Issue 3 - 5 March 2020

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.

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Dear Parents,

Last week marked the halfway mark for first term and it was an extremely busy week at St Rita’s School. The highlight of the week for some students was the beginning of Tuckshop being available at lunch. Thank you to those parents who have offered to assist with Tuckshop each Friday. The menu is healthy and simple, so an hour of preparation and clean-up is all that is needed by parent volunteers. Please consider offering your time to fill the Tuckshop Roster this term!

On a topic dear to my heart, parent involvement at St Rita’s, the Annual General Meeting of our P & F was held yesterday, Monday afternoon, in the school library. Please consider the importance of attending these ‘short and sharp’ parent group meetings which are held twice per term. You will learn so much about our school, collaborate with staff, contribute to planning of whole school events for the year, and most importantly, meet other parents.

Following yesterday’s Annual General Meeting, I would like to formally welcome the new P & F Executive Committee for 2020. The outgoing committee was extended many thanks on behalf of the St Rita’s community, as we recognised and applauded the outstanding work of last year’s team; Chloe Donahue, Maryjane Masina, Simone Shaw and James Larkham.

Congratulations on the election of the following Office Bearers:

• President: Chloe Donahue
• Vice-President: Chelsey Hansen
• Secretary: Maryjane Masina
• Treasurer: James Larkham

For those parents who are unable to join us for P & F meetings, for your interest, the Minutes are kept in a designated folder in the school office. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, 28th March beginning at 3:00pm. The children will be supervised at Homework Club and in the playground during the meeting. I hope to see you there!

Classroom teachers are also calling on your support to assist with classroom activities, and it is wonderful to see parents asking to volunteer at St Rita’s. It is an enjoyable and rewarding experience for parents, and children especially like to have you helping in their class. I know Mrs Masina is organising a group of parents to assist with reading in the Prep/Year 1 class. Please see your classroom teacher soon to register your interest!

On Wednesday and Thursday this week I will attend the two-day Primary & Secondary Principals’ Conference for this term. I’m especially looking forward to the presentations by Professor John Fischetti, ‘Learning, Teaching and Leading in the Innovation Age’, Dr Stephanie McMahon, ‘Leading Innovation with rigor: broadening our definition, collection, and understanding of evidence’, and Andrew Douch, ‘Educational Leadership in a Disrupted World’.

Although the days will be lengthy, topics of discussion will focus on CES System Improvement, School Annual Improvement Plan, the System Improvement Priorities of Writing, Data Literacy and Catholic Identity, and Policy Development and Review for 2020.

As we are approaching a significant whole school event in the eighth week of term, the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence, it is timely to start the year off on a positive note with how and why we manage student behavior at St Rita’s. Using a Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Framework is committed to providing all members of our school community with a happy, safe and rewarding learning environment. To achieve this school environment, the overarching goal of the Framework is to foster positive attitudes and behaviour, and to assist students in developing appropriate approaches to solving problems and resolving conflicts.

Central to the St Rita’s School SWPBF is the explicit teaching of the 3Rs in the classroom; RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES and RULES. Through the children developing a solid understanding of the 3Rs, translating into everyday positive behaviours and strong relationships, a happy and successful learning and playing environment will be achieved for all members of our school community. To start the year, we are focusing on the first of the 3Rs, ‘I have the right to learn’, and ‘I have the responsibility to let others learn and do my best’.

The goals of such a school-wide positive approach to behaviour include:

• Developing respect and consideration for others
• Acknowledging the uniqueness of the individual
• Encouraging a safe and productive school environment
• Recognising and acknowledging student achievement
• Improving self-awareness and self-discipline
• Developing a sense of responsibility for own behaviour

To build a strong culture of positive relationships in our school community, the SWPBF will be strengthened through the Religious Education curriculum, the ‘You Can Do It!’ Social Emotional Learning and Peer Support programs. Such targeted programming will explicitly teach social skills needed to create a school community which is caring and supportive of all of its members; staff, students and parents.

All staff at St Rita’s School will use common language regarding appropriate and inappropriate behavior and be consistent with rules, expectations and the consequences for inappropriate behavior. As a staff we believe that inappropriate student behavior provides an opportunity for critical learning in the areas of personal accountability and responsibility, the development of empathy, conflict resolution, communication, and social skills development.

However, inappropriate behavior may also result in disciplinary action being taken by the Leadership Team. Consequences for inappropriate behavior may include removing the student from the classroom, either to a buddy class or an alternate supervised location; short term removal of privileges; performance of duties as a natural consequence and to give back to the learning community, ‘Out of Play’ at lunch break, internal suspension and expulsion.

