YEAR THREE CLASS NEWS “Check out some Year Three student’s thoughts about remote learning…”
#Expect Great Things
YEAR FOUR CLASS NEWS “Remote learning has taught the students independence and responsibility…”
PUBLIC RELATIONS MINISTRY “It has been great to see everyone happy to be back and ready to learn.”
VERITAS
Infant Jesus School | Issue 6 | Week 4, Term 2
1
IN THIS ISSUE… May
21
FROM THE PRINCIPAL School Expecta-ons Parent Survey Reconcilia-on Virtual Assembly From My Readings Prayer of the Week Thought for the Week
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ CORNER Drop Off and Pick-up Procedures AGernoon Pick-up and Map Compulsory AIendances Merit Cer-ficates Sacramental Program
IMPORTANT DATES 3 June
5 July
WE ARE CALLED The Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost LifeLink Parish News Morley Youth Group Online
WA Day Public Holiday
3 5 5 5 6 6 8 8 8 9 9 10 11 11 11
12 13 13 13 13
Last Day of Term Two
CLASS NEWS Year Three Class News Year Four Class News Public Rela-ons Ministry News
P&F NEWS Entertainment Book Fully Digital
2
14 14 16 18
19 19
FROM THE PRINCIPAL School Expectations We remind the students about these expecta-ons…
Parent Survey We would like to receive some feedback from parents…
Dear Parents With now with nearly 100% of students back at school, it has been a wonderful experience to see so many of our children return to the classrooms of Infant Jesus School this week. Currently, we need to follow the direc-ons of Catholic Educa-on Western Australia (CEWA) and the Department of Health, and con-nue to drop our children at the respec-ve gates each morning as parents and caregivers (and visitors) are not permiIed on school property other than to drop off or pick up their children. This has certainly been a change in the ‘modus operandi’ of our school, but to our student’s credit they have each handled the situa-on extremely well. We never really know what we are capable of un-l we are tested or put in a situa-on that is either unfamiliar to us or sits outside our comfort zone. For many students and parents, not having mum or dad walk them into the classroom each day is unfamiliar and perhaps a liIle foreign. Our students have shown responsibility and resilience in the way each of them has handled this ‘change’. I have been super-impressed watching our Year One and Year Two students march gallantly into the school grounds each day confident that they “have got this” and it is going to be another “Great Day at Infant Jesus School”. Addi-onally, we have no-ced (sorry Mums and Dads) that our students are much more seIled each day and quickly fall into the rou-nes of the class and school upon arrival. This is an interes-ng observa-on and shows that our students respond to the expecta-ons set by the school and teachers. Some-mes, we underes-mate just how capable they are, as well as how resilient and resourceful they can each be.
3
Virtual Assembly Next Monday morning we will hold a “Virtual Assembly”
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of the staff members at Infant Jesus School for their support of the students and families during these unprecedented -mes. Staff have unselfishly taken on extradu-es throughout the day to assist with the safety of the students. This meant that some of our staff are doing four du-es a day, ea-ng lunch on the run and not gecng a chance to sit down for a relaxing ‘cuppa’ at any stage throughout the day. Staff have also gone to extra efforts to ensure that their classrooms are hygienically safe and clean for the students throughout the day by regularly wiping down/sterilising equipment and surfaces. The efforts have been amazing! I would also like to thank the staff for their efforts in catering for the needs of their students, whether they were at school or working from home remote learning. Our staff focus has always been on the students and assis-ng them with their learning program. Some of our teachers had well over five hundred Seesaw messages a day which really added to the workload. But, to their credit our “Staff” burnt the candle at both ends to ensure the students were able to get the informa-on and assistance they required whether they were at home or school. I think many parents recognised the extra-ordinary lengths our staff have gone to over the last eight weeks which has certainly been appreciated by myself and the staff. I would also like thank “You” the parents, for your efforts in working with your child/ren during the remote learning phase of the year to date. For many of you this would have been a rather difficult and perhaps stressful -me, par-cularly if you were also working from home. We have all seen the many Facebook, Instagram and TwiIer posts of parents sharing their views on ‘home learning’ with some them being very funny. Again, this was something that was placed on parents and families in a very short -meframe and something that we were not really prepared for, but at the same -me had to make happen. I thank you for your support and effort in keeping the ‘learning alive’ and ensuring that the children had a posi-ve experience. The children certainly missed their school, their teachers and their friends. It is wonderful to have them all back, embracing the learning and bringing the school “alive” once again. A school is not a school without the students. I am very thankful that all our students are now back safe and well. We have learnt a lot about ourselves as teachers and as a school during this pandemic. There is no doubt our school will be different going forward. Some of our protocols and procedures will change given what we have observed and learnt. Our pedagogy (teaching and learning) will be different as we have challenged ourselves to teach in different ways, as well as enhance learning opportuni-es for our students. Like our students, WE can be proud of our efforts. We will con-nue to #ExpectGreatThings of ourselves, our students and our families each and every day.
