•  Morning buses from Sutherland Station being overcrowded, late and not stopping for students waiting at bus stops in Bangor.
• Crowded afternoon buses.
• Lucas Heights Community School’s primary section now finishes only 5 minutes after our school on a Thursday. When their students leave the local roads become congested, preventing our buses from leaving on time. I understand that this has resulted in some of our students missing connecting trains.
• A narrow bridge on Heathcote Road between New Illawarra Road and the Princes Highway will be widened to improve safety. This is likely to result in this section of the road being closed 24 hours a day for 6 months, causing serious traffic congestion and exponentially increasing commuting times to and from the school.

In relation to the Thursday afternoon problem, I have asked the Principal of Lucas Heights Community School to change their afternoon bell to a later time to ensure that our buses and cars have enough time to leave Barden Ridge before their students exit the school.

Regarding the issues with the morning buses from Sutherland Station, some of our staff have been working with the bus company, Transdev, for 12 months to try and improve the situation. My most recent written request for an additional bus from Sutherland Station to the school each morning has been formally refused by Transdev.

Earlier this week I met with Ms Melanie Gibbons MP, whose electorate of Holsworthy covers our school. She was very concerned and committed to working with us to resolve the problems with the morning buses and alleviating the burdens that will be created by the Heathcote Road closure.

Ms Gibbons encouraged parents who are concerned about these transport issues to write to their local MP in the NSW parliament. To assist parents corresponding with their local member:

• A list of MPs and their contact details.
• A webpage to help parents find which electorate they live in.

I am very concerned about the impact these transport problems may have on our families and am thankful to our parents for being so supportive as we seek to resolve these issues. I am sure that emails from our parents to local MPs will give weight to my advocacy. I trust that the information in this newsletter article will help parents in their correspondence with their local member.

Mr Brett Hartley
Principal

We are thrilled to be able to give our students opportunities to participate in inter-school events. This term we have been able to have students compete in Zone Swimming, State Swimming, Girls and Boys Rugby League, Girls Football and the Da Vinci Decathlon. We appreciate parent's support of their children to participate at these events and acknowledge that it can be disappointing that some events don’t allow parent spectators. Thank you for supporting us by complying with the various COVID safety rules surrounding each of these events. We are thankful that the permitted level of parent involvement in the school is increasing again. 

Junior School Engagement Evenings

The K-6 Engagement Evenings that were held last week were a great success with more than two thirds of our parents attending the sessions. It was wonderful to be able to provide an opportunity for parents to visit the school, meet the teacher and hear about important aspects of their child’s learning. Each grade teacher shared what Christian Education looks like in their grade, how they care for all children and highlighted key concepts and skills that will be developed during the year. We trust that it was a positive and helpful meeting for all those who were able to attend. Our next opportunity to meet with parents will be our Parent Teacher Nights held at the end of this term.

Mr Paul Carter
Head of Junior School

As teachers we constantly ask students to solve problems. At 10:00am every day, Year 6 have Numeracy groups and the problems start flowing – add these numbers, measure these angles, write your own word problem to show your understanding. Whilst the methods for solving these problems do address specific aspects of the Mathematics syllabus, there are many other ways that children need to develop decision making and problem solving skills as they mature. 

Late last year, our staff observed students working together during various activities whilst on our Year 6 Camp. We identified that a day spent outdoors in God’s magnificent creation, working together, challenging ourselves and responding in a responsible and respectful manner, would be an excellent way for our Year 6 students to start their final year in the Junior School. 

The Tops Conference Centre was chosen as our venue for what we hope to be our inaugural ‘Challenge Together’ Day. Students spent time developing friendships in the morning by the pool, and were placed in groups before heading off into the bush for a series of Survivor Challenge Course activities and Rock Climbing challenges.

