Issue 14 - 1 September 2015

Newsletter Articles

ST RITA’S SCHOOL PRAYER

O compassionate God,
look on me today with tenderness and give me the grace
to walk on the path of mercy and kindness.
May all I do today reflect our school values
of learning, respect, community and faith.
St Rita, pray for us.

PRINCIPAL’S PEN

Dear Parents and Carers,

The last two weeks have been actioned packed with activities that have brought our curriculum to life. Science day was full of experiments and learning. Book week focused on the importance of reading and literacy and Courage to Care gave real meaning to the social justice issues studied as part of the Religious Education Curriculum. It has been a true blessing to watch our students engage so positively with learning. I would like to thank all of the parents for supporting these events. It is great to see all of our school community working together for the benefit of our students and our school.

I would also like to congratulate the children for their exemplary behaviour during all of the events that have occurred. At Courage to Care, many of the guides and organisers commented on the lovely manners and beautiful behaviour of our children. This example was followed by the whole school on Friday during the Book Parade and our Prep Open Morning. All of the children have done St Rita’s proud.

This week begins parent/teacher interviews. All teachers are looking forward to the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with you. The classrooms are all looking fantastic so please take the time to have a look at the great work that has been happening. The library will be open after school on Friday from 3.00 – 3.30pm, displaying photos of the children over the year so far. If you have a spare few minutes after school or before tennis finishes, feel free and come and see this slideshow. If you haven’t made a time with your teacher yet, please arrange a time as soon as possible.

Blessings,

Bec Burns
Acting Principal

COURAGE TO CARE

Courage to Care and the Esplanade

by Mitchell Forest, Melina Musumeci and Andy Pham.

On Monday the Senior class (4,5,6) attended Courage to Care in Cairns. When we got there we all watched a movie about not just being a bystander when we see others being bullied. We were then split up into groups and we went upstairs to the Tree Room where a lady talked about her life in World War Two. She told us how scary it was for her when she was young. There were a lot of people that helped her in her life.

Next we went to a workshop, where a man called David asked us questions, taught us to not be a bystander and explained the survivor's story. The activity was about building friendships with others. We were shown a picture of some seagulls bullying a parrot because they were jealous of the all the colours on the parrot.

After that, we visited an exhibition and learned the stories about many people that saved lives during the Holocaust, it was incredible!! We heard a story about a person who managed to save many children in the war and then later in life got to meet the children he saved.

At the end of our visit to Courage to Care we went to the Esplanade to have our lunch. We played on the playground . After that we walked along the waterfront and had an icecream. It was an inspiring experience at Courage to Care we learned not to be a bystander and to stand up for what is right. In the end it was a fabulous day in Cairns and we learned a lot for the future.

ST AUGUSTINE’S BAND

Last Friday we had the privilege to witness the talents of the St Augustine’s strings and jazz band as a part of the biannual tour of the Southern Deanery. Apparently, two years ago the weather had stopped the visit, so we were certainly glad the sun was shining. The band performed wonderful songs and it was great to have so many parents and grandparents come to enjoy the music with the children. We were introduced to a number of instruments including various types of saxophones, which were certainly a favourite. Not only was the music fantastic, the boys, ranging from Year 7 – Year 12, displayed excellent manners and represented their school with pride. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the musicians and their teachers, Dr Malcolm Cole and Mrs Cherie Spannenburg. We look forward to their return in 2017.

CASTING THE NET

Goals and Finals

We are moving towards ‘Finals’ season in the winter sports. Even I, who follow no sport, know that. The ‘Finals’ are a goal that has shaped, over the past months, the lives of many families and individuals– even the ones who knew that had little chance of making the Grand Final. That goal gave them the hope that drove them to do better than they could at the beginning of the season. It drove them to improve and that is one of the great strengths of doing sport.

As adults, after we have left school and finished training, after we have given up the sports that we played, we can too easily lose sight of our goals. We drift. And it is of the nature of things that we do not drift upwards but rather downwards. A certain malaise can come into our lives and we may wonder why we are unhappy. As we sit round watching the final matches, on the ground or the TV, we can take time to ponder on just what goals determine the shape of our lives.

Ultimately we are made for a life of happiness with God in heaven…but we don’t have to wait till then. Here and now, it can be our goal and we can live by the values of heaven here on earth. How do we do it? Imagine what your best self looks like: the best you could be with your personality sustained by God’s grace. Now start to live by that goal. Here and now, in this world, what you are striving for will, little by little become a reality.

Loving Father, you know how easily I can drift through life. Show me the goal you have for me, the person you desire me to be and, with your Spirit’s grace, let me become that person. I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

Sr Kym Harris osb

COUNSELLOR’S CORNER

Helicopter, free range or bulldozer…who are you?

There have been many names used for us parents over the years, but the terms ‘helicopter’,’ free range’ and ‘bulldozer’ are seemingly new names. As someone who tries to not use labels I wondered what these terms really meant and indeed…which one I would be!

