College Profile - Genesis Christian College

Genesis is a member of CSA- Christian Schools Australia and ISQ - Independent Schools Queensland

College Structure

Genesis Christian College is owned by the NBCSA -North Brisbane Christian Schools Association Inc. (the Association). The College is controlled by the members through the Board of Directors (generally known as the Board).

Membership of the Association of committed Christian parents is strongly encouraged. There is an annual fee per family and membership is open to anyone who is at least 18 years of age, and is in agreement with the constitution of the Association.

Membership allows a member to vote for the election of Board Members, those representing the different committees of the College Government. It is through membership of the Association that parents exercise involvement in the College’s governance. Application forms for membership are available from the College office.

The Board is elected by the Members of the Association. Vacancies on the Board are filled through nomination by Association members and election at the annual general meeting in March each year.

Statement of Faith

1. That the Scripture of the Old and New Testament is the infallible Word of God, our supreme and absolute standard by which our whole life is to be directed and judged, and indispensable and determinative for our knowledge of God, of ourselves, and the rest of creation.

2. That there is one God, eternal and indivisible in whom are three Persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit - one Triune God.

3. That all things were created by God in and through Jesus Christ by His Word and Spirit according to His eternal purpose and for His own glory; that all things are upheld and controlled by Him and that He reveals Himself in all that He has created and made.

4. That man was created in the image of God to enjoy communion with his Creator, to exercise dominion over the Creation to the Glory of God and to interpret all reality in accordance with His design and law; that man sinned by disobeying the express command of God and fell from the estate in which he was created; and that by the curse justly imposed on man everyone is cut off from communion with God and is dead in sins, wholly corrupt throughout the whole man, and utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all good and wholly inclined to all evil.

5. That Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son and is God incarnate, born of the Virgin Mary, who laying down His life for His sheep, paid the price of sin for them being a substitute for all who truly believe in Him; that on the third day he rose bodily from the dead by the power of God, and is now seated at God’s right hand, possessing all power and authority; and that, at the time appointed He will come in power and glory to judge the world in righteousness, and establish new heavens and a new earth where righteousness dwells.

6. That the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, effectually applies the salvation secured by Christ to His people, uniting them to Him by faith; that He is the source of faith in Jesus Christ, of true knowledge, and a new sanctified life; and that at the point of faith, the believer is baptized with all the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

Statement of Education

1. That Scripture is indispensable and central to education, shedding its light over the whole of man’s life and its meaning, and furnishing the framework and basic facts for the educational task.

2. That the educational task is to teach all subjects in the light of God’s revelation in the Scripture of the Old and New Testaments so that man may be prepared and equipped for his office and calling in this world as God’s image-bearer and steward.

3. That, while true education is possible only where the fear of God is re-established by God’s grace in the heart of man, it is the duty of the Christian community and especially Christian parents to provide God-Centred and Scripture-directed education so that covenant children may be brought up “in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4).

4. That where such education is not provided it is right and proper for Christians to join together to facilitate the education of children in a way glorifying to Christ; that such a College community lawfully established is not subject as regards its special task, to church or state, or any outside authority, but only to Christ; and that, in its prosecution of that special task, it will refrain from activities that infringe on special tasks of the family, church, state or any other social structure.

5. That while the College is entitled to expect freedom from interference in its special task, it is required to respect and uphold all legitimate authority according to the Word of God.

6. That the authority of the teacher over the student is a delegated authority (‘in loco parentis’); that it is to be upheld by the whole College community; and that it is to be exercised not only according to the principles of God’s Word but also with the awareness that those who exercise authority must give an account to Him.

7. That inasmuch as none are exempt from the effects of sin, and no area of life remains unstained by it, the College community and especially those with the responsibility of teaching, must guard against all forms of false religion, and in particular, Humanism.

College History

In 1987, a group of committed Christians from the then Reformed Church of Stafford, shared a vision to build a Christian school. A school were committed Christian parents form an association and elect representatives (Board Members) to oversee and govern the College in its Administration, Education, Finances and Development. They formed the North Brisbane Christian Schools Association (NBCSA) and the first College Board was elected.