We believe that parents are critical in assisting the school in maintaining a safe and secure environment. For instances of repeated inappropriate behaviour by a student, parents will be informed by their child’s teacher and the Principal, and collaboration will be an essential part of the actions taken in support of the student.

At St Rita’s School, there will be a zero tolerance of bullying. Bullying is an act of repeated aggressive behavior in order to intentionally hurt another person, physically, mentally, or emotionally. Bullying behaviors may include name calling, verbal or written abuse, exclusion from activities, exclusion from social situations, physical abuse, or coercion.

Our next newsletter, in the week of NDA, will provide further information on our whole school plans for recognising and participating in this significant national event and the lessons the students will be taught in the prevention of bullying at St Rita’s.

Have a good week,

Regards and blessings,
Judy Billiau

APRE THOUGHTS

THE BEGINNINGS OF LENT

Last week at St Rita’s, staff and students participated in two important events which signal the beginning of Lent, that is, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Shrove Tuesday – otherwise known as Pancake Tuesday – generates much excitement, as the distinctive aroma of pancakes frying permeates. Our feast of pancakes was enviable! Golden brown and made from wholesome ingredients, our delicious pancakes were lovingly prepared by Mrs Jenni Stone and our Year 5 and 6 students during their Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden lesson. Thanks to the generosity of our school community, our small school raised $58 for Caritas’ Project Compassion.

Ash Wednesday signals the beginning of Lent, and on this day, we joined with parishioners from St Rita’s Parish to celebrate mass. Despite the solemn occasion, Ash Wednesday always creates a bit of a giggle amongst students, to see who has the most impressive impression of the cross on their foreheads. Giggles aside, this practice is significant to our faith. The signing of the cross on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday derives from the custom of people of faith marking themselves with blessed ashes as a sign of repentance. The ashes are prepared from the burnt, blessed palms from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services.

The use of ashes is symbolic for Catholics, representing death, mortality and sorrow for sin, and reminds us that, through the death and resurrection of Jesus, our sins are forgiven.

During Lent, purple is the main liturgical colour, representing sorrow and repentance. As such, the church is draped in purple cloths and decorations are minimal. A reflective mood is created for us to contemplate Jesus’ suffering and death. Lent challenges us to turn away from sin and bring ourselves into closer relationship with God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

PROJECT COMPASSION 2020

Spanning through the six weeks of Lent each year, Project Compassion is an extraordinary, ongoing demonstration of the faith, love and generosity of Caritas Australia's caring supporters, all in the name of justice and peace. Millions of Australians come together in solidarity with the world's poor to help end poverty, promote justice and uphold dignity.

Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice. This year, projects are assisting communities in the Philippines, Cambodia, India, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, and Australia too! Our generosity works for the freedom of those living in poverty, challenge unjust structures, and empower people to work for a sustainable way of life. Feature stories from people whose lives have been changed through the work of Caritas Australia may be viewed at

TREWTH CONFERENCE

Last Saturday, teachers from St Rita’s joined with approximately 350 other staff members from across the Cairns Diocese to attend the annual TREWTH Conference, which focuses on topics related to Religious Education, spirituality and well-being. Engaging in such learning allows teachers access to current research and informs us of best practice in contemporary classrooms. Ultimately, this means positive benefits for our school students, value-adding in developing religious and emotional literacy. Our thanks extend to our dedicated staff members who commit their personal time to improving the wellbeing of the children in our care.

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friends of St Rita’s School and Parish are invited to attend the 2020 World Day of Prayer, which will commence at 9:30am on Friday 6th March at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Babinda. The World Day of Prayer is a global ecumenical movement which brings Christians of many traditions together to observe a common day of prayer each year, in response to issues of concern around the world. This year the focus is on Zimbabwe and the theme, prepared by women, is ‘Rise! Take Your Mat and Walk!’’.

Blessings,

Maureen Gaul
Assistant Principal (Religious Education)

SUPPORTING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Some children and young people seem to get along with others easily – they bound in and out of groups effortlessly without a care in the world.

For some individuals, though, joining in or getting along with others doesn’t seem to come so naturally. This may be because they’ve not yet learnt the social and emotional learning skills they need to get along with others.

Being sensitive to individual differences can help educators identify opportunities and skills appropriate to the social development of each child or young person, and put targeted support in place so they can enjoy the company of others.

