Community E-Chronicle Page 1 Term 3 Week 1

23rd July, 2013

Issue 21 Term 3 Week 1

194 Old Southern Road SOUTH NOWRA NSW

2541 PO Box 620

NOWRA NSW 2541

Ph: (02) 44221199 Fax: (02) 44221992

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office@ncs.nsw.edu.au Web

ncs.nsw.edu.au

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Office Hours 8am – 3.30pm

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K–6 8.35am – 2.50pm

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2013 Information Book Table of Contents

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He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. Surely He took up our

infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. Isaiah 53:3-4

School Calendar JULY

Wed 24 Year 10 - Taste of TAFE - Mr Vidler

7pm Snr Subject Information Night

Thu 25 School Athletics Carnival

Fri 26 Sydney Woodworking Show - Tech & IT excursion with Mr Lawrence &

Mr Whitehouse

Mon 29 Japanese Exchange Students visit (27 July to 14 August )

Mr Whitehouse at CSA Inspections

National Literacy and Numeracy week

K - 2 Dance Program (ends Week 9)

Tue 30 3.10pm Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews

K - Yr 2 AASC commences

Wed 31 MS Read-a-thon Commences

3 - 4.30pm STEPS commences

7pm Different Like Me Support Group Meeting

AUG Thu 1 Secondary Girls and Boys Stage Soccer Gala Day Finals @ Penrith with Mr Dallimore & Mr Clarke

Mr Smith absent (Sydney PALL Training)

Start of Languages Oral Examinations

Eisteddfod - School Age Choral

Primary MCMT

3.10pm Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews

Yrs 3 - 6 AASC commences

Fri 2 Mr Smith & Mrs Hefferan absent (Sydney PALL Training)

9.30am K-12 Assembly

I trust that all of our families had an enjoyable break from routine over the past few weeks, and that our students have

returned for yet another busy, challenging and growth producing term! During last week's Conference, many of our teachers heard challenges from Rod Wilson from Regents College in Vancouver as he spoke to us about being authentic, faithful and effective in our ministry of teaching. A key part of Rod's challenge to us was summarised in the word "incarnation".

"Incarnation" is a big word that means "in flesh". Christians refer to the "incarnation" as a term that describes what God did when, as fully God and fully human (or flesh), Jesus came into this world. Christians often limit their thinking of the "incarnation" to Christmas, but Rod challenged us to think afresh of how this wonderful event of God becoming flesh needs to inform our lives every day. Further, Rod challenged us to think about how we, as teachers, can show God in our actions day by day. Here, his catch phrase focussing on the "in the flesh" translation of "incarnation", was that we are to “be skin for others". Christians need to think about how we can show God's love, forgiveness, hospitality and care for those around us. This challenge must sit not only with the teachers of the school, but all in our community who would claim to be followers of Jesus.

2014 SENIOR SUBJECT NIGHT & SURVEYS A reminder that our Senior Subject Information Night for 2014 which was "washed out" in last term's

heavy rains, will be held this Wednesday 24th at 7pm in the Music Room.

Students should already have their Information Books, and they will receive their surveys on the night. These surveys MUST be back by 8.30am on Friday, 26th July.

We will be hosting 17 Japanese students and their

teacher from Monday 29th July to Wednesday

14th August. Please encourage and make them

feel very welcome as they learn the Australian

culture and English language.

Community E-Chronicle Page 2 Term 3 Week 1

SCHOOL NEWS

This week’s classes and staff Please pray for and thank God for families and students in Kinder and Year 7 and for Mrs Ellis, Mr Fairbairn and Dr Gannell.

Praise for

Praise God for the appointment of our new Principal, Mr Marks.

Praise God for the funding received from the State Government for Literacy & Numeracy.

Praise God for a safe holiday break.

Praise God for our Senior Students and staff as they help at STEPS.

Pray for

Please pray for Mrs Ellis in our Accounts Department who broke her wrist in the school holidays.

Please pray for our school’s Athletics Carnival this Thursday and for those who are running it, and for students competing in it.

Please continue to pray for our school numbers.

Please pray for the Japanese Exchange students and for the families that are hosting them.

Please pray for Senior students as they prepare for HSC trials and exams this term.

Please pray with us

SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

THURSDAY 25TH JULY, 2013 All students in Yrs 3 - 10 are expected to attend the Athletics Carnival on Thursday 25th July at Shoalhaven High School. Seniors, who did not attend the Swimming Carnival at the beginning of the year, are required to attend this carnival.

