Newsletter 19th July 2023
In the spirit of Reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land in which we sit, the Wadawurrung people, who have cared for this country for thousands of years. We would like to pay our respects to the Aboriginal Elders past, present and future for they hold the traditions, memories and wisdom of Mother Earth on which we place our feet upon today.
Upcoming Dates
24th July, 31st July & 7th August: Sacramental program 3.45 - 5pm @ St Brendan's Eucharist / Confirmation
13th August: 8.45 Eucharist and Confirmation Mass Bungaree
3rd September: Fathers Day
Principal's News
Welcome back
It has been wonderful to catch up with children, staff and families in the last week. This week we have everyone back on board after a number of families had extended holidays.
A reminder that if children are away or families are going away for an extended break, please pop it in PAM as it can save our admin phoning to check where children are.
NAIDOC week
It was NAIDOC week during the school holidays. As the children were not at school, we are recognising it in our classrooms this week. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is –
Across every generation, our Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place in our communities and families.
They are cultural knowledge holders, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, leaders, hard workers and our loved ones.
Our loved ones who pick us up in our low moments and celebrate us in our high ones. Who cook us a feed to comfort us and pull us into line, when we need them too.
They guide our generations and pave the way for us to take the paths we can take today. Guidance, not only through generations of advocacy and activism, but in everyday life and how to place ourselves in the world. We draw strength from their knowledge and experience, in everything from land management, cultural knowledge to justice and human rights. Across multiple sectors like health, education, the arts, politics and everything in between, they have set the many courses we follow.
The struggles of our Elders help to move us forward today. The equality we continue to fight for is found in their fight. Their tenacity and strength has carried the survival of our people. It is their influence and through their learnings that we must ensure that when it comes to future decision making for our people, there is nothing about us - without us. We pay our respects to the Elders we’ve lost and to those who continue fighting for us across all our Nations and we pay homage to them.
In 2023, how will you celebrate For Our Elders?.
Stay warm and well,
Inez
Term ahead
We are looking forward to a settled term for learning and teaching. There are not too many planned events and the aim will be to keep things as calm and moving along as smoothly as possible.
School review
Thank you to everyone that played a part in our school review, not only on Thursday and Friday, but in the many hours that went into preparing the report. The whole process was very positive and has helped firmed up goals for both schools – St. Brendan’s for the rest of 2023 and for St. Mary’s further on into 2024 and the years that follow.
The panel validated our work over the past 5 years and highlighted the many positives we have achieved in both of our school communities.
The final report will be given to us in about 4 weeks and be shared with everyone.
PTC
This semester, teachers will contact parents about making a time for a PTC time. These will take place in week 3. We are doing it slightly differently so that times can be made that are suitable for both parents and teachers and the conversations can take place during school time.
Sacramental Program
Last week I sent an email to the parents that have children eligible to receive the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation. So far I have had only 1 reply. As we need to get numbers finalised and purchase the programs, it would be appreciated if you could let me know by Thursday if you wish your child or children to be part of the Monday night sessions that begin next week.
Concerns
A reminder to touch base with your child’s teacher about any concerns that you may have. The teacher should be your first go to. You can email staff directly or phone to make a time when they are not in the classroom. I am also available to have a chat if need be. It is important to clarify and work together to solve any issues that arise quickly and calmly, rather than let things build up and not address the concern.
Admin staff
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, all of our admin staff will be at a two-day PD workshop gaining skills and knowledge about a whole range of things around their role. Any concerns over these two days, can be directed to myself or if it can wait, then pop into school on a day when there will be someone in the office.
Junior Room
WRITING
Lucy’s Recount
On the holidays I went to a water park and the slides were so fast that I turned around. I could do two flips. I did a good dive. Dad said I did a better dive than Felicity. I like going backwards down the water slide. The water was hot. Dad said it was cold. I didn’t. It was fun going down the water slide and I jumped in the water. It was very, very, very fun.
Aiden’s Recount
I went on a bike ride down to my mum’s old house just down the road from my house. It took me 14 minutes and 43 seconds to get to the house and back and when I got back I switched bikes and I rode my bike and I went on the jump. When I finished I started the spit. When the spit got hot Dad and I put the lamb on the spit for dinner. It was so, so, so yummy. Mmm.
Damper Making
Maths
This term in maths we have started off with addition and subtraction. We are looking for the best way to solve problems. Sometimes it might be using doubles, near doubles, fact families or counting on or back (when it’s 1, 2 or 3), and building to the next 10.
This week we have been building to the next 10. We used ten frames (see the photos) to show this. Once we get good at these it will help us with 2 digit numbers.
Procedural Texts
This week we have begun looking at procedural texts. On Tuesday we were lucky enough to make damper together. It was delicious! We read a book called Rosie Makes Damper. Rosie makes damper every week for the children at Birlirr Ngawiyiwu School at Ringer Soak in the Kimberley, Western Australia. We laughed because she didn’t measure the ingredients using cups or spoons, she just used her hands!
Senior Room
The seniors have been very engaged and excited about our new writing focus this term. We are continuing to develop our writing skills to write entertaining texts and have narrowed our focus to creating interesting story settings. Students have been working on using more descriptive language to ‘paint a picture’ for the reader by using adjectives, similes and metaphors. Here are some of the prompts they used and how Ahlia, Lucy and Felicity briefly described their setting.
Birthdays
Sophie was 9 last Friday 14th July
Child Safe – all on website
As is stated on our Vision and Mission, our schools ‘…are committed to the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children and young people.’ Our procedures and policies are now in line with the 11 child safe standards and can be found on our schools’ websites under the tab – child safe.
Memories from 2007