Set the tone for positive, supportive relationships

In order to encourage healthy social skills development, children and young people need to form social bonds with positive role models including family members and educators. For this reason, it’s important that social relationships at home, at school and in the community reflect healthy values of respect and care. Educators can build a welcoming and warm learning community by demonstrating respect, listening skills and positive expectations about respectful and caring behaviour.Use everyday interactions as learning opportunities

Social skills take many forms, including understanding and listening to others, respecting differences, communicating effectively and problem-solving. Educators can provide coaching and teaching to help children and young people to think about and solve day-to-day social difficulties they may encounter. Where possible, support problem-solving without taking over. Ask questions in a supportive way to help children and young people think through situations and encourage them to take others’ feelings and perspectives into account.

Promote deeper thinking

By discussing moral issues and listening to a range of views, children and young people can build awareness and understanding of diversity. Creating an environment where children and young people feel safe can assist them to state their opinions and reasons.

Communicate effectively

Encourage children and young people to use effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills while interacting within the learning community. Demonstrate the use of appropriate body language and posture, eye contact and tone of voice. Provide children and young people with practice opportunities to try out these skills for themselves.

Appreciate social and cultural diversity

Education helps children and young people develop awareness of the diversity present in the world. Find out about the social and cultural backgrounds and values of children, young people and their families. Look for ways you may be able to accommodate their needs and perspectives. Be open to adjusting your style of teaching and communication, and ensure common classroom practices are clear and appropriate for everyone. Create opportunities to include different perspectives – encourage children and young people to explore and appreciate the differences.

Deal promptly with discrimination and harassment

Teach children and young people about stereotyping and discrimination. Make it clear that these are unacceptable behaviours. When discrimination, harassment or bullying occur, ensure you act based on your early learning service or school’s policies.

AROUND THE CLASSROOMS

Ditto the Lion teaches safety rules

Did you know that Ditto the Lion is a very lovable lion cub with a brave heart? He loves to teach young children about personal safety.

All of Prep, Year 1 and 2 students from St Rita’s went to visit the Babinda Community Kindy across the road. We went to see the Bravehearts show and Ditto the Lion. I liked singing songs with the kindy kids and their teachers. Ditto the Lion told us about safety rules. We sat and sang songs about ‘yes’ feelings and ‘no’ feelings. And we learnt about keeping parts of our body private and safe.

We got little Ditto books that have things to do like matching stickers, a maze, and a snakes and ladders game. There was a mini-Ditto teddy that was Ditto’s favourite toy. I liked learning from Bravehearts.

By Robert Freeman
Year 1

DATE CLAIMERS

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

St Rita’s School congratulates those students who were awarded ‘Student of the Week’ at Assembly on Friday 28th February 2020.

BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS

St Rita’s wishes Latoya Ambrum all the very best for her recently celebrated birthday. We hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration Latoya!

P&F NEWS

Dear Parents,

Thank you to the P&F Committee for 2019. We had quite a successful year of fundraising. Our fundraising activities for the year included:

Our term 2 and 4 Discos with super fun themes (favourite character and spooky party).

Father's Day celebrations where the children enjoyed quality time with their dads doing fun activities.

Not forgetting our most successful event, the 2019 Babinda Harvest Festival canteen and Parade float.

The P&F were able to contribute to the school in 2019 by ways of paying towards cultural and excursions and camp which the children always love. Also, we purchased updated Chromebooks for the senior children to help further their technological insight and education.

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the committee in 2019 and hope that 2020 will be just as, if not more, successful.

Thank you all again for your continued support.

Chloe Donahue
2019 President St Rita's P&F Committee.

Turn Your Trash into Cash!

The P & F is contributing to the St Rita’s sustainability initiative by organising the collection of recyclable containers that earn 10c upon return to Cash 4 Containers FNQ.

Please view the poster in this newsletter to show which specific containers will incur the 10c refund. Although it seems like an insignificant amount paid for each container, it ‘all adds up’ if all families start collecting and sending in their containers. We thank you for your interest and support of this fundraising activity!

Maryjane Masina
P & F Secretary

MUSIC LESSONS

Mrs Jenni Marks, an experienced instrumental and singing music teacher, will once again be teaching lessons at St Rita’s. Piano, guitar and singing are the available choices this year.

Students can be taught one-to-one or in a small group of two or three. For fee enquiries please do not hesitate to phone me on home 4067 6157 or mobile 0424 756 157.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

COMMUNITY NEWS

GOOD COUNSEL COLLEGE YR 7 2020

ONE TIME CLEANING