Pastoral Care

Returning to Basics

Over the past couple weeks, our school community has had to come to terms with the loss of one of our much-loved students, Alyssa. Although it has been remarkable to see students, teachers and families coming together to support one another through this time, it is inevitable that grief and all that comes with losing a loved one can be incredibly difficult to bear. Often we can be left feeling very disoriented; as our sense of normality or ‘stability’ is shaken, we must now not only process what has happened, but also adapt to what may be a significant amount of sudden change.

From a Pastoral Care perspective, we would like to use this opportunity to gently remind our students and families of the power of some simple healthy practices that can help us stay ‘buoyant’ and resilient when we’re in the aftermath of loss or another significant event that may result in feelings of grief.

Below are a few practical tips and resources that we have put together for you.

Our Top Tips

1. Prioritise routine

Following loss or a significant event, we may feel we have lost our sense of control. Cultivating predictability in our routine as an individual or as a family (i.e. keeping the same ‘weekly rhythm’ and avoiding spontaneous outings or events) can be reassuring as we work through grief. Additionally, consistent routine can support regular sleep patterns. Well-rested people can often better regulate their mood and are less likely to make impulsive, unhealthy decisions. Although falling asleep when there’s a lot on our mind can be easier said than done, if we focus on keeping a consistent daily and weekly rhythm – especially keeping the same bedtime and wake-time seven days a week – eventually our body-clock should follow suit. Things such as keeping your home environment decluttered and orderly (as much as possible), dimming lights at night, journaling to offload thoughts, playing peaceful or uplifting music, using an essential oil diffuser or drinking tea that promotes relaxation can also help with sleep patterns. Sleep is critical in keeping our minds healthy and functioning, which is particularly important as one processes grief and/or a lot of change.

2. Do your best to exercise and eat well

Exercise and nutrition will forever be two of the most fundamental aspects of a healthy mind and body. Both of these lifestyle factors are important because they are highly influential on the balance of chemicals in our brain. Our brains consist of a concoction of chemicals such as dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin, cortisol, adrenaline plus more! Each of these chemicals help tell our body how to respond to what is happening in our lives and are released under different circumstances. When experiencing grief, often we can feel unmotivated, sluggish and understandably, have a very low mood. Incorporating bouts of exercise where possible can release endorphins (the ‘feel good’ hormone) and effectively, help to regulate our mood so we can better process what has happened in our lives. Likewise, reducing our intake of foods that will create a spike in our blood sugar levels (i.e. sweets, caffeinated foods or drink and pretty much any highly processed foods) will also help us regulate our mood, while eating more fresh foods high in nutrients and vitamins (i.e. lots of fruits and veggies that are vibrantly-coloured) will help our bodies and minds function at their best.

3. Show compassion towards yourself and give yourself space when needed

It’s important that during this time that we are not putting extra, unnecessary pressure on ourselves at school or work. Busyness is great at distracting us from the heavy emotions that may be underneath the surface, but in the long run, it is likely to prolong or delay the grieving process. Finding ways to take the pressure off (as much as possible) regarding commitments and stressful responsibilities can make a world of difference and communicating what you feel you need to those supporting you is key. It is not easy, but it is important that we reserve our emotional energy and give ourselves the time and space to process and acknowledge what has happened before eventually moving towards finding closure, rather than spending it on other things that can probably wait.

4. Allowing those around you to support you

When we are stressed or fearful, our body’s natural survival response is to ‘fight, flight or freeze’. Everyone reacts differently. We may feel angry, frustrated, irritable, confused and anxious and/or we may feel the need to completely withdraw or shutdown to those around us. These are all normal responses, but eventually, it’s important that we allow ourselves to be supported and cared for by those around us. Community is a precious gift that can be a source of great comfort when going through difficult seasons of our lives. Spending time with close family and friends and doing fun activities that will boost our mood can help us stay resilient and get us through.

5. Our ultimate hope and refuge

Lastly, we wanted to remind you of the hope and refuge we can find in Jesus. The book of Lamentations is about just that – lamenting (grieving). It says in Lamentations 3:21-26,

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.”

When we are going through difficult seasons, we can have confidence in the faithfulness of our God and His love that He lavishes upon us (1 John 3) so we will not be consumed by what happens in our lives. Our hope is ultimately found in Jesus and the price He paid for us to have eternal life! This is the Good News that we can hold firmly to during any season. We hope this encourages you today.