All students are to catch the bus which departs NCS approximately 8.45am and return in time for the afternoon buses. This is to ensure safety to and from the grounds. Only students under the direct supervision of parents may make their own way to the grounds by 9.00am.

SPORT UNIFORM MUST BE WORN TO AND FROM THE CARNIVAL.

House colours may be added at the grounds. Black Hawks (black & green); Sea Kings (purple & white). Tracksuits and warm jumpers in school colours should be taken to combat the chilly conditions. Also, school hat, sunscreen and blanket to sit on are advisable. Students, parents and helpers are advised to bring adequate food and drinks. THERE IS NO CANTEEN AVAILABLE ON THE DAY.

Mr Harrison still needs parents helpers at the Carnival.

If you can help, please either ring or email the school office and leave your

name! Parking: No vehicles are permitted in Shoalhaven High School grounds. Persons attending the Carnival should proceed across the playing fields to the Athletics track and not through the School grounds. Parking is in HOLLOWAY DRIVE or HILLCREST AVENUE.

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIRMAN It is with great pleasure that I can announce to our School community the appointment of our new Principal, Mr David Marks, to replace Dr Gannell, when he steps down at the end of the year.

The Board were greatly heartened by the number of applicants for the position, and the quality of those applicants. After exhaustive checks with referees and extensive interviews, the Board was unanimous in agreeing to the appointment of Mr Marks.

Mr Marks is married with 3 daughters, and is presently Head of Middle School at Investigator College, Victor Habour, South Australia, where he has also had experience as Head of Senior School. His present Principal made the comment: “My only hesitation in recommending David is my reluctance to lose his services at Investigator College!” David brings with him a passion for Christ, expressed through his role as a teacher, and a passion for Christian education and the welfare of the students under his care. He very much believes in working together with parents and staff, as a team, in the education of the children committed to our care. In his words each child should be given the chance to shine. The Board found him very approachable, a “servant leader”, whose attributes were borne out by his referees.

He has studied in Japan, where he learnt Japanese and completed a Certificate in Teacher Training. He holds a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary/Physical Education) and has taught across all levels of the School. He also happens to be very fit, taking part in long distance triathlons, and has completed an iron man event.

We are excited at the prospect of working with Mr Marks when he commences officially at our School on the 13th January, 2014.

ACTIVE AFTER SCHOOL

CARE COMMENCES NEXT

WEEK.

K - YEARS 2 TUESDAY

YEARS 3 - 6 THURSDAY

K - 6 DANCE PROGRAM

STARTS NEXT MONDAY

K - YEAR 2 MONDAYS

YEAR 3 - 6 FRIDAY

Community E-Chronicle Page 3 Term 3 Week 1

SCHOOL NEWS

Unit 1: Jesus: Alive and Active

Week 1: The Spirit of God (John 14:15-17, 25-27, 16:7-13, Acts 1:3-4, 8-11)

Review: Welcome back! We start Godspace this term looking at the Holy Spirit. We will see that the same Spirit Jesus promised to His disciples to empower for witnessing to His name is given to followers of Jesus today! Mr Petts, Chaplain

LITERACY AND NUMERACY Nowra Christian School has been selected to be part of a State Government funded “Literacy and Numeracy Action Plan” targeting students in Kindergarten and Years One and Two. This is exciting, not only for those students but for the entire school community as some of the benefits will be felt almost immediately, and more so as time passes. This program involves the school receiving a significant amount of money that we are required to invest in evidence-based programs commencing almost immediately and continuing until the end of 2016. We are currently exploring training, tools and programs that will mean that the benefits will extend beyond the life of this specific program. Mr Smith will be co-ordinating this program. He and Dr Gannell spent two days last week, and with the assistance of primary staff, more time this week in providing the evidence and plan required to move this program forward.

One implication of this program is that over the next two terms, there will be a significant investment in money from the grant and our teachers' time in further equipping our teachers with the latest understandings methods and strategies in developing early literacy and numeracy in our students. This is likely to mean that there will be times when teachers will be out of their classrooms, undertaking training. We want to ensure our parents that this does not mean that your children and their learning will languish while our teachers are being equipped. We will ensure that everything we have planned for this year will continue uninterrupted. At the same time, we also want to assure our school community that we genuinely believe that this investment in the children’s learning will reap rewards as these new programs are implemented.

We are thankful to the New South Wales State Government for funding this program.

