LIGHTHOUSE CHRISTIAN COLLEGE
NEWSLETTER
20 June 2024
Value of the Month - Authenticity
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
IMPORTANT DATES
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Wednesday 19 - Friday 21st June | Year 5 Camp |
Thursday 20 June | Year 2 Scienceworks Excursion |
Monday 24 June | Primary Celebration Assembly |
Wednesday 26 June | Last Day Term 2 |
Tuesday July 16 | Term 3 Commences |
Friday 26 June | Primary NAIDOC Assembly |
Friday 2 August | Grandparents Day |
Wednesday 7 August | Primary Parents Morning Tea |
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
End of Term 2
"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this"- Psalm 37:4-5
We are deeply grateful to the Lord for bestowing musical talents upon our students. Remarkably, in just four months of training, they showcased their musical abilities during the music ensemble program on the 6th of June. These students have consistently demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication since the beginning of this year and have set a high benchmark for musical excellence.
The performances were a culmination of the passionate guidance of our instructors and Music Coordinator, Mrs Bhatt, and the hard work and commitment of the students. The College aspires for them to perform on many more occasions within and outside the school. Their dedication has not only garnered praises from the audience and their loved ones but has also inspired younger students and uplifted the Lighthouse community.
Additionally, I am thrilled to highlight the talent of another student. I had the privilege of having my hair styled recently by Jayden Preab, a current Year 12 student. Jayden has honed his hairstyling skills over the past few years and has gained a substantial following on various social media platforms where he promotes his hair styling services. Jayden adeptly balances his schoolwork and external commitments despite dedicating several hours each weekend to his hair styling business. Although he was qualified to enrol in a select entry school few years ago, Jayden chose to stay at the College to grow closer to God with the support of his peers and teachers.
Jayden aspires to pursue civil engineering or an architecture program after completing his VCE.
Many of our senior students hold part-time jobs in real estate, food and beverage, retail and factories. These experiences teach them valuable lessons in time management, respect, confidence, financial independence, and teamwork.
As we approach the end of this semester, I want to thank you for supporting your child/children and also congratulate them for their tenacious effort in overcoming different challenges in their educational journey.
I wish you a safe and restful term break!
Principal
Wing Leong
WELLBEING
Take A Break
Semester 1 has been full of lots of learning, activities and challenges for our students. In particular, our secondary students have just come off the back of their mid-year exams. As Semester 1 comes to an end and our students eagerly anticipate the upcoming holidays, let’s be mindful to take a well deserved break.
We hear about the importance of taking short breaks during work and study to increase productivity, restore motivation and perform better. The school holidays offer an opportunity for students to invest in their wellbeing – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. With the demand on academics, the holidays provide time for students to relax, unwind and recharge mentally and physically, which helps to reduce stress levels and prevents burnout. A break from school can also enhance students’ cognitive function and academic performance when returning for Semester 2, finding it easier to concentrate and absorb new information, compared to being fatigued from continuous study. Lastly, during the break, students have more time to socialise with friends, bond with family and explore their God-given talents and skills outside the academic environment.
Here are some ideas for the upcoming break:
• Watch a movie
• Do some baking or cook a meal
• Spend time with friends in person
• Do something kind for others
• Read a book
• Play some boardgames
• Go for a walk
• Start to learn a new language
• Spend a day out with family
• Take up a new hobby
Praying that all our students enjoy a restful, relaxing and fun break over the upcoming holidays, ready to start Semester 2 feeling refreshed!
Amber Weinman
(Secondary Chaplain)
Push For Better Mental Health
THE PUSH-UP CHALLENGE 2024
“Less than a quarter of kids aged 5-14 undertake the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity every day.”
The Push-Up Challenge is a unique and fun way to encourage better connection, physical activity and education about mental health and wellbeing. From 5th – 26th June students in Yr 3-6 will be learning about the importance of physical activity to enhance mental health and wellbeing. By doing so, students are not only enhancing their fitness but are also promoting positive mental health messages to the wider community. Year 3-6 classes will be competing against the other classes in their year level.
Students are invited to participate at their own level, and if they don’t feel comfortable with a full push-up, can do alternatives, such as wall push-ups or knee push-ups. The most important thing is that they are challenging themselves and pushing for better mental health. P.E. Teachers and Homeroom teachers will help provide time and opportunity for students to get their push happening!
As a special enhancement to our Challenge, two free Lunchtime Events are taking place with fitness expert and educator, Paapa Kweku (from ‘Healthy Teens’). These sessions will engage the students in a fun, friendly environment on Mon 17 and 24 June. Wear your runners and bring your water bottle.
Please encourage the year 3-6 students with their challenge. Parents - you may even consider joining up yourself:-) https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/
… you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your bodies.” 1 Cor 6:20.
Be well!
