Principal’s PenGiftsLes Miserables is a French historical novel by Victor Hugo, which was first published in 1862. The stage

musical version has the prestige of being one of the longest running productions in the world, and still

continues to draw millions of people each year to watch the story unfold. It is one of my favourite stories.

Jean Valjean, the leading character, serves time for stealing bread to feed his sister’s children, and upon

his release, is constantly pursued by a police inspector who attempts to return him to prison.

In a moment of desperation, Jean steals some silverware from a bishop – yet when he is captured and

brought before the bishop, the story famously displays an act of grace which changes Jean Valjean’s life

forever.

‘Ah! here you are!” he (the bishop) exclaimed, looking at Jean Valjean. “I am glad to see you. Well, but how

is this? I gave you the candlesticks too, which are of silver like the rest, and for which you can certainly get

two hundred francs. Why did you not carry them away with your forks and spoons?”

Jean Valjean opened his eyes wide, and stared at the Bishop in amazement. He was released from the

hands of the guards and was free from punishment.

This story has many parallels with the one at the heart of Christmas. A gift of grace, totally undeserved has

been given to us. The son of God, Jesus, was sent to earth to take upon the sin of all mankind. Nothing

we did earned that. Condemnation and punishment are deservedly ours. However, the act of a loving God

changed our story forever, if we so choose to let it. God provided us with the true gift of Christmas, his own

son, yet we need to open up our arms and our hearts to receive – it is not a gift we are forced to accept.

It is my prayer that during the coming Christmas season, the story of God’s grace will capture your heart –

and that each person connected with Cornerstone will claim the greatest gift ever given.

I pray that you have a wonderful Christmas break, and as staff, we very much look forward to your

enthusiastic return to us in 2015.

Ephesians 2:8 ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the

gift of God.’

Luke 2:11 ‘Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’

this issueVolunteer Parent Morning Tea

Senior School Bal l

Market Day

PO Box 775Grace CourtBusselton WA 6280p: (08) 9754 1144f: (08) 9754 1142e: admin@cornerstone.wa.edu.auw: www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au

DATES to REMEMBER

2nd- 8th DecemberYear 10 Mission Trip

End of Year EventsDec 8: K-2 Concert 6:30pmDec 9: 3-6 Awards and Graduation 7pmDec 10: Secondary Awards and Graduation 7pm

Term 4 DatesTuesday October 14 - Thursday December 11

Term 1 2015 DatesMonday February 2 - Thursday April 2, 2015

College LeadershipPrincipal - Bruce Douglas

Head of Secondary - Boyd Davey

Head of Primary - Judy Nolan

Asst Head of Primary - Tina King

Business Manager - Stuart Robinson

Board Directors

Chairman - Dr Gavin Riches

Deputy Chair - Mr Eric Moorcroft

Board Secretary - Mr Mike Wallace

Board Directors:

Mrs Andrea Marden

Mr Alex Van Wees

Pastor Lee Sykes

Mrs Lily Stieler

Mr Kingsley Chapman

Bruce

19I S S U E

4 t h D e c e m b e r2 0 1 4

NEWSLETTER

A M i n i s t r y o f

C o r n e r s t o n e C h u r c h

o f C h r i s t I n c

w w w . c o r n e r s t o n e b u s s e l t o n . c o m

CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

Around the College

Cleaver’s ClangersWhat did Winnie The Pooh say to his agent? Show me the honey!

Why couldn’t the pirate play cards? Because he was sitting on the deck!

Secondary BallThe Senior Secondary school ball was held last Friday and was enormously successful. Our delightful Year 11 and Year 12 students impressed, not just in how they looked, but in how they conducted themselves. Staff and parents were incredibly proud of these remarkable young men and women.With a beautiful theme based around the story, Alice in Wonderland, students were greeted by a white rabbit urging them to not be late, and a sea of animated playing cards who ushered the participants inside to the ballroom.Special thanks must go to Mrs Petro Gouws, Mrs Larissa Posa and their amazing team of parent and student helpers. From those who made cup-cakes, decorations, took photos, applied make-up and more.....thanks so much! It would not have happened without you.

Teacher AllocationsWe have delight in advising that we have a few new staff members on the ground in 2015, as well as new programs that existing staff will be undertaking. Here is the list as it stands:PrimaryPebbles: Cathy SawKindy & Pre-Primary (no changes)Year 1 LSL for Sarah Durell’s class is Tina King (4 days), Johannie Meyer (1 day).Year 1 Audrey Sully (4 days), Johannie Meyer (1 day).Year 2 Sascha Haagensen & Liz Bartley.Year 2 Judith AliYear 3 Shirley-Ann Hemmings & Lily StielerYear 3/4 Vicki Anderson

