Consider a Year 7 girl who completed an in-class English exam in Term 1. She always did well in English in Junior School; however, she struggled for a range of reasons at the beginning of the year, got herself into a muddle in the exam and ended up receiving a mark of 40%. Because there were only 3 official English tasks in the first half of the year, this disappointing exam result meant that her overall mark for English was 60%, a big drop from the 80% she had received in previous years. Clearly she is a talented English student; however, because of some emotional struggles in one test her final English mark indicated that she was of average ability.

A considerable amount of educational research literature indicates that it is better for teachers to use a range of assessment items to determine each child's academic progress. Rather than having one high-stakes test to determine a student's ability to write a persuasive English text, for example, teachers would read a range of student work during the course of a semester and then make a professional judgement on each student's ability to write persuasively. A test under exam conditions could be one of many pieces of work the teacher would read and consider.

Remote learning meant that teachers needed to rely more heavily on a range of assessment items to determine each child's progress because some of the more established assessment tasks could not proceed. I am confident that our teachers have worked very hard to determine how each child in their class is progressing and I trust that our ongoing feedback and our Semester 1 reports will give you a clear indication of each student's progress. Traditionally we have sent school reports home at the end of Term 2; however, so that teachers have more time to assess student work during Term 2 we will be sending reports to parents at the end of the winter holidays this year.

Our teachers value connecting with parents so that we can work in partnership to provide students with a great Christian education. Because we needed to cancel our parent teacher nights in Term 1, teachers are looking forward to connecting with you at a parent teacher night in Term 3. I will set firm dates as soon I am confident that government regulations will allow this event to proceed. Should the NSW Government continue to not allow parent teacher nights during Term 3, the school will look into using Zoom instead.

Thank you again for your gracious support of our school at this time. I am very much looking forward to seeing all of our students back at school next week.

Mr Brett Hartley
Principal

A massive thank you goes to all our parents for the amazing support of their children and our school during the time of Remote Learning. Our teachers have done an incredible job of posting daily work online for students to complete. This has taken a great deal of time and creativity. I am sure that there are many lessons we have all learnt during this time. In the coming weeks, our staff will be reflecting on what has been learnt to further improve our school’s education and communication with one another. 

Unfortunately we are unable to continue with our morning assemblies during this time. To help maintain our strong sense of community, we will be beaming announcements, news and award assemblies to our classrooms via videos and live Zoom broadcasts. If your child receives an award in coming weeks, we will send you a photo of them receiving their award.

A note for those who have chosen to continue to self-isolate - please notify the school of your plans. There will now be a limited amount of work posted online for students who are learning at home. Your child’s teacher will communicate with you about how we can support your child’s learning during this time.

Mr Paul Carter
Head of Junior School

In preparation for the imminent school closure, we invited them in for an information session to meet their Pastoral Care teacher, Year Coordinator, and some of their classroom teachers. Deputy Principal, Mr Stonestreet, showed the new students how to access online learning on their new Chromebooks and they promptly took on the task of navigating not only a new school environment but also online learning within that environment.

One student said “I was able to meet my classmates online. Mr Newton introduced me to everyone and I felt as welcomed online as I did coming onsite.”

Another of the new students said that he enjoyed the online classes and was able to access recorded videos for anything he didn’t quite understand at first.  Both agreed that they were thankful to finally be now learning face-to-face at school.

Each term we hold a school tour inviting families considering enrolment to come and see our school in action, meet some of our students and ask questions of our school Executive. It is always a highlight meeting people who are interested in the school and showing them our beautiful campus and facilities. Because of the current safe distancing advice, we are unable to continue group tours at the moment. We are however introducing an online information session and live Q&A for prospective enrolments. The next information evening is on Monday 1 June and will provide an overview of the school, showcasing some of our facilities and programs. The webinar will be hosted by our Executive staff and there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions after the presentation. If you know of anyone who is interested in our school and might benefit from the webinar, please direct them to our school website to make a booking.

If you have any questions about enrolments at Shire Christian School please send me an email or phone 8525 5111. I'd love to speak with you.

Mrs Terry Mann
Registrar

Families are encouraged to share this link through their social media pages and to consider contributing to the appeal themselves. They can contribute to “Shire Salvos” or start their own fundraising group.

Here is a video explaining some of the work that the Savos do in our local communities:

They offer a range of services including transitional housing for families affected by Domestic Violence, emergency relief, food, financial counseling and positive life style programs.

Mr Greg Smith
Head of Secondary School

The updated house tally (taking into account 1 point for 1km, 3 points for 3km & 5 points for 5km) can be seen below:

• Luther - 114 points
• Calvin - 114 points
• Cranmer - 158 points
• Knox 210 points

Knox are certainly setting the standard for getting active. The challenge is out there to try and catch Knox house. A special shout out must go out to Mrs Jackson who has the most individual entries for the 1km with 26. Well done Mrs Jackson!