Some quick resources

We wanted to end by clarifying that the practical habits we have spoken about will not ‘cure’ grief, but they may significantly help our ability to cope more healthily. To further help you, we have also compiled a stack of resources in our Student Wellbeing page in the Care Hub. This page also features a range of links to organisations that exist to help and support, such as Youth Beyond Blue, Kids Helpline and Lifeline.

Of course, seeking support from a counsellor and psychologist can be incredibly helpful as you work through grief, so if you can’t find what you’re looking for on the Care Hub, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at pastoral@genesis.qld.edu.au and we will support you in whatever way we can. Grief is not simple and everyone will have different preferences and needs; identifying what you need during these times and then doing what you can to have these needs met is so important.

Blessings,

Louise and Ruby

Employment Opportunity

Group Educator Part Time, 25.5 hours per week We are seeking to employ a Diploma qualified Group Educator to join our team of experienced and passionate staff in …

Little Genesis
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Employment Opportunity

Group Educator

Part Time, 25.5 hours per week

We are seeking to employ a Diploma qualified Group Educator to join our team of experienced and passionate staff in our Early Learning Centre, conveniently located on the grounds of Genesis Christian College at Bray Park. 

Working within a well-respected and supportive Christian environment, this position is Part Time, 3 days per week  

The ideal candidate would possess the following:   

  • Be supportive of, and sympathetic to the philosophy and aims of a Christian Independent School and Christian ethos 
  • Early Childhood Diploma  
  • HLTAID004 – First Aid, CPR, Anaphylaxis, Asthma Management certificates 
  • Certificate of Suitability to work with Children and Young People (Blue Card) 
  • Child Protection Certificate 
  • Experience working within a childcare environment 
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to build relationships with stakeholders 
  • Be able to respond to needs and concerns of children to ensure quality of service meets agreed standards 
  • Effective time management skills  

 In addition, we are looking for a team member with a high degree of enthusiasm and energy and the ability to build strong professional relationships with children, families and colleagues. 

The successful applicant will be rewarded with excellent working conditions including supportive management, professional development and a rewarding working environment.  

How to make an application: 

Please email your application to littlegenesis@genesis.qld.edu.au.   

Your application must include: 

  • A written Pastor’s reference 
  • A Cover Letter addressing how you meet the requirements, including your Christian cultural fit within Genesis Christian College 
  • Your current Resume 
  • The names and contact details of two professional referees  

For further information or questions, please contact littlegenesis@genesis.qld.edu.au or phone 3882 9000. 

Welcome

Education for the common good Exploring exemplary education and the positive impacts of Christian education in society. Recently, Associated Christian Schools and McCrindle Research undertook …

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Education for the common good

Exploring exemplary education and the positive impacts of Christian education in society.

Recently, Associated Christian Schools and McCrindle Research undertook research in the Australian Christian Schooling sector, of which Genesis is a member. The research looked at the impact of Christian education on society. We’re proud to be a College that provides an education for the common good while intentionally living out our values.

Below is a summary of the key findings:

For more information,  please read the full report here.

Blessings,

Paul Sterling

Principal

Visual and Media Arts

Our Visual and Media Art students have been busy with a range of exciting tasks throughout the year. Some of the topics that our students have investigated include stop-motion animation, street art, advertising, portraiture, re-cut trailers, teen film and …

Department Spotlight
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Visual and Media Arts

Our Visual and Media Art students have been busy with a range of excitintasks throughout the year. Some of the topics that our students have investigated include stop-motion animation, street art, advertising, portraiture, re-cut trailers, teen film and public sculpture.  

Some of our recent highlights include:

  • Year 11 Visual Art students engaged with sound art during an incursion with Dr Naomi Blacklock, artist and QUT academic. 
  • Year 8 Media students spent time learning from local industry professional, Dan Brumm, Sound Designer behind Bluey and Dan the Man. 
  • Year 10 Visual Art student, Jessica Rodda, was shortlisted in the Young Archie competition, meaning that she was in the top 10% (of over 1,800 entries). Well done Jess! 
  • Year 11 Visual Art student, Jaeve Proberts, received highly commended in the Queensland and Torres Strait Islander Foundation Visual Art Competition. Well done Jaeve! 

We look forward to showcasing our talented students in our upcoming and reformatted The Pictures next term. 

