#Expect Great Things
IN YEAR 2 “On Tuesday the Year Two students made pancakes “
IN YEAR 5 “The year has begun smoothly as we #ExceedExpectations in Year 5.“
Next week will be the first assembly for 2020…
VERITAS
Infant Jesus School | Issue 2 | Week 4, Term 1
1
February
IN THIS ISSUE…
27
FROM THE PRINCIPAL ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣
Back to School Picnic Lent Family Mass Student Ministries P&F Associa:on & Class Parent Reps Medical Condi:ons Allergies & Anaphylaxis Parking & Drive Through School Fees Infant Jesus Family Allied Health Services Kindergarten 2021 From My Readings This Week
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ CORNER ‣ ‣ ‣ ‣
Parent Volunteers Merit Cer:ficates Reading Comprehension Helping Your Child with Today’s Math
WE ARE CALLED ‣ ‣ ‣
Lent Sacramental Program 24:7 Morley Youth Group
CLASS NEWS
IMPORTANT DATES 28 February
2 March
5 March
Student Free Day (Staff Professional Development) Labour Day Public Holiday
‣ ‣ ‣
Year Five Class News Year Two Class News Sport News
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ‣
The Digital Age
SAFE SCHOOL FRAMEWORK NEWS ‣
Should I be worried about gaming addi:on?
8 March
9 9 11 11 12 13 14 15 15
16 16 17 18 19 19 20 20
Assembly
P&F NEWS 7 March
3 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7
Eucharist Enrolment and Family Mass Eucharist Enrolment Masses
‣ ‣ ‣
Welcome Back Picnic Colour Run 2020 Entertainment Book
PARENT & COMMUNITY NEWS ‣
2
Canteen News
22 22 23 23 25 25 25
FROM THE PRINCIPAL Back to School Picnic What a fantas:c night had by all…
Lent Yesterday, as a school we celebrated Ash Wednesday
DEAR PARENTS It was only the other day a parent men:oned to me how impressed they had been with their child in the way they had se\led into school this year. They also reflected on the difference between primary and secondary school and the fact that we had ‘nothing’’ to complain about as parents in regards to parking, compared to the trials and tribula:ons of naviga:ng the parking at a secondary school. As we conclude our fourth week of the term, the freshness and excitement of ‘day one’ has begun to wear off and students are becoming familiar with the school rou:nes – including waking up early! For parents, the daily rou:ne of gecng your children out of bed, dressed, fed and ready for school, lunches organised, homework checked, and notes read, makes for a very hec:c schedule. Prepara:on, punctuality and organisa:on are behaviours that all students should prac:se. As parents, we need to teach these skills to our children as they enable them to begin the day without anxiety. Students need assistance with this forma:on, and this is where parents can be of tremendous influence. Simply having your child at school on :me and ready for the day ensures they have the best chance of succeeding with their learning tasks for that day. Children have a responsibility in this regard as well. As teachers are required to be well prepared for their lessons each day, so too, are the children. At Infant Jesus School we are trying to teach the children independence. This means, that as parents, we need to step back occasionally and let our children ‘stand on their own two feet’. Children will be as capable as we let them! If we are always running to their aid, so to speak, they will never learn to be responsible.
3
Student Ministries Today our students in Year 6 have been placed in their respec:ve ministries
Of course, we need to be mindful of their age as the responsibility and independence levels vary. However, children enjoy the challenge and mee:ng the expecta:ons set by mum and dad as well as their class teacher. By implemen:ng some of these prac:ces from early on, it will go a long way to ensure that our children are given every possible opportunity to achieve as well as enjoy their ‘day at school.
Back to School Picnic What a fantas:c night was had by all at the annual Back to School Picnic last Friday evening. It was wonderful to see so many parents and families joining us for this celebra:on. It was great to see families catching up with one another and the children really enjoying the opportunity to have fun as a school con:nue. Many thanks to Marisa Gulluni (P&F President) and her team for organising this wonderful night. There was a really ‘posi:ve feel in the air’ and many parents and visitors talk about the special feel they get when they visit or enter the gates of Infant Jesus School. I believe it comes from our united faith and a sense that as teachers, parents and students we are proud of our school and all that happens within the walls of Infant Jesus School.
Lent Lent is here and we are presented with the opportunity to give expression to the type of supporters that we are. Some supporters celebrate only the happy :me in Jesus’ life such as Easter and Christmas. As “true believers” we should also pray with him on Holy Thursday, stand by him on Good Friday and join him in prayer and fas:ng during the forty days of Lent. Yesterday, as a school we celebrated Ash Wednesday, which in the Catholic Church marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It is a season of reconcilia:on, reflec:on and prayer, which prepares us for Easter Sunday. This period we call LENT means ‘spring’, and we celebrate it in memory of the forty days Jesus spent alone praying in the desert. Lent is a :me for strengthening our faith, a :me to reflect on who we are and where we are going. It is a :me for quietness and prayer, a :me of penance and medita:on, a :me to become aware of our strengths and weaknesses. The season of Lent is one of those :mes when the Church gives us the opportunity to address the important elements of our life in a prac:cal way. Lent provides many opportuni:es for people to choose to do renewing ac:vi:es, such as visi:ng someone who is lonely, giving up something on television, remembering to say our prayers daily and/or as a family, a\ending Mass as a family regularly or perhaps even praying the Sta:ons of the Cross throughout the period of Lent. We need to remember that if we are choosing to do something this Lent it needs to lead us to a posi:ve change, which in turn has a posi:ve effect on the people in our lives. So how will you this Lent renew your Chris:an commitment and express Christ’s message of love, care and forgiveness?
