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PRINCIPAL NEWS
Dear Parents,
As parents we can all relate to that time when our child’s behaviour was not what you hoped it would be. It may have been the tantrum in the supermarket, public defiance, an inappropriate comment, or maybe even some action that you did not believe that your child was capable of. Can you recall what your own personal feelings were at these times as the parent?
Imagine now what it would be like as a parent to have a child who has a disability, be it physical or intellectual, that meant that your child was more prone to these types of outbursts than others. For these children there is no intent in their behaviour. They are just doing the best they know how in that particular situation until, through understanding, teaching, scaffolding and modelling they can be shown a better way. At times it can be easier to judge than to seek to understand.
Being a parent is the most important, rewarding and difficult job we will ever undertake. Having a child with special needs adds an extra dimension to the complicated role of parenting. Maybe it’s opportune before passing judgement to attempt to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. At St Catherine’s we are here for all students. We are very committed to our Design Principle of 100% of the students 100% of the time and as a proudly Catholic school we welcome all into our wonderful community. I know, personally, I commenced in education many years ago with a firm hope that I could attempt to make a difference for all children in my care
Camps
The Grade 5 students are enjoying a wonderful camp at Sovereign Hill. Although a bit chilly, the weather has generally been kind to us. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the staff for attending the camps, it is a huge commitment to take time away from their own families to take the children away. A special thanks to Jess Ornsby and Anna Viney for the preparation they put in to ensure that the camp was a success.
NAPLAN
Last week the students in Grade 3 and 5 participated in their Government Administered NAPLAN tests. I congratulate all of the students for giving their best effort. NAPLAN tests are a point in time assessment of your child’s progress, and whilst they give us trends that we can use for development and growth as a school, I encourage you to view your child’s individual result in conjunction with other assessments from your child’s teacher. A big thanks to our Curriculum Coordinators Vicky Donlan and Rebecca Cox for coordinating the tests.
Insight SRC
As part of our ongoing focus to develop and improve as a school we will be completing Insight SRC surveys over the next few weeks. All staff, students in grades 3-6, and a random selection of parents will be asked to complete the survey. We will use this valuable feedback for our future planning.
Mother’s Day Stall – Friday 6 May
Thanks to the Parents and Friends for running the Mother’s Day Stall on Friday 6 of May. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students.
Drop Off / Pick Up
A reminder that classes commence at 8.50am. Gates will be locked at 8.50am and children arriving after this time will need to come through the Office to be signed in.
Parents need to ensure that they have appropriate arrangements organised for their children at the end of the day, particularly students that are waiting for siblings from SFX.
COVID Procedures
Listed below are the most recent procedures;
- Camps and Excursions - Camps and Excursions are now able to proceed. Information will be forwarded to parents as the dates become closer. Please note that it will be only school staff that attend the camps.
- Student Drop Off – Parents are welcome to walk their children into the school; however, we ask that you drop your child off at the door and please do not enter the buildings.
- Carline Pick-up – This remains the same as has been in place. Parents collecting children in cars need to enter the driveway and follow around through the basketball courts. The line will then split into an A-k line and an L-Z line that you enter according to your surname. The children will be waiting for you.
- School Office – The Office is open, however, if it is not essential to come onsite then please email info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au or phone 9702-1466. All adults coming indoors must wear a mask.
- Walking Pick-up – Parents walking to pick up their children are asked to remain at the rebound wall area and the students will come up to you for the safety of all. I remind parents to cross the road and collect your child, please do not call them across from the other side.
- Meetings with Teachers – Remain by appointment only and parents will need to sign in at the Office with proof of vaccination and wear a mask when indoors.
Please see the new RAT procedure information for students and families contained within this newsletter.
Enrolments
We are now taking new enrolments for 2023. We have already been experiencing a demand for spots. If you are an existing family and have not yet completed your 2023 enrolment form please do so asap in order to confirm a place. Enrolments are now open to all. If you know of anyone wanting to enrol at St Catherine’s please encourage them to contact the Office and book a tour.