Helicopter: Parents who are described as ‘over parenting’ those of us who use excessive levels of involvement and control, over step boundaries and problem solve for our children. Interestingly all these have been found to compromise children’s autonomy and personal growth. Researchers say that the overall outcome of helicopter parents is leading to young adults having poor coping skill and amplifying their anxiety and stress.

Free range: As the term implies, free range parenting is based upon the notion that our children are not in constant danger and that instead of sheltering our children, we should prepare them for the real world ahead by allowing them to learn through exploration, curiosity and most importantly………mistakes. Yes! Apparently failure is not a dirty word! In fact giving our children the opportunity to fail and consequently develop coping skills and resilience is incredibly important. Phew!

Bulldozers: (This really was a new name to me!) These parents are described as those of us who are well intentioned and simply want to protect our children from harm, but do so by actually removing (bulldozing) any possible dangers or problems out of the way before the child gets to them. This ultimately ends with the child being emotionally fragile, fearful and avoidant of failure.

I guess in reflection, as a mum and counsellor, I would say I could have been all of these things at different times, so I wonder what name that would give me?

Bec Finucane
School Counsellor

AROUND THE CLASSROOMS

OLD SCHOOL VERSUS NEW SCHOOL BY YEAR 2/3

In History, the Year Two/Three class have been comparing Mercy Schools of today, like St Rita’s, to Mercy Schools of 1889. They have explored and discussed the following three questions and here are their responses.

How would we cope if we had to go back in time and attend a Mercy School in 1889?

We would not cope well because they used to whip you with the cane and use a back straightener if you had a slouched back. The teachers were stricter.

We wouldn’t like it because we don’t like punishment, and there was no air-conditioning, no fans and not many good jobs.

We definitely would not like to go back to the old school.

How would the teachers and students of those times cope in our classroom?

They would find it easy but they would be scared of all the new technology.

Is our classroom today, better than the 1889 Mercy Schools? Why/Why Not?

Yes because they used to whip you with canes and have stricter consequences. They did not have computers or Interactive White Boards, colourful books or dress ups.

DEADLY AUSTRALIANS

The visit from ‘Deadly Australians’ wrapped up our celebrations of Science Week. The ‘Deadly Australians’ is a public awareness program, educating Australian children about the dangers of the venomous wildlife that inhabit our suburban backyards, bush, beaches and sea (www.deadlyaustralians.com.au) The children saw live and preserved exhibits of animals such as a box jelly fish, a western taipan, tiger snake and a sea snake.

There were also non venomous animals such as turtles and carpet pythons, which the children had the opportunity to pat. Some of our guests also enjoyed the python holding! There was a lot of information and the posters we received will be able to help us retain some of this information for the future. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the biology of Australian animals.

SCIENCE DAY

On Thursday 20th of August, St Rita’s School celebrated National Science week by hosting our 4th annual “Science Fun Day.” All of the staff came in character as self-professed “Mad Scientists” and the children joined in the spirit by dressing up in an array of different characters and costumes and creating unique “Professor” looks of their own. These mock lab coats were definitely needed as the day was spent exploring a series of science experiments filled with chemicals, colour, competitions, bubbles, mess and explosions. Many children even went a step further this year branding themselves with creative Professor names.

Professor Gee was once again there to the lead the day and the children rotated through a series of “Science stations.” Professor Gee (aka Mrs. Greenwood) explored the many uses of mixing materials to make squishy balls from balloons and flour. Professor Von Schnitzel (aka Mrs Masina) engaged the children in a series of 60 second activities which explored the ways in which forces work. Professor Crazy Kitchen (aka Mrs Carrigan) experiment was very popular amongst the children as it involved, in their words, “blowing things up!” and exploring chemical reactions. The students displayed excellent persistence and resilience at this station as their rockets were not always successful. Professors KuKu and Pinky Von Tinkle (aka Mrs Kurucz and Mrs.Calcagno) explored the theories behind acidic and alkaline solutions through the experiment called Cabbage Magic in which the cabbage juice changed colour depending on what was added to it. The children eagerly worked with Professor Lava Lamp (aka Mrs Anthony) to create lava lamps using only a basic few ingredients. This one was a real test of the children’s listening skills as they had to get the mixture right in order to be successful.

Once again, our goal this year was to create an atmosphere that would inspire the children and ignite their interest in Science through hands on activities, while at the same time teaching them the basics of different science phenomenon’s through modelling and whole group discussions.

By the looks on the children faces and listening to the conversations they were having amongst themselves, we believe we have achieved this goal. The staff at St.Rita’s are genuinely dedicated to ensuring our children are receiving a high quality educational experience that is both fun and memorable. Emerson Burns and Isla Godden were voted best dressed for their flair and creativity. Our two ‘Super Scientist’ awards went to Billie Luce and Latoya Ambrum as they were students that really “shone” during the day. They were kind and respectful to both teachers and fellow students. Also Billie demonstrated excellent leadership skills and was a great role model for her peers and the looks of fascination and wonder upon Latoya’s face as she experienced the “magic” of Science was just priceless.

