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PRINCIPAL NEWS
Dear Parents,
Communication was sent out earlier today from Maria Kirkwood, the Director of Catholic Education- Diocese of Sale. This communication was regarding my ongoing appointment to the role of Principal at St Catherine’s Primary School. I look forward to continuing to work with the St. Catherine’s community moving forward.
It is hard to believe that we have arrived at Week 6 already, the term is moving along quickly. We have been celebrating Catholic Education over the last couple of weeks. It is an opportune time for us to reflect upon the important role Catholic Schools play in our society.
We must always remain grateful for the huge sacrifices of those that came before us in Catholic education to allow us to enjoy what we have today. The faith, forethought, sacrifice and dedication of Catholic’s in the past provided the platform to allow the Catholic education system to now thrive. They were not easy times initially, and we continue to be thankful for all that they did. Over 25 years ago a plot of farming land in Berwick was purchased for the site of a new school, today we have over 650 students!
Safety Around The School Grounds
The following rules are in place for the safety of all students in the school. We ask that parents please respect the following rules;
- Children should not be arriving at school before 8.25am as they are not supervised.
- All cars leaving the roadway must turn left into Ridgemont Drive.
- Students waiting for siblings from SFX must wait inside the school grounds near the entrance gate. They are not to wait out the front of SFX.
- Children waiting for a parent or siblings- Children waiting for a parent or siblings to meet them are to remain inside the gates until collected. The students will be taken to wait in the office after 3.35pm.
COVID/Illness Impacts
As the year is progressing we are feeling the effects as a school of illness amongst the staff. Please be assured that returning to a Remote Learning Program is our very last resort and we have no intention at this stage. It does mean, however, that we have to be flexible and understand that the students may not always have their normal teacher in front of their grade. The work is planned and remains the same, however, it may be a different teacher. We are working hard to continue to offer the students as many different opportunities as we can.
Staffing Update
Last week we announced the resignation of Mrs Kylie Hudson as she leaves us in few weeks to take up a position at Holy Family, Doveton. We thank Kylie for her time at St Catherine’s and wish her all the very best for the future.
It is with pleasure that we can announce Mr Walter Boulton as the new 1M5 teacher. Walter is familiar to the students at school and he is very excited to be joining the St Catherine’s community. I am sure he will be made to feel welcome by all.
Excursions
Last week our Grade One students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the Moonlit Sanctuary and our Year Six students competed in the District Lightning Premiership. Thanks to all of the staff for their preparation and organisation of the day, as well as the parent helpers who assisted.
Parents and Friends Bunning BBQ
The Parents and Friends are running another Bunnings BBQ at Clyde North on Saturday the 25th of June. If you are able to help with a shift please email Melissa melissaknight40@hotmail.com or Jo joanne_riley@bigpond.com
It is a requirement to let the school know as soon as possible and explain why your child/children can’t come to school. In the event of an extended absence of 5 days or more such as a holiday, we need this in writing either by Email absent@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au. or SZapp App.
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.
Working with children Checks
The Federal Government requires people who are working with children to have a Working with Children Check (WWCC).
All parents who do any type of voluntary work in the school must have a valid WWCC.
Our database shows alot of expired Working with children checks. If you have updated your card, could you please scan and email a copy to info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
COVID Procedures
Listed below are the most recent procedures;
- Camps and Excursions - Camps and Excursions are proceeding. 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 office@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.
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
SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS
School fee statements will be sent out this coming Friday.
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
I hope that you are keeping warm on these very cold days. The Teachers and students have been busy learning about Catholic Education Week. The theme for Catholic Education Week 2022 is Go out into the world and spread the Good News to all Creation from Mark 16:15.
The words from the Gospel, according to Mark, challenge Christians to go out to the world and make a difference by sharing with others what they know about the unconditional love of God, shown through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. May we be encouraged and empowered in this challenge and blessed for our efforts to share the Good News.
Last Friday the Preps celebrated Mass with Fr Sunil in the Chapel. The teachers invited Fr Sunil to join them in their learning spaces to talk to the children. This week the Year 6 students will be celebrating Mass with a focus on Pentecost and the Holy Spirit as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Just a reminder that the Blessing Masses for the students preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation are this weekend. If your child is enrolled in this sacrament then you will need to attend one of the regular masses. Mass times are Saturday 6.00pm. Sunday 7.30am, 9.00am, 10.30am and 6.00pm. Please keep all the students who are making the Sacrament of Confirmation in your prayers at this time.
We have finally been able to announce the amount of money that has been raised from Project Compassion and Kilometres for Compassion is $1198.15. What an amazing effort! This money will be sent to Caritas to help with programs throughout the world. Thank you for all your support regarding this Social Justice initiative.
Yours in Faith
Nerida Byrden
Catholic Identity and Religious Education Leader
In other library news, the library continues to be a place where students enjoy selecting books each week to enjoy at home with their families. This week our treasure has been filled with brand new picture storybooks. Students have embraced the opportunity to borrow from the treasure chest and the new bookshelf.
The library has also been very popular with our lunchtime clubs.
Week 6 Newsletter
Hello parents and guardians, welcome to week 6! Last Friday the year 6’s went to the lightning premiership, everyone tried their best and it was an amazing experience for everyone.
The all girls netball team won the Grand final and the mixed team got into the semi finals, well done to all. Whilst the netball team were working hard, the Tee-ball mixed also won the finals and we now have two amazing flags hanging up in the year 6 classes.
