eNews

No.14 Fortnightly - 21 May 2021

From the Principal

I was looking at one of the Daily Notes of a year ago. It is with a deep sense of thankfulness that we look back on how God guided us through a very challenging time. Knowing that Australia, and especially here in the ACT, we have been so sheltered and protected from the pandemic, we do not take this blessing for granted. 

Last week the school held its Annual General Meeting where, amongst several other agenda items, a new Strategic Plan was launched. Elsewhere in this newsletter you will read an update from our Chair, Laura Day, about the AGM.

The Emmaus Admin Team in their weekly meeting. Cath McGrath (Admin Assistant), Abbi Naude (Executive Assistant), Leonie Penton (Admin Assistant), Candy Villaluna (Receptionist), Jean-Marie Boshoff (Finance Assistant), Wendy Morris (Systems Administrator), Dilan Samuel (Finance Manager), Caroline Lanivia (Bursar) and Rachel McClure (Assistant Principal Operations). These people are doing an incredible job in the administration of the school. Admin staff absent from this picture: Des Naude (ICT Manager), Craig O’Meara (Property Manager) and John Donley (Maintenance).

On Tuesday Mr. Peter Willis led our staff in their weekly time of devotions. The message he brought to us was based on our temporary hope vs our eternal hope. This was such a powerful reminder of the energy and time that we often spend on things that will be ‘blown away like chaff’ and how liberating it is to have the one eternal hope in Jesus Christ. Peter’s presentation included several references from Scripture reflecting the fleeting nature of earthly and material hopes. 

Peter also did a Hope Survey with one of his classes. With his permission, I share some of these with you today. Note: The larger the print, the more that phrase appeared in the results.  

God Bless you,

Erik Hofsink

From the Board

2021 AGM Update

From Laura Day, Board Chair

It was lovely to see so many of our staff, parents and carers both in person and online for the AGM last week. We wanted to share two of the highlights from the evening with you.

Firstly we are delighted to welcome Mary Winkels and Cindy Mitchell as Directors on the Board. Mary and her husband Paul joined our community earlier this year when their son Thomas started in the 3 year old Pre-school class, whilst Cindy and her husband David have been with us for a number of years now with their daughter Nigella in Year 8. Mary and Cindy were voted in by the members of the Company and bring a wealth of experience with them. Mary has served on the Board of Campion College Australia, and Cindy is currently Chairman of the Social Enterprise Council of ACT and NSW and served previously on the Board of the community arm of Dickson Baptist Church. During the AGM evening, John Haly and Adam Moore were also approved for re-election with both having agreed to stand for another term. John continues to support us while he and his family are posted in Washington DC, and Adam remains instrumental in the successful delivery of our capital works program. We are incredibly grateful to them and their families for continuing to serve our community so faithfully. As representatives of you all, we are always looking to have a steady flow of parents through the Board, so please consider your willingness to serve in this capacity and reach out to our Company Secretary, Susie Edwards, if you are willing to get involved. 

Secondly, we were pleased to be able to launch the new Strategic Plan for the school. This plan will guide our priorities and investment decisions over the next four years. We believe this plan will create a sustainable future for Emmaus' growth whilst maintaining our unique culture. The plan has been designed around five priorities, delivered through a Christ-centred approach. We ask our community to read the plan and reflect upon how you will partner with us to bring it to life. An electronic version is available here on our website, and physical copies are available in the school office.

For anyone unable to attend the AGM but interested in a copy of the presentation materials, please contact Susie Edwards for a copy (susieE@emmaus.act.edu.au).

From our Staff

We Make Social-Emotional Learning a Priority

From Mrs GIllis, Wellbeing Coordinator

Hello Emmaus Family,

In my role as Wellbeing Coordinator, I searched globally for months for a Biblically based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Curriculum for Emmaus.

The Friendzy Program was created in response to the breakdown of effective social emotional communication identified in a social media driven society.

We began implementing across the whole school this Term and staff participated in Professional Development led by one of the Authors of the program.

We have conducted base line surveys with students and staff, and we welcome any feedback from parents.

Why Invest in Social-Emotional Learning?

Research shows that emotions affect how and why we learn and that social and emotional literacy supports success in every part of a student’s life.

Social-emotional learning helps students identify their feelings and better manage their emotions, which positively impacts their academics and relationships. 

Through social-emotional learning students:

  • develop skills of perseverance and resilience to face academic or personal adversity; 
  • learn how to handle peer pressure; 
  • stand up for beliefs when challenged; and 
  • form close secure relationships.

SEL improves students’ attitudes and engagement at school and positively impacts school culture. 

We have launched a comprehensive, evidence based social-emotional learning program called Friendzy. 

The Friendzy program uses an evidence-based approach for teaching and learning so teachers, a counselor, and school administration can provide SEL support to students and families all year long—with in-person, distance, or hybrid learning.

