T2 W6 Newsletter 2021

From The Principal

Maybe there has been some time in your life, perhaps even how, when you've felt like this:

"I am up a blind alley, Lord.  The props have been knocked down beneath me.  I feel as if I'm grappling with the wind for some support or security.  I've been pulled up short, Lord.  Now I realize how much I need something or someone beyond and above myself to give stability to my tenuous existence.

Maybe it was your doing, Lord.  It is your way of bringing me back to homeport of correcting my focus, and re-assessing my goals.   I return to you with empty hands, Lord.  You know well my sorry plight.  I did not find that secret treasure, that pearl of great price.  The bright light that beckoned me only led me astray.  I became entangled in the bonds of my self-service.  Everything I touched turned to dust in my hands."

If you have had feelings like this, then you have something in common with the writer of Psalm 31 for they are his words.  Religious commitment is a highly personal decision.  God calls all people to love and intimacy.  Of course, this call comes in many different ways but no matter how it comes, each individual must make a conscience, thoughtful, free decision to accept and follow that call; sometimes religious commitment is made but, for a thousand different reasons, is allowed to lapse.

However, along the path of our life, God provides what could be termed 'little interventions'.  Maybe such an intervention is associated with a particular event in the life of our children, maybe an accident or the death of a friend or relative.  Such an event might help us to reconsider our life's direction.  As parents, we have given life to our children and are their first educators.  It is in the family group that Christian values are first instilled and Christian attitudes formed.  As we took our children to receive the Sacrament of Baptism, so it is our role to take them to the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist.  It is also our responsibility to 'grow thier faith', this is not the role of others.

As we accept this responsibility, it could well be that these words of the above quoted psalmist take on a personal meaning.

Most of us have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.  In and through the Sacrament, the Holy Spirit calls, helps and cooperates with people in their efforts to become mature witnesses to Christ.  The Sacrament of course is not magical.  It is an effective sign of God's presence and activity and is most powerful when it encounters an open, ready, cooperative person.  It is a Sacrament of process, of change and growth, it is kept moving by the way a person, with the help of the Holy Spirit, tries to overcome negative forces. 

What are you doing to 'grow the faith' in your own children?

Principal's Messages

BUS TRAVEL REBATE SCHEME  |  Student travel rebate applications are only open in May for Semester 1 and October for Semester 2.  Please visit https://schooltransport.com.au/ to check if you are 
eligible.

CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING IN ACTION  |  Year 2 continue to be leaders in this area.  Each lunch time they spend time searching, sorting and cleaning in an effort to raise funds for those who lead a life less fortunate than ours.  This is true Catholic Social Teaching in action.  They have just donated a whopping $130.00 to Caritas.  How did they achieve this I hear some of you ask?  They find containers which have a 10 cent refund attached to them and set them aside.  To have reached this goal, this class, along with their teachers collected 1300 eligible containers.  Thank you so very much.  In undertaking this small project it has a ripple effect which reaches far and wide.  Below are three Catholic Social Teachings that these leaders have made an impact with. 

Thank you for teaching us all!

Rights and Responsibilities  |  The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities–to one another, to our families, and to the larger society.

Preferential Option for the Poor  |  A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition instructs us to put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first.

Care for God’s Creation  |  We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of the Catholic faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored.

ANZAC DAY GIFT  |  Recenlty we were presented with the following book on behalf of Wing Commander Mathew Green, Senior Australia Defence Force Officer RAAF Twonsville.

We sinceraly thank Wing Commander Mathew Green for his very kind donation to our school library.

ANZAC DAY ADDRESS  | In case you missed it, the following is a copy of the speech Neil John gave on ANZAC Day.  It was very moving; if you weren't there please take the time to read it.  It has been published with Neil's permission.

Fellow Veterans, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is great to see so many citizens here in support of our Sarina ANZAC Day service in these frustrating and troubled times of COVID.

I’m honoured to be asked to be the guest speaker this ANZAC Day, before I go too much further, I’d like to pay special tribute to the ex-serving and serving members of the Royal Australian Air Force on this Centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force, the service and sacrifices for the nation these brave men and women have made have been truly remarkable and worthy of recognition.

2021 is also an extremely significant year for the Royal Australian Navy with the posthumous recognition of the incredible bravery of Seaman Edward Teddy Sheean, as an 18 year old sailor in fighting off and shooting down Japanese aircraft as the HMAS ARMIDALE was crippled and sinking, he gave his life for his crewmates, and was finally recognised with the awarding of the Victoria Cross for his gallant actions in the Arafura Sea in 1942 aboard the HMAS ARMIDALE in action against a much bigger force of Japanese naval vessels.  We are honoured today with one of our sub-branch members, Tom Andrews, will have his sister with him this year and she will be wearing their Uncle Teddy Sheeans’ Victoria Cross.  This is to date the first VC awarded to a member of the RAN and is truly a deserved honour.