The new NBCSA took a step of faith, trusting the Lord to bless and guide them. The Lord answered their prayers. He blessed their fundraising efforts and made it possible to eventually purchase land at Youngs Crossing, Bray Park.

So the Stafford Church was sold and the present Bray Park Community Church was built. The whole idea of moving “north” was to reach out to the growing area of the Pine Rivers Shire. The land, in fact, was still used as an agistment for some time before the buildings were built.

In 1991, Genesis Christian College was officially opened and 35 children began the school year. Mr Bob Van Veen was the Principal and he taught Years 4-7 while Miss Jane Nyhouse (now Mrs Eyles) taught Years 1-3. The Lord continued to bless Genesis and the church community shared their facilities so that during the week the College could use the church rooms as classrooms.

At the end of 1995 the Founding Principal, Mr Bob Van Veen retired from the College and in January 1996 Mrs Lynne Doneley was appointed to the role of Principal. In 2007 Mrs Lynne Doneley left the college and Mr Brian Barker was appointed.

As the years went by buildings began to appear on the land, thanks to the hard work of the property and planning committees and thanks to State and Federal Government grants and the family building fund donations.

In 1998 the Senior School started with 13 students and a founding secondary teacher, Mr Scott Huntington. A completed P-12 College commenced in 2002.

The College's support of valued community projects extends nationally and internationally. Students have eagerly participated in activities such as the national 40-hour Famine, recycling programs, international missionary support, Student Leadership Conferences and national Tree Planting Day.

The College has been an enthusiastic host of overseas students, from America and Japan as part of an initiative of international cultural understanding allowing overseas visitors the experience of a typical “Aussie” school.

Genesis has an International Friendship Agreement with Minokamo Junior High School in Gifu Prefecture, Japan.

For a number of years, Genesis students and staff have visiting Ban Meata (House of Mercy) orphanage in Thailand. The orphanage is supported by prayer and offerings by the College community. Students volunteer their time and energy during term breaks to service this mission. Students are often profoundly moved by their experiences, and see life and their purpose through different eyes on their return.

Genesis has built a solid reputation for academic, artistic and sporting achievement, supporting nationally recognized sports students and theatrical and dance students.

2006 AGM – Wednesday 29th March 2006 Principal’s Report

It is very rewarding to be able to report to you on the life and work of Genesis Christian College during its 16^th year of operation, and my eleventh year as Principal. We have seen some

remarkable achievements, welcomed new students, families and staff and continued to set directions that are part of our current Five Year Strategic Plan that will ensure the ongoing success of the college. This report highlights the different and exciting activities that were introduced or expanded in the 2005/2006 Association year. Our focus on innovation reflects a strong desire to keep pace with the learning needs of our students and the fast-moving developments in education.

Genesis Christian College is building a framework, while continuing to strive to be a Christian, co-educational independent school for approximately 1050 day students, that aims to provide educational excellence. Its services will be recognized for their excellence in terms of diversity and depth as well as the innovative integration of academic, spiritual, personal development and community service aspects of the educational process.

Genesis Christian College will be a provider of excellent educational services to our students and their parents. Building on our unique traditions, the School will strive to be at the leading edge of educational and administrative innovation, enhanced by its quality facilities including Library, Performing Arts complex, comprehensive sporting facilities and IT resources.

A Demographic and Planning Research Study was commissioned. This report challenges us regarding enrolments from currently untapped areas that are identified in the demographic and socio-economic maps contained in the report. To this end we will be reviewing our current marketing targets and processes regarding our target markets.

We continued and maintained our program of expansion of the college from two-stream to three-stream in Years 1, 2, 6, 7, 8 and 9

Our Middle and Senior schools held a festival titled V.I.V.I.D, which celebrated all aspects of the Performing Arts department.

Dance School. Students of Genesis who wish to pursue a career in dance and students of the Dance School will be better served by a more integrated service between the two schools, as this will enable the students to have quality formal academic education as well as professional dance training.

Genesis and the Dance School have agreed to work together more closely to integrate the services supplied to students wishing to enrol in the Dance School program whilst being students at Genesis.

At the beginning of 2005, the College Board of Directors released details of the Strategic Plan and Master Plan for Building and Resourcing, designed to support the development of teaching and learning practices.

