Gilson Gazette T3 W08 - Gilson College

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In mid-1450s Johannes Gutenberg used his fancy moveable type to produce Europe’s first mass-produced book. And what did he choose for the first book? A Bible. About 180 Bibles were printed (most on paper, however about 45 were printed on calfskin). I don’t know how much those original Bibles sold for but today there only 49 still found in libraries and museums and the experts estimate a complete copy could cost as much as $35 million.

I find it interesting that as time has passed these Gutenberg Bibles have become more valuable. In the same way, as our society has become more secular and people try to ignore the transcendent aspects of life, the Bible is becoming more valuable as a source of truth. Perhaps if people just took a little time to read it, they would not be so negative about it.

The opposition that the Bible has faced over the centuries is well-documented and even owning or having a Bible in the house could result in death. Sometimes opposition to the Bible has even come from Christians! Some of the first edicts against the Bible were in 1199 AD (Innocent III), 1229 AD (Council of Toulouse), and 1234 AD (Council of Tarragona).

In 1525 around 6000 copies of William Tyndale’s English translation of the New Testament were printed in Cologne, Germany, and smuggled into England. Unfortunately, they were discovered and then burned by the English church! They were determined that the Bible would only be available in Latin so that they could interpret matters to the common people. In a similar fashion, in 1624 the Pope ordered that Martin Luther’s German translation be burnt in Germany.

Despite opposition to the Scriptures and attempts to destroy or eliminate it, today we are blessed and the Bible is freely available to anyone – and we should not be surprised. The Bible repeatedly claims that it cannot be destroyed. Around 725 years before Jesus, Isaiah said, “The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand forever” (Isa. 40:8). One of Jesus disciples repeated or quoted the same words in 1 Peter 1:24, 25. Jesus himself declared, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away” (Matt. 24:35).

And yet many have tried to suppress or destroy the Bible. Voltaire, the famous French philosopher (who I admire for his defence of free speech, freedom of religion, and his support for vegetarianism because he opposed cruelty to animals) once stated: “In less than a hundred years the Bible will have been swept from existence, and will have passed into history.”

One hundred years later, Voltaire was dead, his printing press which produced his anti-Christian literature was printing Bibles and his house was stacked full of Bibles prepared by the Geneva Bible Society. This tells me two things: Voltaire’s prophecy failed spectacularly and God has a wonderful sense of humour.

So when the world’s most amazing book (actually a collection of books written by 40 people over 1500 years) is so indestructible and so readily available to us all, wouldn’t it be ironic, or maybe even sad, that we don’t read it because we are too busy?

It’s worth a thought.

Mark B Vodell
Principal

What was this interview about?

This interview was about Go-karts and about different things Ethan Smead does in races. We had this interview because we are learning about information reports and how to construct them. Ethan Smead told us a bit about how he got into karting and that when his dad created a sort of car show with go-karts, he saw them he knew that was what he wanted to do.

Ethan also said how can we get in Go-Kart racing and when we want something to do as a job then nobody can get in our way and that nobody can stop us because that is something we really want to do so never give up.

What Ethan Smead talked about?

Ethan talked about his go-kart and about what they had to wear in order to race. Ethan Smead also talked about what his go-kart was and how improved over the years. Ethan told us that he started karting when he was 9 and when he first started he wasn’t all that good. Ethan said that go-karts were hard to topple over or get injured so it was a pretty safe sport.

He also talked about how he got 3rd place and how when you start that is all you think about when you put a helmet on that is all you think about how to win🏎

Some of the questions 5A asked

Here are a few of the questions and answers. What was his favourite race? His favourite race was when he won 3rd place in the year 2019. We also asked Ethan Smead how did he get his number 86. He got this number because at the time he was watching a show and the named agent 86 was stuck in his head. So when they asked him which number he wanted he said 86. We asked what his first go-kart looked like. Ethan Smead answered and said that his first go-kart was mostly red with a bit of silver and blue. We also asked what his favourite go-kart was and he said it was a tony kart.

Overall what our favourite part was

My favourite part was when we asked questions and he answered them and I also liked when he had a presentation when he said that he had 2 sisters but he didn’t actually mean sisters he meant 2 cars.

My favourite part is when we had a chance to ask him questions and when he was talking about how he got the number 86.

Martha: Our special guest is full of energy, enthusiasm, ideas and bubbling with creativity. It is Mrs Zarb, one of our primary school Art teachers.

Cheryl: During the lockdown, have you taken up any new hobbies or learnt any new skills?

Aside from baking bread and cooking family favourites for my family, I’ve been learning all about Zoom. I’ve learnt how to espalier a mandarin tree. It’s a fantastic way to grow trees in smaller spaces. It’s a way to make trees 2-dimensional rather than 3-dimensional. (Note: Training a tree to grow flat against a wall, fence or trellis exposes all parts of the tree to direct sunlight, increasing flower and fruit production). I’ve also been journaling to organise my thoughts and to practice gratitude. My husband is a cycling enthusiast and we’ve been cycling together. It gives me time-out from what’s happening. Before Stage 4 restrictions, I rode 60km in a day, which is like travelling from Gilson College to the outskirts of Geelong. I’ll be back on my bike after Stage 4 restrictions are lifted.

Martha: What are you most looking forward to when everyone can return to school?

Seeing everyone, having life in our classrooms and playgrounds, and creating hands-on art projects in person with my students.

Cheryl: What have you enjoyed about remote learning?

I have a new understanding of Google Classroom and Zoom. Also, virtual classrooms can reach students anywhere they are, including students who are currently overseas.

Martha: What has encouraged you and helped you to remain strong and positive during lockdown?

Reading the Word for today (Bible). Ever since becoming a Christian, I believe I need to get hold of God before the day gets hold of me. I need to hydrate my hope in the living water of God through his Word and only then can I be the best version of myself, to be strong and positive for those that are in my world.

Cheryl: Do you have any final words for us?

One of my favourite Bible scriptures that I would like to share is Jeremiah 29:11 – “For 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.” God knows you personally – your desires, your plans, your dreams, your fears and even what seems impossible. If you put God first in your plans, you will always have the strength to accomplish what you want. When you have God alongside you, whatever frightens you will have no power over you. I pray that you will put God at the centre of all your plans and projects and he will guide your path.

Martha: Thank you, Mrs Zarb, for the great job you do at our school in the Art department.

– Martha and Cheryl, Primary Captains

The VALUE for Week 9 of Term 3 will be:

HOPE

“For 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