Term 3 Week 6. Pastor Ben. What does it mean when we call God Father?

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1 Term 3 Week 6 Faith Focus Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17). What does it mean when we call God Father? This is one of the main names for God in the Bible. Jesus himself uses it and encourages us to as well. The name father is supposed to help us think of God s closeness and care, God as a protector and provider, God as both strong and loving. We know that earthly fathers do not always live up to these ideals. I know I don t! But God wants earthly fathers to follow his lead. It is often unhelpful to project our human ideas of fatherhood onto God. Rather God wants to project his ideas of fatherhood onto us! So what does it mean to be a godly father? God puts husbands and fathers in families for a good reason. He calls them to love their wives and instruct their children. He calls them to be leaders and protectors; to be strong, loving and present for their families. He calls them to be less selfish (something many of us men are prone to!) and more selfless. Being a father is a special calling. None of us do it perfectly and some of us make a real mess of it! But God our Father loves us so much that he is always ready to heal past hurts and forgive past wrongs, so that we can start afresh. How can you be, or help someone else be, a godly father? What are you thankful for about your own father this week? Happy Father s Day! Pastor Ben

2 Important Bits Thoughts From the Principal Comparisons Comparisons are something we can t avoid in life. Being compared is neither a positive or negative experience in itself. When the comparison is with our previous efforts or a benchmark we are striving to obtain it can be extremely helpful to identify areas we are doing well in and areas to work on for further improvement. When comparisons pit individuals or teams against each other in a competitive environment the focus will easily shift from growth and improvement to ranking with winners and losers. Each August ACARA (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority) release NAPLAN summary information. The data is general in nature providing a range of comparisons of means between states and national benchmarks. The summary information report was released on Tuesday and it was noticeable in the lead up to the report release and since, that the focus has been on comparisons. The discussion has quickly focused on states where the comparison of results appears to highlight the ranking of states. As I have expressed previously, NAPLAN in itself is neither good or harmful. It depends on how we view the process of NAPLAN testing and use the data generated that will determine its effectiveness in supporting improvements in student learning, which should be the goal. Like the NAPLAN experience, I don t believe comparisons are either good or harmful in themselves. When comparisons are used to evaluate growth of an individual or a school, based on your own performance against your previous results and a national benchmark, it is helpful. Comparisons against a benchmark assist us to moderate our daily judgements and help form the full picture of achievement. If comparisons are used to rank, the focus will easily shift away from improving student learning. Mr Heyne s Weekly Highlights We haven t received any 2018 school NAPLAN results, and don t expect to until later in the term. When we do receive them, we will use results to compare our school trends in each of the areas tested. We ll compare the results of individual students with their previous results, the other forms of assessment data we have for each student, and compare results against benchmarks. We won t be ranking our students or school but will be focused on school and individual growth and improvement. When the data is released I encourage you to remember the focus, remember it is young people we are talking about and to focus on the positive ways data can be used. Gymnastics Over the last four weeks our Year 3-6 students have had the opportunity to learn gymnastic skills at the Belgravia Leisure Centre (Adelaide Hills Recreation Centre) across the road from St Mark s. We pride ourselves in providing a wide variety of sporting experiences for our students. We thank Morven and her team of instructors for teaching our students a variety of skills over this time. St Mark s students had the chance to use some fantastic facilities and equipment and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The colour, noise (it was loud!) and fun of our student discos. The sounds and enthusiasm of concert preparations