4
School Expectations As parents and students are aware the school has a set of Behaviour Expecta-ons based on our Core Values of Uniqueness, Respect and Excellence. These ‘Behaviour Expecta-ons apply not only to our students, but also to the staff and parents within our school community as they iden-fy and convey the beliefs that posi-vely influence our behaviour and the way we interact with individuals, groups and communi-es. They also represent the deepest beliefs and sen-ments to which we can aspire, and they shape our school community. The following core values guide our behaviour at our school:
Reconciliation Week
We value Uniqueness This means we value every person as having been made in the image and likeness of God (CCC 27)
In 2020 Reconcilia-on Australia marks twenty years of shaping Australia’s journey towards a more just, equitable and reconciled na-on. Much has happened since the early days of the people’s movement for reconcilia-on, including greater acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights to land and sea; understanding of the impact of government policies and fron-er conflicts; and an embracing of stories of Indigenous success and contribu-on.
We value Respect – this means that we: Treat others as we would want to be treated (Luke 6:31) We value Excellence – this means that we: No one aGer ligh-ng a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lamp stand, so that those who enter may see the light!’ (Luke 8: 16)
2020 also marks the twen-eth anniversary of the reconcilia-on walks of 2000, when people came together to walk on bridges and roads across the na-on and show their support for a more reconciled Australia.
We remind the students about these expecta-ons as all our students return to ‘school life’ and the rou-nes and expecta-ons of students at Infant Jesus School.
As always, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and Australians now benefit from the efforts and contribu-ons of people commiIed to reconcilia-on in the past.
Parent Survey We would like to receive some feedback from parents on how the school has performed in the COVID-19 environment. We kindly ask parents to go to the following link and complete the survey by Wednesday 27 May.
Reconcilia-on is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communi-es, organisa-ons and importantly as a na-on. At the heart of this journey are rela-onships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
https://tinyurl.com/IJCOVID19
We strive towards a more just, equitable na-on by championing unity and mutual respect as we come together and connect with one another.
Infant Jesus Family
On this journey, Australians are all In This Together; every one of us has a role to play when it comes to reconcilia-on, and in playing our part we collec-vely build rela-onships and communi-es that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories and cultures.
Congratula-ons to the Gomez Ruiz Family (Samuel PPW) on the birth of a baby boy Daniel. Also, congratula-ons to the O’Brien Family (Ariana) on the birth of a baby girl.
5
From My Readings . . . CharXng a new course for kids post COVID-19 While we’ve been denied access during the COVID-19 pandemic to ac-vi-es such as playing group sport, spending -me in a café or mee-ng with friends, there’s been plenty of upside too.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconcilia-on journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respec-vely. Reconcilia-on must live in the hearts, minds and ac-ons of all Australians as we move forward, crea-ng a na-on strengthened by respecrul rela-onships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Discussions with friends reveal that family life has been a big beneficiary from the physical distancing measures. Comments such as “It’s so good to slow down,” “I cherish the -me I’m spending with my children,” and “I’m discovering the joy of having real conversa-ons with my teenager” point to the posi-ve side of gecng off the family roundabout many of us have been on.
To recognise the week, celebra-ons and acknowledgement of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will officially begin on Tuesday 26 May at school with a virtual Liturgy, observing the day in 2008 that the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, said ‘Sorry’ on behalf of all Australians. A Gospel reading and prayers will be offered to give praise to God, bringing hope for the future and con-nued love for all people. Throughout Week 5, the children will par-cipate in a variety of ac-vi-es that will give them a wider perspec-ve about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the contribu-ons that they have made to the development and progress of Australia’s culture and tradi-ons.
