Term 4 Week 9 - 2020

Term 4, Week 9

Principal

FROM THE PRINCIPAL


Give Thanks in All Circumstances

As we approach the end of the school year, it is important to acknowledge how blessed we are in South Australia to be able to complete the school year with our students in classrooms with their teachers.

When I look back over the year, we have worked through school closures, online learning, and multiple distractions causing extra concerns for students, staff and parents. Considering all of these challenges, I am sure you will join me in congratulating and thanking our Cedar College staff for their dedication and commitment to our learning program this year.

Unfortunately, as we have communicated recently, COVID-19 restrictions have meant that we have been unable to celebrate our end of year events in community, as we usually do. I know our parents and students are disappointed, as am I, that this is the case. It is important to us to share and celebrate all the wonderful things that take place each year. Learning will always be a partnership between parents, teachers and students, and celebrating these achievements together celebrates the community we enjoy at Cedar College.

I am reminded of a verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:18, in the New Testament, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”. I am very thankful that we live in a country that has taken this pandemic, and our safety, so seriously. We have all needed to make sacrifices which have helped keep us safe. It’s difficult to comprehend the devastation and loss experienced in many countries.

Exciting News for 2021

I would like to congratulate Mr Nigel Austin, who is moving from his position of Upper Primary Co-ordinator to take on a new role as Head of Primary School at Cedar College in 2021. This will allow me to focus on whole school administration needs, including more time with the High School. Mrs Melody Birch will be replacing Mr Austin as Upper Primary Co-ordinator.

I would also like to announce that Mrs Bronwen Darcy will be joining Mrs Sue Rosmini, teaching in Year 1, beginning in the new year.

A heartfelt thank you to our school community for your support and encouragement this year. I particularly thank you for responding graciously to the changes we had to make to ensure compliance to the various COVID-19 restrictions throughout the year.

Around the Campus

In this edition of CedarNews, we acknowledge our Class of 2020 and their Year 12 Formal, we farewell some staff in the High School and Primary School, our Prefects for 2021 take a tour of the new High School facility, the Primary School enjoys some special end-of-year activities, and Pastor Jeremy reminds us about The True Christmas.

Have a safe and happy Christmas break, and we will see you in 2021.


Mr Peter Thomson, Principal


Calendar

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True Christmas

Christmas 2020 – from the Cedar College Pastor

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Busy Week in Primary

Chapel, scavenger hunt, wheels, lunch and more!

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New Facilities

2021 Prefects get a sneak peek at new facility

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Year 12 Formal

Different Formal to finish a very different year

The Front Page

The True Christmas

It’s an understatement to say this year has been unpredictable.

Cedar PastorWe all had plans back in January that were thrown out by March. We’ve had to make new plans and then change those new plans over and over. It’s been exhausting and unsettling. And we’re hanging out for 2020 to end!

There’s something reassuring about having the year wind up with the familiarity of Christmas. Not the busy, hectic Christmas. The true Christmas. Right at the end of a year like this, we really need it. It seems so convenient! There’s debate about the actual date of Jesus Christ’s birthday. The Bible doesn’t say. But then it isn’t so important to know the exact day that Jesus came into the world. It is important to remember what it meant.

The Bible does says this about Jesus’ birth: “The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a son, and they will name him Immanuel.” This name means “God is with us. – Matthew 1:23

Immanuel. God is with us.

Jesus Christ came to be with us, to live among us, to love us, and to die for us. He overcame death, came back to life and invites us to be with him forever. Christmas reminds us that God is with us.

That’s something we need to hold on to as we wind up a year like no other. God is with us and he has held us through it all. As we look ahead to another year full of surprises, we hold to the certain hope that God is with us still.


Pastor Jeremy Wright, Cedar College Pastor


Week 9 News and Notices

From the Business Manager

Business Manager

Thank you to our Cedar College families for finalising your 2020 tuition fees in a timely manner. The Finance Office will be available to take payments until December 21, and will be back from January 5. Your 2021 School Fee statements will be emailed in mid-January.

If you have any queries regarding payments, please contact the Finance Office on 8261 3377.


From the Board Chair

Board Chair

As you may be aware, the South Australian Government is proposing to amend the state’s Equal Opportunity legislation.

