4 July 2019

Newsletter Articles

Dates to Remember

Principal’s Messages

NAIDOC WEEK

Our Year 3/4 children led the school in a liturgy to explain and celebrate NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. It is celebrated in the week Sunday 7 – 14 July where the committee promotes and celebrates the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

In their liturgy, the children reminded us of this and prayed that we, and our national leaders, acknowledge our first peoples and support their education, health and participation in our communities. This year’s theme is “Voice. Treaty. Truth.” It asks us to listen to and understand the voice of the First Nations people and to come to an understanding of the history of our land. It challenges us to look towards a unified history and coming to a place of understanding of the difficult truths we need to face to move forward.

There are many activities in which families can participate during the week. Visit the link below for lots of information around NAIDOC Week.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

We come to the end of another extremely busy term. I am sure it has been fruitful for everyone and I am sure that everyone is looking forward to a short break. I look forward to seeing everyone again in Term 3 as we set off on another journey through another busy Term. It seems the curriculum is getting fuller and the expectations are expanding. Not only is it difficult for teachers to keep up with the accountabilities, it is difficult for children to stay focused and enthusiastic as the term fills up and learning fatigue sets in. So – have a good, safe and restful break and come back enlivened for a new ride.

SCHOOL RESUMES FOR STUDENTS ON TUESDAY 23 JULY.

See you then

SEMESTER REPORTS

Parents should have accessed their children’s Semester 1 Reports by now. If you haven’t yet accessed your child’s report, just follow the following instructions:

1. Reports were available from 5:00pm on Friday 28 June
2. Log into your Compass Account using the USERNAME and PASSWORD. If you haven’t already done so, complete this process on a computer first, then change the password to suit you.
3. Click on your child’s photo – this brings up their “DASHBOARD”
4. Click on REPORTS from the tabs across the top.

5.  Select the required report from the list. You can use this to access all past reports as well.

AND INTERVIEWS

Parent/Teacher Interviews are being held tomorrow. It is not too late to book an interview with your child’s teacher. To book a time with your child’s teachers follow these instructions:

1. Log into your Compass Account using the USERNAME and PASSWORD. If you have not already done so, complete this process on a computer first, then change the password to suit you.
2. Click on your child’s photo – this brings up their “DASHBOARD”
3. Click on the COMMUNITY ICON (the 2 people)

4.  Choose “CONFERENCES” from the list

5.  Choose a time from the timetable that suits and is still available.
6.  For a second child start from step 2 again

NB – “Conferences” are booked on a “first come – first served basis” – you will not be able to book “back to back” times for multiple children – a space is required to cater for movement from class to class

WOOLWORTHS EARN & LEARN

We have had a great response to the Earn and Learn programme and will be sending away our collection of stickers next week. If you have any tucked away in your purses or wallets, please bring them in tomorrow when visiting your child’s teacher for your interview.

Thanks, everyone, for all your efforts and encouragement of others.

SOO3

Who will prevail? Pikachu or Winnie? Good luck to your team next week. Sadly, for NSW, I think their winning streak of one in a row will be over.

RE News

CATHOLIC MISSION

During term 3 our fundraising activities will go towards Catholic Missions. On Tuesday 23 July, Richard Cootes will be at our school to explain to the children which countries Catholic Missions will be raising money for during 2019. Richard always creates a lovely liturgy and we would like to invite all parents, grandparents and friends attend.

RELAX

I would like to encourage everyone to take some time for themselves these holidays and reflect on the year so far. Ask yourself the following questions. Do I need to slow down? Have I had enough time to enjoy my family? What can I do to get five minutes for myself?

VINNIES SLEEPOUT

We presented the local St Vincent de Paul Society with a cheque for over $750. What a fantastic effort to help the local needy during this winter season. Thanks to all that helped with the “Sleep Out”, made donations and supported the cause.

REFLECTION GARDEN

You might be wondering what is happening in the garden between the quadrangle and the hall. We are constructing a “Reflection Garden” which will be a quiet space for children to relax and chat and maybe spend some time reflecting on things. It will soon have a “river” of pebbles leading to the cross with a garden of succulents and flowers bordering its edges.

We need to thank John Hopkins who built and installed the cross and David Hughes for spending the last few months clearing the space and Godeberth N for helping out.

More information on the garden and how it will involve the children will be shared as it nears completion.

From the Office

Office Hours

The NEW office hours are

The office is unattended between the hours of 11.30am to 12.00pm.

School Fees

Our Term 2 school fees for 2019 have been sent home. All school fees are now overdue. It would be appreciated if all accounts are paid promptly.

If you would like to manage your account with regular payments, please contact Leanne in the office, who can help you with a payment plan. Those who are experiencing legitimate financial hardships, can make application for consideration by making an appointment to see the Principal.

P & F News

NEXT MEETING

Term 2

UNIFORM POOL

Our Uniform Pool is located in the Bell Room next to the Year 1 classroom. We are open every Thursday 8:40-9:10 am.

