GAINING OUR STRENGTH FROM GOD

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever

lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:25-26)

At this sad time for our community, following the heart-breaking news we heard yesterday, it is this passage from John that we need to go back to and hang on to. This is God’s promise that gives us hope in the future; a hope in the eternal life with him that he has waiting for us. It gives us reassurance, too, that he has our loved ones in his care; holding them in his loving arms.

That does not mean that we won’t feel sadness, emptiness and anger. We still question why and protest at the unfairness of what has happened.

However, be reminded that God is with us all, in both the good times and the bad. He understands our pain, loss and sense of helplessness. Draw your strength from him, from his words of blessing and from his promise of a greater and better place.

I thank our community for the support they have extended to each other and for the love they have shown through their actions and words. Continue it.

PrayersDear Lord, we uphold the Nuss family most especially to you today, as well as other families and staff experiencing loss and suffering at this time. Please give them an extra measure of your love and continue to surround them with supporting and understanding friends and family. Help us to keep our trust and faith in you and your promises of eternal life in heaven. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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Good NewsLutheran School

49 Horizon DrMiddle Park Q 4074

PO Box 184Mt Ommaney Q 4074

Office: 3373 4400Absentee: 3373 4411OSHC: 3373 4444Fax: 3376 2858

enquiries@goodnews.qld.edu.auwww.goodnews.qld.edu.au

Mr Adam RichardsonPrincipal

Mrs Peita FrewDeputy Principal

Church Office: 3373 4440

Pastor Athol PukallusSchool Pastor

Mr Sean ConryCommunity Chaplain

Good News WeekNewsletter of Good News Lutheran School “High quality education within a caring Christian community”

17 October 2012

life in all its fullness

Proudly providing over 28 years of Christian Education

CORE VALUE: Reflection FOCUS VALUE: Respect People

WELCOMEThis week we welcome Humphrey Munn (Y6) and his parents, Janet and Alan, to Good News. I pray that you all settle quickly into our community.

THANK YOUThank you to all in our community that have supported our students, staff and families at this time. It is important that we continue to do so and to allow each other to respond in our own way as we filter events through our own experiences and circumstances. I would also like to thank the counselling staff of St Peters Lutheran College, who have been assisting us.

ASSISTANCEPlease be reminded that if you feel that your child or family need extra support in the coming days and weeks, that we have professional people available to help you. Pastor Puk and Chaplain Sean are also most willing to speak and pray with you if that would bring comfort or assist in making some sense of your feelings.

GEORGIA’S FUNERALPaul and Nicole Nuss have advised that Georgia’s funeral will likely be held on Monday, 22 October. As the details are still being finalised, I will send a letter to families tomorrow or Friday and we will place a notice in the News Central section of the portal. Thank you for your understanding.

MEMORIAL CHAPELAs outlined in my letter yesterday, we will be holding a special Whole School Chapel next Wednesday, 24 October, in memory of Georgia and to celebrate the special person that we remember her as. All are welcome to join us at 8:15am.

COPING WITH GRIEF INFORMATION EVENINGOn Wednesday 24 October, we are holding an information evening about Helping Your Child in Times of Grief. Parents are encouraged to attend if you feel it may be of benefit either now or in the future for you and your family.

We want this seminar to be as practical as possible, so we have set up a form on our website where you can submit the topics you’d like covered as well as any specific questions you’d like answered. Just click on the flyer on our homepage to get to the form. All submissions will be anonymous. www.goodnews.qld.edu.au

Chaplain Sean and our school psychologist, Adam Bear, will be running this important session from 7pm in the Worship Centre.

SCHOOL OFFICERS DAYToday is School Officers Day and I thank all of our non-teaching staff for the wonderful ways in which they support our programs, students families and staff at the school. They are an important part of the Good News team.

BEST WISHESI wish Phoebe de Glas all the best as she heads to Cairns to compete in the state championships for discus. It is a fantastic effort to get to this level already.

