Newsletter 30 - September 16th 2021
Prayer of the Week:
God of pastures and God of lambs, these newborn creatures of spring know nothing of the worry or anxiety of our last month.
They know instead of
the earth beneath them
and the sky above,
and a mother who cares for them daily.
May we who are more experienced remind each other of
the steadiness of your providence,
the instinct in your protection,
the simplicity of your love.
And may we then with confidence
find our footing in this newborn world.
Amen.
Principal's Report:
COVID Update
We send our thoughts and prayers to all our sisters and brothers in Ballarat as they enter another lockdown. It is a sign of just how quickly this virus can spread and how circumstances can change so rapidly.
Earlier this week the school was notified that a family member of students from our school was at a Tier One exposure site. Upon learning of their possible exposure the family isolated and were tested. Initial tests returned a negative result and the family will continue to isolate as per health department guidelines.
I would like to thank the family for their adherence to all health advice and open communication with the school. These are the actions that will continue to keep our community safe.
Term Four
Unfortunately at this stage, we have no direction in regards to arrangements for all students returning onsite in Term Four. Based on the latest advice the Victorian Government will outline a roadmap out of lockdown including a plan for schools on Sunday, September 19th. The school has put in place provisions for a range of outcomes that will be communicated depending on the direction of the government.
With Faith in our Future
Chris McAloon
Wellbeing:
Welcome back to another week of wellbeing,
What a crazy term we have just endeavoured, there have been many ups and downs along the way. I have been amazed by the great resilience, patience and persistence all of our students, families and carers have displayed over Term 3.
It was brilliant to see our students in Foundation to grade 2 back on-site for the last week of term. They were champions in transitioning back into the classroom environment. I cannot wait to welcome back the grade 3 to 6 students in due time.
Over your holidays have a think about some of the questions in the picture:
We hope that you all have a happy and safe holiday and enjoy some much needed rest. Thank you for staying in touch with your wellbeing. Lillie Comitti - Wellbeing Officer.
Living in Faith:
Our Lady of Sorrows
This week we celebrate The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. What does this mean for today’s context? Mary of Nazareth, knew what it was to be deeply human. Mary’s life was tough. In our language she was a “battler” who experienced the joys, sufferings, anxiety and deep pain of being human and being a mother.
If we pause for a moment and reflect upon Mary’s life we gain an insight into a strong, courageous, faithful woman. She trudged to Bethlehem, heavily pregnant, to find no suitable accommodation. The Holy family was forced in terror, to flee to Egypt with a newly born infant. As a mother, Mary knew what it was like to lose her child, which would have been terrifying. Right to the end she witnessed her son’s painful agonising death, staying with him, even when her own safety was probably at risk.
The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is one that speaks to us about what it means to be deeply human. Mary knew suffering and in and amongst it she struggled on with faith in her God. In her many sorrows she was not helpless or hopeless, rather in her pain, she battled on with faith, hope and love.
In our human story we too face many losses, pains and suffering, individually, and collectively. During the pandemic our lives are vastly different, we are facing many challenges with climate change. War and poverty exist and is a reality for many. Our school communities are facing situations like we have never experienced before. In this context, on The Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, we are inspired to live our story, in faith, hope and love, transforming our world to a place where God’s dream is truly alive. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus illuminating the journey. Merle Shain’s poem “Better to Light Candles” is an interesting reflection about loss, faith, hope and love.
Better to Light Candles
by Merle Shain
It is better to light candles
than to curse the darkness.
It is better to plant seeds
than to accuse the earth.
The world needs all of our power
and love and energy,
and each of us has something that we can give.
The trick is to find it and use it,
to find it and give it away.
So there will always be more.
We can be lights for each other,
and through each other’s illumination
we will see the way.
Each of us is a seed,
a silent promise,
and it is always spring.
Welcome back to the CSPV Parent Connection News Term 3.
In this issue, you will find relevant information for parents and schools with articles, videos and links to resources. Please subscribe here. CSPV look forward to staying in touch and in sharing information about parent leadership and parent engagement for parents of children in Catholic schools in Victoria.
Visit the link below to view your newsletter:
https://vcspb.schoolzineplus.
World Gratitude Day is coming up on 21 September. In the spirit of peace and gratitude, Grateful Living offer you the gift of “A Grateful Day”. This beautiful, updated (click on the 5 minute video) 5-minute video meditation by Brother David connects us to the heart of what matters, every day.
Teaching and Learning:
We are still hoping to have our Indigenous Book Swap in Term 4.
If you are cleaning out your book shelves over the holidays please remember to drop any quality, unwanted books into the office.
Thankyou so much to all those who have already donated, it’s greatly appreciated.
SENSORY GARDEN UPDATE:
The senior school children that have been onsite on a Thursday, under the direction of Ms Cox Hayward; have been tackling the new Sensory Garden Boxes. We cant wait to start using them. Thankyou for all your help.
Around the town:
Stawell Tennis Club:
The online entry form and competition details commencing in this coming October. Hopefully it will encourage children and their families and friends to get active and become a member of our awesome club! Thankyou for your support, we hope to see you all on the courts for a cracking hit and loads of fun!
https://form.jotform.com/
Northern Grampians Shire Online Art competition:
Please find attached the updated poster for our Children's Week Online Art Competition, including two additional themes: Active living or Healthy places to help inspire all of the budding artists out there.
I look forward to seeing some wonderful creations, and ask if you could please indicate your participation and potential entry numbers in order for me to be able to make prize preparations.
If you have any queries, please let me know.
Kind regards,
Bernadette Thursby
SUPPORTED PLAYGROUP FACILITATOR
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Email: bernadette.thursby@ngshire.
PO Box 580, Stawell, VIC, 3380
Mobile: 0438 838 765
C.K.P Bead It Hi Everyone:
I have taken up a new little hobby. Would love for you to check out my Facebook page C.K.P Bead It, I make a range of Silicon Bead Products which include,
* Lanyard
* Keychains
* Necklaces for Adults and Kid's Bracelet and Necklace Sets
* Car Air Fresheners- with choice of one my scents.
There are more newbies coming to my page. Christmas is not far away, or end of school I know as a parent I find it hard to buy the teacher something to say thanks. These would be a wonderful gift or treat your self to that something special. I offer Covid Safe Collection if you would like to purchase off my page.
I have attached a copy of the flyer.
Kind Regards Chloe Power
Upcoming Events
September 17th - End of term - 2.15 pm finish!
October 4th - Start Term 4 - WATER WEEK POSTERS DUE
October 13,14 and 15- 5/6 School camp - to be confirmed
November 5th - School photos
November 12th - School Closure Day - Staff Professional Development
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land on which our school stands.
We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
We thank them for sharing their cultures, spiritualities and ways of
living with the land in this place we all now call home.