NEWSLETTER 4 - 21st March 2023

Transitioning to year 7

Last week, we had a visit from Principal Stuart Ralph and Coordinators from St Brendan Shaw College. They spoke to our year 5 and 6 students about transitioning to year 7 and the opportunities offered across the curriculum. St Brendan Shaw offers a range of scholarships including the areas of the Arts and Sports, which over the period from years 7-12 covers fees to the value of $12, 000. Later in the year, the year 6 students will have an opportunity for a taster day where they can participate in curriculum opportunities that the school offers.

St Patrick

Friday 17th March marks the feast day of St Patrick, the patron saint of our school. Last Friday we had a fantastic day celebrating Mass with Father Jaison, green treats donated by parents and friends, a sausage sizzle cooked by Mr Atkins and Mr Angliss, as well as activities in the afternoon run by our SRC leaders. Below is information about St Patrick:

St. Patrick of Ireland was born in Roman Britain and when he was fourteen or so, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. Patrick's captivity lasted until he was twenty, when he escaped after having a dream from God in which he was told to leave Ireland by going to the coast. There he found some sailors who took him back to Britain and was reunited with his family.

Patrick had a vision which prompted his studies for the priesthood. He was ordained by St. Germanus, the Bishop of Auxerre, whom he had studied under for years, and was later ordained a bishop and sent to take the Gospel to Ireland.

Patrick arrived in Slane, Ireland on March 25, 433. There are several legends about what happened next, with the most prominent claiming he met the chieftain of one of the druid tribes, who tried to kill him. After an intervention from God, Patrick was able to convert the chieftain and preach the Gospel throughout Ireland. There, he converted many people - eventually thousands - and he began building churches across the country.

Patrick often used shamrocks to explain the Holy Trinity and entire kingdoms were eventually converted to Christianity after hearing Patrick's message.

Patrick preached and converted all of Ireland for 40 years. He worked many miracles and wrote of his love for God in Confessions. After years of living in poverty, travelling and enduring much suffering he died March 17, 461.

Patrick died at Saul, where he had built the first Irish church. He is believed to be buried in Down Cathedral, Downpatrick. His grave was marked in 1990 with a granite stone.

Retrieved from

https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=89

Attendance

Most Australian students attend school regularly, however a closer look at data indicates that some students are missing school more than 10% of the time. This means that some students miss at least one school month per year. It is particularly noticeable in certain groups of students such as the early years of compulsory schooling, students transitioning to secondary school, remote locations or socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

As a school, we are required to notify parents when their children’s absences are over 5 days per year. A principal may discuss this with the parent or send a letter notifying the parent that a medical certificate is now required as per the requirements of the Education Registrar. In our attendance letters, we advise the requirements of the Education Act 2016 so that parents are aware of their responsibilities, as some may not be aware of these requirements.

If the absences continue, parents are again notified. The school is required to initiate an intervention process involving face-to-face contact with the parent/carer, with an emphasis on a plan to support the student’s return to regular attendance. This will involve the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office and the Education Registrar.

COMPASS is an app used in our school and system for the management of student and class information including attendance. This app allows parents to easily notify the school when their child is absent. Even if we are notified of days absent through the COMPASS app, the requirements are still to be followed up by the school. 

If you would like to meet with me to discuss your child's absences or need further clarification of the requirements by the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office and the Education Registrar please make an appointment through the school office.

Have a great week

Carmen Aylott

Principal

2023

Term 1 - Friday 3rd February - Thursday 6th April

Term 2 - Wednesday 26th April - Friday 7th July

Term 3 - Monday 24th July - Friday 29th September

Term 4 - Monday 16th October - Thursday 14th December

*Student Free Days Monday 25th April, Monday 24th July, Monday 16th October.

March 

April 

Year 2 - ‘At the End of the Rainbow’

Students in Year 2 are currently working on their first ‘Talk for Writing’ unit for this year.  The Talk for Writing approach:

1. Provides a model – the teacher systematically models the speaking, listening, vocabulary and sentence patterns students will need to be successful.
2. Regular oral rehearsal – students internalise the pattern of the language required by ‘talking the text’ before they write it.
3. Facilitates co-constructed learning – students are involved in activities that deepen their understanding, supporting them towards being independent thinkers and writers.
4. Promotes visible learning – model texts and co-created samples are displayed for reference on the journey towards students’ independent application.

Students are guided throughout the process by learning and applying specific Rules & Tools. The Rules & Tools explicitly outline what a student should and could do to create a successful piece of writing.

Year 2 began the unit by participating in a ‘cold task’; this is an independent piece of writing showcasing students’ current knowledge and skills, therefore guiding future teaching. Students then assisted Mrs Fenton in growing a rainbow; an invaluable hook into our text, ‘At the End of the Rainbow’. As the story was being read, we created a story map with simple illustrations. The story map is on display in our classroom and allows students to refer to it when we retell the story collaboratively. We are exploring new vocabulary such as "enormous", and experimenting with using alternative words in our writing to make it more interesting for the reader. Students have displayed excellent engagement and enthusiastically shared their creative ideas with a partner and the class.

What a fantastic start to the Year! This Term in Science, we have been exploring states of matter. In particular, we have looked at the difference between solids, liquids and gases. 

It has been such a delight to watch the students become so engaged; asking questions, wanting to get involved and explore the different activities we have completed.

We have gone on scavenger hunts in the school grounds to find clues about the properties of solids, liquids and gases. The teamwork that was seen in pairs was tremendous! Everyone rallied together to help one another, even those in different teams. We have explored physical properties of water in each state of matter using balloons which initiated many questions and intrigue. 

We made a substance that does not quite fit into one particular state of matter but has properties of both solid and liquids.. Oobleck! The process of making this was fun, very messy, but fun! 

The curiosity in Year 5 is exciting!

Applications for our 2024 Kinder class are now open and will close on Friday 26^th May 2023. Enrolment interviews will be held from Monday 5^th to Friday 16^th June. These meetings will be conducted with Carmen Aylott and Laura Stoessiger. Once interviews have been completed offers of placement will be sent to new families the week beginning Monday 26^th June.

Any current families that have a child who will be commencing Kinder in 2024 can you please submit your application forms to the school office before Friday 26th May.  

Our St Patrick's Feast Day on Friday was a great success. We started the day with a special Mass. Thank you to Fr Jaison for celebrating this special occasion with us. At morning tea time, the students enjoyed a variety of 'green treats' that were supplied by our wonderful community. In the afternoon we had a sausage sizzle for lunch, followed by a range of St Patrick inspired activities. Thank you to our SRCs and Captains for running these events for our students.

Congratulations to the following students who have received Student of the Week.

Prep

Year 1

Year 2

Dawson Furley for the wonderful effort he has made during our Place Value unit and the willingness to extend himself.

Year 3

Alivia Dewrance-Milligan for her fantastic efforts in narrative writing and for the kindness and care she demonstrates towards others.

Jackson Ryan-Woodhall for demonstrating good listening skills and improved application towards the completion of his work.

Year 4

Meg Kelly for her limitless compassion for her classmates and generous heart.

Year 5

Year 6

Congratulations to our House Raffle winners for the fortnight:

Dooley - Zarli Mulvey & Lilah Jeffrey

Martyn - Hamish Crawford & Kai Aherne

Byrne - Dawson Furley & Eliza Bowkett

Congratulations to the following Swimming Age Champions who received their medals at this Monday's assembly.

Thank you to our staff and Year 6 students who help out on a Friday morning for our Breakfast Club.

Manha Chowdhury in Year 1 has misplaced her woolen jumper. If found can you please return to Manha in Year 1. Thank you.