Let us not forget that war is a wasteful and destructive horror that breaks bodies, minds, hearts and lives into pieces. War is a consequence of the utter failure of human beings to resolve their differences and reconcile themselves to each other through love, forgiveness and compassion.

From half a world away, it’s hard to think of any influence we might exert to stop the distant war in the Ukraine, a conflict that threatens to embroil superpowers and international coalitions and seriously disturb global peace and national economies.

Yet there is something important we can all do – we can pray (Eph. 6:18; Phil. 4:6). For atheists and humanists, prayer may consist in an appeal to the better nature of our fellow human beings, and only good can come of that. But Christians understand that the human choices directed by our “better nature” are choices that come from our inborn understanding of love, peace and compassion, which comes from our creation in God’s image.

Christians also believe that God – the source of love, mercy and justice – also has the power to influence circumstances and events that are beyond our individual and collective control. While “some put their trust in chariots and the things of war… we will trust in the Name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7) because “the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer” (1 Peter 3:12)

We can pray:

For the people of Ukraine (Isaiah 26:3; Matt. 5:44; John 16:33; Romans 12;12)
For the people of Russia, especially those who oppose the war (Matt. 5:9; Luke 18:7-8)
For the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, and other world leaders (Prov. 21:1; Isaiah 2;4; 1 Tim. 2:1-3)
For the soldiers in the armies of both nations (Psalm 23:4; Psalm 91:1-2; Matt. 10:28)
For Christian workers in both countries (2 Chron. 7:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Thess. 3:1-2)
For an end to this violence, war and death, through peace and reconciliation.
 
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us (1 John 5:14).

Amen.

If you feel called to donate towards practical help, several Christian aid organisations are providing emergency humanitarian relief to displaced families and children in the Ukraine. Their websites are listed below:

World Vision (Children)

World Vision (Refugees)

Emergency Action (including Baptist Care)

Samaritan's Purse

A gold coin collection is being held at school, receiving donation son behalf of World Vision.

COVID-safety rules are still mandated for Victorian schools until further notice from the State Government. 

Please help us to ensure your child complies with them for everyone’s safety.

Face Masks

The mask mandate persists in several areas of school life. Face masks are required to be worn by:

• All students (regardless of age) when travelling on school buses to and from the College and to and from excursions, sports events etc.

• All students in Grade 3 to Grade 6 while indoors at school, unless exempt or eating and drinking.

Rapid Antigen Testing

Free rapid antigen tests are still being provided for all students until the end of Term 1. Rapid antigen testing is voluntary but strongly encouraged.

In 2022, for the first time, all eligible Australian students will take NAPLAN as a series of online assessments in the four areas (or ‘domains’) of: 

• Reading 
• Writing
• Language conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation)
• Numeracy

The only exception to online testing will be the Grade 3 Writing test, which will remain paper-based for 2022. 

There will be a Coordinated Practice Test on Thursday 24th March 2022, Students will practice logging in and experiencing the testing platform while teachers will practice coordinating and administering the tests. The actual NAPLAN tests will take place between Tuesday 10th and Thursday 19th of May.

Parents are encouraged to keep an eye open for more detailed communications about NAPLAN through the Flinders App.

BUILDING MOMENTUM AND ROUTINES

As we head into the second half of this busy first term, we can look behind us to see that we have settled in quite well into our new Secondary structure.

Students generally appear to be efficiently moving around the campus between classes
There is a positive ‘buzz’ around the campus
There is a growing sense of interconnectedness within the Houses as House Mentor groups start to ‘gel’ together.
Reports back from the Heads of House have been very encouraging.
We are doing well in the following but are not quite ‘there’ yet in terms of
a)The anticipated development of some House programs – including competitions of various sorts b)Student leadership really working together within and across year levels
c)Finding the overall balance between House Mentor, House Assembly and Year level times.
As we head into the second half of Term 1, these things will be further discussed and refined.

My prayer is that we will back at the end of 2022 with an enormous sense of thankfulness and satisfaction with the changes that have been instituted.

I am also keen to get feedback from parents in terms of your important perspective of how you see things from a home viewpoint. I am discussing the creation of a Parent Feedback survey with other members of the Carrum Downs Campus Exec team.