Most of the speeches we hear on ANZAC Days mention the Gallipoli campaign and the history behind ANZAC Day, I think most people are aware of the origins of this day, and this year I wanted to certainly acknowledge the heritage and history of this day but also to continue on to link this day to all of us and our families.  As a Nation we have some of the finest fighting men and women in the world in our ADF, and we must make a commitment their ongoing health and welfare.

The refrain for ANZAC Day is LEST WE FORGET, and this must be our foremost endeavour, to never forget the sacrifices made in our name, but also to never forget those who were fortunate enough to return to our lucky country and please never forget to look after them and support them into the future.

Many families in Australia and in the Commonwealth can trace members who have served in the Military. I myself have parents, grandparents and great grandparents who have served in conflicts.

Today I am acutely aware of the names on the cenotaph behind me, each name as we know represents a fallen serviceman or woman but they are so much more than a name, they are a branch of some-ones family tree which never got to grow, they are sons and brothers and fathers and people who were sacrificed for their country to allow us to enjoy the peace which continues to endure today.

If I may, I will talk about my great Uncle Thomas WARE, he was my Grand Mothers Brother and was born in 1898, he was apparently an intelligent young man and was set to attend Cambridge University when he joined the British Army in 1916 and was eventually trained as a Pilot in the Royal Flying Corps.

By all accounts he was a very keen photographer and had fantastic eyesight, this meant he was allocated to reconnaissance flight roles and in the closing weeks of the war he was actively engaged in photographing the final locations of the trenches in order for the Armistice or cease fire agreement to be written up.  Tragically in early November 1918, a few days before the end of The Great War his aircraft failed to return and Second Lieutenant Thomas WARE, was declared missing by the Royal Air Force, presumed dead.  Years later his remains were identified and he was buried in a War Cemetery in France.  His loss was felt very deeply by my Grandmothers family and I am told that her parents passed not long after he was identified and formally buried.  My grandmother left England soon after this as well and never returned, and I know she grieved for his passing every Remembrance Day.  Thomas Ware, like so many young men then and since had his branch of the family tree finish with his passing, and it for men and women like him that we say LEST WE FORGET.

So in closing, I would ask you all, if you get the opportunity to read the names on this and so many other cenotaphs and memorials all across Australia and indeed on battlefields all over the world, to please consider each name as a member of someone’s family and remember the sacrifice they gave for all of us to enjoy and treasure the peace we currently have.  And if you have relatives who have passed in conflict, please engage in research through either living relatives, the Australian War Memorial, Imperial War Museum, the local Museums or Ancestry websites and find out their stories. It is important that we keep their memories alive, and LEST WE FORGET.

In conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for allowing me to address you today, and thank you for attending today and showing your ongoing support on this our national day of reflection.

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.

School Photo Day Tuesday 15th June

Under 8's Week

Under 8’s Day is being held on Thursday, 27^th May from 8.40 to 10.40am.  Students will be involved in a range of outdoor activities including games, painting, science experiments, messy play and much more.  We are asking that students come dressed in yard clothes to avoid their school uniform being stained with paint and other substances.

Students must have:

• appropriate, sun safe clothing (sleeves on shirts)
• school shoes
• school hat
• spare change of clothes

Thanks for your assistance with this matter.

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.

Student Protection Contacts

The Good News

Sunday's Gospel Reflection - PENTECOST SUNDAY YEAR B

John 20: 19-23 The Spirit will guide the Apostles to all truth

Pentecost is called the birthday of the church because before Pentecost, there really was no church. Jesus had ascended back into the heavens, the Apostles were hanging around, scared and confused, and nobody knew what to do. Going out to baptise people and preach about Jesus was the last thing they had in mind because their lives would be in danger.

But Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit – the force that turned a bunch of frightened, mixed-up people into church. There was a rush of wind, tongues of fire, and then suddenly there was courage, knowledge, direction and commitment! Everyone started speaking and was understood, no matter what the language of the listener was! These were saints suddenly on fire with the Holy Spirit. And it all began with the wind and fire of the Spirit.

The reading from the Gospel of John is Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus comes to them and breathes new life into them – the breath of the Spirit. With the gift of the Spirit comes the gift of peace and a mandate to go out and forgive the sins of others.

News from St Michael's Parish

Catholic Education - Celebrating 200 Years! 

Catholic Education is celebrating 200 years in Australia, marking the bicentenary of the first Catholic school established in Parramatta in October 1820.

First Catholic school

The first Catholic school in Australia was founded in October 1820 by Irish Catholic priest Fr John Therry and run by convict and lay person George Marley. The school, which Catholic historians believe was in Hunter Street, Parramatta, taught 31 students. By 1833, there were 10 Catholic schools in the colony. 

Celebrating the legacy

Over 200 years, Catholic schools have grown to become the largest provider of schooling in Australia (outside government) with one in five school age students attending a Catholic school.

This represents 777,000 students in 1,755 schools across the country and employing over 100,000 teachers and staff.