Lenten Thought Remember the concept of not only giving up during Lent, but taking up or try to develop further. What can we take up that will improve our lives and the lives of others this Lent?
Family Mass A reminder about our Family Mass on Saturday 7 March at Infant Jesus Parish commencing at 6pm. All families are encouraged to a\end this Mass as it provides an opportunity for families to take :me to pray together and it is yet another way in which we con:nue to build our school community. Families will be asked to assist with the Mass in small ways, either by reading or assis:ng with the offertory. The School Choir will be leading the singing.
4
P&F Association and Class Parent Representatives It was fantas:c to have a very posi:ve representa:on of parents at our first P&F mee:ng last week. I would like to thank our wonderful Execu:ve Team of: ✤ Marisa Gulluni, ✤ Jenny Allpike, ✤ Maria Bellesini and ✤ Gabriella Erceg (Board Representa:ve) for once again nomina:ng for the Execu:ve this year. I welcome Gabriella Erceg to the School Board and thank her for her DOUBLE commitment to the parent representa:ve bodies. We also have two Mums Natalie Newman and Carol Penwald who have generously offered to coordinate the MAD Camp which is great. The ac:vi:es planned sound amazing! The Infant Jesus School P&F has always been a strength of the school, with outstanding commitment to the goals and aspira:ons of the school. The P&F Execu:ve work effec:vely and collabora:vely with the School Board to achieve these objec:ves each year.
Student Ministries
In today’s schooling there is an acknowledged rela:onship between the child, the school and home life. Where a harmonious rela:onship/ partnership exists many benefits for a child’s development can occur. With this in mind, the Class RepresentaTve Network will con:nue in 2020.
Today our students in Year 6 were placed in their respec:ve ministries for this semester. I know each of them are excited about joining their ministry, as well as ‘gecng their teeth’ into the work of the ministry. Congratula:ons to each of them, I was really impressed with the le\ers that they wrote outlining their reasons for wan:ng to be in the various ministries. Parents and their teachers should feel very proud of the children and the important work that they will embrace in their roles as leaders and serving in the various ministries.
The idea of a ‘Class Parent RepresentaTve’ is to strengthen :es between home life and school. At Infant Jesus School we hope this will provide the best possible opportuni:es for our children and that it will strengthen our home - school rela:onship.
This is a fantas:c opportunity for the Year 6 students to show leadership and responsibility around the school. One staff member is responsible for facilita:ng the children’s involvement in each of these areas. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Chris:an Service Sustainability Ministry Pastoral Care Ministry Wellness Ministry Public Rela:ons Ministry
We wish all our Year 6 students the very best as they undertake these leadership roles this year.
5
The main role of the Parent Representa:ve is to:
Drive Through
❖ Welcome new families to the school, introduce them to exis:ng parents and to ensure they feel included in school life. Ooen it takes :me for new families to feel this inclusion as too ooen they feel isolated when joining a school community. ❖ To provide a point of contact for new families in the school. ❖ Organise small, social, year level get-togethers with the other year representa:ve (eg coffee mornings/evenings, dinners etc). ❖ A\end P&F Mee:ngs (where possible) to stay informed and share relevant informa:on within your year level. ❖ To allow parents to mix socially so that new and established families develop posi:ve rela:onships with each other.
This is for parents who wish to drop off or pick up their child/ren without parking. Students will be supervised by a staff member to ensure they are collected safely by the child’s parent, or someone who has parental permission, at the end of the school day.
School Fees The 2020 Annual Fee Statements were sent home last week. If you have not received your fees, please contact the school office. This year it is a requirement that the Payment Op:on Form which accompanies the fees is completed and returned to the office by 28 February 2020. If you are in possession of a valid Health Care Card/Pensioner Concession Card please present your card and fill in the HCC Applica:on Form as soon as possible. This card must be in the name of the parent responsible for paying fees. Should you have any queries regarding your fees please contact the school office.
If you are able to assist by being a Class Representa:ve, please contact your child’s class teacher, or myself directly.
Medical Conditions
Infant Jesus Family
If your child has a medical condi:on, e.g. anaphylaxis or asthma, please complete the required paperwork that is available from the School Office. Students in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary will have medica:ons stored in the classroom; however, the School Office will s:ll need to be no:fied of your child’s medical condi:on.
Keep in your prayers Mia Birt (2W) and her family on the sad loss of the her father. May he rest in peace.
Allied Health Services The response to the Allied Health Services ini:a:ve thus far has been very posi:ve with many parents taking the opportunity to access Occupa:onal Therapy or Speech if and where required. We have engaged both a Speech Therapist and an Occupa:onal Therapist to provide this service for you – the parents and the children. Both therapists are very experienced in working with school age children in schools and with parents.