Year 4 Ben Fearnley (4 days) and Johannie Meyer (1 day).Year 5: Brittany HaythornthwaiteYear 5/6: Matt MeyerinkYear 6: Maria AckermanMusic Year 1-2: Sonya JohnsonMusic Year 3-6: Thomas CooperHealth Year 1-2: Cindy HeyesLibrary: Cindy MidgelyICT Year 3-6: Glen SawSport Year 1-6: Caleb MurphyPrimary Specialist Maths: Johannie MeyerMandarin Year 1-8: Apple ChuSecondaryCurriculum Heads of Department:Chris Poole (Maths), Will Heyes (English), Will Meyer (Science), Steve Tully (History).VET program expansion Senior Secondary:Jo Needham (Careers and VET Coordinator)Greg Spencer (Maths)Jenny Moorcroft (Hospitality)Larissa Posa (English)Student Council: David van der TangYear 9/10 Coordinator: Peter TaylorNew teachers: Paul Venecourt (Maths/Science), Madelein Venecourt (Maths/Science/Cadets/Middle School), Debbie Robinson (Middle School).Most of the other teachers will continue in the same/similar roles they have held in 2014.The chaplain role will change in 2015, and we are currently working in conjunction with the church regarding the pastoral

care role within the school.Students in the Primary school will have their class allocations advised in the week prior to school commencing in 2015.

Term 1 Dates, 2015Yes, we are looking forward to the holidays, but we hope you also look forward to returning in 2015. First day back for school is Monday February 2nd.

SignMEEPlease make yourself familiar with the contents on a letter recently sent home, regarding permission slips and documents usually contained in the parent pack. It advises that an email will be shortly issued which will ask you to create a SignMEE account. If your email address has changed, then please let the front office know IMMEDIATELY. Thanks for your help.

Presentation and Awards NightsIt’s just days away! We look forward to having the school community with us next week as we witness student performances as well as acknowledge student outcomes from 2014. Check out the invitation on the back page for full details.

Uniform ShopNeed any uniform items for 2015? Then ordering is all done online now. Unless you book an appointment for fitting of clothing items, you will only be able to access the uniform shop by following the link below. Appointments are made using this link as well.http://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/cornerstonecc

,

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and

my God.Psalm 42:11

OFFICE HOURSThe Administration Office is open from 8:15am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Please note that if you call the office before 8:15am it is likely to go to message bank. Additionally, coming into the office prior to 8:15am will find it unattended. Staff are in meetings prior to this time.

CANTEENThe College canteen is open for business on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week.We prefer that orders be placed via the online canteen.Visit www.ouronlinecanteen.com.auThe menu is also available for viewing online at the College website. Orders must be placed by 9:30am.

UNIFORM SHOPNeed any uniform items? Then it is all done online. Unless you book an appointment for fitting of clothing items, you will only be able to access the uniform shop by following the attached link. Appointments are made using this link as well.This is for new and secondhand items. Check it out today!h t t p : / / w w w .sustainableschoolshop.com.au/cornerstonecc

YOUTH GROUPSCORE Youth - Years 7 to 9Friday night 7-9pm at Cornerstone0418 833 994 Julian/Karlien

Xtol Youth Group - Year 10 +Friday nights 7-9pm$4 entryBusso Bretho campsite0417 937 238 Margie0418 216 087 Graeme

Market DayMarket Day raise $3589!Thanks to the hard work of students, staff and parents, and the support of the community, we are delighted to advise that the above-mentioned total is now making its way towards changing the lives of those less fortunate. Well done to all involved!

BooklistsBooklists have been sent home with students and we encourage parents to make sure they are discovered from the bottom of the school bag if you haven’t been handed it yet by your child.We are sourcing a local supplier this year and encourage you to support them in fulfilling your order.

Survey Last ChanceWe are super grateful for the families that have completed their surveys in the past few weeks. We will have a secure box to drop any last entries into at the Presentation Nights next week. It’s not too late to respond! If you have misplaced your survey, you can also collect a replacement and fill it in on the spot! We are very much anticipating your contribution.

T-Shirts and Printing IssuesThe College is aware that there have been some issues with the printing on some of the t-shirts worn by the students in the Early Learning Centre. We

are currently investigating what action needs to occur, and as soon as we know, will advise those affected.

Student Management SystemThe Primary school’s Student Management System is undergoing a few adjustments in 2015. The greatest change is how infringements and offences will not just accumulate over the Semester, but remain in place for the entire year.If you have any questions, please direct them to our Primary Administration team, Judy Nolan and Tina King.

Change for ChangeLast week, Secondary students were collecting loose change which would be donated to charity.We can report that 100 metres of coin was collected, which came to a total of $400. Well done to Mr Cleaver’s Year 7/8 B Form - who were the outstanding winners with almost 30 metres of loose change!

Thanks!We have an enormous number of parents who help out around the College in a voluntary capacity. Without them, Cornerstone would not be the same!We gathered a few of the very regular helpers together last week to say ‘thanks’. However, any help at all is very much appreciated. For anyone who has served us as a community in the past year, we are VERY grateful! Thanks.

www.cornerstone.wa.edu.au

Ball Snapshots