Student Leadership Installation
As we continue through the much-varied world that is 2020, it seems to have had the ongoing effect of making us pause and reassess how we are able to carry out each of the ‘next set’ of events. Just recently, we completed the presentation of the Semester 1 Academic Honours and Excellence awards. While, unfortunately, as with most current events of larger size, we were unable to carry out these presentations in front of peers and family, it was still wonderful for those involved to spend several mornings attending these in our outdoor chapel. We are very fortunate to have this facility, which has been set in such beautiful surrounds and recently upgraded with sandstone seating. This week we installed our Senior House Captains and College Captains, and thanked our outgoing College Captains. This time we were able to celebrate in person with the Year 11 students and the families of those being installed, streaming the service to the remaining students in their classes. God created us to be resilient, adaptable, and able as humans, and this year is surely putting that to the test. We witness these traits—daily almost, in our students as plans change. For some, I acknowledge it is difficult, but I am always encouraged as I continue to see leadership within the students of our College who are smiling and moving forward during these times.
Future Plans
Just recently, the College buses have commenced trialling a digital sign-on-and-off system to enable more efficient tracking of students—something that, in time, will also allow for more streamlined communication through to families. So far, early trials have been extremely successful, and our bus drivers and Administration staff are happy with what the system is able to do for them.
Likewise with assessment, reporting and general communication, the College is in the early stages of trialling and implementing a College-wide system that will, eventually, become a digital portal that will allow for more seamless and efficient communication for student reports and day to day communication between home and teachers. All going well, this will start to be phased in next year. Eventually, the system will allow for even greater streamlining of other aspects of the learning journey for all of our students, including better standardisation of online learning delivery tools. While you won’t see much happening just yet, we’re already in the early stages of planning reporting for Semester 1, 2021.
Blessings,
Simon Hughes
Head of College
It is Serious Business, this Learning Thing 🙂
Today I was summoned to a business meeting with two formidable young women. Sitting across the table from them I found myself feeling slightly nervous, a little intimidated and completely in awe. They began with a generous smile and worked hard to make me feel at ease… and then we got down to business!
They pitched their proposal with grace, clear thinking and determination. They had an answer for every question I raised and were firm when I pushed their boundaries. When I questioned their motivation and target audience, they eloquently and respectfully outlined their reasons for their decisions. Then they handed me their business plan which was clear and succinct.
So what was so special about this meeting compared to all of my other meetings? Well, this meeting was with two of our gorgeous Prep girls, Darcy and Aurora. This meeting was a highlight of my day and immediately went to the top of my POPCORN article for the week. I just had to share it with you. Our Prep students, their teachers and parents are doing such an amazing job raising them, teaching them, nurturing them and growing them into thoughtful young people, and I for one am privileged to be a part of their journey. Thanks Darcy and Aurora! I will get back to you soon.
Book Week Reminder
Just a quick reminder that our Book Week Parade for 2020 will be held on the last day of Term 3, 18 September. Further details to come, particularly with relation to parent involvement. Please see the email from Jenell Molkentin with further details.
It Has Begun!
It is with much excitement that we announce the official start of our new playground area! Many a cheer was heard as we watched the fences go up, and the site-office get delivered to the oval. We look forward to working with Andrew Brenchley and his team from ‘Everything Outside’ as we watch the playground being built.
To assist in the safe running of the project, it is imperative that all parents observe the College expectation of students and parents to stay off the oval and playgrounds from 2.55pm each day. This is the standard expectation for any school day, and especially important during this build.