Allergies & Anaphylaxis As there are children enrolled at Infant Jesus who have allergies to a variety of substances, we ask that children do not share food at school. We appreciate your support in avoiding sending any foods that contain NUTS. A few children may experience very serious and even life-threatening symptoms if exposed to these foods.
Speech Pathologist Danielle Mar:n (Tuesday)
Parking & Drive Through
OccupaTonal Therapist Emma Marpole (Wednesday)
Parking, especially at the beginning of the year, is very much at a premium. Please be pa:ent with the parking situa:on. It will ease as the term progresses and more parents use the drive through to pick up and drop off children. We also ask parents to be considerate of others to ensure that traffic flows smoothly. We need to be courteous of our neighbours and follow the Standing , No Standing street signs at all :mes to avoid being issued with fines.
We feel that these specialised services will have amazing benefits for parents and children because they are provided on site and within the school day (op:ons are also available before and aoer school). Parents will no longer need to come to the school and collect children and take them off-site.
6
Parents will be very welcome and are encouraged to come to the sessions, but if they are unable to a\end the therapists will provide ongoing informa:on related to the child’s progress and individualised goals. Any ‘catching up’, mee:ngs and feedback for parents is also made very easily as the therapists will be at the school each week.
Kindergarten 2021 – Applications are Now Due Enrolments are now being taken for siblings and new students wishing to commence Kindergarten at Infant Jesus School in 2021. Families with children eligible for Kindergarten in 2021 are required to fill out a Kindergarten Enrolment Applica:on Form. Infant Jesus School will con:nue to operate two concurrent Kindergarten groups next year with the days of a\endance being Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Kindergarten places are limited so it is important that parents within the Infant Jesus School community submit their applica:ons as soon as possible. Forms can be obtained from the office.
From my Readings this Week . . . Building Healthy Relationships with Teachers By Michael Grose
As a former primary school teacher with 15 years’ experience and a paren:ng educator with 30 years’ experience, I’ve learned a great deal about the importance of healthy rela:onships between a child’s parent/s and their teacher. I hold a Master of Educa:onal Studies from Monash University specialising in paren:ng educa:on, a Bachelor of Educa:on and a Diploma of Primary Teaching from SCV Toorak University (now Deakin University). I’ve done the theory and I’ve also put the boots on the ground. Uniquely, this has allowed me to appreciate perspec:ves from either side of the school gate. Studies show that healthy parent–teacher rela:onships are a more significant factor in student success than parent income levels or social status. Parent–teacher rela:onships require effort and energy from both par:es if they are going to really benefit children and young people. Here are some strategies to help you build a healthy working rela:onship with teachers in the year ahead.
Get to know them
For your partnership to be meaningful and successful, you need to meet with your children’s teacher(s) with the goal of forming a respecuul professional rela:onship. Be willing to share your aspira:ons for your child and be willing to build the teacher’s knowledge about your family. For balanced perspec:ve, also gain an understanding of the teacher’s approach and what focus areas they have for their par:cular year group. This can be done formally by a\ending start of the year informa:on evenings and informally through conversa:ons, reading newsle\ers and staying in touch in digitally and in real-:me.
Trust their professionalism
Children need to know that their parents are fully behind what their teachers are trying to achieve if they are going to commit fully to learning. The best way to support your child’s teacher is to trust their knowledge, professionalism and experience. Avoid the tempta:on to ques:on the exper:se of teachers in front of students, par:cularly when the teachers use methods that you are unfamiliar with. Ini:ate conversa:ons with teachers around methodology to give them the chance to explain the approach they are taking.
Go through the right channels
Despite the best teaching prac:ces things do go wrong at school. Kids experience learning difficul:es. Conflict and peer rejec:on happen. Kids will ooen come home from school with grievances and call on you for assistance. Resist the urge to react emo:onally. If you need to contact teachers do so respecuully, calmly and through the correct channels. A measured response will generally achieve the best result for your child.
7
UTlise their resources Teachers and schools ooen put a lot of work into sourcing and sharing credible resources that they think will help parents. Take the :me to read, u:lise and enjoy the informa:on provided to you. It’s intended to make your paren:ng journey easier, which will also benefit your child not just at school, but at home.
Renew yourself in CHRIST Receive the cross on your forehead. Learn to know Christ and follow him. Receive the sign of the cross on your ears,
Build links to student learning
that you may hear the voice of the Lord. Receive the sign of the cross on your eyes that you may see the glory of God. Receive the sign of the cross on your lips, that you may respond to the Word of God. Receive the sign of the crossover your heart, that Christ may dwell there by faith. Receive the sign of the cross on your shoulders, that you may bear the gentle yoke of Christ. Receive the sign of cross on your hands, that Christ may be known in the work which you do. Receive the sign of cross on your feet, that you may walk the way of CHRIST. Amen.
There’s a huge body of research that points to the correla:on between parent engagement in student learning and their educa:onal success. If you want your child to improve their learning, take an interest in what they are doing. Follow school and teacher guidelines about helping at home and a\end as many conferences, mee:ngs and events involving your child as possible. This strategy has a significant, long term impact on your child’s actude to learning.
