There are days to recognise people with disability e.g. World Braille Day and days to recognise animals such as Tuna Day and the International Day of Bees. These days, which are sanctioned by the United Nations, are all 21st-century creations. However, some religious days such as Christmas and Easter Sunday have a much longer tradition.

I assume that the purpose of a day for X, Y or Z is to encourage people to stop and think for just a few minutes. I am happy to pause to remember those who fought in war on ANZAC Day or to reflect on the needs of some of my much-loved students on world autism day. However, for Christians we should reflect on the impact of Christ’s resurrection on our lives every day of the year, not just on Easter Sunday.

A less well-known but particularly significant day on the Christian calendar is Reformation Day, which is recognised on 31 October. Our school holds to reformed theology, making Reformation Day particularly significant for us.

Reformation Day arguably began in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of a church in Germany. You may respond that people write their opinions about all sorts of things every day of the week, so what’s the big deal with what Luther argued?

Luther studied the Bible for himself, rather than unquestioningly accepting the teachings of the Pope and the priests. This led him to believing in the primacy of the Bible over church tradition. Equally as radical for its time, he argued that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone. Luther contended that good works are a consequence of becoming a Christian, not the means by which we are saved.

Martin Luther’s rediscovery of this truth led to other church and societal reforms. He translated the Bible into German, putting the Bible into the hands of people to read for themselves.

Others followed on soon after Luther to contribute to reformed theology and its practical influence. John Calvin was only 8 years old at the time Luther nailed his theses to the door of the church. By the time he was 27, Calvin had written the Institutes of the Christian Religion which is more commonly known today as Calvin’s institutes. This seminal work continues to be read by many Bible college students as an important foundation in their training.

To enable people to respect the Bible as the word of God and read it for themselves, William Tyndale translated the Bible into English and was later burnt at the stake for doing so.

When 31 October arrives next year, I encourage everyone to reflect on the extraordinary contributions of Luther, Calvin and others to help generations of people to accurately interpret the Bible as God’s word to us. Hopefully Reformation Day will also prompt us to delight in God’s word and meditate on it day and night.

Mr Brett Hartley
Principal

There is no doubt that this has been a challenging year, as we continue to make changes to our events and routines to work within the COVID-19 guidelines. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we make decisions about our school events that occur within these requirements. I am working with our School Executive and Staff to provide as many opportunities that we can for our children, so we can finish this year in an enjoyable, positive way.

Working within the current restrictions, we won’t be able to hold our annual P-6 Family Picnic but we are looking at other options to provide a fun and enjoyable way to finish the year together on the last day of term, Wednesday 9th December. Stay tuned!

Congratulations to everyone involved, including the many talented students that were in front of, and behind, the cameras. Thanks to all who joined us in their homes - we are humbled by the interest, with over 2000 views.

Check out the incredible performances from our Shire Dancers!

Mr David Humphreys
Head of Music

We are also making plans to write a story in German for each Kindergarten child. The Year 8 students enjoyed teaching some German animal names to the Kindergarten children this week and getting to know them so they can write a bespoke German book for their Kindy buddy.

Here are some photos!

Frau McWhirter
German Teacher

Well done to Liam and Blake who both won all of their pool matches and made it to the quarter-finals before bowing out.

Also, a big thank you to Melissa Kalan for driving the boys down and supervising them on the day.

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Sport

The matches were played against Illawarra Christian School and Cedars Christian College in the Twenty20 format. 

This is a very talented all-round young team who are looking forward to their next round in the CSSA competition.

They also play Inaburra School on November 11 in the Wiburd Shield round 1, so best of luck to the boys.

Mr Peter Richardson
Head of Sport

Perhaps the thing that I find most depressing is that all this is happening at a time when the spiritual health of our nation, and other western nations, is at an all-time low. (I was born at the beginning of the Second World War, and I can still remember as a young child that during the course of the war we spoke openly in the public square, and not just in our churches, about the need for earnest prayer to God. By contrast today, the media does not consider it ‘politically correct’ to mention the need for prayer, or for us to see ourselves at the mercy of a Sovereign God who is calling us to repentance and faith.)

As bad as our situation is, it is nowhere near as bad as it was for the early Church, or as it is for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living under constant intense and bitter persecution. But because real hardship is relatively new to most of us, we need to learn, and be trained and disciplined in, the art of perseverance! It also needs to be a joint/team effort where we encourage one another and check on one another to see how we are going in our ‘training’ - especially to look out for our children, that they are trained in the art of perseverance to prepare them for the future their generation will face. Part of this ‘training’ can be to familiarise them with Scriptures that were written at a time when Christians were very familiar with persecution: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces PERSEVERANCE; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Romans 5:3-5); “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be PROVED GENUINE and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.” (1 Peter 1:3-7); “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, PERSEVERANCE; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7); and “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  PERSEVERANCE must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4). 

