In this issue

COVID-19 REMINDER 

As per the Queensland Government recommendations: 

Any child who is showing signs of illness such as COVID-19 symptoms, or feeling unwell, must stay at home and get tested. If the child is showing signs of illness at school, the school will contact the parent or carer to collect the child. 

OSHC – Quality and Commitment in Outside School Hours Care 

Children are at the forefront of all that we do and there is undeniable evidence of this in the relationships that children and educators form. Educators and children will come and go, cross paths and share momentous journeys along the way. 

As you enter our centre, you will walk into a wild, interesting, crazy and loving centre full of children who are encouraged to be free to be themselves. Our community of parents, educators and kids create a unique experience for all. We push on the unconventional and are learning each day: we fail, we try again, we fall, we get back up. We value and embed play, and learn a new way to play each day. Valuing diversity, our team of educators will bring a diverse background, and not all are education based. Our centre sees this as a positive, as it in turn brings with it a variety of ideas, knowledge and practices. Our centre is proud of how it values diversity in educators and  acknowledges strengths that each person has. 

At Genesis OSHC, we continue to advocate for play and strive to be the driving force for our children’s wellbeing. We aspire that play will always be our priority and that the future is one that is unstructured and full of joy. It is a creation of a messy masterpiece where we welcome new ideas, explore new things and jump at the chance to extend the minds of our children. 

Our doors opened to our Preps this year and we are now home to Prep through to Year 6 and at times beyond. The preps have brought with them a sense of enquiry and energetic play with enthusiasm.  

It has brought about reflective practice, as we have had to adapt our program to accommodate for the needs of young and fast growing pre-teens! We now offer a Junior and Senior program, valuing the benefit of integration and coming together throughout the afternoon, when we share our home.  

We have noticed the effect this has had on the Seniors as they role model, and through this observation, we have introduced a ‘Kids today, Leaders tomorrow’ program, where our Year 7 students who have entered their Middle School years and beyond, are able to return as young leaders, volunteering their time to work with our youngest ‘Oshiens’. 

True Belonging never asks us to change who we are.

True Belonging requires us to be who we are.

Brene Brown

Kind regards,

Susan Cooper

OSHC Director

Matilda The Musical  

 What an amazing journey! The preparation of Matilda spanned three calendar years with COVID-19 causing a little uncertainty as to when it would finally be performed.

Matilda’s heartfelt theme found a simple relevance of life being unpredictable as we met insurmountable challenges and finally overcame these with the first performance a resounding success on 10 February. Matilda was performed five times over four days, with the audience captivated as they travelled with Matilda through her fractured life. They laughed and cried at the antics of Matilda’s family, class, and teachers, and were highly entertained with high quality singing and dancing, as the stage was transformed time and again by the crew with brilliant sets that featured a magnificent backdrop and even secret swings that came from the ceiling! The band was as always, an integral part as they provided such a polished performance. 

 The scale and quality of this performance was vastly different from the humble beginnings of the College as we remembered our 30th anniversary with a wonderful video, re-visiting all the past College musicals before the opening curtain. What a fitting celebration of how the Genesis family has flourished through the years! 

 To the core staff team who persevered for over 18 months to bring this show to fruition, we extend our sincere and heartfelt thanks. Parents, we deeply appreciate the support and encouragement you provided your children throughout their “Matilda” experience. Finally, to the student cast and crew, we have been so blessed by your hard work and positive attitudes. Congratulations and thank you for your energy and endurance to bring this fantastic story to life for the Genesis Christian College family! 

Year 12 Leadership Camp 

 On Monday 8 to Wednesday 10 February, Year 12 headed off to CYC Burleigh for their final ever school camp. Being the final camp, there was an air of excitement amongst the cohort.  

 The camp consisted of predominantly water based activities with some of the highlights being surfing, surf rafting, tubing and stand up paddle boarding. In addition to this, the highly regarded Graham Hyman spent 2 sessions speaking to the Year 12 students, with the aim to equip them with the skills and mindset they will need to tackle the challenges of Year 12 and beyond. 

