Newsletter 25 - August 12th 2021
Prayer of the Week
O dear Jesus,
I humbly implore You to grant Your special graces to our family.
May our home be the shrine of peace, purity, love, labour and faith.
Dear Jesus, protect and bless all of us, absent and present, living and dead.
Amen
Principal's Report
Lockdown Rollercoaster
Like many of you, I was very surprised to learn on Monday morning that regional Victoria was being released from lockdown early and that schools could reopen. It was wonderful to welcome staff and students back onsite on Tuesday. However, the constant changes of coming in and out of lockdown is very challenging for us all including our little people.
As I was checking in with classes on Tuesday morning, one of the Grade 5/6 classes was sharing their thoughts about returning to school. It was interesting to note the range of emotions that the students shared, everything from being happy and excited to worried and even frustrated. I mentioned to the class that it is a bit like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded as there are ups and downs but we are never sure when they are coming.
Psychiatrist and executive director of the youth mental health facility Orygen, Professor Patrick McGorry, spoke to the ABC recently about the cumulative effect of all these lockdowns. Professor McGorry said that it is important for people to keep a sense of perspective and hope. He also said it's OK to vent and not "pull up your socks and have a stiff upper lip". Professor McGorry said that it is important to experience how you feel and suggested talking to someone you trust in order to decompress a bit. Finally, he added that people shouldn't forget to look out for their family and friends who may be struggling — including children, who may find it difficult to make sense of it all.
School Concert Announcement
The current restrictions and uncertainty going forward make it very difficult to plan for future events. I have been in constant conversation with Miss Bonney about the upcoming school concert. Given the current situation, it has been decided that our concert will look a little different this year. Unfortunately, due to density limits restrictions, we will not be able to have an audience for the concert.
The plan is for the students to still perform the concert at the town hall so they don't miss out on that experience. The school is working with the Northern Grampians Shire Council to see how this may look within the current restrictions. The school is also investigating different ways in which we can share the concert with families. I understand that this announcement will be very disappointing to many but given the current restrictions, it is the only course of action possible.
With Faith in our Future
Chris McAloon
Living in Faith
What is the Great Book Swap? August 24th & 25th , 2021.
The Indigenous book swap will take place on Tuesday 24th August and Wednesday 25th August 2021.
The Social Justice team will be conducting the book swap. Students are invited to bring a gold coin to purchase donated books.
All money raised will be donated to the Indigenous Literacy foundation.
Thanks so much for all the donated books we have already received.
The Social Justice team are working on our School and Parish community taking part in The Great Book Swap in support for 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.
We would be grateful for any donations of quality used books. Please drop them off at the office or with your classroom teacher. Many thanks to those who have already donated.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (to use the fancy name for this day), Catholics remember when Mary was taken (“assumed”) into heaven, body and soul, after she died. You will not find this story explicitly in the Bible. However, a tradition
handed down from the earliest days of the Church says that Mary died in Jerusalem and buried in a tomb. When the apostles opened the tomb again, her body was gone.
What is a promise? Do you think it is important to keep a promise? Why? How do you feel when someone keeps a promise made to you? God wanted to keep a promise to his people to send us a Saviour. Both Elizabeth and Mary were helping God to keep his promise. He gave them special gifts because they said ‘Yes’ to helping that promise come true. Mary teaches us how to be a follower of Jesus and we know she is in heaven because she was true to God in her life and a wonderful mother to Jesus.
This feast, the Assumption, is a special day in our Church year. It is the day when Catholics
remember and celebrate that God took Mary into heaven, body and soul, to be with Jesus
forever because she helped him to keep his promise.
God also wanted to show us that one day, all of us would share in the bodily resurrection of
Jesus. Mary is the first person in the Church to experience the resurrection in its fullness.
Mackillop/Catholic Education 200 years family week celebrations
Thursday, August 19th, 2021.
Due to COVID restrictions, this day will look a bit different. Our Grades 5/6 students will go to the
Church to celebrate mass with Fr Andrew. Foundation to Grade 4 will have a liturgy in the school
hall. A new hot dog form will be sent home tomorrow. If you have already sent back your form you
do not need to complete another one. This day will be a casual clothes day with a gold coin
donation. All money raised on this day will go towards the Mary Mackillop foundation.
Fairtrade fortnight:
It is currently Fairtrade Fortnight which happens annually to encourage people to think about the
power of their choice when purchasing products and the impact it can have on our future and
planet. Consider purchasing products with the Fairtrade mark (the green, black and blue waving
farmer on the packaging).
WHY IS PROMOTING FAIRTRADE IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
IMPORTANT?
REASON # 1: We were made in the image and likeness of God.
REASON # 2: Each of us, then, has an innate dignity, which should be respected by others.
Modern slavery is a direct attack upon this dignity.
REASON # 3: In solidarity, we are all therefore called to assist our brothers and sisters who
are victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
REASON # 4: As it is the goal of each person to do good, it is the aim of society to work
towards the common good. We cannot, therefore, allow our brothers and sisters to be
enslaved in the production of goods or services for our consumption.