Mrs Karen Lloyd
(Head of Student Wellbeing – Primary)
PRIMARY - ELC - YEAR 2
The ELC had Vicki and Renee the dental hygienists visit on Wednesday. They did a fun and informative workshop with the 4 YO students. They engaged in lessons about oral health designed for children, taught children how to brush their teeth properly, discussion about sometimes food and everyday food, help them get to know people they will meet at the dentist and learned that the dentist visit isn’t “scary.” The children also received a free toothbrush after the dental screening and “My brushing teeth chart” to encourage children to brush teeth at least twice a day.
Wellbeing Week
During Wellbeing Week, Prep-2 students participated in Healthy Kids Workshops, where they learned about resilience and explored ways to develop and strengthen this vital skill. Students shared their own experiences with resilience, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth. The week also highlighted the benefits of regular physical activity, with students enthusiastically engaging in various physical activity games, promoting both their physical and mental well-being.
Prep Prince and Princess Day
Prep students celebrated Prince and Princess Day, arriving at school dressed in royal attire to symbolise their identity as children of God. The students created crowns and explored stories of various figures from the Bible. The day was filled with joy and learning, creating cherished memories for everyone involved.
Rachel Salib
Primary Teacher
PRIMARY - YEARS 3 - 6
Healthy Kids Incursion
Have you ever felt like a mentos that gets dunked into a bottle of coca-cola? The effect of that causes a huge explosion of emotions that we have been bottling up. David, a psychologist from Healthy Kids taught us that sometimes, things in our everyday lives can shake us up and make us angry or annoyed. These are called triggers. However, to combat these outbursts of emotions, we can always calm ourselves down by doing:
- Breathing exercises (smell the flowers and blow the candles out)
- Moving your body (get active and dance!)
- Imagine your favourite place (close your eyes and picture your happy place)
- Connecting to your 5 senses (close your eyes and focus on one of your sense at a time)
What are some ways that you use to calm yourselves? Have you tried any of these strategies? Why not ask your child to teach you one of the strategies that they have learnt towards a calmer and balanced mental wellbeing.
Matilda Tan
Primary Teacher
The Year 5s Visit the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
On Friday 31st of May the Year 5s had the wonderful opportunity to watch the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra perform. This performance took place at Hamer Hall at Southbank and the performance was one of the MSO’s ‘For Schools’ performances, designed specifically for school students.
The performance consisted of a 50-minute concert where the orchestra brought to life the picture storybook ‘The Peasant Prince’, based on the memoir Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin. During the concert the students were introduced to the instruments in the orchestra and to the composer of the work, Australian composer Katy Abbot. It was a wonderful excursion which achieved the goal of giving the Year 5s a real-life experience of what it looks like and sounds like, to be a musician in an outstanding ensemble.
Shari Bhatt
Music Co-ordinator
Lighthouse Music Ensembles Concert
On Thursday 6th of June, Lighthouse hosted its first Music Ensembles Concert. This was an opportunity for the students in our school’s music ensembles to strut their stuff and show the school community what they have been doing in rehearsals!
The groups that performed on the night included the Year 5 Concert Bands, the Guitar Ensemble, the Primary Choir, the LCC Concert Band and the cast of High School Musical. The students involved ranged from Years 3 to 12 and it was wonderful to see so many students and families gathered together to share a night of music-making. It was a wonderful night tat really celebrated the hard work of many people.
Thankyou to the many students involved, both on stage and behind the scenes; to our fabulous instrumental staff without whom much of the learning of our students would not have been possible; to the staff who assisted, planned and took on roles so that the evening could be take place; and to the families who encouraged and supported their children’s involvement in the music program this year.
We look forward to many more students getting involved in music at school and to our next concert event, which will be our A.M.E.B concert on Thursday 1st August.
Shari Bhatt
Music Co-ordinator
SECONDARY
11B Homeroom - Authenticity
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2). In a world filled with pressures to conform, being an authentic Christian can be challenging, yet it is a journey that leads to a life filled with purpose, joy, and eternal hope. A true definition of authenticity is found in the life of Jesus. He certainly did not live a life that served himself. He came to this earth to do the Father’s will. He came to give his life so that we might have life eternal.
If we have a new life in Christ. It is from here that we can live authentically. We can be real about our faith. In some cases that might mean speaking up against what you know is not right. In other cases, it may be a simple act of kindness. Sometimes it might feel hard to act or speak up, but we have a God who knows us and loves us and can give us the courage and wisdom required when we ask Him.
During homeroom, students write down their thoughts based on some of the questions: What does it mean to you to live authentically as a Christian? What does that look like in your day-to-day life? What are some practical ways that you can share God’s love with others?
“Authenticity is to be truly transparent with God. I can encourage people and give words of confirmation to show God’s love.” - Jordan
“Live honoring the gospel and learn with God’s power. Carry out his mission and try spreading the word. Be kind to others like Jesus...Follow God’s teaching and meditate on his wisdom.” - Ciaran
“To be kind and passionate with a faithful heart. This can be done through random acts of kindness and sharing God’s love. Have good intentions throughout your life!” - Henry
“Not living as a worldly person. Don’t be desired to live how non-Christians do. Own up to sins and ask for forgiveness.”
