Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

From

the

Hea

dmas

ter

Dear Parents

Welcome to the first Newsletter for 2009 and my first ever as Headmaster. I would particularly like to welcome a significant number of new families to the School and trust that you and your children settle into the Macarthur Way easily and comfortably.

I would like to thank the many parents who attended my Commissioning Service on Monday afternoon. It was an important occasion for me personally, and for the School. During the service I was able to commit myself, in front of so many witnesses, to willingly serve Macarthur to the best of my ability by relying on God’s help. For those parents who did not have the opportunity to attend, a copy of the speech I delivered has been placed on the School’s website for your interest and information.

The Commencement Service on 2 February was also a great occasion of celebrating God’s continuing goodness to Macarthur and acknowledging a wide range of student leadership positions across the School. In addition it was wonderful to hand out badges to those student who have attended Macarthur from Kindergarten to Year 12, a growing number each year. It was also a great delight to congratulate Jonathan Hartono on being Dux of the School for 2008. We wish him well as he pursues his tertiary education in Medicine.

As you are aware there have been a number of substantial changes across the School for the commencement of 2009 and further minor changes implemented as well. I am delighted with the way the School community has embraced the changes and for the positive feedback given to me. I trust that the Information Booklet you received went some way to introducing the initiatives in advance.

In addition I am working on establishing a number of opportunities through the year where sections of the Macarthur family can come together informally to meet and possibly share a simple BBQ, a morning or afternoon tea. As opportunities are planned you will be informed and I encourage you to join with the other school families to further build a sense of community at Macarthur. The recent Year 7 Welcome BBQ was a great example of how much fun and enjoyment can be had when we meet together in social gatherings.

You would also be well aware that there are numerous Silver Jubilee events planned for this special year in Macarthur’s history and I commend them to you. Independent schools rely heavily on the support of their families and Macarthur is no different. It will be wonderful to have your support as you join with the students in celebrating our history at the various events, particularly the events surrounding the Foundation Day weekend of 20 and 21 June 2009.

David Nockles

Newsletter 1, 2009 Week 3, Summer Term, 2009

Macarthur anglican SchoolnewSletter

Silver Jubilee Year

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

Please continue to support these missionary families with your donations and your prayers.

Jono, Amy, Lili, Isaac, Brie and Abe Vink who work with the Church Missionary Society in Tanzania

javink@cms.org.au

Mike, Chantelle and Rachel Keithwho work for the Bush Church Aid Society in Lightning Ridge

mckeith@westnet.com.au

It hasn’t taken long for the business of school life to hit home once again. Homework has been given, music lessons have started, and sport training is underway. With this in mind here are five ways to make sure the year ahead is full of opportunity for your child, regardless of his or her age:

• Ensure students are on time This is an increasing problem for a busy family, however, by ensuring your children are on time for the beginning of the school day demonstrates your priorities and relieves the pressure placed on students who arrive late to first period.

• Establish afternoon routines which includes study or homework. This can be an incredibly stress filled time for any parent. By establishing a routine early on in the school year (and for that matter, early on in the life of your child), a less random approach to homework or study will go some way in relieving the stress of last minute surprises the night before the due date.

• Reduce distractions. Habits formed during the holidays can be hard to shake. It’s important that children are given every opportunity to succeed and one way to help this is to remove or reduce the distractions common to our children’s lives. This might include activities such as watching TV for hours on end, gameplaying, social computer usage, SMSing, mobile phone calls - whatever distracts or overloads.

• Focus on the process of learning. While good results in assessment tasks or assignments are pleasing, importantly it is worth applauding the effort, improvement and contribution that children make despite the fact that the end result may not be at the top end. Results-orientated children often don’t try unless they know they can succeed, however children lacking confidence will need continued reassurance to take risks in their learning and know that the effort placed in an activity is as worthy as the result.

I hope that some of these measures may help in preparing children for the year ahead. I would be more than happy to discuss these matters or anything else of concern as issues arise.