CSA STATE CONFERENCE As well as attending and learning from the CSA State Conference on Monday and Tuesday last week, NCS was able to contribute to other NSW Christians schools. Thank you to Mr Whitehouse and Mr Wright who led sessions during the Conference, as well as Dr Gannell who was involved because of his role as a State Council member and as Chairman of the CSA NSW Teacher Accreditation Committee. Mr Wright also spoke at a number of sessions during the last week of term two at Coffs Harbour. The invitation to do this came as a result of his thoughtful and helpful presentation at the NSW Christian Schools Principals Conference earlier this year. NCS is blessed with highly competent and widely respected staff .

TRIVIA NIGHT How well do you know Australian geography, history, music and TV?

Can you play a didgeridoo? How fast can you eat a meat pie? How accurately can you throw a thong? Don’t miss this chance to find out!

Tickets are now available for the Trivia Night coming up on Wednesday, 21st August. We encourage you to get together a table of 10 to join the fun. Tickets are $10 each, and include nibbles, tea and coffee throughout the night (soft drinks will also be available at $1 a can).

Tickets can be booked by either ringing the school office or via email office@ncs.nsw.edu.au Tables will need to be paid for within 2 days of bookings.

Funds raised from this event will go towards meeting some of the needs of our Concert Band.

We want to thank our sponsors of the event, who are donating prizes. At present, we have received donations from:

Dean Swift Books, Nowra

Diane’s Hair Design, Bomaderry

East Nowra Butcher, East Nowra

Shoalhaven City Lanes, Bomaderry

SportsPower, Nowra

Yard ‘n Garden, South Nowra

Tuscanny Woodfired Pizza, Nowra

And promises from other local businesses. If you’d like to be a sponsor, please contact Mrs Gannell on 0413 487 511, or through the School Office.

SEMESTER ONE REPORTS AND SECONDARY PARENT TEACHER

INTERVIEWS TUESDAY 30TH JULY AND THURSDAY

1ST AUGUST.

Reports for students in Years 7-10 were distributed to students yesterday.

The Monday and Tuesday release of reports for 7-12 students will help parents as they book for the Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews (bookings available from Monday 22nd July).

We ask parents to note that the available booking times for these interviews will, in some cases, be limited to core subjects (if a teacher has too many students to fit interviews), and we will also limit interview opportunities so that parents who have a child under the instruction of the same teacher for multiple subjects, will be able to access a single interview timeslot. This will allow for the maximum number of parents to meet with the appropriate teachers during these two afternoon/evenings. Interviews are for teachers of Semester One and Semester Two subjects.

DIFFERENT LIKE ME SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

Wednesday 31st July at 7pm

The next meeting is Wednesday 31st July

at 7pm in the Library with guest speaker

Catherine Gitau, Play Therapist.

Cost is $5 per family. Book via office or

Amy Davey 0414817696/44235390.

LOST PROPERTY All lost property will be sorted out every 2nd Friday.

Any unclaimed items will be washed and placed in our Uniform Shop to sell.

Community E-Chronicle Page 4 Term 3 Week 1

SCHOOL NEWS

K - 6 ASSEMBLY

On the last Friday of Term 2, K - 6 students at NCS were treated to a double dance extravaganza. Michael and Riva from local Aboriginal dancing group – ‘Dreaming Spirits’ performed seven dances. They wanted to pass on to the students an understanding of their culture through movement and dance. They talked briefly about how they had come to be involved in the dance group and explained each of their dances that we saw. The authenticity of their art was evident to us all. Their balance, poise and creativity was clearly displayed as they allowed us to glimpse some aspects of the rich local Aboriginal culture. The group are keen to return to NCS sometime in the future and run a workshop to teach students some of the movement patterns involved in their dances.

Mrs Ellery’s Year 4 dancers then took to the floor, ‘dressed to the nines’, to treat us to some boot-scooting. After ‘wowing’ their classmates there was time to invite teachers, parents and friends to join them in having a shuffle on the dance floor! Mr Petts, Mr McLennan and Mr Parker all made it look much harder than it should have been! Thank you to all concerned - We enjoyed our dance assembly immensely. Mr Parker

STEPS - HOMEWORK CENTRE. STEPS is our Year 7 - 10 Homework Centre, supervised by Mrs Hetherington. We assist students in completing regular homework and revision as well as larger assessments and assignments. STEPS is available in our school community due to the commitment of senior students and staff who serve as student mentors. Please remember them in your prayers. STEPS will be conducted every WEDNESDAY afternoon from 3:00pm - 4:30pm. Students attending need to see Mrs Hetherington during Week One to receive a permission note. Please remember to bring your Maths books and equipment, your reading for English and any assignments you have with you on a Wednesday. There are limited places available this term, so please ensure that contact is made with Mrs Hetherington during Week One of Term Three. We will commence STEPS Wednesday, 31st July 2013.