Rev Bruce Christian

How you can help:
Junior School
Junior School students are encouraged to fill a small money box with loose change to donate to this worthy cause. We will also be doing some fun classroom activities based on the work of MAF, including a paper aeroplane competition.

Secondary School
On Thursday 12 November, Knox house will be putting on a a pop-up shop at lunch time.
Please consider bringing money to donate to MAF, as well as money to purchase goodies from the shop.
Sausage Sizzle $2, Drinks $1, Ice blocks for 50c and some cool MAF Merchandise will be for sale.
 
Please pray for the good work of MAF and click here to find out more.

The website is suitable for use on all mobile devices including iPads, tablets and mobile phones.

Families will be able to:

• View images and prices of all products on one page
• Find information on shop opening hours and location
• View school uniform policy 
• Easily book appointments for fittings 
• View status and history of purchases
• Choose click and collect or home delivery

With the new changes, all parents are required to re-register with their email. No student number or school password will be necessary. 

All fitting bookings made on the old website will be transferred to the new website, there is no need for re-booking. 

If you have any issues with registration, please contact Customer Support on 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.

STEM at University of Sydney

STEM courses open up a world of opportunity

As new fields of STEM employment continue to emerge, it’s important for today’s graduates to be agile and able to adapt their skills to this fast-changing global economy.

What can I do with a STEM degree? 

The range of STEM careers is broad and diverse, from biomedical engineering and software development to psychology and accounting. Our graduates are leading varied and fulfilling careers - we've taught Australia’s first astronaut, an Antarctic explorer, a chief scientist and a Nobel laureate. 

The future is looking bright for tech innovators and critical thinkers, and our degrees can help you get an edge over the competition.

Our purpose-built labs, teaching and learning hubs are home to the latest technology and equipment, providing you with an engaging and hands-on educational experience. Find out more about the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health and the Faculty of Engineering and IT's laboratories and facilities.

https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/study-options/undergraduate-courses/study-stem.html

The University of Sydney New course calculator 

Use the ATAR and International Baccalaureate (IB) search tool to explore your course options, adjustment factors and admission pathways:

https://atar-search.sydney.edu.au/home

CSU - New for 2021 – Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (with specialisations) 
We’ve combined three of our environmental science related courses into one – offering a three-year degree that’s been designed in partnership with employers – giving you the ultimate skill set.
You’ll get foundational knowledge of environmental science, job-ready skills, and an in-depth understanding of a specialisation that fires up your imagination.
Choose from one of the following specialisations: Applied Earth Science, Aquatic Ecosystems, Climate and Sustainability, Ecology and Conservation, or Parks, Recreation and Heritage.
Study either online or via blended learning (combining on-campus and online study) at Albury-Wodonga or Port Macquarie. You can also opt to fast-track your course, so if you choose to exit early, you receive a qualification after each completed year.

https://study.csu.edu.au/courses/environmental-outdoor/bachelor-environmental-science-management?cid=Marketo|fac|sci|oc|pros|F6507_BEnviroSciMgt|CTA&mkt_tok=eyJpIjoiWkRKbU4yRXdaakJtT0RSaSIsInQiOiIwd1orQk9DRkdwQnptV1g0WWFYdmNYTjJBSjJyUG8wZ0xXcjVXRE5VTWg3WUpUd2ZTQnJucEVHbUkwcUc4Rlk0UXJUZFhcL2RFN1pGZVJKbjBxbEw5VGI2K1dxNkc5RzJRVGc3XC9UUVZCZFVSbzVFY05NV0MrK01KTVBGOVMwcW1VIn0%3D

I.T. Lovers - Keep an Eye on this for 2021 - Digital Cadetship Program

Applications will open again in May 2021

The Digital Cadetship Program gives you an opportunity to practise and develop your skills while you’re still studying. You’ll get to work in the industry while you finish studying and get a leg-up for a successful digital or technical career with the Australian Government.

The Digital Cadetship Program is for Australian citizens who are currently studying an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a digital or technology-related field.

If you’ve completed 1st year (or equivalent) of your degree you can apply for the digital cadetship program.

If you’re currently studying one of the listed degrees then you should consider applying.

