Wednesday the 4th of August is our next coffee night. Coffee will be served a 7pm for a 7:30pm start. There will be a brief child safety message, an update on the school’s development and an update from the Parents and Friends Association. This is a great opportunity to connect with each other and look to the future.

The former government had initiated a program called Net Alert that provided a free internet filtering service to all Australian citizens. An internet filter is a program used to block unwanted internet sites such as pornography. While supervision is always needed, this service prevents children from stumbling upon such sites and increases the safety of the internet.

I am enthused to see the range of exciting topics that students will studying this Semester. Some of the topics being covered are:

Year P-3
English: THRASS Literacy Development and Improving Handwriting
Science: The Nature and Use of Materials
SOSE: Our Environment

Year 4-7
English: Writing Stories and Persuading an Audience
SOSE: People, places and events that have shaped our local community and make it special.
Science: Weather Patterns
Theme: Survivor Tropical Island (Teamwork Focus)

We had a bright and cheery start to the term on Monday with the visit of Rev John Alley for Assembly. He encouraged us to be like the prophet Samuel whose dedication to God as a child resulted in grace, blessing and protection for an entire nation.

Last week we attended the Queensland Christian Schools conference and found it very beneficial. The keynote sessions were inspiring. The workshops were practical and helpful. On Friday last week we had the visit of Tamara Broker from the USA to provide training for a new curriculum mapping tool we have started to use. This tool will be used to record, coordinate and develop curriculum across the school in a consistent manner. With the introduction of the new national curriculum starting next year, the timing could not have been better.

Stephen Covey writes:

To live a more balanced existence, you have to recognize that not doing everything that comes along is okay. There's no need to overextend yourself. All it takes is realizing that it's all right to say no when necessary and then focus on your highest priorities.

I'm looking forward to seeing everyone at school tomorrow!

Dear Parents,

After a full semester, your children are ready to show off samples of their work at our Classroom Open Night this Wednesday from 7 to 8pm.

This is an informal evening where you have the opportunity to browse through the classrooms and appreciate your child’s effort at school.

I always like visiting the Prep and Year 1 rooms to see all the artwork that they have done. In some parts it feels like walking through an art-work jungle with a variety of pieces hanging from the ceiling.

Dr Noel Patson has written an excellent submission in response to the draft national science curriculum. He has given permission to publish it here:

Regarding ACARA National Curriculum reference S10SU1 and S10SU4.

I write concerning the implication in the draft National Science Curriculum that discussion of origins in Australian school science classes should be limited to only the materialistic paradigm. The following selected points taken from the draft indicate that alternate origins theories are not part of the curriculum.

Submissions regarding the draft national curriculum are due this week on the 30th of May. We have reviewed this curriculum and believe that we will be able to facilitate a smooth implementation from 2011 to 2013. Valid concern has been raised of political bias within the curriculum. Our submission will make appropriate comments regarding this where we find an issue. However, there is an issue that is of great concern to us and a matter which I would like to ask your help addressing.