Torrens Valley Christian School eNewsletter

Term 2 Week 4

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Point of Difference

What makes Torrens Valley Christian School different from the school down the road?

Along with other schools who are part of Christian Education National (CEN), Torrens Valley Christian School is defined by strong partnerships between home, church and school and actively promote a biblically authentic approach to education.

We endorse a transformational Christian worldview where Jesus’ love, power and authority inform and guide all practice within our community -  leadership, management, teaching, curriculum and governance.

While other schools might be administered by a church denomination or corporation, our Association plays a vital role in honouring the role of parents and upholding our school’s vision for Christ-centred education. In fact, we encourage parents to be active partners in the education of their children.

The Torrens Valley Association for Christian Education is a group of parents and others in our community, who are dedicated to the cause of Christian Education. They play a crucial in maintaining the integrity of our School’s Christ-centred foundations and in the protection, nurture and development of the vision. Members of the Association are committed to ensuring their children receive high quality, distinctively Christian education.

Our parent Association plays a vital role in keeping the mission and vision of our school alive!

Joining the Association is both an opportunity and a responsibility and I warmly invite you to consider partnership with our School in this unique way. Want to know more? Here’s a short clip:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cl69xpu5_NQ&feature=youtu.be

This week our Association will hold their Annual General Meeting. At this meeting, our school will elect members to the Board and receive reports on the academic, financial and strategic development of the school. When will it be? Thursday 23rd May, starting at 7.30pm in the staffroom.

This year we are privileged to welcome SA State executive Officer, Dr Fiona Partridge as guest speaker to our AGM and I warmly invite all families to be involved.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated and committed members of the Board who volunteer their time and serve faithfully for the advancement of God’s kingdom through Christian Education. It has been a joy to work closely with Board Chair, Tim Adams and the members of the Board, Marzelle Delport, Caleb Swartz, Heather Spalding and Jason Jowitt over the past year.

Julie Prattis, Principal

An invitation for you to come and hear Dr Fiona Partridge (SA State Executive Officer of Christian Education National (CEN))

When

May 23, 2019 7:30 PM to May 23, 2019 9:00 PM

Where

1227 Grand Junction Road, Hope Valley SA, Australia

More information

This event will be located in the staffroom at Torrens Valley Christian School.

We sincerely hope you can make it!

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

A huge THANK YOU to all the students, family, friends and guardians for your generous donations towards Australia's Biggest Morning Tea held at TVCS this morning!

We particularly would like to thank our guest speaker and past scholar, Isaac Heyne, for taking the time to speak with the Secondary students today about the importance of changing your perspective, thinking positively and leaning on God through life's greatest challenges.

Please know your donations will make a huge impact on hundreds of families battling cancer in our world.

National CEN Board Representation

It is with great pleasure that I write to let you know that TVCS parent and Deputy Chair of the Board. Marzelle Delport was elected to the National CEN Board at the Christian  Education National (CEN) AGM.

It is with great excitement that I pass on to Marzelle our warmest congratulations on this fine accomplishment. Congratulations, Marzelle! We are exceptionally proud of this achievement and pray God’s richest blessings upon you as you represent South Australia and prayerfully honour God for the advancement of Christian Education in our nation.

The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145: 18

Julie Prattis, Principal

Adelaide University Principals' Scholarship Presentation

Congratulations to Laura Woithe, TVCS recipient of the Adelaide University Principal’s Scholarship for 2019. I joined Laura and her family at Bonython Hall, University of Adelaide, on Monday 13th May to see her receive her award and to congratulate her personally on this fine achievement. Well done Laura. We warmly congratulate you and your family and wish you well in your studies in Music this year.

Julie Prattis. Principal

Director, Bali Life Foundation, Piter Panjaitan visits TVCS

It was inspiring to welcome the Director of Bali Life Foundation, Piter Panjaitan and his wife to lead staff devotions earlier this term. Piter shared his vision for the Bali Life mission and personally thanked Torrens Valley Christian School community for their support for the mission.

From 8-19th April, a group of 13 Year 10, 11 and 12 students and four staff participated in a mission trip to Ungasan and Denpasar Bali served Bali Life through a number of service projects- construction and maintenance projects, teaching in the orphanage, helping at the street kids centre, and leading activities with the kids at the Rubbish Dump School. The purpose of this cross-cultural experience is to provide our senior students with the opportunity to grow in their relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, serving others and being discipled in their walk with Christ.

We value our partnership with Bali Life and valued the time Piter was able to spend at the school.

Julie Prattis, Principal

A Meeting of Minds

Principal, Julie Prattis and Board Deputy Chair, Marzelle Delport met with local member for Newland, Dr  Richard Harvey MP and Minister for Education, Hon John Gardner, MP last month to discuss issues pertinent to the furtherance of Christian Education at Torrens Valley Christian School. Discussions centred around the quality of teacher training programs, school funding, the employment of Christian staff, and the importance of choice for parents in electing Christian Education for their children.

