Issue 14 - 5 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

MISSION STATEMENT

St Rita’s School mission is to create a community which inspires a love of holistic, life-long learning grounded in the Catholic Christian faith. Childhood is celebrated and nurtured by caring adults. A student’s capacity for their best future is realised in the context of our small rural community. We provide a safe and supportive environment, characterised by strong, life-giving and respectful relationships with students, staff, families, parish and the wider community. The school strives to ensure we are living out the Mercy values.

APRE THOUGHTS

Dear Parents and Carers,

St Rita’s Father’s Day Afternoon

Most people I know have hilarious stories to tell about their dads. Dads, I think, are simply enchanting, often with a spectacular sense of mischief and a hankering for fun with the children around them. Laughter and good times often follow wherever dads go, and children naturally gravitate towards them, seemly unable to get enough of their company. From a child’s point of view, Dads can often have a magical quality about them. They are worldly-wise, all-knowing, and seems to just make things happen. They are physically strong, immensely powerful and are always able to fix the problem. Dads can be rough-and-tumble, and yet, they are so tender too. Dads have an incredible role to play in families, providing security, love and protection. They often radiate a beautiful presence, and give to their children a strong sense of belonging.

We were honoured to have so many dads join us at last Friday’s ‘St Rita’s Father’s Day Afternoon’. It was touted by many as a wonderful celebration. Our evening had a relaxed and happy feel about it, with the joy of some simple pleasures in life: a backyard cricket match, sausage sizzle and comedy movie. Thank you to the families who contributed to this happy occasion in very many ways. I trust that you enjoyed the event, and that our dads were suitably spoilt with love and fun family moments on Father’s Day!

Thank you also for your support of the barbeque, drinks and sweets stall and the 50s-board. It meant that as a small community, we were able to raise just over $200 for the drought-affected farmers appeal. Super effort everyone!

No matter what looms ahead,
if you can eat today, enjoy today,
mix good cheer with friends today
enjoy it and bless God for it.
Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1867)
American clergyman

Year 5/6 Camp

In Week 9, the Year 5 and 6 students will set off on their two-day class camp adventure, conducted this year at Echo Creek Adventure Centre in Tully. Mrs Mollie Harbour and Mrs Lisa Calcagno will accompany the students on the camp experience, along with staff and students from the Year 5 class at St Rita’s South Johnstone. Students will test their skills at archery, and participate in activities such as the challenge course, raft building and various other team tasks. While camp is loads of fun, there is serious learning to be done!

The experience of camp develops personal capacity for problem-solving, collaboration and cooperation, and challenges participants to be committed to achieving group goals. Children need to recognise and harness the individual strengths of each team member, and show personal dedication to tasks. Typically there is much trial and error in being able to achieve the goal, and often too, there is failure which necessitates regrouping, re-evaluating and retesting. Hence, camp affords students with a valuable testing time of their social-emotional skills, that is: getting along, confidence, organisation, persistence and resilience!

School camp is a highlight of the school year, and is a highly-anticipated event! While we will earnestly miss the company of our senior class, we wish them a fun-filled adventure and look forward to the tales of their travels upon their return.

Parent-Teacher Interviews in Week 10

Parent-Teacher interviews for Semester 2 will occur in week 10. This is a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to discuss their child/children’s progress to date, and all parents are encouraged to attend. Classroom teachers will send home correspondence in the near future in order for parents to indicate their preferred interview times.

Prep-Prep Program

St Rita’s offers an 8-week Pre-Prep Program each Monday of Term 4 (excluding the pupil-free day) from 8:35am – 2:55pm and all children who are enrolled to begin Prep at St Rita’s in 2019 are eligible to attend. This program will be conducted in the Prep and Year One room by our early year’s teacher, Mrs Marjane Masina. The Pre-Prep Program aims to support new students and families in making a smooth transition into Prep, by developing a familiarity with staff, students and daily school routines. Should you be aware of others in our community who would benefit from this information, we would be grateful if you would kindly refer them to contact our school.

