• From the Principal's Desk
• eNews
• Upcoming Events
• Preparatory School News
• Years P-6 News
• Junior News
• Across Campus News
• Middle School News
• Senior School News
• P & C News
• Community News

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We have reached the end of what has been a very exciting and eventful semester at Varsity College.  Throughout 2009, the College has continued to evolve as a leader in public education, but also the heart and soul of this school have become more evident as we strive to achieve the vision that we established over two years ago.  Our children continue to excel in many areas at Varsity College and whether they are involved in sporting programs, community events, performing arts or music programs, or achieve their very best academically, I continue to remain extremely proud of their achievements. 

You will receive report cards shortly commenting on progress towards established goals and also outlining specific areas of competency and need for improvement.  It is absolutely essential to build the confidence of your children through positive affirmation of their performance so far this year.  If they are able to see the positive from these report cards, then they will become more motivated to strive for better results next time.  There is substantial research that shows that students who are positively reinforced at home, out perform those who have the negative aspects of their reports as the reference for their parental opinion of their performance.  This does not mean that you should ignore negative behaviours and skills, but we must be conscious to provide a well balanced approach to the interpretation of report cards.  For parents with any concern, I would encourage that you contact the office to get further advice about the discussions that you should have with your child.  We can provide great strategies that will support you developing a positive experience for your child.

This week is the last time that Ms Shirley Hadwen will be the Preparatoroy School Principal.  I have mentioned previously the amazing work that Shirley has done in the last two years at Varsity College and I am very sad that Shirley will not be at Varsity College in the foreseeable future, but I am equally thrilled that her new position, alongside Ms Marg Heiser, will greatly enhance the ability of teachers in all schools in Queensland to deliver strong literacy programs. We often take for granted the intellectual capacity of our teachers and as one of the largest schools in Queensland, our capacity to draw on hundreds of years of experience and to make collaborative decisions about curriculum and management far exceeds that of small country schools.  The fact that Shirley and Marg will be developing a curriculum model that can be effectively used throughout Queensland to especially support small schools, gives me great confidence in the future of public education.  I know that Shirley and Marg will do sensational work in this important role and on behalf of the whole school community, I wish them both every success.

Mr Ray McConnell will be returning at the start of next term and I have met with him this week to discuss his experiences at Shailer Park SHS and the ideas that he will bring back to us.  I am sure that Ray will be implementing some great new strategies for our students and I know that everyone will be glad to have Ray back.  It has been pleasing to hear that Mr Mark Blackshaw has continued to thrive in his consultancy role for the state of Queensland.  Mark has been conducting seminars in all areas of Queensland and the reports from these have been wonderful.  As could be expected, Mark is drawing heavily on his experiences at Varsity College. 

I know that many of our students will be competing in Queensland state sporting trials over the holiday period.  Already we have had a number of State representatives for 2009, but I am sure that many others will be selected to represent Queensland at National level in the coming months.  To all of these students, I wish every success and hope that your efforts and training are rewarded with fantastic performances.

To all members of the College community, I hope that the upcoming holiday period is restful and relaxing.  Everyone is ready for a break and I truly hope that you are all able to find the time to relax and wind down after a very busy first half of the year.  On behalf of the whole community I would like to thank all of the staff at Varsity College for their dedication and incredible efforts in delivering a curriculum program that is second to none.  Keep safe and I look forward to seeing you early in Term 3.

Jeff Davis
Executive Principal

Top  

eNews 

Dear Parent,

As a part of our school's new approach towards the way we communicate with you, we are excited to inform you that we now offer interactive, graphically rich, full colour electronic newsletters to all our parents.

The concept of eNews is similar to the printed paper newsletters which we already send out regularly, but with added benefits - eNews is personally delivered directly to your email inbox via the Internet. This delivery method has many advantages.

It is cost effective, time efficient and personalised to your name. Most importantly the school receives this service completely free of charge from Australian Newsletter Services who also supply our paper newsletters with the help of advertisers.

To receive this service all you need is a computer with internet access and email. Those who currently do not have internet access at home can still receive our traditional paper newsletter.

With our eNews service the distance between the school and the parents will be further shortened as the parents will be able to experience firsthand what activities the school is currently undertaking and the latest information on Academic, Health, Sport and other areas that may interest you. This way the whole family can share the success stories of your children as these eNewsletters can be forwarded to anyone with email.

To sign up for our eNewsletter please type the link below into the address bar of your browser. Australian Newsletter Services has made the signup process automated and only takes a few minutes when prompts are followed. Your email address will only be used to send out school eNews and nothing else.