Following these discussions, School Captains, Jonathon and Zachary, along with Principal, Julie Prattis, met with Minister Gardner to look at the ongoing importance of Christian Education in our state.

Please commit these matters to prayer as we seek to maintain the integrity of Christian schooling in our nation.

Bali Mission Trip

On April 8, 13 students and 4 staff headed over to Bali to participate in T.V.C.S’s Bali mission trip.  The trip was a 10 day trip full of fun, faith, service and learning. The team partnered with the Bali Life Foundation and did many activities to support their work over there as well as a visit to Compassion. Some of the things we did were:

·       Taught the children at the Street Kids School and Suwung Community (School in a dump site).

·       A lot of hands on, practical service (Painting, cutting grass, removing a tree and more).

·       Experienced a local catholic school and taught the children about Australian culture.

·       Did a cultural bike ride through Ubud.

·       Played at the Children’s Home (Soccer, skating, parachute and built strong relationships).

·       Visited the kids on the street.

·       Went into the slums to see how some people live.

·       Took all the children from the Children’s Home to the beach.

·       Visited one of our Compassion children and saw a Compassion project in action.

On top of all that we had faith filled devotions and discovered more of who we are in Christ. We also ate way too much super yummy food.

All members had a fantastic time and many lifelong friendships and connections were formed.

But don’t just take our word for it, here is what the students had to say:

The children at Bali Life showed me how beautiful the power of kindness and the impact of laughter and smiles truly are. I have been inspired to bring kindness and positivity back to our TVCS community.

- Anna F

A highlight definitely was the kids at all the places we went. I loved playing games with them like duck, duck, goose. They were so friendly and welcoming towards us.

- Zoe

I absolutely loved meeting the people at Bali Life, they taught me so much and I don’t think I have ever missed people so much in my entire life. I am ready to go back!!!

- Maddy

A highlight for me was all the people. The team we went with and all the people we met. We made so many strong connections with everyone and it was the most incredible time of my life, I’m already ready to go back!!

- Anna K

I really enjoyed the entire trip. I enjoyed getting to become closer to everyone on the team and getting to meet all the beautiful people in Bali. It was amazing how we only had spent 10 days and in this time we had not only formed a family with the team, but we  formed a bigger family with all the people we met in Bali and I will always value this experience.

- Angie

It was the most amazing experience ever! I miss all of our Balinese family members that we made. Keeping in touch with them has been really cool and still having them as a part of our lives. Seeing all of the different parts of the Bali Life Foundation was so incredible and I can’t wait to go back!!!

- Brianna

Going to Bali was the absolute best time. My favourite part was of course spending time with the people would I now call family, which includes the people on the team as well as everyone we met in Bali. I’ll definitely remember all that we experienced and cannot wait to go back and make more memories.

- Erin

The Bali Trip changed my life. I used to not have any idea about what I wanted to do or who I wanted to be, but now I know I want to be a part of missions and break barriers around the world! I thank God for this amazing experience, and I am determined to share the spirit of joy that I found in Bali to people around me.

- Ben

Saying Bali was amazing is an understatement. It was an extraordinary experience that I know I’ll never forget. I miss my Bali family and I miss hanging out and making memories and consistently laughing. So grateful for this experience and am keen to see it’s impact it’s going to have on me.

- Josh

Coming back from Bali has been weird and different. I have loved having the opportunity to share to staff and students about the trip. Being able to re read the journal that I kept has put a smile on my dial and been an emotional rollercoaster in a good way. I’ve made so many memories over in Bali especially with the kids from Bali Life. Seeing God work in so many different ways sparked something in me, I cant wait to get back to Bali and see what happens next.

 – William

The Bali missions’ trip was an unreal and unforgettable trip that has truly change my perspective on life and what’s important. Throughout the trip it was amazing to see God work through people and see unbelievable miracles. The memories that were built with the team or family were great.

- Alex

The mission trip was bagus sekali! I can’t quite put into words how life changing and incredible the trip was. I know that no bone in my body will be able to forget the beautiful people I met there. My team was incredible! Can’t say anything bad about it.

- Kat

If the amazing testimonies of everyone that has come back from this trip doesn’t convince you that it was a life changing experience, I don’t know what will! It really was a powerful 12 days learning from people that know love and joy only God can provide and I’m so grateful to be able to say that I did it alongside my new family:) It was indeed a solid trip and I would not have traded it for anything in the world!!!

- Prisca

Final words from Mrs Garland.

