Newsletter - 08 September 2022
From our Principal
Dear Parents,
Like most terms, it has been filled with many learning opportunities and activities. As we enter into the last week of the term we all become a little tired. As staff we make sure that we take care of ourselves and each other so that we can keep fresh and still provide a quality education to your child.
Entering into this last week of term, it is essential for the success of your child that they are regularly going to bed at a reasonable hour and they have adequate and appropriate food in their lunch box. This is important throughout their education but especially important at this time of term. This supports students getting over the hump of the last week of term and sets them up for success.
Primary school students need to have between 10 - 12 hours of sleep per day. When students do not get enough sleep, many things can be effected such as;
- Behaviour - aggressive, antisocial, withdrawn, hyperactive, unable to control or regulate behaviour
- Emotion - Moody, depressed, anxious, stressed, uneasy, unconfident, irritable
- Planning - poorly organised, poor time managers, repeating grades, forgets lessons
- Concentration - inattentive, lack of concentration, falling behind in school
- Creativity - not working at full potential
- Problem solving - poor behaviour control and difficulty in social situations
- Complicated thinking - struggles with maths, sciences, languages, abstract concepts
- Motor coordination - less sporty, more accidents, clumsier
- Learning - it is through that sleep, particularly dream sleep or REM sleep, is necessary for storing certain types of memory, particularly more difficult memories such as mathematical concepts and language.
(Source: http://www.sleepeducation.net.au/sleep%20facts.php)
As you can see, the impact of students not receiving enough sleep can have significant impact on their learning and wellbeing.
Wishing you every blessing for the coming week,
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
RE Matters
WHAT'S INSIDE - A REFLECTION
A man was exploring some caves by the sea. In one of the caves, he found a bag filled with hardened clay balls. They didn't look like much, but they intrigued the man, so he took the bag with him when he left the cave.
As he strolled along the beach, he started throwing the clay balls one at a time into the sea. He thought little of what he was doing until he dropped one of the balls and it cracked open on a rock. Inside was a beautiful, precious stone.
Excitedly and hopefully the man started breaking open the remaining clay balls - each contained a similar treasure.
He found thousands of dollars worth of jewels in the clay balls. Then it struck him. He had thrown about fifty of these clay balls out into the waves. Instead of thousands of dollars in treasure, he could have taken home tens of thousands, but he had just thrown them away.
It's like that with people. We look at someone, maybe even ourselves, and we see the external clay vessel. We may not look like much on the outside. Not everyone is beautiful or sparkling. We do not always take the time to find the treasure hidden inside by God.
There is a treasure in each and every one of us. If we take the time to get to know each other, and if we ask God to show us what He sees, then the clay begins to peel away and the brilliant gems inside begin to shine through.
Loving God, open our eyes to see your hand at work in the splendour of creation and in the beauty of human life. Help us to cherish the gifts that surround us, to share your blessings with our brothers and sisters, and to experience the joy of life in your presence. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
HOLY NAME OF MARY
On 12 September we celebrated the Most Holy Name of Mary. This feast commemorates all the privileges given to Mary by God and all the graces we have received through her intercession and mediation. It is a day of special significance for all Marists, who look to Mary as their model.
FROM MARY we learn to surrender to God’s will in all things.
FROM MARY we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone.
FROM MARY we learn to love Christ her Son and the Son of God!
(Pope Saint John Paul II)
This term, our Year Five students have been learning about the different titles, roles and images of Our Lady. They listened to Michael Mangan’s beautiful litany song, ‘O Mary We Ask You’ and explored Marian scripture, art, hymns, prayers and church teachings. They then created their own images of Mary based on their understanding of her role as Mother of God and Mother of the Church, and wrote an artist’s statement to express the meaning of their image.
MARIST CROSS
Have you seen our new Marist Cross? Positioned at the end of the Administration Building, near the Drama/Year Five classrooms, it is a reminder of the Marist Sisters who founded our school and our call to follow Christ and live the Gospel as Mary did.
MISSION FAIR
Our annual Mission Fair was held yesterday. A full round up of all the fun will be shared in next week’s newsletter. A big THANK YOU to all families for supporting this important and exciting event. Together we are making a difference in the lives of people we don’t even know.
Tickets in the multi-draw raffle will be on sale at the disco. They are great value at a cost of 50 cents each or three for $1.00. The raffle will be drawn next week.
