Newsletter 65- August 12th 2022
Prayer of the Week:
God of the Dreaming, you show yourself to us in dreamers, seers, and prophets.
We thank you for all those who, like Mary MacKillop, have helped us to see the possibilities for our country and its people.
As we struggle to realise our dreams for a just, compassionate world, may we witness to our world the true meaning of fair play and care for the oppressed.
Help us to uphold the importance of spiritual realities.
We pray that we will cherish particularly, the gifts of the indigenous peoples of our lands, and those new to our shores.
Teach us that, in the richness and strength of our diversity, lie our possibilities for becoming one. Amen
Principal's Report:
Welcome,
This week we celebrated the Feast of Mary MacKillop. This occasion was marked with a parish liturgy in the school hall on Tuesday morning. Across the school, the students have been learning all about Mary MacKillop. This is very timely with the school re-introducing the weekly Mary MacKillop Award recently.
Earlier this year, the teaching staff undertook a professional development day led by Jim Waight from the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited (DOBCEL). Jim’s session focussed on the history and charism of our school. Given the school’s Joesphite background, a great deal of the day explored the story of Mary MacKillop and the Sisters of Saint Joesph.
Below is an overview of Mary’s life and achievements from ‘Mary MacKillop Today’, which is an aid organisation grounded in Catholic Social Teaching and the work of Mary MacKillop.
Mary was born in Victoria to Scottish immigrants. She was the eldest of eight children and spent her early years working to support her family. At the age of 24, she dedicated her life to God and took on the name “Mary of the Cross”.
Along with Fr Julian Tenison-Woods, Mary opened a school in a disused stable in Penola, South Australia. Her vision was to provide education for underprivileged children. Many other women came to join her there, and Mary and Julian founded Australia’s first religious order: the Sisters of St Joseph.
Mary and the Sisters were committed to serving the poor – to going to where the need was and living amongst those in need. This took Mary all over Australia to many rural areas.
Mary faced fierce opposition throughout her life, which at one point culminated in her being excommunicated. In the face of trial, Mary was a model of forgiveness, insisting no ill be spoken of those who wronged her, while also remaining resolute in her convictions.
Mary was remarkable as a strong female leader in 19th century Australia. Education in this country is what it is today thanks to her dedication and determination.
As well as determination to improve the lives of the less fortunate, Mary MacKillop also had a wonderful turn of phrase. A number of inspirational quotes have been attributed to her. Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good quote and I often draw on Mary’s saying.
This week our Senior students designed and created ‘stained glass windows’ featuring quotes from Mary MacKillop. A selection can be found below.
With Faith in our Future
Chris McAloon
A Word from the Office:
Wellbeing:
Why do we lose control?
Have you ever wondered why we lose control? Or what is happening to our brain when we ‘flip our lid’ ?
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Dan Siegal talks about the parts of the brain involved in emotion regulation. He also coined the term, “flipping your lid” as a metaphor for our experience of being in the throws of anger, and what happens in our brain when anger takes hold.
Take a look at the image of a brain below for a quick reminder of the aspects of our brain..
‘Flip our lid’ PDF:
Check out the video beside - It’s a great explanation of what happens when we ‘flip our lid’ for our children.
Teaching and Learning:
Great Book Swap - happening at St Patrick’s Primary School
24th & 25th August, 2022.
Our school community can donate any quality unwanted/preloved children’s books, Social justice will then conduct the Book swap in the hall, 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.
Maryanne Comitti Teaching & Learning Leader
Please send any donated books into school, thanks to those who have already donated.
Book Week:
The theme for this year is: Dreaming with eyes open…
Book week this year runs from August 22nd to August 26th, 2022. During this time all classes spend time each day celebrating books and Australian children's authors and illustrators. The highlight of book week is on Friday 26th August where students are invited to dress as their favourite book character with a whole school parade where our community is able to attend from 9am.
Mary MacKillop learning across the school:
Foundation and Junior H & R
Junior classes learn about who Mary MacKillop was and what made her special. They explored the concept of how St Mary of the Cross found happiness in making others happy. Students then explored their own special gifts and how they can make others feel special.
Middle H & B
Through listening to Andrew Chinn read Mary MacKillop's story and then listening to the song Beneath the Southern Stars students illustrated parts of Mary MacKillop's story. This will be created into their own class Mary MacKillop book.
Senior F & M
Seniors students researched quotes from Mary MacKillop. Students selected their favourite quote and then created a stained glass window with how this quote would look in our world today.
Stained glass windows are very important to the Church to pass on God’s message. When people were unable to read/write stained glass windows offered a way to educate people. In order to convey the Story of Christ in a way that anyone could understand, the church used Art.
This is what pope John Paul II stated about the use of art to spread the gospel:
“The Church needs art. In order to communicate the message entrusted to her by Christ, the Church needs art. Art must make perceptible, and as far as possible attractive, the world of the spirit, of the invisible, of God. It must therefore translate into meaningful terms that which is in itself ineffable. Art has a unique capacity to take one or another facet of the message and translate it into colors, shapes, and sounds which nourish the intuition of those who look or listen. It does so without emptying the message itself of its transcendent value and its aura of mystery.”