Only God could have known what a remarkable time this would be for us as the Bali Mission Trip Team 2019.  The team bonding, the deepening of our relationship with God, the ‘hands on’ ministering to the people of Bali through teaching, weeding, painting, cleaning and relating and sharing God’s love has left a life time impact.  It was SOLID!

- Aunty M

Adelaide Careers & Employment Expo

On Friday May 10th the Year 10 students attended the Adelaide Careers & Employment Expo at Adelaide Showgrounds, as part of their PLP studies. They were also joined by the Year 12 Workplace Practices students. Students had the opportunity to speak with representatives from a wide range of industries, major tertiary institutions, and the defence force to find out more about various career pathways. It was a fantastic morning of exploring the interactive skills zones, receiving advice on careers, apprenticeships and tertiary study, viewing the skills stage and exploring the Australian Defence Force Careers expo.

Mrs Brookes, Year 10 PLP Teacher

Yrs 1 & 2 Botanic Garden trip

The Year One and Two classes enjoyed a fantastic trip to the Botanic Garden on Friday. The weather was spectacular and each class was treated to a tour by an Aboriginal guide, who showed us how the Kaurna people used the plants and trees in the environment for food, medicine, shelter and making tools. Children and adults alike were amazed at the wisdom, skills and efficiency of their practices and their commitment to caring for the land. Nothing was wasted and they never used more than they needed. We all came away inspired to be better caretakers of God’s incredible creation!

Camp Quality Puppet Performance

This week our Primary Students were treated to a Camp Quality Puppet Performance. Students were able to engage with the gorgeous puppets and learn about how children and families cope with living with Cancer. Thank you Camp Quality for all that you do across Australia to support children and families.

TVCS Mock Trial

The TVCS Mock Trial Team (in this round all Year 10 students) competed at the Adelaide Magistrates Court last Tuesday evening. After defeating the University Senior College team in Round 1, the TVCS team were narrowly defeated by the Cabra College team in Round 2. Mock Magistrate, Mr Robert Saunders, complimented our witnesses, Gemma and Naomi, on their excellent performances in the witness box, noting that there was nothing that he could suggest to improve their responses under cross-examination. There was a very good spirit evident between the teams on the night, and both teams worked very cohesively to present their cases.
Mrs Pierce, TVCS Mock Trial Facilitator

Career Conversations: Parent Event

On Monday May 13th, we celebrated the beginning of National Career Week with a special event for parents with students in our Senior School (Years 10-12).  A group of approximately 20 parents joined in an interactive workshop to discuss the changing world of work, educational opportunities for career success and to consider resources and strategies to support positive career conversations with teenagers. 

Some participants commented:

“This evening was informative, helpful and encouraging”

“Excellent snacks, good clips and a lot of information to follow up with”

“Good session, very informative and thought provoking.  I feel encouraged”

We have two more events planned for this term.

MIDDLE SCHOOL FOCUS (For parents of students in Years 7 to 9)

Wednesday, 12 June from 7:00pm – 8:30pm - An interactive workshop.

Activities will include consideration of:

  • The important role of parents supporting children in career development
  • Understanding predictions about the future of work
  • Career Development and Senior School Pathways
  • Strategies for supporting positive career conversations

SECONDARY SCHOOL FOCUS (For parents of students in Years 7-12)

Tuesday, 18 June from 7:00pm – 8:30pm - Guest Presentation and Panel.

Join us as we hear from a panel of presenters who will inspire you with their insights and experiences along the career development journey.

Invitations to these upcoming events, and details about how to book your place will be sent via email soon.

Sports News

Term One Secondary Athletics Wrap Up

The end of term one was a hectic one, with the S.A. Christian Schools Athletics Carnival in Week 10 and the Secondary School Sport, S.A. A grade Carnival in Week 11!

S.A.C.S.A. Athletics

On the Tuesday of Week 10, April 2nd, our team of nearly 70 secondary students headed to Athletics SA Stadium to compete in 1st Division of the South Australian Christian Schools Association’s (SACSA) Athletics Championship against 7 other schools. Over 22 Christian Schools across three divisions were in attendance on the day!

After a day of strong competition, Torrens Valley finished in 4th position overall in Division One, narrowly behind Temple College, but emerging as the winners of the Challenge Shield, with the most points per student in our division!