Though the restric-ons placed on society are of course challenging, the imposed period of social isola-on has provided an opportunity for parents to forge new habits that have poten-al to bring more joy and less stress to their children’s lives once the threat has subsided. Here are some ideas to consider while char-ng a new course for kids post COVID-19.
Significant personal hobbies Our previous reliance on organised, adult-ini-ated ac-vity to keep kids busy came at the expense of child-ini-ated hobbies and interests. The rise of personal digital entertainment and communica-on technology in recent years has also contributed to the demise of hands-on hobbies such as collec-ng, craGs and music.
Virtual Assembly As we are not allowed to gather in the hall as a school (COVID-19 Restric-ons) next Monday (25 May) morning we will hold a “Virtual Assembly” so that those children who are receiving a Merit Award will be presented with their cer-ficate by myself and the Year 6 Ministries. All the classes will be present (online) watching their classmates receive their award and will acknowledge them in the usual manner. This video will then be posted on to Seesaw for parents to view.
The Scandinavians have long valued the posi-ve impact of hobbies on a person’s wellbeing and quality of life. In turn they encourage (and in Sweden’s case heavily subsidise) the uptake of hobbies and personal interests from a very young age.
6
Personal learning centres
Experts agree that the future of work will be characterised by constant change, requiring workers to con-nually learn and upskill if they are to adapt. Our children will need to see themselves as con-nuous learners if they are to succeed in this uncertain future. The home is a great place to plant this concept in young minds and there’s no beIer way to do this than establishing their own personal learning centre. Start small with a bean bag, a small bookshelf and build from there. It’s the idea rather than the physical secng where the learning significance lays.
Mental health prac-ces This period in isola-on has offered an opportunity to embed good mental health prac-ces in children and young people. Three key health prac-ces to con-nue include healthy ea-ng, plenty of exercise and good sleep paIerns. Add regular mindfulness prac-ce, deep breathing and the opportunity to spend plenty of -me in nature and you’ll be establishing a strong mental health and wellbeing framework for life.
Mix of alone and group ac-vi-es Life in social isola-on has meant family members have had to compromise. Extroverts who love to be surrounded by people have had to give parents and siblings the space they need. Introverts who prefer their own company have been sharing their -me, space and company with other family members. Post COVID-19, consider encouraging kids to experience a mixture of alone -me, allowing for personal reflec-on and family -me, which promotes family connec-on. Both are essen-al for healthy wellbeing.
Deep eldership connec-on Increased one-on-one -me between parents and kids has been a posi-ve side effect of life in social isola-on. The opportunity for parents to connect with children and young people with greater depth and meaning is a return to eldership, prac-sed by past genera-ons. Eldership, where parents shared their wisdom and their vulnerabili-es with young people, when combined with healthy rites of passage is a -me-honoured way of preparing young people for adulthood. This period of social isola-on has provided a rare opportunity for parents to renew and refresh their children’s lifestyles, and in some circumstances, reboot family lives as well. It would be a waste to climb back on the busy roundabout of life once the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, without making some posi-ve changes to the way we live. By Michael Grose
7
Prayer for the Week Mary, Help of ChrisXans O Immaculate Mary, Help of Chris-ans, Queen of heaven and earth, and tender Mother of humanity, at this -me when a pandemic threatens all your children, we entrust to you our na-on, Australia, and all who live in this country. We commit to your intercession all the members of our community, beginning with the weakest ones, from the unborn to the sick, the disabled and the elderly. We commit to you our families, our young and old, and all who are vulnerable, those who are quaran-ned or anxious. We entrust to your Immaculate Heart those who have lost their livelihood or employment, our pastors and other essen-al service workers, and our leaders at this -me. We implore your intercession especially for the protec-on of doctors and nurses and those who minister to the contagious sick in this crisis. Reign over us, Mother of God, and teach us how to make the Heart of Jesus reign and triumph in us and around us, as it has reigned and triumphed in you! Amen
Thought for the Week If we did all we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves. Thomas A. Edison 
Best wishes
Paul Hille Principal #ExpectGreatThings
8
ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS’ CORNER
Drop Off & Pick Up Procedures Thank you to all families for your pa-ence with the Drop-Off and Pick-Up Procedures especially as all children are now at school. It has been amazing to see how quickly the children have adjusted to these new procedures and the independence that they now have. Each day, even the youngest students make their way confidently to their classes, greet their teachers and take great responsibility and ownership in gecng themselves organised for the day. At the end of the day everyone has also adjusted to the new pick-up procedures. As a reminder these are listed here. All students, and families, also received a no-fica-on regarding the pick up area for each
9
Afternoon Pick-up and Map We thank all the parents for their support at both the drop-off and pick-up -mes each day. We remind parents of the various collec-on points of an aGernoon. We thank you for your pa-ence and understanding, par-cularly at pick-up as we try and exit 500+ students each day.
