Term 4 WEEK

2020 5 OF 9

Secondary Spiritual Emphasis Week

Weekly Newsl etter for Parent s, Students and Friends of

Gilson Gazette - 28 February 2020 Page 1 Year 7 camp

Contents

general News GILSON COLLEGE CHILDRENS CENTRE...... 4 SCHOOL BANKING...... 4 SCHOOL FEES...... 4 GCCC NEWS...... 4 primary News AWARDS NAMES...... 5 SCHOOL DROP OFF AND PICK UP...... 5 WET AFTER SCHOOL PICKUP...... 6 BEING ON TIME FOR SCHOOL...... 6 LABELING CLOTHES AND OTHER ITEMS...... 6 UNIFORM - HATS...... 6 SWIMMING WEEK 7 (10TH TO 13TH MARCH)...... 7 YEAR 3 GSD...... 7

secondary News YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION...... 7 YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY EXCURSION...... 7 YEAR 8 CAMP...... 8 YEAR 9 BUANGOR CAMP...... 8 INTRODUCING OUR NEW TEACHING STAFF 2020...... 10

Photos YEAR 1 ZOO EXCURSION...... 11 SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK...... 12 TOWERS MADE WITH PAPER AND TAPE IN STEM...... 13 YEAR 7 CAMP...... 14 SCHOOL BUS PICK UP LOCATION...... 17

Page 2 Editorial: Is religion good for your health?

If we were to ask Dr Richard Dawkins, he would say religion is bad for your health. In fact in 1996 he stated: “I think a case can be made that faith is one of the world's great evils, comparable to the smallpox virus but harder to eradicate.” Dawkins is right about religion being difficult to remove and for a good reason - Augustine (400 AD), Pascal (1660) and CS Lewis (1952) all discussed in one form or another about the God-shaped hole that is in each one of us. However is he right about religion being bad for you? In the book, “God, Faith, and Health: Exploring the Spirituality-Healing Connection,” Jeff Levin identifies five basic research findings. Firstly, people who regularly attend religious services have lower rates of illness and death than do infrequent or non-attenders. Secondly, for each of the leading causes of death in the United States — heart disease, cancer, and hypertension — people who report a religious affiliation have lower rates of illness. Thirdly, older adults who participate in private and congregational religious activities have fewer symptoms, less disability and lower rates of depression, chronic anxiety, and dementia. Fourthly, religious participation is the strongest determinant of psychological well- being in African-Americans — even more important than health or financial wealth. Finally, actively religious people live longer, on average, than the nonreligious. This holds true even controlling for the fact that religious folks tend to avoid such behaviors as smoking and drinking that increase the risk of disease and death. Quite obviously this data indicates religion is clearly good for you, however there are some people that bring up that tired, old argument that religions are the cause of all the wars in the modern world. You may have heard this from time to time, however what are the facts on this? If you should navigate your way to: https://psmag.com/social-justice/myth-of- the-modern-religious-war-34617 you will find John Tures’ research and data that shows the great majority of conflicts since 1648, when the Peace of Westphalia was signed, were the result of regime changes, land or power grabs, and not religion. So may I be so bold as to suggest that we all need some religion because it connects us to the Transcendent and it also connects us to our fellow man. I can think of no better symbol than the cross to illustrate this, where the vertical post represents our connection to the Creator God and the cross beam illustrates our relationships and compassion to those around us. It’s worth a thought

Mark B Vodéll Principal

Page 3 Secondary Spiritual Emphasis Week general News the phone, BPay or in person through the College office. GILSON COLLEGE GCCC NEWS • February 22nd - We CHILDRENS CENTRE welcome you to Join us EXPRESSION OF INTEREST in the Gilson College If you are interested in gymnasium for our first acquiring a place for your “Community Connect child at the Childrens Centre Day” for the year. On please call the College Office this day, it is where we and request for a Expression of get the opportunity Interest form. More details to to intentionally follow. connect with the GSD year level and wider SCHOOL BANKING Gilson College School A reminder to all our Community. The year College families, school banking 11 students have has begun. Monies are collected prepared a special each Thursday. If you are Sabbath service with Pr needing more details please call Brayden Rath sharing the College Office. the word. Toasties will be served at 9:30 am. SCHOOL FEES • February 29th - Please College Fees are now due. join us after GSD for our Payments can be made over Church picnic on the

