T4 W2 Newsletter 2023

From The Principal

What a wonderful beginning to term we have had - full of energy and life.  Talking with some of the students recently made me smile.  The conversation centred upon our efforts in establishing the Laudato Si Club and how it takes small effort from everyone to care for our environment.  This dialogue reminded me of the famous "Weight of Nothing" story…

"Tell me the weight of a snowflake," a coal mouse asked a wild dove.

"Nothing more than nothing," was the answer.

"In that case I must tell you a marvellous story," the coal mouse said.

"I sat on a fir branch, close to the trunk, when it began to snow, not heavily, not in a raging blizzard.  No, just like a dream, without any violence.  Since I didn't have anything better to do, I counted the snowflakes settling on the twigs and needles of my branch.  Their number was exactly 3 471 952.  When the next snowflake dropped on the branch - nothing more than nothing, as you say, the branch broke off."

Having said that the coal mouse fled.

The dove, since Noah’s time an authority on the matter, thought about the story for a while and finally said to herself.  "Perhaps there is only one person's voice lacking for peace to come about in the world."

The essence of this story raises the issue of support and how each person can make a difference.  In today's busy society we can often neglect the small matters, especially when it comes to our children, our students; these small matters are of mighty importance.

As we move forward further into this term, the temptation is there to leave it all up to the next person to do, to let them take a turn at lending a hand.  Our challenge is to work with our children, our students to empower them to take responsibility for their actions and to assist others.  As a family this is an integral part of growing together.  How are you contributing to this ideal?

I would love to hear from you if you have something you would like to share.

Principal's Messages

Plans For 2024  |  At this time of the year, plans are well under way for 2024 and the key factor upon which planning is based, is accuracy.  May I ask then, that you keep us informed about potential moves between now and the beginning of the new year please? Thank you for assisting us to be well-prepared for the year ahead.

Uniform Reminder  |  The St Anne’s uniform is distinctive and smart. Our children need support and reminders to wear it proudly. This includes details of the uniform, socks, jewellery, hair length and styles, hair ties and scrunchies. A reminder that accessories (hair ties etc.) must be in school colours. I also ask you to support us further by having your child arrive to school with their sports shirts and leadership shirts tucked in please.

HELPING WITH BULLYING  |  At St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, we try to create a safe and supportive school environment for all our students.  Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about bullying. Our parents are an integral part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively, if it happens.

Stopping bullying involves everyone!

If your child talks to you about bullying:

1. Listen calmly and get the full story. Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they have told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need to: who, what, where, when. Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child’s experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child.

1. Reassure your child they are not to blame. Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse. You could say things like, ‘That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.’ or ‘I am so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that is not fair at all’.

1. Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do. A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.

1. Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies. The website has tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practice strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.

1. Contact us! Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that we want to know so we can help. Make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher. Contact us immediately if you have a concern about your child’s safety.

1. Check in regularly with your child. Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important. If you are looking for support for yourself to deal with a bullying situation, you will find ideas on the Bullying. No Way! website for parents. As well, please contact us, if you would like to discuss any aspect of our approach to prevent bullying.

FAREWELL AND THANK YOU  |  As of the last week of term, Mr Scott Bisseker and Mrs Jo Mitchell concluded their time here at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School.

I sincerely thank both these people for the level of dedication they have shown our school community and for the times that they went above and beyond expectations for our school.

Thank you for your time, dedication, gift of self and professionalism.

You will both be missed.  

Tuckshop Reopened

The St Anne's Tuckshop is now reopening. It will operate on Thursday and Friday each week. Orders can be placed and paid for online via Flexischools or cash orders can be placed first thing in the morning in a brown paper bag with the student's name, class, first or second lunch and order clearly written on the outside. Menu will be out shortly. 

If you can volunteer to help in the tuckshop please ring Debbie Nielsen on ph. 0417 128 428. 

COVID Requirements

Student Protection News

Across The Curriculum

Reading

Over the next few weeks, a different reading strategy will be shared. You may wish to discuss this with your child during home reading. Visualising is a reading comprehension strategy used across all year levels. It involves the reader, or listener ‘painting a picture in their mind’.

PAT Testing

Students from Year 2-6 will complete PAT Mathematics and PAT Reading testing in the coming weeks.

Progress Achievement Tests measure what students from Years 2-6 know, understand and are capable of across mathematics and reading. Individual progress is monitored over time. Students are tested on their year level content, these tests are aligned with the Australian Curriculum. 

Yours in learning,

Shona Gibson

The Good News

From the Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Erika Milne

Sacramental Program

Reconciliation, followed by Confirmation and First Holy Communion will begin with Reconciliation in this October, followed by Holy Communion and Confirmation in Terms 2 and 3 next year. If you would like your child to begin this Sacramental journey please email Erika_Milne@rok.catholic.edu.au and attend our first workshop on Sunday 15th October at 10 am at St. Anne’s Library. Children can be in years 3 – 6 to complete these sacraments.

If this day and time is not possible, the workshops can also be attended at St Francis Xavier Catholic Primary School or St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to email Erika_Milne@rok.catholic.edu.au.

My goal is to make this process as accessible and rewarding as possible for you and your child.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church Sacramental Program 2023

Sunday 15^th October: 9am – Enrolment mass- 10am – Workshop 1 at St. Anne’s Library.

Sunday 22^nd October: 10am – Workshop 2 at St. Anne’s Library.

Sunday 29th October: 10am - Sacrament of Reconciliation at St. Michael’s Church.

Attendance at both workshops and the Enrolment Mass is required. The Workshops are to be attended by a parent and child. The cost of the program for the three sacraments (Reconciliation in 2023 and Confirmation/Communion in 2024) is $50 which can be paid in the first or second workshop.

These dates are also advertised in the Parish Bulletin.

Finance News

Concession Card Discounts  |  If you have an existing concession card discount,  please be aware that discounts are not automatically applied to new enrolments.  Discounts are applied to each student upon individual application and there is a form that is required to be completed each time.

If you have an existing concession card registered at St Anne’s and have more than one student, please contact Sandra Adams to confirm that discounts have been applied to each student. 

Term 4 Fees  |  Term 4 fees will be emailed out shortly. Please keep an eye out for your email. If you believe you may have issues with paying your fees in full by the due date, and do not already have a payment plan in place, please contact our Finance Officer, Sandra Adams, to discuss options. 

Students Of The Week

Congratulations To Our Students Of The Week  |  Jack B, Bently H, Millie G, Harper O, Millie T,Patrick Z, Kingston W, Jorja G, Reunen F, Paige B, Tyler F, Charlotte D, Mackintyre W, Jed P, Brooklyn K, Charli W, Matilda W, Riley G, Harry vB, Prep D, Year 2H, Year 1A, Ayla G

Year 4 Recycling

Waste Free Wednesday

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