NAPLAN Online 2019

NAPLAN is moving online! This means moving NAPLAN from the current paper-based tests to computer-based assessments. In 2019, students in Years 3 and 5 will complete testing for NAPLAN online. As such, over the coming months, the transition to NAPLAN online will commence. A process of ‘School Readiness Testing’ will soon begin, to prepare for the technical demands required, both from the point of view of our IT capacity, and our teacher and student know-how of how to implement and navigate the digital platforms.

Teachers and students at St Rita’s have already begun to prepare for the transition to online testing by engaging in regular online tutoring of typing, and in completing a variety of tasks and assessments using digital tools. We are also investing time in developing students’ familiarity with navigating web pages, reading and comprehending digital texts, and composing texts using word processing. Early next year, students will complete online practice tests in the lead-up to online testing. Further information regarding NAPLAN Online can be found at

Farewell

Our Indigenous Liaison Officer, Miss Alannah Dewis, has tendered her resignation, effective from last Friday 24th August. She has been offered a full-time position working as a carer. We are grateful for her contribution to our school life, for her guidance, and for the care and concern she showed to our students when working in classrooms. We wish Alannah well in her new career!

Whole School Mass

With Father Kerry taking Sabbatical leave from 7th September, Father Nathan and Father Joseph will now minister to our school. Students who have received the Sacrament of Penance will have the opportunity to attend Reconciliation next Friday 14th September from 11:15am with Father Nathan McKay. Father Nathan will then celebrate a whole school mass scheduled to begin at 12:15pm. Parents are warmly invited to attend.

Pupil-Free Day for Term 4

Looking ahead to Term 4, please be advised that Monday 22nd October will be a Pupil-Free Day. On this day, parents will need to make alternate arrangements for the safe care of their children as no classes will be conducted while staff engage in Professional Development.

Blessings,
Maureen Gaul
Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING

Suggestions for parents and carers

Learning to make good decisions helps children become more independent and responsible.

A good decision is one that, on balance, is most likely to lead to a positive outcome for everyone concerned. Learning to consider the situation carefully and weigh up the options before coming to a decision helps children make better decisions. It also helps them to understand and take into account others’ views when making decisions that affect them.

How you can help:

• Allow children to practise making choices. Giving children opportunities to make choices helps to build their sense of responsibility as well as their decision making skills. It is important that the choice really is theirs, so provide options that you will be happy with no matter which they choose. Showing interest in their choice helps to reinforce that you see their decisions as important.
• Talk about everyday decisions. Involve children in your own decision making. For example, you might say, “I’m trying to decide whether to take up a sport to get fit or go to a dance class. Which do you think I should do?” Talk through the advantages and disadvantages of each suggestion so your child can learn how to thoughtfully evaluate different options.
• Support children to use decision making steps. As children develop their skills for thinking through decisions, teach them the steps of decision making and show them how to use them effectively. Decision making steps:1) Identify the decision to be made, 2) Think of options, 3) Evaluate the options and choose the best one, and 4) Put your choice into action and check how it works.
• Ask questions that promote thoughtful decisions. “What do you like about that?” “What makes this the best option?” “How would this work?” “Can you think of any reasons why…?” Asking questions that prompt children to think through their reasons for choosing a particular option helps them learn how to evaluate options and think through consequences.
• Encourage children to set achievable goals. Setting their own goals to work towards encourages children to plan and think ahead. It helps them understand the link between making decisions and taking action. Appropriate goals for children to choose include developing a new skill (e.g., learning to play chess, learning to swim), improving performance in school work or in an area of particular interest (e.g., learning to play a particular piece of music or to master a difficult skill in sport), or earning pocket money to save for something special. It is important that the goals set are achievable and motivating for the child. In addition, the steps needed to reach goals need to be definite, clear and small enough for the child to manage. Providing praise and acknowledgment for small steps of progress supports children to meet their goals.
• When children make poor decisions…
• Check your expectations. Are the decisions you want them to make appropriate for their age and ability? Do children understand what they need to think about to make an effective decision? Are the options clear? If not, then you may be expecting too much and need to make the task simpler or take charge of the decision yourself.
• Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Allowing children to experience the consequences of their decisions can provide useful lessons in responsibility. It is easier for children to accept difficult or disappointing consequences when they feel supported and cared for as they learn to correct their mistakes.
• Talk through good and poor decisions. Children learn best when they are calmly helped to think through the outcomes of their decisions and supported in making a better choice next time. Helping them to accept responsibility for mistakes and plan how to improve the situation teaches skills for more effective decision making.