• Back in stock are our new school bags ($60) and our library bags ($15).
• Also available for purchase are Art Smocks ($10) and with winter coming our School Jackets in selected sizes only (size 4,6,8,14) for $45 each.
• We have a Variety of used uniforms starting from $2 an item
• Cash only purchases as EFTPOS is not available

Please note our uniform pool runs on the generosity of those who donate their used uniforms. If you have any used uniforms you no longer require, please feel free to drop them at the school office for recycling through the uniform pool. We would really appreciate any winter uniforms and sports uniforms that no longer fit your child.

OLV Hair Scrunchie Packs are now available to purchase for $5 each at our School Uniform Shop. If you can’t make it to the shop on a Thursday Morning, then send your $5 in a labelled envelope via your child’s class note bag.

Pastoral Care News

Our school cross has been built and erected in our garden by John Hopkins. A lot of great changes are happening in our garden this year. If you have any spare time to assist David and myself, please see me. I will never turn away help.

We will alternate serving an afternoon tea and morning tea next term in the hall. Hopefully everyone will have a chance to drop in for a chat and a cuppa at least once. I will advertise dates next term.

Take care and God bless.
Cheers, Karen

Class News

Kinder

Genesis, in the first chapter of the Hebrew Scriptures, is the biblical story of the creation of Earth and life and tells the story in the form of a seven-day period. Kindergarten viewed the Creation Story online and found it in the Book of Genesis at the beginning of the Bible. We learnt that people are a special part of creation as they have been made in the image of God. We said thank you prayers to God for his gift of Creation. We learnt that God asks us to take care of our world and we discussed reasons why it is important to care for our world. In Shared Reading we read the story “Shoes from Grandpa” by Mem Fox. It is a child’s birthday celebration and the whole family get together for a BBQ. We wrote about celebrations we have with our families eg. Christmas, arrival of a new baby, weddings and birthdays. In Maths we identified 2D shapes (circles, rectangles, triangles and squares) and in our Library lesson with Mrs. Spencer we logged on to the computers and had fun drawing a shape picture in Microsoft Paint. We are now learning about measuring capacity and we get to do lots of hands on activities such as pouring water and sand. Capacity is the amount a container can hold. It is a lesson we can do outside. In Science we viewed the story “Big Rain Coming” and “Drought” by Jackie French. We are learning about extreme weather events and what happens when we get too much rain and not enough rain. We are excited about our Dance performance on Wednesday and have done very well to get to this stage. We hope you enjoy it. Have a safe and happy holiday break and we look forward to Term 3 when we get to do Gymnastics.

Year 1

In preparations for NAIDOC week which commences next week, Year 1 have discussed the ways in which the Indigenous culture is celebrated. This ties in with our History unit this Term. We have observed how dance, music, singing and movement is used to tell stories of dreaming.

Over the last couple of weeks in English, we have covered a few texts that have allowed us to explore different features of language, narrative and information report writing. We read ‘Cocky that Cried Dingo’ by Yvonne Morrison. This story allowed us to compare the similarities and differences between this story and the well-known Aesop Fable ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’. We also read the book ‘Edward the Emu’ by Sheena Knowles and this week ‘Edwina the Emu’ by the same author. We read some information about Emus and created an information report that tells us what they do, where they live, what they eat and some interesting facts about them.

In Maths, we have covered many topics. We worked on Fractions, particularly making halves. We learnt about Two-Dimensional space, involving shape properties and the different types of lines we see on shapes such as; horizontal, vertical and parallel lines. In Area, we measured objects such as our maths book with different materials to find how much area it had. This week we are learning about chance. We have been discussing the language of chance and given examples of them. These include words such as; ‘will’, ‘might’ and ‘won’t’. Year 1 have enjoyed conducting some chance experiments to apply this language.

In Religion, we have been learning about our second topic this Term which is about the History of the Church. Year 1 have been learning about the Parish, Diocese and Arch Diocese we belong to. We have looked closely at the Vision Values of our Diocese and talked about what it means: ‘At the heart of everything is always, Jesus Christ’.

Year 1 are very excited (and a little nervous) to share our dance performance with you all this week! I’m proud of their efforts to have learnt what they have this term and put together an enthusiastic piece that we hope you enjoy!

Wishing all our Year 1 families a happy and safe holiday break. Looking forward to seeing everyone back in Term 3!

Year 2

At the end of another term! I would like to thank Year 2 for all the wonderful work they have achieved this term. All portfolios went home last week which should have given you a good snap shot of the work the children have been doing. Don’t forget to return all portfolios by Wednesday.

In Religion this week the children will be designing their own painting, statue or stain glass window devoted to Mary. We will also research some saints and find out why these people became saints.

During Mathematics last week we concentrated on the concept of mass experimenting with equal arm balances. This week we are looking at days of the week, months of the year and seasons. The children will learn how many days in each month and how to interpret calendars. I am very impressed with the number of children who are able to recite their 2, 5, and 10 times tables. Keep revising these over the holidays.

This week our spelling list consists of days of the week and months of the year.

I would like to wish everyone a relaxing holiday. Please take the time to rest and find time for yourself.