RESPONDING TO CRISES BEYOND OUR CONTROL

This morning (Tuesday) I shared a message with the Secondary students about managing crises which are largely outside our control. I mentioned the obvious issues at the moment – the conflict in Ukraine and the massive floods up north in NSW and Queensland – and outlined two significant and non-reactive responses:

1)  Being generous – with our time (if we can visit and/or write letters), our money to support charitable causes, and our prayers. While we may not be able to singlehandedly make a difference, we can collectively be part of a larger response.
2)  Staying close to God. I quoted from Psalm 16:8 which states that ‘My eyes are always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
POSITIVITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH READY, RESPECT and SAFE – A FOCUS ON ‘RESPECT’

It seems that the majority of our secondary students are taking on board the Ready, Respect and Safe message by being the best they can be in their attitude and involvement in school life.

There are some who will learn through being held accountable for their poor choices. In this way, we discipline for growth, not for punishment. My goal – and that of the Secondary staff – is to continue to be formational in the lives of each of our secondary students so that they leave Flinders – most at the end of Year 12 – with a clear understanding and imbibing of the Flinders values.

STUDENT HOUSE LEADERSHIP APPLICATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

There have been many excellent applications made for House Leadership roles in Years 7-10.

Most of the Year 8-10 roles have now been filled and we now begin the process of interviewing many of the Year 7 students who have put up their hand to be a House Leader.

By the next College Newsletter in a fortnight’s time we should be able to announce the full list of all Year 7-10 House Leaders and support them as they learn how to lead in their House team as well as in their year level as part of the Year Level SRC.

Regards

Geoff Grace

Head of Secondary

Unit 1 Students were involved in wake boarding and knee boarding as a part of their Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies course work. 

They visited the Melbourne Cable Park and tested out their skills as well as learning about artificial natural environments and different types of outdoor recreational pursuits.

Year 9 students getting involved in mapping skills in the Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve, as well as fire making craft and camp food practices to prepare them for their overnight camp later in the term.

Year 10 -12 Families 

(Families of VCAL students are not required to read this).

At VCE level, Completion of SACs provide evidence that a student has met the outcomes of a particular study design. The grades awarded contribute to the student’s study score for Unit 34 studies and reportable assessments for Unit 12 studies.

In the interest of fairness, VCAA require all students to complete a SAC for any given subject on the same day.  In the situation where this is not possible, students are required to reschedule the SAC.  Grades may only be awarded for the following reasons: 1

1. Illness – a medical certificate must be provided.

2. Covid absence according to the government stipulated rules.  No medical certificate is required if the school nurse has been notified. 

 3. Clash with a school event, including participation in a sporting event. 

 4. Bereavement or funeral – a letter of explanation must be provided. 

 5. Family crisis – please contact the VCE Coordinator to discuss.

In all other circumstances a zero grade will be recorded.

Students who do not attend a VCE SAC must complete an Application to Reschedule form, which is found on the Secondary School Moodle page in the Year 11 & 12 section.  Rescheduled SACs generally take place on Mondays 3:30-5:10pm or Thursdays 1:40-3:20pm (Yr 11/12students only).

If a student attends school on the day of a SAC, they are expected to complete the SAC then.  However, if the student has just returned after a prolonged absence (including a Covid isolation) they may be eligible for a SAC reschedule.  They need to discuss their situation with their teacher and the VCE Coordinator.  During an extended absence students are encouraged to stay in regular contact with their subject teacher and to stay up to date with their studies where possible. 

For further clarification please click on the email button below: 

Kind regards 

Mrs Wendy Kincses - VCE Co-ordinator

Location: E Block Main Entrance (please see map attached)

With the formation of our new Secondary School, we have now created a Secondary Reception area in E Block: Ten Boom House.  Staff in our previous Middle School and Senior School administration teams have amalgamated and are now located in E Block: Ten Boom House.   

Secondary Admin Staff

• Rosslyn Allen

• Kristine Gardiner

• Kerryn Graham

Please use the following contact details to contact Secondary Reception:

P.   9785 0000 

Email - Please click

Student Late Sign in

E Block 

V Block

Student Early Sign out

E Block (only)

Students require a note from a parent to leave school early – this can be written into the student diary.  As it is difficult to find students mid-way through a day, we ask that parents ensure there is a note and that students are reminded to sign out at E Block at the required time.  Admin staff are unable to go looking for students at the last minute and will only do this in an emergency. 