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I also wish our bands and ensembles well for the Brisbane Bands Festival this weekend. I trust that they enjoy this unique opportunity to share their talents in the wider community.

On Tuesday 23 October our Senior Choir will be competing in the Silkstone Eisteddfod, I wish them every success and trust that they, too, enjoy the day.

PUPIL-FREE DAYI remind parents that Monday is a pupil-free day. During that time, our teachers will be joining with the staff of Bethany Lutheran Primary School and St Peters Lutheran College Indooroopilly and Springfield to work on Consistency of Teacher Judgement and the new standards framework of the Australian Curriculum.

Yours in Christ

Adam RichardsonPrincipal

SCHOOL NEWS

HAPPY BIRTHDAYCongratulations and best wishes to the following students who celebrate their birthday this week:Ryan Cochrane (2L), Lachlan Clark (5L), Laura Bond (PL), Elise Davies (PL).

YR 7 WET AND WILD DAYDue to unforeseen circumstances, the Yr 7 Wet and Wild Day has been changed from Monday 3 December to Tuesday 4 December. A letter was sent home this week.

TERM 4 2012 FEESInvoices for Term 4 were sent home last week. Payment is due in full by Friday 19 October 2012.

The school’s preferred payment methods are:1. Direct Credit to the School’s bank account (details are on the invoice)2. Credit Card payment on the internet at www.goodnews.qld.edu.au3. Credit Card payment by phoning 1300 885 175 (Biller code 135 368)We also accept payment by cheque, cash (correct change if possible, and EFTPOS at the office.

A late payment fee of $50 will be charged to all accounts that are not paid by the due date, unless an agreed payment plan is in place prior to the fee payment due date and the plan is being maintained. If you are experiencing any difficulties in paying your fees, please contact Christine Fry (Accountant).

MAKE A WISH FREE DRESS DAYThe Student Council is supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation by holding a “Come Dressed as Something You Wish to Be Day” on Wednesday 24 October. This means that you could come dressed as someone from an occupation, such as a professional footballer, a nurse or a scientist, or you could come dressed as a favourite character from a book or movie, or

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perhaps you’d just like to be an alien or and elephant. So long as your dress up is appropriate for our school and also meets our usual safety and modesty requirements, the list is almost endless. Please remember that if your child has PE that day, they will need to wear their sports shoes. Please bring a gold coin to support this cause.

In conjunction with this event, students are also writing positive stories that will be collated and sent to children in hospital.

2012 AUSTRALIAN MATHS TRUST COMPETITION RESULTSWe are celebrating remarkable Maths results in the AMT competition this year. Of the 68 students who chose to participate, an amazing 37 achieved a Distinction or High Distinction. We record each year’s results and track students’ progress to make sure that our standards remain consistently high and to help children to improve their ‘personal bests’. This year we have seen the achievement of many personal bests.In 2011 our highest achievers received 3 High Distinctions and 19 Distinctions. This year we are very pleased to note that we have improved on that record and achieved 4 High Distinctions and 33 Distinctions!Outstanding results and printed certificates are an excellent reward for the hard effort of both students and teachers. More rewarding, however, is the real joy on a child’s face when he/ she suddenly grasps a new concept and the satisfaction experienced by both teacher and student when we hear the words, “I’ve got it!”

Congratulations to ALL participants, to all winners of ‘personal bests’. Children who achieved a High Distinction or Distinction are listed below.

High DistinctionKrishna KangatharanAparaj BogahawattaMatthew Low Olivia Powrie

DistinctionCade BarrientosRachel LeathersBenjamin DuvalLucinda DaviesArthur CloseJake StockwellAnna KypriosTamara JohnstonJack ZhangLachlan SchubertJasmin ShearerAshleigh WhiteJonah GloverJulia BairdAnjana JeyakumarTrinity FrostChristian Binggeli

Bianca StewartXavier CatfordIsabella RussellLiam McBrienSamuel DedigamaJake BarrientosRuby-Jayne Bertram-AndersonNoah GloverConnor DuvalDaniel DunnNicolas OlivierAiden FlettWilliam YangElizabeth HayKelsey MatuschkaJoeyan Wang

