Springwood Junior School Communications, 9 January 2024
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome to the new year. I hope that you’ve enjoyed precious family time and a relaxing break over the holidays. My family went on a fabulous adventure to Japan, to not only see the sights and experience the unique culture, but to also celebrate the graduation of our twins who completed Year 12 at the end of last year. I can’t believe how quickly that time has flown by. It makes me more conscious of how precious the primary and secondary years of schooling are, where our children are equipped to form into young adults of character and faith.
We look forward to meeting our new families with students entering Prep and all other Stages this year. As we get our rhythm going for 2024, I’m certain our new families will feel the love and support this beautiful community offers.
In this communication, you will find information on facility updates over the holidays, the 2024 staffing model, as well as important dates coming up as we begin the new school year. Letters of introduction to you and your child from their class teacher, will be emailed out tomorrow.
Important dates:
- Friday 12 January 2024: Campion book pack pick up from Springwood Campus staffroom (Admin building), between 9:00am – 10:00am.
- Friday 19 January 2024: Book Drop Off morning 9:00am – 10:00am - bring your books and stationery, see your child’s new learning space, and meet the teaching teams.
- Monday 22 January 2024: First day of Term 1 - Students can wear their sports uniform for the first week back
- Tuesday 30 January 2024: Parent Information Evening from 6:00pm at Real Life Christian Church before breaking into Stage information sessions.
- Friday 26 January 2024: Australia Day Public Holiday
Meet the Team:
Staffing Update:
We welcome Mr Jack Arnall to the Stage 2 teaching team. Originally from New Zealand, Mr Arnall has come to us after years of working in London. He and his new wife recently moved to Brisbane, and we know they will feel the warm Calvary welcome as they settle into our community.
We are delighted to announce that Mr and Mrs Ashleigh Waldren are expecting their first baby, due mid - year. Parents of Stage 1G will be notified of Mrs Waldren’s replacement for the duration of her maternity leave once recruitment is finalised.
Mr Ricardo Jorge is returning as a relief teacher this year and we praise God for his continued healing and good health.
Uniform Update:
If you have been purchasing school uniform items from school locker, we are aware that some of our new items are not in stock. Please remember that first week of term is sports uniform only. A reminder that there have been no changes to the sports uniform. We are working with school locker to improve the service available to you.
Across the whole school, we ask that all students wear their Sports Uniform for Week 1.
Please see the link from our College website with uniform requirements:
https://www.calvarycc.qld.edu.au/parent-information/
Please also be reminded to check the parent manual for shoe and hair expectations:
https://www.calvarycc.qld.edu.au/media/kiwexnir/2024-js-parent-manual.pdf
Facilities update:
Springwood Performing Arts precinct, the Judah block, has had the beginnings of a much-needed upgrade. There are long term plans to renovate this space, beginning with new flooring in both classrooms. The space where Japanese lessons are held, now has a new dance floor which can be used for rehearsals and our clubs. The Music room also has new flooring. Watch this space for future works!
Parent Information Evening
Tuesday 30 January, we invite all our parents, particularly those new to our school, to our Junior School Parent Information evening. This is where we share about whole school initiatives and classroom / stage -specific routines and upcoming events. The evening begins at 6:00pm at Real Life Christian Church, before we break off to stage sessions. These will be held back-to-back at 6:45pm and 7:20pm, so parents can attend multiple sessions if they choose.
General Parent Information
Our website has a Parent Information page that holds all the details you may need to get settled into the year. Booklists and the Parent Manual can be found there as well, use this link; https://www.calvarycc.qld.edu.au/parent-information/
A separate communication has been included with information about how we use Facebook to share insight into learning or reshare information already communicated to you via email. Please read this communication and note some of the updates to who has access and our privacy expectations.
A reminder to please join our new Springwood Facebook group; Calvary Christian College - Springwood Campus Community Group 2024
The original group will be archived by the end of Term 1. For all our stage and community Facebook groups, please answer membership questions to assist admin in recognising your connection to the College and approving your request.
It’s exciting to welcome new families and new staff into our community. We look forward to being able to get to know you more as the year unfolds.
Enjoy the final weeks before school begins, and we will see you at Book Drop Off morning on Friday 19 January.