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

front lawn. Please BYO 1H – Bella Woods lunch, chairs and rugs. 1W – Ryan Ng th - • February 29 2C – Harley Cassar Adventurers will be held at 3.00-5.00 pm 2L – Fatehjit Singh at Gilson College. If 2Z – Amelia Maluso you are an adventurer 3H – Thenul Gamage parent, please join us 3R – Hans Loli-Pinono for a time of worship, fun and games! 3T – Jilianna Cima 4H – Sienna Maluso 4S – Layla Krukowski 5A – Zac Georgiou 5H – Gabriela Diaz Aliste 5M – Ayaan Singla 6G – Mitchell Spiteri 6H – Erica McGann 6M – Hugh Arioka FRENCH – Shayamal Ranasighe SCHOOL DROP OFF AND primary News PICK UP Please ensure that if you AWARDS NAMES drop your child off in the On Monday morning in morning before 8:20 am, that our Primary Awards Assembly you stay with them until the one student from each gates open. If students are early class was acknowledged for and not supervised they need demonstrating the value of to be booked into OHSC. Please Resilience. also remember that students are FH – Scarlett Vicek only supervised until 3:50 pm after school. Any child who has FM – Mason Pilovski not been picked up after this FW – Sienna Saleh time, will be taken to OHSC and 1B – Aaliya Gupta parents will have to pay the cost.

Page 5 The VALUE for Week 6 of Term 1 will be: CONFIDENCE Confidence is a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Eleanor Roosevelt “Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing to be wrong.” Peter McIntyre “I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

WET AFTER SCHOOL LABELING CLOTHES AND PICKUP OTHER ITEMS We would like to thank all Please ensure your child’s of our parents for the patience clothes are clearly labeled and resilience that has been with their name so that their shown when it has been raining belongings can be returned during pickup time. If there are to them. This is particularly storms during this time, we will important for those items that stop pick up until they have are regularly removed such as passed. This will ensure that our hats, jackets and shoes. students, parents and teachers Lunchboxes, drink bottles, are safe. school bags, pencil cases and all stationery should also BEING ON TIME FOR be clearly labeled. The clear and permanent naming of SCHOOL any uniform items, brought to We would like to remind school assists in the speedy everyone that our first period of return of items. the day begins at 8:50 am. At Any enquiries about this time, we close our gate to lost property can be made at the playground the school office. You will be and students are directed to the directed to the location of the front office to sign in and collect Lost Property box. Monday a late pass before going to class. morning assembly is also an Please ensure your child arrives opportunity to locate any lost at school between 8:20 am and items. Lost and unnamed 8:50 am, as we work together uniform items will be held for to encourage and develop two weeks and then sent to the responsibility in being on time. Uniform Shop for resale.

Page 6 UNIFORM - HATS secondary News Please note that the school hat is part of the summer YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY uniform and must be worn during recess and lunchtime. EXCURSION Please refer to our SunSmart No Earlier this week, the Year Hat – No Play policy. 12 Geography class travelled to Docklands to examine the TH features of one of ’s SWIMMING WEEK 7 (10 largest urban renewal projects. TO 13TH MARCH) Students explored the regions’ Due to Monday 9th March current land uses and analysed being a public holiday, students how and why it has changed will not be having swimming over time. Students were lessons this week. This will also able to analyse how the ensure that all students receive project has transformed the the same amount of time at area from an unused industrial swimming lessons. port and a wasteland into a vibrant, modern-day residential and recreational hub that it is YEAR 3 GSD nowadays. Students visited key Our Year Three GSD will sights in the area and were able be on Saturday 14th March to collect important data to draw beginning at 10.00 am in the conclusions about the social, Eco Science building. This is a economic and environmental wonderful day where parents impacts of the project as well as and students come along to its effectiveness. praise and worship God.

Page 7 reminder that students will need to arrive at school at the regular time on Monday and are to drop off their luggage on Court 3 in the gym before attending Chapel.

YEAR 9 BUANGOR CAMP On Monday 17th February, we went to Buangor State Park YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY for the first camp of the Year 9 Learning for Life Program. EXCURSION It was a completely different As part of the VCE experience for all of us, as it Geography course, the Year 11 involved a separation from Geography students travelled civilisation and from the life to the Organ Pipes National that we are used to. We got to Park to explore the geological appreciate a lot of nature on features of the area. Today, an overnight hike and, as we the region forms part of the returned, we also experienced Western Volcanic Plains which a sense of accomplishment for extends from Ballarat across to completing something we didn’t Mount Burn in think we could do. For many of and is the third largest volcanic us, going on the camp helped plain in the world. This field trip us with the fear of the unknown helped students to examine and it put our own lives in the processes associated with perspective. geological hazards, including Samantha T 9MG their causes and impacts. I didn’t like that the hike wasn’t as hard as I thought it YEAR 8 CAMP would be, but I really liked that Year 8 Camp to PGL I was disconnected from the Campaspe Downs is happening internet and that I got to bond on Monday 2nd - Wednesday with people I don’t really talk to. 4th March. Please check the Keanu 9CA reminder email sent on Friday My experience in Buangor 27th February for the packing was actually fun. It’s very list. Please also check and surprising because I didn’t update your child’s medical expect to enjoy the camp. There forms through the front office was a lot of bonding, walking and prepare your child’s and learning. I befriended medication accordingly. A people I never would’ve

