A recent visit to the College’s Pre-Primary classes by a representative from Bunnings, saw not just art as a result, but a lovely gift for Mother’s Day produced.

Zoe arrived laden with pots, paint and plants, and these little Cornerstone students set about producing a very individual and creative painted item.  The Pre-Primary classes were shown the process of decorating, then filling their pots with soil and seedlings.  Just in time for Mother’s Day, these fresh off the production line items were sent home with some very proud students.

Bunnings use this community engagement program to connect in with local schools and provide an avenue for students to do some hands-on activities.  Later this month, they are returning once again to plant out a vegetable patch in the Early Learning Centre.  We are grateful to them for their willingness to come along and make the classroom experience a whole lot of fun!

Well done.

It would come as no surprise, that the story of Easter is central to what Cornerstone Christian College is all about.

As such, the weeks leading into Easter are filled with more than just the expected academic endeavours.  Re-visiting the historical events of Jesus’ death and resurrection are firmly on the agenda for many classes, and the Kindy and Pre-Primary children have been amongst the first.

Delightful children, dressed in costumes that reflect the clothing worn in Jesus’ time, have been acting out the events of Palm Sunday.  Students playing the part of Jesus were also seen washing the feet of the other students.  In Biblical times. this was an act of service.  Jesus washed the feet of others, (whose sandaled feet were dusty from the roads they travelled) as an act of servitude and hospitality.  The students were encouraged to translate this act of love for others into life in modern day Australia.

In coming days, they will participate in a last supper event and be making Hot Cross Buns.  There won’t be visits from the Easter Bunny, or stories of fictional characters – but instead, the greatest act of love ever shown is being remembered.

Throughout the College, tributes to Easter are being made.  Amongst them, are two parent Assemblies which will give students and families alike, the opportunity to celebrate the occasion.

It is a wonderful time of year for Christians across the world – and staff at Cornerstone aim to make it that way for every child in our care here.

The journey into letter-land continued for the Pre-Primary classes today.  The letter was ‘m’, the character ‘Munching Mike’ – and what did he offer?  A marvellous afternoon tea.

Class teacher, Mrs Fontana, with the assistance of Mrs Blennerhassett, had the students preparing food today, to serve to their parents and grandparents.  Around 70 people were making their way through specially decorated biscuits, marshmallows, sausage rolls and cup-cakes, which were served by the students.

The children greeted their guests with a special poem which brought a smile to those gathered, before sharing the edible delights.

A great job from all involved!  Magnificent!

Students at Cornerstone will go to extra-ordinary lengths to make an impression – and it appears that it starts right back in Pre-Primary.

Lizzie, had her turn to bring news to school today, but she didn’t just bring along her lastest toy.  She brought along two real calves!

Much to the delight of her classmates, the Pre-Primary class was able to get a very literal hands-on experience with something close to home for her.  Her Grandmother and Mum both made the extra-ordinary effort to pack two small bovines into the trailer, and make the trip into town.  The students delighted in being able to get up close and personal with two such beautiful creatures.

With this kind of effort made in Pre-Primary, one does wonder how Lizzie is going to maintain such a high standard! 

A delightful experience for everyone involved.

Three Year 12 students, who have a particular interest in pursuing University studies in the fields of nursing and teaching, have recently spent time with some young students, watching behaviours and learning about the process of engaging with these youngsters.

Mrs Jill Wright, a staff member at the College, is the initiating teacher behind this subject of  ’Children, Family and Community’.  This lighter weight option will provide practical assistance that will marry beautifully with their TEE studies, and help prepare them for a future with working with children.

According to Jill, the experience has been valuable.  They have spent time with students within the College (Aged 3-5) and analysed the methods that best promote learning within an education establishment.  As the course proceeds, they will engage with families and undertake some study on ideas that can promote learning and development within the home.

Earlier this term, Ellie, Charlotte & Lillian had the opportunity to enter the Pre-Primary classroom, and engage with a beautifully attired group of Pirates and Princesses. 

‘Whilst this is a non TEE subject, it is giving these Year 12 students a chance to have a lighter unit of study, whilst also offering really helpful and practical opportunities for education.  They learnt about the techniques to promote learning whilst in the Pre-Primary classroom, and this can only benefit them in their future plans’, Mrs Wright said.

