T1 W7 Newsletter 2021

From The Principal

Dear Parents, Carers, Staff, Students and Friends,

What do you value? 

Over the last week, a disagreement escalated between two great mates.  One boy offered $1.20 for a tennis ball and the other student accepted and promptly handed over the ball in exchange for an initial $1.00.

However, during the week the monetary balance was accepted/rejected/forgotten etc (or so they said, on and on ………all week)

Then, daily handball became very unpleasant, as they perceived Possession as Power.  Whoever owned the ball made the rules, umpired, admitted competitors and controlled the game.  Best friends became best at oppositional tactics.

Disagreements increased until, finally, the original owner quietly stole back the ball.  Well, didn’t the blaming commence!!!  Both held the other responsible, as there was blame on both sides (which there usually is!!).

After listening to both sides, it became obvious that they were no longer having a ball.  (Well, it was now in my possession – a principal’s office is a veritable treasure trove!)

The purpose of the original transaction was to increase their friendship, but material possessions destroyed their relationship.

I relayed my perceptions of the sequence of events and asked them both individually what they wanted.

They both wanted the same thing.  THEIR FRIENDSHIP.  By listening to each other they had remembered each other - WHO they were to each other, rather than WHAT they had.

We as adults can still play similar power games. We keep up with the Jones’, want the latest and greatest fashion accessory or computer and equate success or fulfilment with ownership.  We can forget that modern technology is supposed to make life easier so we can spend quality time and increased quantity of time with our family and friends.

Finally, I told them to work it out for themselves over the next week.  If they could not solve the problem in this period of time, I would make a final adjudication. 

Five minutes later, they returned laughing and giggling.  The problem was solved after a week of bickering – they simply tossed a dice.  Oh, I wish solving problems were that simple at times!  Who won the ball?  Well, it didn’t really matter in the end.  They won back their friendship for themselves and decided there were bigger things in life than handball.

What do you value – Having the ball or having a ball, with friends and family?  I would love to hear your reaction to this turn of events.

 How is your Lenten journey going?

Principal's Messages

BIRDS OF A FEATHER  |  To say I am proud of this group in an understatement.   Under the leadership of Mrs Jo Mitchell this group has met time and time again to capture their encounters with our fine-feathered friends.  As part of a project last year, this group wrote and published a book called, Birds of a Feather.  This book now sits in our library.

The following is from the foreword of this book.  "Birds of a Feather is the name of St Anne's little group of birdwatchers.    We don't all watch together, as smaller gatherings allow for more engaging opportunities.  We share binoculars, bird books and information.  Most weeks we write an article for our school newsletter.  We have included these articles in this book.  Birds of a Feather have also participated in 2020's Nationwide Aussie Backyard Bird Count.  We counted, recorded and submitted the birds we saw in 20-minute periods over 3 days.  Our results are listed in the book.  Our school's gardening group, The Green Team, have planted new native plants and set up a birdbath to attract even more birds and butterflies into our school environment."

Congratulations and well done to Birds of a Feather, your work is very important to our environment.

CHECK OUT OUR NEW SCHOOL VIDEO  |  Our new St Anne's video has just been released!  We ask you to watch it with your child and reinforce why you chose this school.  Please remember to hit the like button! 

TUCKSHOP  |  Tuckshop commences this week; you would have received this message loud and clear already.  Many organisations, including ours rely on the generosity of a volunteer workforce.  With most, if not all leading super busy lives, the idea of volunteering– giving your time and energy to a cause without financial reward – may seem an impossible task.  However, volunteering is important for many reasons and doesn't have to take up too much time. And, in fact, the benefits of volunteering are vast for the volunteer – not just the community, individual or school or organisation receiving the assistance.  At our tuckshop we cannot do what we wish without our volunteer workforce.

Tuckshop commences Wednesday and we are in need of volunteers to help us run this service for our students.  If you can give of your time, please contact Ingrid, our tuckshop co-ordinator, 0448 456 599 on or the office on 4994 8285.

WELCOME BACK TO ST ANNE'S  |  This week we are very lucky to host 4 of our former students as they undertake their work experience practicum.  We warmly welcome Matisse Carey (Prep), Paige Bobbermein (Year 1), Taya Cook (Year 2) and Brigitte McCowan (Year 4).

We hope that your time with us is fruitful and rewarding, welcome back to St Anne's!

Student Protection Contacts

Across The Curriculum

NAPLAN 2021  |  This is just a friendly reminder, that if you are wishing to withdraw your child from the NAPLAN testing process, withdrawal forms are available at the front office and are to be returned to John Ballinger- Oches or myself by Friday, 12th March. Please do not hesitate to contact either of us if you have any questions.