Please use the front carpark when dropping off students late or collecting early. 

Dear Primary parents, 

As we reach the mid-point of term 1, it has been brilliant to have a relatively uninterrupted start to the year. Our Preps are settling well; Grades 1 and 2 are consolidating their reading skills, whilst Grades 3 to 6 are building on the skills attained in the Early Years. It has been fantastic to have our full program up and running with incursions, excursions and sporting events all going ahead.

Adam Swain
Head of Primary

At Tuesday’s outdoor Primary chapel, we sang a student favourite  ‘One Way’, applauded achievements and watched  Grade 2T perform ‘Super Wonderful’. It was again a chance to unite our Primary community.

This week during Primary Chapel we congratulated our two grade 5 "Flinders Value Award" recipients Elijah and Jhett.

Elijah exemplifies the value of Faith. He is always contributing positively to daily class Devotions, has kind and thoughtful sentiments when leading the class in prayer and works hard to honour the Fruits of the Spirit. He shows that he is growing in God’s love.

Jhett displays the value of perseverance by working hard to get tasks done with a smile and working through challenges with determination. 

Come to school with Crazy Hair on Tuesday 22nd March to show your support for the Leukemia Foundation. All funds raised will be combined with the Secondary school's "Worlds Greatest Shave".

Students should come to school in their PE Uniform and bring a gold coin donation. Crazy hair could include wigs, temporary hair colour and fancy hair ties.

Congratulations to our students who participated in Tuesday’s Frankston District SSV Swimming Competition at The Pines Forest Aquatic Centre against seven other schools from this district.

All our students swam to the best of their ability and were thrilled to came first overall.

Qualifying students will now be representing our school next Wednesday at the School Sport Victoria Northern Peninsula Division 2022 Swimming Carnival at the Pines Forest Swimming Pool.

Please ensure your Grade 3 – Year 12 students carry a mask with them.  We still require students to wear a mask when on the morning and afternoon bus runs and also for when they travel by bus / train to and from excursions. 

Student Pulse check-ins are now happening each week in Secondary and senior primary years. With a weekly Pulse check-in, students reflect on their mental health and answer science-backed engagement and wellbeing questions.

These check-ins are confidential, however students are able to request someone check in with them if they are struggling. 

Guitar lessons are available in both acoustic and electric. For further information regarding lessons, please contact the Music department or email Mr Anderson directly by clicking on the link.

Secondary Choir is open for students Y7 -Y12. We would love to have more secondary students join us Tuesday mornings at 8am. Contact the music department for further information  

Singing has also been shown to improve our sense of happiness and wellbeing. Research has found, for example, that people feel more positive after actively singing than they do after passively listening to music or after chatting about positive life events. Improved mood probably in part comes directly from the release of positive neurochemicals such as β-endorphin, dopamine and serotonin. It is also likely to be influenced by changes in our sense of social closeness with others.

The psychology of singing:

Click Here

Rehearsals are underway

Tuesday 3.30pm - 5.30pm in the Music Centre (Cast)

Thursday 3.30pm - 5.30pm in D6/D7 (Cast)

Tursday 3.30pm - 5.30pm in the Music Centre (Band)

Flinders are raising funds for 'The World's Greatest Shave', on Tuesday 22nd of March. This is one of Australia's biggest fundraising event, where students can raise money by getting sponsored to be brave and shave or cut their hair. Funds raised will support families facing blood cancer by providing patients a free home away from home near while they undergo treatment. Please sign up today or donate to our wonderful students and support this cause,

Click here

As Flinders anticipates its 40th anniversary in 2023, the college has commissioned Mrs Valerie Mason and Mrs Jeanette Woods to write the history of the school. 

If you, or someone you know, would like to participate by responding to a questionnaire or by writing about some experiences at Flinders, please reply to the following email address with your name, contact details and your role in the school (student, staff, parent or other). Responses within a week or two would be most helpful 

Vanessa.Macdonald@flinders.vic.edu.au

Or complete our Survey below by clicking on the link:

Research Survey

We look forward to hearing from you!

Canteen

Do you know that you can set up an online account to pre-order lunch for all Prep – Year 12 students from the Canteen?

Please follow the steps below:

Flinders CD Rotunda Cafe will be operating each day from 8.00am to 11.00am