As I observed the students in my group swinging from platforms onto small tyres and initially not achieving (also known as failing!), I was impressed with the encouraging words that were being yelled out and the positive attitudes that were being displayed by the students watching on. As they met each challenge and moved on to the next, their excitement and desire to work together grew. I observed honesty when something went wrong. One group was adamant that they had beaten a challenge until a voice spoke up saying ‘guys, sorry about this but I put my foot down’. The responses of ‘it’s ok’, ‘let’s do it again’ were heard around the group. The group instructor from The Tops was very impressed with the honesty and teamwork displayed. 

Outdoor Education is an important part of learning and our school caters to this through our Camp Programs from Years 4-12. Adding this special ‘Challenge Together’ day to the Year 6 calendar has strengthened our start to the year. Friendships were developed, new students were welcomed into the year group and we were challenged to push a little bit further, a little bit higher and to work with one another to live life to the full. 

As Year 6 experienced these team building and relationship strengthening times, I reflect on 

Hebrews 10:24 which says “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” There are many times that a decision we make could lead to negative outcomes. How much better, as we consider the ups and downs of life, that we work together, with love, leading to greater teamwork and unity.

Mr Tim Bluhdorn 
Year 3 to 6 Section Coordinator

With the initial fundraising target of $1500 already exceeded and with almost two more weeks until the fundraising event on March 17, the group is hopeful that more support and funds will ensue.

Donations can be made via the Do It For Cancer fundraising page. Food will also be available for purchase at recess on the day, to further raise funds for cancer research and support.

A team of 30 students travelled to Prairiewood Leisure Centre to compete against 10 other schools to be a part of the South Met team.

A big congratulations to James Seidel who was the 11 year old age champion on the day!

Although we couldn’t have parents there to help with keeping our competitors calm, fed, sun-screened and to the marshalling area at the right time, students faithfully cheered their team mates on and displayed fantastic behaviour throughout the day. A big congratulations to everyone who competed and encouraged their peers, you each represented our school exceptionally well. 

Mrs Eloise Beresford

The course is 3km in length and runs along the East Heathcote firetrail on the edge of the Royal National Park. It's in a beautiful location and students are encouraged to either run or walk the course.

There will also be a BBQ after the race raising money for Roots Cambodia (an organisation which we support and visit in Cambodia). Students are encouraged to bring $5 on the day for a sausage, drink and a small donation. Money will be collected at recess and students will be given a wristband for the afternoon.

I'm sure it will be a great afternoon together in God's creation as a school community.

Mr Peter Richardson
Acting Head of Secondary/ Head of Sport

We have so much expert, scientific opinion being thrust upon us today that has its source in a worldview that has absolutely no place for ‘the God of heaven’. From this worldview, the only hope for the future of Mankind is our ability to solve our own problems, especially to rid ourselves of the COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impact on physical and mental health, and on the stability of our financial future. From this same worldview we can feel free to make our own rules, and formulate our own legislation, about the definition of marriage, the appropriateness of sexual relations, the created (and therefore fixed) binary nature.

Because we are now seeing that the God-less worldview has taken over our culture, it is easy for us to retreat into despair. So ‘Thank you again’, Daniel. Thanks for reminding us that things aren't ‘out of control’. Just holding and propagating a basically wrong and erroneous ‘worldview’ does nothing to change the reality, no matter how effective the agenda to do so might seem. None of what is happening removes the ‘God of heaven’, or even takes Him by surprise! Even a cursory reading of Romans 1:18-32 - especially Paul’s concluding remarks in verse 32 - makes this very clear, as does a reflection on the Apostle John’s account of the vision he was given about the opening of the ‘Seven Seals’ of history in Revelation.

“Our God reigns!” - “Out of the tomb he came with grace and majesty: he is alive! He is alive! God loves us so, see here his hands, his feet, his side… Yes, we know, he is alive! Our God reigns, our God reigns, our God rei-ei-eigns, our God reigns.” (From “How lovely are the feet of him who brings good news.”)

