COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 7

Christian School- like a Host a Murder? Martindale Hall in South Australia (where Picnic at Hanging Rock was filmed) is the only living museum in Australia. During the day it is a National Trust museum but at night you can sleep over as a Bed and Breakfast. On Saturday evenings a group can hire the house for a ‘host a murder’, including using all the facilities in the Hall. In a host a murder each person role-plays a part and throughout the night clues are given to establish the identity of the murderer. You dress up as a character, speak like the character, take on their persona and contribute to the group. While we enjoy stepping into a character’s role, we do understand that it is not real and after a time reality will reoccur. At times a Christian School can take on the style of a host a murder. Not that someone gets murdered (sometimes I do die at the hand of my own jokes….) but we play out roles different to who we really are. We wear masks and pretend to be, to believe and to do things different to the real us. My heart cries out to those young people who I can see are playing out roles and yet it is not the real them. Some young people hear us and watch us share the gospel but they merely nod and smile sweetly, indicating that they think we are playing a game of host a murder and that they, who live in the real world, don’t wish to play. Others play the tough, cool or popular role desperately seeking approval but never really feeling satisfied or adequate. Some play the very spiritual or academic role seeking excessive approval from teachers etc. Some just appreciate what it is to be themselves- unique, made in the image of God and special. They are a joy to behold and a great encouragement. As teachers we also can become guilty of role playing. When we are facing problems in our life it is often hard to admit this to other staff and extremely difficult to admit it to the students. In fact many people won’t even admit it to themselves. One of our aims at Regents Park Christian School is to encourage openness and transparency. All people have struggles, make mistakes and have weaknesses. It is pointless to try to construct a community that denies our humanity and our daily reliance on God’s grace, forgiveness and love. We are saved by grace and we need to learn to live each day with grace. Admitting our mistakes etc. is naturally very difficult for us to do. It is very threatening for our self-esteem. We don’t want others to think less of us. We have a tendency to think less of ourselves. In reality admitting your mistakes can be very freeing. It allows us to learn from our experiences, from the wisdom of others and to grow from the experience. A person who gets 99% on a test can be just as fearful as the person who scores 10% on the same test. It is how we choose to live life that matters more than how others view us.

Gary Brummell, Principal

Our Vision

To foster a Christ centred learning community where all students receive an education which enables them to

know the Lord Jesus Christ, grow in Him and serve Him to their full potential

Regents Park Christian School

59 Regent Street, Regents Park, 2143 Ph: 9644 5144 Fax: 9743 7082

principal@rpcs.nsw.edu.au www.rpcs.nsw.edu.au

IMPORTANT DATES - TERM 3 2014 18 Sept Year 12 Lunch Year 12 Graduation Evening 19 Sept Last day of term SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 24 Sept School at Work Tour Tuesday 7 Oct - Term 4 begins 8 Oct School at Work Tour PRAYER POINTS Please pray for our Year 12 students as they prepare for their exams Please continue to pray for the Oreshkin family as they prepare for Viktor’s Memorial Service Please pray for approval by Council for our Building Application for Stage 2 Primary Please pray for Staffing and Enrolments for 2015

Term 3 Week 8 12 September 2014

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col 3:17

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 7

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

BOYS’ HAIRSTYLES If your son is needing a haircut, please ensure that they do not talk you into a comb-over style (pictured). As described in the Primary and Senior Handbooks: hair must be worn neatly and must not cover the collar or fall below the eyebrows. Hair should be cut in a conservative style and of even length. No part of the hair may be shorter than a No. 2 comb/clipper. Students may face suspension from school for breaches of this policy.

ABSENCE NOTES Remember that it is a legal requirement that children attend school. If a child is away from school – for any reason – it is the parents’ responsibility to send a signed note of explanation. Notification by SMS, although appreciated, does not replace this requirement. If your student will be absent due to a family holiday or similar, an application form must be completed and returned to the Office for approval by the Principal IN ADVANCE. When your children are absent, ensure they are provided with a note of explanation to give to their teachers on their return. Thank you to those parents who have been diligently sending their child’s notes! Your support is greatly appreciated.

LEAVING THE SCHOOL? If you are intending to leave the school at the end of this year, please let the school know by the end of this term. Notice should be in writing to the Principal. According to the school’s terms and conditions of enrolment, one full term’s notice, in writing, of intention to withdraw your child is required. Failure to do so renders you liable for one term’s fees.