Important 2023 Prep Enrolment Dates for Your Diary,
Parent Information Evening |
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3 Prep Orientation Sessions |
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School Fees
Families who hold an eligible Health Care Concession Card, may be eligible for CSEF (Camp, Sports and Excursion Funding). If eligible, this would also entitle families to make an application for a fee remission, which effectively would see a significant reduction of fees to be paid for the year. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Margaret Lonergan in the Office.
For any queries, either ring Margaret Lonergan on 9702 1466 or email accounts@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
Contact Address
If you have changed your address recently, could you please contact the school office on 97021466 or alternatively info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
School Closure Dates
Listed below are the 2022 School Closure Dates for your diary;
Friday 24 June |
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Monday 3 October |
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Monday 31 October |
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Monday 19 December |
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Tuesday 20 December |
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Kind Regards,
Simon
Hello Everyone
It is such a busy time of the year and sometimes we just need to stop and appreciate the people and what we have. I say this because this morning I looked out of my window and saw the most beautiful sunrise, it made me stop and take a moment to look at how gorgeous it was and I said ‘Now that’s Wonder and Awe!’
Speaking of the Sacrament of Confirmation, we have now completed the workshops and the students are learning about the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit. They will also investigate the lives of different saints and choose a saint’s name that resonates with them. Please keep all of our Year 6 students in your prayers as they journey towards Confirmation.
Just a reminder that enrolments for the Year 4 students for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion will begin next week from Monday 23rd May through to 26th May. Enrolment Masses will be the following weekend on 28th and 29th of May at the regular Parish Masses. If you are interested in enrolling your children in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Communion please contact the St Michael’s Parish Centre on 97071355 and ask for Tara Bau.
This week the Year 1 students and next week the Preps will be celebrating Mass in the Chapel. It is an opportunity for the children to participate in a liturgical celebration where they have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves.
Also next week we will be celebrating Mass as a staff at St Michael’s on Tuesday 24 May with St Brigid’s and St Michael’s staff as part of Catholic Education Week. It is important that we come together and celebrate as one parish community.
Yours in Faith
Nerida Byrden
Catholic Identity and Religious Education Leader
District Cross Country
On Wednesday 5 May, over 50 year 3-6 students represented St Catherine’s at the Narre Warren District Cross Country carnival. The students had to run in some of the most difficult conditions with torrential rain and hail falling. That didn’t stop their determination and resilience with the students adopting a growth mindset and running to the best of their abilities despite the conditions. Well done to everyone who ran and they all should be proud of their efforts!
St Catherine’s finished on an outstanding 79 points on the day which ensured that we came first overall! What an outstanding effort!
Thanks to all the teachers and parent helpers who provided great assistance on the day and thanks to all the parents who came out and supported their children in the tough conditions.
The students who finished in the top 10 progressed to the Casey South Division Cross Country carnival on Wednesday 1 June at Toomuc Reserve Pakenham.
Below are all the top 10 finishes for the day.
12/13 year old boys |
12/13 year old girls |
Oscar Ellis 1st |
Nicola Henshaw 2nd |
Matteo Indovino 3rd |
Ayana Fernando 9th |
Riley Camille 10th |
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11 year old boys |
11 year old girls |
Alfie Clarke 1st |
Anabelle Furness 5th |
9/10 year old boys |
9/10 year old girls |
Spencer Pearson 3rd |
Portia Miller 1st |
Hudson Brown 8th |
Destiny Windsor 4th |
Romeo Miller 10th |
Koah Pathiraja 7th |
Hello! Recently, there have been many things happening around our school!
On Monday the 16, the year 5’s went to Sovereign Hill camp in Ballarat. PAL has also started for Preps, 1’s and 2’s , PAL has been made to help the younger year levels find friends. Some Year 3’s, 4’s, 5’s and 6’s went to districts in Hampton Park, it rained and hailed while people were running. Good job to everyone who tried their hardest even though they were wet, raining and miserable. We hope everyone has a wonderful time, see you next week!