NEW SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
A meeting for the parents of Year Three students wanting to prepare for the Sacraments of Penance, Confirmation and Eucharist will be held at St Joseph’s Church on Wednesday 5 October. A letter detailing the parish program and registration requirements was sent home last week.
Students will prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Penance in November this year and will be Confirmed and receive their First Holy Communion in 2023.
If you have an older child wishing to receive the Sacraments as part of the 2022/2023 Program, please collect a copy of this letter from the school office.
FIRST COMMUNION
Two of our students who prepared for but were unable to receive Communion for the first time in July will make their First Communion on Sunday. Please continue to pray for these students and their families and all who will participate in the next parish based Sacramental Program.
DANIEL MORCOMBE CHILD SAFETY CURRICULUM
Throughout this term, our school has been implementing the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum with students in all year levels. The curriculum is based on principles of best practice in child safety education and centres around three key messages: Recognise, React and Report.
It is important that these key safety messages are reinforced, both at school and home. I encourage you, wherever possible, to talk with your child about safety to help them stay safe now and in the future.
Information about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum can be found at:
https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculums/school-curriculum/Pages/danielMorcombe.aspx.
For weekly Gospel readings, reflections and meditations go to http://www.prayasyoucan.com.au/
Download this week’s parish bulletin @ https://rok.catholic.net.au/parish/mackay-st-josephs/#
For Parish News, updates and to book for weekend Masses go to the Catholic Parishes of North Mackay and Farleigh Facebook page.
VIRTUE OF THE FORTNIGHT – CREATIVITY
“Creative people do not see things for what they are, they see them for what they can be.” (Unknown)
Creativity is the power of imagination. It is discovering your own special talents. Dare to see things in new ways and find different ways to solve problems. With your creativity, you can bring something new into the world. Creativity helps us to be all we are called to be.
“My dear young people, the Church needs you, your enthusiasm, your creativity and the joy that is so characteristic of you.” (Pope Francis)
Noeleen Kliese
Assistant Principal Religious Education
National Child Protection Week (4-10 September) is an annual event starting on the first Sunday of September each year. The 2022 theme ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’ aims to spread the message that ‘to treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what children need to thrive and be healthy.’
National Child Protection Week is all about the ways that we can work together to build communities that support children and families. Children are safest when they are listened to, respected and believed.
“Child abuse and neglect is preventable. If we all work together as a community we can create an Australia where all children can grow up safe and well. What role can you play in supporting children and their families?” – Richard Cooke, CEO, NAPCAN
For resources and to find out more about this year’s campaign visit www.napcan.org.au
This week all classes participated in Australia's Biggest Child Saftey Lessons. Why not ask your child what they have learnt?
Curriculum Corner
LEARNING ABOUT COUNTRY AND CULTURE
Last week in 1C we had a special visit from Mrs Scott, Uncle George and Mrs V. They spoke to us about Walking on Country and how important it is to the Traditional Owners of this Land. Jada Scott from 5WD Acknowledged Past, Present and Future Elders and Uncle George welcomed us with a Smoking Ceremony. We were able to touch and ask questions about traditional items such a boomerangs and musical instruments like seeds shakers and clapping sticks. We asked lots of questions and even saw Mrs V paint Remy’s face with ochre. It was the best day ever in Grade One! A big thank you to our visitors.
APA News
CLASSES 2023
Term Four will see staff arrange classes for the 2023 school year. This process is very deliberate and time consuming, but also very important to creating balanced classes throughout the school. I would like to provide parents with some of the underlying principles that drive our decision making:
1. We always aim to create classes that are balanced in need. We consider the academic, social, emotional, and behavioural needs of the children when placing them in a class. This is never straight forward and often needs considerable thought. A past practice has been that students nominate a friend, but as you can appreciate this is very difficult to accommodate in a school with 588 students. This practice will no longer be a deciding factor in class placements.
2. We consider the gender balance within the group, the body of knowledge that we have gathered on each child and any parent input that may assist.
3. We always endeavour to be just, fair, and compassionate to the needs of each child.
I invite parents to write to me if you have information about your child that may assist the staff in placing your child. While I always stipulate that parents are not able to request certain teachers and groups of friends, there is often information that, as a school, we are unaware of and would benefit from knowing. Please put your consideration in writing and send to the office addressed to Miss Rostirolla by the end of Week Three, Friday 21 October.
I would also like to stress that our staff know their students very well and will do their very best throughout this process. I urge parents to trust us in making informed decisions that we consider will be the best for each child.