 Night 1 of the camp consisted of an engaging drumming session while night 2 brought a change in pace with the Op Shop Formal. There were some memorable outfits with Caleb and Jaimee being up there with the best.  

 A special mention goes to the Year 12 students who were involved in the musical. They willingly sacrificed their final day of camp to make sure that they were prepared for their musical roles. 

 Kind regards,

 Shayne Kriel 

Care and Conduct Leader – Year 12 

Primary Sport 

 Welcome back to the new school year – there is lots of sport underway already!

Swimming

Swimming Captains

Congratulations to our Swimming Captains for 2021 – Kiara V and Mitchell E. 

NISSA Twilight Swimming Carnival

On Friday 12 February we hosted the NISSA Twilight Swimming Carnival here at Genesis where we competed against The Lakes, Grace Primary and our new NISSA school, Prince of Peace.  Congratulations goes to all our swimmers who performed wonderfully on the day, coming away as Champion School. 

Pine Rivers District Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday 17 February we attended the Pine Rivers District Swimming Carnival. There were many amazing performances on the day with 21 Genesis 10-12 year olds selected for the Pine Rivers Swimming team. Those students were Theo H, Mark B, Thomas M, Amelia L, Indigo K, Charlie B, Felix N, Matthew T, Jared H, Kiara V, Abby H, Lauren G, Callum F, Ralph N, Mitchel E, Logan T, Lachlan B, Piper H, Taylor B, Madison R, Mackenzie B. 

Morning Training 

Morning training with Mrs McCarthy and Mrs Turner has kicked off on Wednesdays at 7:30am on the main oval. Please check the school calendar for confirmation of the training schedule. 

Cross Country is in Week 7, so now is the perfect time to get your preparations started!

State Aquathlon

Congratulations to Mackenzie B, Sienna B, Madison R and Matthew T who represented Met North at the State Aquathlon Championships on Saturday, 13 February. 

Congratulations

• Madison R, Chloe B and Carle S who were selected in the Pine Rivers Basketball team last week
•  Lucille I, who competed at the Little Athletics Regional Championships and came 1st place in the 1100m race walk and 3rd place in the 800m. Lucille has now qualified for the State Championships. 

 Kind regards,  

 Louise McCarthy 

College Swimming Carnival 

Congratulations to all students involved in the College Swimming Carnival. I would like to thank the House Captains, staff and the Genesis Sports and Aquatics Centre for their efforts and support to ensure the Carnival ran smoothly. Well done to Kirralee H and Isaac H who were named as the Genesis Swimming Captains for 2021. This year the Swimming Carnivals were run separately with a Middle and Senior School overall House Champion.  

2021 Swimming Carnival Results and Age Champions  

Middle School Carnival 

Overall Standings 

• 1st – Shiloh 
• 2nd – Bethel 
• 3rd – Gilead 
• 4th – Jericho 

House Spirit Trophy

Bethel 

Age Champions   

• 12 Years Boys – 1st Callum F, 2nd Ralph N, 3rd Mitchell E 
• 12 Years Girls – 1st Madison R, 2nd Mackenzie B, 3rd Piper H and Taylor B 
• 13 Years Boys – 1st Zavier CB, 2nd Cooper B, 3rd Luka L 
• 13 Years Girls –  1st Mackenzie S, 2nd Emily P, 3rd Ella P 
• 14 Years Boys – 1st Jake F, 2nd Kairav V, 3rd Cayden H 
• 14 Years Girls – 1st Mia OS, 2nd Mia T, 3rd Isabella J 

Senior School Carnival 

Overall Standings 

• 1st –  Gilead 
• 2nd – Shiloh 
• 3rd – Jericho 
• 4th – Bethel 

House Spirit Trophy

Jericho

Age Champions 

• 15 Years Boys – 1st Zeph H, 2nd Harrison B, 3rd Jacobus L 
• 15 Years Girls – 1st Kaelah B, 2nd Lauren W, 3rd Isabella Y 
• 16 Years Boys – 1st Luke D, 2nd Benjamin M, 3rd David H 
• 16 Years Girls –  1st Jessica B, 2nd Amity H, 3rd Madison C 
• Open Boys – 1st Johann M, Isaac H and Patrick C 
• Open Girls – 1st Kirralee H, 2nd Ellen G, 3rd Lucy W 

