18 June 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

REFUGEE WEEK- REFLECTION

By Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ, 12 June 2020

The theme of Refugee Week in 2020 is the Year of Welcome. Welcome is about generosity, opening our arms and our houses to friends and strangers, feeding the hungry and avoiding the temptation to shut the door.

This year, we have celebrated the generosity of people who have kept welcoming strangers – opening their hearts, homes, cattle feed and purses to families made homeless by the bushfires. And more recently, the generosity of health workers in Australia and elsewhere who have risked their own health to help strangers. We have seen, too, the goodness of people who from very few bricks have built laughter and friendship in local communities, and particularly befriended elderly people in nursing homes. They have opened doors in a world that has closed so many doors.

It is good to celebrate Refugee Week, during which coronavirus leaves us so few opportunities to welcome refugees personally, as a Year of Welcome. We have space to remember the generosity of people who have offered food, companionship and shelter to refugees and have visited them over many years. We also remember friends who have marched, written letters, spoken to local Parliamentarians, and have made the cause of refugees their own. This week can be a time of saying thank you.

Supported by these good memories, we can reflect on whether for refugees this year has begun as a Year of Welcome. There is certainly much to be discouraged by in a time of illness, isolation and closed borders around the world. Refugees in camps and detention centres have been particularly vulnerable to epidemics. Yet Governments refuse to let them out. Nations which have previously received refugees have shut their borders to them and driven back the boats on which they came. People seeking protection in developed nations and unable to find casual work have lost the work that supports their family, and received no assistance from Governments.

In times of threat, people are often tempted to see strangers as threats. They narrow the list of people about whom they care. This reaction may be natural, but if encouraged it is destructive of societies. Our response as a nation to the threat of the Coronavirus has been generous and provided support for many people in need. It has protected people from being made homeless.

As we are moving to a lifting of restrictions, it is important to keep our hearts open to people who have been left without family, without country and without support, and have come to seek protection. It is time to make this year a year of welcome, and this land a welcoming land. The need for Catholics to unite in care and outreach to people who seek protection is stronger than it has ever been.

Fr Andrew Hamilton SJ writes for Jesuit Communications and Jesuit Social Services.

Sincerely,
Jacqui Wilkinson
Principal

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

Thank you to those who have already responded to the Survey posted via Compass on Friday. This is a valuable opportunity for parents to convey their experiences and understandings about their children as learners and provide feedback regarding the support of staff during the unique Learning from Home period as a result of COVID-19. You can still access the survey using the link below. Responses will be received until close of business on Friday 19th June.

INFORMATION UPDATE

Update- School Assemblies

I acknowledge that it was reported in the media earlier this week that the Department of Education had introduced a number of relaxations for their schools, which relate specifically to school assemblies. The Diocese has however, deliberately applied a level of caution regarding the resumption of activities and will continue with their measured and prudent approach. I reiterate that Diocesan decisions are based on the current Health Orders of the day along with guidance from the Critical Incident Management Team.

Our school, which falls into the larger school category would be able for the last 2 weeks of this term to reintroduce assemblies, with specific limitations. We would be permitted to host 1 stage-based assembly per week for a maximum of 15 minutes, whilst still restricting the number of students present and excluding all parents and visitors. Given these limitations, it has been decided that we will wait until Term 3 to reintroduce Monday and Friday morning assemblies, when it is expected that restrictions will be eased further. I will communicate any change that reflects this.

Once again I thank you for your continued support and cooperation at this time and look forward to sharing further information and ‘relaxations’ with you soon.

KINDER ENROLMENTS 2021

Kindergarten enrolment interviews previously scheduled for early Term 2 have now been rescheduled. Letters have been sent to all current and new families detailing the necessary arrangements to proceed with interviews whilst ensuring these interviews are held in the safest possible manner for the safety and wellbeing of all concerned.

The enrolment period will close soon. If you have a child due to commence Kindergarten next year, please complete an enrolment form available from the school office. When returning the enrolment form, please ensure there is a certified copy of your child’s birth certificate, baptismal certificate & immunisation records. It is essential that we have our current families accounted for so that we know the number of places available for new families. All enquiries should be directed to the school office on 49307270 or admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au

RE NEWS

SEASONS FOR GROWTH

Change and loss are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives.