Page 8 expected to like. It brings got used to carrying packs, or people together and builds a walking on steep mountains. I team-focused mentality. The enjoyed spending a whole week feeling once you return after the with my friends. hike is very satisfying. Tracy 9MG Isaiah 9MG It was a great experience! I enjoyed this camp … Even though I kinda because I got to spend time struggled walking up a very with friends and get to know steep hill, I’m thankful I had people. The hike was a lot done it with my girls because of harder than I expected since I all the encouragement we gave was in the high group, but I liked each other. how I was challenged and felt Genieva 9CA really accomplished after. Chloe 9CA Going to Buangor made me realise how important it is for me to disconnect from the modern world and technology and connect with my friends and nature. I’m grateful that I got to challenge myself on the hike and to have such supportive peers in my group. Krinjal 9MG Buangor State Park was an amazing experience. I was able to talk to God during the hike and able to connect with Him and new people in my year level. I am thankful that I went. Samantha 9CA Personally, I think Buangor camp was a very fun experience. As our first camp this year I feel that it has already brought a few of us closer together, which is really good. The hike itself was a bit challenging at first because we weren’t used to it yet, but it got easier as our bodies

Page 9 INTRODUCING OUR NEW TEACHING STAFF 2020

AREA OF TEACHING / AREA OF TEACHING / RESPONSIBILITY RESPONSIBILITY Outdoor Recreation, Sport and Year 12 Religion, Year 10 and 8 Recreation, HPE, Sport Encounter QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY Bachelor of Science, Bachelor Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of of Teaching, Diploma Outdoor Teaching Recreation, both from Avondale CAREER SUMMARY College 2016-2018 Darling Downs Christian School, CAREER SUMMARY Toowoomba 2016 Katoomba High School NSW, 2017-2018 INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELF Qld Peanut Butter and Honey are my favourtite INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELF combo. I am the youngest of 6 children. I love a I can't lick my elbow well-crafted hedge. HOBBIES HOBBIES Exploring, adventuring Hiking, surfing, camping, community, church,

AREA OF TEACHING / AREA OF TEACHING / RESPONSIBILITY RESPONSIBILITY Year 11 Biology, Year 10 Year 9 Humanities and Chemistry, Year 7 Maths, Mathematics Teacher; Walking- Year 7 Science Talking-Advertisement-for- Gilson-College. QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS SUMMARY Bachelor of Science (USP, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fiji), Grad.Dip TESSOL (Auckland University, Teaching NZ), Adv Dip Social Services (NZ), Cert. in CAREER SUMMARY Computing (Te Whananga Mangere NZ), Cert. 2016-2019 - Macarthur Adventist College, GSC Education (Fulton College, Fiji) INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELF CAREER SUMMARY Dat is not even legally my first name. 1996 - 2000 Fiji State Schools, 2001 - 2006 Suva Adventist High School, 2008 - 2019 HOBBIES Auckland SDA High School Music; making people laugh; making comments about the current state of Victorian roads. INTERESTING FACT(S) ABOUT YOURSELF The only lefty in my family HOBBIES Gardening, swimming, reading, travelling, adventuring

Page 10 Photos

YEAR 1 ZOO EXCURSION

Page 11 SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK

Page 12 TOWERS MADE WITH PAPER AND TAPE IN STEM

Page 13 YEAR 7 CAMP

Page 14

Gilson College Parents and Friends Committee

This corner features updates from our Parents and Friends committee. Watch this space to learn how to get involved and meet fellow parents. PEP hours are provided for most of our activities

Welcome Gilson College families to 2020 What is the P&F Committee?

The P&F committee is a chance for families to contribute back to the school community. There’s more to it than just attending meetings, it’s about having a chance to bring ideas and suggestions forward that can help to improve our children’s experiences and the environment in which they learn.