The proposed Equal Opportunity (Religious Bodies) Amendment Bill 2020 would remove the existing protections for Christian schools to teach, model and administer in accordance with our Biblical beliefs regarding gender and sexuality. Courts and Tribunals imposing their views on families will replace our ability to work with and support parents in these areas.

Many parents, carers, and grandparents say that the main reason they chose Cedar College is because of our core Christian values. I encourage you to find out more. A Factsheet from Christian Schools Australia about new legislation is available here.


Student Free Days, Week 9

Please note that Wednesday December 9 is the final day for Primary School students. Thursday December 10 and Friday December 11 are both Student Free Days.


Term 4 Canteen Menu

Please note that the Canteen will not be taking lunch orders on the final day of school (Wednesday December 9).


2020 Yearbook

One copy of the 2020 Cedar College Yearbook will be available for each family on the final day of Term 4, Wednesday December 9 (usually given to the youngest child). High School students may come in on this day to collect their book, otherwise they will receive it on Get Ready Day. Additional copies may be ordered from the Primary School Office, at a cost of $15 each. Year 12 students will each receive their own copy.


School Reports

School Reports will be emailed next week, and a hard copy will be available to collect on Monday December 14, between 10am – 2pm, or on Get Ready Day. Students who are not returning to Cedar in 2020 will have their reports posted to them.


Graduation Videos

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, our Graduations will be delivered to parents as free digital downloads. The Year 12 Graduation was sent to parents last week, with the Year 9 and Year 6 Graduations coming soon. The links to the High Definition downloads will be sent to respective parents/caregivers via email.


Front Office Holiday Closure

Please note that the Front Office will be closed from Tuesday December 15 until Tuesday January 12.


2021 Get Ready Day!

Please be on the look out for further information coming to your email inbox in January, regarding our 2021 Get Ready days, as we prepare for the new school year.

Please take note of your Get Ready Day below, which is determined by your child’s surname:

Students whose last name falls between A – K          Thursday January 14, 8:30am – 2pm

Students whose last name falls between L – Z           Friday January 15, 8:30am – 2pm

Dates this Term

TERM DATES 2020

Term 4, 2020 – Tue 13 Oct – Wed 9 Dec


Term 1, 2021 – Wed 27 Jan – Fri 9 April


Term 2, 2021 – Tue 27 April – Fri 25 June


We will continue to have a three week break between Term 2 & 3


Term 3, 2021 – Wed 21 July – Fri 24 Sept

UNIFORM SHOP 2020

Regular opening hours during term:

Monday 8:30am – 4:30pm

Wednesday 3pm – 5:30pm


Thursday Extended Opening Hours:


TERM 2 – Weeks 1-4, 3pm – 5.30pm


TERM 4 – Weeks 1-3, 3pm – 5.30pm

PRIMARY SCHOOL ASSEMBLY

Our School Assemblies and Chapels are held on Fridays at 8:50am. 


Chapels and Assemblies in 2021 will be subject to any restrictions in place.


Should guidelines for large gatherings change, parents/caregivers will be informed.

Primary School News

From the Upper Primary Co-ordinator

Head of Upper PrimaryIncredibly the term has almost come to an end and although there have been challenges, we have enjoyed a variety of events.

During Chapel this term, we focused on true stories from our staff, and how God worked in their lives. We enjoyed a science show, where some experiments even surprised our science teacher, and a “wheels” day for the Year 4s, who enjoyed riding around the courts on bikes and scooters. Earlier in the term, the new 2021 Reception students were able to visit their new classrooms in preparation for next year.

To begin Week 8, the Year 6s participated in “The Secret Scavenger Hunt”. The hunt was created by the very talented and hardworking Year 6 students, Liahna, Tilly and Isaac. The three students meticulously planned the well-executed session. Year 6 students raced around the school completing challenges and collecting keys needed to free “Princess Suzuki” from the secret hideout! Much fun was had by all.

The Year 6 graduation lunch was held last Wednesday, with some changes to the usual format. Thank you to the team of Year 6 parents who did an amazing job, planning a beautiful lunch and decorating the space for the students to enjoy. A team of staff and students served the delicious food. We enjoyed an incredible cake made by a very talented parent. The students particularly enjoyed seeing photos of each other from back in their Reception days.