3 School Life SRC Walk-A-Thon Our walkathon is on Friday 14th September. This is a wonderful opportunity for students to reflect on the hardships suffered by so many people in our world and especially our Cambodian brothers and sisters. To avoid congestion on the Laratinga walking trail, students will leave St Mark s at staggered times. The walk to the wetlands should take approximately 40 minutes. Classes will leave at the following times: Year 9:30am Year 9:35am Year 9:40am Year 5 & Year 1 9:45am Year 6 & 9:50am Students are required to wear their sports uniform, school hat and carry a water bottle. The Foundation and Year 1 students will be accompanied by their buddy who will be able to assist them in carrying their bottle. All students will walk from St Mark s, down Hack St where they will turn right onto the trail. The walkathon will end at the shelter/toilets in the Laratinga Wetlands adjacent the Laratinga Wetlands carpark along Bald Hills Rd. Upon arrival students will be provided with one piece of sliced bread as a reminder of how little children eat in Cambodia. Foundation to Year 2 students will then return to school on a private coach while Year 3 to Year 6 students will walk back to school along the same route. It is expected that all students will be back at school by approximately 11:15am. Please note students will be supervised at all times by their classroom teacher as well as support staff. Could all donations and sponsorship forms be placed in an envelope labelled with your child s name and placed in their class office tray no later than Wednesday 12th September We look forward to seeing as many parents as possible, share this experience with us as we continue to nurture the values of compassion and empathy in each of our students for those in our midst who have so little. Coming Up August Thursday 30th - Friday 31st Year 2 Camp - El Shaddai Friday 31st Chapel 9am - led by FS September Monday 3rd Hats need to be worn from today! Tuesday 4th Assembly - led by 6B Friday 7th Chapel 9am - led by Pastor Ben Monday 10th Year 6 Excursion - Parliament House Thanks to those who came to the great COME & TRY P&F NIGHT last week and also to those that came and enjoyed the Disco on Saturday night. It was a fun filled night for all! Next meeting is on Thursday, 20 September at 7:30pm in the library. There will be a P and F Suggestion Box located near the hallway entrance between the Year 4 & 5 classrooms - we would love to hear from you! Thanks, Deb Zimmermann Book Fair Update Apologies for the late arrival of the Book Fair re-orders. Scholastic have been contacted and I was advised that changes to distribution at the warehouse has had an impact on delivery. Thank you for your patience, we will get your books to you as soon as we can. 6B Assembly Teaser... Find out why at Year 6B assembly on Tuesday! The close of the Reading Challenge is rapidly approaching. To avoid missing out on a medal, all forms MUST be handed in by 7th September. Please see me if you have any questions. Issue 6 Book Club order forms have been handed out. Orders and payment are due in by Friday 14th September. Louise Paterson Teacher/Librarian

4 School Life Year 3 Excursion Our Year 3 classes went to the Art Gallery and the Central Markets in Adelaide last week with the intention of appreciating Australia s neighbouring countries and their cultures. Concert News - Yrs 4-6 Dragon Days Dragon days, A flying dinosaur is living here and he s very near, Dragon days, An ancient monster from another age and he s in a rage. Hear him roar, he wants another meal. Oh NOOO! The dragon is hungry! To find out what happens, please join us! At the Central Market we had to wear Chinese school uniforms and we went to China Town. My favourite foods we tasted were Cheddar Cheese from England and green tree ants from Australia. Kayla S I love lots of different food and drinks from different places. The uniforms looked like ninja costumes. Nash I enjoyed eating all of the foods including the seaweed and buffalo. I also enjoyed drinking the dragon juice. It was really hard having to use the chopsticks. I loved seeing all of the amazing art works in the art gallery. William We went to the Art Gallery and there were a lot of different paintings on the walls that were so amazing and cool. We even made our own sash for Max to put on. They told us about a long, long poem that goes for 3 nights. My favourite food to eat was the Australia buffalo. I wondered what the other people felt like about the food and if they liked the food that I didn t? Josh At the Art Gallery I got chosen to be the warrior. I had to dress up as the warrior that had a woven sash and wear a sarong as well. Max The Band, Year 6S, 5H and 4K (Group 1) will perform on Wednesday September 26th while Choir, Year 6B, 5A and 4B (Group 2) will perform on Thursday September 27th. Both performances are scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. A matinee performance is also scheduled for Wednesday September 26th at 9:30am for Group 1 and 11:30am for Group 2. The school is hoping to implement an online ticketing system in the following weeks for families to book their free ticket to this event. Further information about this process will be communicated through the school newsletter soon. The staff and students look forward to welcoming you to a very exciting performance of the musical Dragon Days! Loredana Saracini Deputy Principal I ate Korean pancakes, mini steam buns, Chinese candy, black rice crackers, Australian buffalo sausage, green tree ants, Teena s jelly, turkish delight, salty plum, seaweed, jelly fruit cups, jicama from Asia and dates from Africa. Taylor What an amazing cultural experience!