REASON # 5: In working towards the common good we are called to give a preferential
option for the poor, ensuring we care for the poorest and most vulnerable people. Those
who are trafficked and/or enslaved or who are forced to work in slave-like conditions are
among the poorest and most vulnerable.
Catholic Education 200 years family week:
As part of Catholic Education bicentenary celebrations, the week of August 8-14 th is Family Week.
Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions we are unable to celebrate this week as we would
normally like to. However, we do want to acknowledge our parent, carers and families who have
continued for 200 years to support the growth and sustainability of Catholic Education in
Australia. From school fees, fundraising activities and endless volunteering this is contributes to
making St Patrick’s Primary school who we are. National Catholic Education executive director Jacinta Collins said the bicentenary is an opportunity to acknowledge the families of the 777,000 students, and their essential role across 1,755 Catholic school communities.
Please find following a quote from Jacinta Collins Australian Catholic Education News:
“ Today, Catholic schools are grateful for the support of successive governments recognising the
important contribution we make educating one in five school aged children. Parent engagement
and the active involvement of parents and carers in their children's education cannot be under-
estimated. The research shows children have more successful outcomes when their parents are closely connected to their learning and school communities. In celebrating Family Week, we can be grateful for those parents and families who contributed to the foundation and growth of Catholic education in Australia during very difficult circumstances.”
Jacinta Collins
National Catholic education executive director
https://ncec.schoolzineplus.com/enews?nid=43&article_id=466
Our Diocesan Community Magazine:
Previously we have been receiving a paper copy of Our Diocesan Community
Magazine, which has now gone to a digital format. The magazine is a way of
sharing the good news stories of schools, parishes and agencies from around the
Diocese. Please click on the following link to access the new issue : Our Diocesan
Community – Issue 64 (July 2021) .
https://www.ballarat.catholic.
Book Week
This year, we are celebrating Book Week from Monday 22nd August till on Friday 27th August.
Each year, schools and public libraries across Australia spend a week celebrating the joy and value of books, reading and Australian authors and illustrators.
On Friday 27th August, we invite students to come to school dressed as their favourite book character, author or something linked to the book week theme. Unfortunately, due to COVID19 restrictions, we are unable to invite our community into the school; however, we will be posting photos via dojos. Thank you for your understanding.
Teaching and Learning
Learning Chinese at St Patrick’s: Students acquire communication skills in Chinese. They develop understanding about the role of language and culture in communication. Their reflections on language use and language learning are applied in other learning contexts.
Learning languages broadens students’ horizons about the personal, social, cultural and
employment opportunities that are available in an increasingly interconnected and
interdependent world. The interdependence of countries and communities requires people to
negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A bilingual or plurilingual
capability is the norm in most parts of the world.
Learning languages:
-contributes to the strengthening of the community’s social, economic and international
development capabilities
- extends literacy repertoires and the capacity to communicate; strengthens understanding of
the nature of language, of culture, and of the processes of communication
- develops intercultural capability, including understanding of and respect for diversity and
difference, and an openness to different experiences and perspectives
- develops understanding of how culture shapes and extends learners’ understanding of
themselves, their own heritage, values, beliefs, culture and identity
- strengthens intellectual, analytical and reflective capabilities, and enhances creative and
critical thinking.
Wellbeing
Hi all, What a crazy week we have just experienced. We were in lockdown and thankfully we were able to exit early and all return to school. The easing of lockdown for Regional Victoria was honestly the best news for us and our students. I understand this has been a very confusing time for everyone and I want you all to know wellbeing has always been and will continue to be the number one priority for our students.
If you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to email me on;
lcomitti@spstawell.catholic.edu.au or contact me via class dojo. I am available for wellbeing sessions with students everyone Monday - Thursday from 2.00 - 3.10pm.
As we return back to school it is important to try and ensure there is a structured routine for your child/ren to make it a smooth transition.
Ways to release stress:
- Organise - It’s a cliché for a reason: exercise really does prompt your body to release feel-good hormones like endorphins, which can help you to feel less stressed. Stress can also make you subconsciously tense your muscles, which exercise might help to release. It doesn’t have to be a full workout: walk around the block, do 20 jumping jacks, go for a quick run or find a 10 minute yoga flow on YouTube to follow.
- Exercise - Stress can kick in when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of tasks that need to be done or deadlines that must be met. Writing a to-do list or time management strategy can help you focus on seeing each task through to completion. Sit down and write out everything you need to get done and each step you’ll need to take to complete each task. Prioritise what must be done first and identify what can be left to a later time or what you might be able to assign to someone else. Be realistic about how much time it will take you to complete each task and build space into your schedule to reward yourself for getting the job done.
- Breathe - Stress and anxiety can affect how you breathe, which has flow-on effects on how your body and mind feels. Taking a few deep breaths can help slow your breathing and heart rate, relax your muscles and calm your mind. Follow Anxiety Australia’s guide to slowing down anxious breathing, or head to xhalr.com, which has a visual breathing tool to help you easily calm your breath.