Tim carTwrighT

Dean of Students K-12

From

the

Dea

n of

Stud

ents

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

Chap

lain

’s Ch

at

Sunday: 9.30am Family Worship, Sunday School, Creche6.00pm Contemporany Worship ServiceFriday:7.00pm Blaze Youth Nights, Cell Groups

Dear Family and Friends of Macarthur,

Classroom activities have begun in earnest and there is lots of learning, shaping and developing of tender minds going on. I remember a lecture given in my university days where (borrowing from someone else), the lecturer’s opening words went something like this:

“I understand I am here to speak and you are here to listen.Let’s hope we both finish at the same time!”

It’s a little different these days but listening is so very important, not just student to teacher but also teacher to student and student to student.

Effective communication is important especially at the beginning of the year as students and staff settle back in to the term. A stranger was walking down the street and noticed a man struggling with a washing machine at the doorway of his house. He walked over and offered to help and the two men began to work and struggle with the bulky appliance. After a few minutes of fruitless labour the two stopped for a breather and the visitor casually commented, We’ll never get this machine in there!” To which the homeowner replied, “In? I’m trying to move it out of here!”

Let’s get this right, right from the beginning. Keep listening and talking and keeping those lines open especially with your children. Surely this will give us the best chance to move in the same direction and not push or pull against one another. And remember

“He who answers before listening – that is their folly and their shame”; and “The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.”

Proverbs 18:13; 15:4.

If there are any questions concerning the Christian faith or you think we can be helpful in other ways please contact Chaplaincy by email: church@mas.nsw.edu.au or rdavis@mas.nsw.edu.au

sTeveN davis

Chaplain

Macarthur Family Chapel presents

QUIZ WORX!Sunday 22 February 2009 9.30am

Puppets and fun with a great message and a wonderful morning tea.Come and join us at the School Chapel.

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

The year has begun well and classes have settled to work. It has been pleasing to see the positive approach I have observed in classrooms. The motto, ‘Strive for Excellence with God’s help’, will guide the efforts of students and staff as we all focus on doing our best, knowing God can be relied upon to help us.

Many Summer Term activities have begun. There will be sporting trials for those wishing to represent Macarthur in IPSSO Cricket, T-ball, Softball and Basketball.

Last week students from Year 3 to Year 6 enjoyed the Essere Seminar, which focussed on developing positive thinking, resilience and social skills. The students have been displaying pride in themselves and the School by wearing the uniform correctly and in the excellent behaviour and attitude they displayed during the Headmaster’s Commissioning this week.

I would like to congratulate the students from Year 7 to Year 9 on their excellent participation, co-operation and enthusiasm during their recent camps. It was my pleasure to visit Year 9 camp and to watch the students enjoying the many activities available to them. I am looking forward to getting to know these students better in the months ahead.

Last Friday night I had the opportunity to meet many Year 7 students and their parents during the Year 7 Welcome Barbeque. The Year 7 students have already made many new friends and are settling well into the routine of the School.

I want to remind all families of the uniform rules: that no jewellery, including earrings of any type, apart from a watch, should be worn and that the hair is to be the one consistent colour, as close to their natural hair colour as possible. Please refer to the Student Diary for uniform details.

Thank you for the very warm welcome that has been extended to staff as we have commenced the 2009 school year. I am very excited about the promise that our Silver Jubilee year holds.

william wallace

Head of Middle School (Years 5-9)

From

the

Hea

d of

Mid

dle

Scho

ol

Scholarships for Year 7, Year 9 and

Year 11, 2010

Online Applications Now Openwww.macarthur.nsw.edu.au

MACARTHUR ANGLICAN SCHOOLPO Box 555, Camden 2570Tel: 4647 5333 • Fax: 4647 5444 Email: advancement@mas.nsw.edu.au

Nth Leader Schol ad.indd 1 25/11/08 9:49:31 AM

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS...Parents, please be careful reversing out of carpark spaces in the parent carpark and be mindful of the fact that little children could be in the vicinity. The combination of their size and unpredictability and your hurriedness could cause an accident or worse, a tragedy. The easiest thing to control in this equation is your hurriedness.

Please reverse slowly. aNdrew kokic

Deputy Headmaster

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

EssErE Workshop

Did you get a ‘Star Kiss’ or a huge smile over the weekend? Did you surprise your child while they were quietly contemplating their ‘Binjie’?