Stay in touch Life’s not always smooth sailing for kids of any age. Family circumstances change. Friends move away. Illness happens. Mental health challenges can hit anyone at any :me. These changes affect learning. Make sure that you keep teachers up to date with significant changes or difficul:es that your child or young person experiences so they can accommodate your child’s emo:onal and learning needs at school.
Be loyal Show your loyalty to your child’s teachers (and Principal) by being an advocate. Talk posi:vely about your child’s teacher and school, rather than being nega:ve about them when speaking in the wider community. Teachers hold very public posi:ons and generally work hard to build good reputa:ons both within their school and their wider educa:on community. Consider a teacher’s reputa:on among the community and also with children when you discuss educa:onal ma\ers with others.
Building healthy parent–teacher relaTonships doesn’t just happen It takes goodwill from both sides, a commitment to secng aside the :me necessary to support the home-based learning tasks that are expected, and a willingness to communicate both concerns and commenda:ons through the correct channels. Enjoy your long weekend.
Thought for the Week Paul Hille Principal
Great people are those who can make others feel that they, too, can become great. (Mark Twain)
#ExpectGreatThings
8
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ CORNER Parent Volunteers On Thursday 13 February it was fantas:c to see a very large number of parents a\end the Volunteer Workshop. The involvement of parents in school ac:vi:es in the classroom, in the canteen, at carnivals and on excursions to name just a few, greatly assists in strengthening the rela:onship between home and school as ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴ ✴
teachers and parents work together, there is improved communica:on between home and school, deeper and more improved understanding by parents of their children’s schooling is developed through involvement, there is a increased knowledge of the role of teachers and the planning and organisa:on required within a classroom, there is greater goodwill and mutual respect between parents and teachers,
9
✴
✴
✴
children seeing their parents and teachers sharing common beliefs, actudes and goals. Children, therefore, feel more secure and purposeful. there is an increased opportunity to see adults, both teachers and parents, as role models and the value and importance of educa:on is shared between the home and the school as we work co-opera:vely and collabora:vely to assist children in their learning.
5.
You respect the dignity, culture, values and beliefs of each member of the school community. 6. You treat personal informa:on about members of the school community as private and confiden:al. 7. You give impar:al, honest and accurate informa:on about the educa:on, safety and well-being of students. 8. You support all members of the school community in making informed decisions about students. 9. You promote and preserve the trust and privilege inherent in your rela:onship with all members of the school community. 10. You maintain and build on the community’s trust and confidence in Catholic schools and the Church. 11. You act reflec:vely and ethically. 12. You allow students to have a voice in their educa:on, safety and well-being.
During the Parent Volunteer Workshop we revisited the Parent Code of Conduct. There are twelve statements that are impera:ve and must be followed by all who work in the school. In signing the enrolment forms for Infant Jesus School all parents have agreed that they will uphold and follow the Infant Jesus School Parent Code of Conduct. For all parents the Infant Jesus School Parent Code of Conduct is implemented as follows At Infant Jesus School, we believe that each child is a precious gio from God created as an individual with his or her own unique gios, talents and abili:es. Our aim is to cherish each child and create an environment which enables all children to experience the joy and wonder of our world.
During the year we will further explore the Code of Conduct, and in par:cular, each Conduct Statement where some prac:cal examples will also be provided.
We acknowledge parents as the first educators of their child. We share a strong partnership with each family and encourage parents to become involved in the school. Our home/school rela:onships are based upon on-going communica:on, openness and trust. Parents are supported in understanding their role alongside the school and together we support the child to achieve their true poten:al. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to describe minimum standards of conduct in all behaviour and decision making to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The Code applies to staff, students, volunteers, parents and guardians as applicable. The term ‘parents’ includes guardians. The Code of Conduct includes the following Conduct Statements – 1. You act safely and competently. 2. You give priority to students’ safety and wellbeing in all your behaviour and decision making. 3. You act in accordance with the values of the Gospel as defined in the Code of Ethical Conduct. 4. You conduct yourself in accordance with laws, agreements, policies and standards relevant to your rela:onship with the school community.