At St Patrick’s, we recognise that when changes occur in families through death, separation, divorce and related circumstances, young people may benefit from learning how to manage these changes effectively. We are therefore offering a very successful education program called Seasons for Growth which will commence in Term 3.

This program is facilitated in small groups and is based on research which highlights the importance of social support and the need the practise new skills to cope effectively with change and loss. The program focuses on issues such as self-esteem, managing feelings, problem-solving, decision-making, effective communication and support networks.

Every family will receive an information letter and an ‘expression of interest’ form this week with more details about the Seasons for Growth program. If you think your son or daughter would benefit from Seasons for Growth we would encourage you to talk to him/her about participating in the program.

St Patrick’s is pleased to be able to offer this important program and we are confident that it will be a valuable learning experience for those who request to be involved.

Winter Woolies- Friday 3rd July (Last day of term)

Students K-6 and staff are invited to come to school dressed in their pyjamas, winter woolies or warm onesie as a means for raising money for St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal.

Please bring a gold coin for collection.

CURRICULUM NEWS

REFUGEE WEEK- June 14 to June 20

Celebrating the Year of Welcome

"Refugee Week is an annual event which promotes positive images of refugees and celebrates the valuable contribution refugees make to Australian society. Our ultimate aim is to facilitate better understanding between different communities and encourage successful integration, enabling refugees to live in safety and to continue making a valuable contribution to Australia." - Refugee Council of Australia

As the Covid-19 pandemic separates families around the world, our local community plays an increasingly vital role in our daily lives – both as safety net and in contributing to our well-being. At this time, many of us are separated from loved ones. For refugees, this separation may have existed long before lockdown – and sadly may continue long after nations re-open their borders.

Earlier this year we surveyed the cultural backgrounds of our students. It was fascinating to learn that that our school contains many students who are Australians as a result of their immediate or extended families arriving in our country as refugees. We are so much richer for them!

Our students will be supported this week to engage with resources and activities, which are designed to build understanding of what it means to be a refugee and highlight the valuable contribution of refugees.

ADDITION AND SUBTRACTION PROBLEMS WITH 3 YELLOW

Last week in Mrs Cunningham’s Maths class, we were learning how to solve addition and subtraction problems. The Queen of Hearts surprised us and brought us some tricky questions to solve. We needed to work out the codes and get the keys to escape the room in time for lunch. The children worked in small groups and needed to show team work and use problem solving skills to get out. A big thank you to Mrs Wilkinson for getting involved.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YEAR 4

by Nelly (4Y)

In Year 4, we are doing a R.E.A.L project. R.E.A.L. means Rigorous Engaging Authentic Learning.

We are working collaboratively with our peers in groups of 3 or 4. We can work anywhere in the pod. Each group has been given an Australian landform to research. Some examples are Uluru, Great Barrier Reef and Kakadu.

We have completed our research and are now creating a PowerPoint about our landform using this information. We have “Must Do”, “Could Do” and “Will Do” tasks. In our “Must Do” is a travel guide, photography, sketching, song, poetry and mapping.

At the beginning of Term 3, we hope to share our R.E.A.L. projects with our families by setting up a travel booth.

Watch this space!

SPORT NEWS

Please see the detailed list below outlining cancellations to representative sporting events and fixtures due to COVID-19. These cancellations will impact the representative pathways in 2020 for school, cluster and Diocesan competitions. We will provide further updates as they come to hand.