This environment friendly approach to communication means that hard copy distribution of the Newsletter will be drastically reduced over the next 10 weeks. Classroom Newsletter distribution will cease at the end of Term 1.  Hard copy Newsletters will be available at Campus Administration Offices from the beginning of Term 2.

http://mailouts.austnews.com.au/subscription/V/varsity-college-signup.html

If you experience any difficulties please feel free to contact AustNews IT Department on 1800 245 077 or email help@austnews.com.au.

Thank you

Top

Upcoming Events

Top

Preparatory School News

From the Head of Preparatory School

It is amazing that this is our final newsletter for Term 2. It certainly has been a busy and very successful term for our College's youngest students.

Year 3 students have completed the National Test in Literacy and Numeracy. They have created impressive design challenges, formed a student council that held a very successful free dress day last week raising over $730 and have been excellent role models for our younger students. Students will visit the Science Centre early in Term 3 as a part of their Term 3 Integrated Project.

Year 2 students have been through the Year 2 Net validation this term, focussing on ants. There is not much they couldn't tell you about ants, their colony and their characteristics.  Students have also been involved in designing a new insect and enjoyed a visit from the Bee Man.

Year 1 students and their teachers have been investigating the world of science. There have been plenty of loud bangs and erupting volcanoes.  Students are showing great progress  in their letter and sound knowledge and reading is really taking off. Year 1 students enjoyed their visit to the high school to watch the Year 9 students perform their fractured fairytales.  There is an excursion planned for Term 3 to Currumbin Sanctuary.

Our 175 Prep students have really blossomed this term, with everyone in the routine of school now. It was a term of investigating everything from farms to patterns to Mothers' Day activities.  Everyone now sings a wonderful version of the national anthem on assembly and all students loved their first Under 8's Day. The reading eggs program has been a huge hit with the Prep students; it is great to see their enthusiasm for letters and sounds developing.

We are looking forward to sharing with you your child's individual journey this semester with report cards being sent home on Thursday 25 June.  While Prep age students do not receive a written report card, a parent teacher interview will be offered during Term 3.  Parents of students in Years 1, 2 and 3 are more than welcome to arrange an interview with their child's teacher to discuss the Semester One report card.

Our Prep to Year 3 Sports Day was to be held on Wednesday 24 June. Unfortunately due to the wet weather we will have to postpone the Sports Day until after the holidays.  Al parents are invited to join in the fun on Wednesday 15 July.  Students in Prep and Year 1 will be involved in a range of activities and a running race from 9 - 11am.  Year 2 and 3 students will have their sports activities between 12 - 2pm.  Thanks to the tuckshop, there will be a morning tea pack and sausage sizzle lunch available to all students on the day - order forms have been sent home.  Everyone is welcome to join in the fun!

A special thank you to all the parents and community members who have volunteered their time in the Preparatory School this term.  Your continued support is much appreciated and really does make a difference to our students' learning outcomes.

The end of this semester brings for me an end to my time at Varsity College.  It has been my absolute pleasure to have spent nearly two years working with the staff and students in the Preparatory sub-school.  On a daily basis I am reminded of why Varsity is held in such high regard by both the community and the education world.  The curriculum being offered to students is of the highest standard, teachers and support staff are continually challenging themselves to deliver the best teaching opportunities possible and the parent community provides support in every way.  The combination of these has seen the College achieve results that are among the highest in the State.

It has been an amazing opportunity to have been part of something so special. I know that personally and professionally that I am a better person for having spent time working at Varsity College.  I will truly miss the students of the Prep sub-school and look forward to keeping in touch with their progress.

Wishing all our students, staff and their families a safe and happy holiday. School resumes for students on Tuesday 14 July.

Shirley Hadwen
Head of Preparatory School

Top

Years P-6 News

Competition Sports Results - 2009

Here are the results for the 2009 season. Based on for & against points, this is where your team finished the season.

Age Champions & House Champions

Athletics 2009

Varsity Gift Champion
Sharni Brooke

Jared Frazer
PE Department

Top

Junior News

From the Head of Junior School

Being the final newsletter for this term, I would like to congratulate the school community for what has been an extremely successful first half of the year. I am continually astounded by the manner in which children are engaged in their school work and the efforts and pride that our teachers place on their work. Students have excelled academically and have achieved fantastic results in sports and musical events. I look forward to similar success next Semester.