The core committee meet regularly, and once a term we open our meetings for parents to join us. Our meetings are quite casual and are a great opportunity to meet new people. We have a President, Maria Draganovic and Secretary, Anna Cini along with other core members that are in charge of different duties in order to keep track of our activities and no pressure is ever placed on parents to take on roles they are not comfortable with.

Our main aim is to fundraise in order to purchase items that will enhance our schools learning environment, but alongside that we are here to help by offering our time and services to the school. In the past P&F have contributed to our school by providing furniture for classrooms, and outdoor seating, as well as tables and chairs. Our current goal is to raise funds to support the development of the school back oval.

If you’re curious about the P&F and would like to see what it’s all about, keep an eye on the newsletters.

We start off our fundraising for 2020 by running an icy pole day every Friday in Term 1. Next week, Friday 14th February will be our first day. Cost of icy poles is $1, so please remember to send money with your child.

Our first P&F meeting, which is open to all families, will be held on Tuesday 3rd March at 2.00pm in the Primary Learning Area/ Maker Space. This is the perfect opportunity for old and new Gilson College families to meet others. Please make sure you sign in at the office before coming to the meeting.

We encourage you to come to P&F meetings and look forward to meeting you soon.

Blessings P&F Committee

Page 15

Page 16 SCHOOL BUS PICK UP LOCATION If your child is using our school bus services, please make sure that they are waiting on time at the allocated pick up spot. If your child’s pick up is in front of your house ensure they are waiting OUTSIDE the house and not inside. We cannot guarantee your child/dren will be picked up every morning if they are not ready to board the bus. Please treat the pick up as any ordinary bus stop pick up. If you are not sure what time your child has to be ready for the bus ask the bus driver. Always ensure that your child is ready at a least few minutes before the allocated time. Thank you for ensuring a smooth operation of our school bus service.

Page 17

Primary Chapel - Snack and Chat

We would love you to come along and enjoy chapel with your children and staff each Friday morning in the Year 3 &4 building.

Chapel times are Foundation to Year 3 is at 9.00 am to 9.50 am. Chapel time for Year 4 to Year 6 is from 9.50 am to 10.40 am.

If you come to the first Chapel please feel free to stay and meet some other parents, grandparents/ guardians and staff for a hot drink in the Primary Staff Lounge.

If you are attending the second Chapel you’re welcome to come by the Primary Staff Lounge area from 9.35 am for a hot drink and get to know other parents, grandparents/ guardians and staff before attending chapel.

Chaplains, Wellbeing and your Primary Administration/ learning team along with the Head of Campus and Principal will come along at various times. It will be a great opportunity for you to see your children in chapel and to get to know other parents and staff.

Page 18 Can you volunteer? - We need your help with the School Banking program! Our students really enjoy participating in the Commonwealth Bank School Banking program and to keep this program running we need your help.

The program requires volunteer School Banking Co-ordinators to facilitate the banking and distribution of School Banking rewards. The School Banking is processed at the same time each week 9:30 – 11am Thursdays during school Term. Your help with the program will greatly benefit students as they develop vital saving skills and also help our school with fundraising.

Currently, School Banking day is Thursday.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kelly Freiberg 0408327064 or School Office 93639363

Page 19 Parents and Friends Committee

Gilson College

https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/1956X55

Any questions, please email: [email protected]

Page 20 When you love but don’t like your child

• POSITIVE PARENTING by Michael Grose

It goes without saying that we always love our children. That doesn’t mean however, that we always like them or how they are behaving. Rather than beating yourself up, it’s useful to figure out what you don’t like and work from there. Here are some of the common reasons, and some ways to help overcome it.

Common reasons

It’s their behaviour Generally, it’s a child’s behaviour that you won’t like rather than the child themselves. Whether it’s a surly adolescent who scowls every time you walk into a room, or a toddler who whines when they don’t get their own way, it can be difficult separating the child from the behaviour.

It’s a stage Some developmental stages are more problematic than others. Both toddlers and teens are programmed to get under their parent’s skin. The respective developmental tasks are independence and identity formation, both involving a degree of parental challenge, making them hard to get close to, at times.

It’s their gender Some people are naturally drawn to a particular gender, and struggle interacting with the other gender. The struggle can be personality driven, or come as a result of family background. For instance, a mother who grew up in an all-girl household may struggle with the boisterousness involved in raising a son.