All staff agreed that this year’s Science day was our best to date. It was great to witness such enthusiasm and excitement amongst the children and look forward to doing it all over again next year!

By Mrs Greenwood
Science co-ordinator

BOOK WEEK PARADE

Last week saw the Book Council of Australia’s 70th annual celebration of book week. This year’s theme was ‘Book’s Light up our World’ and our school was certainly lit up with colourful, inventive and interesting book characters. I would like to congratulate all the parents and children for the effort that went in to creating an amazing atmosphere on the day. Every child was dressed in costume and it was a pleasure to emcee this event and I was so impressed with the knowledge the children had about their characters. The winners for best dressed this year were Eva Masina and Rhya Maxwell in Prep/One, Sorayah Salvestrin and Alec Forrest for Two/Three and Roisin Stager and Vito Musumeci from the Senior Class. The most innovative costume went to Harper Wiles for coming as the Macquarie Dictionary. The teachers also looked great as the characters from Hairy Maclary.

The children from our local kindergarten also looked wonderful in their costumes and it was great to welcome these special visitors into our school. Our children welcomed the visitors and enthusiastically showed them some of the work they had been doing in class.

There are a number of people we would like to thank.Firstly to Mr and Mrs Anthony who spent many hours making the school look wonderful and for the fantastic Pig the Pug wooden character – he looks amazing! Secondly to Mrs Torrisi and Mr and Mrs Musumeci for spending a lot of time during the week ensuring the school grounds looked its best. Thirdly, thanks to Ben Stone and helpers for taking extra time and attention with our lawn. Another thank you is required for the P&F for the morning tea on the day – it was beautiful and appreciated by our school community and our visitors. Finally to all of the staff, everybody got into the spirit and worked together to ensure all of the children had a fantastic morning. I am very much looking forward to next year…already thinking of costumes!

WOOLWORTHS ‘EARN & LEARN’

St Rita’s School will once again participate in the Woolworths Earn & Learn program. Through this program we will be able to get new educational resources for our school and all we need you to do is shop for your groceries at any Woolworths supermarket. If your extended family and friends do not have a school to support, we encourage you to ask them to collect for St Rita’s too!

From Wednesday 15th July to Tuesday 8th September, we are collecting Woolworths Earn & Learn Stickers. You will get one Woolworths Earn & Learn Sticker for every $10 spent (excluding liquor, tobacco and gift cards). Place the Woolworths Earn & Learn Sticker onto a Woolworths Earn & Learn Sticker Sheet and bring it to the school office when it is complete.

At the end of the promotion, the school is able to order new equipment and resources from an extensive range of Maths, English, Science, Arts & Craft and P.E. equipment. Our school really does benefit from being able to purchase additional teaching resources from the Earn & Learn program. Thanks to those families who have already sent in filled sheets to the Office!

STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

St Rita’s School congratulates those students who were awarded ‘Student of the Week’ at Assembly on Monday 31st August 2015.

BIRTHDAY CONGRATULATIONS

St Rita’s wishes Georgina Stone all the very best for her birthday on the 31.8.2015. We hope you had a wonderful birthday celebration. Congratulations Georgina!

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK

P & F NEWS

Dear Parents,

The end of Term Three is fast approaching and we have one more fundraiser to finalise: FATHER’S DAY.

We’ve got great prizes:

1. Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome
2. Babinda Meat Mart- 6 Steak Knife (valued at $80)
3. Brother’s Leagues Club Innisfail –Voucher $50

These will be drawn at the Father’s Day Night next Friday 4th of September. Please return all tickets to the office by Thursday, 3rd of September.

The evening will start off with some fun games for Dads and children, followed by a BBQ, a movie and a camp/sleepover on the grass oval. We will have an early simple breakfast on Saturday morning before departing for the weekend. We hope to have a great turn up. If you haven’t RSVP’d to the teacher or school yet, please let them know very soon, so we can cater for everyone.

Last Meeting for the term: Tuesday 8th of Sep. at 5 pm in the library. We will primarily discuss our participation at the Harvest Festival (stall and float) on the 10th of October. This is the first weekend after we resume school, Term 4. We are hoping for helpers on that day and will send out forms very soon. Thank you.

Have a great week,

St Rita’s P & F Committee

SURVEY – THE FEDERATION OF PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATIONS OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS QUEENSLAND

Please find below a link to an on-line parent survey from the Parents and Friends Federation. Your information will help the P&F Federation with their future planning including their services to parents. To open this anonymous survey click on the link:

The survey closes on 18.9.2015.

COMMUNITY NEWS

TRIVIA NIGHT