Now that interschool sport has finished, the Junior School will be trialling an Electives Program each Friday afternoon for Term Three. All Year 5 and Year 6 students will choose an elective from a list of programs. Programs to choose from will include the School Musical, Basketball Excellence, Robotics, Grooming and Deportment, Science Investigations and Movie Making. Students will choose their elective during the first week of the term. Year 4 students will participate in an introductory sporting program.

Last week the Junior School held its annual Sports Day. It was great to see all students participating and encouraging their fellow students. I would like to thank Mr Frazer and Mrs Austen for all of their work organising the carnival and the Junior School staff for their assistance in running the events on the day.

Mid year student reports will be distributed this week. This will be the first time that the Junior School uses the mandated OneSchool reporting system. I encourage parents to take the time to:

• view and discuss the report with their children
• identify their child's strengths
• identify areas for improvement (Programs such as Mathletics can be aligned to reinforce these areas)
• make an appointment to meet with their child's teacher at the commencement of Term 3 to discuss their child's progress

As the days become cooler, I would also like to remind parents of the high expectations our College places on school uniform. The uniform policy states that Varsity College jumpers / jackets and tracksuit pants are the uniform requirements during winter. It is extremely important that this is adhered to with the summer policies of dress / sports uniforms and the wearing of the black, leather, lace-up shoes with the dress uniform.

Our Junior School Music Program continues to showcase the incredible talents of our students and teachers. Two weeks ago, parents and friends were treated to a fantastic mid year music concert. It is wonderful to watch and listen to the students performing, especially those children who have only been playing an instrument for a short time. Congratulations and thank you to all students, staff and parents who performed and assisted on the evening.

Finally, I would like to request that parents remind their children of the need to promptly depart school in a safe manner each afternoon. It is important that following the afternoon bell, students refrain from entering playgrounds and depart in the manner as determined by their parents. It is important that students are not left to wait for parents for a long time, and parents who cannot pick up their children promptly use the services of afternoon care programs.

Enjoy the holidays, have a safe break, and we look forward to a successful and enjoyable Term 3.

Stephen O'Brien
Head of Junior School

Top

Across Campus News

Education Tax Refund - Don't forget to claim

How do I claim the Education Tax Refund?

• In your tax return.
• If you don't lodge a tax return, claim on a separate form or over the phone.
• If you use a tax agent, make sure you ask them to claim for you.

The Education Tax Refund lets you claim up to 50 per cent of eligible education expenses for school children. If you are eligible, you can get back up to $375 for each primary student and up to $750 for each secondary student.

You can claim things like text books, stationery and even internet costs. Remember, you need to keep all receipts for expenses you claim.

If you receive Family Tax Benefit Part A for a child at primary or secondary school, you will be eligible. Some other people are eligible too. To find out more about this and other information such as what you can and can't claim go to:- www.australia.gov.au/educationtaxrefund or call the Tax Office on 13 28 61.

Top

Middle School News

From the Head of Middle School

Year 9 Leadership Day

On Friday 19th June all of our Year 9 students were offered the opportunity to engage in a ‘Leadership Power Session' run by the Australian Youth Development Association.  Students took part in a 90 minute session designed to allow them to discover the difference between choosing to distract and focus on the negative versus the power of focussing on the task and committing to the team.  Students were engaged in games and activities whilst learning some valuable teamwork skills.

Administration Changes
Middle School in Term 3

Next Term, our Middle School Principal, Mr Ray McConnell will return from Shailer Park State High School. Ray is excited to be returning to lead our students and staff of Middle School. For the first four weeks of the term he will be taking on Mr Jeff Davis' Executive Principal role while Jeff is taking some well deserved ‘Long Service Leave'. Mr Russell Williams will be our Head of Middle School during these four weeks and Mr Darren Rackemann will remain as our Middle School Deputy during Term 3.  I have been offered an opportunity to work with Mrs Shirley Hadwen in the Teaching and Learning Branch of Education Queensland in Central Office during Term 3. This is a wonderful opportunity to continue linking curriculum with our ‘core business' of teaching, learning and improving outcomes for students.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the extraordinary work carried out everyday by our Middle School teaching and non-teaching staff. It has been an honour to lead our Middle School during Semester One in Ray's absence and I look forward to returning to Varsity in Term Four.

I wish all students, staff and parents a safe holiday.

Margaret Heiser
Head of Middle School

Top

Senior School News

From the Head of Senior School

Pathways Week

Following our Exam Shutdown, the Year 11 and 12 students have been involved in some alternative programs within the last week of school. Year 12 students sitting the QCS Exam have been involved in Immersion Programs and have sat for practice tests. The RAAPS Program is a valuable learning experience to remind students of the dangers on the road and the responsibility of being behind the wheel of a vehicle. This is a vital message given the number of young people who die on our roads each year.