The challenge finishes at the end of the month so there is still time to get involved, whether you are a student, family member or staff member. If you haven’t yet tried it out, simply download the app, register with your name as your username, search for our school and enter ‘scrun’ as a password and get moving. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the month for the winning house as well as individual student prizes.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Get out and get active!

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Sport

Tuesday: “God hears and forgives us, though we do not deserve it (vv 1-3).  And those who choose him realise that it was originally he who chose them and drew them near. Only in the NT do we see how radical that grace was. God brings us near to live in his courts not simply as guests but as children and heirs.  God’s highest praise is from those who know they have been brought home to live with him through Jesus … Our salvation is absolutely free to us but infinitely costly to him. That is amazing grace. ‘Lord, because your grace is undeserved I should be humble; because it is costly I should be holy and loving; because it is unconditional I should be at peace …’”

Wednesday: “God’s salvation began with Abraham’s family, who then became the nation of Israel, and now has burst all boundaries of nation, race, language, ethnic origin, or geographical location. We must prepare our hearts for the rich diversity of heaven by showing love for all, and especially for those of God’s people on earth who are far from us socially, economically, racially, politically, or in any other way. ‘Lord, … help me … embrace, learn from, and rejoice in my brothers and sisters across the[se] boundaries.’”

I was also encouraged by a letter published in the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday: “Students who unexpectedly find themselves happy to return to class next week will understand now why poor children around the world are desperate to attend school.  I hope Australian students remember these children and do what they can to help them gain access to schooling.”

Thursday. “God himself cares for the world he has made (verse 9).  He waters it and fertilizes it - the cycles of growth and fertility are grounded in his own life-giving nature.  He is the author of all life - from the life of a flower to the new birth that saves eternally. Since God’s Spirit both preaches to hearts and cultivates the soil, the work of both the preacher and the farmer have divine dignity.  God’s people should be at the forefront of those who care for creation.  In the final verses (9-13) we get a vision of a great Spring, when through Christ all the world shakes off not just winter cold but sin and death (Psalm 96:11-13).”

 Bruce Christian

• It is usually quicker if parents don’t get out of the car when dropping their children in the bus bay. Please only get out of your car if that is quicker and safer for your child.
• Drive over the top of the yellow hatch markings and don't allow any gaps in front of you in the drop off zone area.
• If the car in front of you is about to pull out, please don't let your children out of the car. Allow the car in front of you to drive off, move forward and then let your children out of the car.

Bus Overcrowding

Since late last year Mr Hartley has been working with several school staff and senior representatives from Transdev to deal with bus overcrowding, particularly buses from Sutherland Station to the school in the morning. Unfortunately Transdev and Transport NSW are yet to provide a satisfactory solution; however, Mr Hartley will continue to advocate strongly to improve this situation.

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.

Students, staff and parents must not come onto the school site if they:

• exhibit any symptoms consistent with COVID19 e.g. a cough, fever, runny nose, sore throat or other respiratory symptoms
• have travelled overseas within the last 14 days
• have had close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
• have a confirmed case of COVID-19
• are awaiting the results of a test for COVID-19

Students who come to school and exhibit the above-mentioned symptoms will be sensitively asked to go home.

Careers With Horses - Early Applications Thoroughbred Industry Careers will be taking early applications for the 2021 Explorer Cadetship - a 12-month stable & stud horsemanship program in the thoroughbred industry. It kicks off with a 12-week residential component of practical and theoretical training, followed by two paid work- experience placements at a leading racing stable and stud farm. Lindy@tbindustrycareers.com.au for details. 

UOW College - Scholarships and Commonwealth Supported Places UOW College offers a range of Scholarships, Commonwealth Supported Places and Smart and Skilled funded subsidies to eligible students to provide financial support and allow students to focus on achieving their educational goals. Australian government CSPs that cover the full tuition fee are also available for the University Access Program and STEP to UOW pathway courses. E: annika@uow.edu.au.

Careers With Horses - Early Applications Thoroughbred Industry Careers will be taking early applications for the 2021 Explorer Cadetship - a 12-month stable & stud horsemanship program in the thoroughbred industry. It kicks off with a 12-week residential component of practical and theoretical training, followed by two paid work- experience placements at a leading racing stable and stud farm. Lindy@tbindustrycareers.com.au for details. 

UOW College - Scholarships and Commonwealth Supported Places UOW College offers a range of Scholarships, Commonwealth Supported Places and Smart and Skilled funded subsidies to eligible students to provide financial support and allow students to focus on achieving their educational goals. Australian government CSPs that cover the full tuition fee are also available for the University Access Program and STEP to UOW pathway courses. E: annika@uow.edu.au.

