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Dear families,
Developing classes is a very time consuming and complex task and we spend many weeks considering the needs of all the children. Teachers in their daily work are aware of the dynamics that support a positive learning environment and through their professional judgement and a great deal of discernment, they work collaboratively to organise classes.
Each year we invite families to write to the Leadership Team if there are circumstances they would like us to keep in mind as we establish classes, these must be given to Leadership by Friday 5 November October. This invitation is not an opportunity to request teachers, and these requests will not be considered, but rather highlight the needs of your child. As always, we appreciate your support of the decisions that Teachers make in regards to classes and look forward to working with you in 2022
Social Media and Online Behaviour
It has been brought to the school's attention that there has been some inappropriate use of social media by some students. While social media is not allowed during school hours, we want to ensure that all students and families feel safe in all their dealings with one another.
We request that ALL parents spend some time in the coming week to speak with their children about appropriate behaviours online and esafety. We know the digital landscape can be difficult for parents to manage given the number of apps and devices which are seemingly ubiquitous. Over the coming weeks, we will endeavour to provide families with resources to help them speak with their children.
If you do want further information we strongly urge parents to visit the eSafety Commissioner's website at www.esafety.gov.au/parents.
School Calendar
The Term 4 School Calendar is now available via our website (HERE) or through the SZapp app on your mobile device. Please take a moment to sync the calendar to your phone or device and check for upcoming events and pupil free days.
Yours in Faith Growth and Unity,
Angela, Michelle, Linda and Courtney
The Year Ones have started Term 4 with some exciting explorations. In Science we are looking at Chemical Sciences. We have tried to change a piece of paper and were challenged to make the A4 piece of paper bigger in some way. We also explored ways to change other materials such as slime, foil, bubble wrap and string.
In Religion we have been learning about compassion and how to show compassion towards others. We listened to the Bible story Jesus Blesses the Little Children and made paintings depicting the story.
In Maths we have begun learning about Location and Arrangement, which explores positional mathematical language. We have made maps, given directions on ways to move around the school and worked with the BeeBots.
Welcome Back to Term 4
Welcome back to what is already proving to be a busy but productive term. It’s a real delight to listen to the school come alive again with all students settling in swiftly, eager to participate, learn and socialise.
Jesus showed his care for all children –
Mark 10:13-16: People were bringing children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Our school belongs to our students, for many we are church, and we will continue to allow them to explore, investigate and navigate their being and belonging with each other and their surroundings, at their pace, to enjoy the witness of God in each and every one they encounter.
Made in the Image of God (MITIOG)
During Term 4 we teach MITIOG to all students. Each year level curriculum and lessons are designed specifically to that year level, their needs and understanding. In the next couple of weeks, information will be sent home informing families when MITIOG lessons will commence and the content of each lesson. Please take the time to read through this information and if it raises any questions, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.
As Christians, we have a ”new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator (God)” (Colossians 3:10) and as we grow in faith, we “are invited to be transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another” (2 Corinthians 3:18). Knowing that we are made in God’s image affects not only our understanding of our Creator and our relationship with Him: it also sets the stage for understanding and defending the sacredness of all human life. Every single human being, no matter how much the image of God is marred by sin, or illness, or weakness, or age, or any other disability, still has the status of being in God’s image and therefore must be treated with the dignity and respect that is due to God’s image-bearer (me, you, us).
Term 4 Fund Raising – Mercy in Action
As many of you are aware, we usually hold ‘Charities Day Stalls’ this term to mark our Catherine McAuley Feast Day – 11 November, however, due to Covid-19 and the on going restrictions, we have made the decision to hold an in-house SOCKTOBER Fun Day related to Catholic Missions. Information has been distributed to all our families regarding this fun day detailing the number of ways in which you can assist and get involved. Unfortunately, the SOCKTOBER Fun Day will be a family free event.
Please read the letter and flyer to familiarise yourself with Catholic Missions and our 2021 partnership with them. SOCKTOBER encourages students across Australia to kick goals on and off the pitch to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children in Thailand and around the world.
For more information visit: https://www.socktober.org.au/
To make a Catherine McAuley donation visit: https://www.socktober.org.au/fundraisers/catherinemcauleyschool
To view the letter sent home to families visit: Socktober 2021
All donations will be gratefully received.
God Bless
Linda Caldinez
APRIM
Please note the 6pm Vigil Mass is now at St Ann's Church, Midway Road, Elizabeth East and will remain there until day light saving ends in April.
ABSENT FROM SCHOOL
If your child is going to be absent from school please leave a message on the Absentee Notification on SZAPP or phone the School on 8284 1666 and leave a message on the Absentee line.