- Take time out - You’re not a toddler, but that doesn’t mean a time out doesn’t apply when you’re stressed. Just like in children, stress can affect our emotions and how we behave, as well as our physical and mental health. Stress might make you become irritable or short tempered, easily upset or agitated. When you start noticing that stress is affecting how you feel or behave, it might be time to step away and spend a few minutes just focusing on yourself. Do something you enjoy like reading a book or listening to music, or find a trusted friend or colleague that you can talk to about how you’re feeling. Time outs don’t have to just be reactive: proactively build some ‘you time’ into your schedule each week, allowing yourself to do something enjoyable whilst looking after your health.
- Meditate - If you haven’t tried mindfulness, meditation or relaxation exercises yet, there’s no better time to start. Scientifically proven to help decrease and manage stress, and promote mental wellbeing, these tools are useful for when you’re experiencing stress and as prevention tools in times when you’re feeling well. There are many programs, websites, books and apps to help you practise these exercises, including the free resources linked below.
Enjoy your weekend and stay safe, I will see you all in Week Six.
Wellbeing Coordinator - Lillie Comitti.
Classroom News:
Foundation Week 5 Term 3:
We have settled into school life in Term 3. It has been a bit strange with being at school or sometimes completing remote learning. The children have been very resilient and have come back to school with huge smiles on their faces. In Writing we have been reading the book - Superworm. We have put our super thinking hats on and thought about what special helping power we would have if we were a superhero. We have been working hard to write sentences with capital letters, finger spaces and full stops. We even learnt all about special question sentences and have started to think about when to use a question mark. In Reading we have been learning the new digraph sound ‘sh’. We have had lots of fun sounding out and reading words and sentences with ‘sh’ in them. We created some very shiny shells to show off our ‘sh’ digraph. In Maths we have been learning about subtraction and taking away. We have learnt the take-away symbol and how to read it in a subtraction number sentence. We have also been learning about 3D shapes in the world around us. We have been sorting and identifying 3D shapes that have flat surfaces, curved surfaces or both flat and curved surfaces. In Religion we have been learning about Moses. We have listened to the story of Moses growing up, helping God’s people in Egypt and parting the sea. We have thought about what it would be like to live in a hot and sandy place like Egypt. In Inquiry we have been learning all about advertising and getting ready to advertise our school concert. We have looked at powerful colours in ads and how pictures and words can look to stand out on the page.
Students of the week
Edie MacPherson - For always being kind and caring to your classmates and being a good friend.
Arli Werry - For working hard and practising all the new letter sounds and giving your best effort to sounding and stretching words out.
Diana Daniel - for working hard to improve your inferencing and fluency skills in InitiaLit. You are a superstar!
Harper Bibby - for tackling all areas of life with a great attitude! When things are a little challenging you always keep a smile on your face. I am so proud of you!
Tamieka Austin - for the fabulous way you are working independently in your reading rotations.
Akech Kur - for your excellent spelling results.
Matilda Egan - for your detailed 'Ups and Downs' activity for the book Gilbert Goes Outside.
Jack Cameron – for the excellent efforts you have been putting into all areas of your learning. Keep it up.
Charlie Sullivan - for your focus and determination during all subject areas. For trying your best in your independent learning tasks. Excellent work!
Jayde Lowe - for your excellent work during Mathematics and your determination to improve and succeed in this area. Keep it up Jayde!
Lulu Kane - for your willingness to answer questions and offer your opinions during class discussions.
Kaleb Carlsen - for the confidence you are showing to share your knowledge in front of your peers during Maths.
Liam Nicholson - for the hard work you have been showing towards your learning, especially during maths.
Rose Collins - for the confidence, you have been showing during group discussions and for your positive attitude.
Upcoming Events
August 21 - 27 - Book Week - Friday August 27th will be a dress up day, more details to follow.
- Book swap - bring along money to purchase new and pre loved books
September 3rd - School Closure Day
Around the town:
Science Week at Northern Grampians Library:
Science Virtual Reality live-stream at Northern Grampians libraries as part of National Science Week celebrations.
Stawell Performing Arts Company:
Stawell Performing Arts Company is bringing some music workshops that your students, families and staff may be interested in. Workshops for Lever (Celtic) Harp, Ukulele and Singing will be presented on Saturday the 18th of September and are open to all ages and abilities – from the person who has never touched an instrument to the more advanced. (the harp workshop is not recommended for under 9 years however younger persons could attend with an adult).
Attached is a full flyer for the 2 day event and individual posters for your reference and we would appreciate it if you could include this information in your social media, newsletters or even provide directly to teachers and students with interest in music.
We look forward to the community of Stawell enjoying these musical experiences and thank you for your support. This is the link for booking tickets
This event is delivered to COVID safe rules and if restrictions do not allow it to go forward tickets will be refunded.
Thank you again for your support
Kind regards
Dianne Stewart
0427850278
SPAFest Organiser
On behalf of Stawell Performing Arts Company
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.