For example, at the plenary sessions we shared the example of recent Year 3 NAPLAN Maths results, which indicated that our students were substantially above the state average. However, we also noticed that there were a few specific questions where our students performed below the state average. The teachers then worked on more effective ways of teaching this particular topic.

I trust that the year group sessions were encouraging and informative. I managed to drop in on several of them and it seemed that parents were connecting warmly with the teachers and each other. These positive relationships are very important in the life of a Christian school.

Towards the end of Term 1 each year I have developed a practice of sending parents a relatively brief survey. Some of the questions relate to our chosen theme for the year and others seek your thoughts on other topics. Rather than sending parents an exhaustive, time-consuming survey to complete each year I would prefer to use a simpler survey as just one of the ways that our teachers can work in a partnership with our parents to provide our students with a great Christian education. I am keen to encourage a culture where parents feel comfortable sharing their thoughts throughout the year and not feel that they are limited to an annual survey. I will arrange to send the survey to you in a few weeks.

Our executive team will reference reliable, authoritative information to make wise, practical decisions to achieve this objective. We are also working on contingency plans should the risks increase.

Based on recent advice, our teachers have been briefed on ways to help all students exercise good personal hygiene practices. Teachers will seek to do this in a way that is supportive and does not cause undue alarm or distress to any student. I would appreciate parents selling the same message at home that we are trying to convey to students at school:

• cough into your elbow rather than your hands
• use tissues if you have a runny nose
• wash your hands before eating, when your hands are dirty or when you have accidentally coughed into your hands

It is currently difficult to buy substantial quantities of tissues; however, the school will try to supply tissues to classrooms as best we can. Parents are encouraged to send tissues to school with their children. Teachers will remind students to dispose of tissues appropriately. The school staff are very conscious of the importance of keeping surfaces clean and other fundamental hygiene practices.

Please pray that COVID19 will be controlled and that those who contract it will recover. Please also pray that the economic impact of the virus will be minimised and that the Lord will be with those whose livelihoods have already been adversely affected.

For those who are worried about, and those who have been impacted by, the coronavirus I trust that the Lord will be with you.

Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, who is confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries on a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit Jeremiah. 17: 7,8

Mr Brett Hartley
Principal

It was wonderful to meet with many parents on Wednesday Night at our annual Engagement Evening. We hope that parents found the evening encouraging, informative and helpful.

In the plenary session we spoke about how teachers use data to improve student learning in the Junior School. Our teachers work very hard ‘behind the scenes’ to collect and analyse data to understand where students are in their learning and then put programs in place to help them to make progress and improve. I gave examples of how we achieve this in assessments such as NAPLAN and PAT Maths. Mrs Jenni Grose gave practical examples of how we use Dibels reading assessment data to improve our students ability to read fluently and comprehend what they are reading. It’s exciting to see how programs that we have been put in place to address learning needs have dramatically improved students' reading skills.

I am very thankful for our Junior School and Learning Support Teachers who spend time analysing data, programming and teaching tailored programs that greatly benefit our students.

Mr Paul Carter
Head of Junior School

Late last year, the current Year 11 students spent two days learning a variety of leadership skills. From this, we have selected our Peer Support Leaders who were presented with their badges at Monday's Assembly.

On Tuesday, the leaders and the Year 7 students spent the afternoon together with the Peer Support Launch Day. This consisted of a Pizza lunch together, breaking off into the Peer Support groups and playing games together. The day ended with Zooper Doopers and with every student looking forward to Thursday Pastoral Care sessions when Peer Support will be held. Thank you to the Year 11 students for their efforts in planning and running this event.

This year, the program will look to help the Year 7 students improve in the skills of Resilience as they work through a unit on ‘Facing our Challenges’. This will be useful for the students involved, and will also help to make our Year 7 students feel welcomed and part of the school. It would be great if you could keep this program and the students involved in your prayers.

Mr Nathan Asher
Year 11 Year Coordinator

Lani's drawing, Australia's Heroes, was displayed at the exhibition opening last week at the Adelaide Perry Gallery.

The evening featured a speech from Dr Felicity Fenner, Associate Professor, UNSW Art & Design.

The exhibition continues 8.30 am – 4.00 pm weekdays and 11.00 am – 4.00 pm Saturdays until 27 March.