MS READATHON

This term NCS will once again be encouraging our students to participate in the MS Readathon. Many of them are great readers, so this is a great opportunity to have some fun reading, while also helping others in need.

Reading officially takes place in the month of August. For those who would like to join in, log onto the official MS website: http://www.msreadathon.org.au/ Click on “Sign up” and because NCS participated last year, use the dropdown arrow to find our school name. Ask an adult to help you fill in the rest of the details and – happy reading!! If you have any questions, please

contact Mrs Hefferan.

WHAT IS MS? MS stands for multiple sclerosis. Sclerosis is a Greek word meaning scars, and multiple means many, so an easy way to remember it is that MS also means ‘many scars’. MS affects the brain and spinal cord, which is called the Central Nervous System. Your brain sends messages to your body telling it what to do, just like a computer. Messages travel from the brain down the spinal cord and nerves to all the different parts of your body. In people who have MS, the messages get interrupted by small scars on the myelin, which coats the nerve fibers.

This means that the messages trying to get to different parts of the body might not go through properly. So putting on your shoes, walking to the shop, or even balancing, can be more difficult for

people with MS.

Visit the MS website for more information.

PRIMARY CHESS AT NOWRA

PUBLIC SCHOOL END OF TERM 2

Semester 2

Healthy Living Tips

NEW START

Nutrients – the first letter of

NEW START

Do eat good quality protein, lean meats, legumes, nuts, Yoghurt.

Do eat good fats – don’t go 99% fat free – that won’t make you thin. Do eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.

Do eat whole grains. Minimize foods that contain ‘empty’ calories - (refined carbohydrate foods like white flour and cane sugar products).

Community E-Chronicle Page 5 Term 3 Week 1

SCHOOL NEWS

KENYA HELP FUNDRAISER—Monday 12th August 2013 "Now You See Me" at the Roxy Cinema Complex Nowra Tickets@ $20 each. All proceeds go towards the projects of the Kenya Help 2014 Mission Awareness Trip. (If you have not heard of this movie, here's a link to the trailer). http://youtu.be/66bMxJNZz9M For tickets please contact Belinda

Davie on 0432 405 772 or Rob Corner on 0403 328 883.

TUTOR available for Primary School Maths and English experienced and reasonable rates. Please phone 44 221 753. FOR SALE Toyota Tarago, 1998 model. Mechanically sound, kept well. $5,200. Small piano, Prinz Paling. Iron Frame, very good condition. $200, Nowra Christian secondary skirt, brand new, never worn $40, Assorted NCS school wear, girls winter and summer dresses/skirts, primary, secondary and senior $100, Small washing machine, excellent condition $75, Assorted PS2 games $50, Stainless Steel pasta maker, barely used in excellent condition $100, Please contact Claire on 0409 665 121.

FREE ONE DAY WORKSHOPS BEING HELD IN NOWRA FOR PARENTS/CARERS OF SCHOOL AGE STUDENTS ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM.

Venue: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre. Bridge Road, Nowra NSW 2541 When: One day workshop – Thursday 1 August 2013 Day 1: 9.00 a.m - 4.30 p.m (Registration from 8.15am) Registration opens Tuesday 25 June 2013, and closes 2 days prior. Registration may stay open until one day before the workshop if spaces are still available, but we strongly recommend that you register as soon as possible. You will receive a confirmation of your registration. Online registrations preferred: please go to the website www.positivepartnerships.com.au.

Community

WED 24th JUNE

Jo & Lynda McGregor

CANTEEN PRICE LIST

LINK for helpers roster

Wed.: 8.15am to 9.30am

Thurs.:2.30pm to 3.00pm

Grandparents are

invited to

celebrate National

Literacy and Numeracy Week at NCS

by coming to school and reading with

your Grandchild at lunchtime in the

Library. You are welcome on either

Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th or

Wednesday 31st between 12.45pm –

1.05pm to share a story and inspire a

love of reading with your grandchild.

Looking forward to seeing you in the

Library! Mrs Creighton