5 School Life Chess News On Wednesday 22nd August, more than 80 students from across the Adelaide Hills and Metropolitan Adelaide battled it out at the Hills Individual Chess Championships. 15 of our students attended - congratulations to the following students who were awarded placings. Year 3: Jayden P (3rd place) Year 6: Oliver H (2nd place) and Haidyn I (3rd place) Further details and placings can be found on our Chesslife website: or on our Facebook page: Louise Borgo Chesslife Concert Help We are looking for a few props for our Dragon Days Concert. If you are happy to lend out the following items, please let Ms Steffan know. -Life-sized cardboard musical instruments preferably tuba, trumpet, trombone, accordion. - A few soft toy goats like the one pictured. - Firefighter helmets, preferably red. - Flaming torches. - Snowflakes of any kind, cardboard, soft, large or small. Spring Is Here! On Monday the 3rd of September HATS are required again. Don t forget to label them! Camp Australia Dear Parents/Caregivers, WALL OF HANDS FUNDRAISER We have made quite a lot of progress with our fundraiser. Jack V and Issy M agreed upon the awesome idea of a lucky dip to raise money. We were doing so many different craft projects and it was a great way to include everyone s hard work. So keep an eye out-we will have the lucky dip out in the OSHC/Music room every day and it may also make an appearance in the front office from time to time. We ask for a gold coin donation and you can take your pick of any colourfully wrapped gift from the box. SPRING HOLIDAY CLUB The holiday bookings are now open for Spring Holiday Club. We will be venturing to Wallis cinema in Mount Barker to see Smallfoot, the Hahndorf Farm Barn and Hole In One at Hahndorf Mini Golf. There is a program for Spring holidays attached for more information. All bookings can be made at or you can call our friendly customer service team Please ensure if your child has any medical needs that you visit the website or drop by the service anytime to collect required paperwork. Sam Thomas and team sastmarks@oshccampaustralia.com.au Mobile:

6 Camp Australia SA St Mark's Lutheran School 37 Hampden Road MOUNT BARKER SA (06:30-18:15) Monday, 01 October No Program Monday, 08 October You're The Star Today we'll be celebrating everyone's secret talents - no matter what they are! Tuesday, 02 October Sports Sensation Make sure you've tightened your laces as we'll be getting active in a day where everyone's a sports superstar. Full Fee: $60.81 Wednesday, 03 October Hole In One at Hahndorf Mini It may be called 'mini' golf, but it's going to be big fun! Note: Please arrive by 8:45am. Full Fee: $90.83 Thursday, 04 October Creative Sensation Today we'll be making sensational arts and crafts. What will you make? Full Fee: $60.81 Friday, 05 October Build-A-Farm Build your very own LEGO-compatible farms from your choice of two special kits. Full Fee: $60.81 Tuesday, 09 October On The Farm at Hahndorf Far We're off on a totally wild adventure where we will get to make some new farmyard friends. Note: Please arrive by 8:45am. Full Fee: $92.13 Wednesday, 10 October My Green Garden Grow your very own vegetable garden with a greenhouse that you have built yourself. Full Fee: $77.31 Thursday, 11 October At The Movies: Smallfoot at We're off to the movies to see the cool new flick Smallfoot. Note: Please arrive by 8:45am. Full Fee: $90.51 Friday, 12 October Zen Kids Take relaxation to a whole new level when we design our very own yoga mats and make calming wind chimes. Full Fee: $77.31 Full Fee: $

7 Community Saturday 22 September 6:00 8:30pm $10 per child Includes pizza, fruit box, bag of chips and movies Wear your p.j s and bring a beanbag/pillow/small fold out couch for a night of fun with your friends Foundation to Year 3 in the School Hall Year 3 to 6 in the School Library PICKUP 8:30PM SHARP PJ and Pizza Night Please fill out the form below and send back to class with the correct money enclosed OR RSVP and pay online via *** FINAL DATE TO RSVP WEDNESDAY 19 SEPTEMBER *** Student Name Student Name Student Name $10 per child TOTAL ENCLOSED $ Class Class Class Please include any dietary requirements below If you are able to help at the P.j. and Pizza Night (5:30-8:30) please complete your details below Parent Name: Phone Number:

