Torrens Valley Christian School eNewsletter

Term 1 Week 10

Welcome to our first eNewsletter!

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

The Reason for our Hope

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16

Usually when we hear the word ‘hope’ we are talking about a feeling, something that might happen, like when we say, “I hope so!”

But the hope we find in Jesus is a reality; it is a LIVING HOPE and it is the sure foundation on which we can build our lives.

But how can we be sure? We can be sure of this hope because of the death and resurrection of Jesus.

There used to be a TV show called “Let’s Make a Deal”? The final contestant had to choose a door; Door #1, Door #2 or Door #3. Behind just one of the doors was the grand prize….but the contestant had to guess correctly to win.

Imagine if that’s how God dealt with people! Imagine there were three doors but just one door opened into heaven and you had to guess which one. You’d have a 33% chance of being correct; not very good odds when you are dealing with eternity. How awful and frightening that would be!

But by the grace of God, our salvation doesn’t depend on guesses. We can be 100% sure which door is the saving door because Jesus said; “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, He shall be saved” and “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.”

Jesus rising to life from death demonstrates beyond all doubt that the promise of life beyond this broken and messy world is not wishful thinking or pie in the sky. Physical death is not the end! Death might be a semi colon; it is not a full stop. This is the hope of the Christian faith!

On that Easter day long ago, in the most earth shattering act of love and mercy, God gave us the absolute assurance of eternal hope. Jesus in his own words declares, “I am the resurrection and the life – whoever believes in me will live even though he die.”

May God bless you and your family this Easter.

Julie Prattis
Principal

Introducing our new Parents & Friends!

We have an amazing group of parents in our school- our P & F! It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to the members of our P & F for the coming year:

I am pleased to announce the new committee for this year:

Coordinator: Chris Roberts
Assistant Coordinator: Kate Cox
Secretary: Ngaire Wilkinshaw
Treasurer: Esther Franklin
Sports Day Canteens: Kate Cox
Wrap and Chat Coordinator: Linda Bodycote
Lunch Order Coordinator: Renee Dixon

Congratulations to all involved!

Last year, just over $12,390.00 was raised by the P & F in support of our school. In 2018/2019 the P & F proudly supported the following projects in our school- $1023.00 towards the purchase of soccer goals, $10,000.00 for a school outdoor area (using funds carried over from previous year), $4,568.00 to purchase benches for Primary and Secondary School, as well as $1,000 towards welfare programs and another $1,000 donation to Nhulunbuy Christian School in the Northern Territory.

I would like to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to the P&F and acknowledge the work they do in our community. In particular, I want to express thanks to Kate Cox, Esther Franklin, Linda Bodycote, Sue Learey and Carmel Burton, as well as Martyn Cox, Renee Hoff, Jo Maunder and others on the team who assisted in the year gone by! They have done an amazing job and we thank them for their dedicated service to our school.

Thank you P & F for all you do!

Yours in Christ’s service

Julie Prattis
Principal

A night at Parliament House

On 19th March 2019, Principal, Julie Prattis and Deputy Board Chair, Marzelle Delport represented Torrens Valley Christian School at a parliamentary dinner.

Held at the South Australian Parliament House, the evening provided an opportunity to speak with Dr Richard Harvey MP and Minister for Education, the Hon John Gardener MP about matters pertaining to education in this state and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Christian ethos in our school.

Professional Learning - Master of Education

We are very excited to announce that three of our teachers have recently graduated in their Master of Education through the National Institute for Christian Education. We warmly acknowledge and congratulate Mrs Coby Beames (Master of Education), Mr Simon Golley (Master of Education) and Mr Craig Bowyer (Master of Education – Leadership) for this huge achievement. Well done!

Emily Brookes
Director of Teaching & Learning

SkoolBag App

A reminder to all parents and guardians to please download the SkoolBag App to ensure you receive our eNewsletter, notifications, and various other communication and content from the School. This App also allows you to inform the School of your child/ren's absence.

Please click on the file below for instructions on how to download the App.

SkoolBag App Instructions

Download

Woolworths Earn & Learn

Woolworths Earn & Learn is back for 2019 and TVCS was all too eager to participate again!

Back in 2017, over 15,000 schools and Early Learning Centres earned over 300,000 pieces of brand new school equipment for kids all over Australia.

Between 1 May and 25 June 2019 when you shop at Woolworths you will receive one sticker for every $10 you spend. Once you have collected your stickers, you can stick them on the sticker sheets which can be collected at the Front Office or your local Woolworths store.

Lets join together to make this year even greater!

Primary/Parent Teacher Interviews

The Primary Parent/Teacher Interviews for Term 1, 2019 will be held on Monday 8 April 3.30pm - 7.30pm and Tuesday 9 April 3.30pm - 7.30pm. Interviews will be with class teachers in 15 minute timeslots as usual.

Please click on the button below to book your Primary/Parent Teacher interview and use the code '6jza3'

Bookings close at 9:00am on Monday 8 April.

If you have any problems making the booking, please do not hesitate to contact us at school.

Click here to book your Primary/Parent Teacher Interview

Grandparents Day

At Torrens Valley Christian School we value our Grandparents!

In the Bible, grandparents play a significant role in teaching their children and passing on a legacy of faith to their children’s children. As it says in Psalm 145:4, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”

The respect we have for the grandparents in our community was exemplified on Thursday 28th March when we invited families to share in Grandparents’ Day!

