The Flyer. Mountains Christian College, Blackheath My Best for God s Glory. ...Reflections from our Principal

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1 Mountains Christian College, Blackheath My Best for God s Glory 22 October 2014 Week 3 of 9 - Term 4 Fortnightly Edition The Flyer Dear Parents and Friends of Mountains Christian College,...Reflections from our Principal Students and staff have had an energetic and enthusiastic start to Term 4 and we look forward not so much to finishing the year, but to consolidating things learned and to celebrating accomplishments and successes. Years 11 & 12 and the HSC Our Year 11 and 12 students have worked diligently in preparation for their exams which they commenced last Monday. This week MCC students sit for Biology and Mathematics, followed by Chemistry, Extension Maths, Design & Technology and Society & Culture next week and in the final week, Food Technology. Our students are reporting thus far that they have felt well prepared for their examination papers and generally satisfied with their performances. Please continue to pray for them The Fischers Many of you will know that Mrs Lucy Fischer and Mr Guido Fischer will be relocating to the Central Coast at some point in 2015 and therefore will not be with us next year. Both Lucy and Guido have made a magnificent contribution to the College over many years and will be greatly missed. Lucy started at the College in 1989, took time off to start a family and returned in Guido has been with the College since The Fischers two daughters (who were both married in the last 12 months) also attended the College. There are many, many things we will miss about the Fischers as they leave, not least their loving commitment to their students and to making the College a place where the vision statement is a reality - where children feel valued, loved, listened to and secure a community that strives to live and relate according to Jesus example where Christian faith also gives us a unity of direction and shared values and aspirations Staffing It is very difficult to replace teachers of the quality and commitment of the Fischer s, but we are extremely pleased to be able to announce that Mrs Sue Riethmuller (who is currently the Primary School Curriculum and Pastoral Care Coordinator of Wycliffe Christian School in Warimoo) will take responsibility for the K-6 section of the College next year. She will be joined by Mrs Tiarne Hookham who is known to the College as a result of a practicum that she undertook at the College in We are thrilled to have such high quality practitioners who are fully committed to the ethos of the College. In 2015, Mr Graeme Mitchell who has served us faithfully in recent years as our Finance Officer will be reducing his time at the College, but will remain with us on a part-time basis. As a result, the College has appointed Mr Matthew Hodge as Business Manager, to commence in January next year. Mr Hodge has worked as a business manager in the automotive industry and is a former student of the College. He brings with him a wealth of expertise and experience and we look forward to the contribution he will make to the life of the College in future years. 60 Thirroul Avenue (P O Box 396), Blackheath 2785 P: / F: E: bluemountainscs@gmail.com / W: 1

2 ...Continued from Page 1 Master Plan meeting Last Saturday (18 October), the Board together with staff and an external facilitator (Mrs Kathy Pereira, State Executive Officer of Christian Education National) met to construct a Master Plan for the College s buildings and grounds. The group devised a draft Master Plan which considered the current and proposed future uses of the College s property in the context of our Christian ethos and our aspirations for our students. Issues discussed included our proposed Hospitality Hub, a Nature Playground, use of the space under the library and ways of improving the aesthetics and functionality of our classrooms and other spaces. It was an exciting meeting as possibilities were discussed and refined. When the process is finalised in coming weeks, details of the Master Plan will be shared with the College community. Fund-Raising Committee This year we have also had cause to be thankful for the contribution of Mrs Maree Garner who has handed over the leadership reins of the Fund-Raising Committee to Mrs Cathy Mowczan. The Fund- Raising Committee supports the College in a number of important activities such as the biennial Awesome Autumn Fair, Special Food Days, Mothers and Fathers day Stalls and so on. We are very grateful for the contribution of dedicated parents whose contribution to this important committee is a real blessing to students and staff. Thailand A team of nine students and staff will be venturing to Thailand this year with a view to establishing this as a regular Thailand excursion / service trip. We will be organising another trip in 2015, but thereafter, the trip will be biennial, so students from Year 10 and above will have the opportunity to participate every 2 years. The team this year consists of Tessa Bunton, Joshua Thomas, Lucy Garner, Joshua Burke, Heather Lamb, Mr and Mrs Burke, Mr Bunton and Dr Justins. The focus of this year s excursion will be teaching English to students in Chiang Rai in the far north of Thailand at a small English language school run by a young Christian woman (Palita) and in a local government Primary school. We will also be assisting with some building work undertaken by the Australian-based Christian charity, Mobile Mission Maintenance. The team would appreciate your prayers for safety, for deep learning experiences and that our presence will be really positive for those we visit. Calendar Reminders There are many important dates on the Term 4 Calendar, but could I highlight the following: Year 7 (2015) Orientation Day 28 October Association meeting evening of 27 October Rhododendron Festival in Blackheath (come and visit our stall) Saturday, 1 November Year 10 Graduation Luncheon 5 November Preliminary HSC Courses commence 10 November Thailand Day and Assembly 20 November come dressed in yellow! Year 6 Farewell and Volunteers Lunch 28 November Evening of Celebration (all welcome!) 3 December Last day for students 11 December Have a wonderful Term 4 and may the grace of Christ be with you, (Dr) Charlie Justins Gateway Family Services The Strong Willed & The Sensitive Child Facilitated by Barry Palm at East Blaxland Public School - Old Bathurst Rd, East Blaxland Friday Mornings 24/10, 31/10, 7/ am to 11.30am (morning tea provided) Bookings essential - Phone Gateway on / Cost: by Donation 2