ART for HEART
Following on from the incredible work of our Prep students, a dedicated, compassionate and motivated group of Year 5 students have set about developing their own ‘Not for Profit business’ as a complimentary fundraiser towards our Jump Rope for Heart efforts. They have written the following article for you. I encourage all families, as you are able, to support this entrepreneurial enterprise. Don’t forget to check out their promotional video too 🙂
Social Distancing
Parents are reminded at this time to please not congregate on the school grounds, except for the purposes of a parent meeting with a classroom teacher, or a visit to the uniform shop. There has been an increasing number of parents gathering on the oval and playground after school. This area is out of bounds not only during COVID restrictions, but at all times as these areas are licenced to Outside School Hours Care. Should you wish to gather with other families for a playdate after school, we ask that you please do so in one of our beautiful local park lands. Your assistance with this is appreciated.
Katrina Valencia
Head of Junior Campus
Congratulations to the 2020/2021 Student Leadership Team
On Monday we installed our new leaders into their positions. COVID restrictions notwithstanding, we were able to share the occasions with the Year 11 cohort and immediate family, and stream to the rest of the student population.
As is the tradition, the Class of 2021 have chosen a theme. They have chosen RISE—Respect All, Inspire Others, Succeed Together, Empower Everyone. What a wonderful mantra for the Year 11 students to live by. We congratulate all our Year 11 students as we encourage them to be a leader in their own sphere of influence, and search out ways to serve our community.
Lost Property
We ensure that any property that is named is returned to students. Unfortunately at the moment we seem to have a mountain of unnamed lost property. Please call into student reception and collect any property.
Subject Selection
Your assistance in ensuring that the subject selection forms are returned by the due date. This information will be used for constructing the subject lines for 2021.
Key Dates
Year 12 Mock Exams: 3-10 September
Year 12 Formal: 15 September
Year 9 Leave for Binga: 31 August
Binga Parents’ Day: 19 September
Michelle Nisbet
Head of Senior Campus
Creating Productive and Meaningful Relationships
This past week there have been year-level meetings taking place; the key message in the middle school is for our students to continue to work towards creating productive and meaningful relationships with peers and staff.
Year 7 discussed the need for kindness—to always be willing to be kind and look out for others. With the impact of social media, communication is extended beyond classrooms, and as we are well aware this occurs via Instagram, Snapchat and other platforms. We ask that parents continue to remind their children that it is okay to block others if they are not happy with content or comments being posted. The use of social media is not always a positive experience for young adults.
The following are some excellent online resources that will assist parents in supporting their son or daughter in navigating the social media that exists today.
- https://andrewfuller.com.au/free-resources/
- https://www.orygen.org.au/About/News-And-Events/2018/parents-social-media
- https://familyapp.com/teen-social-media/
As educators we continue to work this term to provide ongoing health and well-being support to our students. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any concerns that you might have please contact the Pastoral Care teacher, Year Level Co-ordinator or myself.
Linda Perrett
Acting Deputy Head of Campus
Junior Campus Sport
Jump Rope for Heart Update
We are now halfway through our eight-week JRFH program. As of last today, our fundraising total stands at $24,659.81.
Cody Byrne (Yr 5) and his brother Jesse Byrne (Yr 1) have raised a massive $12 116.05!
Well done to all of our skippers. We are organising a demonstration by a professional skipper, and to finish everything off Jump-Off Day will be on Friday 11 September—stay tuned for details on both.
If you would still like your child to be sponsored, the link is https://www.jumprope.org.au/parents
PoP Touch Football
Arana Junior Touch Competition —Term 4
- Wednesday evenings from 14 October to 2 December
- 4-5pm start (8 years & 10 years); 5-7pm start (12 years & 14 years); 7-8pm start (16 years)
- Training beginning this week. Junior Campus (8-12 years) during school breaks or each Friday 1:30-2:45pm; Senior Campus (14-16 years) TBA
- Cost: $80 per player for the season
Thanks for the overwhelming response, we have now reached the limit of ten for 10 years (born 2010 & 2011); and the limit of twelve for 8y rs boys players (born 2012, 2013 & 2014). I have now been made aware that the 8 years division is a mixed competition—boys and girls together. At least one girl is to be on the field at all times. We will now have two teams in the 8 years age group, and both of these teams, as well as the 10 years boys team are now full.