Our worldview is the only true one, and therefore the only one that will give us an accurate and satisfying picture of the future of our world. Dan Ortland (‘Gentle and Lowly’ p. 98f), commenting on Jonathan Edwards’ ‘Sermon for Children’, writes: “Maybe we think of God and Christ in terms of truth, not beauty.  But the whole reason we care about sound doctrine is for the sake of preserving God’s beauty, just as the whole reason we care about effective focal lenses on a camera is to capture with precision the beauty we photograph.”

We have been given the task of holding fast to this truth, and of proclaiming it boldly to a lost and hope-less world. Recent legislation enacted in Victoria may mean that, by fulfilling this task, we could easily end up in the situation described in Revelation 6:9-11! But this need not daunt us, because God the Sovereign Creator has already written the final chapter of world history, and makes it clear that King Jesus is Coming Back, to “Make all things new!” Hallelujah, Our God reigns!

Rev Bruce Christian

Public holidays during term time

Australia Day Holiday — Wednesday 26 January 
Anzac Day — Monday 25 April
Queen’s Birthday — Monday 13 June

Contact

The website can answer most questions: shop.ranier.com.au

Email: shire@ranier.com.au
Uniform Shop Phone: Leave a message at 0492 969 088 
Responses will be provided during opening hours

For more immediate assistance, Ranier head office details:  
Online: ranier.com.au/contact
Email: custservice@ranier.com.au
Phone: 02 8337 7290

Edstart helps make it easy for you to manage school fees by providing flexible payment plans. You can reduce your annual school fee spend by extending payments over a longer period.

With Edstart, you can fund tuition fees, additional charges such as uniforms, extra-curricular activities as well as amounts in arrears.

To find out more, visit edstart.com.au/shirechristian.

Please note that in providing information about Edstart, the school is not providing any recommendation, brokering or advice services. The school does not receive referral fees, commissions or any other remuneration from Edstart.

Ben told us how he managed the change from school to university life and shared about his study in a field that is not only a part of our everyday digital lives but is shrouded in mystery and misinformation.

A committed Christian, Ben made special mention of his involvement in the Christian group at UNSW, Campus Bible Study; a wonderful time for him to grow in understanding of the bible and build relationships. One particular highlight that Ben noted was his involved in LAUNCH, a camp in February for school leavers preparing to live for Jesus at Uni.

Thank you for joining us and sharing your adventures, Ben!

Mrs Robyn Buchanan
Careers Advisor

ACU | Entry and Pathways to ACU

30 March 2021, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm.    Online

Whether you’re currently completing Year 12 or have been out of school for years, there are many entry pathways to ACU – including our ACU Guarantee early offer program.

Find out more: https://www.acu.edu.au/about-acu/events/2021/march/entry-and-pathways-to-acu

Year13 Expo

17 May 2021, 9:00 am - 19 May 2021, 4:00 pm.   Online

Not sure what you should be doing with your future or keen to know more about your dream career? The Year13 Expo is coming back during National Careers Week in May to sort you out.

Hear career stories and advice from some incredible humans at the top of their game, plus explore hundreds of exhibitors across all of your post-school options in work, study and travel.

Find out more: https://year13.com.au/expo

NIDA | Open Day

12 June 2021, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

National Institute of Dramatic Art, Kensington

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is Australia’s leading performing arts school, and its graduates are highly regarded throughout the creative and entertainment industries.

Find out more about studying at NIDA at their Open Day in 2021.

Find out more: https://www.nida.edu.au/productions/open-day

Girls Day Out in STEM

7 March 2021, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Online

Girls Day Out in STEM (GDOS) empowers and inspires girls aged 10-14 years to learn about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) while in a fun, safe and engaging environment.

Girls will hear from women in STEM, learn about important contributions already made by other young girls in STEM and what opportunities a future in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths can bring.

This year’s event will be run online.

Find out more: https://www.gdostem.com.au/

Defence Careers - Sydney - ADFA Information Session, Monday 8 March

Earn your degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy, and graduate as an Officer in the ADF.   Consider an Engineering career in the Navy, Army or Air Force keep Defence's weapons, vehicles, aircraft, ships and infrastructure operating safely and effectively.   Join a virtual info session to learn more.

