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PRINCIPAL NEWS
Dear Parents,
I remember several years ago being down at the local park with two of my children, Jack and Tom. At the time they were both in primary school. When it was time to leave the boys asked me if they could walk home for the first time by themselves. Whilst we were not that far away from where we live their journey involved crossing roads and negotiating a few different streets.
Initially my immediate thought was that I was going to say no and take them in the car. However, once I thought further about their request I reminded myself that my wife and I had been consistently talking to them about road safety, being responsible and looking after each other. I recall being presented with a real opportunity for them to demonstrate this to me.
An enormous pleasure of parenting is watching your children learn, develop and grow. One of the most difficult tasks as a parent is getting the balance right between protecting your children and allowing them the opportunity to learn from experiences with an acceptable amount of risk. If we over protect our children we can actually be hampering their growth. Real learning involves challenge and taking risks.
Consider how you feel when you are in your comfort zone; safe, relaxed, not challenged, going through the motions. Now reflect upon how you feel when you are out of your comfort zone; alert, active, challenged, stimulated, excited, energised, a little stressed, curious, just to name a few. When you travel along in your comfort zone not much is happening, conversely, when you are out of your comfort zone you are most definitely in your learning zone.
As parents and educators of our children our role is to create a safety net so that our children have the opportunity to survive, and then thrive, out of their comfort zone. In order to assist them we need to be there to support them and talk them through the different experiences of life, not shield them away.
An analogy might be when you are teaching your child to ride a bike. At some stage you have to take the training wheels off and let go of the bike. You know that there is a real risk that they may fall, however, you will help them get back up, talk them through what went wrong, give them the strategies required, build up their confidence again and support them to have another go. The joy then comes as the smile engulfs their face and they have that wonderful satisfaction of learning and achieving.
As for Jack and Tom all those years ago, they got home safe and sound, very proud of their efforts to be responsible and walk home by themselves. Completely unaware that Dad was following along several hundred metres back just keeping them in view!
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.
Staffing Update
Last week Mr Jason Lester resigned effective as of Thursday the 21st of July. We thank Jason for his time at St Catherine’s and wish him all the best for his future endeavours. We are currently recruiting for a replacement for Jason.
Mrs Ann Eggens has also tendered her resignation after 22 years of service to St Catherine’s as an ESO. We thank Ann for her commitment and efforts over many years at St Catherine’s and wish her all the very best in retirement. Ann will finish up at the end of the term.
Family Learning Conversations - FLC’s
FLC’s (previously Parent / Teacher Interviews) will be held on the 19th and 20th of July (Week 2 Term 3). They will be via Google Meet, invites will be sent out to parents in Week One next term.
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.
Signing Students in/out
If your child is arriving late to school due to an appointment etc. or being collected early, you will need to sign them in or out using the Ipads in the school office.
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.
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
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
A reminder that school concludes for the students next Thursday, the 23rd of June. Friday the 24th of June is a School Closure Day. On behalf of all the staff we wish all families a relaxing holiday and we look forward to working with you again next term.
School Closure Dates
Listed below are the 2022 School Closure Dates for your diary;
Friday 24 June
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
This week we launch our St. Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal. It is a very important initiative as it reminds us of God’s love for each other. In John 15, Jesus says “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.” This is why the Winter Appeal is vital in helping those who need our support. The students are learning this through the Catholic Social Teaching Principles which are Dignity of the Human Person, Common Good, Solidarity, Subsidiarity, Participation, Care for the Common Home and Preferential Option for the Poor.
If you can donate either tinned/canned food, non perishable goods or toiletries, this would be most appreciated.
This Friday and Saturday see our Year Six students celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is a momentous event in their lives, they have been preparing for this sacrament over the past few months and are ready to take the next step in their faith journey. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers this week.
Yous in Faith
Nerida Byrden
Catholic Identity and Religious Education Leader
As the term draws to a close we reflect on our achievements throughout the
term. Students have embraced the opportunity to spend more time in the
library this year, both with their classroom teachers and during lunchtime
clubs.
We have learned about the different sections of the library, enjoyed sharing
stories, discovered different authors and illustrators, delved into the Dewey System, celebrated
NSS Day, and borrowed many books.
At this time of the year, it is essential that any overdue library books are returned to the library for
others to borrow. Students may keep their current loans for the holidays, but all other books must
be returned. Overdue lists will be issued to students this week.
Looking ahead to next term we will be celebrating Book Week. We hope this is an exciting event
for our students and families. More details about how we will celebrate this will come next term.
CBCA BOOK WEEK
Each year since 1945 the CBCA has brought children and books
together across Australia through CBCA Book Week. During this time
schools and public libraries spend one glorious week celebrating
books and Australian children's authors and illustrators.
CBCA BOOK WEEK 2022
Theme: Dreaming with eyes open...
Dates: August 20-26
Artwork: Jasmine Seymour
#CBCA2022
#dreamingwitheyesopen
On Friday 3rd June, 12 year 4-6 students ran in the Casey South Division Cross Country Carnival. In blustery conditions, our group of St Catherine’s runners performed brilliantly showing great determination to record many outstanding results! Congratulations to all of our fantastic runners on the day! The following 6 students finished in the top 10 and have progressed to the Southern Metropolitan Carnival on Wednesday 15th June.
Girls 9/10 year olds
Portia Miller 3rd
Destiny Windsor 6th
Girls 11 year olds
Annabelle Furness 3rd
Boys 11 year olds
Alfie Clarke 1st
Boys 12/13 year olds
Oscar Ellis 4th
Matteo Indovino 5th
What a fantastic achievement! We wish them all the best for the 15th June!
In other sports news, Nicola Henshaw participated in the Conference trials for School Sport Victoria Netball and was selected to progress to the next trial - Stage 1 of the State trials.
Fantastic achievement Nicola! We wish her all the best with her trials.
Mr Kenez
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
Our Lost property is located in the school office. There are a number of items such as jumpers, coats, sports jumpers, hats, mostly unnamed. Please check you have all your uniform items.
Parents and Friends Meeting
Wednesday 22nd June | 9.30am |
Wednesday 27th July | 7.00pm |
Wednesday 24th August | 9.30am |
Wednesday 5th October | 7.00pm |
Wednesday 2nd November | 7.00pm |
Wednesday 7th December | 9.30am |
MEAL BANK
Looking for volunteers
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 |
REMINDER
The Canteen will be closed next week 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