T2 W3 Newsletter 2021

From The Principal

Dear Members of the STA Family,

Mothers love us - our tears, our anger, our fears, our defences and our insanity, our joys, our hopes and our defencelessness.

I once asked my mother why she loved me no matter what I did or said.  She responded  - "Because I do."  My grandmother was also a very strong figure and was a significant adult in my childhood through to my early adult years.

To me they were both just total love – wrapped warm and secure around family.

Generally, we grow and become the people we are because of the selflessness, example and infinite depth of love that mothers and grandmothers show us.

There are immeasurable ways to be a mum.  No one can be the mum you are - the wonderful, caring mum who is loved for who you are and how you are!

Our perfect model of motherhood is our Eternal Mother Mary.  She gave birth to Jesus in total humility in a barn, she supported and encouraged him throughout his challenging ministry, loved him and stood beside him as he died on the cross for all of humanity and prayed for his resurrection with a gentle and quiet spirit.  Thank-you to all the mums, grand mums, surrogate mums, step mums, carer mums, aunty mums and parishioner mums who share their love in so many ways to all of the students, teachers, support staff and other parents at St Anne's Catholic Primary School. 

We hope you all have a wonderful day this Sunday, filled with laughter, hugs, kisses and cuddles.

Principal's Messages

Closure of Central Street at Level Crossing 13th May - 21st May

GRATITUDE  |  There are so many things that as a school community we are gratfeul for.  Many thanks to all staff who have started the term so brilliantly; the role you play within our school is vital to our smooth running, no matter the role.  Your enthusiasm and dedication is noteworthy and for that I am grateful.

Many thanks to all parents who have also embraced this new term, ensuring that students are ready and prepared for their learning.  Without you and your strong support we would certainly not be the community we are and for that I am grateful.

Thank you to all those who either planned or assisted at the Mother's Day Stall yesterday.  Your dedication to our students in incredible.  The following mothers gave up their own time to assist your children.  Nikki McCowan (organiser extraordinaire), Kate Cranston, Alyssa Hill, Mel Keating, Rebecca Bearham and Kelly-ann Burley.  The way you planned and set up or assisted and guided our students was amazing and for that I am grateful.  In all, a total of $1870 was made.  This will be put to good and careful use.

P&F FOCUS COMMITTTEE MEETING  |  This coming Monday sees our P&F FOCUS Committee meeting taking place in the library.

Agenda items are:

**iPad and square for use in Tuckshop and for the Garden Party     **Fence Update     **New Uniform update     **Uniform Shop Update     **Tuckshop Update     ** Treasurer update     **Garden Party     **Disco     **Containers for Change     **Edging for playground     **New BBQs     **Cage for BBQ Gas Bottles

Enrolments For 2022 Now Being Taken

ENROLMENTS FOR 2022  |  Enrolments for Prep are currently being taken for the 2022 school year.  If you have a child due to commence Prep next year born between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017, please complete an online enrolment form available from the school website: https://www.sasrok.catholic.edu.au/

Enrolments for Years 1—6 are also currently being taken for 2022.  Interviews will commence in Term Two. 

For all enrolments we need to sight the original birth certificate or have a certified copy please.

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.

Flu Season Reminder

Flu Season Reminder

As you are aware every year Queensland experiences an influenza or flu season. As we enter this season it is timely to remind parents and care-givers not to be complacent about flu. Queensland Health advises that where possible, people need to be vaccinated for the flu every year.

Flu is a virus more serious than the common cold and can be spread through talking, coughing and sneezing. Symptoms include sudden fever, dry cough, muscle aches and pains, fatigue, headache, sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose.

If your child has flu-like symptoms, the following is advised:

• Keep your child home from school;
• Ensure your child washes their hands regularly with soap and water or sanitiser gel;
• Encourage your children when coughing or sneezing, to cover their mouth and nose with disposable tissues which should be disposed of immediately;
• Ensure they drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest;
• Consult your doctor if you are concerned about their symptoms.

Queensland Health Guidelines advise that individuals displaying flu like symptoms should  stay at home until such symptoms have passed (normally 5-7 days). 

Families should also reinforce the recommended protective actions listed above.

Increased awareness and ongoing attention to prevention and control measures, such as vaccination and good hygiene, are steps that we can all promote to reduce the impact of influenza.

Across The Curriculum

NAPLAN TESTING PERIOD IS ALMOST UPON US!

NAPLAN Breakfast- changes to our routine

Traditionally, we have held a NAPLAN breakfast on each morning that the assessments were being conducted, as it was over a three day period with everyone completing paper tests at the same time. Now that we have transitioned to being an online school, our assessments have spread out over a two week window to avoid internet glitches, with Year 3's being tested in the morning session, and Year 5's being tested after our first lunch break.

As a result of this, our breakfast needs have changed. This year, we will still have a bacon and egg burger breakfast on Tuesday, 11th May, but on other days, we will provide fruit for our Year 3's on the morning of the remainder of the tests. We will then have an ice block party on the last day to celebrate as a group together.

The National NAPLAN testing dates are fast approaching. Below are the dates and testing times for our Year 3 and 5 classes. It would be appreciated if all Year 3 and 5 students were present at school, unless of course they are unwell. If your child is unwell during these times, please call the front office and let us know as soon as possible, so that other arrangements can be made.

Our Bush Tucker Garden!

