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Dear Parents and Carers,
This Sunday 14th June marks the beginning of Refugee Week.
Refugee Week is Australia’s peak annual activity to raise awareness about the issues affecting refugees and celebrate the positive contributions made by refugees to Australian society.
Originally celebrated in 1986, Refugee Week coincides with World Refugee Day (20 June).
Refugee Week is a unique opportunity for us all to experience and celebrate the rich diversity of refugee communities through theatre, music, dance, film and other events which take place all over Australia and highlight the aims of the Week which are:
- to educate the Australian public about who refugees are and why they have come to Australia;
- to help people understand the many challenges refugees face coming to Australia;
- to celebrate the contribution refugees make to our community;
- to focus on how the community can provide a safe and welcoming environment for refugees;
- for community groups and individuals to do something positive for refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people, within Australia but also around the world; and
- for service providers to reflect on whether they are providing the best possible services to refugees.
Teachers will be exploring the stories of refugees and the acknowledging and celebrating the diversity of our wonderful country. Please share in this prayer that reminds us of their story and how we are all a part of God’s family..
God, no one is stranger to you
And no one is ever far from your loving care.
In your kindness watch over migrants, refugees and asylum seekers,
Those separated from their loved ones,
Those who are lost
And those who have been exiled from their homes.
Bring them safely to the place where they long to be,
And help us always to show your kindness to strangers
And those in need.
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Who too was a refugee and migrant
Who travelled to another land
Searching for a home.
Amen
Do You Wish to Attend Mass Saturday/Sunday?
If you wish to attend Mass at Thirroul on Saturdays [5:30pm] or Sundays [8:00am], you must register beforehand with the Parish Office – please register by 10:00am on the Wednesday prior to the weekend you wish to attend.
Either phone or email the Parish Office stating what dates you wish to attend – and how many from your family wish to attend with you.
Health regulations allow a maximum of 50 worshippers at Masses, excluding those essential for and those assisting at the liturgy.
Remember, if you are elderly or not feeling well, then, for your safety, please do not attend.
Please do not arrive late for Masses – aim to arrive at least 5 minutes before Mass is due to begin.
Entry to the church is only via the sacristy door.
There are no collections during Mass, but you may leave your donations in the basket or bowl as you enter or leave through the sacristy.
There are hand sanitizers inside the sacristy door.
You do not need to register beforehand if you wish to attend a weekday Mass, though when you arrive, your details will be recorded.
All who attend must observe social distancing of 1.5m – except for people from the same household.
Online Learning Resources
I wanted to share with you some of the creative resources the Cathoic Education Office have developed to support the teaching of Religious Education in our classrooms. “Behind the Good News” is a resource to support the teaching of RE in Years 3, 4, 5 & 6. Episode 2 features St Michael’s in the Super Sleuth segment….You will see Super Sleuth Groves in action… SEE IN THE LINK BELOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buqTpo9kopc&feature=youtu.be
Pray School is an engaging weekly Religious Education program, appealing to the spirituality of the child through storytelling, music, singing, listening and responding to Scripture as well as making connections to life through wonder and awe. The project dubbed Pray School looks to imitate a children’s educational playschool type program, only covering Religious Education content appealing to the Spirituality of the child. This resource is being used with students from K-2.
SEE PENTECOST EXAMPLE: https://youtu.be/BsmQ6rO04ws
KNIT4NEED
The Catholic Education Office is extending the challenge for those who are interested to make (knit/crochet) a garment for a marginalised person in our community. The idea is that you would knit a scarf, beanie, gloves or whatever you can and wrap it up as a gift with a personalised note from the creator (hopefully including a photo). These will be presented to those in need at the end of July via the Vinnies Van
If you need inspiration to be involved you can view a video of David Gearin (Social Justice Coordinator - Catholic Education Office) knitting via the following link: KNIT4NEED.MOV
Any knitted goods can be dropped off at the school before the end of Term 2.
Confirmation - Year 6 students
The Sacrament of Confirmation, due to be held on 2 July this year, has been postponed, and no date is set as of yet.
However, I would ask you, if your wish your daughter or son to receive Confirmation this year, to complete the Enrolment Form. This was communicated previously and the due date was by 10 May 2020. If you have not had the opportunity to do so, please complete as soon as you can.
The Enrolment Form may be downloaded from the Parish website:
Please return the completed Enrolment Form to the Parish Office, 325 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul, or by email thirroul@dow.org.au
Once the Enrolment Form is returned, you will be emailed with details for the preparation and celebration of Confirmation once details are known.