It’s their personality Some personalities grate, even in families. If you’re a quiet, task-oriented type and you really struggle relating to loud, life of the party types at work then this won’t necessarily change when you come home. You will probably struggle to relate to that loud, got-to-be-the-centre-of-attention type of child or teen in your family. If you value sensitivity and a careful choice of words and someone else comes off as flippant with ‘no filter’, equally it can be jarring.

They’re not meeting your expectations Parents usually have hopes and dreams for their children, which are not always fulfilled. A child who doesn’t follow in your footsteps or meet your academic or lifestyle expectations can be a source of disappointment and frustration.

It’s a lack of common ground Just as is the case with adult relationships, sometimes people in the same family are just somewhat (or wildly!) different to each other. Neither of you need to work to become a carbon copy of the other, but you do need to work to understand each other. Remembering the preferences, soft spots, no-go zones and other nuances of each other’s personality goes a long way towards reaching a language you can speak fluently with each other. Kids interests can change a lot over time, and you may even find something in common that you never thought possible.

How to move forward constructively

Face your feelings Resist the temptation to push away or ignore your feelings, as this is the antithesis of emotional intelligence. Unrecognised feelings are a heavy burden to bear. It’s far better to face up to and accept the way you feel about your child. Do you feel anger, disappointment, sadness, frustration or even discouraged? Is it a mixture? Own your feelings and you’ll find that you will have more control over them in time.

Page 21 ake adjustments accordingly Work out what’s behind these feelings. If it’s a personality clash or differences in life goals then you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly or start to manage your own behaviours and reactions better. ccepting your child or young person for who they are can bring you a great deal of relief. If you have a child who you wouldn’t have chosen to be your friend, then it’s up to you to make a change. Accept and appreciate them for who they are you’ll find that your child or teen will be easier to like and your relationship will improve.

ring some playfulness into your parenting o you need to be more playful and less serious when you are in your child’s company? If so, look for ways to build your relationship by spending some enjoyable oneonone time together.

ollow their interests Considering following their interests, even if they’re not necessarily your own. If you’re a creative type and your child is a sports buff, then take the time to follow their interests. Understanding why will tell you a lot about your child and what makes them tick. ou may also find that he or she also starts following your interests once you take the lead.

ook for the good When we are struggling to like and connect with a child there is a tendency to focus on the things we don’t like about them. Our attention becomes like a television antenna tuned into the negative rather the positive behaviour or attitudes. Tune your antenna to look for the good rather than the bad in your child.

ite your tongue esist the temptation to criticise your child about minor and annoying behaviours, as nitpicking will only reinforce mutual disregard. iting your tongue and smiling when your child says or does something that grates on you is the type of emotional labour that makes parenting challenging. ut choosing your battles will make your day easier and improve your relationship long term.

Hold them accountable It’s not always appropriate to hold your tongue. Children need to be held accountable for poor, inconsiderate behaviour. There are some behaviours such as being disrespectful to others, or not following set family rules and values that need to be picked up on. nsure that you treat all kids on your family fairly and justly.

eep showing up There may be times where you may feel there is nothing left to do. eep showing up anyway. The single, most important thing you can do as a parent is to show up every single day. It will send a powerful message to your child that even if you don’t like how they are behaving, you’re always going to love them. If you can accept your child for who they are, then they are more likely to make subtle changes in their behaviours to meet your needs and expectations. This type of social adjustment is the lynchpin of healthy, respectful relationships.

Our Parenting Boys and Parenting Girls online courses have helped many parents accept their sons and daughters for who they are, providing relief from the constant struggle for understanding and the desire to change them.

Michael Grose

Michael Grose, founder of Parenting Ideas, is one of Australia’s leading parenting educators. He’s an awardwinning speaker and the author of books for parents including Spoonfed Generation, and the bestselling Why First Borns Rule the World and Last Borns Want to Change It. ichael is a former teacher with years experience, and has years experience in parenting education. He also holds a aster of ducational Studies from onash University specialising in parenting education.

Page 22 CALENDAR 2020 SECONDARY CALENDAR TERM 1 2020

Week 05 m 29th february GSD Year 11

Week 06 m 1st march Working Bee m 2nd march SSV Year 9-12 Boys and Girls Volleyball

Week 07 m 9th march Labour Public Holiday Weetbix Tryathlon

PRIMARY CALENDAR TERM 1 2020

Week 07 m 14th March Year 3 GSD Week 09 m 24th & 25th March Parent Teacher Interviews m 27th March Last Day of Term 1

TERM 2 2020

Week 01 m 15th - 17th april Year 5 Sovereign Hill Camp

YearPage 7 camp 23