Team numbers as they stood on Thursday 13 August were:
- 8 years & U Mixed: 12 boys; 4 girls = TWO TEAMS (BOTH TEAMS ARE NOW FULL)
- 10 years & U Boys: 10 players (TEAM FULL)
- 10 years & U Girls: 4 players; 6 more required
- 12 years & U Boys: 8 players; 3 more required
- 12 years & U Girls: 7 players; 4 more required (10/12 years girls’ teams may combine and play in the 12 years division)
- 14 years & U Boys: 6 players; 5 more required
- 14 years & U Girls: 5 players; 6 more required
- 16 years & U Boys: 10 players; 1-2 more required
- 16 years & U Girls: 2 players; 9 more required (14/16 years girls’ teams may combine and play in the 16 years division)
If you would like your child to play in any of the teams that are not full, please email Mr Darren Lawrance by this Friday 21 August.
I will be nominating the Prince of Peace teams after this date.
Possible training times at this stage may be Fridays during school time, lunchtimes (Junior Campus only) or Thursdays straight after school. Please email Mr Darren Lawrance with any questions or expressions of interest.
Darren Lawrance
Junior Campus PE and Sport
Junior Campus Music News
Classroom Music
Thank you for the warm welcome back last week. Airlie Beach is a beautiful spot and I had a fantastic break just watching the world go by. It’s certainly great to be back now and seeing all the happy faces greeting me each lesson. During my LSL, I attended a three day Music Webinar. Some 20+ hours later, I’ve refreshed my skills and am excited to be back to share some new strategies and games. The Elevator Song is one that I’m sure the younger grades will happily teach you.
Choirs
All choirs have returned to the rehearsal ‘stage’ this week.
Should you have any questions about the instrumental, choral or classroom music program on the Junior Campus, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sherree Cudney
Junior Campus Music
Introducing our Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop is located on the Junior Campus—park opposite reception and follow the signs to the shop under the Year 1 and 2 building. We carry all items of Prince of Peace uniform for both Junior and Senior campus, including lunch bags, soccer socks, food technology aprons, Chess Club and music uniforms. The shop is open 8am to 10am each Tuesday and Thursday during term time. Orders can be placed anytime from The School Locker Website with either home or school delivery (PICK UP option). If you would like items delivered to your child’s class, please enter your child’s name and class in the second address line and Wendy will arrange delivery for you.
In addition, The School Locker has a super-store located at 5-6 Burke Crescent, Northlakes, which is open 8.30am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 3.00pm Saturdays. The School Locker aims to be a “one-stop shop” for school suppliess—carrying all items of Prince of Peace uniform, school shoes, generic stationery, technology including an Apple Tech Service department, instrumental and sporting equipment. We are happy to match prices with any Australian suppliers so please check out our range.
We encourage fittings for those new to the Prince of Peace uniform, and these can be done at the campus store and at the Northlakes store. Wendy is your campus specialist and is happy to answer any questions you may have.
50% OFF 2019 Spencil range: Save money on your back to school items: pencil cases, vinyl book covers, drink bottles, lunch bags, display folders, library bags, chair bags—all our beautiful 2019 Spencil designs are half price: Magical Mermaid, Ocean Life, Dirt Bike, Skate Paint, Fancy Flamingo, Peony Pony, Good Vibes.
No-sew Hemming Tape: We have black and white 20mm wide iron-on hemming tape available to do no-sew repairs on dress, skirt and pant hems for $4.90.
Junior Winter Uniform: Junior boys now have long pants available, and Junior girls can wear navy tights with the dress. Both are available in campus shop and online.
Senior Winter Uniform: A reminder that Senior girls have long pants available to wear with the blouse, or navy tights to wear with the skirt and blouse. Both can be purchased in the campus shop and online.
Second Hand: If you wish to buy or sell second hand uniforms, please visit our very active PoP Second Hand Uniform Buy & Sell Facebook group.