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Sydney Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Building F, Level 6, 1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes, NSW 2138

Details and Registration here. 

Defence Careers - Wollongong - Women in Defence - Ask Me Anything Information Session, Monday 8 March

Discover your potential to serve alongside likeminded, supportive women in the ADF.
With a diverse range of roles available to women, you can find a flexible role that suits your lifestyle and that’s as rewarding and flexible as it is challenging.  Join an upcoming info session with current serving female members to ask any questions you may have about Australian Defence Force careers.

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Wollongong Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Level 2, 96 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW 2500

Details and Registration here. 

Defence Careers - Wollongong - Engineering Information Session, Tuesday 9 March

With so many opportunities in the Navy, Army and Air Force, there’s a career for you.
Engineers in the ADF spend their careers working with some of the world's most sophisticated hardware and technology. Consider a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force keep Defence's weapons, vehicles, aircraft, ships and infrastructure operating safely and effectively.    Join an info session to find out more.

Time: 6:00pm

Location: Wollongong Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Level 2, 96 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW 2500

Details and Registration here. 

Endeavour College of Natural Health - Studying Complementary Medicine, Tuesday 9 March

This webinar will cover:

ï The ins and outs of studying online

ï Study plans and timetabling

ï A look at the Learning Management System (LMS)

ï Career outcomes

ï Q&As

Time: 10.00am - 11.00am

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

Defence Careers - Sydney - ADFA Virtual Information Session, Wednesday 10 March.  

Earn your degree at the Australian Defence Force Academy, and graduate as an Officer in the ADF.  At the Australian Defence Force Academy you will receive service training while studying for your UNSW degree, and graduate as an Officer in the Australian Defence Force.  Join for a virtual info session to find out how ADFA can change your life. 

Time: 6.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

Defence Jobs Sydney - Navy Officer Information Session, Wednesday 10 March

At sea and ashore, the Navy encourages you to be your best. Join for an info session to learn more.  Consider a dynamic and fulfilling career like no other and work alongside likeminded, expertly trained personnel as an Officer in the Royal Australian Navy.
Speak with serving members about career opportunities at an upcoming info session and discover how you can lead in a Navy Officer role. 

Time: 6.30pm

Location: Sydney Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Building F, Level 6, 1 Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes, NSW 2138

Details and Registration here. 

Endeavour College of Natural Health - Studying Naturopathy, Wednesday 10 March

This webinar will cover:

ï Course structure

ï Study plans and timetabling

ï Differentiating between the theory and clinical practicum subjects

ï The future of the naturopathy and the wellness industry

ï Student life

ï Career outcomes

ï Q&As 

Time: 5.00 - 6.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

Endeavour College of Natural Health - Studying Nutritional and Dietetic Medicine, Wednesday 10 March

This webinar will cover:

ï Course structure

ï Study plans and timetabling

ï Differentiating between the theory and clinical practicum subjects

ï The future of the nutrition and the wellness industry

ï Student life

ï Career outcomes

ï Q&As

Time: 4.00 - 5.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

Defence Careers - Wollongong - Trade Careers Information Session, Thursday 11 March

Enjoy a trade career with a difference, working on unique military equipment in the ADF.
Choose a trade role in the Navy, Army or Air Force and work with unique military equipment and assets in a career like no other.   If you are considering learning a trade, or are already qualified, head to an upcoming info session and speak with current serving members about how you can benefit from fully-paid training and job security in the Australian Defence Force.

Time: 6.00pm

Location: Wollongong Defence Force Recruiting Centre, Level 2, 96 Crown Street, Wollongong, NSW 2500

Details and Registration here. 

Endeavour College of Natural Health Undergraduate Certificate Webinar - Diploma of Health Science, Thursday 11 March

Join Katrina Arch (Director of Sales and Admissions), who will answer all your questions about the course.