The Year 12 students will complete an exam at the end of the research.

The students in the Pre-Primary class at Cornerstone have begun the journey towards reading, and they are getting assistance from the Letterland characters.

What better way to learn all about the letter ‘T’, than for the children to invite their Teddy Bears along for the day.  Mrs Cameron had a day of activites planned that were suitable for these furry newcomers to join in with, which included sharing together a special picnic.   To make their visitors feel welcome, students wore special teddy ears made especially for the occasion.

Over the coming weeks, the classroom will be filled with ‘Pirates and Princesses’ for the letter ‘P’, get together in ‘Clever Cats Cafe’ when the focus is on the letter ‘C’ – plus a whole lot of surprises still waiting to be uncovered.

Terrific teaching today together with Teddys!

Yay for ‘T’!  It’s Tremendous!

The Kindy & Pre-Primary students at Cornerstone Christian College have completed their year with a special concert.  Hawaiian dancers, a swimming Santa, kangaroos and a Nativity all blended into a lovely story about the true meaning of Christmas.

‘Grandma’ Shannon sat with her family and read the story of the first Christmas.  The young actors determined that to celebrate the season, there is no need for snow, Santa , or even a knowledge of English.  They came to the conclusion that our recognition of the birth of Jesus and the message of love and hope it brings is the heart of the season.

A colourful array of costumes were on display, and many proud parents witnessed the acting debut of their children. 

Special thanks must go to our amazing staff within the Early Learning Centre, who guided the students towards such a successful and heartwarming evening.  Well done.

The Pre-Primary Class hosted this morning’s Primary Assembly, and entertained us with the story of the three little pigs.

With voices strong and clear, the story was beautifully acted out and was delightful to watch.  Mrs Fontana and Mrs Cameron, along with Mrs Lane and Mrs Blennerhassett have every reason to be proud of their young students.

The story was completed with the children singing a song, before introducing other elements of the Assembly.

Mr Cross presented the Striving for Excellence Awards, which were followed by a presentation of what has been happening around the College.  The Primary School choir then performed two songs for the audience’s pleasure.

In the secondary assembly, Year 7 students, Phoebe and Marisa, led their peers through the event.  As always, the students witness Mr van der Tang’s photo presentation which was followed by the Striving for Excellence Awards. 

Mr Cross addressed the audience and reminded those present to be grateful for all that we have, but often forget to be thankful for.  He then provided some ‘helpful’ travel advice for the students heading to Sydney and Canberra at the end of the week.  He showed video footage of Mr Bean on a plane, as well his process of packing his bags.  One might say that Mr Bean showed what NOT to do when preparing for a holiday and we hope that the students may have learnt something from his errors!

A great morning of celebration, where the theme of gratefulness was evident.  Well done to all involved.

Mrs Fontana’s Pre-Primary students have not only been learning the essential elements required to read and write, but also about friendships and working together.

Late last term, they spent time learning about sharing and caring for one another, and made a ‘friendship mix’ containing all manner of things considered yummy.  The aim was for students to work together in making the mix, and then have the benefit of sharing it together over the coming weeks.  From M & M’s to dried fruits and nuts – something for every taste was included.

Well done Pre-Primary students……and thanks Mrs Fontana for taking these pictures to share the moment with the rest of us!

The value of motherhood was celebrated this week, with the Kindy and Pre-Primary classes spending time and effort in preparation for Mother’s Day.

The Pre-Primary class held its annual Mother’s Day Morning.  Students were able to participate in a number of pampering activities with their Mums or Grandmothers on a beautiful sunny morning.

The Mums left after having had a foot massage, their nails painted, the chance to work on creative arts with their child and also having their portrait painted.  The children sang, and a special story about Mums was read out by Mrs Cameron.

A lavish morning tea was the last item on the agenda, before gifts were given out and the Mum’s sent on their way.

The Kindy class has been busy finishing off gifts, with a special picture having been created of each Mum, as well as a personal card made by the students.   There are sure to be some delighted Mothers on Sunday morning.

The College celebrates the contribution that each Mother has made in the lives of their children, and we are so pleased to be a part of making Mother’s Day that little bit more special.

Happy Mother’s Day