Editorial

The writings of the famous Greek author and poet Homer can be dated to around 800-700 BC. In the Odyssey (Book 17) we find the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his 10-year journey to return home from the Trojan wars.

Because Odysseus was gone for so long, a number of thoughtless and hasty men moved into the palace in an attempt to marry Queen Penelope. Prince Telemachus, the son of the Queen and Odysseus has been desperate to get rid of the rowdy men who were vying for the hand of the Queen, however he lacked the expertise and the experience. Eventually he left Ithaca and while travelling discovered his father is still alive.

Together the father and son plan his return to Ithaca. To get into the palace, Odysseus disguises himself as a beggar with the aim of having a surprise attack on the overhasty suitors. No one knows that the beggar is in fact the king except the son, Prince Telemachus.

As Odysseus approaches the palace he goes to the hut of his faithful shepherd, Eumaeus. As they enter the palace, Odysseus sees his dog, Argus, and asks about the old dog lying on a pile of cattle dung. He is told by Eumaeus that it used to belong to the King, but because the master died the once noble dog has been forgotten and is now weary and feeble. While standing there Odysseus is recognised by his dog.

Once inside the palace Odysseus is still disguised as a beggar and all the suitors hurl insults and abuse at him. While in the palace the King’s old nurse, Eurycleia, also recognises him but does not reveal his true identity. Following an archery contest which Odysseus wins, he and Prince Telemachus with the help of some faithful servants eliminate all the suitors, and the long years of trauma and tragedy are finally over.

The legends and stories of Homer are widely understood to be made up; however, they can make for interesting reading and comparing with other literature. For example, some parallels exist with the biblical story, and in contrast the biblical writers claimed to be writing the truth, often claiming to be eyewitnesses for what they reported.

In a similar way this planet had a King and evil presented itself and has attempted to take control. We see and hear of the behaviour of people who ‘live in the palace’ but fail to recognise the King. Years ago, concealed by humanity, the Creator became one of us and was then subjected to the nastiest treatment imaginable and He died. However, just as Jesus predicted, the same people who saw Him die also saw Him after the resurrection and it changed their lives. They wrote down what they saw and heard, including His promise to go to heaven and return to take all believers there.  and the Christian community has been waiting for the King to come back ever since.

Despite His clear promise to return (John 14:1-3), and the prediction of mockers who are ruled by evil desires and who question the hope of His coming (2 Peter 3:3,4), there have always remained the ‘old dogs’ and the ‘old nurses’ who recognise the King.

It’s worth a thought.

Mark B Vodell

Principal

Unfortunately, due to the new lockdown in effect, we have decided to cancel our Dedication Night.  Instead, please enjoy this video of the students singing our dedication song.

Dear Parents/ Guardians,

As you will have heard, the Victorian Government has announced renewed restrictions for Victoria. This announcement includes serious measures affecting all schools.

The mandatory measures, which come into effect at 11.59 tonight and operate until 11.59 pm on Wednesday, mean that all schools will be closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

Only in the most extreme or exceptional circumstances will students be permitted on the campus. More on that in a moment.

This week we would like to introduce to our school Community. Ms Jacinta Neuschultz and Mr Andrew O’grady.

Miss Jacinta Neuschultz  is our new Year Six teacher in 2021. She was born in Ipswich Queensland before her parents moved to Cooranbong in NSW while she was a baby. She attended Macquarie College from F – 3 and Avondale School Year 4 – 12. She completed her Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Teaching in Primary at University at Avondale University College in NSW.

Jacinta enjoys bush walking in particular in the Watagans National Park near to her family home in NSW.  She recently moved to Melbourne with her dog Rumbles and her cat Maggie. Jacinta loves to read and enjoys fantasy and science fiction novels. Her favourite book is ‘‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak.

In her spare time Jacinta enjoys creative interests such as painting, drawing, animation and ceramics. During her time at Avondale University College Jacinta authored a children’s book as part of a competition for her studies and won. Her book is soon to be published titled “Korey’s Bad Day”, the theme explores how the bush animals’ friends used different wellbeing strategies to improve their mood and help Korey the Koala. We look forward to Jacinta’s published book featuring in our school library in the near future.

Introducing Mr Andrew O’Grady, who is one of our Year Three teachers in 2021. Andrew was Born in Maryborough Queensland and grew up in Hervey Bay. He attended Kawugang State Primary school, where in Year 4 they studied the unit on rainforests and would visit Fraser Island and enjoy boat trips to view the whales as they migrated. For Secondary school Andrew attended Urangang State High and then Hervey Bay Christian Academy for Year 11 and 12.  Andrew completed his formal education by attending the University of Southern Queensland where he studied a Bachelor of Primary (specialising in HPE).

In 2018 Andrew moved to Melbourne with his wife Kerstin, who works in Environmental Management. They enjoy bushwalking together, one memorable experience was a hike to Woolshed falls in Beechworth for their anniversary. As a young child Andrew had pneumonia twice, which nearly took his life. His love for the outdoors, running, hiking and being outside has assisted in keeping him fit and healthy.

Andrew also enjoys cooking in particular making amazing birthday cake creations for his wife and friends. He also has a passion for Greek food and enjoys visiting a variety of restaurants and trying different cuisines on offer.

We welcome Miss Neuschultz and Mr O’Grady to our school community.

We are excited that on Sunday the 21st of February we have our first Working Bee for the year from 8:30am – 12:30pm.

Please come along and get involved, it’ll be a great opportunity to knock off some PEP hours all while helping our school look great and meeting some other families; morning tea is also provided.

If you would like to register, please contact Reception on 9717 7300 or email admin.m@gilson.vic.edu.au

E-waste recycling made easy at Gilson College Mernda

To make recycling e-waste easy, we will be hosting an e-waste recycling skip from 12 March – 2 April 2021 to give you the opportunity to get rid of your unwanted E-waste.  E-waste refers to any household appliance with a battery or cord.

When the skip arrives, you can put any small household electrical items with a cord or battery into it, such as: televisions, computers, laptops, tablets, printers, faxes, scanners, copiers, keyboards, speakers, monitors, gaming consoles, modems, set top boxes, routers, server, vacuum cleaners, toasters, hair dryers, hi-fi equipment, video and DVD players, electronic toys and other household electronic appliances.

What will NOT be accepted in the skip:

• Any whitegoods – refrigerators, freezers, dish washers, washing machines, clothes dryers and microwaves.
• Solar panels

To get rid of whitegoods such as fridges, freezers and microwaves, book a free collection by phoning Kids off the Kerb on 9982 5600.

From 1 July 2019, the Victorian Government will introduce a ban on the disposal of e-waste to landfill which means e-waste can no longer be put in your bins at home.  Take this opportunity to get rid of any unwanted e-waste items easily through our school.

Those students who are interested in competing in the coderead virtual fun run/swim/cycle jump on the link below. All students who participate will receive house points.

https://www.facebook.com/1934111963472615/posts/2806993512851118/?d=n 

On Mondays at lunchtime (from 1:00-1:30) Miss Neuschulz runs a gardening club which the students can come and attend. We harvest veggies, trim and water plants and replant new seedlings.

This week we harvested a big tub of cherry tomatoes, some mint and some rosemary, which the year six students then shared amongst the classes.

Congratulations to all of our Assembly Award recipients this week.

Congratulations to our Student Voice Team for 2021. Students meet regularly with Mrs Bergmann to plan and share their school improvement goals for the year. We look forward to seeing what great things you do this year.