Newsletter 22 - July 23rd 2021
Prayer of the Week
A Prayer During COVID-19
May we, who are experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and in our small world, and are coming to terms with the new reality, remember the words of Scripture:
“Be still and know that I God”.
May we, who as adults struggling to process what is happening in our world, remember children who are fearful of a reality they cannot comprehend. May we, who complain about the scarcity of commodities, remember those who are working to maintain the supply chain. May we, who observe the long queues of those seeking support, remember those for whom there is no government assistance or financial aid. May we, who work to end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity, remember those living and working in vulnerable communities. May we, who are working from home, remember those who have no employment or home from which to work. May we, who have access to medical facilities and services, remember those who do not have basic health care. May we, who are beginning to experience border closures, remember refugees who cannot return home. May we give thanks for those who are working to help or bring some kindness, joy or humour to others, showing us that the light of Christ shines. During this time of isolation, as we close our doors, may we continue to keep our hearts open to our families, friends, local and global communities. We asked this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Principal's Report
''Constant Change is Here to Stay''
The above quote was written on the staffroom whiteboard of one of the first schools I taught at. It was a commonly used phrase of former principal, Greg Jarvis. As a teacher and then school leader, I have often reflected on how true this statement is when working in education. Often a Plan A, B and even C are needed. The ongoing COVID situation is one of those occasions where it really seems like the only thing that is constant, is change.
On Tuesday, we were met with the news that the current lockdown period will be extended until 11.59 pm on Tuesday, July 27th. Due to this extended lockdown, the school will continue to provide remote learning resources up to an including Tuesday or until otherwise advised.
During this period the school will also provide on-site supervision for students in the following categories:
• Children whose parents are considered essential workers as listed, cannot work from home and where no other supervision arrangements can be made.
• Vulnerable children, including children in out-of-home care, children deemed by Child Protection and/or Family Services to be at risk of harm and children identified by the school as vulnerable (including via referral from a family violence agency, homelessness or youth justice service or mental health or other health service).
Please email principal@spstawell.catholic.edu.au, contact me via ClassDojo or call the school if your child/ren require supervision. Please note that onsite supervision should be seen as a last resort after all other supervision arrangements have been exhausted. Under current restrictions providing care, including of children whose parents need to work, is one of the allowed reasons to leave home.
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Unfortunately, next week's parent-teacher interviews will be postponed until restrictions are eased. All parents who have made bookings will be advised when a date is confirmed and bookings will be carried over.
Upcoming School Events
Due to the current uncertainty around COVID-related restrictions, I am unable to provide details on upcoming events such as school photos and upcoming concert. The school will work to put in place contingencies for a range of possibilities. I will continue to keep the school community informed when arrangements are finalised.
One Final Thing
It has been a very busy and challenging week. I would just like to say a big thank you to all the wonderful students, families, and staff that make up our school community. Everyone's ability to adapt to ensure that the learning keeps happening is truly amazing! I feel very blessed to be the Principal of such a school.
With Faith in our Future
Chris McAloon
Living in Faith
World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
The inaugural World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be commemorated on Sunday 25th July.
Pope Francis announced earlier this year that the day will be marked each year around the feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, the grandparents of Jesus. In his message for the World Day of Grandparents and Elderly with the theme "I am with you always", Pope Francis said older people, even if "energy is running out ", have a "renewed vocation". The elderly have earnt respect in all cultures.
"When a grandfather dies a whole library is buried with him." - (African Proverb).
"Our grandmother used to tell us stories of our Dreamtime. Much of our sense of being part of a people comes from her." - (Aboriginal Parent)
"Children and the elderly build the future of peoples; children because they lead history forward, the elderly because they transmit the experience and wisdom of their lives." - Pope Francis, Angelus, Rio de Janeiro - July 26th 2013.
Great Book Swap - happening at St Patrick’s Primary School Term 3 Week 7
Literacy is a major issue facing remote Indigenous communities. Being unable to read and write is a significant barrier to education, employment, health and wellbeing.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation works to address this through providing books and literacy resources (some in first languages) to families, schools and service organisations in remote communities; and publishing stories by Indigenous people that are reflective of community life and culture. Low literacy levels are a major issue affecting Indigenous communities today. Being unable to read and write is a significant barrier to education, employment, health and wellbeing. Remote Indigenous communities are the most disadvantaged. 2017 NAPLAN results show only 35% of Indigenous Year 5 students in very remote NT communities meet the minimum standard for reading, compared to 95% for non-Indigenous students in major cities. Our Social Justice leaders are working for our school and parish community taking part in The Great Book Swap in support of Indigenous literacy.
The idea is that our school/parish community would donate any quality, unwanted children’s books, Social justice will then conduct a Book swap where students are able to purchase any of these donated books for a gold coin donation. All money raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Please send any donated books to school, thanks to those who have already donated.
Wellbeing
The Academy of Imperfection - Dr Billy Garvey, Paediatrician
Go get your pens and notebooks everyone! In this edition of The Academy of Imperfection, students Hugh, Ryan, Josh sit down with famed paediatrician, Dr Billy Garvey of The Royal Children’s Hospital. Currently, Billy regretfully has a two and a half year waiting list to see him in person, but is keen to reach as many of you as possible NOW. And with all the talk on our podcast about parenting recently, we felt this was a very necessary episode. Billy may not look like one of Australia’s most respected and in-demand paediatricians, as we speak about in the episode, but gee whiz, he sure does talk like it!
- Apple Podcasts - Click Here
- iHeart Radio - Click Here
- Spotify Podcasts - Click here
- Stitcher - Click Here
Remote Learning
This week for Visual Arts the students looked at the work of Canadian artist Raku Inoue who creates the most amazing insect pictures from things he finds in his garden such as sticks, leaves, flowers. Here's the link to a video that shows him making some of his artwork:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW804tc_wm4
The students were asked to find some things in the garden such as leaves, sticks and flowers then use them to create an insect. Below are some examples of the students' work. Well done to everyone who took part.
Upcoming Events
Friday, September 3rd - School Closure Day
Acknowledgement of County
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.