Melissa Li
Secondary Teacher
Learning Technology Coordinator (Secondary)
SRC
Hello Everyone! We are your Year 10 SRC members for 2024, Maria Shanker (10A) Caroline Zimmerman (10B) And Riley Williams (10C), We are all very excited to be representing our fellow Year 10 students this year!
The school's new themes this year are our H.E.A.R.T Values, These principles represent what we wish to be as a school community, Tenacity is the value we focus on as the Year 10 SRCs, We all aim to be tenacious in our everyday life and throughout our journey with God in life.
A few of our initiatives that we have come up with so far this semester which we will be implementing very soon have been a student feedback survey, Our intention with this survey is to gather the student voice and ideas on how we can further improve our school, Another idea we have had is a birthday celebration during chapel, called the birthday lottery it will celebrate the birthdays for that month for secondary students!
Something we are excited about is the fast upcoming Year 10 Blessing Night, signifying our transition from childhood to adulthood as we enter VCE. As we are getting older, we can see the importance of authenticity in our everyday lives, just as the “A” in the H.E.A.R.T values entails. This event means so much to us and we cannot wait to go and make memories with all the staff and students that attend! Not to mention the growth we have been going through this past term in learning about God. Every CST lesson leading up to Blessing Night has been filled with bible verses and encouragement for the years to come. This has not only reinforced our relationship with Jesus but also made us learn so much more about the importance of God in our everyday lives. This is happening in Term 3 and our whole grade is looking forward to it!
A bible verse in particular we were looking at was Philippians 4:19 ”And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
We hope to encourage you all to apply this to your lives and find joy and appreciation in looking for God's word in everything!
God bless!
Caroline, Riley and Maria
7/8 Food Technology Elective
Currently, we have been learning about different spices from around the world and understanding how all traditional cultures and cuisines have used herbs and spices in their food products. Students used the main herbs and spices of turmeric powder, curry powder, pepper, salt, chili powder, and curry leaves to make chicken curry. They have enjoyed exploring various spices in their practice class and understand how they can affect their food flavouring.
Ms Jing Tang
7/8 Food Technology Teacher
Haidilao Chinese Language Culture Society Excursion
This term, we have learned about the culture, history, and language of 'Hotpot' in the Chinese Language Culture Society elective for Year 9/10. Students learned the basic vocabulary related to 'Hotpot' and were asked to write a journal about their hotpot experience in Chinese. During the excursion, the students watched a traditional Chinese noodle dance and a facial mask performance, which helped students to gain knowledge of traditional Chinese Performance Arts.
Ms Jing Tang
LOTE Faculty Leader
Celebrating Innovation and Creativity: Design and Technology Week 2024
Before the examination period, our school community came together to celebrate an incredible Design and Technology Week, filled with engaging activities, innovative projects, and exciting experiences that sparked the imagination and creativity of our students.
The week kicked off with the much-anticipated "Design a Sustainable School" competition. Students from Year 7-10 participated enthusiastically, presenting their visionary ideas for a greener and more sustainable learning environment. The creativity and thoughtfulness displayed by our students were truly inspiring, and it was a tough job for the judges to select the winners among such outstanding entries.
Every lunchtime, our students had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Virtual Reality. This daily VR experience transported them to different realms and scenarios, from historical landmarks to futuristic cities, allowing them to explore and learn in a completely new and engaging way. The excitement and wonder on their faces were a testament to the power of this technology in education.
A highlight of the week was the virtual visit to the Melbourne Museum for the Top Design exhibition. Students were able to view cutting-edge designs and gain insights into the creative processes of some of the brightest minds in the field. This virtual excursion not only broadened their understanding of design and technology but also inspired many to pursue their own projects with renewed passion.
The Kahoot quiz was another hit, testing the students’ knowledge of design and technology in a fun and interactive manner. The competitive spirit was palpable, and it was wonderful to see students cheering each other on and celebrating their collective knowledge.
We are delighted to announce the winners of the "Design a Sustainable School" competition:
1. Junior Category: Rachella and Tanvin, Year 7
2. Senior Category: Emiliana, Ashleen and Kyan Year 9
3. Special Mention: Hilton, Luke and Travis, Year 7
Congratulations to all the winners! Each of them has been awarded prizes of their choice to further their exploration of design and technology. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing where their innovative ideas will take them. This amazing week would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our incredible Technology Faculty staff. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mr. Norng, Ms. Li, Ms. Ang, Ms. Tang and Mr. Morabito for organizing such a memorable and impactful series of events. Your passion and commitment to our students' learning are truly appreciated.
Lastly, we encourage all parents to keep an eye on their DMs for updates and information about the activities planned for Design and Technology Week next year. We have exciting plans in the works, both in and out of school, and we want every student to have the opportunity to participate and benefit from these enriching experiences.
Thank you once again to everyone who made this week a success. Here’s to another year of innovation, creativity, and learning in design and technology!
Sincerely,
Esther Wong
Technology Faculty Coordinator
LIGHTHOUSE FAMILY CHRISTIAN CHURCH NEWS
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