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NATIONAL BANDANNA DAY - FRIDAY 26 OCTOBERThe Student Council Executive will be selling bandannas at a cost of $4.00 each from Monday 29 October. We have opted for the following week due to the high number of events already taking place next week. The bandannas will be on sale before school and at morning tea in the Yr 7 courtyard. Children may wear their bandanna at school for that week beginning Monday 29 October to Friday 2 November (although hats must still be worn at the usual times). Wearing a bandanna shows young people living with cancer that they are not alone. All monies raised go towards

providing camps, services and programs that help young people with cancer.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD - CHRISTMAS 2012Operation Christmas Child has been launched for this year. Samaritan’s Purse, which runs Operation Christmas Child, is a worldwide interdenominational organisation aiming to bring joy, via shoe boxes filled with gifts, to millions of children who would otherwise not receive any gifts at Christmas time. We are asking each family to contribute in some way - by filling a shoe box with gifts, donating items to go in the boxes or by donating Christmas (or other cheerful design) wrapping paper and shoe boxes. More information can be found from the eGate portal at www.goodnews.qld.edu.au / class news, or you can collect a flyer from the Parent Centre. The boxes need to be approximately 30cm x 18cm x 11cm. Each classroom has a collection box in which to place your donations. Please bring all donations and shoe boxes by Monday 5 November Let’s make this year our best ever. Together we can make a difference!

Here are a few ideas of what items can go in your shoebox- (No lollies, sweets, toothpaste).SOMETHING TO LOVE - Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.SOMETHING FOR SCHOOL - Exercise book, pencil case, pens, pencils etc.SOMETHING TO WEAR - T-shirt, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, sandals, thongs, etc.SOMETHING TO PLAY WITH - Tennis ball, cars, skipping rope, marbles, yo-yo etc.SOMETHING FOR PERSONAL HYGIENE - Soap, face washer, toothbrush etc.SOMETHING SPECIAL - Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kits, stickers, etc.

FREE DRESS DAY "DAY FOR DANIEL WALK " - DRESS IN RED FOR DANIEL FRIDAY OCTOBER 26 From 6.45am to 8.00amBring the whole family, come dressed in red for Daniel and join us for a walk around the oval to support the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. Please bring a gold coin donation.

Students will need to wear sun safe clothes, enclosed shoes and a hat. Students involved in interschool sport will also need their correct sports uniform to wear.

Enjoy a coffee (a coffee van will be present) and a light breakfast (details to follow in next week's newsletter). Cash only sales.

Please help the Good News Community support such a wonderful foundation.See you on the morning!

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SPORTS AND MUSIC PHOTOSThe 2012 Sports and Music photos are on display in the Parent Centre for viewing and ordering. Cost of each photo is $16.00. Orders are to be made on the forms provided (available from the Parent Centre or office). Please return the completed order form to Mrs Shepherdson in the Parent Centre together with payment (cash or cheque only - correct amount please, as no change will be given All orders are to be returned by Friday 19 October to ensure delivery prior to the end of term. All orders received after this date will incur an additional $10.00 handling fee.

PREP INFORMATION EVENINGA reminder that the Prep Information Evening for Prep 2013 is on tomorrow night, 18 October, starting at 7pm in the Worship Centre.

LOST WATCHOne of our students had her watch taken from the basketball courts on Friday morning when she was at netball training. The watch is a CASIO Baby G White Digital Sports Watch. Please contact the office if you have any information.

ICT NEWS Social Networking for KidsMany adults in our community may be members of social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Google+. There are many benefits to being connected with others online (as well as many pit-falls that we’re all aware of). The aforementioned sites all have age restrictions that restrict users to being either over 13 or 18 to legally be allowed to participate. Where does that leave our kids who also want to be connected online?There are some safe and fun alternatives for children where the social networking is either monitored or has filter alerts. There are more and more sites and apps becoming available every week, so here are just a few of the new ones that might interest your child.