Parent Spirituality
Ripples is a PODCAST developed for staff and parents on-going spiritual formation designed by Robyn Gallagher (Professional Officer - Staff Spiritual Formation - Catholic Education Office). It seeks to offer a space where people can draw on the wisdom of a series of guest speakers and can experience some treasured stillness through meditation. Practices like these create a ripple effect. They have the potential to impact the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, to creation and to our loving God. Come and enjoy some Inspired Voices and Treasured Stillness.
RIPPLE EFFECT
This program is called Ripples because of Robyn’s belief that there are some practices that have a ripple effect. When we have time to connect with matters of the heart, to hear a new perspective and to enter into silence we are more able to respond to life from a better place and space. And this has a ripple effect. It impacts the way we respond to family, friends, colleagues, others in our world, to creation and to our God.
THE PROGRAM
Each week a new Episode and Meditation will be offered.
You may like to listen to both the Episode and the Meditation in one sitting or you may choose to do them at different times of the day or week. You can choose a time that works best for you.
A journal is a wonderful tool to support you in this time of reflection, so you may like to bring this with you as you sit with a question that the guest speaker offers during their Episode.
Come away and rest a while.
Mark 6:31
Miss Emma Groves - Religious Education Co ordinator
Writing
Throughout this year we have continued our professional learning on writing as one of our key School Review and Improvement goals. Over the past fortnight I have been fortunate enough to witness the application of this professional learning and the great impact this has had on student learning. I was blown away by the quality of writing that I experienced upon entering each of the Stage Three classrooms. Each of the classes had spent a great deal of time in developing the authorial skills to develop vivid settings and character descriptions. It was wonderful to see the passion and enjoyment the students experienced during the writing process. We are extremely proud of the teachers and students and look forward to witnessing further improvements and innovative practice. Below are some of the samples from our wonderful Year 5 and 6 students.
Assembly
Last Friday we had the first opportunity to come together as a school for our fortnightly zoom assembly. It was lovely to see all of the smiling faces as we engaged in a modified version of our regular assembly. A special thank you to our wonderful school captains who led us in prayer and provided a short The Leader In Me reflection. After the zoom formalities Mrs Hughes and the School Captains had the opportunity to be a part of the handing out of superstar awards in classrooms. We look forward to continuing this format of assembly for the remainder of the term (week 8 and 10).
Mr James Bryce - Assistant Principal
St Michael’s Uniform Expectations
As we return back to school there are many students who are wearing the incorrect uniform. It is an expectation that all students wear the correct school uniform, this ensures a high standard is maintained. If students are consistently wearing the incorrect uniform a reminder slip will be sent home.
The following information from the Parent handbook outlines the school uniform policy. We thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that our students take pride in their school uniform.
Girls and Boys Sport Uniform
- Unisex microfibre navy shorts with insignia,
- polo shirt with emblem,
- blue socks,
- joggers that are not bright colours, preferably blue or white
- Navy microfibre sports jacket with emblem and microfibre sports pants,
- navy scarf (optional)
- School hat with emblem
Girls Winter Uniform
- Navy tunic/pants,
- blue long sleeved blouse (with emblem),
- school tie,
- navy blue tights or blue socks,
- navy V neck wool jumper with emblem/cardigan,
- black shoes
- navy scarf is optional.
- school hat with emblem.
Boys Winter Uniform
- Navy trousers,
- long-sleeved blue shirt with emblem,
- school tie,
- blue socks,
- navy V neck wool jumper with emblem,
- black shoes
- school hat with emblem.
Hairstyles
Hair that is over collar length must be cut or tied back. Hair may not be dyed. Hair that is untidy (for example long in length or on top or sides, in face) must be cut, no hairstyles that are inappropriate for school (eg. rat tails, mohawks, beaded hair etc.) are allowed. Only light blue or navy coloured bands, ribbons etc. may be worn.
Jewellery
For safety reasons, jewellery, with the exception of simple watches, signet rings and plain stud or small “sleeper” earrings, is not permitted. Crosses on chains may be worn under uniforms.
Nails
Nails are to be kept short and clean. (No nail polish or other cosmetics are to be worn.)
Reports (Year 1-6)
Reports will be released via Compass this term on Friday 19 June. The Catholic Education Office developed a working party to review the reporting process for this Semester that would better reflect the unprecedented times we have been in. It is acknowledged that traditional direct instruction has been altered due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Determining academic mastery is challenging in remote learning environments as conversations, observations and assessments are limited.
This Interim Report reflects the engagement in learning undertaken during classroom and remote learning over the course of Term 1 up until the middle of Term 2, 2020. The Key Learning Areas of Religious Education, English and Mathematics have been the focus for many of the classroom and remote learning experiences delivered during Terms 1 and 2.