During 2005, Stage 9 was completed, which included two new Prep classrooms and a state of the art Industrial Technology building , including a designated classroom for the facilitation of robotics. Throughout 2006 a new library with modern facilities, studying and learning environments will be constructed at an approximate cost of $1.2m.

Property acquired last year behind the OSH club is being developed into new car parking facilities. We commenced the year with the construction of our Multi Purpose Ball Courts. The Ball Courts have proven to be extremely popular with our students. We built two basketball / netball courts and two volleyball courts.

During the Easter break in 2005 we started the construction of our new car park. Initially we cleared the land and then we covered the car park area with a gravel surface. In December we commenced the underground drainage by installing underground pipes and drainage pits. In March/ April 2006 we will kerb and asphalt a large portion of the car park.

In the middle of 2005 we completed our Primary under-cover area extensions and we built the first section of our Middle School under-cover area. The new covered areas are being used every day, and are particularly popular on the hot summer days.

In August we commenced another building project. We built two new Preparatory Classrooms and a new Industrial Technology building. The Industrial Technology building includes two very large teaching areas for woodwork or metal work, as well as a computer lab, teachers’ office, spray booth and storeroom and has been fitted with a dust extraction system. This building is an extremely high quality facility and will be a great asset for the college.

In December we cleared some trees in the north east corner of the property and developed a new primary sports field. The new primary sports field is a huge improvement on the previous sports area. The staff and property planners at Genesis have been developing plans for our new Library / Resource Centre over the last 18 months. The construction of our library went out to tender early in 2006, and construction should commence in approximately March. Completion is expected in November 2006. The library will be state of the art and will not only be a great resource for our students, it will also be a significant showpiece for the school.

Our BGA application was successful in receiving a total of $1.1 million towards library building and car park. This was a total of 44% funded, and the result was substantially higher than the average of approx 36%. Our college was also awarded two fully funded prep classrooms, although additions such as toilets and kitchen increased the price and therefore the classrooms were not completely fully funded.

We also completed the construction of our new multi purpose courts as well as renovations to the OSH house, which included new child protected safe windows, upgraded sewerage system and installation of ceiling fans.

As a Christ-centred, family orientated school we are targeting the Local Christian family – families are looking for the convenience and security of a school close to their home base. Families desire their children be close to their locale and within their familiar community. Families desire to have their children educated in a Christian environment which supports and compliments their Christian home.

In this regards we advertised and educated the Pine Rivers Shire Christian community about the College, in the following ways:

Well, once again we had a wonderful time this year. Although there were so many highlights, certainly one of the greatest was seeing our own ex-student Ben Hamilton getting married. It was a wonderful occasion, combining the Thai culture with a Christian message. Some of the activities our students found themselves doing included, speaking to prisoners in a high security women’s prison, performing skits, songs and giving testimonies. This was an amazing time as they performed as many as 30-40 baptisms in the jail. Baptism is a meaningful event in Thailand as it signifies cutting all ties with past religions and accepting their new faith of Christianity. The group also ministered in a boy’s detention centre, (with the female members of our trip being their highlight). In the Homeless shelter we ministered to many people that are outcasts in Thailand, people who are handicapped or dysfunctional in some way. We also took in Bibles and tracts explaining God’s love, as many of these people have never experienced love at all. We also ran day outreach programs for AIDS victims where we organised games, activities and lunches for about 50 young people. We also visited orphanages, helped in constructing a Christian School and took the orphans shopping on several occasions.

On Thursday 9th June 2005 Genesis Christian College was delighted to host the Graduation Day of the Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program. As a school, one of our goals is to encourage our students to develop new skills, and as part of this process, we organized for Toastmasters to run a Youth Leadership Course for our School Captains and Student Leaders. This course was run by two experienced Toastmasters and focused on speech preparation and speech presentation. During the course the students gained self-confidence and an understanding of what makes a good speech great. The graduation ceremony was well attended by parents, school Heads of Department and the College Principal. We were also delighted that the Hon Peter Dutton, MP for Dickson was available to attend and present the students with their certificates. The nine graduating students ran the afternoon with each presenting a number of very well received speeches. It was exciting to watch first- hand the end results of such hard work and commitment by the students and to see them put their newly acquired Toastmaster skills to the test. Our congratulations go to these students who successfully completed and passed the course. One of the speeches presented centred on the World Vision Convention for Youth that the student had attended the day before and how it had impacted on her. It embodied the very real plight of people living in poverty and what the youth of Australia can do to help alleviate the situation.

