T3 W9 Newsletter 2021

From The Principal

The following is a reflection I wrote some years ago when I was contemplating life.  

Some time ago I was diagnosed with a spinal tumour.  This, as you would imagine, threw my family into great turmoil.  As odd as it seems, at the same time, having my mysterious illness named was a great joy.  Finally, the doctors could do something about my rapidly deteriorating condition; I had been suffering with it for nearly a year and doctors were baffled.  Our second child, Thea, had been born in August and I was suffering as a father as I could not even muster the strength to pick her up and give her the ‘daddy cuddles’ I felt she needed.

During this time of suffering, I learnt a great deal about myself, my family and my relationships. As circumstance would have it, I was approximately four weeks away from becoming a paraplegic. The tumour had grown so large that it was compressing nerves in my spine, thus restricting my mobility.  These nerves were needed for the lower part of my body, to enable me to function as I wished.  By the time I was diagnosed I could hardly walk, and my feet and legs were losing much sensation.  I was unable to drive and Debbie had to take me everywhere.  The slightest bump in the road sent hot blades of pain shooting throughout my body. It's odd but I remember this well.  I remember a friend who was great at reflexology slept over a number of times to relieve me of pain when my body would wince and writhe.  Joe would grab my feet and whilst I slept, work on pressure points.  The people who rallied around us as a family showing support were wonderful.

Perhaps it is a part of human nature that it takes a tragedy to occur before this level of support is shown.  We all suffer hardships in our lives - that is part of the essence of being human.  But something that we do have the ability to change is the way we support others who are journeying this life with us.  Debbie and I along with our young family were so overwhelmed that at times we had to pinch ourselves.  The day after my operation I received great news - it had been a success, but I had to remain in hospital for a further ten days.  My recovery was painful and slow as I had to literally take baby steps, but I journeyed back to being the hands-on dad that I wished for myself. That was my goal!  I could finally pick Thea up; such a joyous memory for me.  I’m not sure that Thea would remember any of this, but I do and thank God every day for my family and my health. This whole experience taught us much about life and is an experience I often sit and ponder about. Since then, I have tried to take each day as a gift.  At times I have failed with this.   I also learnt to not take people or each day for granted.  This too, I have failed with at times, but I try to move forward from this on a daily basis.  We have been gifted with many wonderful family and friends and I wouldn't change a thing about any of them nor our relationships.  

My faith is important to me, always was and always will be.  This faith helped me to see the light at the end of the tunnel when my journey was darkened, and I couldn't see the way.  God was and continues to be my light!

Principal's Messages

STUDENT PROTECTION PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT  |  This week on Thursday all Student Protection Officers in the northern region of our diocese are gathering for compulsory training.  The purpose of training such as this is to keep us abreast of current trends and information in this space.  During this time if you have any concerns please see the front office staff, they will be happy to guide you OR your class teacher.  Staff attending are in the photo.  

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NEXT WEEK  |  Four staff members will be away Wednesday to Friday of next week in Rockhampton.  The following people will be attending training in preparation for our school becoming a TRAUMA-AWARE SCHOOL.  More information will be published as it comes to hand.  During this time if you have any concerns please see the front office staff, they will be happy to guide you OR your class teacher OR Mrs Sue Holmes. 

Key personnel away will be: Mr Presley, Mrs H, Mrs Goodman and myself.

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.

Student Protection Contacts

The Good News

The healing that Jesus works in this passage is perhaps one of the most ‘physical’ of his healing actions. He puts his fingers in the man’s ears and places spittle on his tongue. It is an incredibly intimate contact with a complete stranger and someone regarded as outcast and unclean because of his disabilities. When Jesus speaks the word of healing, Ephphatha (‘Be opened’), he appears to be speaking not only to the man but to all those listening. Be open to the possibility of embracing those you have cast out; be open to a different understanding of Messiah.

When Isaiah described the signs by which the Messiah would be recognised, he identified those people who were isolated from society by their physical afflictions. He portrayed a Messiah who released them from those afflictions and allowed them to re-enter society.

That is what Jesus did time and time again. In the healing of the deaf and dumb man, Jesus called on all those around him to also be opened – that their hearts may be opened to compassion.

Jesus calls to us through Sunday's gospel to also be open to compassion and open to the needs of those around us.

(c) Catholic Kids Media 2021. Video used with permission. 

On Sunday, we celebrated Father's Day. This is a special day where we give thanks for the gift of fathers, grandfathers, uncles and those who are a fatherly figure. Being a father is also a life changing experience (as I have found out myself!)