Blessings,

Kind regards,

Natasha Maciejewski

Innovation and Learning Leader – Visual and Media Arts (Years 7-12) 

New Leaf Day

New Leaf Day – Celebrated by students from Prep-Year 12  Friday of Week 4 was our second annual “New Leaf Day” at Genesis Christian College.   This is an event which celebrates our beautiful natural world and encourages our …

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New Leaf Day – Celebrated by students from Prep-Year 12 

Friday of Week 4 was our second annual “New Leaf Day” at Genesis Christian College 

This is an event which celebrates our beautiful natural world and encourages our community to “turn over a new leaf” for our environment. In the lead up to the day, students from Prep-Year 12 were invited to pledge to make a behavioural change that will positively impact the environment. These pledges were written on paper leaves and placed onto our New Leaf Tree 

Students from Years 5-12 had the opportunity to enter an “EnviroSelfie” competition, showcasing their best environmental practice at home.  

After school, 36 dedicated secondary students joined forces to plant over 70 native trees, shrubs and grasses in the area behind our Ag Farm. Thanks to Chef Ben and the Eden Eats staff who devised some special menu items in celebration of the day, including a delicious green pesto and spinach wrap.  

Thanks also to all who wore a green accessory on the day and contributed to our fundraiser for three amazing environmental charities: Bush Heritage Australia, Australian Marine Conservation Society and WWF Australia Bushfire Appeal.  

We hope that New Leaf Day will have an ongoing impact as our students continue to make environmentally sustainable choices in their everyday life. 

Kind Regards,

Christina van Leent

New Leaf Day Coordinator

Fuel for School

Fuel for School Program  Last month we were proud to launch our new free breakfast program aimed at easing the morning rush for families.  The …

Genesis P&F Association Inc.
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Fuel for School

Fuel for School Program 

Last month we were proud to launch our new free breakfast program aimed at easing the morning rush for families.  The program, ‘Fuel for School’, provides free cereal and fruit to all students at Genesis from Prep through to Year 12. 

Fuel for School is proudly an initiative funded by the Genesis P&F Association. P&F President, Gabby Holden commented, “With the number of extra-curricular activities running before school at Genesis, this free breakfast program is designed to ensure our kids are getting a nutritious start to the day amongst the busy morning rush. It’s also a great opportunity for students and families to come together and connect in the large outdoor eating area of the College’s canteen, Eden Eats.”  

Breakfast giant, Kellogg’s donated boxes of free cereal to kick-start the program. Free fruit is always available for students at Eden Eats every day. Fuel for School is also sustainably focused, using washable and reusable bowls and spoons. 

Fuel for School runs from 7:45am-8:15am on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

Kind Regards,

Genesis P&F Association Inc.

Dramatic Arts

Since celebrating their way back into school, our Dance and Drama students have enjoyed some special opportunities. The Dramatic Arts department has embraced the gradual ‘opening up’ …

Department Spotlight
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Dramatic Arts

Since celebrating their way back into school, our Dance and Drama students have enjoyed some special opportunities. The Dramatic Arts department has embraced the gradual ‘opening up’ of Queensland, enjoying the exceptional Dance and Drama opportunities on offer 

Workshops have been running hot in our Dramatic Arts department over the past few weeks. Our Year 8 Dance students shone in an African dance workshop with Phluxus2 Dance Collective. Our Year 9 Dance students smashed it in a Hip Hop workshop with Elements Collective and our Year 10s were treated to a personalised workshop experience with dancers from the Queensland Ballet! The Year 8 Drama classes also enjoyed a theatrical experience as they watched a live-streamed performance by Poetry in Action 

In other news, our Mini, Junior and Senior Dance Companies had a fabulous time performing at the Evolution Dance Competition” at the start of August. It was their debut performance for 2020 and they made Genesis dance history by being the first time three Genesis Dance Companies, including our Years 5 and 6 students, performed on a competition stage. Their placings are evidence of the hard work and determination the students have demonstrated this year, despite experiencing numerous hurdles:  

  •  2 x 1st place 
  • 2 x 2nd place 
  • 3 x 3rd place 
  • 1 x Highly commended

Congratulations to all 50 performers on their outstanding work!  

 Rise Up Challenge

We are also very excited to launch the ‘Rise Up Challenge’, Dance Competition, coming to Genesis in October! Please see our social media platforms and the Genesis App for more information and watch the promotional video. Get excited and get entering!   