3 COLLEGE FEES Parents are reminded that payment of Term 4 school fees are now overdue. Full payment of fees should be made immediately unless a payment plan has been set up with Mr Mitchell. If you are unable to pay your fees in a lump sum, please feel free to discuss this with Mr Mitchell via the College office on A little about Jamie McMath, one of our MCC Board Members I arrived from England as a child with my Parents and four siblings. I qualified from Sydney Uni with a Bachelor of Science and Diploma of Education in 1974 I taught High School Maths in NSW Government schools from 1975 to I grew up in the Presbyterian Church, but have been actively involved in the Anglican church since 1972, currently attending St Hildas in Katoomba. I married my wife Kerrie in 1978 and have two daughters and two grandsons. My hobbies are music and sport - especially footy. I discovered MCC doing a fill in stint in Maths and fell in love with the special feel of the place - the ethos, the staff, the nurturing and concern for each and every student. K-6 Swimming Lessons K-2 attend lessons on Wednesdays from to 12.45pm Years 3-6 attend lessons on Thursdays from to 12.45pm. Parents are welcome to meet up at the pool to observe their child s lessons. Upcoming Meetings Association Meeting Monday 27 7pm Bush Fires With the bush fire season approaching, we request that all Parents familiarise themselves with our Emergency Procedures (Fire, Bush Fire & Lockdown). These can be found on the College website under Forms & Information. Enrolment Positions NOW Available for 2015 Do you have younger children at home that are ready to commence big school next year? Perhaps you have friends and family with little ones who are looking for a school. Please phone the College office for a Prospectus pack and Enrolment form to secure your child s place at Mountains Christian College for Phone or visit the website Community Prayer Tuesdays - Term 4 You are warmly invited to join with Staff for prayer each Tuesday morning from 8.25am in the Library, focusing on issues involving the College, our wider community, forthcoming College activities and for students and families in general. 3

4 Is your child absent today? For the safety and well-being of your child, would you please call the College Office on on the morning of your child s absence so that we are confident of their whereabouts. If your child is absent for more than 3 consecutive days, would you please provide to the office, a Medical Certificate from your GP. Diary Dates Fri 24 October Pyjama Dress up Day with Gold Coin Donation & $1 Cupcakes for morning tea Tues 28 October Year 7 Orientation Day Fri 31 October Year 7-10 Exams Sat 1 November Rhodo Festival Stall Tues 4 November Kindy Orientation (each Tuesday in Nov) 9am - 12pm Wed 5 November Yr 10 Graduation Assembly & Lunch for Yr 10 Students & Parents Last Day for Yr 10 Wed 5-9 November Japanese Exchange Visit Mon 10 November Preliminary HSC courses commence Wed 19 November Careers Market for Yr 11&12 at BM Grammar Thurs 20 November RescuEd Visit NSW Fire Service Fri 28 November Year 6 Farewell Wed 3 December $5 Fun Food Day Evening of Celebration Parents are reminded that it is a legal requirement that children attend school regularly until the age of 17. The College has a duty of care to advise the Department of Education when a student is continually absent without sufficient explanation Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 Live Learn Lead Succeed 4 Please support the Fundraising efforts of our Thailand Team. Book in by phone on or at the front office when you pop in. Payment would be appreciated at the time of booking.