Double and honours degrees in these fields are also accepted.

Who you’ll be working for

Positions in 2021 will be available across the Australian Public Service for people seeking to start their digital or technical career. Participating agencies will vary each year.

If your degree is not listed but you believe it’s suited to a digital cadetship placement please get in touch to discuss your options.

https://www.dta.gov.au/help-and-advice/learning-and-development/start-your-digital-career-government/digital-cadetship-program

TAFE

TAFE NSW Pathways to Degrees 

We offer many pathways to Degrees at TAFE NSW to help students get the job they want. Follow our pathway journeys in Engineering, Construction, Tourism and Retail, some of the occupations available and their salaries. https://www.tafensw.edu.au/documents/60140/338518/TVET-pathway.pdf

Jobs Board Apprenticeship Careers

An apprenticeship or traineeship with us is a great way to set yourself up for a long and successful career. You can start to put some dollars in your pocket whilst studying for a nationally recognised qualification you can build a career on or even start your own business!

https://www.apprenticeshipcareers.com.au/Job-Seekers/Current-Vacancies

Apprenticeship Careers Profiles Across All Industries

Looking for more information about a specific Apprenticeship or Traineeship? Take a look at our Career Profiles for an in-depth look at what's involved in a specific Apprenticeship or Traineeship.

https://www.apprenticeshipcareers.com.au/Job-Seekers/Career-Profiles

COLLEGES

NIDA Young Actors Studio – 15 to 18 years Auditions

Develop your vocal, physical and imaginative dexterity as you explore and apply NIDA acting techniques. 

Collaborate with other young artists in an ensemble to develop skills for stage and screen. Work with the support and direction from core tutors and gain inspiration from industry professionals

Auditions 2020/2021

Sydney
Sun 13 Dec, 2020 10am
Sun 10 Jan, 2021 10am OR 2pm

Entry to the Young Actors Studio is by audition only. Detailed audition information will be sent via downloadable link within 2 working days of enrolment.

https://www.open.nida.edu.au/course/OSYASAU

Torrens University – Speaker Series, topics include Health and Wellness, Hospitality and Tourism and Sport and Business

To 10 December

Torrens University welcomes you to our exclusive annual Speaker Series. A great mix of industry experts and star guests will join us to cover topics as diverse as mental health awareness, the role of sport in communities, the rise of sustainable fashion and the path to recovery for our tourism industry.

https://www.torrens.edu.au/about/events-and-workshops/speaker-series-2020

In conversation with Todd Sampson Experience Speaker Series 2020

26 November

After completing an MBA and enjoying a successful career in advertising, Todd Sampson transferred his talents to TV as a part of ABC show ‘Gruen’. Since then, he has written, produced and starred in award-winning shows ‘Redesign My Brain’ and ‘Body Hack’, pushing his mind and body to limits of human endurance in the name of science (and entertainment).
Away from the screen, he is the co-creator of Earth Hour, served on the boards of Fairfax Media and Qantas, and also found time to climb Mt Everest".
Join us as Todd talks through his career, his adventures in front of the camera, and what drives him to push the boundaries of human endurance.

https://www.torrens.edu.au/speaker-series-2020-brain-power

GENERAL

Australian Federal Police - Entry Level Recruit - Policing and Protective Service Officer Recruitment 2020

Apply by 18 December 2020

The AFP is interested in attracting individuals who are up for the challenge – both physically and mentally for our entry level recruit – Police Officer and Protective Service Officer roles. If you want to give back to the community, align with our core values of integrity, commitment, accountability, fairness, trust and respect than you are strongly encouraged to apply.

What is a Protective Service Officer?

Protective Service Officers deliver protective security and first response capability to protect Australia’s interests. 

As first responders, PSO's assess the appropriate law enforcement response for the situation, report and collate relevant data and maintain cooperative relationships with stakeholders and the public when protecting people, assets and critical infrastructure such as Parliament House and key Defence sites.  

Protective Service Officer (PSO) work in AFP Stations in capital cities and remote locations as well as at major Australian airports across Australia, however no PSO opportunities are available in Tasmania.

What does a Police Officer do?

Policing opportunities exist within ACT Community Policing based in Canberra.

ACT Community Police Officers are responsible for providing public safety within the ACT and are alert, equipped and ready to respond to any threats of violence in the Nation’s Capital. 

ACT Police are a first point of contact for the public requiring police assistance and will be required to investigate breaches of the law, assess evidence and interview witnesses over the course of investigations.  ACT Community Police have a genuine interest in servicing the community in roles such as general duties, community safety, criminal investigations, traffic operations and intelligence. 