10
Merit Certificates Next week will be the first assembly for 2020 and will be led by the Year Six students. This will be the first assembly for our Public Rela:ons Ministry. We are also looking to the Band performing for the first :me this year and the Year 6 children will also share the Ministry Charter that they have developed. We will also recognise the Choir and Band members as they are presented with their 2020 badges. At this assembly we will also acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our children and all their hard work. Congratula:ons to the following students who will receive a Merit Cer:ficate at our assembly on Thursday 5 March 2020:
PPB PPW 1B 1W 2B 2W 3B 3W 4B 4W 5B 5W 6B 6W
Lila Page, Hamish Ross, Alonza Trinca, Elena Heneghan Juliet Rogers, Brooklyn Teniseli, Mico Di Nella, Christia Vesco Elizabeth Mok, Blake Keel, Addison Le, Thomas Lupo Lucas Monaco, Isabelle Modica, Zoey Barker Orlando Albanese, Angel Le, Tyler Flamini, Chloe Ilic-Rumac Eli Ikosipentarhos, Hayden Payne, Orlando Santella, Siena Wiles Adrian Dawe, Kahlan Jovanovic, Thy Truong, Seth Vu, Joshua Waters Claudia Scriva, Kayla-Poppy McGrath-Hogan, Bennett Hannah, Christian Clark Julian Barbas, Linette Abraham, Sabrina Pillera, Aidan Antulov Ashley Suarez, Benjamin Wilathgamuwa, Julian Panetta, Charlize Arvino Tayla Pham, Shanat Krkeen, Sabelle Chami, Ryan Bai Liam Leach, Kim Nguyen, Luca Prokscha, Sophia Ruggiero Sam Napoli, Elijah Erceg, Robert Nguyen, Meghan Marino Dayan Chloe Nguyen, Marcus White, Jean-Paul Marion, Amber Rechichi
Reading Comprehension This year we con:nue our focus on Reading and Reading Comprehension. As children move to new classrooms they have another large variety of books to read that were not available in their classes last year. These books have been provided to inspire all children to love books and to become highly mo:vated readers and successful literacy learners. We read for many reasons, including to entertain, to informa:on or to persuade. Through comprehension we develop a deeper understanding of the text by applying a variety of strategies before, during and aoer reading. The following ac:vi:es need a dice (6 sided or more) and can be played with a partner, in a small group or individually.
Roll and chat (using a 6-sided dice) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
What was your favourite part of the story and why? What is your favourite illustra:on and why? Choose two characters. Compare how they are the same and how they are different. What is the secng of the book? What happened at the end of the story? What did you learn from the story?
11
Children think about mathema:cs in different ways depending on their prior experiences at home and school. Teachers want your children to understand how important math is and how it helps them solve every-day problems. By allowing students to think flexibly about numbers teachers encourage them to “own” the mathema:cs forever, instead of “borrowing” un:l class is over.
Roll a quesTon (using a 10-sided dice) 1. Which character from the story would you want as a friend and why? 2. What was your least favourite part of the story and why? 3. Retell what happens in the beginning of the story 4. What was the main idea of the story? 5. What point of view is the story told from and how do you know? 6. Choose one character and describe two traits to describe them 7. Describe the secng in the story (:me and place) 8. Describe the author’s purpose for wri:ng this story (entertain, persuade, inform) 9. What was the most important part in the story? Provide details to support your choice. 10.What was the problem in the story?
Parents can help out by showing their children when they use mathema:cs. That may be as simple as: ✴ Helping your child es:mate in the grocery store; ✴ Deciding together how many plants can fit into a garden and drawing a scale plan of your garden; or ✴ Discussing how the interest works on the mortgage.
Tips for Parents You can help your child learn mathema:cs by offering insights into how to approach the subject. Your child will develop more confidence in his or her abili:es by understanding the following points: ✤ Problems can be solved in different ways. Although most mathema:cs problems have only one answer, there may be many ways to get that answer. ✤ Wrong answers someTmes can be useful. Analysing wrong answers can help your child understand the concepts underlying a problem and learn to apply reasoning skills to arrive at the correct answer. ✤ Being able to do mathemaTcs in your head is important. Mathema:cs is not restricted to pencil and paper ac:vi:es. Doing mathema:cs in your head ("mental math") is a valuable skill that comes in handy when making quick calcula:ons in stores, restaurants, or gas sta:ons. Let your child know that by using mental math, his or her mathema:cs skills will become stronger. ✤ It is someTmes okay to use a calculator to solve mathemaTcs problems. Let your child know that to use calculators correctly and most efficiently, he or she will need a strong founda:on in mathema:cs.
Helping Your Child With Today's Math MathemaTcs looks different these days. When you visit your child’s math class, it may look different from what you remember. For example, 2 apples + 2 apples s:ll equals 4 apples, and learning your mul:plica:on tables is s:ll important. But, now you are likely to see your child solving real problems. Children in Year Two might: ✴ Figure out how many apples they need for a classroom party. ✴ Determine the cost to buy those apples. ✴ Compare how much money they need to have in the class ki\y. Children in Year Four are learning not only that 7 x 8 = 56, but, are deciding when they should use mul:plica:on to solve a problem. Educators want children to understand that math is not only useful out of the classroom, but in their daily lives too. We know that every child is capable of achieving in math topics such as geometry, data and sta:s:cs, and algebra—topics we’ve tradi:onally thought of as only accessible to some. MY CHILD’S TEACHER SAYS THAT THE MATHEMATICS IS PROBLEM-BASED. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? Teachers are now using ac:vi:es that are connected to students’ real lives. Like mathema:cians, students are now solving problems that may take them an hour, or perhaps, several hours to solve. There may be many ways to solve the problem.
12
WE ARE CALLED 13
❖ $5 can buy three packets of seeds for home
Lent Have you no:ced that the Church looks slightly different at this :me of the year? This is because it is the season of Lent. During this :me there are less flowers and purple is ooen used in banners displayed in the Church, the priest wears purple when celebra:ng Mass during the season of Lent and ‘Alleluia’ is not said or sung un:l Easter to emphasise the Lenten journey – a :me for penance and reflec:on.