Cultural exchange programs foster greater cultural awareness, teach tolerance for other people and races, promote understanding and open us to new ideas and concepts. This year Genesis hosted two groups of visiting USA Students through the People to People Ambassador Program. The history of the Student Ambassador Program dates back to 1956 when US President Dwight D Eisenhower called a special conference of 100 American civic leaders, including Walt Disney, Conrad Hilton, Jesse Owens and Norman Rockwell. He asked these civic leaders to help start a program called “People to People” which would put ordinary American citizens in contact with citizens from other lands.

Our visitors were overwhelmed by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the Genesis student body and had a wonderful time that ended in hugs and tears at saying good-bye to their new Aussie friends and a greater understanding of the Australian high school culture. They particularly enjoyed the question and answer time with the Intermediate grades. On December 26 our own Genesis Year 12 Students, Emily Patterson, Cassie Mayes and Lindsay Cunliffe with their teacher Jenny Bladen boarded a United Airlines flight to the United States for a 20 day Educational Exchange Program. The students were hosted by families in Portland, Oregon on the West coast of the USA, where they spent a week with their host family and attend high school to experience the very different cultural environment of an American High School.

This year’s report focuses upon the year 10 class. 2005 saw year 10 business students selling cosmetics as a Young Achievement Australia (YAA) company called “Body Advantageous”. As in previous years the concept is to allow students to learn a large number of practical business skills as part of a business venture which aims to make a profit and return shareholders funds and a dividend. Following is an extract of the Sales Report which formed part of the Annual Report: Major Selling Points of the products - Smell nice - Some natural products such as lip balm - Handmade products such as soap - Most women like these products - A range of colours mostly female colours Sales Targets - Young Girls - Older Women

Every year the Careers and Vocational Education Department increases in size and course offerings. This year we have welcomed Mrs Bullock to the team. Mrs Bullock has mostly overseen the Vocational Education programme. The numbers in Vocational Education have grown to where now ten students participate in outside Educational Training and nine students are undertaking either traineeships or apprenticeships. The outside Educational Training that our students participate in includes Beauty Therapy, Child Care, Information Technology and Sport and Recreation. The traineeships/apprenticeships that our students have participated in include Hospitality, Cabinet making, Diesel Mechanics, and Vet Nursing. This year at Genesis Christian College we have had a Careers Evening for years 10 – 12, work experience for years 10 and 11 and an Industry Expo for years 8 and 9. All of these events provide students with the opportunity to discover what is available after school. The Careers Evening consisted of participants from QUT, University of Queensland, Griffith University, Christian Heritage College, Eastcoast Training and T.A.F.E. The evening allowed students to rotate to various sessions about the different universities and tertiary institutes and to learn about what courses are available. Students and parents who attended these evenings found them to be very informative and provide the opportunity to make decisions in preparation for the future. Work experience is a fantastic opportunity for students to explore an occupation of interest. Students are required to attend work for one week and perform similar duties as if they were employed in that occupation. The majority of students enjoyed this opportunity. Work experience can provide students with the opportunity to gain part-time employment depending upon the organisation.

It has been an enjoyable year in the English Department in 2005. There was quality effective teaching occurring across the year levels from Year 10 through to Year 12. There has been a strong emphasis this year on critical literacy and the texts studied were from a range of canonical and contemporary sources. Classic literature found a place because of the cultural values they represent and because they can be critically investigated on a number of levels. The English program is underpinned by a socio-cultural view of language which sees texts as the material result of purposeful human activity. Language is viewed as being both fundamentally cultural and social and meaning is constructed by both authors and readers in collaboration with the text experienced.