Swimming Records

• Open Boys 50 Breaststroke – Isaac H – 34.17
• Open Boys 50 Butterfly – Patrick C – 28.435

Pine Rivers District Swimming Team 

 Congratulations to the following students for their selection in the Pine Rivers District team: 

Callum F, Ralph N, Lachlan B, Piper H, Xavier CB, Isabella J, Cooper B, Lauren W, Luka L, Kaelah B, Lachlan T, Isabella Y, Adam H, Mikaydi B, Mackenzie S, Olivia G, Emily P, Zeph H, Marley P, Harrison B, Ella P, Jacobus L, Alice B, Tyron K, Jake F, Henry J, Cayden H, Amity H, Mia T, Jessica B, Mia OS, Madison C, Jazmin E, Sophie D, Luke D, Ben M, David H, Kirralee H, Olivia L, Ellen G, Isaac H, Johann M, Carel V, Patrick C              

Pine Rivers District Team Selections 

 Netball 

• 13-15 years – Maddy W, Maddy R 
• 16-19 years – Sophie D, Shandri B, Charlize S, Lauren C 

 Volleyball 

• 16-19 years – Jenna C 

 Basketball 

• 10-12 years – Shivaani VT  

Met North Team Achievements 

 Triathlon 

•  Meg A, Sienna B, Reagen B, Mackenzie B, Malayah D, Madison R, Haley W, Matthew T, Luka L, Mitchell W, William M 

Softball 

• 13-19 Years – Christopher C 

Volleyball 

• 16-19 years – Jenna C 

 Congratulations to all students on these achievements!

Other Sporting Achievements 

 Triathlon 

Luka L and Reagan B were invited to race at the super sprint Race Weekend at the Gold Coast in December. This event was organised by Triathlon Australia. Over five different races Luka came in 1st overall in the Boys division and Reagan came 9th. 

Please notify the Sports Department via secondarysportsdept@genesis.qld.edu.au if you know of any achievements for your children so we can acknowledge these in the Newsletter.    

Blessings,

Anthony Arro

Director of Secondary School Sport 

Primary Highlights – it’s been great start to the year in Primary! 

Five weeks have now passed since the start of the 2021 school year, and I am very happy to say that on the whole, our Primary school students have settled in well into the new year, with teachers, support staff and students all working and playing hard. 

Digital Innovation hits Year 4! 

In the planning for the last 18 months has been the migration from iPads to Windows-based tablet devices in the Upper Primary school. The decision was ultimately made to transition in Year 4 this year and for these devices to roll into Years 5 and 6 in the coming years. This aligns our students operating system from Year 4-12 and will allow for a smoother technological transition to Secondary school. Our current Year 4s received their Microsoft Surface Go 2 devices in the first week of school this year and the results so far have been outstanding with very engaged students. The Surface Go 2 device is a touchscreen tablet device that also has a keyboard. The game changer with these devices is the digital stylus that comes with it, which enables students to handwrite directly onto the computer! This enables students to think more creatively, and artistically whilst saving work digitally. Alongside the device, Year 4s and all Prep-3 students have moved to the Digital Learning platform called SeeSaw. One of the big things we learnt from the online learning experience of 2020 is that our students need an age-appropriate and effective tool for accessing their learning online, as well as for building a digital portfolio of work, which in time parents will be able to view and appreciate at any moment. Leading the way in the Primary school in implementing these initiatives is our new Digital Innovation Coach – Mrs Grace Denny, who also teaches in Year 4. Mrs Denny spends time each week developing our programs and coaching our Primary staff and students to be effective users of technology in the classrooms.  

I would also like to acknowledge the swimming teams on their recent success at both the NISSA swim meet and the Pine Rivers District Swimming Carnivals. At both meets, our Genesis Primary swimmers were superb yet again, with many individuals achieving podium and personal best results. Much thanks are to go to our Aquatics Centre staff, and coaches, and Mrs McCarthy and Mrs Turner for all their hard work with our swimmers so far this year. 