If you didn’t experience these wonders, perhaps your son or daughter missed the Essere 2B Workshop recently. Students from Years 3-6 shared in learning motivational and relaxation strategies to deal with life’s hiccups. The students enjoyed it immensely, with laughs, smiles and ‘Star Kisses’ all round.

Ipsso TrIals

The annual sport trials kicked off with a bang and all the usual conditions; dry weather, excessive heat and strong competition. In the Summer Term we play basketball, T-ball, softball and cricket. These trials are difficult as the ability level of the students keeps improving, making it challenging for students and coaches alike. Sometimes the students need to employ ‘Bounce Back’ skills to help manage their disappointment as the final teams are announced this week.

deNNis schaeffer

Junior School Teacher

ouTdoor EducaTIon rEporT

During the first week of term all Middle School and Senior School students and staff headed off for their camp week. At each of the camps students challenged themselves in a variety of outdoor activities including rock climbing, hiking, canoeing and abseiling. All students and staff returned with stories of the great times and experiences they had on camp. The students who completed their time at camp will receive a certificate outlining their achievements in the coming weeks. I would particularly like to thank the staff for all their time and effort while at the camps.

Junior School camps will be soon upon us. They are being held from the 4 March to the 6 March and forms for this need to be returned as soon as possible so the planning can be completed. I am sure that Junior School staff and students are very much looking

forward to their time away.

david JeNkiNs

Outdoor Education Co-ordinator

Macarthur Newsletter is going

GREEN!4 Newsletters to go

Make sure you continue to get the newsletter. Contact us to update your email address TODAY or to request a printed copy to be collected by your child if you do not have

internet access. Email: advancement@mas.nsw.edu.au or call 4647 5333.

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

ITs BEEn a GrEaT sTarT To summEr TErm

YEars 7 - 12 camps

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

YEar 7 WElcomE BBQ

FIrsT daY In ThE JunIor school

hEadmasTEr’s commIssIonInG sErvIcE

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

Welcome back Parents of students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to an exciting and challenging year for your children. Year 12 recently visited the University of Wollongong Discovery Day where students were given the opportunity to experience a little of what University life could be like. They went to some sessions including, Journalism, Marketing, Student Life and Education.

“It opened my eyes to what courses I could do”, said one student.

Students in Year 12 have been encouraged to continue their investigation of courses and careers. It is pleasing to see the number who are taking ownership of their future by speaking to Mrs Gould-Drakeley. I would encourage those who have yet to make an appointment with her to do so.

Year 11 parents, please keep an eye out for the upcoming information session on the HSC.

Students in Year 10 will be undertaking the Occupational Search Inventory (OSI) this term. This is a survey that helps to identify occupations of interest to the students and their personal characteristics and strengths. Students in Years 12 and 11 have already gone through this process and found some interesting results.

Students in each year group are encouraged to consider and take advantage of the Study Nights available at School and/or the information available through the School Intranet on Study Skills. There is also the “E Bulletin” that is a summary of courses and for Tertiary Preparation. If you would like more details on either of these or other aspects of the Senior School please do not hesitate to contact me.

Neil davies

Acting Head of Senior School (Years 10-12)

From

the

Hea

d of

Seni

or Sc

hool

Help for Stressed Parents of Year 11 and 12 Students!

Parents!Is nagging your child getting you nowhere?

Do they sit in their room and achieve nothing?Have they mastered the art of wasting time when they should be working?Is most of your electricity bill attributable to the constant opening of the

fridge?

Help is at hand!

At Year 12 camp, sessions were conducted on ways to manage study and stress in Year 12. They were directed to a book which offers practical help and advice on these issues, and recommended to get their own copy. It is:

Surviving Year 12: a sanity kit for students and their parentsAuthor: Michael Carr-Gregg

Publisher: FinchPrice: approximately $20.00

Parents of Year 11 students: Get in early and be prepared!

