Photographs for all LJBC students will take place in Week 9 and 10 of this term (Thursday 27 June, Friday 28 June). An additional day allocated for ‘catch up’ photos has also been scheduled (Wednesday 3 July) for any students who are absent for the main photo days. Please note, students who are in K2 will have their class photo and individual photographs taken on Wednesday 3 July.

All students will have an individual photograph taken and class photographs will also be taken of every Primary Class and Secondary Connect Group. Photographs from these sessions will be available for purchase by families in the usual way – order envelopes will be distributed to students prior to Week 8 (each student will receive a personalised envelope).

The full schedule for photo days will be available in the Newsletter published on 7 June.

Sibling photographs will once again be taken before school from 7.30am to 8.30am on both Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June in the Auditorium.

If you have any questions regarding the photo days, you are most welcome to email me at events@ljbc.wa.edu.au

Brooke Howard

Enrolment Events Coordinator

Student Wellbeing and Screen Time

Recently our Year 7-9 students completed a survey on ‘Keeping Safe at School’ to assess if our students felt safe at the College as well as if there are any areas of the College where bullying may be prevalent. The feedback was interesting in that, yes! there will be mean moments and cases of bullying which is always addressed when we are made aware, but the majority of bullying actually occurs via social media.

Social media translates to screen time, which is part and parcel of our adolescents’ everyday landscape. When young people are fixated on their screens they are in fact isolating themselves withdrawing from the relationships and social skills they so desperately need to develop healthy relationships in their adolescent years. We should all be encouraging face to face friendships, as increased friendships allow students to develop a sense of belonging. Research has noted that having a good friend to talk to develops trust and support through challenging times. Having one quality friend whom they can rely on reduces screen time and increases their sense of self-worth.

We also need to ask ourselves the question; what effect does screen time have on our students and your children? A recent longitudinal study which ran over three years with several thousand 10-18 year old’s in over 30 schools in WA was completed by The University of Western Australia.

It was noted that the amount of screen time increases as the students’ age. By 15 years of age, girls are 15 times more likely to exceed two hours screen time and almost 7 times more on social networking than boys. Boys on the other hand spent more time than girls gaming. The range of screen use is also important as web browsing and passive screen use (TV, DVD) is also be classified as screen use. Significant increases in screen time and withdrawal from family activities over a short period of time may also be an indicator that a young person’s mental health is deteriorating.

The relationship between screen use and positive and negative behavioural related outcomes are complex. Screen use of up to an hour a day can be beneficial, but more extensive may be detrimental. Getting the right balance also includes making sure screen time doesn’t interfere with sleep.

You can also help your child find a balance between screen use and other activities by working with your child on some family rules.

Rules might cover:

• where your child can use screens – for example, only in family rooms, not in the bedroom at night (including phones), or not in the car
• when your child can use screens – for example, mealtimes are free of TV, computers and phones, or no screen time until chores and homework are finished
• how your child can use screens – for example, for making a podcast or watching a TEDx talk, rather than always watching epic fail videos
• how you handle screen time for children of different ages – for example, there might be some games that your older child can play only when her younger sibling is out or has gone to bed.

Although teachers and parents need to be aware of the amount of time spent on screens and the activities in which they indulge, what is important to note, is that screen time needs to be limited. Pre-teens and adolescents should be physically active for at least one hour each day for their wellbeing.

Full copies of Professor Stephen Houghton, UWA et al research papers are available at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10964-018-0901-y

Helen Del Frate

Dean of Students

Each month at the College we will be focusing on a character strength which we would like to make our students aware of and develop in them. Perseverance is our strength for this month.

So what is perseverance?

Perseverance is the ability and self-control that pushes you to work through challenges. Having perseverance means that when you are facing a challenge, you use your mind and your body to overcome it. Perseverance means you are able to wait and work through difficulties, whether they have to do with your mind, your body, or your emotions.

No matter what the challenge, perseverance is important because it is the drive that helps you get through the obstacle to the easier bit on the other side. Even though it feels so hard when you are working through a challenge, perseverance keeps pushing you through to your goal and to the good feeling that comes with knowing you did your best.

As a parent we always try and ‘save’ our children from any form of challenge but we should be allowing them to grow through their experience. When we allow our children to fail we do three very important things: We cultivate perseverance, we cultivate tenacity and we cultivate hope.

When we allow our children to fail, we teach them to persist despite difficulty or delay in success. Perseverance is all about working hard despite disappointment or failure. It teaches us to keep trying even if takes days, months or years to succeed. Furthermore, when we allow our children to fail, we teach them how learn an idea or concept firmly. Tenacity is all about teaching your child to keep trying until they reach their goal.

At the College our programs, camps and wellbeing days aim to challenge our students allowing them to grow in a supportive environment.

Helen Del Frate

Dean of Students

It was all smiles this morning as our students used the new pathway to the Sports Centre for the first time since its completion.