I'm looking forward to getting to know the students and really looking forward to teaching at a school where history and geography are taught to show God's glory, authority over and care for His creation and His children!

I have loved spending time with the students and seeing them engage with God's sovereign hand over our history and the way He sustains His creation in Geography!

In my spare time I like to enjoy God’s creation in any capacity (particularly the beach), play futsal, devour books, crochet, eat good food with great friends and sing at the top of my lungs in the car…!

I recently completed a Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Sydney and this is my first full-time teaching position. I have experience teaching in both public and private school contexts (most recently at St George Christian School), as well as in a remote Aboriginal community school in the Northern Territory. 

I’m looking forward to getting to know the people of the Shire Christian School community better as the year goes on – the staff and families have already been so welcoming!

This year I’m keen to help the fantastic humans in class 6O learn new things every day, and I'm looking forward to seeing them grow in their understanding of themselves and others in view of the bible.

There were plenty of positive signs leading into the gala day next term.

The U15 girls also got some valuable match practice and experience for a new side. They ended up going down 1-0 but will be stronger for the experience and look forward to getting one-up on Inaburra at the gala day next term.

Well done to all the girls on playing with such positive spirit and sportsmanship once again.

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Sport

The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. … Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. … I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. … I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. … You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. … But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. … A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no-one will take away your joy. … I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
(John 14:1, 16-18, 27, 29; 15:5, 16-18; 16:13, 21-22, 33).

I find it most encouraging to read through these familiar but precious words and promises, as I reflect on all the things that are happening around us today. Throughout our world, and in our personal lives and the lives of our families and of others we love, we see and experience things that can easily discourage us, because there is very little, from a purely earthly perspective, to give us hope. The seemingly inexorable global spread of the coronavirus, the widespread suffering caused by the wickedness that pervades the human heart, the degree to which anti-Christian, God-less, hopeless humanism infects every part of our culture … these are just a few of such instances. In the midst of all this despair, Jesus’ words (and many other parts of God’s revealed truth in the Bible) remind me that none of this is taking God by surprise, that he has it all under his sovereign control, and that I can trust him to be with me, to hang on to me, to care for me and to protect me and my loved ones, in each and every circumstance. ‘Yesterday God helped me, today he’ll do the same. How long will this continue? Forever!  Praise his name.’ (Anon).

I have just been to visit my dear, long-time friend and mentor, Dr Noel Weeks, whom I don’t expect to see again this side of Eternity. Throughout his serious illness I have been greatly blessed and encouraged by his open acknowledgement of his trust in the Lord’s control and gracious providence. May the Lord grant to us all that same serenity and confident trust.

Bruce Christian

Public holidays during term time

Australia Day Holiday — Tuesday 26 January 
Good Friday — Friday 2 April
Queen’s Birthday — Monday 14 June
Labour Day — Monday 4 October

These shirts are completely optional and come at the cost of parents. They are available for purchase now. Parents are more than welcome to order one as well. In regards to sizing, there is a sizing guide for you to follow on the website, or alternatively chat to someone who has already ordered one previously. The link will remain open until Friday 13th March before the orders will close.

Thanks for your ongoing support of Shire Christian Runners. It's been a great start to the year. See you out there!

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Sport

The quiet space that is provided is suitable for finishing homework, studying, working on assignments or perhaps even a group work task that needs completing. 

Students are required to sign in straight after school and abide by school policies as per the normal school day. Parents are no longer required to register their children in advance.

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.

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.

UNSW Year 10 Subject Selection Evenings, 7 April. 6 to 8pm, 19 May. 6 to 8pm, 28 May. 6 to 8pm

We will make sure you're familiar with what you'll be doing during HSC subject selection - but also with how your subject selections may affect what adjustment factors (previously known as bonus points) you may be eligible for, what the difference is between assumed knowledge and prerequisites and how the Uni admission and scholarships application process works. We promise we'll cover all of this in less than an hour (we're rehearsing now). Plus, we'll give you time either before or after the program to speak with our faculties and key staff so that you can get information and answers to any specific questions you may have. More info and register here:

7 April:

https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/unsw-year-10-subject-selection-evenings-1

19 May:

https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/unsw-year-10-subject-selection-evenings