5 Breakfast Club each Wednesday morning in the Dining Hall from 8.50am to 9.10am. A silver coin donation is appreciated. Uniform Shop Opening Times Each Tuesday morning from 9.00am to 9.45am Each Thursday afternoon from 2.30pm to 3.15pm Price lists and order forms are available from the front office Late to School? If your child arrives late to school, ie. after 9.00am, they must come to the school office for a late note. Failure to do this will cause your child to be marked Absent for that day. Japanese Culture Exchange 5-9 November 2014 Thank you to those who have offered to host Japanese Students. 5 MORE HOST FAMILIES ARE REQUIRED IMMEDIATELY $360 will be paid to each host family for these 4 nights Please contact Michelle immediately if you can help. Cards/Magazines WANTED If you have any old Christmas cards, Birthday Cards or Magazines at home that you no longer need, please drop them into the front office for craft work in the Library. Thank you LOST at School Black LG Mobile Phone If found, please bring to the front office. Thank you Current MCC Year 6 Students, New Students and Parents are warmly invited to attend the ~ Year 7 Orientation Day ~ Tuesday 28th October 2014 / 9.00am to 3.10pm Parents are invited to attend a morning tea where the Principal will be available to answer your questions while students head off to experience Year 7 for the day. Students are asked to bring a pen and notebook, recess & lunch and wear their current Sports uniform or equivalent with closed leather shoes for practical classes. Please phone to confirm your participation in the day. Student Banking - Teach your Child the Value of Saving... Did you know that Mountains Christian College offers Student Banking with the Commonwealth Bank? In order to teach your child the benefits of saving, we encourage them to bring in their Student Banking Book with a small amount of money each Monday for banking. If your child doesn't yet have an account, simply pop into any Commonwealth Branch to set up an account. If you have any questions or concerns, please see Michelle or Kristen in the office. 5

6 Mountains Christian College LIKE us on Facebook to keep up to date with happenings at the College. In the event of Emergencies such as the Bushfires last year, regular information will be posted via our Facebook page. Tips to Support a Child s Reading 1. Encourage reading in your home Set an example by reading in front of your child for both pleasure and practicality. You can even create a special space in your home where you can read together. 2. Spend 30 minutes each day reading together When reading with your child, ask your child to describe what is going on in the scene or happening in the story. 3. Sign your child up for a library card A library card is essential and free for your child to gain access to countless numbers of books. Mountains Christian College has Policies and Procedural documents which are constantly reviewed, updated and available for viewing and downloading from the College website: www. mountainscc.nsw.edu.au 4. Attend a library event Most libraries hold weekly or monthly events, such as story times, that you and your child can attend together. 5. Become involved at their school Communicate regularly with your child s teacher to help monitor his or her progress; and ask what you can do at home to support their reading. 6. Encourage your child for reading Encourage and support your child for reading a certain number of books or finishing a challenging book in the same way that you would for other activities such as sport or piano. 7. Give books as presents Give books as a gift, especially on topics your child will love, to encourage and support their interests. 8. Help your child write their own stories Encourage your child to write stories based on his or her experiences or favourite characters from other books, movies of TV shows. 9. Make flashcards to learn new words Help your child study new vocabulary words or create colourful bookmarks to mark his or her place. 10. Take your child to the eye doctor Schedule an eye exam to ensure that any vision problems are promptly addressed. Adapted from guidelines provided by the American National Parents and Teachers Association. 6

7 Pyjamas & Cupcake Day THIS Friday 24th October 2014 Hop out of bed and come along to school in your jamies with a Gold Coin Donation (Pyjamas must be modest - shoulders covered and no bare midriffs) (Enclosed shoes still required. Leather shoes required for some secondary classes) If you d like to enjoy a cupcake at recess, bring along another gold coin for a yummy treat. Thank you for supporting this activity run by our College Fundraising Committee Reader/Writers NEEDED At MCC for Year 7-10 Exams Friday 31st Oct / Monday 3rd Nov / Tuesday 4th Nov Please speak with Mrs Swift via the College office on if you are able to assist. Thank you. Gateway Family Services Magic Behaviour Management, Managing Emotions and Strengthening Relationships Warrimoo Public School Florabella St, Warrimoo Wednesday evenings 6/11, 13/11, 20/ pm to 8.30pm Bookings essential - Phone Gateway on Cost: by Donation 7