Staff News

staffstaffThis year we said goodbye to Mrs Emma Barnard, at the end of Term 3. Emma has held various teaching roles at Cedar for many years. She was an incredible part of our team and very much loved and appreciated. We also say goodbye this term to Mr Andrew Bloomfield, our Primary School PE teacher, who was a wonderful addition to our community this year.

Both will be greatly missed, and we wish them well for the future.

staffMiss Johannah Petrie will be finishing up her time in Junior Primary this year. She has been a valuable part of the teaching team and although she will be missed in this role, we look forward to seeing her in the Library from 2021. We warmly welcome back Mrs Bek Robinson from maternity leave, as she resumes her PE teaching role with Year 3-6 students in 2021, and Mrs Anne Bahn also returns from maternity leave to resume teaching Digital Technologies.

Finally, we farewell Mrs Verona McDonald from the Primary School Library, as well as Year 6 SSO, Mrs Renuka Samuel. They have been both very much appreciated at Cedar, and we wish them well for their future endeavours.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding during 2020. We hope you have a blessed Christmas break and pray you all stay safe and well.


Mr Nigel Austin, Upper Primary Co-ordinator


High School News

High School Staff Farewell

Head of High SchoolI would like to acknowledge some long-serving staff in the High School, who we will farewell at the end of this year

Mr Andrew Hill

staffMr Andrew Hill has been with us for 13 years, primarily as a Music and Christian Living Teacher. In his earlier days, Andrew also taught Drama. He was instrumental in the formation of our High School Chapel Band, and also had significant input into the design of the Creative Arts building.

The legacy he leaves is a long-lasting one and we pray that his influence will continue beyond Cedar, as he transitions to full-time employment with his church.

 

Mrs Merrilyn Garfoot

staffMrs Merrilyn Garfoot has been assisting the Home Economics department for 12 and a 1/2 years as an Educational Support Officer. Her diligent service has ensured that the department operated at a high level, and her contribution has been evident through the many Home Economics events and in the development of our students. We pray that Merrilyn enjoys her (relative) retirement, and enjoys spending more time with her grandchildren!

We also say farewell to Mrs Julie Bittner and Mrs Laura Stanley, who will be taking maternity leave for 2021. We pray for God’s blessing upon their families and also for the arrival of their babies.


Mr Andrew Lock, Head of High School


High School News

Prefects Tour New Facility

Earlier this term, the 2021 Year 12 Prefects were privileged to enjoy an exclusive tour of the newly constructed building, adjoining the Creative Arts facility.

Led by Mrs Sandie Gardner, the Prefects were shown through the ground floor, which will be dedicated to Canopy, previously known as CLIC. This is a significant upgrade, replacing the two small existing classrooms in H Block, on the western side of the campus. New office spaces for Cedar staff, and areas devoted to occupational and speech therapists, are just some of the special features of the new facility.

Intentionally Designed

Cedar has done an excellent job creating an inclusive and collaborative learning environment where students can be individually supported. The new space has been intentionally designed with a diverse range of learning spaces to meet the needs of all students. In doing this, Cedar hopes to create an environment where students feel safe, included, and valued as members of the college. Kitchen spaces, including booth seating, stand-up desks, picnic tables, and new outdoor areas, are just some of the spaces that students will have access to. I am personally excited to use the new classrooms on the first floor. It was great to see the previously vacant area transformed into an amazing space, built for inclusivity and creativity. We were very impressed with the new building and look forward to using the facilities during our final year at Cedar.


Eloise, Year 11


Senior School News

Class of 2020

Due to last minute COVID-19 restrictions, the class of 2020 formal was held at Cedar College on Tuesday November 17.

While the Year 12s were having their hair done and getting dressed for the big night, Cedar College staff were faced with the challenge of moving the Formal venue on-campus, due to the gathering restrictions imposed that day.

A Little Bit Different

Limousines rolled up to the High School lawns and the students looked amazing as they gathered for photos before entering the Cafeteria, which was sparkling bright for the special occasion.

Hosted by Mr Rose, and under the direction of Mrs Tiller and Mrs Jettner, the event took on a slightly different shape, with High School teachers plating and serving food to the students throughout the evening.

The busy photobooth ensured memories were captured, and the night finished on the dance floor, as students made the most of the opportunity to gather together. Although not quite the evening that had been planned, many students have since commented that they were thankful that the Formal was still able to be held, and was a special way to finish their time at Cedar.