What a special day it was! Grandparents came from all over Adelaide, South Australia and further afield to share a time of celebration with the students in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

The 250 - 300 grandparents and guests were entertained to a concert performed by the children and then moved to classrooms where they enjoyed activities and photo time with the littlies!

It was a fun-filled morning for everyone and a credit to the wonderful organisation invested by Primary Deputy Mrs Caroline Duell and the Junior Primary staff!

The morning concluded with a delicious morning tea in the Hall and a prayer for our grandparents:

Dear God, please bless our grandparents.

Thank you for the life they gave our parents and for the life they give to each one of us.

For the ways they help us and make us strong, we give thanks.

For the ways they love us no matter what, we rejoice.

For the ways they encourage us, and share with us about Jesus we are grateful.

We thank you for those who are able to share this special day with us.

And we pray especially for grandparents who are not able to be here today, but who love us just the same. Bless them always. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thank you parents and grandparents! It is a privilege to partner with you and your family in the education of your children and watch them grow in Christ to become all that God designed and created them to be!

Julie Prattis
Principal

Harmony Day - Special Guests in 3A

Last week our class had two parents share their stories about how God has brought them to Australia and to be a part of the Torrens Valley Christian School community.

On Wednesday our first guest was Marzelle Delport who told us stories about growing up and living in South Africa, and then making Adelaide home.

On Thursday Esther Simbi shared about growing up in South Sudan, living in refugee camps and then finally being accepted to come to Australia as a refugee. Esther has recently become an author and has recorded her tale ‘Beyond Calamity’ to share her story with others.

Our community has people from many cultural backgrounds, with many different stories and each with unique talents, interests and skills. Romans 12:18 says ‘Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.’ Our classes enjoyed several activities in Harmony Week focusing on this.

Congratulations Esther and thank you ladies for sharing some of your walk with 3A!

Heather Adams and 3A

Bali Fundraiser - Car Wash

On Saturday 16 March 2019, the Bali Trip Team ran a car wash as a fundraiser for Bali Life Childrens’ Home. Over 30 cars were washed and polished, with the team working very hard to raise close to $600.

Thanks to all who supported the event.

Year 9 Challenge Day

On Friday 22 March, all Year 9 students participated in the first of our Year 9 Challenge days. The challenge, called “Raise Your Hand” is a program in faith, leadership and challenge where we ask students to consider the freedoms they look forward to and the responsibilities that accompany these freedoms as they begin the journey towards adulthood.

This introductory day included a moderately challenging walk in Morialta Conservation Park which is a beautiful part of God’s creation so close to the city. As we walked the park trails, we stopped at different places like the Giant’s Cave, First Falls (which was dry!) and Deepview Lookout to reflect on various aspects of their life. We encouraged the students to reflect on their childhood and give thanks for everyone who has supported them to this point in their lives. Secondly, we asked them to think about people who they look up to and to analyse the reasons they respect these people and lastly, we prayed with them, thanking God for everything He has provided for us and asking them to think about what kind of adult they wish to become.

The walk was made more interesting with the sighting of several koalas along the way and we also enjoyed some relaxation time on the adventure playground. It was a warm, but very successful day which will be followed by a second challenge day where we will ask students to set some goals for the year and beyond.

Trevor Coward
Middle School Coordinator

Secondary Athletics Day 2019

This year’s Secondary Athletics Carnival had to be postponed from March 1st, to March 15th due to 40C heat, and what a good decision it was! The 15th of March was a fine, sunny day which maxed out at 31C just as events between traditional rivals, Benjamin and Zebulun were drawing to a close.

A large group of Year 11 and 12s did a fantastic job of setting up the grounds early, with special thanks going to our fantastic Sport Captains (Jonathan, Nathan, Haley and Lauren for Zebulun, Anna, Anna, Jonathan and Lleyton for Benjamin) for their efforts on behalf of the students across the day!

Many students dressed for the occasion, including a trio of blue grapes and Pac-man being chased by 3 ghosts in the Open Girls 800m! A special mention must go to our Age Group Champions, who earned the most points for their tribe on the day:

AGE	GIRLS	BOYS
Under 13	Lucy	Nathaniel
Under 14	Mia	Emilio
Under 15	Anke	Josiah
Under 16	Kim	Nicholas
OPEN	Penny	Beau

Congratulations to all of our Medal winners! Congratulations also to our Record setters/breakers for 2019:

AGE	NAME, TRIBE	EVENT	NEW RECORD
Under 15 Girls	Ellie, Zebulun	100m	12.65
Under 15 Girls	Ellie, Zebulun	200m	24.88 seconds
Under 15 Girls	Ellie, Zebulun	400m	59.91 seconds
Under 15 Girls	Ellie, Zebulun	Long Jump	4.92m
Under 15 Boys	Justin	90m Hurdles	13.80 seconds
Under 16 Boys	Jack	90m Hurdles	13.00 seconds
Open Girls	Penny	400m	68.80 seconds

Benjamin started the day with a 100 points lead, but Zebulun were relentless in their pursuit of the challengers to their throne, finally overcoming them and winning their sixth athletics carnival in a row, 2850 points to 2723 points! Congratulations to all competitors on a fine day of competition!

Events and dates to mark in your calendar!

You Can 2 Can - Primary Students

Can collection is on from now until the end of Term!
Primary students, please bring your canned goods for those in need to your caregroups, classrooms or Front Office by the end of Term.

Thank you in advance.

Click here for Wirraway Homestead April School Holiday Camps

Click here to book your seat for Dr Susan Linn

Other Information

Click here to order your Entertainment Book today!