Regular attendance at school is a very important habit to develop. Parents are requested to notify the School Office by 9:00am if children are absent due to illness or any other unexpected cause. If the School Office has not been notified, a parent of the student will be sent an SMS Message. These measures seek to ensure the safety of all students in the school community and provide reassurance for families.
Permission is required, in writing for planned absences such as family holidays. An Application Form for Exemption from School is required if over 5 days. When parents are away from home and leaving children in the care of a temporary guardian, notification should be given to the School in writing.
- Catherine McAuley School is committed to maximising learning outcomes for every student. Absenteeism is an issue for the wellbeing and learning for all students.
- Habitual absence is where a student is absent for 5-9 days in one term for any reason.
- Chronic absence is where a student is absent for 10 or more days in one term for any reason.
We are mandated to report unexplained absences as neglect. Please make sure you let your child’s school know why they are absent and please note that all illnesses of 2 days or more require a doctor’s certificate.
Although the vast majority of our students arrive at school regularly and on time, we are committed to ongoing improvement in the overall area of punctuality and attendance. Being late for school has a negative impact on your student’s learning.
We all run late sometimes, however, chronic lateness eventually takes its toll on a student’s overall educational experience.
Being just 10 minutes late every day adds up to an nearly an hour a week of lost learning. This adds up to one and a half weeks of school missed in a year.
Being late for class often means important interactions and learning opportunities are missed and the learning of other students in the class, is interrupted. Arriving at least 5 minutes before the school day begins allows your student time to prepare. The skills developed through attending school regularly and arriving on time, builds in our students the skills and capabilities that will prepare them not only for school, but for life.
It is important to contact your care teacher if your child experiencing other reasons for lateness that can be supported and addressed within the school setting.
LOST PROPERTY
Please ensure that all removeable uniform items are labelled.
If hats, jackets etc are handed into the front office with a name we endeavour to return via the ’class bag’.
Please feel free to pop into the office to check.
Weather permitting, at least once a term we will hang on the OSHC fence any items that are handed into the office with no name.
Any unclaimed clothing or food/drink containers will be donated to St Vincent de Paul at the end of each term.
CESA announces inaugural Catholic Education Awards
We are pleased to launch the inaugural Catholic Education Awards South Australia. The Awards aim to celebrates the outstanding achievements and contributions to Catholic education of staff and volunteer supporters working in a diverse range of endeavours including primary school, secondary school, special circumstances, preschools, Early Learning Centres (ELCs) and the Catholic Education Offices.
CESA Deputy Director, John Mula OAM said that the Catholic Education Awards South Australia provide a formal opportunity to recognise those whose efforts are beyond the already high standards of education and care delivered by those involved in Catholic education.
The Awards endorsed by the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS), Association of Principals of Catholic Secondary Schools (APCSS) and the South Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association (SACPPA) recognises and acknowledges unwavering commitment to Catholic education and the extraordinary outcomes that can be achieved through the impact of such commitment.
Through such commitment, our staff and volunteer supporters continue to make a difference in the lives of students and their school communities. Similarly, it is important to recognise and acknowledge innovative practice being developed to improve the quality of learning and teaching within Catholic education in South Australia.
The Award categories are:
- Leadership / Lifelong Contribution Award.
- Outstanding Educator Awards in a Pre-school/ELC, Primary and Secondary school setting:
- Early Career Teacher (up to five years teaching experience)
- Experienced Teacher (six or more years teaching experience).
- Education Support Award.
- Volunteer Supporter Award.
- Innovative Program or Practice Award.
Nominations open on 13 October 2021 and close on 9 March 2022.
The Award recipients will be formally acknowledged in a ceremony during Catholic Education Week in May 2022. For more information on the Catholic Education Awards, explore this website: awards.cesa.catholic.edu.au
The Catholic Education Awards is proudly supported by NGS Super, APCSS and SACPPA.
Resilience, Confidence, Discipline, Respect.
KIDS TAEKWONDO
Monday Munno Para PS, Modbury West Community Hall (10yo +), Salisbury East Community Centre.
Tuesday Greenwith Community Centre
Wednesday Modbury West Community Hall
Thursday Golden Grove PS
Refer to website below for addresses and times.
Access to all of the above Centres at no extra charge!
- Olympic Sport Martial Art
- Children can start at the age of 5
- Experienced & Qualified Instructors
- Enrol Now
Enquiries Ph: 0411 265 023 or 0412 909 500
Website: www.worldtaekwondo.com.au Email: info@worldtaekwondo.com.au
SA GOVERNMENT SPORTS VOUCHERS ACCEPTED!