We have entered the second half of 2020 with excitement and motivation and a devotion to do what we love 

Blessings,

Emily Briddock

Innovation and Learning Leader – Dramatic Arts (7-12)  

Farewell Alyssa

Farewell Alyssa Postle  As I write this article, it is only days after the passing of a much-loved Year 12 student, Alyssa Postle.  Alyssa, Lyss or known to some …

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Farewell Alyssa

Farewell Alyssa Postle 

As I write this article, it is only days after the passing of a much-loved Year 12 student, Alyssa Postle. 

Alyssa, Lyss or known to some as ‘Bubbles’, was a pure joy to know. She could light up a room with her smile, her laugh or her jokes. She had a zest for life and self-confidence that radiated through her. She was a friend to so many and made a huge impact on their lives. Alyssa always sought time for her friends as well as her teachers. She would always come up for a chat and have a story to share with us.  

Everyone had time for Alyssa and she always had time for you, asking questions and checking in on how your life was going. She was the life of the Senior Netball team, she always tried her best and made sure everyone enjoyed playing. We will never forget how she made us feel, how much she made us laugh and the warm memories that we each shared with her. Alyssa was a true blessing to the Genesis community and we thank God that we got to share those memories with her. 

We live in a world with ragged edges. At its heart, this world is beautiful beyond compare. We find in it, purpose and love and joy. The Bible tells us our world declares God’s presence and gives us a sneak peek of His glory. Yet the ragged edges break our hearts at times like this. We cry out to God in pain and seek comfort from the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). 

In times like this, we do not know why this tragedy has occurred. Our God is all-loving and He will hold uas we press into His presence. Our God is all-powerful and He will bring everything to a day when the ragged edges will disappear (Revelation 21:4). 

In times like this, our Christian worldview calls us to respond with grace. In the face of tragedy, we bring healing through goodness. We are called to persevere, with lives that honour God, that declare Him as Lord. The Bible tells us to live holy lives worthy of our calling. To endure and to shine His love. 

As a College, our laser-like focus has been on every student’s emotional wellbeing during this season. Please continue to uphold the Postle family, staff and students in your prayers. 

My wife has a saying that resonates so true for times like this – for this, we have Jesus.  

Blessings to one and all,

Stuart Taylor

 Head of School – Secondary 

 

Primary School Highlights

Grandparent’s Day 2020 – A little different, but still so valued!  Each year in our Primary school we celebrate Grandparents’ Day. It is a huge event where 900 …

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Primary School Highlights

Grandparent’s Day 2020 – A little different, but still so valued! 

Each year in our Primary school we celebrate Grandparents’ Day. It is a huge event where 900 or more Grandparents come to the College campus to enjoy concerts, morning tea together and time with their Grandchildren in the classrooms. We just love Grandparents’ Day so much… and then alas COVID-19 struck, and the normal 2020 day just wasn’t meant to be. Loving and looking after the health of our Grandparents had to become our priority and with this in mind, we couldn’t invite our Grandparents onto campus last week. 

Luckily for our College we have some very creative minds, and I would like to thank Learna Shimizu, Pam Nadler, Deb Hosking, Carey Lang and Dave Oettinger for thinking of some special ways to still honour and bless our Grandparents. 

On Friday morning, our students completed work on their personally designed Genesis cards for Grandparents. They either wrote them a note, a little poem, or drew a picture for them. These were then sent home to find their way to Grandparents all over Australia, and even the world. 

The last two weeks have seen the Junior and Senior Primary choirs rehearsing hard to prepare for their live video recording of two songs for our Grandparents. A link to this video is included for anyone who hasn’t seen it. 

We think Grandparents are just amazing people. They play with us and treat us, they babysit us, they remind us of how good we have it now as opposed to the “good old days”, they tell us stories about a time past when the world looked very different. There is so much to be thankful to our Grandparents for, but one of the best and most important ones is how they share their steadfast faith in God with us. Psalm 145:4 says, One generation shall commend your works to another and shall declare your mighty acts. 

We love you, Grandparents – and pray that we can have our regular Grandparents Day again in 2021!

Kind regards,

Jeremy Williamson

Head of School – Primary 

Year 11 Camp – Emu Gulley

Year 11 Camp – Emu Gully In week 1 of this term, our Year 11 cohort headed to Emu Gully for a 4-day camp. The …

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Year 11 Camp – Emu Gulley

Year 11 Camp – Emu Gully

In week 1 of this term, our Year 11 cohort headed to Emu Gully for a 4-day camp. The motto of Emu Gully is Shaping Great Australians and they certainly do a great job of this.