CASTING THE NET

Fatherly Challenges

There is a photo of me with my father taken when I was a small child. We are on George St. in Sydney at night, probably a Saturday. My parents had taken me into the city, I am told, because I liked the city lights. I have a vague recollection: all the brightness and bustle was somewhat overwhelming, but I was secure. Daddy had my hand.

That is something we want from ‘fathers’ – the encouragement to enter into bigger, exciting, more challenging experiences, while experiencing the support we need to face the unknown. To achieve this is one of the great balancing acts of parenting: encouraging a child (or adolescent or adult) to grow through new experiences yet offering support that does not stifle.

God as ‘Father’ is one of the primary images of our Christian faith. Too often, this image just presents God as a caring, supportive figure. But God also challenges us and often with a sharp jolt, which leads to the complaint, ‘Why has God done this to me?’ Because God wants us to grow up. If we make the radical mental shift and start asking what is positive in the situations we perceive as negative, our lives will become richer and more loving. By asking, ‘What can I learn from this?’, we allow God to take us by the hand and help us transform the dark places of our lives with life-giving light.

Loving God, as I face the challenges that come to me, accepting your support, may I learn how to teach my child/ren to face difficulties with courage and creativity. May your Spirit inspire us to the fullness of life Jesus offers. We ask this in his name, confident that you will hear us.

Sr Kym Harris osb

AROUND THE CLASSROOMS

My First Day at St Rita’s

Last Monday the 27th of August, I started my first day at St Rita’s School. My name is Scarlette and I am in Prep. Chris and my mum dropped me off at school. First, I found my classroom and Mrs Masina was there. Then, I played with my friend Hayley. Next, I played with Hayley and Katara. I worked at my new desk. Finally, I went home on the bus with Hayley.

By Scarlette Swift - Prep

Father’s Day Afternoon

Last Friday after school, at 5 o’clock until night time I went to the St Rita’s basketball court with my family (Hallie, Flynn, Mum and Dad). We all went to the St Rita’s Father’s Day afternoon, to have fun and help celebrate Father’s day.

First, Dad and I played cricket and then I played on the playground as well. Then, Dad and I ate a yummy sausage sizzle. For dessert there were chocolate cupcakes. Next, Dad and I watched a funny movie called ‘Evan Almighty’. It was like the Noah’s Ark story. I like the part when the dog bit Evan. After the movie, I walked home with my family in the dark. It was a terrific night and I liked playing cricket with my Dad the best.

By Hannah Lansdown – Year 1

My Birthday

Sharing my birthday cake with the whole school was very special to me. Last Thursday the 16th of August, I celebrated my birthday at school and it was also Science Day. First, I dug for dinosaur bones with Mrs Harbour. I also made some dinosaur fossils. There was also a black hole experiment with Mrs Calcagno. I had to drop the marbles into the black hole. Then, I made my own marble run out of paper rolls and paper plates. Finally, we watched the senior class’ experiments. It was an exciting day and I enjoyed the black hole the most.

By Hunter Bell - Prep

The Father’s Day Outing

At St Rita’s on the basketball court we had our Father’s Day afternoon on Friday 31st August. It started at 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Mrs Jago and Ms Donna picked us up. Dad later arrived with Ebony. First, Dad and I played cricket on the basketball court and then I played with my friends to the playground.

Then, Dad, Elijah, Teelah, Ebony and I ate a hot sausage sizzle with sauce. For dessert I had a yummy Malteeser slice. Next, we watched a movie in the Prep and Year One room called Evan Almighty. We spread out pillows and sleeping bags. Dad watched Ebony.

Finally, it was time to go home and we hopped into Mrs Masina’s car. It was an amazing night and I was glad to spend time with my Dad. I felt happy because the movie had a funny ending.