28 May

https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/unsw-year-10-subject-selection-evenings-2

NIDA Open Day, 13 June, Kensington

From backstage tours to alumni and course talks, free shows, NIDA Open classes and more, they have a jam-packed schedule of events to showcase everything that makes NIDA one of the top 10 drama schools in the world (2018 Hollywood Reporter ranking)!    https://www.nida.edu.au/courses/open-day

ADF Gap Year Applications Open or Register Your Interest

A Gap Year in the Australian Defence Force is not only a chance to experience what a career in the Navy, Army or Air Force could be like, but also to have a year full of adventure, new friends, new skills, leadership, and travel. An ADF Gap Year is a truly unique opportunity for you to grow and figure out what next step you’ll take in life.

To be eligible to apply, you'll need to be an Australian citizen aged between 18 and 24 on completion of military training (dates vary by job). You'll also need to have completed Year 12 (subject passes required vary by job) and have passes in Year 10 English and Maths. Refer to individual job pages for more information.

Applications are currently closed. Register your interest below and get notified when applications open in 2020 for Gap Year roles.

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year/?faqCategory=1ce888ec-d56d-486a-b0ae-76b76335231e&faqTag=recruitment-process

ADF Gap Year - Register soon your interest for 2021

Applications for the 2021 program will open in March 2020. Register your interest to receive updates and don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique experience.

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year/?faqCategory=1ce888ec-d56d-486a-b0ae-76b76335231e&faqTag=recruitment-process&page=1&perPage=21&query=

Parent Information Evening at Western Sydney University

Wednesday 22 April, Campbelltown campus

Thursday 23 April, Parramatta South campus

The Parent Information Evening at Western Sydney University provides parents, guardians and students a chance to find out everything they need to know about university. From discovering the way the ATAR works to speaking with Western Sydney University staff and students one-on-one to learn about the opportunities available for your child, the Parent Information Evening is a great introduction to the exciting journey ahead.

Learn more about university and campus life, Western Sydney University courses, admission, early entry programs and scholarships. The evening will include formal presentations as well as an informal advising market, where you will have the opportunity to speak to staff about courses and programs. Register here:

https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/student-life/events/parent-information-evenings.html

Academy of Interactive Entertainment Online Experience Day, Saturday 28 March

If you have ever wanted to study 3D animation, game design or VFX for film online with AIE then our Online Experience Day is an ideal opportunity to find out more!

Course overview sessions will be running on the range of online courses in 3D animation, game art, game programming and game design offered by AIE. You will get to participate in workshops, guest speaker talks and much more. Have a question? Don’t worry, pop by and one of our friendly staff from AIE online will assist. With classes starting all the time, starting your career as a game developer or 3D animator has never been easier. Register now for this FREE online event.

https://aie.edu.au/aie_event/online-experience-day/

Creative Careers Expo, 22 & 23 May, Campbelltown Arts Centre

Schools and young people are invited to the annual Creative Careers Expo at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Extending over two days in 2020, the free expo showcases the diverse career paths in the creative industries and is packed with presentations, info stalls from tertiary institutions, workshops, artist panels and group ‘speed meets’. More info: https://c-a-c.com.au/creative-careers-expo Enquiries: Edwina.hill@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au 02 4645 4298.

Camp Leaders Australia Applications

Applications Summer season in the USA. Summer camp in America is your chance to do something different. We’ve sent thousands of people to work abroad in the USA and with hundreds of roles to choose from, there’s going to be something to suit you too.

https://www.campleaders.com/au/

The Best Jobs for School Leavers and TAFE NSW Can Help

TAFE NSW has a list of awesome jobs for school leavers to get their hands dirty and earn good coin. From Barista skills making that perfect cup of coffee to serving the country in the Defence Force, we’ve got courses for your students ready to leave school:

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/career-advice/start-my-career/blog/-/blogs/the-best-jobs-for-school-leavers.