AUTISM QUEENSLAND PARTNERSHIP  |  My name is Sheree Cox and I am from Autism Queensland.  I am lucky enough to be the consultant for this area, working with a great team of professionals to support children with Autism Spectrum disorder in the school setting.  The purpose of this partnership between Autism Queensland and St Anne’s is to work together with students and staff, advising on strategies, resources and providing information so that students can work towards both individual and group goals in areas such as communication, social skills and positive behaviour support.

I look forward to working with all your amazing staff and students and seeing all the successes they have as we navigate our way through the school year.

The Good News

Third Sunday of Lent Year B

No matter what the rule or law is, some people can find a way around it. Sometimes they obey the ‘letter’ of the law, but they disregard the ‘spirit’ of the law. Sometimes they pretend to misunderstand the meaning of the law. And sometimes they actually get away with breaking a law by paying off someone who is supposed to be guarding the law.

Is it ever okay to break a law? Why or why not? 

What are some school rules or family rules that you hate to keep?

What do you dislike about them?

What are some rules or family rules that you wish other people would keep, but they don’t? Why do you like those rules?

Do you think it would be possible to run a country, a school, an organisation or a family without rules or laws?

Why or why not? How would life be different?

In the Gospel of John, Jesus gets fed up with the mockery of God and God’s Commandments that is taking place through all the wheeling and dealing in the Temple. This usually gentle man knocks over tables, uses strong language, and drives out the money changers. Jesus demands the respect for God and God’s designated house that the Commandments call for, even to the point of risking his life.

Jesus tells the people gathered that if they destroy the Temple of God he will rebuild it in three days. As usual, the disciples take Jesus literally. They know how long it takes to build a temple. What they don’t realise is that Jesus is talking about the temple of his body, and his own death and Resurrection.

As we continue our journey through lent, we are reminded to keep the commandments, God’s word brings life, God is wiser than us, Keep God’s space holy and  Jesus is the sign of the times.

Project Compassion 

The theme for Project Compassion 2021 is: 'Be More'

We are inspired by the quote from St Oscar Romero, “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.” 

Instead of aspiring to have more, we can focus on how we can BE more. Be more kind, more green, more involved, more aware, more giving. 

This Lent, let us consider how we can ‘BE MORE’ for our neighbours around the world. 

Week 3 of Lent - Oliva, Tanzania

Oliva lives with her family in Tanzania.  Oliva didn’t have the chance to go to school and as an adult she could not read, write or count.  Without an education it was hard for Oliva to make money from running her kiosk. 

Around a quarter of Tanzanian girls and women over 15 years cannot read or write, with many families unable to afford school fees or uniforms.  When Oliva heard about literacy and numeracy classes being run in her local village, with the support of Caritas, she was keen to participate.

Oliva noticed other adults didn’t feel comfortable attending the community class, so she set up a classroom in her house to share her new skills with her neighbours.  Oliva has now graduated, more people are attending her home-based classes, and her kiosk is thriving.

Please watch Oliva's story by clicking on the link below. 

Sacrament of Penance Update

The updated note has been emailed out to the families of the children enrolled in the Sacrament of Penanace. Please note the change of date for the Sacrament - it is now Sunday 18th April. 

If you have any questions, please contact Mr Presley. 

Making Jesus Real - Weeks 7 & 8 - Greet Treat Speak

How do you Greet, Treat and Speak to others? 

Does the way that you G.T.S. change depending on where you are and who you are communicating with?

What makes a good greeting?

How should we treat others?

How should we speak to others?

Have a great week!

Blessings,

Mr Stuart Presley

Assistant Principal - Religious Education

stuart_presley@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Sports News

St Anne's Netball Team  |  Below is a lovely picture, sent in by one of our parents, of our St Anne's Netball team at their first game on Thursday afternoon. 

Students Of The Week

  Congratulations To Our Students Of The Week  |   Piper W, Hadley W, Grace H, Payton H, Charlotte D, Summer K, Kaly F, Liam B, Darci K, Samson M, Ellani K, Stevie M, Abby B, Charlotte B, Ronan M, Dain M, Zoe J, Chase H, Zeva L, Khloe S, Mackintyre W, Tatam W, Odessa M

General Information

Tuckshop Menu & Donations List

Tuckshop Volunteer Form

General News

Thankyou Kaiden On Your Hair Donation To Wigs For Kids  |  One of our Year 6 students Kaiden has once again donated her lovely long hair to Wigs For Kids, to help make wigs for kids with cancer.  This is such an incredible thing that you do Kaiden and we send you a big thank-you from the STA community.  Below is some information about Wigs For Kids and the wonderful work they do.  It would be amazing if others in our community decided that they could contribute in some way to this cause.

