Newsletter~Term 4~Week 5~2020

Gawa Christian School Visit
College News
TERM FOUR | WEEK FIVE
13th November, 2020


Living and learning
Just over 500 years ago, Martin Luther propelled a transformation within the Christian church – not just because of what he wrote, but because it dove-tailed with the new-fangled printing press. His message wasn’t just seen by the people of Wittenberg but was now distributable across the “modern world” via the Guten- berg Press. He wasn’t the first to challenge the ideas (John Hus had done so over 50 years earlier), but his message was the first that was able to be spread.
Our Transition class will complete school (in our current model) in 2033 – that’s a third of the way through the century. We are no longer thinking of what will the 21st Century entail, we are well and truly in it. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, facial recogni- tion and “Internet of Things” are all upon us.
Today we are also seeing the challenge of media and the ease of propagation of messages. I’d never have imagined that I would be encountering the media’s message of “partial truth” or even “your truth is different to my truth.” How do we help prepare stu- dents for the change that messaging can bring?
How will this impact living and learning – what will the future hold for our students and their families? As I reflect and live within the technological changes, I am also drawn to that which is unchang- ing - the value of relationship, the role of the family, and most importantly, how do I engage with God in the midst of it all?
• I can ask my sound speaker to tell me the news, the weather, or just about any other “fact” but I can’t get it to answer the question of meaning and hope.
• My photo software is able to identify people, and even some places, but it is unable to identify the importance of these people and places to me.
• My phone can make me contactable 24/7 but it requires me to make the decision on how I choose rest and relationship.
I’m excited by the opportunities that change can bring. Opportu- nities for students to be exposed to ideas and experiences that were unfathomable when I was a student. Opportunities for stu- dents to be prepared to engage in this ever-changing world – a world in which they can present a message of hope and purpose.
An ever-changing world around us is still a world that needs the ongoing message that we, as a Christian School, proclaim – con- tinue to “Live in Truth and Grow in Wisdom.” Accepting people and impacting students, their families, and communities more effectively, and moving them to increased love, devotion and knowledge of God.
Exec Thoughts
GARETH WATSON | HEAD OF OPERATIONS
in an ever-changing world
diary dates
NOVEMBER
Thursday 26th
Thanksgiving Service
Saturday 28th
Year 12 Formal
Monday 30th
Year 9 Dinner
DECEMBER
Wednesday 9th
Farewell & Awards Assembly NTCC student’s last day
Thursday 10th
Year 6 Celebration Evening
Thursday 17th
MCC student’s last day


SONYA MELHOP | TRANSITION TEACHER
Transition have been learning that all things are designed for a specific purpose. We have looked at different types of materials and what they might be
best used for.
Last week we went on an excursion to Darwin Aviation Museum and had an amazing time looking at the various materials and designs
used for different types of planes, from the shark-faced Spitfire to the ginormous B-52.
Before returning to school, we enjoyed a play and a picnic at Jingili Water Gardens. Thanks to the many parents who came along and helped us enjoy a very hot but very fun
excursion!
Darwin Aviation Museum


Gawa Class Visit
LIZ CLARKSON | MIDDLE SCHOOL EAL/D COORDINATOR
ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD EACH OTHER UP.
1 THESSALONAINS 5:11
Last week, Upper Primary and Year 7 students and teachers from Gäwa Christian School visited. It was a part of their week-long excursion to Darwin. The visit gave staff and students a chance to build important connections between our schools for mutual encouragement, cultural under- standing and awareness of a possible pathway for Gäwa students.
Gäwa is on the northern tip of Elcho Island and their school, which has 3 classrooms, is just a few steps from the beach. The beach sand is throughout the community and is soft underfoot. It provides the playing surface for their mini football ‘oval’ too. What a wonderful opportunity it was for the Gäwa students to be able to play on Marrara’s grassy green oval for an informal football match with Marrara students. The Middle School Boarding students were happy for an afternoon of football and despite the baking hot sun and the different ages of the players, the game was hard fought and very close. Thanks goes to Peter Buckland for organising the umpires and over- seeing the game. Thanks also to the Year 10 boys who helped.