❖
❖
❖
❖
The first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday is unique in that it is the one :me when we as Chris:ans have a visible mark of iden:ty placed on our skin which we wear during the day. The ashes come from the palm branches used at last years’ Palm Sunday celebra:on. There is a similarity between Bap:sm and Ash Wednesday in that the ashes are placed on our foreheads in the sign of a cross during Ash Wednesday while in Bap:sm oil was placed on our foreheads with the sign of the cross.
❖
Lent is also a :me when we have a special focus on Project Compassion. This year, through Project Compassion, we will endeavour to support those in need through our prayers and also through prac:cal ini:a:ves. In 2020 the Project Compassion theme is ‘Go Further Together’ and it highlights our local community of Australia and also a few countries throughout the world including the Philippines, Cambodia, India, Malawi and Papa New Guinea. Projects in these countries focus on how fortunate we are and how our contribu:ons can make a significant impact on their lives and their community. As a school we support Project Compassion through ❖ discussions in class of the work of Project
Compassion and implemen:ng some prac:cal ways that we can support this. As we look at ‘What Your DonaTons Can Do’ we learn about and make connec:ons to those who are in need. We also learn about how we can support them, for example,
14
gardening to increase nutri:on and provide some rural income for a family $50 can buy chicken for a small farming family which increases their supply of food and ability to earn an income $7,700 can provide a community experiencing water and food scarcity with a borehole and access to water. the Project Compassion boxes for each family. Family dona:ons can be made throughout Lent. At the conclusion of Lent the boxes and the donated funds can be brought to school or to the parish to support the ongoing work of Project Compassion. making connec:ons through the stories included in Project Compassion this year. In the first week of Lent this year we learn about Shirley who lives in a remote area in the Philippines. She is a mother of four and the sole breadwinner of the family, as her husband is sick. Her family had limited access to food, educa:on, employment and healthcare. Shirley struggled to support her family and keep their children in school. The dona:ons from Project Compassion have helped Shirley train to become a health worker and she is now able feed her family and send the children to school.
Commitment Mass
Sacramental Program
Saturday 28 March at 6.00 pm or Sunday 29 March at 9.30 am or Sunday 29 March at 6.00 pm
Sacramental Program- Sacrament Of Eucharist
Special thanks to all the parents/guardians and the Infant Jesus school teachers and principal for a\ending the First Eucharist Parent Informa:on Night on Monday 2 February. The Sacramental team are looking forward to journeying with you as you prepare your children to receive their First Holy Communion.
Parent and Child Workshop Monday 18 May at 7.00 pm
First Communion Retreat & PracTce Friday at 29 May 9.00 am
Re-Run Of Parent InformaTon MeeTng For First Holy Communion
CelebraTon of First Communion Saturday 6 June at 6.00 pm or Sunday 7 June at 9.30 am or Sunday 7 June at 11.30 am
The Sacramental Policy of the Archdiocese of Perth requires all parents/guardians who wish to enrol their child in the Sacrament of First Eucharist program at Infant Jesus Parish this year and who were not able to par:cipate in the Parent Informa:on mee:ng held last Monday 24 February, to a\end the Re-run of the First Eucharist Parents InformaTon meeTng on Saturday 29 February, 9:30am at the Infant Jesus Parish Centre. Fr Greg Burke will be the main speaker and he is encouraging everyone to a\end. This mee:ng will only run for about an hour.
24:7 Morley Youth Group For all youth in Years 6-12, bring along a gold coin dona:on, and friends! Every Friday, 6:30pm-8:30pm at Infant Jesus Parish hall. Coming up: Chillz night Call Steph on 0499 547 066 or Joe on 0499 038 223 for more informa:on
Parents who a\ended a Eucharist Parent mee:ng for another child in the past are also highly encouraged to a\end as this program is now focused on the current child who will be preparing for the Sacrament. You may bring your child if that is easier for you. The parent mee:ng is one of the most important parts of your child’s prepara:on for First Holy Communion. Please send your RSVP to Mrs Faith Rico-Parish Sacramental Coordinator by Friday, 28 February 2020 either by: Email: sacramental@infantjesusparish.org.au (prefer red) OR Phone: 92768500 during office hours Mon-Thurs 9:30am-12.30pm.
First Eucharist - Enrolment Mass
The Archdiocesan Sacramental Policy requires the family who wish to enrol their child in the Sacrament of Eucharist Program at Infant Jesus Church this year to a\end one of the enrolment Masses below: Saturday 7 March at 6:00 pm or Sunday 8 March at 9:30 am or Sunday 8 March at 6:00 pm
Important Dates To Remember Enrolment Mass Saturday 7 March at 6:00 pm or Sunday 8 March at 9:30 am or Sunday 8 March at 6:00 pm
15
CLASS NEWS
Year Five Class News The year has begun smoothly as we #ExceedExpecta:ons in Year 5. Our primary focus in English is the ongoing development of the various comprehension levels. To enhance this important aspect of reading, we u:lise different resources, catering for different learning needs. We really enjoy using OneNote as a tool to inves:gate a range of fic:on and non-fic:on texts. From this, we work either independently or in small groups to explore and make meaning from the passages we have read. Our focus has been on finding the main idea and recalling facts and details from texts. We are eager to learn many other reading strategies throughout the year.