Steps to Becoming an Australian Apprentice

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn money while learning a trade! Getting started in an apprenticeship can seem a little daunting, but it can be broken down into four easy-to-understand steps. Research; Preparation; Job Hunting and Sign-up. If you would like to learn more about each step, plus heaps more useful information, visit 

https://www.aapathways.com.au/job-hunting/steps

Careers Harvest

Great website on all career fields and pathways on the land, environment and agriculture. Explore career options, scholarships and internships on offer.

http://www.careerharvest.com.au/

University of Wollongong Information Sessions

The University of Wollongong regularly holds and attends information sessions for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students. These events are designed to give you the information you need about choosing courses and studying at UOW.

https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/

UOW College - Pathways to University of Wollongong

UOW College offer pathway courses that can guarantee entry into a range of bachelor programs at the University of Wollongong, some with a pathway into the second year. We are committed to supporting students academically as well as financially with a range of scholarships and funding options available. For further information or to book a school visit, contact

annika@uow.edu.au

UNSW - Year 12 Medicine Information Evening, 18 March. 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Leighton Hall, Scientia Building, Kensington

If pursuing a career in Medicine is what you've always dreamed of, then make sure you don't miss the Medicine Information Evening. 

This evening provides a general overview of the UNSW Medicine degree as well as detailed information on our application and admissions process for 2021 from current staff and students in the Faculty of Medicine. 

Finally, the evening is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about what it's like to be a student studying Medicine at UNSW, what the interview process is like, or anything else that may be on your mind. 

This event is extremely popular and will fill to capacity. Please register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/year-12-medicine-information-evening-0

CSU – Medicine Information Evening Sydney - Tuesday 24 March 2020

What we'll cover:

• An introduction to our School of Rural Medicine team
• Doctor of Medicine course overview and program structure
• Entry requirements and the application process (including Indigenous and rural admission)
• What to expect for UCAT (the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand)
• Understanding the interview process
• Potential career outcomes
• Information about our Orange campus (including accommodation)
• Scholarships and other support services

This information night is for everyone! Whether you’re in high school, looking for a career change or keen to take the next step in your health career – this event is for you. Parents and career advisers are also welcome.

https://engage.csu.edu.au/medicine-info-nights

Study Medicine – New Information Added to Study Medicine: Frequently Asked Questions and the AMA.

This free resource provides detailed information to questions such as: How do I increase my chances to get into medical school? What's Plan B if I don't get into medicine? The FAQ links to the Australian Medical Association (the AMA also links to Study Medicine), pointing students to highly credible and authoritative information. https://www.studymedicine.com.au/ama/

2020 Curious Minds – Winter Camp

Event Dates - 12/07/20 - 16/07/20

A residential and mentoring program for girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Curious Minds is aimed at highly capable girls in Years 9 and 10 who have an interest in STEM learning areas.

This is a six-month program that combines two residential camps and a STEM coaching program. The camps will enable the girls to explore all aspects of science, technology, engineering and maths through guest lectures, interactive sessions, practicals and field trips.

The coaching program will see each student matched with a female coach recruited from a variety of STEM backgrounds and together they will construct personal goals for the student. This might include discussing study options and career pathways, undertaking further extension work with support from their coach, developing ideas based on learnings from the camp or working on a project.

https://www.asi.edu.au/programs/curious-minds/

UNSW Law Admission Test LAT

9 May. 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Do you want to find out more about how the Law Admission Test (LAT) affects entry into our Law double degrees?

Have your questions answered at our 2020 LAT Information Evening. The LAT is an entry requirement for all undergraduate law double degree programs at UNSW. This information evening will cover how the LAT has worked for entry in the past, provide detailed program and Faculty information, as well as key LAT dates for the year ahead.

Our LAT Information Evening is for year 11 and 12 students and their parents, career advisers and students currently studying at another university who are hoping to transfer to UNSW Law in 2021.

https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/law-admission-test-lat-information-evening

For an Apprenticeship in Home Building Careers HIA Apprenticeships

Learn all about the advantages of a HIA  construction apprenticeship. Submit a General Application online.

