Easter serves as a reminder that we all need a saviour. It could probably be said unequivocally, that the lives of all our families and students are never straightforward. There are no exceptions to the fact that this sometimes involves times of great stress and difficulties. The only thing we can be assured of is God’s love. In Isaiah 53:5-6, it is stated: He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. I pray that your Easter is not only a lovely holiday but also a holy day.
One way we endeavour to support our students is through our Pastoral Care program which is integral to the structure of the GCCC Middle School. It involves one key teacher who teaches at least one core subject line or two minor subject lines. As teachers supporting the role of parents, that responsibility is taken seriously by being aware of each student’s successes and failures and social relationships in association with their natural abilities, gifts and level of maturity. A key role of the Pastoral Care teacher is to provide a setting where relationship and trust can be built. In this role the PC teacher endeavours to be the first point of contact for families when things are tough and to keep parents informed when a student is experiencing difficulty at school. The up and coming Parent Teacher Interviews are a great way to connect with your child’s pastoral care teacher (along with your child’s other teachers). Also, please remember to bring your child along to these interviews.
Year 7 Canberra Camp: At point of writing this article the Year 7s are settling down to their first night in our nation’s capital. However, by the time you read this they may be home again sharing their stories, adventures and highlights of the trip. Knowing firsthand how our country operates and seeing some of our nation’s treasures and important places is a wonderful privilege. We would like to officially thank and recognise the contribution by the Australian Federal Government towards the cost of this camp
Year 8 Higher Ground Camp: At the same time, the year 8s were off on an adventure camp with a one night campout. We’ll have photos and an article on the camp in the next newsletter in Term 2.
Term 2 Reminders
ANZAC assembly and March. In Week 1 of next term there will be whole College assembly commemorating ANZAC day on Thursday 24 April. The following day the College will march in the Beerwah ANZAC parade on the 25 of April. All students are expected to march and will need to come in full formal with hat and water bottle.
NAPLAN tests will be in Week 4 of Term 2.
Year 9 camp is in Week 5 with students heading off to the border to Pindari.
Jacqualina Vreeling, Head of Middle School