16
Year Two Class News In Mathema:cs, the Year Two students have been busy learning about the place value of numbers in the hundreds. They have prac:ced reading, represen:ng and coun:ng these numbers. They have played some fun Maths games and even built their own abacus with playdough and beads.
During Chinese lessons the Year Two students have engaged common gree:ngs and responses. So far they can say hello, goodbye, my name is, thank you, you’re welcome, teacher, yes, no and Happy New Year in Mandarin. On Monday they learnt how to fold dumplings and prac:ced using play-dough!
On Tuesday the Year Two students made pancakes to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is a reminder that we are entering the liturgical season of Lent. The students learnt that in the olden days pancakes were made as a good way to use up all of the rich foods that people would fast from during Lent. They discussed what fas:ng meant and set themselves goals to fast or pray during the next forty days. They also made a calendar to help them remember to pray, fast and give during Lent. The Year Two children know that this will help them grow closer to God.
17
Sport News Infant Jesus Swimming Training
In prepara:on for the 2020 Swimming program, we will be offering swimming training in Term One for any children in Year 4 to Year 6. The purpose of this training is to help build endurance, muscle strength and cardiovascular fitness for the Fac:on Swimming Carnival. We would like to stress these are not lessons and is only open to those children who are competent swimmers: children must be able to swim 100m con:nuously. The squad training will take place at Bayswater Waves, details are: Days: Venue: Time:
Every Friday commencing Week 2, 14 February 2020. Bayswater Waves Swimming Pool. 7:30am - 8:10am.
✴ Students will need to wear their swimwear and bring goggles, cap and a towel (caps can be provided). ✴ Students will need to be dropped off by a parent/guardian at Bayswater Waves ready to commence training at 7:30am. ✴ Students will need to be picked up at Bayswater Waves at 8:10am. ✴ There is a spectator fee of $2.20. ✴ There will be a child fee of $3.20 - discounted school rate. ✴ Parents need to ensure they sign their child/ren in and out of each session.
Year 4-6 Swimming Sessions
As you are aware the Infant Jesus School Swimming Carnival is scheduled for Friday, 3 April 2020. In prepara:on for the Swimming Carnival, Year 4 to Year 6 children will par:cipate in two days of intensive swim stroke sessions by qualified swimming instructors from Bayswater Waves. In these sessions, the children will prac:se each stroke and take part in :me trials for the Fac:on Swimming Carnival. Details are: Venue: Bayswater Waves Aqua:c Centre Date:
Year 4 - Wednesday 4 March (10.30am-12.25pm) Year 6 - Tuesday 3 March (12:30pm-2:30pm) - Wednesday 4 March (12:30pm-2:30pm)
✴ Students will need to bring swimwear, towel, and a bag to carry them in. ✴ Students are advised to bring a small amount of food to the pool, as they will only have a small break in between their swimming lesson. ✴ As this is an outdoor venue, hats and sunblock are mandatory. Mrs Jenkins Physical Educa:on Teacher
18
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The Digital Age In a world where children are "growing up digital," it's important that we know how to help them learn healthy concepts of digital use and ci:zenship. Here are some :ps that you might find useful as parents and guardians: ★
★
★
★ ★
★
★
Treat media as you would any other environment in your child's life. The same paren:ng guidelines apply in both real and virtual environments. Set limits; kids need and expect them. Know your children's friends, both online and off. Know what plauorms, sooware, and apps your children are using, what sites they are visi:ng on the web, and what they are doing online. Set limits and encourage playTme. Media use, like all other ac:vi:es, should have reasonable limits. Unstructured and offline play s:mulates crea:vity. Make unplugged play:me a daily priority, especially for very young children. Screen Tme shouldn't always be alone Tme. Co-view, co-play and co-engage with your children when they are using screens—it encourages social interac:ons, bonding, and learning. Play a video game with your kids. It's a good way to demonstrate good sportsmanship and gaming e:que\e. Watch a show with them; you will have the opportunity to introduce and share your own life experiences and perspec:ves— and guidance. Be a good role model. Teach and model kindness and good manners online. Because children are great mimics, limit your own media use. Create tech-free zones. Keep family meal:mes, other family and social gatherings, and children's bedrooms screen free. Turn off televisions that you aren't watching, because background TV can get in the way of face-to-face :me with kids. Recharge devices overnight—outside your child's bedroom. Apps for kids – do YOUR homework. More than 80,000 apps are labelled as educa:onal, but li\le research has demonstrated their actual quality. Products pitched as "interac:ve" should require more than "pushing and swiping." Look for reviews about age-appropriate apps, games and programs to guide you in making the best choices for your children. Remember: Kids will be kids. Kids will make mistakes using media. Try to handle errors with empathy and turn a mistake into a teachable moment.
Media and digital devices are an integral part of our world today. The benefits of these devices, if used moderately and appropriately, are great. It is important that as educators and parents of today that we are able to understand how best to cater for our students and children as they navigate through the quickly evolving digital age. It is an exci:ng :me for them and for us! For more informa:on please see American Academy of Pediatrics Adapted from: American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2018) Mrs Edwards Digital Technology and Innova:ons (Design and Tech)
19
SAFE SCHOOL FRAMEWORK NEWS
Should I be worried about gaming addiction?