Nearly 40 per cent of Catholic schools are located outside of metropolitan cities in regional, rural and remote communities.

The formal celebrations were due to be held from October 2020 to October 2021. However, due to pandemic restrictions, the celebrations will now be held during the 2021 school year.

The official national launch of the celebrations was held virtually on 18 February 2021 with local launches held across Australia during February.

A National Mass is being celebrated in states and dioceses on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians on 24 May 2021.

This week, I am away in Rockhampton gathering with other APRE's for professional development on 'Faith for today and tomorrow'. The key themes for this gathering are spirtiuality, faith and religion today, journeying with Jesus, building Catholic school identity and recontextualisation. I look forward to sharing insights into this topic with the St Anne's school community when I return.

Have a great week! 

Blessings,

Stuart.

Mr Stuart Presley

Assistant Principal - Religious Education

stuart_presley@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Finance News

Term Two School Fees   |    Term 2 school fees were sent home last week. The due date for these is 28th May. If you do not believe you can pay in full by the due date and do not already have a payment plan in place, please contact our Finance Officer Sandy Vassallo to discuss options. 

Library News

Book Club Orders  |  Book club catalogues were sent home last week. Orders are due Friday 4th June. 

General News

NAIDOC WEEK

NAIDOC dates for this year is the 4^th to the 11^th July 2021 with the theme being Heal Country . At St Anne’s Sarina we will we be celebrating NAIDOC on Thursday 22^nd July.

We look forward to celebrating this event with our school community as we share our cultural knowledge and inviting all Australians to better understand the importance of protection of waterways, lands and sacred sites.

Sports News

Term 2 Rugby League

Just a reminder to parents and students that training is held every Friday from 3:15 - 4:00pm. 

Training is important as the sessions covers skills such as passing, tackling and positional play.

If players are unable to attend training, parents need to contact Mr Presley by Friday morning. 

Game times are texted to parents once they become available.

This week's game is against Andergrove State School at 4:50pm on Field 4. Players will need to be there by 4:20 to change and warm up. 

Supporters are most welcome! 

Mr Presley

2021 Challenge Cup - Netball and Rugby League

A reminder that all money and forms must be returned by Tuesday 25th May.

Challenge Cup Carnival Shirts and St Anne's team shirt orders will only be processed once payment has been received. If paying by electronic banking, please refer to instructions that were communicated previously. 

Further details about the 2021 Challenge Cup Carnival will be made available to parents once finalised by the organisers. 

Mr Presley & Miss Lymbery

From The Counsellor

A Message from our school counsellor…

I am excited to take on the position of Guidance Counsellor here at St Anne’s and look forward to being part of the Sarina community. My role as counsellor is to provide short-term counselling to support students to achieve academic success, social and emotional wellbeing and psychological health. Our goal as a school community is to support student wellbeing by focusing on Catholic values, creating a safe environment which fosters connection, belonging and help-seeking to allow for optimum student development. I will empower the students of St Anne’s to overcome barriers such as mental health issues, self-regulation and family stressors that may potentially impact their educational achievement.

I am available at St Anne’s on Monday and Wednesday of each week. It is a legal requirement that students have signed consent from both parents before they can access our service and referral forms are available from the office. Please contact me if you have any questions about the health and wellbeing of your child or children.

Wilma Dixon

Phone: 49 948 285

Email: wilma_dixon@rok.catholic.edu.au

General Information

Attendance & Flu Season Reminder

At St Anne's Catholic Primary School, we believe that "every day counts". For us, every school day is an opportunity for quality teaching and learning. In previous newsletters, we've shared why regular attendance is important. However, there are times when students can will need to be absent from school due to illness. The absences can't be avoided and we strongly encourage parents who have sick children to keep them at home to rest. 

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.

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  Renae  |   This week I have been seeing lots of good sportsmanship in the playgrounds. Everyone is playing respectfully and responsibly. In the eating area I have noticed little bits of rubbish on the floor. So, remember this rubbish needs to be picked up. It is good to see that everyone is wearing their uniform correctly and on the right days.

Students Of The Week

Congratulations To Our Students Of The Week  |   Emma F, Summer W, Paige E, Chad M, Cally O, Fallon K, Dustan G, Archie K, All of 5HC, Denver D, Stacey G, Nataya F, Mitchell A, Brady A, Jaxon K, Xanthyia M, Memphis-Belle D, Lilly Z, Archie V, Noah G, Indee M.

Tuckshop Volunteers

P&F News

ThermoMix Raffle

Today the St Annes FOCUS group has launched our Thermomix raffle! 

This year all our money raised from the St Anne's Garden Party and the Thermomix raffle will go towards upgrades to the senior play ground!

Win a TM6 

Only 300 tickets will be sold

It is so easy to purchase a ticket simply scan the attached QR code or head to http://www.rafflelink.com.au/stannessarina to purchase your tickets

GARDEN PARTY TICKETS SOLD OUT

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