone 1 is between the sign on If you arrive at the Drop Off / Pick Up the corner of Elgin and Little Barber Area and there is no room in this area to Streets, and the sign just below the stop, we advise you to drive around the school driveway: block and try again. Another option is to This area cannot be parked in pick up your child/ren later than 3pm between 8 and 9:30am, and 2:30 (e.g. at 3:05 or 3:10pm). and 4pm, on school days; We appreciate your patience, particularly This area can be parked in of an afternoon when many cars arrive at between 9:30am and 2:30pm on the same time. In particular, avoid school days. pulling out into Little Barber Street from Bus Zone 2 is between the sign for the kerb unless you are the first car in the Bus Zone 1 that is just below the line. Also, please ensure that you check school driveway, and the sign next over your right shoulder for cars before to the entrance to McDonald’s: pulling out from the kerb. This area cannot be parked in The adult driving the vehicle must between 8:30am and 5:30pm, remain in the vehicle and not exit the Mondays to Fridays. vehicle to assist their child. Children are to enter and exit the vehicle Please contact the school if you have any from the kerb side only. questions. G U N D H I After School Club is still operating (see below for more details)

CONTACT US Phone 6742 2766 SMS 0419 795 613 Stay Email [email protected] Websit u Connected. e www.carinya.nsw.edu.au follow Carinya Christian School Gunnedah on facebook to stay up f to date with all that's happening