Whyville – www.whyville.net is a popular virtual community created for kids ages 8 to 15, although it may not be appropriate for the younger side of that wide span. The main concern is that although the site uses a language filter and city workers review the chat log and warrant "duct tape sentences" to offenders, the chat is not monitored 24/7. But kids must take an instructive chat license test that teaches online safety features. Numerous safety measures built into the site help protect kids from online predators.

Kids can learn many things in Whyville, from science and data analysis to managing bank accounts and healthy diets. Kids might start by playing science games, such as exploring what causes seasons and how winds affect hot air balloons, or making objects spin faster (such as an ice skater). They can gather data about creatures in the ocean and compare it to other kids’ observations. They manage their avatar’s diet, exercise, and immunity from viruses. Kids can even study how diseases spread in Whyville. Activities may require help, but most empower children to pursue science in ways that apply to everyday life.

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Franktown Rocks – www.franktownrocks.com a music streaming site that allows users to talk about their favourite music. This site is a safe spot for kids to listen to popular music (all pre-screened by parents). With games, videos, and a virtual world to explore, and an emphasis on music appreciation, it's a great mix of what kids want in music and what

parents want online - safety and education. Franktown Rocks is a social networking site that encourages children to meet friends and learn about music through an eclectic but pleasing G-rated collection of songs, games, videos, and virtual-world play. It's free unless you want to buy a Premium membership for better streaming, wider music choices, and other features (99 cents for a two-day pass, $5.99/mo.). You can also buy online money called Franks, which are used to purchase songs and other items in Franktown (but Franks can also be earned by playing games on the site for free).

Fanlala - www.fanlala.com a Facebook-like social networking site for kids age 8-14, is a safer choice - as long as the parent or teacher who approves the child's membership uses the many parental

control options and monitors the child's activity on the site frequently. There’s also a profanity-free music service called Fanlala radio as the site attempts to become the Facebook and Pandora alternative for the tween and younger teen set. Fanlala radio is also available as an app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fanlala-radio/id525347467

A further list of social networking sites for kids that have been rated and reviewed can be found at: www.commonsensemedia.org/website-lists/social-networking-kidsDigital Common Sense Lessons:This week, Year 5 will be participating in the lesson:Research and Evaluation – Right SitesStudents will:

• Explore the differences between quality and appeal as they evaluate children’s informational websites

• Evaluate informational websites and compare their findings • Understand that they need to consider both the quality and

appeal of a site when choosing which informational websites are right for them

To view the lesson and associated parent resources, go to:http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/lesson/right-sites-4-5

Year 6 will be participating in the lesson: Research and Evaluation – Identifying High Quality SitesStudents will:

• Understand how the ease of publishing on the Web might affect how much they can trust the content of some sites

• Learn criteria that will help them evaluate websites • Apply the criteria to a site to determine how trustworthy

and useful it is

app

site

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To view the lesson and associated parent resources (including a parent video), go to: http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/lesson/identifying-high-quality-sites-6-8

Have a great week!Sarah HobsoneLearning Integration Teacherwww.egate.net.auHave a great week!

MUSIC NEWS

Congratulations Senior Choir on your performance on Assembly yesterday! Good luck for the Eisteddfod!

Brisbane Bands Festival: Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of OctoberPlease return the slip ASAP. The letter can also be found online at News Central. Please note there is a small, cash only, entry fee for audience members.

Silkstone Eisteddfod: Tuesday, 23rd of OctoberThe letter with can also be found on the News Central.