Congratulations to the many students who achieved places on the day:

Under 14s

NamePositionSport
Emilio

1st

3rd

Javelin

Discus

Harrison3rd100m and Shot Put B
James3rd200m
Marcus3rdShot Put A
Claudia2ndLong Jump
Ivana3rdJavelin
Mia3rdHigh Jump
Sarah3rdShot Put
Shayla3rd400m

Under 15s

NamePositionSport
Angelo

2nd

3rd

400m

Shot Put

Glen3rdDiscus
Josiah

1st

3rd

High Jump, Triple Jump

Javelin, 800m

Justin2ndLong Jump
Phillip

1st

3rd

100m

200m

Aliyah2ndHigh Jump
Anke

2nd

3rd

200m

100m, Shot Put

Annabel2nd400m

Cara



Sarah


Girls' Relay


Boys' Relay

2nd

3rd


3rd


1st


1st

Long Jump

Triple Jump


800m


4 x 100m


4 x 100m

Under 16s

NamePositionSport
Hartley

1st

2nd

Triple Jump, 200m

Long Jump, 100m

Jack2nd1500m
Josiah2nd400m
Loreant1stShot Put
Nicholas1stHigh Jump
Sam3rdDiscus
Cara3rd100m, 200m
Girls' Relay1st4 x 100m
Boys' Relay3rd4 x 100m

Opens

NamePositionSport
Beau2ndHigh Jump
Jonathan2ndShot Put and Discus
William1st800m
Anna2nd1500m
Enkela3rdShot Put
Penny

1st

3rd

200m, Triple Jump, 400m

Long Jump

Sofia3rdJavelin
Tarrah3rdDiscus
Girls' Relay2nd4 x 100m

S.S.S.S.A. A Grade Athletics

The following week, Week 11, on Thursday, April 11, our team headed back to Mile End to compete against the cream of S.A.’s athletic talent in the A2 grade of Secondary School Sport, South Australia (SSSSA) Athletics Championships. This was the culmination of nearly 20 years of work by our athletes, working their way up from E2 grade to finally make the ‘Big League’. Missing a significant number of athletes due to the Bali Mission Trip and the Germany Trip, we did, however, welcome back Ellie, fresh from duty at Nationals, who was the fastest girl in the state over 100m on the day! Competing against 8 schools in the boys division and 9 in the girls, our students toiled valiantly against incredible talented opposition, with many proving that they truly belong amongst the best our state has to offer! To back up this statement, no less than 10 students (listed below) achieved Standards of Excellence (a standard of excellence certificate is awarded to the top 5% of competitors in each event over the 6 days of competition) – an unprecedented number thanks to the both Under 15 Relay teams achieving this mark. Special mention goes to Anke who achieved 2 standards and Ellie who achieve FOUR!

After a long day, we sadly finished in 7th spot in each division, but content in the knowledge that our students competed well and brought glory to God and their School Community!

Congratulations to the following certificate winners:

NamePosition
Sport
Josiah

1st

2nd

U15

U15

Triple Jump

High Jump

Phillip

2nd

3rd

U15

U15

100m

200m

Hartley3rdU16100m
Jack3rdU16100m Hurdles
Rivini2ndOpenJavelin
Sam2ndU16Long Jump
Nick2ndU16High Jump
Penny

2nd

3rd

Open

400m, Triple Jump*

200m, Long Jump

Justin


Enkela


Aliyah



Anke



Cara



Beau


Ellie



Jonathan


Girls 4 x 100m Relay*


Boys 4 x 100m Relay *


Boys 4 x 100m Relay


Girls 4 x 100m Relay

1st


2nd


1st

3rd


1st

2nd


1st

1st


2nd


1st

1st


2nd


1st


1st


3rd


2nd

U15


Open


U15

U15


U15

U15


U16

Open


Open


U15

U16


Open


U15


U15


U16


Open

Long Jump


Shot Put


High Jump

90m Hurdles


Discus*, Javelin

Shot Put


Shot

Pole Vault


High Jump* - NEW TVCS Record (1.87m)


100m*, 200m*

100m* - NEW TVCS Record (12.69s)


Shot Put, Discus


Ellie, Anke, Aliyah, Cara


Josiah, Phillip, Justin, Angelo


Hartley, Phillip, Justin, Angelo


Ellie, Penny, Amy, Maria

*Standard of Excellence

Uniform Shop Information

Uniform Shop Information for Term 2

Download

Uniform Season Changeover Dates

Download

Winter Uniform Reminders

Download

Important Events to mark in your calendar!

Resilient Kids Conference

There is a special discount of $10 off the conference cost for any CEN parents – using the code of RKC10 - tickets at:

www.resilientkidsconference.com.au

Please see flyer below for more information!

Other Information

Vacant Position at TVCS - IT Trainee!

We are currently offering a rare opportunity for a trainee to complete a 24 month IT traineeship - please see below Position Description for more information.

The successful applicant does not need previous IT experience but must be a committed Christian who is actively involved in a Christian church. If you know of anybody who is passionate about IT, please refer them to our website: www.tvcs.sa.edu.au for the Application Form.

This is an opportunity of a lifetime!

IT Trainee Position Description

Download

Woolworths Earn & Learn

We’re excited to say that Woolworths Earn & Learn has launched!

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.