This Friday sees our first NISSA Gala day for 2021, with our Year 4 to 6 Genesis students lining up in fixtures with The Lakes College, Prince of Peace Lutheran College and Grace Primary in basketball, t-ball and touch football. Parents are most welcome to attend NISSA Gala days to support our students at any of the events this year but must ensure they follow they COVID-safe guidelines in place at each venue. 

Blessings,

Jeremy Williamson

Head of School – Primary 

Secondary School Highlights

 How could we start the first News & Events for 2021 without celebrating Matilda? We are blessed to have such depth of talent amongst our creatives. The outstanding performances are the cumulative work of many over eighteen months. My thanks go to staff for their above and beyond efforts; for students for their QPAC-standard performance and support work; and to parents for partnering with the College in such an important community event. 

 At Genesis, our Mission Statement includes ‘develops a passion for lifelong learning’, with the intent of service. I cannot think of a better example of this than Matilda. We grow in knowledge and skills for a purpose. We don’t just learn about acting or singing or logistics or lighting or props to just sit an exam. We do so for a purpose: to use the knowledge and skills to make a useful difference and to enhance life for others. All of those who contributed to the amazing success of Matilda gave of their time and talents to entertain us. At Genesis we Grow to Give. Indeed, from this year we are describing our purpose as Secondary students as, to Grow, Give and Connect with Purpose. 

 The year has already seen a number of very successful events – the Dedication Service acknowledged our thankfulness to God for His provision; the Leadership Commissioning Service focussed our attention on our collective vision; and the Swimming Carnivals celebrated a tremendous sense of House spirit. I am very much looking forward to the Cross Country on Thursday 11 March and expect to see all in attendance. 

 What a great start to 2021! 

 Blessings, 

 Stuart Taylor

Head of School – Secondary 

Curriculum Matters – Authentic and Relevant 

The new year brings with it a number of exciting innovations in curriculum and pedagogy across the College. In Primary school, teachers and students will be embarking on project-based learning (PBL), which will provide students with opportunities to engage in authentic, cross-curricular units of work, encouraging autonomy, collaboration, problem solving and the application of critical thinking skills.  

The introduction of the Secret Skills framework will facilitate and model to Primary students positive intra– and inter-personal work habits and encourage them to be monitoring and developing upon these habits. 

The introduction of VR goggles as a tool to facilitate real-life learning experiences is gaining traction in the Secondary school with a variety of subjects engaging with the technology. Across the Secondary campus, students are using technologies to create and problem-solve, and the use of a new Learning ‘Teams’ platform is assisting students to remain connected and organised.   

Developing mastery in knowledge and skills continues to be a focus in the Secondary school, with the use of cognitive verbs, positive and effective study and work habits, and exposure to authentic learning experiences being a continued focus.   

Kind regards,

 Nichola Welsh Remove featured image

Head of Teaching and Learning 

The Pastoral Care Pen 

 We’re excited to introduce our new Middle School Chaplain, Laura Tepe. Here’s a quick hello from Laura: 

“Hi Genesis community! Thank you for welcoming me into your College – I am so enjoying meeting you and getting to know you all! I grew up in Melbourne but am loving life here in Brisbane. I am enjoying the warmer weather and exploring the beautiful beaches, rainforests and mountains here in Queensland. I love netball and AFL, and am a third-generation Lions fan. On the days I’m not working at Genesis, I run a wedding stationery business. I’m particularly passionate about seeing young people come to know Jesus for themselves and learning what it looks like to follow Him. I’m looking forward to having great conversations, asking big questions, and journeying with students to discover the amazing young men and women they have been created to be.”

Helping our kids to weather the storms 

As we know, life is full of storms that can be unpredictable and at time, relentless. It can be so hard to watch our children go through difficult times and it is very easy to worry about how they will cope. Over the years in my role I have watched and walked with so many children and young people who have gone through really difficult times, and I have had the privilege of being witness to their incredible capacity for resilience and strength. I have learnt that there are definitely a few factors that contribute to this resilience.  