Upcoming Music DatesSenior Choir Extra Rehearsal

Thursday, October 18th 3:00-4:00 Music Room

Brisbane Bands FestivalWhite BandGold BandConcert BandVivace Strings

Saturday and SundayOctober 20th

October 20th

October 21st

October 20th

Performance Time4:10pm7:40pm12:30pm10:20am

Centenary High School, Jindalee

Pupil Free Day Monday, October 22nd All DaySilkstone Vocal Eisteddfod Tuesday, October 23rd 8:45- 12:00 Glebe Rd Uniting Church,

SilkstoneInstrumental testing Wednesday, October 31st TBA Music Block

Mr. Greg SimsMusic Coordinator

PE AND SPORTS NEWSInterschool Sports News:Queensland Under 12 Track and Field:This week the Queensland Under 12 Track and Field competition takes place in Cairns. Good News Lutheran School has one competitor making the journey. Congratulations to Phoebe De Glas for making the Met West Region team for the third year. Phoebe will again be competing in discus. We wish Phoebe a trouble free competition and every opportunity to throw a new PB and make the top 8 athletes in Queensland. West Akuna District Team Sport will continue this Friday (19 October):Basketball teams play at Auchenflower every week from 12.45pm.Flag Tag and Rugby League teams play at Wests Centenary Rugby League Fields at Wacol.This week Flag Tag games are Year 6 Girls – 12.30pmYear 7 Girls Team A – 1.20pm

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Year 7 Girls (Mixed Ages) – 12.30pmRugby League – Year 6 Boys Team – 12.30pmYear 7 Team - 1.20pmJust a reminder if you are intending to watch your child’s game and then transport him / her to home, you will need to inform the School Office so the School Administration is aware of where your child is before 2.45pm on Friday.

Training:Flag Tag and Rugby League teams - Tuesday 7.15am on School OvalBasketball - Wednesday 7.15am Netball Yr 6 & 7 Girls - Friday morning 7.15am

Just a reminder of wet weather and hot weather:If there appears to be showers, which could cause a problem to before school training, I will post a message on the School Website http://www.goodnews.qld.edu.au/egate/newscentral.php advising students whether sports training will be possible. If there is nothing posted, then training will proceed.Hot or wet weather on Fridays will be monitored by the West Akuna District Executive, and the school will be advised as early as possible if sport will be cancelled on any Friday.

Swimming Lessons:Swimming will be starting in the school pool in the first week of November (5 November) for Years 2 – 7. Year 1 classes will be swimming in Weeks 7 and 8 (19 November – 30 November), every day. Your classroom teacher will need parental assistance for Years 1 – 4 classes. If you are able to be of assistance in supervising the water activities or the clothes changing process, could you contact your classroom teacher.

2012 Sports and Physical Education Awards (6 / 13 November):The Award Ceremony for the 2012 Sports and Physical Education Awards will be held on Tuesdays 6 / 13 November from 2.10pm. The first week will be School Achievements, honouring our District and Region representatives and announcing the year level highest point scorers. Week 2 will be the announcement of the Top 10 Athletes of 2012, Sports Person and runner-up in 2012 and the Highest Achieving students from Years 4 – 7 in Physical Education. All parents and school friends are most welcome to attend.

Junior Cricket:Wolston Park Centenary Cricket Club still has vacancies in the In 2 Cricket program for children aged 5-8 years. The program runs Friday nights from 6 - 7.30pm at CJ Greenfields Sporting Complex, Freeman Rd, Richlands. If there are any boys or girls interested in joining this great program, contact –Ellen FerrisSecretary Wolston Park Centenary Cricket Club3376 9545 or 0414 871 461

Mr McVey HPE Co-ordinator

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P & F NEWSGENERAL MEETINGOur next P & F General Meeting will be held on Thursday 25 October at 7.00pm in the Staff Lounge. All parents are welcome to attend. We look forward to seeing you there.