Teachers have been asked to consider which context they have the strongest evidence of a student’s effort related to their work input. This evidence has allowed the teacher to make a judgment about the effort being extensive, moderate or needs improvement. The student’s learning engagement will reflect the level of competence the student has displayed. Judgments have been made related to the engagement exceeding expectations, meeting expectations or working towards expectations.
Parent Teacher Interviews (Kinder - Year 6)
Parent teacher Interviews will be offered this Semester with teachers offering either face to face or zoom or both. Under the strict guidelines that schools must adhere to and the limitation of adults on site there will be explicit protocols implemented. No children or younger siblings will be allowed on site and parents will be asked to not turn up to the interviews more than 5 mins before. A flowchart will be sent home next week further explaining the procedures and booking details. This year we will trial one late day / night, we anticipate this will be more accommodating for parents who work. The interviews will be held on Monday 29 June up until 7.00pm with other limited times available throughout the week.
I thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
Students Who are Unwell
In this unprecedented time of new guidelines and restrictions there have been a heightened awareness of keeping everyone safe and healthy. In line with this if your child is unwell and stays home OR is sent home from school unwell a directive from The Catholic Education Office requires parents to obtain a medical certificate that specifically states that your child is fit to return to school. Please note this is not necessarily connected to Covid, this is not about being Covid negative it is clearance that your child is no longer exhibiting symptoms of any illness. We understand this presents complexities and challenges for all families, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Measures to Support Families Experiencing Significant Financial Impact
Please download the letter below and feel free to contact the school with any financial matters you wish to discuss if in financial hardship. https://www.dow.catholic.edu.au/for-parents/school-fees/
Celebrations and Sharing of Food
In light of the current environment that we are living in I ask that you please do not send in birthday cakes or food to share with the class. I understand that this is something that the children enjoy however we need to maintain controlled safety and hygiene procedures in the school. If you would like to send in something to acknowledge and celebrate your child’s birthday you are able to send in packaged goods only (eg, packets of maltesers, small wrapped chocolate bars etc). We will notify you when these restrictions are lifted.
Lions Club International Peace Poster Competition
Each year since 1988 the Lions Clubs around the world have sponsored local schools and youth groups. This contest encourages young people worldwide to artistically express their visions of peace as well as expressing in words what peace means.
During Term 1, students in Years 5 and 6 were very busy preparing for the Lions Club International Peace Poster Competition and in conjunction with the Thirroul Arts and Seaside Festival which was to be held on the weekend of the 4-5th of April. However due to Covid-19 restrictions the competition was cancelled and sadly student’s wonderful artworks weren’t able to be displayed throughout our community. To recognise and celebrate the wonderful work of Stage 3 creativity of this year’s theme “Peace Through Service” their artwork below is to share with you all, our wonderful school community and throughout the corridors of our school for the next coming weeks. Enjoy!!
Mrs Paula Jackson- Creative Arts Teacher
Term 3 Sport
The recent pandemic has also caused significant disruption to the convening of sporting events across the Diocese. With current restrictions from a System level and also from a facilities level there have been some challenging decisions to be made from the CEO.
The following events have been cancelled
- Primary Netball 2020 South Coast Gala Day - June 23 CANCELLED
- Primary Soccer Gala Days - Friday 31 July, 2020 CANCELLED
- Primary Athletics - South Coast Region Tuesday 11 August CANCELLED
- Primary Athletics - Selection Trials Tuesday 18 August CANCELLED
The implications of this for our school is also that we will not be able to hold an athletics carnival this year. We thank you for your continued support and understanding and look forward to when we can participate in sporting events safely.
Mr Jason Novak - Sports Coordinator
PB4L Update
The key principles of PB4L is to develop children’s social, emotional and behavioural skills in the primary school setting. As the students settle back into school, we have focused on the wellbeing of each student. This week, however, we have revisited behavioural expectations on the playground. The PB4L philosophy is to explicitly teach positive behaviours and teachers have been busy teaching what appropriate behaviours look like on the playground. The promotion of positive behaviours are embedded in our three school rules; take care of yourself, take care of each other and take care of this place. Students are taught that we walk on the concrete (take care of yourself), sitting and talking at the passive play area (take care of yourself and take care of each other), running games are permitted on the bottom grass and the basketball court (take care of yourself and take care of each other), look after your belongings by putting them out of the way of play areas (take care of this place), ensure all rubbish is placed in the correct bins (take care of this place).
Mrs Ronelle Peardon - Middle Leader 1
