Newsletter 27th October 2021
Principal News
It finally feels like we have some sense of the new normal to our lives. All of our children are back and we have some consistency to our days. While we are not out of the woods yet, we are beginning to forge ahead and make plans for the rest of the year, with a Plan A and then Plan B. Please understand that it is difficult for staff as we want to do as much as we can within the restrictions that will continue to change over the next few months. Many guidelines are still a bit murky, such as who needs to be vaccinated to attend what events, where the events can take place and with what numbers. We are unsure if we can have excursions and then there is the threat that exposure sites can pop up at any time. We will do our best to make things happen and give parents as much warning as we can if things do change because of things beyond our control. We still have a few dates to confirm and I will send out a list later on this week when dates are set.
This week I sent out an email about staffing at our schools for 2021. The adjustments are that Callum will be full time in the Senior Class at St. Brendan’s in 2022 and Sue will be working Monday to Wednesday in the Senior Class at St. Mary’s in 2022. Jess Sartori will be taking some leave to have a baby and all other staff will remain in their current positions. As stated in the letter – ‘Our schools are very fortunate to have a staff of experienced teachers who are committed to working collaboratively to achieve the best outcomes for all.’
The structure of the classes will remain the same for 2022 with the Junior classes encompassing Prep to Year 2 and the children in Years 3 – 6 will make up the Senior class.
At this stage, we still cannot have parents on site, unless it is absolutely necessary. If you do need to enter the grounds, you must have a mask on and QR code in if you need to enter the buildings. I understand this is very difficult however, I do ask that you adhere to these rules because, as we are aware, schools are continually becoming exposure sites and I know that you all want to keep our children, staff and families safe.
Our school photos will be taken on Wednesday the 17th of November. This date is confirmed. Children will need to wear their summer uniform, no sports uniforms on this day please. Envelopes were given to families some time ago so please make sure that you still have them and send them with the children on the 17th November. If you require another envelope please contact Leonie or Anita in the office.
This Friday is Teacher Appreciation Day. Over the past few years, many people have had to perform the task of being teacher and we thank you for all of your efforts. Many parents and carers have said that they have a new appreciation of what our teachers do each and every day. A very special thanks to the teachers in our schools who always got over and above to make sure our children are safe, happy and well educated. We, as a community are blessed that we have such dedicated, hardworking, professional and positive, happy teachers that work so well together.
Friday the 29th is Teacher Appreciation Day
Upcoming Dates
Melbourne Cup Public Holiday
Tues 2nd Nov
School Advisory Council
AGM @ St Brendan's
3rd November
7.00 pm
Sacramental Retreat and Sacraments @ Bungaree Parish Centre
11th November
School Closure Day
Staff First Aid Training
Mon 15th Nov
School Photos
17th November
Sacramental Program
The children in years 3 and 4 will thankfully be able to receive and celebrate the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist this term. On Thursday 11th November, they will gather for a Retreat Day where they will continue to learn about these sacraments and then they will celebrate with a special mass on Thursday afternoon at 5:30pm to receive their sacraments. Please remember Oscar, Lucy, Ahlia, Sullivan, Maeve, Pat and Tara who have been preparing for this special time. We are very appreciative of Fr Sajan for working with us to find a time to celebrate these sacraments throughout the disruptions caused by Covid.
Installing Schoolzine App
Our new Website is now up and running. To access the newsletter through your phone please download the Schoolzine App. If you have any problems please contact Anita and she will be happy to help.
Please follow the instructions in the below guide.
Happy Birthday
Jack will be 8 on the 5th November
Frankie will be 13 on the 5th November
Billy will be 7 on the 10th November
School Photos Wednesday 17th November
School Photos will take place Wednesday 17th November.
Each student is to bring their individual envelope on this day to school. We are still holding the envelopes at the school for families who have dropped theirs into admin.
Please contact Anita if you are unable to locate your photo envelope or have any further queries
AGM Wednesday 3rd November 7.00 pm
The AGM will be held at school on Wednesday the 3th of November at 7.00pm. All are welcome and if anyone would like to, we can also set up a Zoom so you can join in if unable to attend in person. You will need to wear a mask and QR code.
Junior News
CYBER SAFETY
Last week we were very lucky to view a live show about Cyber Safety by Marty from Inform and Empower Cyber Safety Education. Marty and his friend (puppet) Ollie taught us about 3 things when we are on our devices. These three things also had an action to go with them. See if your child remembers them.
- Trusted Adults Always talk to trusted adults if we have concerns about something on our devices or a problem on the internet. We all thought about who those trusted adults could be. You could ask your child who they thought of.
- Keep It Private If someone asks you a question, like your name, or for a photo, keep it private, don't send it to them. If people are texting you, don't text back. Remember to tell your Trusted adult.
- Green Time Don't spend too long on your screens. Try Green Time! This includes things likegoing outside, riding your motorbike, riding your bike, playing with your toys, building a cubby, going fishing, kicking the footy, painting or gardening. If you spend too much time on your device you can hurt your neck and back. We also learnt that it's not good to use your device at night time because when you try to go to sleep it will keep you awake.
MONEY MONEY MONEY
For the past 3 weeks, we have been learning about money in Maths. We had lots of opportunities to use real money for sorting, counting, ordering, adding up some coins and even calculating change. Here are some of the things we learnt....
Adele - I learnt that a 50c piece is a dodecagon. It has 12 sides.
Aiden - I learnt how to sort out money and put them in order from the largest amount to the smallest amount.
Billy - I learnt that two 50c pieces make $1.
Felicity - I learnt how to count hard money - all the coins together.
Jack - I learnt how much change you would get when you buy something.
Jai - I learnt how to work out how much change you would get.
Lucy - I learnt how to sort money.
Roni - I learnt how many 5s are in 100. There are 20.
Sophie - I can count money now. I can add up three coins.
Senior News
In the Senior Room writing lessons, they have been exploring how writers create a feeling of foreboding (that something bad is going to happen). The Senior children experimented with this after reading Canyon Mystery and here are some of their efforts.
Kade
Marta kept walking while eagles circled above. She walked past prickly cacti as she heard scorpions scatter. But she kept walking through the crooked cliffs and the cracked ground with fear.
Emma
As the sun started to disappear over the grey clouds, I was still walking down the red dusty path. I had been chasing Sniffles down the cliffs for hours. I was about to give up. Just as a huge rock falls on the path, a small fluffy thing falls from the mocking cliffs. I run over with tears building up in my eyes.
Tierney
As they walked through the dusty cave searching for a white figure to catch. Her dog, Sniffles had gone missing. The rocks fall as she slips. The clouds growl on top of her and the rain starts. Boom! The clouds rumble together.
Gardening and Tidying Roster 2021/2022
Our roster is fortnightly and will keep rotating. Please try to weed/tidy the garden at least once in your allocated fortnight. Things to do - sweep the deck, dust/brush the cob webs from the buildings, bang mats, sweep the entrance to the school, weed the garden beds at the front of the school and the sensory garden.
Thanks for your help in keeping the school tidy.