Where parents have more than one child in the school students are instructed to go to the earliest collec-on -me (and gate/car park) for their family. For example, if there is a family with a child in Kindergarten and another in Year 2, the Year 2 child will be dismissed for the 2.30pm Pick-Up at the Basketball Gate Car Park. Similarly, if there is a family with a child in Year 3 and another in Year 6, the Year 6 child will be dismissed so that they can meet their sibling for collec-on at 2.45pm in the Canteen Car Park Drive-Thru. We ask that parents speak to their child/ren about this, so they are clear as to their Pick-Up arrangements of an aGernoon. We also ask that you inform your child’s teacher (via Seesaw) so they can dismiss them at the appropriate -me.
10
The safety and well-being of the students at Infant Jesus School is always our highest priority. Staff will be present at the various collec-on points to assists with the collec-on of your child each day. Please follow their instruc-ons and don’t forget to display your “Family Name Card” each aGernoon to assist with iden-fica-on of the various vehicles. We thank parents for their pa-ence and understanding as we endeavour to abide the social distancing rules put in place at the moment.
Compulsory Attendance In a leIer to parents sent last Friday all students are required to be aIending school. Usual procedures for aIendance will now be in place. If parents have not contacted the school by 9.00am regarding their child’s absence from school they will receive an sms and will need to contact the school and provide details of the absence. Absences from school need be recorded as it is a legal requirement for every child.
Merit Certificates At our Virtual Assembly on Monday 25 May we will 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.
PPB PPW 1B 1W 2B 2W 3B 3W 4B 4W 5B 5W 6B 6W
Holly Coady, John Dib, Valentina Petrolo, Tylie Fernando Antonella Gonzalez Posada, Arius Kovacevic, Alyssa Cecchele, Jared Harrison Mason Ellis, Taylor Jovanovic, Claudia Martino, Chance Taplin Charlotte Emselle, Jaylen Easley, Kyah Lazenby, Xander Novatsis Cristian Parise, Theresa Nguyen, Chrissa Benny, Nabhas Samakkasewee Brody Firns, Miles Brisbane, Evelina Yip, Amber Wallace Oliver Ashton, Leo Astone, Laila Tartaglia, Tiana Easley, Eva Del Borrello Dru Blanchard, Tahlia Erceg, Nicolas Lucano, Stella Proskcha, Jessiah Vesco Mario Ruggiero, Johnathan Spiccia, Tessa Kolarikal, Albert Nguyen Leon Boby, Charli Ikosipentarhos, Tiana Taplin, Marcus Xiong Domenico Mammone, Isabella Commisso, Cameron Soh, Georgia Mammone Asha Beaton, Cruze Finis, Dhruv Sharma, Karl Gomes Tahliah Gonsalves, Alexander Bowran, Vaishvi Kittan, Jett Levings Gabriella Jackamarra, Sayla Buckley, Thomas Allpike, Antonella Mammone
Sacramental Program At this stage the Sacramental Program has been postponed un-l further no-ce. This includes the following mee-ngs, celebra-ons and retreats • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Eucharist Retreat and Prac-ce Reconcilia-on for First Communion First Communion Masses Confirma-on Enrolment Masses Confirma-on Commitment Masses Confirma-on Parent & Child Workshop Reconcilia-on for Confirma-on Confirma-on retreat, visit and prac-ce Confirma-on celebra-ons Reconcilia-on Enrolment Masses Reconcilia-on Parent Mee-ng Reconcilia-on Commitment Masses Family Retreats and Reconcilia-on
11
WE ARE CALLED 12
The Ascension of Jesus and Pentecost
LifeLink The LifeLink organisa-on was established by the Archdiocese of Perth in 1994 to provide for the ongoing financial and promo-onal support of agencies established or assisted by the Church. LifeLink’s agencies deliver professional services & caring support to thousands of people in need throughout Western Australia each year. The work of LifeLink is indeed a posi-ve demonstra-on of Faith in AcXon.