ABBTF have launched a refreshed website for the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Industry.  Their new website provides a clear message about who they are, what they do and how they support young Australians build a career in the Construction Industry.  The focus of the redesign has been to keep it simple, clear, user friendly and mobile.

User Friendly Navigation 

Our improved navigation directs you to the information most relevant to you.

Mobile optimised

The website is fully optimised for mobile devices, making it easy to use even when you are on the move.

www.becomeabricklayer.com.au

The University of Sydney - Meet a Vet

21 May. 5.30pm

Want to know what studying vet science is really like? Now’s your chance. Whilst this Q&A will have a focus on vet science, these sessions are designed for you to ask our students anything you’d like about studying here at the University of Sydney.

https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_atBuVx8ySoCKFvaeFOTy6w 

TAFE NSW Degrees 

We offer a number of degree level courses and higher education options. 

• ï3D Art & Animation
• ïFashion Design
• ïInterior Design
• ïInformation Technology 
• ïBusiness and Commerce
• ïEarly Childhood Studies
• ïProperty
• ïCommunity Services

With strong industry links to over 25,000 employers, your students will get both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge to land a job faster and succeed in their chosen career. For more info visit:

https://www.tafensw.edu.au/degrees/our-degrees

Guide to Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine practical work with a course of structured training. This allows apprentices and trainees to acquire theoretical knowledge and gain a nationally recognised VET qualification, while working part-time in the industry.

https://www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/education-blogs/tertiary-study/pathways-your-guide-to-apprenticeships-and-traineeships 

NECA Careers Paths

See where a career in electotechnology can take you. This electro career map shows you the fantastic opportunities that lie ahead. The sky is the limit!

https://www.necatraining.com.au/electrical-apprentices/career-paths/#infographic

Active Industry and Apprentice Groups by AATIS 

AATIS has created two facebook groups called Active Apprentices with AATIS and Active Industry with AATIS. The former will support displaced Australian Apprentices and will promote job opportunities to get through this difficult time. The Active Industry group will support everyone in the Australian Apprenticeship and VET industry and will promote networking opportunities, industry updates & more.

Interior Design Industry Insights – Great Advice

Nina Starkey our commercial and residential interior design lecturer at our Brisbane campus gives us some insight into what’s really exciting about the interior design industry at the moment and some other great tips.

http://www.billyblue.edu.au/news-events/blog/entry/nina-starkey-our-commercial-and-residential-interior-design-lecturer-at-our-brisbane-campus-gives-us-some-insight-into-what-s-really-exciting-about-the-interior-design-industry-at-the-moment-and-some-other-great-tips 

Defence Careers Videos - Recorded Information Sessions

Army General Entry

Discover a diverse and rewarding workplace that’s like no other.

Navy Officer

Learn how to become an inspirational leader and manager as a Navy Officer.

Navy Technical Trades

Receive world-class trade training and work with the latest tools and equipment in the Navy.

https://www.defencejobs.gov.au/events?page=1&perPage=21&query=&eventsDate=upcoming

What you can do with a Physics Degree

If you’re thinking about enrolling in a Bachelor of Science, there are loads of reasons why majoring in physics is a good idea. And despite the maths-meets-science elective often overlooked for those with clearer post-grad pathways, there are loads of industries crying out for a physics major’s advanced maths, analytics, problem-solving and computational skills.

Click here. 

AIQS Quantity Surveyors Yr12 Scholarships - Up to $5000 

Closes 31 October

Value $4,000. Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) offers a number of scholarships each year for Year 12 students who qualify for entry into a Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Construction Management (Economics) or other appropriate course at an AIQS accredited university in Australia. Applications are now open for 2020. More Information: 

https://bit.ly/2Lz1YIb

NIDA Virtual Open Day - Saturday 20 June

In 2020 NIDA’s Open Day will take place online, with a packed schedule of activities announced for Saturday 20 June.

. Exploring workshops

. Watch never-seen-before videos of student projects

. Try a NIDA Open course

. Get involved in live Q&A sessions with course leaders and special alumni guests 

and more.

Register to attend:  https://www.nida.edu.au/productions/Open-Day 

AIE Information Evening 18th Jun 2020 6pm - 8pm, 33 Mountain St Ultimo

Contact:  sydney@aie.edu.au

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation and visual effects at the AIE Information Evening.  The evening will include presentations on different areas of industry to get into as well as information about AIE full-time and part-time courses and entry requirements. Student work will be on display and our teachers will be available to speak with you one on one about our courses and how AIE can get you into a creative career.