We’re always on the lookout for great people wanting to start or continue their apprenticeship in the building industry. Join HIA and let us guide you through your career and the process of becoming a qualified tradesperson. During your apprenticeship, we give you all the support you need including mentoring and training. We’ll help you make a smooth transition from school to the workforce – we will be with you every step of the way!

https://hia.com.au/products-services/apprentices/why-choose-HIA-apprentices

TABMA Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Completing a pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship course can be a real advantage when applying to an employer for an apprenticeship or traineeship. A pre-apprenticeship or pre-traineeship teaches youth the basic skills of a particular industry, so you bring those skills and knowledge to the work place when starting an apprenticeship or traineeship.

https://tabmaat.com.au/pre-apprenticeship/

GoIT Girls Work Experience STEM ProgramSydney
27th July - 31st July 2020 or 7th September - 11th September 2020

GoIT Girls program is a week-long work experience program aimed at female students in Years 10 and 11. The participants meet senior executives from our company and from our client organisations, who provide insight into the various STEM roles that exist across the business spectrum, with the hope of inspiring a new generation of innovators, problem solvers and technology professionals. The aim is to provide insight into and challenge stereotypes, of the technology industry and challenge gender occupational stereotypes.

https://info.tcs.com/anz-community-stem-goit-girls.html

TAFE NSW Scholarships Support Students to Study

Every student deserves the opportunity to explore their talents. TAFE NSW scholarships provides students the chance to reach their full potential regardless of their circumstance. Hundreds of scholarships are on offer. Applications are now open. Visit :

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/enrol/payment-funding/scholarships

The Australian College of Physical Education Campus Tours - Health, Sport, Dance

Thursday's every week.

10 Parkview Drive, Sydney Olympic Park

We’d love to show you around our purpose-built campus in the heart of the Sydney Olympic Park. Tours run regularly. To lock in your place, select an upcoming tour date and time now. We look forward to meeting with you. To lock in a day and time simply fill out the form below. If you have any other questions, call us on 1300 302 867, https://acpe.edu.au/about-us/events/

Careers in Maths

See how different people in a wide range of careers use maths as part of their daily routine at work. The site increases Australia’s mathematically capable workforce through hundreds profiles, videos, jobs. Delivering maths careers materials to students and is committed to working towards increasing Australia’s mathematically capable workforce through hundreds of profiles, videos and jobs.

http://mathsadds.amsi.org.au/

Experience UNSW Business Day

17 April. 9.30am to 3.30pm

Kensington Campus

Are you the next future business leader? Find out what life as a UNSW Business School student is really like and where it can take you at Experience UNSW Business Day.

This event has been specifically designed for year 12 students and will allow you to take part in interactive workshops, network with clubs and societies and get answers to your questions about life at UNSW.

Business workshops to choose from:

•     Accounting
•     Actuarial Studies
•     Business Analytics
•     Business Law
•     Economics
•     Finance
•     Financial Technology
•     Information Systems
•     Management
•     Marketing

https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/event/experience-unsw-business-day-0

Au Pair in America - GAP Year Opportunity Online Information Session 
Wednesday the 25th of March. 7:30 - 8:30 pm

Being an Au Pair with Au Pair in America is the perfect way to use your childcare/babysitting hours to have the most amazing experience in the USA. A cultural exchange with a difference; you will live with an American family and immerse yourself in everyday American life.

https://www.aifs.com.au/aupair-america/events/

Applications for the NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarships 2021 Are Now Open

Applications close Sunday, 19 April 2020 for study tours commencing in 2021

The NSW Premier's Teacher Scholarships provide recipients with $10,000 or $15,000 for a five-week study tour within Australia or overseas. Permanent teachers in NSW government and non-government schools are eligible to apply.. To find out more and to apply, visit:

bit.ly/PTS21

2020 Standardised Test Dates - Study in the USA  - SAT Testing Dates and Advice

SAT                                        ACT

14 March                               4 April

2 May                                     13 June

29 August TBC                      18 July

3 October TBC                      12 September

5 December  TBC                 10 October

                                                12 December

Interest in studying in the US is becoming so popular the SAT testing centres in Sydney are reaching capacity well before the registration deadline. Given these test seat limitations, it is imperative for students plan ahead. To help with this, below we have included the SAT and ACT Standardised Test dates as well as SAT Subject Test dates .

To learn more about SAT Subject Tests we invite you to read our article titled ‘Optional standardised tests for admission purposes to US uni’s - who should take them?’ We have also updated an article which summarises the SAT and ACT as well as an article which provides an overview of the US admission process. From 2019 in Australia the ACT has moved to computer based testing (CBT) where the SAT continues to be a hard copy testing format.

https://www.internationallyeducated.com.au/single-post/2020/02/25/2020-Standardised-Test-Dates