A time for everything
There is a very poignant passage in Ecclesiastes chapter 3, verses 1 to 8 that has a challenging but true message that seems to cover every event and time in life.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up.
These verses have been at the back of my mind this term as we’ve enjoyed some good times, celebrated highs and also experienced some very sad times. More recently we seem to be going through a time to mourn and a time to weep as I have some sad news to pass on.
It has been widely reported that a couple were found dead in their home in Glasshouse Mountains on Friday 28 March. Sadly, their little girl (who was with her grandmother at the time of the incident) is one of our Primary students. Please pray for this girl and her grandparents as they come to terms with such a tragic loss. I have spoken with the grandmother and offered any support we can provide as a College community. Please watch this space for further details.
Earlier this term Secondary Teacher Sonya Kadel’s husband (Sean) was diagnosed with a serious and complicated cancer. Sonya has cut down her hours in Term 1 to be with Sean during all the tests and treatments but has decided to take a leave of absence during Term 2 as the treatment intensifies. Please keep Sonya and Sean in your prayers as they travel through this dark and uncertain time.
During Sonya’s absence James Follett will be taking her classes. Many of the students already know James as he has already been providing relief teaching in Term 1.
Year 4M students and their families are already aware of their teacher Bron Wynn’s current situation. Her husband was involved in a serious car accident earlier this year and his recovery has been steady but slow. Bron has also been struggling with some significant health issues. After careful consideration Bron will be taking a leave of absence in Term 2 to take care of her husband and recover from her own health situation.
The College has hired Louise Boxce as Bron’s temporary replacement during Term 2. I hope you will all make Louise very welcome.
In the midst of this sadness and difficulty, it is good to remember that we have a God who loves us and knows what if feels like to suffer pain and loss.
Camps and Work Experience
On a much more joyful note this week has been jam-packed with camps, work experience and end of term activities.
For the first time in GCCC history our Year 7 students have flown rather than bussed to Canberra. On the first day of their trip, Year 7 Coordinator Mr Matt Ware was able to report how many of the plane passengers commented on the students’ excellent behaviour.
I’m also looking forward to finding out how the Year 8 ‘Higher Ground’ Camp went as the students arrive back on Friday.
Every Year the Future Pathways team do an excellent job helping our Year 10 students find work placements for their work experience. Every year we hear reports back from the employers on how well the students worked and how impressed the employers are with them. I’m sure that this year will be no different and look forward to learning about their different experiences in Future Pathways articles next term.
No aerosols in school please
Some students suffer severe allergies to aerosol sprays that can trigger a (often) serious asthma attack, or bring on a severe migraine. Sometimes the reaction can even bring on an anaphylactic shock (much like a severe peanut reaction). These reactions can happen even when the aerosol is sprayed a few metres away.
For this reason GCCC will be banning aerosols in school and at school events and activities. Please use roll on alternatives for all school purposes.
We have not talked about forbidding aerosols at school before so there will be a period of grace where students will not be given demerits for bringing in aerosols in during the introduction of the policy. However, teachers are instructed to immediately confiscate the aerosol in order to protect other students from a bad or fatal reaction.
All confiscated aerosol products will be handed in to Primary or Secondary Admin. Parents will be informed that the products have been collected from their son or daughter and that they can call into the College and collect the product.
Please use the holidays to deplete any aerosols that would normally travel to school and purchase roll on alternatives for the beginning of an asthma-friendly start to Term 2.
Student Voice recommendation
One of the Student Voice committee recommendations was that we fly the Aboriginal flag on days of indigenous significance during the year. A flag has been purchased and will be raised on 26 January (Australia Day); 13 February (National Apology); 21 March (Harmony Day – promoting cultural diversity and tolerance); 27 May to 3 June (National Reconciliation Week); 1 July (Coming of the Light – marking the arrival of the gospel in Torres Strait); 1-11 July (NAIDOC Week – celebrating history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people). We hope that raising the flag on these days will send a positive message of indigenous pride to all of our students.
ANZAC Day March
There won’t be another newsletter between now and the ANZAC Day March on Friday 25 April so please put these details in a handy place for when the date comes.
As you know, we have a proud history of participating in this significant event for many years and it is a tradition we want to continue into the future. We do it to show we are part of the community but more importantly, to respect and honour those who laid down their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. It is a freedom that was bought at great cost and not one that we take for granted.
Students and staff will assemble at 9.10am at the corner of Mawhinney and Free Streets in Beerwah. The march begins at 9.30am and ends at the cenotaph at the Beerwah RSL where the service will commence at about 10.00am. Students must wear their formal school uniform including formal hats for Secondary students. Please bring a bottle of water with you on the day. Families are welcome to watch the parade from either side of the street.
Finally
I want to take this opportunity at the end of Term 1 to thank you for your support. As a College we take very seriously the commitment to work in partnership with our parents as we strive to educate children in the best way possible.
I hope you have a restful and relaxing holiday and that you make the time to reflect on Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection and ultimate triumph over sin and death.
Mike Curtis, Principal