College endorsed for relationship-first focus
Continuing efforts by Strathalbyn Christian College staff to build relationships with parents and guardians are paying off, with latest survey results showing big improvements in school community satisfaction.
The number of respondents to the October 2020 survey jumped by more than 60 per cent compared to last year, with 102 people taking part.
Parents and guardians were asked 26 questions — ranging from how they viewed the College’s care for their child, to the quality of education, communication and facilities — with improvements on almost every measure.
Principal Gavin Hirschhausen said the positive feedback was directly attributable to efforts by hard-working teachers and staff to build relationships.
The survey findings come as a Cambridge University-trained education specialist published a podcast endorsing schools which prioritise teacher-parent relationships.
Melbourne-based Dr Rob Lowe, chief executive of the organisation Relationships Foundation, flips traditional business and educational models on the head, saying there is fundamental need for schools and other organisations to look at the world through a relational lens, “not as a means to an end, but an end to itself”.
“Good societies are founded on good relationships: in families, business, schools and government,” he says.
For teachers, Dr Lowe, says their critical role in a school extends far beyond educating students, to representing the school’s brand to the community at large.
“Teachers … represent the principal means by which parents judge school quality,” he says.
For those interested, a short version of Dr Lowe’s podcast (19.5 minute podcast) can be heard here: https://www.imageseven.com.au/school-marketing-journal-podcast/
The extended 30-minute podcast is here: https://www.imageseven.com.au/041-teachers-as-brand-managers-with-dr-rob-loe/
Strathalbyn Christian College is a values-driven school, which recognises the God-given dignity and worth of every person, and seeks to apply that in relationships.
If you would like to know more about Christianity or the College’s vision, please visit the website https://www.scc.wa.edu.au or have a chat with a member of our staff.
- Mission: In partnership with parents, Strathalbyn Christian College aims to make known the Lordship of Jesus Christ through excellence in education, to equip students for works of service.
Year 12 Graduation and Valedictory Dinner
Our Year 12s had a wonderful Graduation Ceremony and Valedictory Dinner last Saturday, 24 October, celebrating with their parents and friends.
Congratulations to Levi Moore, Academic Excellence Dux and Jayden Hardy, Excellence in Education Dux.
We wish you all the very best as you prepare for ATAR Exams, and look forward to your Ball in November.
Year 10 Design Technology
The Year 10 DT students have been working hard in their theory lessons with designing and creating a paper rollercoaster.
The objective is to have a marble take the GREATEST amount of time to get from the top of the first hill to where the coaster ends.
Students demonstrated the ability to: Plan and Create a paper roller coaster, evaluate, test and retest their roller coaster, analyse how to best manipulate the forces of friction and gravity. Don’t they look amazing? Well done Year 10s!
~ Mr Hayden Scally, DT Teacher
Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes
Thank you to all the students who bought items to school to go into Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.
Primary and Secondary Student Councillors enjoyed making boxes together last week – with a grand total of 57 boxes to be sent overseas to bless children in Third World Countries from the College.
“The Power of a Simple Gift” can never be underestimated.
Band Spectacular
The annual Band Spectacular was held at the College last Sunday.
Organised by the Geraldton City Band, this afternoon concert saw bands from a number of Geraldton primary and secondary schools perform together. It was a warm afternoon, but the audience of almost 500 people were able to find shade around our beautiful school grounds to enjoy the concert.
Our College participates in the combined schools Batavia Coast Senior Concert Band, and so several of our students performed on the day. The concert ended with a massed band performance, made up of the Batavia Coast Concert Band and the Geraldton City Band.
This was a great afternoon of music, and a wonderful encouragement to students around Geraldton who learn woodwind, brass and percussion instruments.
The Geraldton City Band will be back at the College next Friday (Week 4) for a lunchtime concert – students are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy some great music!
Continued Enrolment for 2021
Parents/Guardians are reminded that notice of intention to withdraw students is required at least 5 weeks before the end of Term.
If your child will not be returning to the College in 2021, a Student Withdrawal Form need to be submitted to the Front Office by Wednesday 4 November, to avoid being charged a $500.00 fee in lieu of notice.
2019 Year Book
Unfortunately there was a printing error that occurred in our 2019 Year Book (which have been distributed to families).
Fusion Year Books are reprinting the Books for us, and we will distribute them to families when they arrive (they will take a couple of weeks). Feel free to keep the first copy you have received, or return it to the Office to be securely shredded.
Nurture Magazine – CEN Survey
Nurture magazine has been in production for over 40 years and Christian Education National (CEN) are keen to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our Christian school communities and empowers and encourages parents to partner with their child’s school in the journey of Christian education.
CEN are therefore conducting a review which will involve consultation with representative stakeholders including boards, school executives, the editorial committee, and community development and marketing staff.
Key to this review is a brief user survey. Given that most copies of Nurture are distributed by schools to their communities (rather than by direct mail) we would appreciate your parent feedback by completing this survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Nurture_Review_2020
Thanks for assisting us in this review.
CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE
C10321585
When you recycle containers, you can choose for the refund to be donated to the College. Funds will go towards the Primary Nature Playground upgrade. Details below for containers that can be recycled:
College Calendar
What’s Coming Up?
Check here for the most up to date Calendar information.
Mon 2/11, Yr 12 WACE Exams start (being held at Geraldton Grammar School this year)
Thurs 5/11, Yr 6 Celebration in College Hall, 6.30pm (RSVP event)
Mon 9/11 – Fri 13/11, Yr 10/11 Exams @ College
Wed 11/11, Remembrance Day Assembly @ Amphitheatre, 10.45am (parents/guardians welcome to attend)