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

sTudEnT achIEvEmEnTs

• April Ranson (Year 9) recently travelled to the Gold Coast to represent NSW in the Showcase National Dance Championships, where her nine member Dance Troupe won Gold with a score of 94.2, making them the Australian/New Zealand 14 and Under Hip Hop Champions.• During the holidays Cameron Parsons and Teo Markou (both Year 8) played in the Australian Under 14 Indoor Hockey carnival on the Central Coast, Cameron in the NSW ‘A’ team and Teo in the NSW ‘B’ team. In the final, the A Team beat the B Team by 4 goals to 3. The A Team had been undefeated during the competition.• Aidan Gandy (Year 4) was selected to be in the Macarthur District Under 10 Representative team for Tee Ball.• Jonathan Nash-Daley (Year 8) has been accepted as a backstage singer with Opera Australia for ‘Werther’, being performed in March 2009.

Tuesday 17 March, 2009 7.30pm

Macarthur ChapelPlease contact

Mrs Beth Blench for further details

Year 7, 2010 InFormaTIon nIGhT

MACARTHUR ANGLICAN SCHOOLCobbitty Road, CobbittyPO Box 555, Camden 2570Tel: 4647 5333 • Fax: 4647 5444 Email: advancement@mas.nsw.edu.auWebsite: www.macarthur.nsw.edu.au

• Kathryn and Robert Keane (Years 3 and 7) participated in the 2008 World Environment Day Children’s Art Competition, sponsored by the City of Sydney. Both Kathryn and Robert received high praise for their entries, with Robert placing first in his 12 year age category with ‘Autumn Afternoon’, and Kathryn’s ‘I Love all the Seasons’ being descibed by the Gallery Director as “a significant art piece”. Both Kathryn and Robert were asked for their art works to be included in a major Environmental exhibit which toured all Australian states.

PINK MEDICAL FORM

A number of students have not returned their pink medical form.

We seek your co-operation in returning this form immediately as we are unable to treat children in the Clinic unless we have your

current authorisation.

Please check all details and add or amend where necessary then sign the form before returning. If you have done this, please check that

your child has handed the form in at the Administration Centre or to

their class teacher.

aNdrew kokic

Deputy Headmaster

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

marsh housE nEWs

We have had a great start to the year. During our first house meeting last week we made plans regarding fundraising for our sponsor child. The staff also did a uniform blitz and were very pleased to see that most students met the guidelines set out in the diary.

The highlight of the meeting was being able to have students from Year 5 to Year 12 being part of a combined group. We were able to discuss the swimming carnivals and how we all need to participate and build on house spirit by wearing the house colours.

Although it has been a big change to tutor group, having combined years, the students have adapted to the new system well.

Over the coming week the five Marsh tutors, Mr Horne, Mr Looyen, Mrs Watkins, Miss Siladyi, Mrs Ha and myself will work on developing the most effective use of tutor group time incorporating, prayer, reading, journal writing, games and elements of the pastoral care programme.

We have established that each Monday the students in Years 7-12 will have their diaries checked. They are to get their diaries signed over the weekend. They are also to bring a book, magazine or newspaper to read while their tutor teacher is checking the diaries. I would like to encourage all parents to sign the diary every weekend, as they are an important form of communication. They also help us to keep track of student progress and behaviour.

NadiNe James

Head of Marsh House

hunGarIan ExchanGE nEWs

Stacey Heaney of Year 10 will be spending eight months on exchange at Lévay Jószef Református Gimnázium, our sister school in Miskolc. After being delayed in London due to poor weather she has arrived safely and has already settled in to her room in the boarding school. Her first day started early with breakfast in the dining room and then it was straight off to classes.

Stacey writes “A girl named Reka came to my room and showed me to my first class which was like Biblical Studies. In another lesson the English teacher made me stand up in front of the class and introduce myself. I wasn’t afraid to speak, I was just afraid that they wouldn’t understand what I was saying.”

Stacey will commence intensive Hungarian lessons next week.

We look forward to hearing about Stacey’s adventures and her progress while she is in Hungary.

aNNeTTe fiTzgerald

Hungarian Exchange Co-ordinator

PLEASE REMEMBER to put your child’s name (including a surname) on all belongings brought to school. Please do NOT use initials only as

identification is difficult.