Gaming addic:on can be a concern. It can happen playing any game - online, offline, digital or video. For most kids gaming is not a problem and may never be one. But for a very small amount of kids it may become a problem or an addic:on. Research is looking into whether this is an actual disorder (Gaming Disorder). The difference between healthy gaming and addic:on is the nega:ve impact it is having on their life. It’s important to recognise the warning signs and support your child to make a change.
20
Worried that your child has a problem with gaming? Support is always available for you and your family If your child needs support encourage them to talk to a Kids Helpline counsellor. They can callus, start a WebChat or email us today. Needing support to manage your child’s gaming habits? Try calling Parentline in your State or Territory for more support and guidance on this issue.
Worried that your child has a problem with gaming? Support is always available for you and your family If your child needs support encourage them to talk to a Kids Helpline counsellor. Needing support to manage your child’s gaming habits? Try calling Parentline in your State or Territory for more support and guidance on this issue.
21
P&F NEWS
P&F News Thank you to those parents who came along for our ďŹ rst mee:ng, it was great to see some new faces. We welcome and thank Gabriella Erceg as our P&F Representa:ve on the School Board. We also welcome all our Class Reps and thank you all for volunteering and suppor:ng the P&F and school. It’s going to be busy! Our next mee:ng is scheduled for Tuesday 17 March at 7pm in the Library.
Welcome Back Picnic What an awesome night at our Welcome Back Picnic! Great to see so many families come along to enjoy the night. Thank you to the volunteers who helped set up, serve and pack away our P&F Stall.
22
Colour Run 2020 - Friday 27th March Save the date as this is the event the kids don’t want to miss! Informa:on regarding this event will be sent home with your child soon. We are in need of parent volunteers for the “Colour Run” which will be held on Friday 27 March If you can assist please email Marisa at president.pafc@gmail.com.
Sub-Committees We would also love to have some new parents to come on board for our sub commi\ees, without YOU the events we do at the school are not possible. This is also a great way to get to know other parents, share a laugh and ideas and we are always open to new sugges:ons. If you are interested in being on one or more of the following sub-commi\ees, please email president.pafc@gmail.com.
Entertainment Books Don’t forget to order your Entertainment book, which is now fully digital. Check out the amazing savings! h\ps://www.entertainment.com.au/orderbooks/ 8423y3
23
24
PARENT & COMMUNITY NEWS
Canteen News When lunch orders are placed it would be appreciated if the correct money is enclosed in the lunch order bag when dropped off in the basket. Due to limited volunteers, it is :me consuming to give out change which is not always readily available. Thank you for your coopera:on in this ma\er. Francesca Ienco Canteen Manageress
Trinity College News TRINITY COLLEGE 2021 SCHOLARSHIPS Applica:ons are invited for Trinity College Scholarships and Bursaries for 2021. To find out more and to access the applica:on forms, please visit the Trinity College website: www.trinity.wa.edu.au. Applica:ons close at 4:00pm on Friday, 14 March 2020. Examina:on date is Friday, 28 March 2020 (Academic only). Please return completed applica:on forms to the Registrar at registrar@trinity.wa.edu.au. TRINITY COLLEGE OPEN DAY – WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 2020 Discover Trinity College at our Open Day on Wednesday, 13 May 2020 to learn more about the unique TC Spirit and the vast curricular and co-curricular opportuni:es that the College has to offer. Each of our College Open Day sessions will include an address from the Principal and Junior/Senior Head Prefects, student-led tours, light refreshments and a Q&A with key staff, teachers and the admissions team. We look forward to mee:ng you! Please note that your son is welcome to a\end the Open Day. Further details can be found via www.trinity.wa.edu.au or you can register directly through hmps:// www.trybooking.com/BILZB. You can also email registrar@trinity.wa.edu.au or call 9223 8120.
Woodwind Lessons Places are s:ll open for any students wan:ng to learn clarinet, flute or saxophone. Studying music is one of the most academically beneficial things a child can undertake, and making music is also fun and rewarding. Early exposure to music can be an important influence on a child's development, and helps teach discipline, curiosity and self-mo:va:on. If your child is interes:ng in learning, please contact Keyed Up Music on 1300 366 243 or at enquiry@keyedupmusic.com.au
Beechboro Dental Therapy Centre
St Paul’s Parish Fundraising Sale Fundraising Sale of recycled Women’s & Children’s clothes, shoes, bags, hats, costume jewellery, scarves etc. Happening on Sunday 8 March from 10am to 4pm in the School Hall. Learoyd Street Mt Lawley. Dona:ons welcome.
25
Contact Us 17 Smith Street, Morley Western Australia 6062 9276 1769
info@infantjesus.wa.edu.au
www.infantjesus.wa.edu.au
We promote Truth and Justice in the spirit of Infant Jesus. We value the individuality of each person. We show respect and kindness to all. We work hard to be the best we can. We cooperate and engage in open communication 26with one another.