The following Sports events have been cancelled for Term 3, 2020

• 23 July NSWPSSA & All Schools Cross Country
• 27 July NSWCPS Golf Tournament
• 27- 29 July NSWPSSA Netball state championship
• 1 – 2 August NSW All Schools 15s touch football trials
• 10 August NSWCPS 10 A Side Knockout
• 10 August NSWCPS Girls Rugby 7s Selections
• 18 August NSWCCC Netball Championships
• 18 – 20 August NSWPSSA Boys Touch state championship
• 19 August NSWCPS Hockey Gala Day
• 19 August NSWCCC Rugby League Cup
• 25 – 27 August NSWPSSA Rugby Union state championship
• 28 August Polding Cricket Selections
• 31 August – 1 September NSWPSSA Girls Rugby 7s
• 31 August – 2 September NSWPSSA Golf state championship
• 1 September NSWCPS Netball Carnival
• 1 – 2 September NSWCCC Football Knockout Semi Finals/Finals
• 3 September MacKillop Girls Cricket Selections
• 3 – 4 September MacKillop Boys Cricket Selections
• 7 September NSW Champions School Basketball Tournament
• 8 September NSW Schools Football Challenge Cup
• 8 September NSWCPS Netball Carnival
• 8 – 10 September NSWPSSA Boys Softball state championship
• 8 – 10 September NSWPSSA Girls Touch state championship
• 11 September Polding Athletics Championships
• 17 September NSW All Schools Netball Challenge
• 18 September NSWCCC Athletics Championships
• 21 September MacKillop Athletics Championships
• 22 – 24 September NSWPSSA Girls Softball state championship

The following Sports events have been cancelled for Term 4, 2020

• 13- 16 October NSWPSSA Boys Cricket championships
• 19 – 22 October NSWPSSA Girls Cricket championships
• 24 – 25 October CPS Basketball Challenge
• 26 – 27 October NSWCCC Junior Boys Basketball Championships
• 28 – 29 October NSWPSSA Athletics
• 5 – 6 November NSWCCC Junior Girls Basketball Championships

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCHOOL ZONES & PARKING EXPECTATIONS

A reminder to all our parents that school zones remain in place for the safety of our children and families. School zones operate on all gazetted school days, which are all days the school is open, even pupil free days. Parents are expected to comply with the 40km speed limit in and around our school to ensure the safety of staff, students, families and visitors.

Similarly, parents are reminded that the local Council Ranger regularly patrols this area and will issue fines to drivers who are parking in NO STOPPING areas. Please adhere to the signage to avoid the embarrassment and frustration that comes with the financial pain.

ST DOMINIC’S

Want to find out more about St Dominic’s Centre?

St Dominic offers two forms of enrolment:

• Kindergarten to Year 10 accepts enrolments for students with a primary disability of Moderate Cognitive Disability or who are deaf or hard of hearing.
• Kindergarten to Year 3 for students with primary diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder we offer specific classes.
• Our class ratios are up to 7 students for 1 teacher and 1 LSA.
• We are a systemic Catholic School though we accept students of all denominations who meet our enrolment criteria.
• Each student has a Personalised Plan that is student-centred and focuses on goal-setting across various domains. These goals are then embedded into our program and teaching, both in and out of the classroom. We offer structured opportunities through our multi-disciplinary team for students to focus on social skills.
• Our team consists of specialist teaching staff, specialist learning support assistants, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist and a psychologist who adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to our student’s education.
• Our facilities are purpose built and include specialist teaching areas; spaces for self-regulation; prac room for teaching living skills and flexible learning areas. We have both inside and outside learning areas that are fully utilised for different purposes such as gardening for our Paddock to Plate program.
• Students enrolled at St Dominic’s are eligible for Assisted Travel, which is a government program that provides free travel by car to and from school within a 40km radius.
• For more information please watch the following clip - St Dominic's Centre - a snapshot

We encourage parents and their children to attend to see our setting, speak with the staff and ask any questions you may have. Please phone 4968 1295 if you would like to attend or email admin@mayfieldsd.catholic.edu.au. We look forward to sharing our very unique and vibrant setting with you.

Due to COVID-19 Open Days will be taking place early Term 3. Please contact us to register your interest.

PARENTING PAGE

KEN LANES MENSWEAR

Please note that Ken Lane’s menswear has now resumed normal trading hours 9-5 Mon – Friday

9-1 Saturday

UNIFORM DONATIONS

If anyone has uniforms that they would like to donate to the school this would be greatly appreciated as due to Covid 19 there is a short supply of some uniform items for winter. Donations can be dropped off to the school office.

LOST PROPERTY

Please remember to check that your child’s jumpers, jackets, hats, lunch boxes etc. are all clearly marked with their name. Recently, large numbers of expensive school jumpers and belongings have been found discarded during playtimes- unfortunately unnamed- making the job of finding their owners rather tedious and costly.

P & F NEWSLETTER