Geraldine Rostirolla
Principal
DANCEFEVER INTERSCHOOL CHALLENGE
REMINDER: Please bring CASH for your ordered Sausage Sizzle
HELP NEEDED - DISCO
The tuckshop is calling for anyone who may be free to help with our School Disco on Friday. Please phone the office in you can assist on 4942 5999.
Karla Falzon
Acting Assistant Principal Administration
Strategic Priorities 2022
COVID Update
From our Counsellor
R U OK?
R U OK? Day is here again, and this year all Australians are being called on to learn what to say if someone says they're not OK because 'There's more to say after R U OK?'
What can you do?
- Start a conversation and make a difference.
- Link them in with a support person
Quick tip: Keep the conversation going
If someone says they're not OK, listen with an open mind and invite them to share more about how they're feeling. Once they’ve opened up, encourage them to access support or to do something that might help them manage the load.
If you are not okay, and feel that your family may need some support, please feel free to come and have a chat with me. I can be contacted on Tel: (07) 49425 999 (Monday to Thursday) or via E-mail: Kristy_Flor@rok.catholic.edu.au
Kristy Flor
School Counsellor
The Arts
Linda Miller
Music Teacher
Sporting News
RUGBY LEAGUE
Last Thursday we were lucky enough to have some members of the NRL and Mackay Cutters visit our Year 4/5/6 girls to do a Rugby League tips and tricks session. This session was aimed at engaging more young girls in the sport to hopefully spike interest for upcoming competitions and Gala Days.
“We found it really helpful to learn new techniques from the members. It was really fun and we can’t wait to play Karyn Murphy Cup next week.”
Maeve and Gabi
We look forward to taking some of our Year 5/6 girls away next Friday for the Karyn Murphy Cup.
BASKETBALL GALA DAY – EXPERIENCED PLAYERS YEARS 3 to 6
This Monday, we sent a team of ten experienced basketball players to compete in the Primary School Basketball Gala Day. Mrs McKinnon coached the team and was so impressed to see their positive sporting attitude towards the games and those they competed against. Our team made it to the finals and came third overall. We are so proud!
OSHC - School Holidays
Bookings are now open and available for the September School Holidays!
Please refer to the Activity Plan for the upcoming holiday break, it must be noted that there are two days which will attract an extra fee; this will be reflected in the bookings for these days and will be adjusted in your account if your child attends on that particular day.
With staffing restrictions, I will have limited spaces available, so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
WHAT TO BRING TO VACATION CARE:
- Wide brimmed hat; clearly named and labelled.
- Water bottle; clearly named and labelled
- Spare clothes; clearly named and labelled; particularly for wet days and planned messy play.
- Lunchbox; ; clearly named and labelled. Children have more opportunity to snack and eat at Vacation Care, so please pack extra!! We will provide a small afternoon tea, usually fresh fruit platter and mixed savory snacks.
I am looking forward to an engaging, interactive and fun holiday period 😊
Monica Salter
OSHC Co-Ordinator
Term 3 School Fees
Term 3 School Fees are now overdue. We would like to thank those families who have paid. However if you have not paid your account, it would be appreciated if you could do so immediately. If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact Therese in the Finance Office.
CONCESSION CARD DISCOUNT
Parents/Carers with an eligible means tested Australian Government Health Card or Pensioner Concession Card will automatically receive a 70% discount against the Tuition portion of their fees. Please follow the link for further information regarding eligible cards. If you require any further information, please contact the Finance Office.
Tuckshop News
With the end of Term just one week away, we would like to send out a big THANK YOU to the special mum's, dad's & grandparent's who have volunteered their time helping in the tuckshop. Your efforts are very much appreciated. We cannot keep up with demand without parental assistance. Due to work and family commitments we will be needing more assistance in Term 4, so please consider helping just one day a month.
Please Note: It is imperative that volunteers DO NOT attend tuckshop if they are unwell, have anyone at home who is unwell or have been in contact with anyone who has COVID-19.
Lost Property
We have a large amount of Lost Property located in front of the office.
Please have your child check if you are missing any items. If these items have not been collected before the end of Term 3, they will be donated.
Notices
Community News
The Renegades Basketball Club are looking for new members who would like to play basketball over the summer season. The club can even cater for other sporting teams who wish to play together as a team as part of the Renegades Basketball Club. Please see the flyer above for details.