In year 10 English this year the students have studied a range of texts including the novel, ‘The Wave’ by Morten Rue and ‘Tomorrow When the War Began’ by John Marsden. The Shakespearean play, ‘The Merchant of Venice’ was studied by the students giving them their first encounter with Shakespeare as a playwright and an opportunity to examine classical literature. In the year 11 English course, the students applied the practice of critical literacy into a number of texts including ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee and ‘Romeo and Juliet’. The emphasis was for the students to discover how discourse in texts make available representations of people, places, issues, events and concepts through exploring the cultural assumptions and values embedded in texts. In year 12 English the students built upon their understanding of the ways texts may be read by exploring the literary choices made by composers of texts. The students studied the novel, ‘All Quiet on the Western Front,’ by Erich Maria Remarque, ‘The Harp in the South,’ by Ruth Park and ‘The Crucible’ by Arthur Miller. Throughout the year the students developed their skills of critical inquiry and analysis. This is important as it allows students to understand how knowledge is constructed and the nature of reality.

Japanese is fun at Genesis from Year 1 to Year 12. Our first Year 12 graduate student Shayne Kriel will spend three months in Japan. Everyone in Year 10 Japanese is learning their manners and to help out around the house. Students in Year 8 are going places, learning how to buy a train ticket, order dinner and survive in Japan. In Year 6, students learnt about school children’s excursions, camping in the mountains and visiting Samurai castles! Saying numbers up to ten, learning dances, playing games, Year 1 watch out for Sensei and call out “Ohayo” when Japanese visitors arrive. In Years 9 and 10 teaching and learning has been student-focused, with a holistic approach. Students enjoy cooking not only Japanese food, but food from around the Asian area, to allow students a knowledge base about other countries in that region. Lastly a trip to the Art Gallery to see Japanese, Korean and Chinese Art followed by the sushi train. In Year 7 and 8 students have been building up their knowledge of language. The Year 6 students have discussed Samurai 'Knights', foot soldiers and castles along with more traditional English Medieval Fare. Year 5 have thought about the environmental issues associated with high-density living in Tokyo as they are learning about the benefits of planting trees in regular curriculum. Year 4 have been learning the differences between Japanese and Australian eating habits, learning to use 'hashi' chopsticks and making simple sushi. Year 3 not only learnt body parts in Japanese in 3rd Term and are able to say at least 15 of them, they are learning 'outerspace' Japanese 'hoshi'- star as well as being able to introduce themselves. In the Junior School integration continues as well as a base curriculum that includes counting to ten, colours, songs and games. Year 2 have learnt about animals in the country such as Uma (horse) and fish (sakana) in the sea. Year 1 have learnt to say baby 'Akachan' (literally little red faced one) and mother 'Okaasan' (literally one who drives you to many places!).

Genesis Christian College once again showed just how welcoming and open-hearted our community is when this year we invited three groups of visitors to experience the Aussie Lifestyle. These students can not believe how fortunate we are here when it comes to our lifestyle, the space, the relaxed pace and the sense of fun. Their Principal, Mr Nagashima, is always so grateful for the sense of inclusion that his students experience at Genesis. The college Host Families played the most important part in making their stay so enjoyable. Many of the students experienced first time activities such as fishing, horse riding and even sailing! When asked the best part they all said the GCC Students! During July and August two small groups came for short Study Tours. Oyama Jonan’s visit was arranged by the college’s International Department, allowing the students to have a greater amount of class interaction which they enjoyed the most. One of the highlights was a visit to North Pine Country Park where they made and ate damper and jam. Shitennoji Habikigaoka, the Buddhist school from Osaka returned and once again felt at home very quickly. When asked what they enjoyed the most, the students overwhelmingly stated the class visits and the food from their Host Families!!! As always the success of the Exchange programme is due largely to the support, care and acceptance generously given by our college families.

Another exciting development has been the concept of a Fifth Term of schooling done during the December/ January Holidays. Our first student enrolled in this programme at our sister school in Minokamo, Gifu, was Shayne Kriel (Year 12 student). Shayne’s goal was to improve all aspects of his understanding of the language and culture and Social structure of this very different and unique land and people. His undertaking was supported by the college in recognising him with a special award for ‘Earnest Endeavour in Cross- Cultural Communications’ plus a scholarship to assist him in fulfilling his goal.