Sunday Service Sunday ServiceSun 21 October 2012 Sun 28 October 20128:00 Traditional 8:00 Traditional9:30 Contemporary 9:30 Contemporary

MESSAGE FROM CHAPLAIN SEANEvery man needs a work bench. I used to have an awesome one, steel framed, timber topped, the perfect height, with my bench vice on one end and drop saw on the other. Aaaaaaah, blokey perfection! A friend was kind enough to ‘look after’ it while we lived overseas… then upon our return to Australia it turned out that my bench sitter had interpreted our agreement somewhat differently and after a year, was really enjoying the ‘gift’ I had given him. Oh dear, that bench was never leaving his garage… and I was benchless. Not to be deterred, I relocated my rickety little old desk to the shed, bolted a big bench top to it that I acquired from a curb-side collection, and voila… a new workbench. It looked just fine, but really, it was rubbish. The top extended so far over the front of the desk that I couldn’t reach the drawers. It was waaay too low and required bending awkwardly to work on it. But worst of all, it was as wobbly as a toddler on a tight rope. Trying to saw through a piece of wood was near impossible… with the bench lurching backwards and forwards – making accuracy of any description a distant pipe-dream. Sigh. Then, out of the blue, after a couple of years of painful wobbles, I was offered a proper, sturdy, high, purpose-built work bench. You beauty! I took a sledge hammer to my old desk with absolute delight and now my shed sports a lovely bench – that won’t budge – even when I’m yanking on it with all my might! Never again will I underestimate the importance of a firm base to work from. Not in my shed, not in my life and not in my faith. When I’m challenged or need to rework a part of my life, it makes everything so much easier having an unshakable identity and value as a loved child of God. No amount of pulling or hammering will ever change that base!

Chaplain Sean Conry

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TUCK-SHOP

Thursday 18 October Tuesday 23 October Thursday 25 October

Clare Burcham Rachael Pulvirenti Bev Maddox

Bev Maddox Ros Herbertson

Sonya Bond Sonya BondPotato Bake $3.00Chocolate, Strawberry or Caramel Gelato $1.50

Kerry BehnTuck Shop Convenor0410 453 247

NOTICEBOARD

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRYPeace Lutheran Primary School are holding their 22nd Annual Art. Come and experience one of the best Art & Craft Shows of 2012

Date: Friday 2 November 2012 and Saturday 3rd November 2012

Time: 9am - 7pm

Venue: Gatton Shire Hall, North Street, Gatton Q 4343

Cost: Adults $6, Children under 12 - Free

Browse and Buy* Christmas Gifts * Jewellery * Quilting and Patchwork Supplies * Scrapbooking

Supplies * Country Craft * Folk Art * Timber * Plants *Paintings * Paper Craft *

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Cottage Craft * Pottery * Old Wares * Homemade Goodies * Rustic Craft * Fress Local Produce and Cakes ....and many more - Over 65 stalls

Official Opening Night - Wine and Cheese EveningThursday 1 November 2012 7pmLimited Pre-paid tickets $22 Phone 0439 735 058

CALENDAR OF EVENTSCALENDAR OF EVENTSCALENDAR OF EVENTS

Wednesday 17 Oct School Officer’s Day

Thursday 18 Oct Information Evening for Prep 2013 7pm

Saturday 20 Oct Brisbane Bands Festival at Centenary High

Sunday 21 Oct Brisbane Bands Festival at Centenary High

Monday 22 Oct Pupil Free Day

Tuesday 23 Oct Senior Choir at Silkstone Eisteddfod 8:45 - 12 noon

Wednesday, 24 Oct Free Dress Day (What you wish to be)

Thursday 25 Oct P & F General Meeting 7pm

Friday 26 Oct Red for Daniel Day P& F Breakfast 7am - 8:30am

Friday 26 Oct Yr 4 - 7 Disco 5:30 - 8:30pm

Friday 26 Oct World Teachers’ Day

Monday 29 Oct Selling of Bandannas for National Bandanna Day

TERM DATES 2012TERM DATES 2012TERM DATES 2012

Term 4 Monday 8 October Thursday 6 December (9 weeks)

Pupil Free Days - 2012Mon 22 October, Fri 7 December.

TERM DATES 2013TERM DATES 2013TERM DATES 2013

Term 1 Tuesday 29 January Thursday 28 March (9 weeks)

Term 2 Monday 15 April Thursday 20 June (10 weeks)

Term 3 Tuesday 9 July Friday 20 September (11 weeks)

Term 4 Tuesday 8 October Thursday 12 December (10 weeks)

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