I've been fortunate in my life to have my father, Dr Robert Presley, and my grandfather, Noel Dever (dec) as great role models. Dad as a general surgeon, worked incredibly hard and always strived for excellence in his work. Dad's message of "do your job and do it well" continues to inspire me today as an educator. His thirst for ongoing improvement and continued learning is something that stands out to me. I remember times when he had to make sacrifices with family - taking a phone call and having to race to the hospital to operate on someone urgently or working on a weekend. These sacrifices taught me how important his work was - placing the needs of the sick and ill first through being caring and compassionate. 

Noel, affectionately known as 'Papa', was a shining example of love, faithfulness and gentleness. As my grandma developed Alzheimer's later in her life, Papa became her primary carer. He would care for Grandma right up until her passing. Papa (and Grandma) were true to their wedding vows of 'be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honour you all the days of my life'. Papa's example taught us all about love - for your spouse, your children, your family and your neighbour. 

We give our thanks, Creator God, for the fathers in our lives.

Fatherhood does not come with a manual, and reality teaches us that some fathers excel while others fail.

We ask for Your blessings for them all and forgiveness where it is needed.

This Father's Day we remember the many sacrifices fathers make for their children and families, and the ways--both big and small--they lift children to achieve dreams thought beyond reach.

So too, we remember all those who have helped fill the void when fathers pass early or are absent; grandfathers and uncles, brothers and cousins, teachers, pastors and coaches and the women of our families.

For those who are fathers, we ask for wisdom and humility in the face of the task of parenting. Give them the strength to do well by their children and by You.

In Your Holy name, O God, we pray.

Amen.

Our overarching MJR themes of WEST and GTS link very nicely to our school virtues of Respect, Responsibility, Kindness and Compassion.

At St Anne's, we welcome everyone and encourage them to be all they can be. We acknowledge when we have done wrong and can ask for God's forgiveness. Most of all, we give thanks for what we have received as all good things from God. 

We greet everyone in the school, we treat people with kindness and respect and we speak kind and encouraging words. 

We strive to Make Jesus Real every day at St Anne's.

If you see a staff member or student doing this well, be sure to let Mr Oches and Mr Presley know so we can acknowledge them!

Congratulations to Clare, Anthony, Dain, Makinley and Dylan who made their Sacrament of First Eucharist on Sunday with other candidates from St Michael's. They now have received all their sacraments of initiation in the Catholic church. Next Sunday, we have our final group making their sacrament as well. We continue to pray for all candidates. 

From Tuesday 31st August to Thursday 2nd September, our Year 5 classes attended Action Challenge for their leadership camp. A great time was had by students and staff with activities such as the low ropes, flying fox, milk crate stack, rafting, medium ropes, giant swing and leap of faith. 

A big thank you to Mrs H, Mrs Campbell, Mr Frost, Mrs Douce, Mrs Schulte, Mrs Cotter and Mrs Martin for accompanying the students on camp. Thank you to Mrs Adams for assisting on Tuesday and Wednesday night. 

Thank you to parents and caregivers who came to the liturgy on Wednesday night, we appreciate you being present and taking the time to reflect on the gifts, talents, skills and achievements of your children. 

Stay tuned for photos and videos - we have so many to sort out!

Have a great week! God's love, peace and blessings to all in our school community,

Stuart.

Mr Stuart Presley

Assistant Principal - Religious Education

stuart_presley@rok.catholic.edu.au 

Tuckshop Volunteers

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  Lucas  |   The grounds are looking good but at lunch when we sit on the grass we need to listen to the teachers and put our rubbish in the bin, not on the ground. Have a good week.

General Information

In Queensland, a child is considered to be of compulsory school age from 6 years and 6 months until they turn 16, or they complete Year 10 (whichever comes first). Parents of compulsory-school-aged children must: enroll them at a school and ensure they attend school on every school day, unless the parent has a reasonable excuse.

Acceptable Reasons
• Illness
• Essential appointment
• Injury
• Infectious disease
• Bereavement
• Principal approved absence

Unacceptable Reasons
• Birthdays
• Visiting relatives
• Outside school sports
• Helping parents at home
• Weather (i.e. too hot)
• Holidays (unless prior approval granted from the Principal)

Regular attendance helps your child develop the skills needed to access the world of work and other opportunities, learn the importance of punctuality and routine and make and keep friendships. 

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.

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