Issue 2 - 13 February 2018

Newsletter Articles

VISION STATEMENT

St Rita’s School will be a compassionate and supportive community built on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, specifically incorporating the Mercy Values which are lived out. We will be a values-based community reaching out to and welcoming the wider community. Our strong school spirit will shine. St Rita’s will be a school in which every member is respectful of self and others

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Dear Parents and Carers,

The term is progressing smoothly at St Rita’s and we have commenced specialist lessons in LOTE and PE, Homework Club, Robotics Club during lunch break, private music lessons and AFL Coaching since the last newsletter. Unfortunately due to the heavy rain last week we had to postpone our Parent Information Evening. We are very much looking forward to seeing you all in our classrooms this Tuesday however!

I appreciate families have after school commitments, so if you are unable to attend the parent session for your class or classes this week, I encourage you to speak with your teacher if you have any concerns or queries regarding the parent letter that was sent home after the event. Your Parent Handbook has also been distributed for your information. Communication between teachers and parents is vital in our aim to work as partners in the education of St Rita’s students.

To show your appreciation of the successes of the 2017 P & F Executive Committee, I hope you can join us for next week’s Annual General Meeting. At this meeting, highlights of the past year’s work of this group will be acknowledged, and the election of a new Committee will be undertaken. I know many parents are reticent to attend AGMs for fear of “getting a job”, however there will no pressure for you to take on a position if you are unable commit at this stage. We also aim to keep our meetings short and sharp, mostly taking only an hour or so in length.

I cannot stress enough just how important active involvement by parents is in schools. Educational research highlights this positive impact: “Good schools make a difference, but parent involvement better predicts a child’s academic performance than the qualities of the school he or she attends.” (Federation of Parents & Friends Associations of Catholic Schools in Queensland, February 2013).

You can be involved at St Rita’s in many ways; attending P & F meetings, participating in parent workshops, joining us for special events and school assemblies, and helping in the classroom and tuckshop. Mrs Masina is soon signing up parents for reading with the Prep/Year 1s this term. Being involved really is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for parents, and much appreciated by the whole school community.

Another highlight of last week was being able to accompany our school captains, assisted by Mrs Jenni Stone, to the annual GRIP Student Leadership Conference in Cairns. What a valuable day it was for our School Captains and Sports Captains Georgina Stone, Jamie Brose, Hallie Lansdown, Harrison Stone and Max Schep. They learnt more about the roles and responsibilities of being a student leader, interacted with leaders from other schools, and finished by brainstorming a plan for the year ahead.

What I particularly liked was the emphasis the presenters placed on the importance of leaders “growing” with their roles. Being elected a student leader is an awesome responsibility, one that does not end on the day of the election. Rather, we will continue to work with our St Rita’s leaders throughout the year as they mature and grow both as individuals and a leadership team. I was very proud of our school leaders at the Conference! Thank you also to Mrs Jenni Stone who provided transport to and from Cairns for the Conference.

The Queensland Parents and Friends Federation publishes an interesting and informative newsletter for parent communities in Catholic schools. In the February 8th edition, an article discussing the new Triple P Online course has been included for your information. The following is a short excerpt of this article:

Get this school year off to the best start possible!

Set up your children for success – whether it’s at the start, middle or end of their school years – with Triple P! The Triple P ‘Positive Parenting’ program is a toolbox of tips and strategies proven to help kids and teenagers learn new skills, cope with stress, better handle their emotions, and communicate more effectively. You’ll notice the difference at home and teachers will notice the difference at school.

Triple P has already helped more than 161,000 Queensland parents, carers and grandparents, plus it’s FREE. And it’s easy for P&Fs to let parents know how they can do Triple P – there’s an online program , sessions with other parents or one-on-one consultations . Find out more at via the link below:

Have a good week!

Regards & blessings,
Judy Billiau

APRE THOUGHTS

COMMENCEMENT MASS THANK YOU

Last week, we welcomed in the new school year, celebrating our Commencement Mass with staff, students, family members and parishioners. Father Nathan McKay, who presided over the ceremony, encouraged us to share the rich blessings gifted to us with others, and reiterated the importance of learning, respecting, and remaining faithful in honour of our God-given talents.

During the mass, we commissioned our elected school leaders to promote the Spirit of Jesus in our community while carrying out their leadership responsibilities to the best of their abilities. There were also commitment ceremonies for attending parents, students and staff, to dedicate themselves to the task of working together to bring about the Kingdom of God. The congregation was then blessed with prayers and sprinkled with holy water, to strengthen their spirits in undertaking the various roles within the school.

As we commence our 2018 school year, I wish to extend sincere thanks to all staff, parents, and students, in anticipation of all efforts to come, as together we endeavour to share fully of our gifts with others. Our thanks also go to Father Nathan, for leading our mass celebration.

ASH WEDNESDAY and LENT

The period of time from Ash Wednesday to the First Sunday of Lent is somewhat of an ‘invitation’ for us to enter into the season of Lent. Perhaps the most well-known and familiar of all of the church’s seasons, Lent is a serious time of reflection, where Catholics are called to reflect upon what the gospel means to us, and to examine how well we are living up to God’s law of love and our baptismal promises.