On the first day of camp, the students quickly learnt, after arriving late to their first scheduled meeting on the air strip, that push-ups would become a regular task if they didn’t pick up their act and be self-lead rather than relying on staff for instructions.

On the second night of camp was the semi-formal event. The gentleman did a fantastic job of looking after the ladies, after an inspiring ‘boys only’ talk with Mr Sterling.

Throughout the week students engaged in several team-based activities which are designed to challenge them and provide opportunities for teamwork and leadership. Some of the highlights included the Kokoda mud run, skirmish, buggies and a night walk.

Both Emu Gully and Genesis staff were blown away by the student engagement throughout the camp and the level of growth they saw in only 4 days.

One of the key themes the cohort took home from the camp was that they are all about to become the leaders of the College. The only question is, are they going to lead from the front, the middle or the back?

We look forward to seeing how they lead the College next year.

Kind Regards,

Shayne Kriel

Care & Conduct Leader – Year 11

Curriculum Matters

A Season of Change  As we move out of the Genesis@Home season and back into the classroom, there are certainly many lessons which we can take away from learning at …

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Curriculum Matters

A Season of Change 

As we move out of the Genesis@Home season and back into the classroom, there are certainly many lessons which we can take away from learning at home. For some students, the flexibility which Genesis@Home offered suited their learning, whilst for others the lack of structure and physical contact with peers and teachers made the experience rather challenging. Most students, when surveyed, commented on the effectiveness of using technology such as Teams or OneNote to facilitate their learning but were thankful to be back with their friends and the physical classroom environment.  

As educators, we have used the Genesis@Home experience to brainstorm and redesign how we do things and collaborate with colleagues and students. Semester 2 is well underway, with students across Year 6 and the Secondary school making subject choices for next year. The Year 12 students are preparing for their mock exams. The mock exams are intended to provide feedback opportunities prior to the commencement of external examinations which start on Monday 26 October, with the second Confirmation event commencing soon.  

Kind Regards,

Nichola Welsh

Head of Teaching and Learning (P-12) 

Play as Therapy

OSHC News Throughout this year we have witnessed how worldwide events can have a significant impact on our children. It is important to recognise the …

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Play as Therapy

OSHC News

Throughout this year we have witnessed how worldwide events can have a significant impact on our children. It is important to recognise the need to use play to express and process these complex life events. The constant presence of COVID-19 has led to survival camps in the park where we see emotions played out through drama and role play. Children are seen to process and organise their thoughts through their play.

We often recognise stages of deep play by providing unstructured time that allow for children to become engaged.  Deep play allows children to encounter more risk and develop survival skills to conquer their fears. In this type of play, children can find strength (both physical and mental) they never knew they had, to overcome obstacles that they will face through their life time. Through these observations, we are able to identify changes in behaviour and also acknowledge the benefits occurring within.

The value we place in imaginative play and the impact it has on regulating emotions is observed through free play in the unstructured program we offer. This free flowing movement provides opportunities for children to manage and negotiate their socio-emotional interactions. This sets an inclusive environment which in turn shapes their negotiation tactics and self-regulation.  While overseeing children’s play, we often come across situations in which we consider stopping, due to the potential risk involved. However, we need to question whether limiting these activities or movements would be detrimental to the child’s learning, growth and development.

“The playing adult steps sideward into another reality; the playing child advances forward to new stages of mastery.” -Erik H. Erikson

We currently have vacancies for before school care and after school care. To enrol your child, please email email me.

Blessings,

Susan Cooper

Director of OSHC

Uniform Shop News

Uniform Shop News New Secondary Girl’s Formal Item Orders We would like to remind families who wish to order the Girl’s Secondary formal shorts, trousers or culottes …

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Uniform Shop News

Uniform Shop News

New Secondary Girl’s Formal Item Orders

We would like to remind families who wish to order the Girl’s Secondary formal shorts, trousers or culottes to please see Uniform Shop staff to collect an order form. These items are non-compulsory so are a pre-order item only.  

Pre-order closing dates

  • Culottes Friday,  18 September 2020
  • Shorts and Trousers:  Mid Term 4, 2020.  

Prices

This to plan for the items to be available for the commencement of Term 1, 2021. 

Thank you,

Cathy van Vuuren

Uniform Shop Coordinator