*Are you able to help the Parents & Friends Association?
Book week parade and morning tea fundraiser,
Friday August 26th, 2022.
After our community book week parade you are invited to go into the students' classrooms for book week activities. After this we will have morning tea in the hall which is a fundraiser for our Parents & Friends Association. If you are able to help P&F with donating a slice or giving some time to help serve morning tea please contact Libby (Sophie Gr 2, Isaac Gr 1 mum) or Rhian (Ethan Gr 5 and Emilas Gr 1 mum) 0409 954 418. We are grateful for the wonderful support we receive from our P&F. Maryanne Comitti
Fathers day/special persons stall:
Can you help P&F either preparing gifts or setting up and manning stalls for our Fathers Day stall. The children take such pride and excitement in carefully selecting their gifts for their Father and special person in their life. Please contact Rhian or Libby
Save the date : Annual Fathers day/special persons Celebrations:
Our annual Fathers day special persons celebrations will take place on Friday celebrations will be Friday 2nd September, 2022. While Fathers Day is a celebration of fatherhood, it's a time for us to honour, celebrate and to be thankful for all of the men, father figures and male role models in our lives. We recognise the very important role you have in the lives of children.
We will have a evening bbq and games where we invite all fathers and special male figures in our children's lives to come and celebrate as a community. More details to follow. Maryanne Comitti
Save the date:
STEAM expo - Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th September, 2022.
St Patrick’s Primary School Hall
Parents and community members are invited to attend the Expo to view a variety of creative projects completed by our students this year.
Time to be advised.
What is STEAM?
Steam is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. STEAM education focuses on the foundation skills of developing science, technology, engineering, and art learning, promoting problem solving, critical analysis and creative thinking skills.
The expo will incorporate students STEAM learning over the course of the year.
So how do you incorporate STEAM into your child’s world? Surprisingly, you are probably already doing this every day. Have you ever cooked with your child at home? Think about all of the STEAM moments that were happening:
- Adding a cup of flour / oil / water = Maths (capacity and volume)
- Adding an ingredient one by one, such as three eggs = Maths (numbers, counting and one-to-one correspondence)
- How are we going to get the eggs out of their shell? = Engineering
- Mixing different ingredients and observing the outcome = Science
- Using senses to see, touch, smell, taste and hear = Science
- Was the recipe from a book or was it from an online source? = Technology
- Placing the mixture in the oven and watching it rise = Science
- How many cupcakes did we make? = Maths
- How can the cupcakes be decorated? = Art
Assembly:
It is fantastic to once again have our Friday school assemblies happening. Assembly starts at 2:50pm every Friday afternoon in the hall. All family and community members welcome.
Assembly roster for term 2:
Week 5 Foundation
Week 6 Senior M
Week 7 Middle B
Week 8 Senior F
Week 9 Junior H
Week 10 Foundation - Earlier time 1:50pm
Professional Development:
At St Patrick’s Primary School we are committed to Professional Development of our team. At various times staff members will be working off site which may result in classroom teachers being out of the classroom.
Foundation:
In Foundation this week we have been very busy learning many new skills.
Maths:
We have been learning how to add and subtract numbers. We have used some huge amounts of brain power over the last few days learning these skills. We have also enjoyed using ‘toy theatre’ or our ipads focusing on counting and continuing patterns.
Literacy:
In writing we have been focusing on writing descriptive sentences. We have enjoyed writing silly sentences and using our phoneme fists to sound out unfamiliar words.
In reading we have been exploring new digraphs and how two letters can make one sound. The children have been exceptional while taking on heaps of challenges.
Religion:
We have been reading scripture pieces and presenting our wonderings and responding in a way that feels right for us.
Inquiry:
We're looking at how we have changed from a baby until now. Some of the ways we have changed and developed over the 6 or 7 years have been very dramatic for children.
All of the Foundation students should be very proud of all the hard work they are putting into their learning.
Living in Faith:
Feast of the Assumption - Monday, 15th August 2022 This feast day commemorates that Mary, the mother of God, was assumed body and soul into heaven and reunited with her son Jesus.
Our week started with a whole school prayer in the hall at 8:45am to celebrate the Feast of the Assumption. The Assumption is when we Catholics honour Mary's journey into heaven. Assumption means that God takes the individual body and soul into heaven without him or her suffering death. The Feast of the Assumption is the main celebration of Mary's life and ministry. God assumed Mary into heaven, Catholics believe, because of Mary's special relationship with God. As the Holy Mother, Mary's assumption reflects God's promise to all his children. All who obey God and believe, as Mary did, will join God in heaven. All devout Christians live in the hope of new life after death, just as Jesus was raised from the dead on the first Easter.
Catholics hold Mary's assumption as a reminder that God loves them and longs for them to join Jesus, Mary, and all the saints in heaven.
Church Bulletin:
Birthdays:
Congratulations to these students having a birthday this week:
Kaleb Carlsen
Harrison Sutherland
Eshaan Komerelly
Mary MacKillop Award:
“We must teach more by example than by word.”