8 Community GREAT ST MARK S BAKE OFF The ladies social group from St Mark s Lutheran Church are holding a Bake Off evening in conjunction with the Cancer Councils Girls Night In. Thank you Pedal Prix SPonsors! All ladies are invited to a fun night in to raise money for the Cancer Council and help decide this years Great St Mark s Bake Off Champion. Come along for some taste-testing, games, socialising and a decorating demonstration. Tickets cost $15 (available on the night), which includes all you need for the evening, including a ticket in the raffle. All money raised will go directly to the Cancer Council to support cancer research and those affected by Cancer. Please see the flyer below. For more information. a Bake Off Entry Form or to RSVP for catering, please contact Sharon Steven (Yr3 classroom teacher). - for supporting us this Pedal Prix season. St Mark s Lutheran Church MandM s presents the Great St Mark s Bake Off All ladies are invited to a fun night out to raise money for the Cancer Council and help decide the 2018: Great St Mark s Bake Off Champion Thursday, September 20 th, 7pm St Mark s Church Link $15 TICKET (Tickets available at the door on the night) Ticket price includes: - raffle ticket - - glass of champagne - - cheese platters - - judging tokens - - tasting plate - To allow for catering, please put your name on the list in the LINK if you will be coming. Fruit cup, water, and Tea & Coffee will also be available. (BYO alcohol if desired) All proceeds from the evening will go directly to the Cancer Council. Please consider supporting these businesses to thank them for their support of our school. Term Fee reminders were sent out earlier this week. Please make it a priority to have your accounts paid in full. Thank you

9 Community D NUT DAY Friday 28th September is Donut Day at recess. All money raised will help fund P&F school projects. Please fill out the form below and send back to class with the correct money enclosed OR pay online via *** Orders close Monday 24th September *** Name Class $3 Thunderbirds Donut $3 Port Power Donut $3 Crows Donut $1 Fruit Box $1 Chocolate Milk TOTAL $ Name Class $3 Thunderbirds Donut $3 Port Power Donut $3 Crows Donut $1 Fruit Box $1 Chocolate Milk TOTAL $ Are you able to help pack and distribute orders on Friday 28 Sept from 9 10:30? Name Phone

10 Community St Mark s JAFFA Junior Youth welcomes children in Years 4-7 JAFFA YOUTH PRESENTS. OUT and ABOUT We hope to get the JAFFA group Out and About to the local park to spend some time in God s beautiful creation and share in some HOT CHIPS. If the weather isn t kind to us we have plenty of indoor games planned to burn off some energy and challenge the mind. Bring yourself and a friend along to hang out together. Sunday 9 th September :45pm in St Mark s Church LINK PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER TIME DUE TO ST MARK S LUTHERAN NETBALL CLUB JUNIOR PRESENTATIONS STARTING AT 2PM. Bring: Gold coin donation, enthusiasm and your friends JAFFA Junior Youth (school years 4-7): Contact- Emma Graetz on or emmagraetz@gmail.com for any questions and to RSVP by 7 Sept, OPEN DAY / COME & TRY DAY Get That Diary Out! August Thursday 30th - Friday 31st Year 2 Camp - El Shaddai Friday 31st Chapel - led by FS September Tuesday 4th Assembly - led by 6B Friday 7th Chapel - led by Pastor Ben Monday 10th Year 6 Excursion - Parliament House Friday 14th Chapel - led by 2S SRC Walkathon Saturday 22nd PJ and Pizza Night pm F-Yr3 (Library) Yr3-6 (Hall) Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th September Senior Primary Concerts 6S, 5H, 4K - Wednesday 9.30am and 7pm 6B, 5A, 4B - Wednesday 11.30am and Thursday 7pm School Band - Wednesday 7pm Choir - Thursday 7pm Friday 28th Donut Day Sunday 23rd September 11am 2pm Lots of freebies / FREE Sausage sizzle Meet our tennis coach Ian Pickering Try the Hit the target Inflatable Register for Saturday competition / Wed nights / coaching / Hotshots Order your new club uniform (Strathalbyn Oval Complex, next to the caravan park) Ph DISCO!!! DISCO!!! DISCO!!! Thank you P and F Team and Helpers who continue to provide many wonderful opportunities for our students. Last Saturday night s discos were thoroughly enjoyed by all.