Donating Hair to Cancer Patients with Wigs for Kids

Our Mission: Helping Children Look Themselves and Live Their Lives!

When Children lose their hair, they don’t just suffer physically. The change in their appearance can drastically undermine their self-image and sabotage their self-esteem. To help heal the pain of these struggles, Certified Cosmetic Therapist Jeffrey Paul founded Wigs for Kids, a nonprofit organization that has been serving children suffering from hair loss since 1981.

Wigs for Kids is a cooperative effort among Certified Cosmetic Therapists throughout North America who share a common goal. “Children shouldn’t have to worry about how they look, especially when they’re in the middle of a health crisis,” says Jeffrey Paul. “We want to give these kids the opportunity to feel good about themselves again.”

The value of all children’s wigs Hair Replacements is $1,800. “These are custom-made Hair Replacements,” says Jeffrey Paul. “Each prosthesis is hand-tied and is made completely from human hair. We make sure they look just like a child’s own hair.”

“They won’t come off on the baseball field or in the playground,” he adds. “Kids can count on them. And because kids look just the way they did before, they feel better about themselves. They look in the mirror and their eyes light up. To see that light in their eyes … that’s priceless.”

Our History: Looking back over the past 30 years, Wigs for Kids founder Jeffrey Paul cannot believe his incredible journey.

He was a successful hairdresser with a thriving business. He traveled all over the world to work with powerful presidents and gorgeous models. But one day, his 15-year-old niece walked into his salon, crying. She tearfully begged him to stop her hair from falling out. His immediate thoughts were that it was not serious. But when he saw the look in her father’s eyes, he knew it was something more. It turned out that she had just been diagnosed with leukemia. “Uncle Jeff, you know I’ve been trying to get on the gymnastics team all my life,” she cried. “My hair is going to be falling out when it’s time to try out.”

Although chemotherapy would help save her life, it would also leave her with no hair. “I promised her that she would have hair,” Paul says. “And when you make a promise to a kid, you keep it.”

He did some research and learned that designing children’s wigs is complicated because kids are smaller and more active than adults. So, he worked with doctors and prosthetics specialists to devise a hairpiece that would withstand typical kid activities, such as swimming, gymnastics, and sleepovers. They came up with a wig that adhered to the scalp under the most aggressive conditions. And if it got wet, it would look like everybody else’s hair, because every strand of hair was hand-tied.

Paul’s niece was fitted with her wig in time for her gymnastics competition. “My heart was pounding as my wife and I sat in the stands,” he recalls. “And when my niece jumped off the apparatus, she looked up into the stands at us and pointed to her head. Tears ran down my face. I knew that God was taking me to another place in my life. The time was right for me to reach out.”

He got his chance after a local newspaper ran his niece’s story. Wanting to do something good for the community, he asked readers to send him their old wigs, which he would then refurbish and donate to needy patients. “The next day, I received 500 wigs that were beyond repair,” Paul says. “People meant well, but they sent us wigs that had been in their closets since the 1950s. So my wife and I used our own money to start a wig bank.” In no time, word got out that he was helping children and adults who needed wigs.

When a flood destroyed his salon and the insurance company would not cover the damages, he jumped at the chance to open his new business. And he found the perfect space — a medical office that offered the privacy he needed. “When you’re working with somebody who has no hair, you can’t work in an open salon,” he explains. Soon, instead of cutting and styling hair, Paul was custom designing full-cranium prosthetics, or wigs, for children and adults who lost their hair due to medical conditions. To this day, each handcrafted wig is made of about 150,000 strands of natural hair. The individual strands of hair are hand-tied onto the foundation of the wig, which is created from a mold of the person’s head for a snug fit. “I learned on the job and asked some great people to teach me what I didn’t know,” he says. “Quite by accident, I became an innovator.”

Paul didn’t accept hair donations at first. But one day a woman who had cancer came to see him with her daughter who had hair so long she was sitting on it. “Her beautiful, natural blonde hair hadn’t been cut in 18 years,” he explains. “After her mother’s consultation, her daughter said, “Mom, I want to cut my hair for you.” After we all dried our tears, I realized that this child could give her mother nothing more than a part of her body. The mother was so moved that I said I would do it.”

It didn’t take long for the company to grow. “I’d always been an educator and motivational speaker, so I trained people all over the world to do what we were doing: restoring beautiful hair by creating wigs for children, women, and men,” Paul says. He also informed medical professionals and social workers of the hair replacement and children’s wigs options for donating hair to cancer patients.

