News

NAPLAN

St Andrews Christian College has continued to perform at a high academic level, according to our recent NAPLAN results. The NAPLAN tests provide an individual standard of comparison across the State. These individual results are also presented as an overall performance of the College, along with the comparisons of similar, or like Schools, as well as a comparison against the State.

The tests, this year covered the areas of Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation, Numeracy (Mathematics) and Reading. The NAPLAN tests are conducted at Year 3, 5, 7 and 9. If a student has been attending St Andrews from Year 3 to Year 9, analysis also allows us to track relative individual growth, along with growth as a School. There are 5 tests at each year level leaving a total of 15 areas of data that can be analysed.

Some of our improvements are evident in the comparisons of the State averages. Initial analysis of our results reveal that at every year level of the test, and for every subject area covered, our average students are in the top 25% of the State. In at least one third of the 15 areas, our bottom 25% are above the State average.

These are very impressive results and reflect the hard work that is carried out by staff in order to drive a valuable learning experience that is making a positive impact on learning. We continue to thank God for the blessings that He provides, not only in quality staff, but for families who support the vision and values of our College. We are growing well rounded students who will grow to become leaders in their field and who will be able to make a difference in their workplace or chosen vocation.

As we conduct a deeper, more extensive analysis of the data, we will present a more detailed report. Your child’s printed NAPLAN report should now have been sent home. If you missed this, please contact Reception for a replacement.

Merrick Brewer

Head of Learning and Teaching

Operation Christmas Child

The Prep classes have been busy purchasing and packing “Christmas in a Shoebox” goodies to send via Samaritan’s Purse as part of Operation Christmas Child.

We would love to invite all other students and families to join us in buying new items and bringing them to school next term. The postage cost is $10 for each shoebox. Maybe parents could encourage their children to do some “little jobs” over the holidays with the view of earning “pocket money” to contribute to this worthwhile cause as we bless other children and their communities with the love of Jesus in a practical way.

We will be talking to the school community at the first Assembly in Term 4 but some ideas of what to include in each shoebox are:

• something to wear- t-shirt, polo shirt, shorts, skirt, cap, beanie, sandals etc.
• something to love- teddy bear, doll, soft toy etc.
• something special- carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, stickers, necklaces, craft kits, wind up torch etc.
• something for school- exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils & sharpener, eraser, chalk etc.
• something to play with- tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets etc.
• something for personal hygiene- soap and face washer, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, scrunchies, hair-clips etc.

Sonia Sires

Prep Teacher

Popcorn Plays

All are invited to the Year 7-9 Drama performance evening on Saturday 28th October at 7pm in Rembrandts.

It's called "Popcorn plays" and will be two comedies performed by Year 7-9 students.

Karen Elbourne

Drama Teacher

Ensembles Extravaganza

On Tuesday the 12th of September the music department hosted the largest ensembles concert in the history of St Andrews. Over 150 students were involved playing across 14 ensembles to a packed out audience in Rembrandts.

 It has been an amazing experience to see the music department grow both in numbers and ability over the past several years. The concert opened with the Grade 5 band giving a wonderful rendition of Largo from a New World Symphony by Dvořák. This was particularly impressive considering these students only picked up their instruments for the first time 8 months ago.

We had some wonderful performances from our Concert Band, Jazz Band, various String Ensembles and Choirs. Particularly impressive was the newly formed Primary Chamber Ensemble who were able to give a very musical performance despite only starting rehearsals several weeks ago.

The final item of the concert was blisteringly fast jazz rendition of Crazy in Love by Beyoncé. This was performed by our VCE vocal ensemble and accompanied by members of our Jazz and Senior Worship Bands.

A huge thank you to all of the staff who helped out on the night and the ensemble directors for preparing the students for performance!​

Luke Batty

Music Director

Missing Trumpet Book

Evan Kong 5F has lost his trumpet book at school. 

He name is written on the inside with pencil. Please hand into the school office if found.

2018 Enrolments

We have commenced our planning for 2018 and are confirming places for new students to start in Term 1, 2018. Unless we have been advised, we are assuming that all current students will be returning to the College in 2018.

If a student is not returning to the College, in line with the enrolment policy, one term’s notice in writing is required. If the notice is not received on time, one term’s tuition fees in lieu of notice will be charged. This requirement is clearly noted in the enrolment Agreement and Declaration which all parents/guardians signed when their child(ren) was enrolled.

To assist with our planning, we ask you to advise the College by Monday 9th October 2017 if a student is not returning to the College in 2018. The notice should be addressed to the College Registrar and can be sent via email to registrar@standrews.vic.edu.au  It will be helpful to receive this notice as soon as possible as it will allow us to offer any vacant places to students on our waiting lists.

NEW SIBLING ENROLMENTS

If there are siblings of current students wanting to enrol at the College, it is important that parents submit an enrolment application at the commencement of the year prior to their planned entry. This allows the College to provide a priority place for siblings of current students.

Please do not hesitate to speak with the Registrar, Mrs Suzy Song (8847 8309) if you have any concerns regarding this information or if you need clarification in any way.

Darren Waterworth

Business Manager

Prayer Group

Wednesdays at 8:45am

This year the St Andrews Parent Prayer Group will be meeting every Wednesday morning at 8:45am in the meeting room next to the school office. 

The St Andrews Prayer Group would like to welcome and invite all parents to come along and join in prayer, with other parents for the needs of the St Andrews school community. 

It is a great opportunity to join in fellowship with other parents.

For specific prayer requests, there is a prayer request box at the front reception desk for you to put your request in if you are unable to join us.

We are greatly blessed at St Andrews to have the opportunity to gather together for prayer. As Christians we are called to pray, and we encourage parents to join us. Be reassured that you don’t have to pray out loud if you are not comfortable in doing so.

Suzy Song

Prayer Group Coordinator

Language Translation

The newsletter has a new feature where it will translate into a different language. There is a small box at the bottom of every newsletter page where you can select which language you'd like the newsletter to be translated to.

Shaun Beovich

Newsletter Editor

Vaccines

Free meningococcal ACWY vaccine for adolescents aged 15 to 19

In 2017 one free meningococcal ACWY vaccine is offered to Victorian students aged 15 to 19, or in Years 10, 11 12. The vaccine provides protection against four strains of meningococcal disease (ACWY) and is administered as a single dose.

Adolescents are at increased risk of meningococcal disease. Although uncommon, it can become life-threatening, very quickly. In recent years, the meningococcal W strain has increased across Australia, it is now the predominant strain in Victoria.

Eligible students who has not received this vaccine can attend either a local council community immunisation session, or a General Practitioner to receive the free vaccine by 31 December 2017. For more information, please contact Knox City Council Immunisation team on 9298 8165 or health.services@knox.vic.gov.au.