In the Bible, the number ‘forty’ is significant and is mentioned many times: the Hebrew people lived in the desert for ‘40’ years before entering the promised land after their escape from slavery by the Egyptians; the rain fell for ‘40’ days and nights in the story of Noah and his ark; our Lord spent ‘40’ days in the wilderness and was tempted by Satan before He began preaching. The number ‘forty’ represents a ‘fullness of time’; it signifies a period of testing, strengthening and awakening to hear God’s word. Hence Lent precedes Easter by 40 days, as a time for us to come to understand God’s word more clearly, and to live by that word more generously.

On Ash Wednesday, St Rita’s School will attend Parish Mass at 9:00am. At this service, we will be marked on the forehead by a cross of ashes - a symbol of humility, purification and sorrow – as a sign that we are willing to turn away from sin and come to closer relationship with God. Please feel very welcome to join us at this time.

Merciful God,
You called us forth from the dust of the earth.
You claimed us for Christ in the waters of baptism.
Look upon us as we enter these forty days bearing the mark of ashes.
Bless our journey through the desert of Lent to the font of rebirth.
May our fasting be a hunger for justice; our alms, a making of peace; our prayer, the chant of humble and grateful hearts.
All that we do and pray is in the name of Jesus now and for ever.
Amen.

(Adapted from “Catholic Household Blessings and Prayers)

PROJECT COMPASSION

This year, in the Year of Youth, the theme for Project Compassion is “A Just Future”. As Pope Francis said, “Cultivate with love the seeds of goodness, beauty and truth that God sows in every new generation.” Through the generous donations of many to Project Compassion, we can empower young people to build a just future for themselves, their families and their communities, as the stories below illustrate:

In Nepal, a Caritas Australia supported program has helped Janaki turn her life of poverty and disadvantage around. She is now running her own successful sewing business and has become a role model in her community.

Rattanak in Cambodia contracted polio as a child and also became deaf. The Deaf Development Program, supported by Caritas Australia, helped him become a barber and he is now supporting himself, his wife and baby.

Bayan, a 12 year old Syrian girl in Jordan, struggled to overcome the trauma of living in a conflict zone, facing the prospect of missing out on school. With Caritas Australia’s support, Bayan is excelling in her studies with ambitions to become an ophthalmologist.

Our first fundraiser for Project Compassion will occur this week on Shrove Tuesday, with all monies raised from pancake orders donated. Our thanks extend to Mrs Jenni Stone and to the senior students for preparing the delicious pancakes through the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program and to staff and families for generously supporting this.

Blessings,
Maureen Gaul
Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2018

Enrolment forms are now available for the Sacramental Program for 2018. If you have a child who has been baptised Catholic, and is currently in Year 4 (or a higher grade), then please contact Angie at the Good Counsel Parish Office Innisfail on 4061 6633, or call in to fill in an enrolment form.

The Sacramental Program includes the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Eucharist. Once enrolments have been finalised, a brochure will be posted to you outlining what the Sacraments are about and important dates to take note of.

Maureen Gaul,
St Rita’s Parish Sacramental Coordinator

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

CASTING THE NET

‘I try to take one day at a time….’

‘…but sometimes several days attack me all at once’, said Ashleigh Brilliant. That was my experience earlier this week. I was overwhelmed by what needed to be done in the rest of the day so much so I was getting a little frantic. I stopped, sat down, tried to make myself calm…and then spent a few minutes counting my blessings and thanking God for them. What a difference it made. I got up, worked steadily through the rest of the day, got most of the work done and then didn’t worry about the rest. Civilization wouldn’t end because I hadn’t ‘succeeded’ in my tasks.

In counting my blessings, I changed my perspective. When we are very busy, we can begin to feel put upon: ‘Why is this happening to me? It is so unfair. Nobody appreciates all I do.’ You catch my drift. We each have our own ‘poor me’ script that can spoil even a good day. But by focussing on what is good in our lives, we open our vision to reality. We choose the big, good picture of life.

By thanking God, we acknowledge that we really aren’t in control of our lives and that God is looking after us. To remember and realise this, we need to constantly ‘refresh our browser’. It is so easy for our hearts and minds to slip into negativity, especially when we are overworked or when things aren’t going our way. Counting our blessings and thanking God isn’t being Pollyannaish and ignoring the challenges we face. Rather it is looking at reality the way it is: me, with all my gifts and talents, the situation with its good and bad and God, alongside me, on my side.

Loving God, when know what happens to me when life overwhelms me.
Give me the wide wisdom of your Spirit to open my heart and mind to see clearly and peacefully how I can serve those I love.
I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

PARENT COMMUNICATION

What is Skoolbag?

Skoolbag is one of Australia’s most trusted school apps, empowering schools to engage parents through a simple and central communication platform. The easy-to-use desktop and mobile app streamlines all aspects of organising school life, from newsletters and events to student attendance and documentation.

St Rita’s uses Skoolbag as another efficient and simple source of communication between home and school. Have you uploaded the app on your mobile device? We encourage you to do so!