2005 has been another busy year in the Mathematics department. This year saw teachers on Year 8 examining how assessment items can be modified to enable students to explore mathematical concepts within a real world context and application. One assignment this year required students to investigate a famous mathematician and their contribution to mathematics. Students were required to present their findings to their class along with a demonstration of how the mathematical concept is used in society today.

What an exciting year the performing arts have had this year. We have had growth in all our areas, outstanding performances and skill development opportunities and have welcomed a very talented new teacher on board, Mrs. Chrioni Hickson. One of the fastest growing areas of the performing arts was our instrumental music program, which has tripled in size this year. Year 10 music also expanded this year with the addition of some very talented students. We examined the quirky and bizarre 20th Century composers then moved on to Jazz. From there we journeyed into the world of Rock n’ Roll and even learnt a few dance steps along the way. Finally Year 10 music have been searching their own spirits as we embrace the unit “Inspiration” and look at contemporary Christian music and the journey of music in the church. Our first class of year 11 music examined musical theatre, the foundations of music, instrumental music and retraced our cultural steps with a snapshot of Australian music. We have also included a new subject within music that emphasises the practical side of music, creating CD’s and composing using computer composition techniques. Within this course we have also looked at the practical sides of preparing for performance. Our year 8 and 9 music class have worked through vocal music, learning guitar, African music and finally we are pop star bound with our travels through the world of pop music.

We have been blessed with a number of dramatic performances throughout the year, including performances during the VIVID festival and the senior Performing Arts night, SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR where our year 10, and 11 drama classes performed. The Genesis CARNIVAL also became an event for our students to showcase their talents. Year 8 drama wowed us with their own renditions of fractured fairytales with “Snow White”, “Dicey Dinosaurs” and “Robin Hood” all getting a makeover in style. We also heard from our ever-growing string ensemble, our budding piano students, our recorder ensemble and our talented junior choir. The year 11 band helped entertain the crowd towards the end of the day in the nice air-conditioned performing arts room (great job guys)! Towards the end of the year the year 7, 8 and 9 drama classes performed for their peers and the junior school in their whole group performances. Senior drama focuses on a number of world dramas including Greek theatre, Brecht theatre, Realism, Absurdism and more. Students gain a real appreciation for these styles and it really is amazing to see their various works at the end of the term. As always our Junior Choir worked tirelessly throughout the year under the very capable Mrs Wendy Bird and has won accolades in our community for their performances. Chapel Band this year has consolidated their skills and has been a faithful and necessary part of our weekly chapel services.

This subject has been a core subject for Years 7, 8 and 9. Throughout this unit students have been trained in aspects of a range of sports. These sports have included basketball, athletics, soccer, touch football and volleyball. The year 7-9 programme has been designed to provide a smooth transition into senior physical education. In theory students have covered many different topics including health, safety, fitness and coaching. Year 10 physical education is designed to prepare students for senior physical education. There is a heavy emphasis on practical sports which students are likely to be doing in Years 11 and 12. Senior physical education in Year 11 and 12 comprises the specialisation in four sports as well as many different theory items, all of which are relevant and integrated with the sports. This year we were able to introduce basketball as a unit of sport. The new basketball courts have proved to be a valuable asset both for basketball and a variety of other activities. Our health and physical education equipment has undergone continual improvement both in quality and quantity. Among other things, this year our department purchased many new basketballs to introduce skills in this sport. Year 12 students studied four sports- golf, athletics, soccer and volleyball. In golf they practised using all the different clubs for a few weeks and then when everybody was familiar with the clubs and the rules we went to the local ‘One Mile’ golf course every week.

