Term 2, Week 2, 2021

From the Principal

Mother’s Day Celebrating with Loved Ones

One of the most important celebrations one can be involved in is family gatherings such as Mother's Day, which is this coming Sunday.

I encourage all of you, where possible, to take the opportunity to spend some quality time with your Mum, Grandmother or significant female figure in your life. While the concept of Mother's Day has been commercialised in recent years, the sentiment behind it, recognising and saying thank you to your mother for all she does for you is something that we should all take the time to do.

I wish all our mothers a happy and joyous Mother's Day and trust that you will have a great time celebrating with your family. For those of you who can't be with your Mum this Sunday, give thanks for all she has done for you, call her, send a text, or recognise her in a way that is meaningful to you and your loved ones.

Casual Day Friday 7 May – Gold Coin Donation

On the evening of Thursday 6 May, Mr Fitzgerald will join other school and education sector leaders from across the state as they come together to raise important funds and awareness for the most vulnerable people in our local communities.

Each year in South Australia there are more than 6,000 people, including children, who have no place to call home. You might not see them sleeping rough on the street, they may be some of the many who sleep in their cars, or couch surf with family and friends.

At the Principal Sleepout, comfy beds and home cooked meals will be swapped for cardboard and a night without the creature comforts of home.

By choosing to sleep out for one night, you can experience just a small part of what those facing homelessness and disadvantage do each and every day.

The money raised from our Casual Day, will go towards the St Vinnies Sleep Out. Mr Fitzgerald has set a target of $2000 – our school’s contribution will help him achieve this goal.

If you would like to make a personal donation please click on the following link:

https://vinnies-sa.grassrootz.com/vinnies-2021-principal-sleepout/mr-fitz-olqp-olv-whitefriars

Many thanks.

Catholic Education Week

This week marks 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia and on Tuesday we celebrated this with a liturgy lead by our R/1 B & R/1 R classes. We are very proud of our school heritage, but equally proud of being able to offer a quality Catholic Education for all children in our care.

Loving God,
Guide us to know life in its fullness, to raise our hearts and minds to know God’s love.
Raise our hearts and minds to be inspired by Jesus, the Catholic faith and tradition.
Raise our hearts to be loving, compassionate and respectful.
Raise our minds to be inquisitive, capable and seek truth.
May we be aware of listening to the stirring of our hearts to prompt action.
Guide us to respond to the needs of others and all of God’s creation.
In all our thoughts, words and actions, help us raise our hearts and minds
in creating the world you desire.
Loving God hear our prayer

Amen

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy NAPLAN for Year 3 & 5 takes place from 11 May to 21 May. This year all schools in Australia will be participating in NAPLAN online. Remembering that last year the NAPLAN testing was cancelled due to COVID. The staff have been working hard in ensuring the students are prepared for this online testing.

To get an idea of what the tests look like, visit the public demonstration site at: www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site

There are four components: - Language Conventions; Writing; Reading and Numeracy. All students in Years 3, and 5 will participate in the assessment program. If your child is absent during this period, there will be catch up sessions.

It is important children arrive to school on time, after a calm morning at home, students are feeling ready to participate in the testing process. The best support you can provide is a calm, positive approach with no great or extra emphasis on the importance of NAPLAN. The children will take this in their stride and with this calm, matter of fact approach this will be the best support you can provide.

If you have any queries re the NAPLAN Online testing please see your child’s teacher.

Winter Uniform

The beginning of Term 2 is the designated change over to the Winter School Uniform, but as always there is a two week change over period. We are aware of a delay in the supply of uniforms in the shop. If you are waiting for your uniform order to arrive please continue to wear weather appropriate uniform (i.e. sports if cold & summer if warm)

Hats – are still worn in May for PE Lessons and play times. Students not wearing a hat at play will be asked to sit under a verandah. We do not wear hats in June, July & August.

Assembly Roster

Assemblies are now on Friday starting at 2.20pm. Parents are always welcome to attend as they are an important part of our school life and are a great insight into what is happening around the school. There are still COVID restrictions in place, which we are relaxing. Your child’s teacher will invite you.

Term 2

Week 2          R/1 R
Week 4          R/1 Y
Week 6          R/1 P
Week 8          Yr 4
Week 10        R/1 B