Now that the construction project nears completion, stay connected to our Social Media for more updates. 

Our Kindergarten to Year 2 students watched a Constable Care puppet show which highlighted the key concepts of protective behaviours. The key message was the difference between scary things that are fun (like rollercoasters) and those scary secrets that we need to tell a trusted adult about.  Each show was 45 minutes including a fun Q&A at the end. Much fun was had by all students!

Judith Milford

Primary Teacher

Many students in the Primary School have been participating in our Lego Masters competition. Most of us grew up with Lego. It is one of the largest brands in the world, is instantly recognisable and has a massive fan base.

There are many educational benefits of creating, configuring and crafting with the colourful, multi-faceted bricks. The following are some benefits:

1. Teamwork and communication
2. Patience and organisational skills
3. Constructive problem solving and lateral thinking
4. Adventure and experimentation
5. Fine motor skills development
6. Increases spatial awareness
7. Better focus and concentration

The Week 1 theme was 'Buildings'. It wasn’t easy for our judges to choose the best building. There were double storey houses, a multi-cultural home, a Pet shop, a Recycling centre, a Frozen castle, houses with roof-top terraces, the Eifel Tower and the Taj Mahal to name a few. The students were all so creative and we are excited for the weeks to come.

Carmen Hawkey

Primary Teacher Librarian

Click on the link to watch our video about the new 'LJBC Lions' sports initiative. https://www.facebook.com/LJBCPerth/videos/848412272181580/

Year 8 Drama Incursion

The Year 8 Drama classes had the privilege of learning about all things Commedia Dell’Arte on Friday 10 May. The incursion covered the basics of the comedy form and students learnt that it was first discovered in the 16th Century in Italy where professional actors who were highly skilled in acrobatics and 'slapstick' style of comedy would perform improvised scenarios in and outside the theatre. Shane McMullan from Into the Mask Theatre went through each stock character using the iconic masks and improvised hilarious scenes for the students. Then students had a chance to perform each character and create their own slapstick comedy (with a real slapstick!) The laughter and excitement in the room was energising and we look forward to the students using the knowledge learnt and applying this to their own performances.

Year 10 Drama Incursion – Stage combat choreography

If you walked past Founders Hall on Thursday 9 May you would have seen Drama students being ‘slapped’ in the face and ‘punched’ around. All in the name of theatre and stage combat, of course! Nothing real about these fights except the excitement.

Andy Fraser from Stage Combat Perth came to show the Year 10 Drama students the art of fighting on stage. How to choreograph a safe stage fight, react to make it look realistic and the inside secrets of his trade. He has provided stage combat services in the entertainment industry in WA since 2001. He has provided fight direction and choreography, weapon and equipment hire, safety consultancy and other performance solutions to companies such as Black Swan State Theatre Company, Perth Theatre Company, Deckchair Theatre, Barking Gecko, Yirra Yaakin and WA Opera to name a few.  

The students thoroughly enjoyed the new skills learnt and will apply this to their future drama practice including the Year 10 Production performed on Wednesday afternoon, Girl Who Cried Wolf by Angela Betzien. They did a fantastic job!

Elzette Schroeder
Drama Teacher

This week Cooper the Wellbeing Dog modelled for a Year 9 drawing class. The students learnt a range of drawing techniques, including Blind Contour, Reverse Contrast, and Ink and Skewer. In each exercise students learnt techniques to help them draw more realistically rather than relying on their memorised drawing symbols. The techniques also helped trained the eye and hand to work as a team to see all of the details of the object.

The students loved learning this new exercise and having Cooper in the class!

Alyssa Carter

College Counsellor

Arcadia and Batavia again joined forces this year to raise money in support of the Starlight Foundation, a charity that works to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families. Starlight Day was held in the last week of term. Students were able to donate to go uniform free, there was a lunchtime sausage sizzle (with entertainment provided by student musicians), a ‘guess the number of jellybeans’ contest, a colouring competition and later in the week, a cake stall. The winners of the jellybean guessing competition were Riley Hopkins and Olivia Zacher and the winners of the colouring competition were Robyn Woods and Elizabeth Jennings.

Thanks to the many students who got involved in planning, promoting and running the event, particularly the Arcadia and Batavia House Councils. I am very pleased to say that in total, $1943.55 was raised for the Starlight Foundation – well done everyone!

Reuben Farr

Head of House Batavia

Blossom Girls Program is a unique personal development and group mentoring program that helps each girl develop an understanding of their own personal worth, strength, purpose and potential. The program is delivered through a combination of demonstrations, illustrations, group discussions and practical activities through which girls will be equipped to become effective global citizens of the future.

Blossom Objectives:

Equipping girls to:

• build confidence and positive self-image
• learn ways to love themselves and others
• identify themselves as valuable individuals with much to contribute to society
• develop character strengths which include integrity, individuality and self-worth
• identify personal desires and strengths to motivate them to set and achieve personal goals

The program consists of 5 sessions and will run during lunch times on Mondays from 1.35 to 2:10pm on the College premises, starting in Week 3 Monday, 13 May in Room 11. 