From the School and Vice Captains - Alicia, Aidan, Sienna, Luke, Mia And Oscar
SHINE
Week 4
Hello everyone we are your SHINE leaders, Siennah, Ariana , Kevin and Tino.
We would like to start by congratulating our week 3 SHINE winners for ENGAGE IN LEARNING : Amelia L’esperance-Bonne from PM4 and Georgia Franzo from 6LA7. Good job both of you.???
We have also made new SHINE tickets in case you haven’t noticed we hope you are happy with their new makeover!!!
If you are not aware of the SHINE values it is Stay safe Have respect Interact appropriately Notice and own your actions Engage in learning.
This week’s focus is “STAY SAFE”. Let's go through the meanings and expectations of this focus. STAYING SAFE WHILE LEARNING: using learning equipment safely and how it is designed to be used, keeping the environment/classroom safe and clean and we report unsafe situations to a staff member/teacher. STAYING SAFE WHILE PLAYING: we use equipment properly, we listen to announcements, follow instructions. TRANSITION AND MOVEMENT: we walk in slow zones, we line up in our allocated areas and sit in our line up area with our class.
If you have any questions we are always here. We hope you all have a good rest of your week and remember to KEEP ON SHINING!
Shine leaders!
TERM OVERVIEWS
3C KidZ Care
Important - Wednesday 18 May
Changed Pickup 4-5pm
The school gates will be closed from 4-5 pm on Wednesday 18th May 2022 to facilitate the safe return and disembarking of students returning from their school camp.
3C Kidz Care parents are advised of the following procedure for picking up their children for the day between 4-5 pm.
1. Park your car outside on the street of the school.
2. Enter the school via the side gate at the main entrance to the school.
3. Proceed to the side gate closest to the previous administration building.
4. Enter via that gate to proceed to the MPR for the usual pick up.
After 5 pm, the school gates will be reopened. However, please note these times are best estimates, and the school and 3C will endeavour to open the gates as soon as it is safe. Please be patient if the gates are not opened by that time as it would be due to unexpected delays due to safety reasons.
Faith B | Isaac B | Neriah A |
Graziella M | Shumirai M | Callum P |
Amy S | Shazzy K | Eloise N |
Xavier H | Hudson M | Kepler P |
Millie D | Davis P | Charlie B |
Farida F | Myra L | Makenzie C |
Angelin M | Indianna B | Aaliya F |
Jackson L | Emilia L | Leanna P |
Loyal P | Adria F | Joaquin S |
Senon P |
MEAL BANK
Looking for volunteers
REMINDER
The Canteen will be closed the last week of this term (week 8) for lunch orders as a deep clean will take place that week.
We have a limited menu tomorrow, due to staff shortages.
Our school Canteen operates Thursday's ONLY.
- Orders are online only.
- Orders are via CDFPay.
- Orders must be complete by 8:45am on the day.
- Orders can be placed in advance.
Please see the link below. Create a CDFPay account and then simply place your order.
Cancelling Orders
If your child is sick or will not be attending school and you have placed your order you need to:
- Contact the School Office to advise that you wish to cancel the order.
- Your CDFPay account will be credited.
- No refunds are possible.
Uniform shop open hours
PLEASE NOTE TERM 2 HOURS MONDAY AND FRIDAY HAVE CHANGED
Monday | 8.30am to 9.30am |
Tuesday | 8.30am to 9.00am |
Wednesday | 8.30am to 9.00am |
Thursday | 8.30am to 9.00am |
Friday | 8.30am to 9.30am |
There is new and second hand uniform available.
Ordering can also be done anytime online using QKR.
Qkr orders are delivered directly to the students classroom. Stock allowing, delivery is usually within 24 hours from order.
Phone enquiries on 0448 060 100, however please note I am unable to take a call whilst serving. Phone enquiries welcome school weekdays up to 4pm.
Email Jan-k@bigpond.com