Year 3/4

This week in Religion, we have been learning more about the Trinity and, in particular, the second person of the Trinity, Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus is revealed to us in several ways in the Mass. Through the person of the Priest, the Scriptures, the assembled people and the Bread and Wine. In English, after finishing reading the book ‘Letty and the Stranger’s Lace’ by Alison Lloyd, we have completed some writing activities and a book review. Part of the book review was to design a new book cover, which have been completed creatively and beautifully. In Maths, we completed units of work on angles and mass. While doing mass activities, Year 3 bundled together same objects to discover how many were needed to make one kilogram, while Year 4 weighed everyday objects in grams. We completed this term’s Science unit by designing a product suitable to package a specific object. In creating the package, we had to consider weight, material, protective qualities and shape. We were so excited yesterday to perform the dance that we have been working on this term with Miss Jess. It was great fun and we would like to thank Miss Jess for working with us.

Year 5

Half way through the year! It’s amazing how quickly time flies when you’re having fun.

During the last two weeks, we have been really busy trying to finish our novel, based on the events of the Eureka Stockade, but unfortunately we are going to have to wait until next term to see how it all ends with Rosa and her family.

In Religion, we have been looking at how the early Christian community was raised up by the power of the Holy Spirit, was devoted to, and passionate about the apostles teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. We have read several stories from the Bible which shows how the early Church began.

In Maths we have been making tiny houses using a multitude of maths concepts including area, perimeter, scale, position, 2D and 3D, as well as the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They are not quite finished yet, but stay tuned for photos when they are!

In History, we have finished the term by looking at the contribution of other cultures to the development of Australia as a nation. We also had to create the Eureka flag in an interesting way for homework and look at the results! Thank you for the help you gave us at home.

Year 6

We cannot believe we are halfway through our final year of Primary School. The time is going so quickly! Mrs Carroll is very pleased with our maturing attitude and enthusiastic effort with our work this term.

In Religion, we matched the four parts of the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed to the categories of Father, Son, Holy Spirit and Church. We also worked, in groups, to create posters to represent the four parts of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In English, we have written a book review of the novel “Soraya, the Storyteller” by Roseanne Hawke. We briefly described the story and used methods to ‘hook’ the person reading the review, so they would want to get the book and read the story. We then gave our own opinion of the novel and gave a recommendation. In Maths, this last two weeks, we have worked on drawing and calculating the number of diagonals on 2D shapes. We discovered there are 20 diagonals on an octagon and 54 on a dodecagon! We also measured and constructed a variety of angles using protractors: acute, obtuse, right angles, reflex and rotation. In Science we completed our shelters and the end results are great! It has been fun learning about the properties of materials and which would work best for the various features of our constructions. Thanks to Mr V for his input this term. We completed our research of a refugee to finish off our unit in History. We have learnt so much about our country and its history this semester. We have really enjoyed Dance this term and have shown great effort and interest in developing our skills. Our performance was a great way to show our abilities and it was great to have so many come to watch on Wednesday morning. We wish everyone a safe, fun and happy holiday!

Sport News

We wish Declan G all the best as he competes in the NSW Catholic Primary School Golf competition at the end of July. We hope his drives are straight, his putts are true and his ball stays out of the water.

Good Luck Declan.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL PRESENTATIONS

We presented the ribbons and trophies this week for our Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to the following children who were crowned champions in their age groups:

REGIONAL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

We had a great day today – apart from the weather. Our children represented the school magnificently and we had some notable performances. We will let you know the details next term. Well done to all the children who represented the school today. We are very proud of you.

SOCCER GALA

It seems we MIGHT never get a chance to show off our new soccer strips. Sadly, the only week it has rained in 6 months was on Soccer Gala Day. It had to be postponed. The new date is Friday August 9, – Term 3 Week 3 – FINGERS CROSSED!!

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge finishes at the end of August. All infant classes are participating in the challenge during school time. A reminder for any Primary student attempting the challenge that their completed sheets need to be handed in to the office by 27th August - 2months to go! It is not too late to start.

Primary students must read 20 books, at least 15 of these books should be chosen from the PRC list. The other 5 may be from the list or a personal choice.

For the booklist and any competition information follow the link below or see Mrs Spencer in the library!

Book Week Dates: 17 to 23 August 2019

It’s nearly that time again!!
This year’s theme is Reading is My Secret Power
Once again, we will be having our annual Library fundraiser Book Fair and our eagerly awaited Book Week Parade on Tuesday 20th August at midday.
Look out for more information next term!
Thanks for your support!

Class Awards

OOSH is HERE

One issue that may arise is the need for Casual Care on occasions. If you think that you might need this, it will be necessary to be enrolled in the service prior to making a booking. Remember that you need to contact St Nicholas OOSH to book your child in, as we can’t do it through the school.

Their contact details are, Christine 0447 288 040 or tracey.sweetman@stnicholasoosh.org.au

If you intend to use the OOSH either before or after school, you might like to download the application forms, fill them out and send them into school to pass on for processing.

Check out this link for more information on St Nicholas OOSH.

Vacation Care

Please find attached St Nicholas OOSH Vacation Care Program. Don’t forget to book your children in for the upcoming July School Holidays. Please see program attached.