St. Mary MacKillop
Mary MacKillop lived a life dedicated to her faith and serving the needs of others. Wherever and however she could, Mary MacKillop did everything possible to improve the lives of others. This award acknowledges the thoughtful actions of the students at St Patrick’s to help others.
Zarah was recognised for helping out a younger student in need.
Students of the week:
Evie Field - For the sensational work you’re doing with your writing. You’re always taking on new challenges to extend the quality of your work! Keep it up Evie!
Hunter Weavell - For being a bold and brave learner throughout writing. It is wonderful to see you having a go at writing words with unfamiliar sounds. Keep up the sensational work Hunter.
Edwina Crouch - For using different strategies to solve addition problems. You are working so hard on finding answers 'the fast way'. Keep up the hard work!
Alivia Rolph - For the wonderful reading you have been doing. You are reading more fluently each day. Well done!
Aaliyah Carlsen - For the wonderful spelling you are doing. All that hard work is showing in your spelling results! Keep it up Aaliyah!
Jack Wadge - For the huge improvement you have made in your spelling results, especially in sentence dictation. Well done Jack!
Ethan Parker - For your amazing drawing depicting Mary MacKillop and her values and life
Harper Bibby - For successfully learning how to upload video files to your Google Drive Portfolio and then teaching others how to as well. Well Done.
Eleanor Erwin - For your wonderful work during writing coming up with rhyming words and poetry. Keep up the fabulous work!
Andy Papadopoulos - For your basketball haiku you wrote during writing. You were able to include the correct number of syllables and onomatopoeia in your work. Well done!
Thomas Ross - For your constant contribution to our classroom and your super work with your maths check-up.
Eedie Hanns - For your willingness to help your classmates and your perfect score in your maths check-up.
Lulu Kane - For always showing a willingness to offer your thoughts and opinions in classroom discussions.
Laila Gready - For always striving to be the best possible student you can be across all areas of the curriculum.
Parents and Friends:
Book week morning tea
We have been asked to cater for the Book week’s morning tea on Friday 26th August. If you can help on the day or provide a cake/slice or biscuits. That would be greatly appreciated.
Father’s/Special Person's Day
*Please we need help:
There are 3 areas you can help us with. They are listed below:
- Prepare the gifts for sale – this will be done next week before the event. We will also assess if we have enough gifts. A huge thanks to Nicole, for an amazing job gathering and preparing the gifts to date.
- Suggestions for gifts – we all know the male figures may require an annual update of underwear and socks but our budget doesn’t extend that far. Gift suggestions of about $5 would be greatly appreciated, please send to Libby
- On Thursday 1 Sept (for a couple of hours) in the morning to help with the stall. Selling, wrapping etc. It is fantastic to see the children selecting gifts for their loved ones.
* On another note – Nicole is unavailable for these events as a result Libby is coordinating both events. If you think you can assist in anyway it would be greatly appreciated, please contact Libby, Rhian or the front office.
Around Our Community:
St.PATRICKS OP SHOP is looking for volunteers to help sort on a Monday morning.
If you think you can help with this please contact:
June Raeburn 0427 670 658
Maternal Child and Health
Dad’s Group
Positive Parenting for Men
Are you a new Dad?
Would you like to share some parenting knowledge and tips?
Are you looking for ideas on how to be a great parent?
Would you like to find out some great ideas on how to support your partner?
Get together with other great Dads like you!
Join us at our new Dad’s Support Group Introductory Session
Share a meal and enjoy our panel of Dad’s and others for an informative discussion
and Q&A session.
When: Monday 29th August, 2022
6.30-8.00pm
Where: Stawell Sports and Leisure Centre
Houston St, Stawell
All Dads and Grandads welcome
Light Tea Provided
RSVP by 22nd August, 2022
Email: mch@ngshire.vic.gov.au
Phone: 5358 9060
Upcoming Events:
Monday 22nd - 26th August - Book Week
Wednesday & Thursday 24 & 25 th - Indigenous Book Swap in the hall -
Gold Coin per Book
Friday 26th August - Favourite book Dress Up Day - open classrooms for special people
Thursday 1st September - Fathers Day Stall - Desperately seeking help - please contact office
Friday 2nd September - Father/Special Persons Day BBQ at school 5:30pm
- Black ranges Athletics Day
7th and 8th September - STEAM Expo
Friday 9th September - School Closure - Curriculum Planning Day
Friday 16th September - Last day of Term 3 early dismissal 2:15pm, Assembly 1:50pm.
Monday 3rd October - School Closure - Staff Visible Learning PD
Tuesday 4th October - First day of Term 4 - Students
Wednesday 12th October - Maths Olympics Grade 5/6 at the SSC
Wednesday 19th October Andrew Chinn all day - Concert at school details to follow
Friday 21st October - Black Ranges Cricket Day- Grade 5/6
Friday 28th October - Grandparents Day - TBC
Monday - Wednesday 14,15 and 16th November - Grade 3/4 Camp
Acknowledgement of Country:
We acknowledge the Djab Wurrung and Jardwadjali people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land. 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.