This year our College has been involved in Interschool Sports on a twice weekly basis. Many teams from Year 8 - 12 were entered into Zone competitions for both Summer and Winter sports. In Term 1 all students from Year 8 -12 had the opportunity to join teams to play in interschool competitions. Year 11 and 12’s had four teams playing on a Wednesday afternoon. Our girl’s and boy’s touch football and basketball teams played well and had a really good time playing against a variety of teams from our Zone. Our Year 8, 9 and 10’s commenced the year in Summer sports on Thursday afternoons. We had eleven teams competing in Interschool Zone Sport. Our students played sports such as basketball, touch football, volleyball, softball and baseball. Interschool Sport was a new experience for our College and although for many of our teams it was tough going, some of our teams faired well and even excelled. Our Year 8 - 10 boy’s baseball team was particularly successful. They remained undefeated except for the grand final, where they were defeated in a game to determine zone champions. Our Year 11 and 12 boy’s and girl’s soccer teams also did well. There was keen interest and high participation rates from our 10’s, 11’s and 12’s and they were a credit to our College with their enthusiasm, fair play and competitiveness. Our Year 7’s commenced the year with a mixture of sport at the College and swimming programme. During the year they were coached in programmes run by AFL Queensland and Softball Queensland. Winter sports for our 8’s - 10’s involved in interschool sports were netball, basketball (boy’s and girl’s) and AFL (boy’s and girl’s). Other students rotated through four sports - tennis, soccer, touch football and volleyball. Our Year 11 and 12 students played in an interschool soccer competition, competing well. To finish off the year students in Years 7 - 10 were given options in a variety of recreational sports. A number of other interschool competitions were also held including girl’s soccer matches with Mt Maria and a Year 7 AFL competition. Mr Camplin dedicated many hours coaching and coordinating our rugby programme. Games were played against other Christian Colleges as well as having teams in a 10-a-side competition in Term 4.

Christian Life studies has been a combination of religious instruction and life skills depending on each individual piece of work. All grades work on a variety of topics and units of work, as mentioned above, based around religious studies, leadership, and life skills. For example Grade 7’s cover topics such as Discipleship, Bullying, God’s Word, Prayer, Families, Study skills, Self esteem, God’s Love, Friendships, Jesus and his mission, group work, teamwork etc. These topics are continued throughout the middle and senior school with increasing complexity. The Leadership studies revolve around key Biblical characters, familiarising and evaluating their contributions and skills. An important initiative this year has been to introduce a 6 week program on Self Esteem and Self Harming Behaviour in the grade eight classes. Similar proactive educational materials have been instigated as of 2006, including the introduction of the ‘Youth Excel Program”, a program that educates all grades from 8-11’s about “Self Esteem”, “Relationships”, “Problem Solving”, “Goal Setting” and “Self Leadership”. One of the highlights for the Grade 8 CLS program this year was the year 8 excursion to several local Churches in Brisbane, including St Stephens in the city, Chermside Uniting, Christian City Church Bridgeman Downs and, Bridgeman Baptist.

The central focus of home economics is the wellbeing of people within their personal, family, community and work roles. In the senior years of 10 – 12 home economics has become an interdisciplinary study drawing on the fields of nutrition and dietetics, textile and fashion, architecture and the built environment, human development, relationships and behaviour. This year some students in year 11 have taken up school based training in various speciality areas of cookery. Inspired by their studies in food and nutrition, these students are now donning the compulsory black and white checked pants and the white jackets of a professional in training. They have used their skills in promoting the subject on information night and in preparing high quality food to meet the stringent standards of the Queensland Studies Authority examinations. As part of the Q.S.A. studies in home economics, senior students mastered the sewing machine and demonstrated their own creativity with wall hangings, soft furnishings and clothes. They have also explored the world of house designing and purchasing with an eye on a limited budget and environmentally sustainable life styles. Year 10 students explored the world of hospitality and fine cuisine. A favourite excursion every year is to the South Bank TAFE where they experienced the different areas that underpin the hospitality industry. At the end of their year, the tradition has been to create their own designs in ginger bread houses (farms sheds, paddle steamers, lighthouses!).

Science Department has experienced another exciting year. The student have been blessed with the opening of the new middle school Science laboratory . Year 8 Science students were introduced to a new text book this year, which has a greater emphasis on learning through experimentation. The highlight for Year 9 Science this year was the excursion to Underwater World. On the excursion students learned the dynamic relationship between different organisms living in the same vicinity. This relationship is called symbiosis. Year 9 students also studied molecular and atomic models to explain why some substances react at differential rates. Reproduction, food and digestion, energy and ecosystems were also studied in the Year 9 course.