Today the school and vice captains went to Akoonah park for lunch with a local MP Brad Battin, while he explains what it takes to become a successful leader!
Unfortunately the division cross country was cancelled this morning due to extreme weather conditions, but we know that everyone would have tried their hardest. At the moment, the date of the postponed division is unknown and further emails will be sent out to the families of these runners.
When the year 6’s were at Lightning Premiership the year 1’s had an excursion. They went to Moonlit Sanctuary, a place full of Australian animals. We hope they had heaps of fun and have learnt about the many different species of Australian animals.
On Friday it was Sorry Day, Sorry Day remembers the day when the Australian government said sorry to the Aborigal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Last week the year 1’s had mass with Father Jeff and they spent this time reflecting on God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
We hope everyone has a great upcoming week,
Thank you from Alicia, Aidan, Sienna, Luke, Mia and O
SchoolTV: A new resource available to families of the St Catherine’s Community
A SPECIAL REPORT:
Managing Screen Time
As a result of the global pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in the amount of time people spend on screen-based devices. Families are transitioning back to pre-COVID routines but many are still struggling to re-establish the boundaries and rules around screen use. Some continue to deal with digital conflict and tech-tantrums on a daily basis. The latest research found that 77% of teenagers spend more than five hours on screens per day, but it is important to note that not all screen time is considered equal.
Parents play a crucial role in modelling a positive and healthy approach to using screens and assisting children to navigate the content they watch. It is better to model and mentor screen use, rather than monitor it. Children tend to do more of what they see us do, and less of what we tell them to do. However, it is still important to outline the risks and highlight the benefits of screen use to ensure you keep a balanced attitude. Encourage discussions around the issues that people experience in monitoring their screen time and be honest about your own difficulties.
Parents need to remain firm in their approach to managing screen time. Excessive screen time can be detrimental to a child’s overall wellbeing. Ensuring the correct privacy settings are in place is vital to prevent children from being inadvertently exposed to inappropriate content or online predators. Parents need to also be mindful of the potential impact screen time can have on a child’s social, emotional, educational, behavioural, and even physical domains.
In this edition of SchoolTV, care-givers will be provided with a range of guidelines and strategies to help manage screen time at home.
We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this edition of SchoolTV and we always welcome your feedback. If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the school counsellor for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to the Managing Screen Time edition of SchoolTV
https://stcberwick.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/managing-screen-time
Jess Ornsby
Learning Adjustment Leader & Student Support
LUNCH TIME CLUBS
LUNCH TIME CLUBS
This term at St Catherine’s we have commenced Lunch Time Clubs. Lunch time clubs are being offered to students to cater for a range of interests while also supporting students to make new friendships, work in teams and build connections with their peers.
PAL (Peer Activity Leader) is offered to our Prep, Year 1 and 2 students twice a week and will be run by some of our Year 6 students, with teacher support. There will be a different activity run each session, and our Year 6 students will visit classrooms to advertise and help students sign up.
Senior clubs require students to sign up in advance, teachers will also support students with this.
I have attached a copy of the timetable for your reference.
We hope our students are enjoying and participating in the clubs!
Jess Ornsby
Learning Adjustment Leader & Students Support
SHINE
Week 6
Hello everyone we are your SHINE leaders, Siennah, Ariana , Kevin and Tino.
We would like to start by congratulating our week 4&5 SHINE winners for staying safe Hannah Bikkako from 6LA6. And for have respect: Leo Fletcher from PM4 and Mason Cinque from 5LA4. 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 “INTERACT APPROPRIATELY”. Let's go through the meanings and expectations of this focus. INTERACT APPROPRIATELY WHILE LEARNING: we cooperate with others, we ask for help in appropriate ways, we collaborate as a member of a team, we listen to the ideas of others, we share our ideas. INTERACT APPROPRIATELY WHILE PLAYING: equipment properly, we listen to. TRANSITION AND MOVEMENT: we stay with our class, we follow the teacher.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
Senon P | Lucinda A | Rishi M |
Kiarah M | Angelika S | Quan B |
Lily E | Luke G | Joshua F |
Ionna B | Bella N | Evie J |
Rita P | Olivia T | Ava P |
Stacy M | Alyssa R | Sayul M |
Anish N | Syierra T | Rashane D |
Danielle G | Yana E | Emmanuel J |
Savannah T | Joshua Z | Jairus J |
Sophie B | Raunak S |
We still have clothing that was left at Grade 4 and 6 Camps. There are runners, windcheaters, shorts etc. Please contact the office if you are missing anything.
Summary from P&F meeting held Wednesday 25th May @ 5:30pm via Google meet
- We welcomed 2 new parents who attended our meeting. Thank you for attending we welcome all parents to attend.
- Midyear reports will go out to parents Thursday 23rd June
- Family learning conversations will take place in week 2 Term 3 via Google meet
- NAPLAN was successfully completed in the last couple of weeks .
- Insight surveys are currently being completed by students/ staff and some parents
- Prep enrolments 2023 - If there any parents who have not enrolled siblings for next year please do so ASAP as spots are filling.
- Mother's Day Stall was a success - Thank you to the parents who came along and helped on the day
- Road safety - It has been noted that some parents are not following the school signage and still turning right into the school. This along with dropping off kids on corners and double parking is a serious safety issue for school kids and families
- Bunnings BBQ - The parents and friends committee are looking at putting on another BBQ in late June. Details are being finalised, once completed we will distribute the information and send out a link for volunteers on the day and for any donations.
BOOKCLUB ISSUE 4
IS OPEN FOR ORDERS
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.
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