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

introducing new Staff at Macarthur

Ms Sarah TorTechnology and Creative Design Teacher

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of helping students at all levels to learn and enjoy learning. Macarthur is a well resourced school with a team of experienced teachers and I do believe it is the best place for me to be to rise to this challenge”

Mr Stuart HughesEnglish Teacher

Stuart has previously worked at Macarthur as a casual English and History Teacher. He has taught at Canley Vale High School and Thomas Hassall Anglican College. He has also worked in the Recruitment and Promotions industry. Stuart is married and has three children.

Ms Yvette SiladyiEnglish TeacherA former student of Macarthur herself (Year

12, 2000), Yvette has been a casual teacher and peripatetic music tutor at Macarthur. “I am looking forward to getting to know the students and taking advantage of all the great resources here and being involved in music and drama co-curricular activities”

Mrs Bethuen GradyKindergarten Teacher

Bethuen most recently worked as a Kindergarten teacher at Sadlier Public School. She attends St James’ Anglican Church in Minto where she is

involved in Youth group and creche leadership. Bethuen is also a former student of Macarthur (Year 12, 2004).

“I am looking forward to working in a Christian environment and seeing academic and spiritual growth in my students.”

Mrs Kirsten HeyKindergarten Teacher

“I am interested in learning more about Macarthur’s teaching and learning programmes and hope to share and exchange educational ideas to improve student outcomes”Kirsten was Assistant Principal at St Andrew’s Public School. She is married, has two children and attends church at Macarthur Family Chapel.

Mrs Amanda MetuaHead of English Faculty

Amanda has come to Macarthur from Hurlstone Agricultural High School where she was a Senior English teacher and Year advisor.“I am looking forward to working with the Macarthur community to help students achieve great things!”

Enter to Learn Go out to Serve

Uniform Shop Notice

Year 10 girls wishing to purchase Senior Winter

Uniform, please come and see Mrs McKell in the Uniform

Shop URGENTLY.

daTEs For Your dIarY...February16 Year 11 HSC Information Evening17 Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival19 Middle School/Senior School Swimming Carnival

March3 PFA Forum and AGM4 NASSA Senior Swimming Carnival4 Year 10-12 Recital Evening4-6 Years 3-6 Camps11 African Adventure Information Night12 Years 8-12 Parent/Teacher Evening13-28 Thailand Outreach16 Years 8-12 Parent/Teacher Evening20 Grandparent’s Day31 PFA Movie Night

April3-9 Half Yearly Examinations4-5 Dad’s and Daughter’s Camp9 Easter Service and end of Summer Term27 Autumn Term begins ANZAC Day Service28 Junior School Cross Country30 Middle School and Senior School Cross Country

Qu

est

GAT

Eway

MAC

ARTH

UR

ANG

LIC

AN S

CH

OO

L

MAC

ARTH

UR

ANG

LIC

AN S

CH

OO

L

MAC

ARTH

UR

ANG

LIC

AN S

CH

OO

L

MAC

ARTH

UR

ANG

LIC

AN S

CH

OO

L

MACARTHURANGLICAN SCHOOL

Mac

arth

ur

GATEway Quest 2009 will be held on 24 October.

Victorian Bushfire Tragedy...

What can you doto help?

The recent devastation in Victoria has impacted on us all. Here at school it has been a focus during Chapels and Staff meetings. Many of us feel powerless to do anything. There are some simple things we can all do to help...

• If you have not already made a donation, make one through The Archbishop’s Emergency Bushfire Appeal. Visit the website for online donations or call 1800 653 903.

http://www.archbishopsappeals.asn.au/donations/ccdp-emergency-bushfire-appeal

• Take unwanted clothing, toys, baby goods, etc. to your nearest Charity collection point.

• Pray for all those affected by this disaster. The following is a sample which may be of help to you in this.

Heavenly Father and Creator of all things, we and all of creation look to you to provide all things necessary for our welfare;

Look in mercy on your people and hear our prayer for those people in Victoria whose lives and possessions have been destroyed by bushfires. In your mercy restore your creation and heal the land.

Protect and bless the work of emergency workers; the Fire Brigade; the Police; the Ambulance, and the State Emergency Services, as they bring relief and rescue in time of danger. Guide and bless your people that we may enjoy the fruits of the earth and give you thanks with grateful hearts. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.