By Hayley Geary – Year 1

Father’s Day Movie Night

Last Friday we went back to school in the afternoon for the Movie Night. It started at 5’oclock and finished late in the evening. Dad, Latoya, my cousin Ammazijah and I played on the playground and we played cricket. It was a special afternoon to help celebrate an early Father’s Day. First, Dad and I played cricket on the basketball court and then I played on the slide. Then, Dad and I ate a hot sausage sizzle with no onions. For dessert I had a chocolate cupcake with yummy mints on top. Next, Dad and I watched a movie in the Prep and Year One room. Then I had to go home early because Mum came to pick us up. I was excited about eating my chocolate and mint cupcake. I was glad Dad gave me some money to buy a delicious cupcake.

By Katara Ambrum – Year 1

LIBRARY LINKS

This year, our Book Fair will be held from Monday 15th to Friday 19th October. The Fair is always eagerly anticipated and this year we will be show casing some wonderful gift ideas for Christmas. I will keep you updated as the date draws near.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Lisa Calcagno
Library Assistant

DATE CLAIMERS

MERCY SPIRIT AWARD

At assembly on Friday 31st August 2018 St Rita’s School congratulated Latoya Ambrum who was awarded the ‘Mercy Spirit Award’ for being ‘welcoming to others, including new friends into games at playtime and for offering to help others.’ Latoya has the privilege of being the first student of St Rita’s to be awarded the Mercy Spirit Award.

BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS

St Rita’s wishes Hunter Bell, Georgina Stone and Amethyst Ripps all the very best for their recent birthdays. We hope you all had wonderful birthday celebrations. Congratulations Hunter, Georgina and Amethyst!

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

IMPORTANT PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT

It has come to our attention that there is an important public health alert from Queensland Department of Health in relation to a current outbreak of Poliomyelitis (Polio) in Papua New Guinea. This information is relevant to students travelling to or from PNG. If you require a copy of the Health Alert, please see Debbie in the office.

NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

Be part of National Child Protection Week (2nd – 8th September)

NAPCAN invites you to get involved with National Child Protection Week this year and play your part in creating safe and nurturing environments for all Australian children. The week is an opportunity for government, business and community to come together to promote the safety and wellbeing of children, with particular emphasis on messages such as:

• We all have a part to play in protecting children, and
• By building stronger communities, we are creating safer environments for all children.

To get involved with National Child Protection Week, you can:

• Plan or attend a community event. An event can be anything from a display, meal, forum, fundraiser or family day out and is a great opportunity to spread the word.
• Make your influence positive; start a conversation today about listening to and valuing the voice of children and young people in your community.
• Follow us on social media. Like our Play Your Part Facebook page (napcan.playyourpart) and follow us on Twitter (NAPCAN_NCPW) and Instagram (@playyourpart_napcan). Use the hashtags #ncpw or #playyourpart.

Visit NAPCAN’s website via the link below for information, and remember, you can play your part every day by:

• being kind to children and families,
• looking out for all children, not just your own,
• being a positive role model for children
• supporting families to get help
• stopping and listening to children

COMMUNITY NEWS

BABINDA COMMUNITY KINDERGARTEN

RU OK? DAY

'R U OK? Day' is fast approaching and will be held on Thursday 13 September in 2018. R U OK? aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and support anyone who may be struggling with life. Staying connected and having meaningful, helpful conversations is something that we can all do! Some excellent resources are available at

AIRBAG RECALL

Australia-wide Airbag Recall - Takata Airbags

With the ongoing recall of potentially deadly Takata Airbags, families are advised to ensure that their personal vehicles are checked to ensure they do not have the defective airbags. The ACCC has a listing of affected vehicles here

The Takata alpha airbags have a manufacturing flaw, as they were not produced according to design standards and do not deploy as intended. These airbags pose a SEVERE RISK of mis-deployment, with metal fragments and shrapnel propelling out of the airbag and into vehicle occupants causing severe injuries or deaths.

Affected vehicles will need to have defective airbags replaced by the manufacturer, which is free of charge.

There are over 250,000 cars yet to be fixed in Queensland alone, so you may wish to consider passing this information on to other family members and friends.

ST JOSEPH’S PARRAMATTA PARK FETE