Time: 12.00 – 1.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

WEP Australia- Online Info Session, Thursday 11 March

Find out more about your student exchange opportunities at WEP's online info session.

Time: 6.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

BASAIR - Sydney Pilot Career Seminar  Monday 15 March

In this free & interactive Pilot Career Seminar, you'll learn everything you need to know about a career as a Commercial Pilot. #AimHigh.

Time: 7.00 - 8.30pm

Location: Basair - Bankstown, 628 23-25 Airport Avenue, Bankstown Airport

Details and Registration here. 

Endeavour College of Natural Health - Pathway your way to a degree, Wednesday 17 March

This webinar will cover:

ï Recognition of formal study and informal learning

ï Informal Articulation, Credit Transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

ï Calculating your advanced standing

ï How to apply for advanced standing

ï Q&A

Time: 4.00 – 5.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

UNSW - Year 12 Medicine Information Evening Wednesday 17 March

UNSW’s Medicine Year 12 Information Session will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2022.
Join this online webinar where you will hear from our expert panel of academic staff and current students, and get all of your UNSW medicine questions answered.

Time: 6.30 – 7.30pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

AIE - Information Evening Thursday 18 March

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Information Evening. Sydney, Melbourne Canberra and Adelaide campuses will be opening their doors to visitors eager to find out about full-time and part-time courses starting soon.

Time: Session 1: 6.00pm Session 2: 7.00pm

Location: Sydney Campus and Online

Details and Registration here. 

Endeavour College of Natural Health- Studying Remedial Massage Thursday 18 March

This webinar will cover:

ï Course structure

ï Study plans and timetabling

ï Differentiating between the theory and clinical practicum subjects

ï The future of the massage and the wellness industry

ï Student life

ï Career outcomes

ï Q&As

Time: 4.00 - 5.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here. 

Endeavour College of Natural Health - What you need to know about studying 

online - Information Session Wednesday 24 March 

Join Katrina Arch (National Sales and Admissions Director) for an interactive webinar to find out all you need to know about enrolling and studying online at Endeavour College of Natural Health.

Time: 4.00pm

Location: Online

Details and Registration here.

Music Theatre Taster Workshop  27 March 2021, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Sydney Conservatorium of Music

Join Dr. Narelle Yeo, Peter Cousins, Simon Kenway as they introduce you to the skills needed to be a great musical theatre performer.

During the session we will give you insights into the art of musical theatre including stagecraft and presence, vocal technique, characterization, ensemble work and more. You will have the chance to dance, act and sing in this hands-on workshop giving you not just a glimpse but a taste of the fascinating, exciting, sometimes glamorous but always hard working world of music theatre.

For students 15-25 years of age.

Find out more: https://openacademy.sydney.edu.au/course/WFMTT

Defence Force FitPrep Program

For people who are looking to enter the defence force, but require additional support and development with fitness, confidence, and resilience, there is an alternative pathway.

Redesigned in 2020, the Fitness, Confidence & Resilience Preparation (FitPrep) Program is now available to both women and men looking to join the ADF who might need a bit of help meeting the fitness requirements. FitPrep is a seven-week course that guides you through fitness activities and basic army skills, and helps to strengthen your confidence, mental resilience and independence.

To be eligible for the program you must be applying for a General Entry role, aged over 17 years and able to achieve a minimum of:

Females

ï Push ups: 2

ï Sit ups (feet held): 20

ï Shuttle run score: 5.5

Males

ï Push ups: 8

ï Sit ups (feet held): 20

ï Shuttle run score: 6.1

The Army remains keen to give females every opportunity to join Army, so females will remain the priority for this course.

FitPrep is run at the Army Recruit Training Centre in Kapooka at various times throughout the year. Keep an eye out for updated dates for 2021 soon.

To find out more about the entry pathways available for women to the Defence Force, visit their website here.

You can also check out various information sessions that are held for women looking to join the Defence Force here.