The big news from Ag science this year was the birth of a bull calf, Mason (son of may), in May. Students had the opportunity to observe the testing of Karma by the vet to confirm the pregnancy early in the year and were involved in the regular weight checks as the gestation progressed. Also in May we had a ‘clean up the farm’ working bee which saw many parents and students attend and transform the area. Year 12’s excursion to the Ekka was an exploration of where the animals entered in the hoof and hook competition end up. The steers are judged then taken away to be slaughtered. The carcasses are then returned and judged in the meat hall. The year 11 students have worked tirelessly to reform the ‘duck pond’ and landscape the edges. This area holds storm- water runoff from the building and prevents the garden area becoming a swamp after rain. Year 10 students have been working in the garden area forming raised garden beds and paving footpaths. They replaced one of the fences with a pipe and chain wire fence for improved security and aesthetics. Year 9‘s have learnt that shearing sheep is hard work following the annual preparation for summer. Year 8’s followed on from their study of bee-keeping, and grew vegetables in plots. They raised the seedlings in the hydroponics watering system that was set up in August, after a visit to the Ag Science Dept at Mansfield COC school. August saw us back in the competition for the Youth Fruit and Vegetable Exhibit at the Ekka with a committed and enthusiastic team of students. The addition of two piglets at the end of third term created a deal of excitement with students.

This year in Ancient History the students commenced a study on archaeology and learnt about scientific techniques, excavating and how the past is preserved. In order to gain some insight into the duties of real archaeologists, the students spent some time at the Abbey Museum and participated in their simulated archaeological dig program. In Modern History the students have undertaken studies on Germany under the Nazi regime, the Cold War and evaluated the impact of race relations in South Africa and Northern America. The study of Imperialism in India, West Papua, Papua New Guinea and Africa struck a cord with the students as it increased their awareness of the negative impacts of a dominant culture on a developing society.

On Sunday, 31st July this year 72 excited Year Seven students and their teachers boarded a Virgin Blue flight bound for Sydney. Once in Sydney, we boarded two buses and started our journey to Canberra. Our first stop of the trip was McDonalds at Suttons Forest, allowing the students their first taste of the cool weather ahead. The students visited Questacon, where they spent 2 hours investigating and testing four floors of equipment. They also visited the Royal Mint, the Electoral Education Centre, the Telstra Tower, the National Capital Exhibition Centre and learned more about Federation and the history of Canberra. They toured Parliament House, where our local member Mr Peter Dutton, took them to the Prime Minister’s office (John was not in) and then showed them around his office. Students also visited the snow, Cockington Green, Bywong Gold Town and finally the Australian War Memorial.

Graphics Yr 9 – Using ‘Prodesktop’ to design objects was fun, especially making a model of a wooden truck.

Yr10 – Perspective drawings and 3D house design were really good, as well as using ‘Prodesktop’ to draw a household item.

Yr 12 – We enjoyed house design as we got to be creative and it gave us practise for when we build our own.

Industrial Technology Yr 8 – Building a spice rack using power tools was fun. Yr 9 – The beach chair was the most fun because it was something we could really use on completion. The CO2 car competition produced great anticipation for race day.

Yr 10 – Building a coffee table allowed us to take home a good solid piece of furniture. Bridge design and construction was fun as we could test and destroy in spectacular fashion what we made.

The Art Department has had an interesting and diverse year. The students have extended themselves and created some of the most beautiful and amazing artworks that I have seen in all my years teaching art. Their work has shown a depth of maturity in the both the subject matter and in the way many of them have used a variety of tools and media. Many thanks to those families who have supported our students by coming into the art room and gallery during the year to see your child’s work, also for those families who visited during the VIVID festival, ‘Spectacular Spectacular’, the Carnival Gallery and to those who placed bids on the artworks at the silent auction.

College Prayer

We thank you for Genesis Christian College and for every person who is a part of the college in any way.

We acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and pray that each day You lead and guide us and help us to walk in the path You have prepared for us.

May everyone at Genesis, the children and their parents, the staff and the College Board, come to know Your wisdom and instruction.

We pray that You guide us through Your Spirit and that we learn to trust in You with all our hearts and not to lean on our own understanding.

Father, we thank You for Your word, which is life to us. May it always be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

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