The story of past generations has been recently explored by students in Years 1 and 2 at Cornerstone.   The history of those who have gone before the children has been considered, and to make the stories come to life, a special guest was on hand this week.

86 year old Mrs McLachlan came and spent some time with these students, and shared some of what life was like in the ‘olden days’.  Children were encouraged to ask questions, and they ranged from how old our guest was, and how old her children were (which included Year 1 teacher, Mrs Sully), through to what jobs she used to have to do.

The children were mesmerised by Mrs McLachlan, and she related beautifully to them.  At one point she laughingly suggested that she was so old that many of the students probably couldn’t even count that high.  Her bright and cheerful disposition made her a popular guest.

Special thanks must go to Mrs Sully, for arranging for her Mum to join the classroom events of the day, and to Mrs McLachlan for her willingness to share part of her story with us.

The relationship and partnership between staff and parents has always been central to the academic and social success of students at Cornerstone Christian College.

In 2012, an extension to our partnership program is being introduced across the primary school.  Over the coming months, Parent Representatives will be assigned to most of the primary classes, which will help foster a sense of connection between families, as well as being a vehicle for school partnerships.

Leading the way, is Miss Durell’s Year 1/2 class.   Parent, Kath Bailey, has taken on this important role, and within days of school commencing has already had a group of Mums out for a coffee morning, as well as an after school gathering of parents and students.

It is hoped, that as the program is rolled out, and that as the school grows, the special community feel that exists at the College will be maintained.

‘Kath has been such a blessing’, Sarah Durell said.  ‘She is so enthusiastic, and keen to develop relationships and foster a sense of community.  I am so thrilled to have her as the point person within my classroom’.

After school on Monday, a significant number of the Mums and children, along with Sarah Durell, made their way to a local park for afternoon tea.  Whilst the children played, the parents made new acquaintances with parents of their child’s class-mates.  It is not expected to be the last outing of its kind – and over the year, it is certain that relationships will further develop.

A wonderful initiative.

For the first time, two classes of Kindy students have resulted in the traditional Dads Only Kindy Nights making a dual appearance as well.

Each year as we approach Father’s Day, the Kindy class collectively returns at night, with their Dads or other significant males in tow.  The aim is to allow many Fathers, who otherwise don’t get to step into the classroom, to get to interact with their child in a range of activities.  Over the past two nights, Dads and children have been seen constructing trucks out of wood, painting, completing puzzles and even drawing on the interactive white-board together.  As well as a special supper being on offer, the grown-ups also got the chance to look through their child’s portfolio.

This lovely tradition is always incredibly popular, and gives us at Cornerstone the chance to say ‘Well done’ to the Fathers in each student’s life.  The value that these significant men have in the development of each child cannot be over-stated, and on this occasion, we love having the opportunity to provide a chance for further interaction and engagement.

To each Dad -  Happy Father’s Day.  We hope you feel incredibly valued.

The Year 1 class at the College has recently been introducing their pets to one another.

As part of the early science studies that Mrs Meyer takes the class for, students have been busily preparing reports on the animals in their lives, and investigating behavioural characteristics of their chosen pet as well as care needs.

Over the past few weeks, many of these special members of the children’s families have made their way into the class, for a special introduction.  The traditional cats, dogs and rabbits have been amongst the varieties of animals shown, but this class is a little out of the ordinary.  A pet chicken, a pet bob-tail lizard, hermit crabs and even worms have made their way to Year 1.  It has made for an interesting time of show and tell.

So, what has been the most interesting guest?  According to most of the students, their own pet of course!  And that is just as it should be.

NB  – Please note that the pet bob-tail is blind and cared for by a veterinarian family.  No laws were broken!

This morning College students from every year group were treated to some very special assemblies.

The Primary Assembly was hosted by the Year 1 students, who sang and danced, and then performed a poem.  The packed house thoroughly enjoyed the performance, which was especially cute to watch with such adorable hosts.  Special thanks must go to Miss Veitch and her team of budding actors.

Following their special performance, a number of students were acknowledged with Striving for Excellence Awards.  Melat, Bianca, and Billy were the recipients this assembly.  Well done to them for their hard work in every area of their education.

A large number of students were then acknowledged for their contributions to the community in the Cornerstone Ambassador Awards.  Hockey Players, Colouring competition winners and participants in the Regional Eisteddfod were amongst those recognised.  The high performance mathematicians in a recent international maths competition were also formally introduced.

A group of students also had the chance to showcase their musical and singing talents during the morning.  After the guitarists and pianists had performed, Mrs Ali and her Cornerstone Choir, sang to the audience which was a delight to hear.

A new initiative was introduced at this assembly, whereby College staff will be acknowledged for the wonderful work they do on campus.  The first recipient was Mrs Lynn Chapman, whose commitment to her students is widely acknowledged.  Her work with every year group within the Primary School is so deeply appreciated and she is a worthy winner of this award.  Mrs Mandy French won the non-teaching staff award, with her delightful manner and efficiencies in the Uniform Shop recognised - and her sense of humour appreciated.

At the Secondary Assembly, the Year 10 students hosted the morning.  As with the Primary Assembly, a number of musical items were performed, and Ambassador Awards presented.    Josef, Celeste, Gabriel, Thomas, Ben and Caleb were honoured with Striving for Excellence Awards.  The international mathematicians were also acknowledged, with Hendrik and WJ both being honoured with a special commendation for their exceptional results by Federal Policitian, Nola Marino.

Mr Will Meyer was the secondary teacher acknowledged for his tremendous work and commitment to his students and the College.  His abilities in the Science and Maths streams are widely known, and today they were celebrated.

Mr Cross spoke on the need to encourage one another during his address at both assemblies, and gave particular focus to a verse in Romans which reminds us that God gives us encouragement and we are to behave in the same manner with each other.

As always, Mr van der Tang’s visual presentations were widely appreciated, and Mrs Jordaan’s Tidy Classroom Awards anticipated.

Each Assembly was packed with performances and presentations.  A wonderful morning of celebration.