Earlier in the day the Gäwa students spent time doing activities with the Year 7 cohort. Chris Garner devised an activity which was a type of ‘treasure’ hunt. The ‘treasure’ was written in the language the Gäwa students know best (Djambarrapuyngu) and the Marrara students had to collaborate with them to work out what it was before they could race off to find it together.
In the week before NAIDOC Week, interacting with the Gäwa students was a wonderful way for all the Year 7s to make connections and build friendships with these bright and enquisitive Yolgnu youngsters. We look forward to future visits and a chance to help our students across Gäwa and Marrara School’s ‘encourage one another and build each other up,’ (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Thank you to Chris Garner for leading the Year 7 cohort activities, to Tony De’eb for host- ing the Gäwa class in the 7E classroom and to all who helped make the day a success.


FACTTC Trip to
Gäwa Christian School
Our Year 12 students from the Fabrication and Construction Trade Training Centre had the won- derful opportunity to take part in a building project to serve the school community at Gäwa Christian School. The boys went as part of a small team to refurbish an elevated walkway with new decking. They loved the opportunity to use the skills that they have developed at the Trade Training Centre to practically input into the community.
When talking with the boys upon their return, they spoke fondly of the experience and how much they enjoyed working alongside staff and students at Gawa and learning more about the local culture and community.
It is always a significant experience when our stu- dents are able to serve and give something of themselves to others, particularly for our Year 12 students who are approaching their graduation and completion of their schooling. We would like to thank Gawa Christian School for accommodat- ing our team and making the experience one that they will truly remember for years to come.
CALEB SANDFORD | FACTTC TEACHER


Health Careers to Try Day at
Royal Darwin Hospital
Last week I had the privilege of taking three of our senior school students on an excursion to the Royal Darwin Hospital (RDH) for a ‘Health Careers to Try Day.’ We rotated through eight different stations to learn about a range of different health careers, ie: x-rays, midwifery, nursing, occupational and physical therapy, nutrition/dietetics, alcohol and other drugs etc. We had a great time and learned about some new pathways into various healthcare careers.
ANDREA WHITEHOUSE | CAREERS & VET COORDINATOR
College Community SurveyLAST OPPORTUNITY FRIDAY 13th! As we begin to plan for 2021 we are seeking to gather data from our College families about their
experience during 2020 and we would appreciate your feedback.
Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to complete the survey, your feedback is appreci- ated. For those who have not yet done so, we would love to hear from you. Please take a moment to complete a short survey by following the link: Community Survey 2020


Resources
Thank you all for partnering with the Library this year. It has been a great time of celebrating reading, stories, and we have enjoyed participating with your students in their learning journey.
Please be aware that textbooks and devices are not re- quired to be returned until exams finish and teachers no longer require them for class work. Even if you receive a library notice, it simply means that as soon as they are no longer required, library resources should be returned to the library.
If you have any questions, please call 8920 2039 or email [email protected].
• Primary only have to return their reading books by the end of the year
• All textbooks are due back at the end of the year. This may also include a device, ie: iPad • Devices borrowed to students remain their responsibility
• Some resources may stay in the classroom and may not be seen by parents
Return Notification
• A Loan Notification will be sent to parents and class teachers a fortnight before the end of school listing all items on loan
• An Overdue Notice will be sent a week prior to end of school which lists all items and their cost
• A Final Overdue Notice will be sent the day before the end of school or before they finish
Leaving Students
• Students leaving Marrara to attend school elsewhere or going on holidays early MUST return all library loans before they leave
Unreturned items
• PLEASE NOTE: Unreturned items will be charged to students
$120.00 Per Child Per Camp
Camp 1 - Tuesday 22nd Dec & Wednesday 23rd Dec
Camp 2 - Tuesday 5th January & Wednesday 6th January 2021
Camp 3 - Tuesday 12th January & Wednesday 13th January 2021
Do you enjoy playing Minecraft? Do you like learning in fun ways? If your answer is yes and you are in Grade 3, 4, 5 or 6 then come join us in the school holidays for a 2day camp. No Minecraft experience necessary!
Venue: MALAK PRIMARY SCHOOL 8:30am -2:00pm
Camps are designed to:
 encourage collaboration
 develop social and communication skills
 engage kids in group problem solving environments
 be enormous fun
 be structured and offer Minecraft and real-life learning
opportunities
As we have a limited number of places, please book your child’s place to avoid disappointment. Bookings to be made via website only not through Malak School.
https://www.wicksees.com.au/book-online
Call Daniel 0412 144 404 for any questions
Proudly Supported By
LIBRARY UPDATE
David Parkin
Librarian