Oliebollen 2021

Oliebollen has an incredibly significant place at the heart of our community, not only our School community but much more broadly.

There is such a strength in this one expression of community. It brings together multiple generations in a way that reminds us that the strength behind Calvin is much broader and deeper than we might imagine. It is a reminder as well, that the heart of service and giving found at the very beginnings of our School is very much alive. A reminder that, in relationship with one another, we reflect so much of our relationships as individuals with our God.

“it is exciting to know that we are working towards Saturday September 11 date for this event. ”

This year, our incredible School Council is planning for a return to Oliebollen and it is exciting to know that we are working towards Saturday September 11 for this event. It is Oliebollen but not necessarily as we have known it in the past. Not only will we be navigating the challenges of a COVID-19 safe event and the restrictions imposed by capacity limits, but there will also be changes to the range of on-site stalls, events and activities that will reflect something quite different to our past experience.

There will, of course, be Oliebollen, the auction, central events, food and rides but some of those stalls that have been so heavy on volunteers will be scaled back so that we can direct our efforts to create a great event. Our Dutch treats will still be available but we need to find ways in a time-poor society, to make our event achievable.

With that in mind – we will need the volunteer resources of our whole School community to make this event a success. For most, it will involve an hour or two on the day. We are keen to sign up the following helpers:

1. ‘Dough boys’ to mix the Oliebollen batter;

2. One or two people to man the ‘front of house’ at the Oliebollen tent

3. Donations of Craft items, Plants and Auction Goods.

In contrast to previous years, we will not be running a White Elephant or Bric-a-Brac stall. We have lots more to announce in coming weeks so stay tuned.

We would appreciate your early responses as this would be a great encouragement to our small but dedicated School Council and Oliebollen team. If you'd like to assist with any of these things please contact the Oliebollen Team.

Thank you so much for your generosity, it is events such as this that we really experience our community coming together in a powerful way that is a testimony of God’s goodness.

Scott Ambrose — Principal

10 Things To Improve Your Child’s Happiness and Enthusiasm

10 Things You Need To Do To Improve Your Child’s Happiness and Enthusiasm For Life (You Won’t BELIEVE How Simple Number 7 Is!)

Well, hello! If I’ve drawn you in by my shameless clickbait, let me assure you that I’m equally distracted and fascinated by anything that promises a quick fix and an instant result.

Tricks to improve your memory! Want to extend the battery life of your smartwatch? With a promise to tell you the money-making secrets that banks don’t want you to know, the Internet dangles these tantalising promises that are literally just a click away.

There are many reasons why as humans we find ourselves drawn to clickbait information. One writer suggests that‘powerful lists and how-to headlines … promise a simple, step-by-step solution that acts like a lighthouse on a foggy night for our overworked, overstressed minds’.

“There are many complex and difficult aspects to raising children.”

It’s true that many of us are overworked or overstressed. And a step-by-step solution is just what we need.

• My son is feeling really down. He’s quite withdrawn and doesn’t want to talk, he just wants to play computer games.

• My daughter’s friends don’t want to play with her in the sandpit. She doesn’t want to go to school.

• My teenager has exams coming up and she is feeling stressed and fragile.

• My child is anxious. Talking about school makes them feel teary and distressed.

There are many complex and difficult aspects to raising children. As parents, teachers and a school community, we sometimes find ourselves struggling to help our children navigate issues concerning social media, mental health, complex friendship dynamics, self-esteem and identity.

“As much as we would love it, there isn’t a great, easy, three-step shortcut to make it all better. ”

It’s not easy. And as much as we would love it, there isn’t a great, easy, three-step shortcut to make it all better. We work daily in community with caring teachers, with counsellors, with doctors and with mental health professionals in order to care for the individual needs of students in our school.

And there is always, always hope. Even though our heart as a parent is often to try to quickly fix our children’s problems, there are many situations in our school where I see the quiet and often slow work of God in bringing about good things for His children. As we continue to work with families to care for our students, we are drawn daily to the promise of God’s care and provision for his children. One of my favourite verses from Isaiah proclaims For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13. 

May we continue to commit our students to prayer and trust God to provide for each of their needs.

Stelle Carmichael — Head of Students

Plans and Pathways

A number of years ago we decided to expand our family home to include an area downstairs.

With advice from family members with experience in construction, we drew up some rough plans and had them prepared for submission to council.

It seemed relatively straightforward on the plans, and we had been looking for a weekend venture to work on together, so decided to project manage the build ourselves. Surely, we could manage this relatively straight forward process, we told each other. Surely, we would be using our new living area within six months, we said.

We now have a lovely expanded house but it was neither straight forward nor easy. It was a year-long, complicated process and we needed to draw on the skills and experience of trusted professionals along the way. As issues arose, we compromised and made changes to our plans simply to allow us to move forward. Anyone who has seen building or renovations shows on TV has witnessed this struggle. But it was worth it. We learnt a lot and now have a lovely living area and additional bedroom and bathroom.

Last Thursday the Calvin Library and Resource Centre on the Secondary Campus was buzzing with students and teachers at the Year 11 & 12 Subject Expo. All Year 10 students from Calvin and Emmanuel were engaged in an activity that required them to plan out a possible two-year program of post-Year 10 study or training that would allow them to achieve their TCE and/or an ATAR score. Some students were confident in project managing this task, constructing a program with clear pathways into university or work options. Others pieced together a practical plan that would allow last minute changes and broad avenues into study or work. Still others admitted that they felt out of their depth and needed additional assistance to work out their plan.

“Drawing on the support and expertise of those who have more skill will be necessary... As will stepping outside of a comfort zone to allow personal reflection and growth. ”

All of these responses are normal for Year 10 students. Through career education in our Personal Development Program, pathways meetings with Carly Brouwer, the Calvin Pathways Co-ordinator, and discussion of personal skills and strengths in Home Room, students have begun the journey of planning their future. Some will choose an academic pathway with ATAR as a focus and others will find themselves engaging in apprenticeships or training. Many will pursue a general pathway that affords many options.

As with our house extension, drawing on the support and expertise of those who have more skill will be necessary from time to time. As will stepping outside of a comfort zone to allow personal reflection and growth.

We count it as a privilege to work with young people as they plan their future. In many ways the process is more important than the final career path. So is knowing that changes and compromises are to be expected and even embraced. “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” — Jeremiah 29:11

Bonny Moroni – Head of Secondary