YEAR 7 ENROLMENTS If you have friends or family who are considering Christian schooling for their children for Year 7 next year – please encourage them to contact us so that we can promote our school to them! Application packs are available from the school office or can be downloaded from our website: www.rpcs.nsw.edu.au

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY The Australian Veterans’ Children Assistance Trust (AVCAT) is a not-for-profit organisation administering scholarships to help children, and in some cases grandchildren, of the Australian ex-service community with the costs of full-time education. The most deserving candidates are provided with financial assistance to facilitate their tertiary studies. AVCAT relies on the generosity of the ex-service and business community as well as private donors. Applications for 2015 close 31 October. If you would like to find out more about supporting AVCAT or applying for a scholarship, please contact: T: 02 9213 7999 E: avcat@dva.gov.au and W: www.avcat.org.au

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK Parents play their part to protect and care for children and young people in our community by providing loving and supportive environments and by showing how to have respectful relationships. Being a new parent can be challenging. Accept offers of help (especially the ones where cooked meals are involved!) Link in with services that support you — New Parent Groups can be fantastic. It’s OK to reach out and ask for support. Discover what helps reduce your stress and assists you to best care for your children. Parenting courses can help you be the best you possibly can be. Listen to your children and involve them in planning things as a family. Parenting isn’t always easy. Share your experiences and skills with other parents — it can help you realise that you are not alone. Take time out when you feel stressed or upset — look after yourself. Parenting can be positive — notice the good times too. Make plans for enjoyable “family time” — this can help build close relationships. Talk about safety with your children. Talk about what being unsafe might look and feel like at home, in the community, online or at school. Make plans about what to do if they feel unsafe. Celebrate your children and their achievements, values and interests and support your children when times are tough. This will build a strong family that is loving and safe. Get involved in your community. Joining groups will help you and your children to have fun and meet people.

AR 11 DRAMA PRESENTS…

SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMPS – Ages 5–16 years NSW Sport and Recreation have a number of fun and exciting holiday camps for kids aged 5 to16 years priced from $45 per day. Led by qualified instructors, our popular camps get kids outdoors learning new skills while making new friends. There are plenty of activities on offer, including fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing and cooking camps. Go to: www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/kidscamps 13 13 02 fb.com/nswsportandrecreation

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 7

UNIFORM SHOP – School Holidays Opening The Uniform Shop will be open on Friday 3 October from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES - Term 3

Hi everyone! We are a very supportive group where you can practice your English! Who: Family and friends are all welcome! Where: Heartbeat Church (59-61 Regent St) When: Tuesdays from 9.30 – 11am Dates: 22 July – 16 September Contact: Michelle Lin – 9738 9799 (church office)

MUMS & BUBS PROGRAM Activities: Play, story, craft and music Time: Fridays (10.30 am – 12.15 pm during school terms) Where: Heartbeat Church (59-61 Regent St) Fee: $1 (donation)

PRIMARY NEWS

PBS PRIMARY: BE RESPECTFUL, BE SAFE, BE KIND AND BE A LEARNER Next week, our focus will be on Being an Example to Others in our learning. We can encourage or discourage others in their learning by the choices we make. When we decide that we want to achieve the best for ourselves, not only do we benefit, but it encourages others to do the same!

END OF TERM MORNING TEA – Friday 19 Sept

On Friday, 19 September we invite our parents to stay after assembly and enjoy a cuppa and some friendly fellowship at our End of Term Morning Tea.

JUNIOR & SENIOR SOCCER TEAM SPORT REPORT On Monday 1st September the Junior and Senior Primary Soccer Teams represented RPCS at the State CSSA Soccer Finals! Although both teams were presented with quality opposition throughout the day, they gave their all on the field, showed exemplary sportsmanship and enjoyed playing soccer with their friends. Alex Jennings

DEBATING FINAL – RPCS VS BEROWRA “We have never had it so good!” was the topic for the final and our team of Sophia, Kezia, Charlie and Ha Ram were given the affirmative argument. They spoke eloquently and passionately but the team from Berowra were just that wee bit more convincing and persuaded the adjudicator in favour of the negative. Congratulations to our team for a valiant effort and to Mrs Pocknall for great coaching!

PRIMARY MUSICAL HELP: SEWING! Friday, 28 November will be our end of year Presentation Evening and Primary Musical. We will be sending notes home asking for any help that parents or family members may be able to offer. In particular, we are looking for help sewing costumes! It is going to be grand and glorious and any help you can offer would be so graciously received! Please contact the primary office if you are able to help.