COLES ‘SPORTS FOR SCHOOLS’ PROGRAM

This year the ‘Sports for Schools’ program starts on 7th February 2018 and ends on 15th June 2018. You will be able to start collecting Coles Sports for School vouchers from all Coles stores and Coles Express stores nationally. You can also collect electronic Coles Sports for Schools vouchers when you shop at Coles Online.

Every voucher received will go towards St Rita’s tally which enables us to order sports equipment for our school. You may send your vouchers into school any time as you collect them. Congratulations Chloe for being the first shopper to bring in vouchers last week!

LESSONS IN THE LIBRARY

Commonwealth Games Reading Challenge

The St Rita’s Commonwealth Games Reading Challenge is now underway. Students can begin participating in this challenge by choosing an event and collecting a Reading Recording Form from their teacher or the library. It has been wonderful to see so many students showing enthusiasm to participate in this reading challenge and working towards earning a gold, silver or bronze medal/s. Happy Reading St Rita’s!

Green Screen App

Students were introduced to the Green Screen last week. Using the Green Screen App (by Do Ink), each student had the opportunity to transport themselves to a weird and wonderful landscape or environment. Some students got right into their different roles … battling fire-breathing dragons, disappearing into the black hole or swimming underwater with gorgeous arrays of tropical fish. It was wonderful to see the creative juices flowing!

Michelle van Dugteren
District Teacher Librarian

CURRICULUM CORNER

Reading is the essential life skill

Research shows that learning to read is one of the most important factors in school success and that an early exposure to books and stories substantially contributes to success in early literacy. There are strong links between literacy, school performance, self-esteem and life chances with poor literacy skills being linked with lower education, earnings, health and social outcomes.

Literacy transforms lives

It often surprises people to learn that Australia has a significant literacy issue. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that 44% of Australian adults don’t have the literacy skills they need to cope with the demands of everyday life and work. The Australian Early Development Census shows that 24% of five year old children starting school in Western Australia are developmentally vulnerable or at risk in their language and cognitive skills. A survey by the Australian Industry Group, carried out as part of their National Workforce Literacy Project in 2010 found that more that 75% of employers reported that their business was affected by low levels of literacy and numeracy.

Reading aloud to children is the single most important activity for building the skills and knowledge necessary for children to successfully learn to read when they begin school. Children who are good readers are usually successful learners. At St Rita’s, classroom teaching programs engage students in Guided Reading and Modelled Reading to promote these literacy skills. We also assist students in becoming successful readers by borrowing books from our well-resourced library and participating fully in our classroom Home Reading program.

AROUND THE CLASSROOMS

Green Screen Fantasy

Last week Mrs Van sent me to a land of fire breathing dragons and spooky castles. She also sent me to the bottom of the ocean with lots of fish. Then all of a sudden, I was flying through the clouds in the sky.

Mrs Van is our visiting Librarian at St Rita’s Babinda. Last week she brought to our school a ‘green screen’, just like the ones used by the T.V. weather person. It was nearly as big as our Interactive Whiteboard.

She taught us how to use an app on our iPads to create different settings that we can be photographed in. It was amazing and lots of fun learning about the green screens and the apps. My favourite was visiting the haunted house. It was so scary! I can’t wait to see what she brings next week.

By Hannah Lansdown (Year 1)

LIBRARY LINKS

Creativity….what an amazing word!

There are so many ways for each of us to showcase our creativity. Some people are incredible painters, using beautiful brush strokes to tell their story. Others love to work with clay or marble, drawing incredible art from these lifeless mediums. Some of us prefer to express ourselves through dance or song, often moving people to tears with our performances. Wearing vibrant or unique clothing can also demonstrate inspired creativity.

However we choose to showcase our creativity and individuality, be assured that each and every one of us is creative in our own way.

This term, at the beginning of another wonderful year of possibilities, our library will be focusing on creativity; ideas, creative thinking, inspiration and the bravery it sometimes takes to share our own form of creativity.

Author Peter Reynolds, in his wonderful picture book, The Dot, knows the importance of acknowledging and nurturing creativity in our children, in whatever form it takes. To quote Peter, ‘make your mark and see where it takes you’. For the child in this story, a single dot was all it took to start her on her journey.

Cheers to a term of creativity; of making our mark and seeing where it takes us!

Lisa Calcagno,
Library Assistant

DATE CLAIMERS

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

St Rita’s School congratulates those students who were awarded ‘Student of the Week’ at Assembly on Friday 9th February 2018.

BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS

St Rita’s wishes Jack Clarke, Cooder Postic and Hayley Geary all the very best for their recent birthdays. We hope you had wonderful birthday celebrations. Congratulations Jack, Cooder and Teelah!

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

We congratulate Havana Postic and Teelah Geary who successfully contributed to the Cairns Post ‘Inspire’ feature on Tuesday 6th February 2018 with their article titled ‘We’re all in this together’. It was a delightful piece about how special it is to have siblings in the same classroom at St Rita’s.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

COMMUNITY NEWS

RUGBY LEAGUE TRIALS

INNISFAIL YOUNG PERFORMERS

All enquiries to: cherylcleslie@gmail.com