Research shows that when young people go through challenging times, rather than it being a given that they will have Post Traumatic Stress, it is also possible that they can have Post Trauma Growth. This means that despite the traumatic event, over time there can be growth that comes. According to the founder of Positive Psychology, Martin Seligman, this all starts with the belief that storms will happen to me but the question is, am I prepared for them? Consider these 4 tools needed for growth. 

1. Foundations – A strong foundation can help to ensure that when the storms come they can draw strength and fortitude to stand strong. A foundation built on security, safe people and places, healthy distractions, helpful habits, unconditional and consistent love and acceptance. When young people have people who believe in them, encourage them, be consistently there for them and advocating for them when they can’t. This helps them to keep make necessary steps forward.

2. Love languages – Loving your child their way.  We are all wired differently to give and receive love, including our children. According to researchers there are 5 main different ways to give/receive love – 

• • Healthy touch
  • Gifts
  • Words of Affirmation
  • Quality time
  • Acts of Service.

 Author of  Love Languages, Gary Chapman explains, “Relationships grow better when we understand each other. Everyone gives and receives love differently, but with a little insight into these differences, we can be confidently equipped to communicate love well”. Sometimes we can be giving our best efforts to be communicating love to our child but it can be lost in translation if it is not loving them uniquely to who they are.  Do you know your child’s love language? Take the test here.  

When we give time to ‘fill our child’s love tank through their way of receiving love’ this can increase their feeling of being seen, known, understood and therefore secure and thus creating resilience. Take a look as some of the great resources available  

3. Soft heart and a strong mind – Our children need their primary care givers to be a soft place to land in what can be a harsh world, especially when they make a mistake; they need love, wisdom and guidance. They also need to see the mental fortitude it takes to stand strong and walk through tough times. When we model these two attributes hand in hand, we are giving our young people a road map to having what Brene Brown calls ‘a Strong Back and Soft Heart’. Instilling both kindness for self and others and a mindset that does not give up in tough times but learns how to problems solve, creates an inner strength that lasts the distance.  

4. Boundaries – Our children need to hear the word ‘no’ when it is for their own protection, health and benefit in order to feel loved, safe and secure. They will react, but this will fade over time, especially when they realise your motive for saying no is out of a deep love and care for them. Being consistent in our ‘no’ and in keeping safe–guards in place is the key to them respecting and listening to you in the tough times.  

We need to also allow ‘yes’ when appropriate, even to the things that may involve age-appropriate risk. When a child never gets a ‘yes’, they can grow bitter, resentful and rebellious. But when we allow them to do things that bring growth, fun and enjoyment in their life within your boundaries, the relationship of trust between you grows. Follow the link for more helpful advice on healthy boundaries  

 It is our hope as educators in a school, to not only build a strong academic foundation, but that we support the whole child as much as we can to give them the best chance of a strong future. It is our joy to partner with you to help our young people Grow and Flourish! 

With thanks,  

Louise Klar 

Head of Pastoral Care and Growth 

Welcome to 2021!

This year our College theme is PurposeFULL.

As we celebrate our 30^th Anniversary, our desire is to purposefully reconnect with our founding mission as a College.

Our mission statement is to provide high quality education that develops a passion for lifelong learning, Christian character and a desire to serve God in the wider community.

As we grow and develop, our desire is to remain true to this mission both today and in the days ahead. Continuing to develop within young people a passion for lifelong learning, a desire to grow in Christian character and a heart for serving God and others. What a wonderful mission to have!

This year’s theme of PurposeFULL, also relates to the journey that we are undertaking towards the development of our next Strategic Plan. Staff, students and parents will have an opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the College.

In preparing the Strategic Plan, we will undertake a process to identify the College’s strengths and weaknesses, the opportunities, challenges and competitive pressures we face, along with those elements of our College that will enable ongoing growth and success.

Our desire as a College, is that together we would seek to develop one shared vision, bringing glory to God by actively believing in and contributing to that shared vision.

We greatly value the opportunity to partner with you in this undertaking.

Blessings,

Paul Sterling

Principal