Our bush tucker garden is loving the occasional rain and sunshine! We have just harvested a first flush of rosella fruit, and are investigating how we can use these. Jam, ice cream, jelly, sugar soap and tea are just some things we can have fun creating with this fruit! If anyone has a tried and true jam recipe, I would love our students to start with creating some jam to sell or to use in the tuckshop. Our native gingers are doing well, and the peppermint bush is beginning to spread and serve it's purpose as a ground cover. Watch this space to see our creations!

Have a blessed week,

Mrs H

Assistant to the Principal: Curriculum

Sports News

Don Grobe Plate Rugby League

The 2021 rugby league season for St Anne's commences this Wednesday with our first game against St Brendan's. Parents, students and supporters are most welcome at our games. These are played on Wednesday afternoons at Abbott Park (off Casey Avenue, South Mackay). Stay tuned for the results! 

2021 Challenge Cup

Expression of interest notes have been sent home for students wishing to participate in Netball or Rugby League for Challenge Cup These notes need to be returned ASAP so potential team lists can be finalised. Challenge Cup is from the 14th to 16th July at St Brendan's College, Yeppoon. More details about the carnival will be provided once finalised. 

As per the notes sent home, parents and players are required to organise their own travel to and from the carnival along with accommodation for the duration of the carnival.We strongly recommend booking ASAP. 

Please contact Miss Lymbery (netball) or Mr Presley (rugby league) if you have any questions. 

The Good News

Sunday's Gospel Reflection - Fifth Sunday of Easter Year B

In the reading from John’s Gospel, Jesus uses the image of the vine and branches to show how important it is to stay connected to him, to keep growing in faith. God is the vine grower. Jesus is the vine. We are the branches. The vine also represents the Christian community. The Christian community is fruitful if it proclaims and witnesses the Gospel to others. Those who hide their faith are like dead branches that need to be pruned.

The vine is the lifeline for the branches. If branches are cut off from the vine, they die. Jesus is our lifeline and he often works through the people in our life.

Who do you know that acts as an emotional lifeline for you? Who gives you life and support and strength?

The Scriptures tell us that those who live in Jesus do good work and bear much fruit—apart from Jesus, we cannot do anything worth doing.

Do you know people who clearly live in Jesus and are doing good work? What are they like? How do you know they are living in Jesus? What good work do they do? How can you be more like them?

Jesus says that if his words are living within us, whatever we ask for in prayer shall be granted.

What does it mean to have Jesus’ words living within us? If his words are truly living within us, then what would our prayer be like?

School Virtue - Respect

What does this mean?

Parents who gift their children with a Catholic education are laying the foundation that will inspire and guide them through their lifetime. They know that their children will be nurtured in the Gospel message and challenged to see themselves as able to make a difference in the world.

Another important value learned in a Catholic school community is that of inclusion. Helping each child understand the importance of respecting all, allows them to recognise that they are called to be responsible global citizens. This formation of recognising the presence of Christ in themselves and others, which is begun at home, is not only fostered but is celebrated in Catholic schools. 

Not only do Catholic schools teach the value of respect for others, they also teach the importance of respect for various religions of the world. Teaching global awareness of other faiths and social justice issues encourages students to be responsible, responsive, compassionate and empathetic to the beliefs, feelings and needs of others.

By teaching morality in accordance with Gospel values, all members in a Catholic school community show selfdiscipline and respect for everyone.

Receive each person who comes into our lives – student, parent, teacher, staff member, community or parish partner – as our brother or sister in Christ.
Engage completely and regularly, without deliberate distraction, in face-to-face communication with those in our care.
Solve problems through open dialogue, not silence or verbal violence.
Pray for those who have hurt us and for those whom we have hurt.
Examine our hearts for prejudices, biases and judgements that drive us toward the darkness rather
than the light.
Choose to use words as blessings, not weapons, in a manner that heals, not harms.
Think of no one as less than ourselves. 

Have a great week. 

Blessings,

Stuart.

Mr Stuart Presley

Assistant Principal - Religious Education

stuart_presley@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Student Protection Contacts

Tuckshop Volunteers

General Information

Week 2 - School Attendance Data

Unexplained Absences
The Department for Education requires a reason for every student absence. In order for us to maintain accurate school attendance records we need to be notified by phone, Parent Lounge, in person or by a signed note about your child’s absence from school. The school will follow up unexplained absences in accordance with Diocesan policies.

Late Arrivals/Early Pickups
If students arrive after 8.40am we ask the adult and student go directly to the school office to sign in via our online system. The student will receive a printed late slip to give to the class teacher.

If a student needs to leave early the adult is asked to go to the school office prior to collection to sign the student out.  If another adult is collecting a student we ask for the school office to be contacted by the Legal Guardian prior to collection by other adults.

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.

Students Of The Week

Congratulations To Our Students Of The Week  |   Grace H, Preston H, Mia K, Zahliah C, Rylan B, Brooklyn K, Liam B, Peyton W, Christopher B, Mason C, Ellani K, Lucy J, Eddie R, Georgia B, Adalyn C, Charlotte B, Benjamin M, Ronan M, Skylynn G, Mia Z, Tahliea H, Flynn S, Sammy-Jo W, Bella R, Savannah B

Birds Of A Feather

P&F News

New Schoolzine App for Reading Newsletters

Schoolzine SZApp  |  As you are aware, at St Anne’s we have implemented a new format for our newsletter this year called Schoolzine. We encourage families to download the free SZApp which will enable you to easily see our newsletter on any device and receive alerts when the latest newsletter is available. The newsletter link will also continue to be emailed out to parents. 

Once thge SZApp is downloaded, please complete your registration, using our school passcode 4818. More instructions on how to install the SZApp are below.

Community News