Program Outline

Week 1: Love – How we can show love to others and how do we feel loved

Week 2: Respect – How to respect ourselves and others

Week 3: Honour – Being a person of honour, integrity and character

Week 4: Convictions – Keeping true to ourselves, and the things/people we care about

Week 5: Confidence – How to build confidence, respect, love, honour, keep our convictions and live in God’s purpose

The Blossom program is run by the Chaplaincy Department, by Chaplains, teachers and Upper School student helpers. We would love your daughter to be involved in this program.

Catherine da Silva

Secondary Chaplain

Parents & Collegians Auxiliary (PCA)

“We don’t get bigger by cutting others down. We should encourage others, help them reach their goals.” Damian Martin

“We don’t need the latest new technique, method, coach; we need to apply what we already know.” Mhicca Carter

The annual PCA Community Breakfast

Over 120 people from the LJBC community attended the Breakfast on Thursday 2 May 2019. The PCA was lucky enough to have both Damian Martin (professional basketball player and Olympian) and Mhicca Carter (member of the Wallaroos - Australia Women’s National Rugby Union Team) deliver inspirational talks. Attendees enjoyed a large selection of breakfast delicacies and barista coffees. Soothing background music was supplied by collegian Ethan Churchill. Magnificent artworks were on display from LJBC past students (collegians) Jaimie Bartlett and Tylor Mollard. We hope you enjoy the images captured by parent Samantha Vallet from Open2view Joondalup.

#Shareyourstory

Calling all #Collegians to share your story! We would love to hear from you, whether you got married, engaged, a promotion, a bub, a degree, a business, a traineeship, a job. Send your images to PCA@ljbc.wa.edu.au or direct message the #PCA page

Next events

Social Event for Young Collegians on 20 June

Career Advice and Networking: Year 10, 11 & 12 students, Collegians and PCA Community Members on 29 July

Follow our story

The PCA Facebook Page https://www.facebook/PCAatLJBC/ and to be a part of the growing PCA community, join at https://www.facebook/groups/PCAmembergroup/

Chaleen Botha

President of the Parents & Collegians Auxiliary

It was all smiles and laughter at the Mothers Day Breakfast!

Mums, ably assisted by their children, were able to have a 'hit' of golf, make a pot plant, draw portraits, play games and enjoy a bacon 'n' egg roll and a hot coffee at our action packed and fun filled event.

A big thank you to the Primary staff who came early and ran the various activities. Thank you to Sacha Hooper for donating a $100 gift hamper, which was won by Lei Wang.

We trust the mums left feeling blessed!

Jeremy Chappell

Primary Chaplain & Coordinator of Christian Education

Join our Principal for a tour of the College each month during term time.

Connecting parents, students and collegians who own businesses with members of our community 

LJBC has teamed up with B2Me Australia to provide our families with a digital business directory, which encourages members of the LJBC community to do business with each other.

Monday 29 July - Friday 9 August 2019

Lake Joondalup Baptist College will have a visit from a group of Japanese students from Hanazono High School in Japan, sister school to LJBC. Exchange visits are a wonderful way to increase cultural awareness and develop cross-cultural communication skills for all participants. It’s rewarding and fun for families to experience another culture, share their experiences learning about Australia and form international friendships.

 We are looking for families who are willing to host a student for 11 nights:   

• Apart from friendship and the opportunity to participate in family life, host families only need to provide a bed (a mattress is OK) and meals (as normal) for the students. 
• The students are high school aged (15-17) but it is still a good experience for families if host children are younger/older as they mix well and everyone benefits from the cultural exchange. 
• Shoji Australia act as guardians for the students during their stay and offer 24 hour bilingual support to students and host families. 
• The students will start and end their day at LJBC having English lessons and participating in school life in the afternoons. 
• All host parents are required by law to have current Working with Children Checks but Shoji Australia will provide the forms and reimburse the cost.
• Families will receive a payment to cover the student’s living expenses.

Please support this rewarding school program. It may seem like a long way off but please register now so progress can be made towards the visit.

Please fill in a confidential application form at

https://shojiaustralia.com.au/application-school.html 

Or contact Shoji Australia for more information.

Ph:  9385 6911

e-mail:  jenni@shojiaustralia.com.au

Meagan Maassen

Japanese teacher

Talita (Head of Christian Ed) and Ben (Humanities Teaher) were happily married on 20 April 2019. The College wish them a lifetime of happiness and are thankful to have them as part of the LJBC community. 

"Ben and I had the most perfect day with 60 of our closest friends and family in Canggu, Bali, Indonesia. We hired Villa Colony, stayed there for 5 days and held the wedding on the backyard lawn. The day was a dream come true and everything we had hoped for and more!" - Talita Butchart