CHOOSE YOUR SUPER POWER 21/11/2017 Issue 36 Occasionally I ve heard light hearted conversations when people are asked to identify a super power they would choose if they could have one. It might be super strength, to fly like Superman, able to stretch, change shape or form or move at great speed. I ve heard debates centred on what the greatest super power would be. I ve never heard consensus on an answer. There is always something appealing about having powers or talents that we don t have. Yesterday one of our 2014 School Captains, Matthew Landon, returned to St Mark s and led our Upper Primary chapel. Matthew spoke to our students about gifts and talents. He showed us the outcome of the gifts he believes God has given him and reminded us that it isn t always easy to identify our gifts. He also spoke about how having a gift doesn t mean it is always easy to use it. Hard work is still required to put the gift to good use. He reminded us that our gifts all look different and we don t want to fall into the trap of comparing our gifts to others. On Sunday the gospel reading found in Matthew 25:14 was the parable of the talents. In the parable a master gave different talents to each of his three servants as he prepared for a time of being away. In hearing Pastor Ben preach on this verse he reminded us to always remember that God has given each one of us gifts or talents. Maybe we don t recognize the gift God has given us but we are assured that each of us is special to God. He has made us the way we are with the gifts and talents we have. He hasn t given us super powers. Our gifts will look different to the people alongside us but they are our gifts. The parable also shows us that God wants us to use our gifts for others. He made us so that we may bring blessings to the lives of others. Rather than long for super powers, I encourage you to pause and reflect on the gifts God has given you that make you the special person you are. Whole School closing worship for all students Wednesday 13 th December @7pm. You hopefully have seen the above heading in the snapshots of our newsletter for some time now. I ve continually highlighted this as it is one of the most important activities on our school calendar. On this night we will for the only time of the year gather in an indoor space as one school community. On the night every child will participate during our service. On this night we as one community will honour and farewell our Year six students. On this night we celebrate, by being together, what St Mark s community means. It is a school expectation that all students attend this after hours major school event. Students are required to wear their summer uniform. Champions Challenge Unfortunately we have not been able to find a suitable alternative date for this year s competition that will allow all five Lutheran schools to be in attendance. Regretfully we are cancelling this year s event. Thank you to the students for their training and preparation, to parents who had made themselves available to help last week and to Mr Scott for his many hours of organising and preparation. James Heyne Principal
What s on at St Mark s. - Foundation swimming lessons continue each day this week. Year 1 and Year 4 students begin their lessons next week. - School Council Meeting this evening at 7.30pm - Year 3 excursion to Adelaide to visit a cathedral and synagogue on Thursday. - Whole school chapel @ 9.00am this Friday with Pastor Ben leading. Coffee and Chat with Janene follows chapel. - Mount Barker Christmas Pageant on Saturday, 2nd December at 10.30am - P & F Student disco, Friday, 1st December - Choir & Band Excursion on Monday, 4th December at 9.30am 3:00pm - Whole school closing service for all students and families on Wednesday 13 th December at 7pm at Inbarendi, Cornerstone College. WANTED Wood/branches for play area If you have a pile of natural, smoothish sticks, light branches or tree stump rings, bark or natural material (light enough for the students to carry) that can be used for building in the play area along the fence please contact Meredith Page in the front office. Pop- up Book Sale!! LIBRARY NEWS I recently attended the Scholastic Warehouse Sale in Norwood and have managed to acquire a selection of very cheap books!!! These books will be available for purchase 1 day only, this Thursday 23 rd November from 8:30 am 9: 30am. Most of the books are $5 or less. Some of the things available are: sticker, colouring and painting books, easy chapter books, novels, Picture Fiction and Non Fiction books (including some Star Wars). Limited stock is available and all payment is CASH only. Take the chance to stock up on some stocking fillers or holiday activities for the kids. There is also a box of 50c books leftover from the last book sale. Come and pick up a bargain. Book Club: The last Book Club order forms for this year will be coming home this week. Orders and payment are due in by Wednesday 29 th November. Library Borrowing: This week is the LAST week for Library Borrowing. After that we will commence preparations for Stock Take. Children have been sent home notices with a list of outstanding books. If you are having trouble locating these ( or think they have been returned) please write me a note so that we can follow up any issues Mrs Paterson Teacher/Librarian
The Front Office has received an order from the last Book Club period which has no name. If you placed an order and requested that it be picked up from the Front Office, could you please contact Leanne SUMMER HOLIDAY CLUB BOOKINGS ARE NOW OPEN..I have attached the program providing all dates we will be running Holiday Club bookings are now OPEN! If you would like to use our service for the holidays, please go online and register at www.campautralia.com.au. If you require medical forms for this period, please come to the service before or after school and I will give you everything you need. Thank you, Sam Thomas 0403 731 488 email:sastmarks@oshccampaustralia.com