Social-Emotional Learning Core Competencies: The Focus of the Friendzy Program 

SELF-AWARENESS

The ability to identify emotions, recognize strengths and limitations, and build self-confidence

SELF-MANAGEMENT

The ability to increase self-discipline and self-motivation while managing behaviors to achieve goals

RESPONSIBLE DECISION-MAKING

The ability to identify problems, analyze situations, and respond appropriately 

SOCIAL AWARENESS

The ability to express empathy, appreciate diversity, and show respect to others 

RELATIONSHIPS SKILLS

The ability to build strong relationships through communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork

We Believe SEL is Vital for All Students: 

At Emmaus Christian School, learning social-emotional skills is as important as excelling in academics. Students can’t unlock their full academic potential without first unlocking their full social-emotional self.

The Friendzy program uses interactive lessons and engaging activities to change school culture and teach students the skills they need to be successful in school, in relationships, and in life. 

For More Information About the Friendzy Program visit FRIENDZY.CO or talk to your child’s teacher today!

Excursions

Summary of Current Permission Notes

Full upcoming events are on Skoolbag & the Website Calendars.

TitleGroupPermission MethodForms Due 

Nature Play

* 10 - 21, May 2021 

Prekinderemailed12 May 

Nth Region 

Secondary 

Cross Country 

(ages 13 -16)

* 26 May 2021

Yr 7 - 10

emailed 

to qualifying

students

20 May

Secondary Boys Volleyball 

* 2 June 2021

By

Invitation

emailed12 May 

Science & 

Engineering 

Challenge

* 3 June 2021

By

Invitation

Students

will receive

a note

ASAP

Nth Region

Primary 

Cross Country

(ages 8 - 12)

* 4 June 2021

By Invitation

emailed 

to qualifying

students

28 May 

Parliament House 

* 7 June 2021

6A / 6Bemailed

31 May 

Book raid to

Vinnies Dickson

* 9 June 2021

Yr 9/10

Ext English

emailed2 June 

Year 3 Camp

Warrambui NSW

* 22 to 23 July 2021

3A / 3Bemailed16 June

Free Dress Day

Gold Coin Donation

* 25 June 2021

K-10N/AN/A

Sydney Trip

* 1 to 2 Sept 2021

Yr 10emailed24 June

Excursion Form Preferences

Many families have listed both parents/carers as primary contacts resulting in both receiving Excursion Permission forms.

If you don't want to receive a double up of excursion permission forms  please send your preference for the main Permission note receiver to:

wendym@emmaus.act.edu.au 

From the Library

Secondary Library Time

This week we had the first ever exclusive secondary library time. This will now be happening every Thursday at Recess. 

Secondary students, make sure you come along next week as Levi R (year 9) will be reading ‘Give me some space’ for National Simultaneous Story Time’ Good on you Levi! 

Important Notices

Showcase Assembly K-10

SAVE THE DATE

Term 2: Tuesday, 25 May 2021

9am in the Emmaus Gymnasium

Reconciliation Week

Free Dress Day K-10

Dear Parents/Guardians

On Friday 25 June we will have a free dress day. Students participating are to bring a gold coin. All funds raised on the day will be donated to the Student Representative Council recycling initiative, which is aiming to install recycling bins across the school.

Students need to make modest, sun-safe clothing choices, including a hat and enclosed shoes.

Feel free to contact me if you require further information.

Yours in Christ,

Daniel Leslie

T2 Public Holidays

  • Reconciliation Day - Monday, 31 May 2021
  • Queen's Birthday - Monday, 14 June 2021

Congratulations

Prime Minister's Spelling Bee

National Finals Qualifiers

Recently, many students in Years 3 and 5 participated in the ACT final of the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee. We have just found out that 2 students have qualified for the National Finals in the Prime Minister's Spelling Bee. These students are Noah D and Edward S. Congratulations to everyone for participating in this event and a special congratulations to these two students. 

Cross Country Results

Age

Place

Name

5-6 year boys

(800m)

1st

Anthony O

2nd

Eli D

3rd

Evan N

5-6 year girls

(800m)

1st

Zali M

2nd

Chloe W

3rd

Bethany W

7 year boys

(800m)

1st

Jasper C

2nd

Caerwyn L

3rd

Edwin W

7 year girls

(800m)

1st

Vicky B

2nd

Scout W

3rd

Hannah S

8 year boys

(1 km)

1st

Sam A

2nd

Ronan A

3rd

Liam T

8 year girls

(1 km)

1st

Eleanor F

2nd

Alice W

3rd

Diana O

9 year boys

(1.5 km)

1st

James C

2nd

Micah J

3rd

Harry C

9 year girls

(1.5 km)

1st

Alysha O

2nd

Lucy F

3rd

Joni W

Age

Place

Name

Time

10yr boys

(2 km)

1st

Harry P

8:56

2nd

Wesley D

9:14

3rd

Gabriel A-B

9:25

10yr girls

(2 km)

1st

Madi O

9:53

2nd

Jin Jin W

10:25

3rd

Ava S

10:26

11yr boys

(3 km)

1st

Noah C

11:57

2nd

Zac W

12:01

3rd

Robbie C

13:44

11yr girls

(3 km)