Year 12's have also been involved in rotation sessions aimed at educating them about pathways for next year, including QTAC information for admission to tertiary courses and their Learning Accounts with QSA. They have also had the opportunity to learn how to administer First Aid. With the school year already being so busy for Year 12 students, there will not be another opportunity for students to access this valuable information; therefore, attendance at these sessions was imperative.

Leadership

The Year 11's are commencing their Leadership process in preparation for them entering Year 12 next year. Led by Shane Graham, their Team Leader, Year 11 students had the opportunity to participate in Leadership and Team Building activities at school. We encourage all students interested in pursuing leadership roles to apply for these positions and represent their student body in 2010.

In conjunction with the Year 11 Leadership Program, I have also implemented the Varsity Ambassador Program aimed at building leadership density right through the senior school. Team Leaders and Form teachers have put forward representatives from each form class. The role is quite small on the demands of the students but will allow them to be involved in some leadership sessions twice a term. The Varsity Ambassadors will be asked to assist in running Assemblies, welcoming new students and representing the college and their year level on occasions in the local community.

Assessment and Reporting

Assessment was completed over the last few weeks and teachers are currently compiling the end of semester reports. These will be available for senior students AFTER the holidays. Year 10 students have commenced Semester 2 timetables and have been advised that they have until the end of Week 2 next term to apply for subject changes. After this deadline, requests for subject changes will only be considered in extreme situations.

Attendance

The cooler weather has brought with it a lot of students with absences due to legitimate illness. If this is the case please assist us by sending your child with a note upon their return to school. The school discourages students missing classes for extended vacations but where this is necessary we ask that you advise the school in advance of the student's absence. This will allow the opportunity for the student to seek work from their teachers to alleviate the stress of having to play ‘catch up' upon their return.

Office staff have also been conducting random attendance checks as an extra measure to ensure students are at school as regularly as possible. Attendance is the first step in setting up success for your child.

Knowing that Term 3 in the senior school, particularly for Year 12 students, is the most hectic, we wish all students a safe and restful break. School recommences on July 14 after the Student Free Day.

Nicole Brazeau
Deputy Principal Senior School

Top

P & C News

July P & C Meeting

The P & C meetings are normally held on the third Wednesday of the month but due to the holidays the next P & C Meeting will be held on 22 July in the Chinese Immersion Room at 6.30pm.

Vice President Year 7 - 9 Nominations:

Due to Anthony Ricciardo submitting his resignation for the P & C Vice President Year 7-9, the position is now vacant.  If you are interested in nominating for this position and joining the P & C Executive committee, please advise Sue Jones on sjone245@eq.edu.au. Role descriptions are available for you to peruse.

Uniform Shop Advisory Group

We would like to form a Uniform Advisory Group to discuss issues that arise with a school this size. If you are interested in joining this group please contact Sue on the above email or call Sue on 55769394.

Chocolate Drive

Next term we are having a Chocolate Drive. We can only run this successfully if we have volunteers.  This would be a huge fundraiser and so if you are interested in helping, please contact Sue on the above email. 

P & C Committee
Varsity College

Uniform Shop News

Both Uniform shops will be closed for the 2 weeks mid term break, and Monday 13^th June for pupil free day.

For your convenience the Prep/Junior Shop will open Tuesday 14^th June 8am-10.45am.  Wednesday and Thursday as normal.  Please be aware when entering the Prep/Junior Uniform Shop, that there is a chain across the entrance.  Please wait to be invited into the shop for fittings when one of our friendly volunteers will be free to assist you with sizing.

$10 Sale Day

The $10 sale days were well supported by parents and I'm sure you are all delighted with your bargains.  The sale items will continue at $10 until such time as these items have sold out.

Again, I would like to thank all the volunteers who have helped on these days, and throughout the term. Whether it's for 1 hour or 4, Nicky and I really appreciate your efforts.   Volunteering is a great way to meet new parents and to learn what is happening within the school.  If you have some spare time Nicky and I would like to hear from you.  Make yourself known, or call Prep/Junior on 5576 9308 or Mid/Senior on 55662-3512.

New Hours

Parents and students have warmly welcomed the trial of new hours this term.  This will be continued into the future.

That's all the news for this term. Have a safe mid term break.

Thank You

Robina Hoogendoorn
Uniform Shop Convenor

Top

Community News

Top