As an ACT Community Police Officer, you can expect to attend incidents involving many crime types, such as; homicide, assault and other offences against a person; robbery and burglary; vehicle theft and property damage and other offences including deception, weapon, drug and public order offences.

Please Note: At times opportunities may exist for police recruits to be deployed to our state commands ie. Eastern Command (Sydney), Sothern Command (Melbourne).

Am I eligible?

Although we welcome applications from all, to progress through this process you must:

• be an Australian citizen;
• be 18 years of age or older. If you are not yet 18 - don't worry you can still apply, but you will be unable to progress until your 18th birthday;
• have a minimum Year 10 Certificate with Cert IV/Diploma or Trade level qualification/Certificate.  University level qualifications are welcomed;
• hold a valid Australian driver’s licence (P Plates are accepted however if you have a learners licence please apply once you have your provisional licence).

https://career10.successfactors.com/career?career%5fns=job%5flisting&company=digitaltra&navBarLevel=JOB%5fSEARCH&rcm%5fsite%5flocale=en%5fGB&career_job_req_id=3780&selected_lang=en_GB&jobAlertController_jobAlertId=&jobAlertController_jobAlertName=&_s.crb=EgY5EwRYMzj4b6NnPOSQys%2bL2EOavr1ehShjj6qBhpw%3d

The list of 50 best places to work in Australia in 2020 has been released

The list was chosen by global workplace research and consulting firm, Great Place to Work. It was done between September 2019 and June 2020 – including when COVID hit – and took into account more than 39,000 Aussie based workers across 124 companies.

Each company in the study for the best places to work list earns a score based on two main factors. The majority (two-thirds) is based on employee responses to a survey, while the remaining one-third comes from Great Place to Work’s evaluation of company procedures and policies.

The list looked at companies with over 1000 workers, between 100-999 workers and under 100 workers.

https://www.businessinsider.com.au/50-best-places-to-work-australia-2020-2020-7

The Top Skills Companies Need Most in 2020—And How to Learn Them

What skills does the workforce value most? At LinkedIn Learning, we surfaced timely data from our network of over 660+ million professionals and 20+ million jobs to reveal the 15 top skills in-demand for 2020. 

Topping this year’s list are creativity, collaboration, persuasion, and emotional intelligence—all skills that demonstrate how we work with others and bring new ideas to the table.  Four of the five most in-demand soft skills remain in their top spots year over year, further reinforcing that these skills are evergreen—they’re likely to remain the top skills that companies want in star employees. 

https://www.linkedin.com/business/learning/blog/top-skills-and-courses/the-skills-companies-need-most-in-2020and-how-to-learn-them

Professional Internship Program – Start planning once you’re at Uni

The Professional Internship Program offers candidates an opportunity to gain professional work experience and improve career opportunities in almost all academic fields and a wide range of industries.*

It is aimed at candidates seeking work experience / internship positions in Australia. An internship is a great way to gain exposure into the professional work environment and develop professional workplace skills. 

• Tailored training related to your skills and academic background

• 6 – 26 weeks, full time, non paid training positions 

• Access to over 7,000 companies Australia wide 

https://www.internships.com.au/programs/professional-internship/

Fierce Girls Podcast - Australia's Most Extraordinary Women of Australia 

Fierce Girls is a show aimed at kids 7-11 years old (and their parents) and tells the inspiring stories of some of Australia’s most extraordinary women. Each amazing story is narrated by equally fierce and fabulous women like singer Amy Shark, the first female Governor - General Dame Quentin Bryce and Orange is the New Black actor, Yael Stone. Visit: 

https://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/fierce-girls/

2021 Gap Year Program Letz Live Full-time paid placement + opportunity to travel 

Applications close 9 November

Leading Gap Year program provider Letz Live offering paid placements for year 12 school leavers, interested in a New Zealand Gap Year for 2021. Participants receive full accommodation, food & work training. All paid positions with ongoing support from the Australian & New Zealand offices. Be Quick . Contact info@letzlive.org Apply online at:

https://www.letzlive.org/ 

Women in Design, Construction & Data 

12 November 11:00am-12:pm via Zoom

Meet a group of women working in the design, construction and data industries! Each of the eight panel members will share what they do in their job, discuss why they enjoy it, share highlights and challenges faced in their journey and share their hopes for the future. The Q & A session will provide the opportunity to ask questions of the panelists. Register at: 

https://tinyurl.com/y58dbmdx