CRUNCH N SIP & EAT IT TO BEAT IT As you are aware, we are a Crunch n Sip school. Every morning at around 10am, our primary students and staff enjoy a Crunch n Sip Break. Please provide your children with a serving of fresh fruit and a drink bottle filled with water to enjoy at this time. In an effort to encourage healthy eating habits in our young people, the Cancer Council provides weekly nutrition snippets for Community News. We hope you take advantage of this information to make good nutrition and its benefits part of your family’s lifestyle.

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 7

PRIMARY ASSEMBLY Please feel free to come and share with us at our Friday Assembly held every Friday morning from 9-9.45am.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

This year we are once again encouraging our families to prepare a Christmas box to give to a child in a developing nation. Boxes should contain:

Something to love;

Something to wear;

Something special;

Something for hygiene;

Something to play with &

Something for school. A donation of $9 to assist Samaritan’s Purse with the cost of postage is also appreciated. Brochures, providing more information, as well as Christmas boxes are available from the primary office and from Mr Perera in secondary. Completed boxes should be returned to the school by Friday of Week 1, Term 4 (10 October).

NOAH’S LITTLE ARK SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM School Holidays are rapidly approaching and Noah’s Little Ark provide a fantastic service to families during this time. On the last page of this edition of Community News are all the activities planned for the two week period. If you would like to take advantage of any or all of these activities, please contact Noah’s Little Ark.

FATHER’S DAY BREAKFAST

What a great day was had last Friday celebrating community! Our illustrious secondary prefects were there at 7am to fire up the barbecues and very soon thereafter, families were queued up for their yummy bacon and egg rolls. There were also coffees from Eddie of Cafe2U and hot chocolates from our canteen ladies followed by an amazing demonstration of competition and good fun from our terrific dads! Thank you to all the dads who were able to come – the smiles on your kids’ faces said it all!

On top of it all, our Father’s Day Stall raised $628.00 which will go towards the purchase of our Playground Equipment!

Class Date

Father’s Day 5 September

3H 12 September

1-2B Morning Tea 19 September

Term 4

Class Date

1-2K 10 October

5-6 Jam 17 October

Kindergarten 24 October

1-2M 31 October

5-6 Jen 7 November

5-6 C 14 November

4D 21 November

Presentation Assembly 28 November

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 7

SECONDARY NEWS

STUDENT DROP OFF - REGENT STREET Parents are reminded that the car park fronting onto Regent Street is a STAFF ONLY car park. Parents’ vehicles may not enter the area to drop off or collect students. The single entry/exit point of this car park does not allow for cars to pass one another and the area becomes quite dangerous when cars are forced to queue on Regent Street while waiting for a parent to leave the car park. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

NEWS FROM AUBURN LIBRARY Auburn Library is organising a careers talk on Tuesday 23 September at 2 pm run by the University of Western Sydney. This would be perfect for senior students considering course options, as well as those interested in alternative pathways to university.

UNSW ENGLISH COMPETITION RESULTS Earlier this year many of our hardworking English students took up the challenge of the UNSW English competition. The well-recognised annual competition involved thousands of Australian and international students. Special congratulations to Amelia Budiawan of Year 12 who achieved our highest result with a High Distinction. Congratulations also to Kimberley Santos (Distinction), Casey Moffitt, Catherine Ray, Adriana Taupau, Nathanael Kwon), Rose McKeich, Scarlet Grayche, Ancy Yao, Victoria Hung), Kyle Laurance and Jack Reiher who all received a Credit; Dylan Halse, Andrew Huynh, Scott Lewis, Tiger Yoon, Anthony Shi who received a Merit and also to Connor Bolger, Montanna House, Yolanda Luchko, Nadine Parker, Joshua Chew, Stephen Knight, Sandy Lay, Sereana Qalulu, Keely Soo, Sandy Xiao, Carolina El Chammas, Christopher Jenner, Mark Kamara, Tukai Keleidaveta, Nigel Lay, Moses Lee, Angelina Luchko, Stephina Lunardi, Pamela Vengust, Peter Akiki, Matthew Li, Christine Nguyen, Jessica Nguyen and Van Tran who all received a Participation.

5-DAY HIGH SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM From Monday 29 September to Friday 3 October from 11am-3pm daily. It will be held in our church hall at the corner of James St & East St, Lidcombe which is a short walk from Lidcombe station.

Information at www.facebook.com/extolholiday.

COMMUNITY NEWS TERM 3 WEEK 6