1st

Anabella G

14:51

2nd

Ellie O

16:58

3rd

Laura N

17:49

12yr boys

(3 km)

 

1st

Izaac O

13:11

2nd

Oliver M

14:12

3rd

Micah I’A

14:14

12yr girls

(3 km)

 

1st

Gwen W

13:24

2nd

Elizabeth M

13:25

3rd

Isabel M

15:41

13yr boys

(3 km)

1st

Ethan P

12:48

2nd

Oliver D

13:48

3rd

Samuel H

14:23

13yr girls

(3 km)

1st

Evelyn O

15:52

2nd

Michelle K

16:32

3rd

Maddie C

16:50

14yr boys

(4 km)

1st

Jacob M

20:23

2nd

Samuel C

21:22

3rd

Craig S

23:11

14yr girls

(4 km)

1st

Anya G

25:45

2nd

Isobella M

28:02

3rd

Clare B

31:43

15yr boys

(4 km)

1st

Harry W

16:57

2nd

John T

18:07

3rd

Daniel R

20:34

15yr girls

(4 km)

1st

Piper E

25:18

16yr boys

(4 km)

1st

Peter T

16:32

2nd

James J

25:59

16yr girls

(4 km)

1st

Marilla C

18:24

From the SRC

Sausage Rolls $4

SRC Term 2 Fundraiser (K - 10)

  • Sausage Rolls $4, pay when collecting
  • Served Thursday Lunchtime
  • K-2 will have orders delivered to their classrooms
  • Y3-10 orders to be collected from Secondary Food Tech
  • Please place your order via the Skoolbag App link.
  • Orders close on Wednesday’s at 1pm.
  • Sorry no late orders can be accepted.

Hot Chocolate $2, Tim Tams 50c

SRC Term 2 Fundraiser (Yr 4 - 10)

  • Fridays Weekly during Term 2 
  • Between 8:30am - 8:45am 
  • From Secondary Food Tech room
  • Hot Chocolate -  $2.00
  • Tim Tams -  50c each
  • No ordering is necessary - cash purchase on the day.

PIP Opportunities

PIP - Science & Engineering Challenge

Thursday, 3 June 2021, 8:00am - 3:00pm in the school Gymnasium 

Volunteers Needed - PIP Applies!

Emmaus Christian School will be holding the Science & Engineering Challenge for the ACT in our Gymnasium on Thursday, 3 June 2021.  We are in need of 5 more volunteers to help run activities. You will need to be able to be at school from 8am to 3pm and no kids are allowed. You will run one of the eight activities on the day and will receive instruction on how that will happen.

Thank you to those volunteers who have already contacted us.

Lunch and morning tea will be provided. 

Please contact eugene@emmaus.act.edu.au to express your interest. 

PIP - Regional Cross Country

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are in need of some parent helpers at the Primary North Regional Cross Country (4 June) and the North Gungahlin Regional Cross Country (Year 7-10, 26 May). Please see details below and contact the respective staff as soon as possible:

Primary North Regional Cross Country (ages 8-12) 

  • DATE: Fri 4 Jun 2021
  • TIME: 9am and return to school 12pm, meet after morning line-up and get bus from front of school.
  • DESTINATION: Stromlo Forrest Park Opperman Ave Stromlo, ACT 2611
  • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Yes, must have WWVP please contact tamara@emmaus.act.edu.au


North Gungahlin Regional Cross Country (Yr7 to 10) 

  • DATE: Wed 26 May 2021
  • TIME: 12pm-2pm
  • DESTINATION: Stromlo Forrest Park Opperman Ave Stromlo, ACT 2611
  • VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Yes, must have WWVP please contact sarat@emmaus.act.edu.au  


Kind regards,

Emmaus Administration

Around the Campus

Secondary Chapel Worship Band

Preschool Mother's Day Disco

Our Preschool Mother's Day Disco fundraiser raised $607.72 towards improving the outdoor space in our Preschool. Thank you to those families who assisted and attended this special event making it a very special Mother's Day for all.

Preschool Excursion to Mt Majura

Year 9 Science: Brain Dissection

National Simultaneous Storytime

The Voice - Final Perfomances

Yr 4 Geo Science Excursion

Year 2: Map Making

FRIENDZY...

We Need Each Other!

Friendzy is an Innovative SEL Program

Friendzy K-8 Curriculum teaches the five core competencies of Social and Emotional Learning: self-awareness, self-management, responsible decision making, social awareness, and relationship skills. These competencies are presented throughout the curriculum in a variety of ways to support all learning styles.


Term 2 - Key Verses

"The Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone.'"

Genesis 2:18

"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up."

1 Thessalonians 5:11

-------------------------

Community Announcements - See Schoolbag Groups

'We Have Hope'

Address: 73 Davenport St, Dickson ACT 2602

Phone: 02 6247 7151

General email: emmaus@emmaus.act.edu.au

Absence email: absences@emmaus.act.edu.au 

Website: www.emmaus.act.edu.au

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