“There were a lot of kids in need,” he recalls. “The business was getting bigger than we could handle out of our pockets.” So on behalf of Wigs for Kids, he filed for, and received, non-profit status for his charity for children. Now, volunteers sort the donations of hair, answer questions, speak at schools, and hold fundraisers. “We’re a small organization on the inside so we can make a big impact on the outside,” Paul says.

Student Attendance Data 

Is regular attendance important? 

Yes, from the first day!

If students miss the basic skills in the early years of school, they often experience difficulties later on.  It has been shown that irregular attendance in the junior primary and primary years often leads to the development of poor attendance at secondary school.

There are many ways in which families can support their children to be prepared for learning at school.  Making school attendance a high priority in your family would probably be the most important, but also by ensuring children get enough sleep, a good diet and regular exercise; by encouraging reading from an early age; by sharing the learning journey through an active involvement in our wonderful school, and in your child’s hobbies and extra-curricular activities, and so on.

Of course, in order for students to learn at school, they need to show up.  In fact, it is illegal for school-aged child not to attend school.  Even more troubling though, is the learning a child will miss if they do not attend school.  If a student misses as little as eight days each term, by the end of primary school they will have missed over a year of learning.

All absences from school must have a reason and be acknowledged by parents and caregivers.  

Text messages to advise of absences are sent daily to parents from the school.

To advise of your child's absence, please only phone 4994 8285 or use parent lounge.  Emails in the morning rush can easily be overlooked.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr Oches, Mr Presley or Mrs L Holmes. 

Birds Of A Feather

Student Leadership

Leadership is a quality that all students of St Anne's Catholic Primary School are encouraged and supported to develop.  These experiences ensure that students perceive themselves as leaders and have the opportunity and confidence to take on leadership roles and find their voice.

Newsletter Report By  Matthew F  |   Looking back at this week I am proud to say that students are showing good sportsmanship on the field at lunch break, this is good for our fitness and our minds. I’ve been noticing lots of students wearing other shoes than black.  Please remember that the school uniform is completely black shoes. On a good note, I am glad to see that students have listened to Mr Presley and asked their teacher to rewrite their name on their hats. This prevents lost hats.  I hope you are having a good week, whatever you are doing.  Thanks for taking the time to read this report.

Finance News

TERM ONE FEES  |  Term 1 school fees are due 11th March. If you foresee any issue with payment by the due date and do not already have a payment plan in place, please contact the Finance Office Monday to Thursday 9:30am - 3:30pm to discuss options. 

From The Counsellor

The Resilience Project visit with Ray and Gavin from the Cowboys

What an amazing day this was!!! Last week we had a visit from Ray Thompson and Gavin Cooper, former Cowboys players, who came and talked to our school about The Resilience Project.  They introduced the students to what GEM (Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness) means and how they can practise GEM every day!!!  Each class got the opportunity to chat with Gavin and Ray and talk about what they are grateful for in their lives, as well as learn why it is important to identify these positive elements of our lives.   Gavin and Ray gave the students real life examples from their own lives to show the students how practising Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness have enriched their lives.  Look out for more visits from the Cowboys and The Resilience Project team later this year.

Crossing Supervisor Position

CASUAL POSITION VACANT

A casual position exists for a School Crossing Supervisor at ST Anne’s School.

The School Crossing Supervisor may be required to work five days per week in all weather conditions. The hours of work for School Crossing Supervisors are 1 hour a day and usually comprise of 40 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the afternoon Commencement date to be advised a Pay Rate of $30.34 per hour.

The successful applicants will be dependent on:

• The suitable outcome of a health assessment carried out by a GP of your choice according to the guidelines in the “Notes for Medical Practitioner” on the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme – Health Assessment Form; (this is paid by the Department)
• A Positive  Blue Card Notice (This is also paid by the Department and means you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position)

If you are interested in the position please collect an application form from the School administration or contact Karen Cantoni (Road Safety officer) on 49 518331.

The School Crossing Supervisors Application is to be returned to School for the school principals' recommendation.

Community News

The Mackay Hospital Foundation have partnered Mackay Leisure Centre for a night of egg-tastic fun. Students are invited to dress up in costumes and join us for an egg-streme Easter Skate Party including skating, laser tag and an Easter egg hunt. 

Event Details:

When: Saturday 27 March 2021

Where: Mackay Leisure Centre, 95 Broadsound Road, Paget

Time: Doors open at 6:30pm and close at 8:30pm.

Entry Options:

$10 – Entry Only (Skate Hire + $4)

$20 – Entry + Skate Hire + Laser Tag Mission