We are in the last days of the Season of Easter before Jesus returns to his Father in heaven. During this -me Jesus made his presence known to the disciples through his appearance to Thomas, walking with and later ea-ng with the travellers on the way to Emmaus and joining the disciples when they were fishing. Each -me the disciples, at first, did not recognise Jesus, but though their faith and the words and ac-ons of Jesus they realised it was him. These encounters strengthened their belief in con-nuing Jesus’ work of sharing the Good News.
Tradi-onally, the launch of LifeLink is a very public and well aIended event held early in June. This year LifeLink will have a virtual launch on Wednesday 3 June. Although it is a virtual event this year the focus remains the same. It is a special -me for all in the Archdiocese of Perth to increase our awareness of those who have greater needs than ourselves and to consider some ac-ons that could assist in some way to make a difference and provide hope to others.
This Sunday we celebrate when Jesus ascended into heaven. This is one of the great feasts of the Church as Jesus went, Body and Soul, into Heaven to be with his Father. It was miraculous for the disciples to see their leader and friend go to Heaven. At the same -me, they would have been filled with sorrow that Jesus had leG. But Jesus knew that it was -me for His disciples to start working on their own. He had shared with them, taught them and gave them the example to live the Good News of the Kingdom. But Jesus didn’t go away and leave the disciples without any help.
Parish News Our Church is open for private prayer from today 9am to 12noon each day. No Masses are scheduled at the moment un-l we can find ways to be able to safely celebrate together. ReconciliaXon is available from this Saturday at 10:00am to 11:00am and 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Parish office opens from this week Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
On Pentecost day which was nine days aGer He went to Heaven Jesus sent the Holy Spirt, who would help and guide His followers. The Holy Spirit filled the disciples with courage, faith and wisdom, empowering them to share the Good News with others. They began to tell others about Jesus, and that he died for us and rose to new life. At the -me, the giG of the Spirit allowed the disciples to communicate even with people who spoke different languages.
We are following strict social distancing guidelines as required in Phase 2 of Western Australia's Covid-19 Roadmap. • A limit of twenty (20) people within the church at any one -me. • Stay at home if you are feeling unwell. • Record keeping - you are required to sign the register as you enter the Church or parish centre. • Please use hand sani-ser. • Social distancing of four-square metres must be observed with physical distance of 1.5 metres between people. • maintain hygiene and frequent cleaning. Please observe these guidelines in order for us to con-nue keeping the Church and Parish Centre open for you.
Today we con-nue to celebrate the feast of Pentecost, and the giG of the Holy Spirit that the disciples received, approximately nine days aGer the Ascension. We also receive the giGs of the Holy Spirit as the disciples did through the Sacrament of Confirma-on. When people are confirmed they are filled with the seven giGs of the Holy Spirit to guide and support them throughout their lives. The giGs of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, for-tude, counsel, piety, and fear of the Lord help people to develop special quali-es and actudes that develop as they grow in faith. The Holy Spirt helps us to live as Jesus taught and guides us as we tell others about Jesus and the Good News.
24:7 Morley Youth Group ONLINE For all youth in Years 6-12, bring along friends! Every Friday, 6:30pm-8:30pm online! Coming up: (22 May - Chill Night) Call Steph 0499 547 066 or Joe 0499 038 223 for more informa-on Find us on Instagram! @247morley or @youthministry247 13
CLASS NEWS
Year Three Class News What a start to Term Two! Who would have thought a world-wide pandemic would affect the way students learnt. This term, the students have con-nued to be taught, but in a different format. They have become independent learners who now know how to navigate their way through OneNote. At school, the mornings started with a fitness session with Mrs Jenkins followed by a normal rou-ne of ac-vi-es from different learning areas. Mandarin lessons con-nue to be a hit and the students con-nue to enjoy connec-ng with their peers. Rest assured that we are s-ll worked over-me to learn new and exci-ng things even with this new way of teaching and learning. Check out some Year Three student’s thoughts about remote learning and learning at school in Term Two. “There are lots of fun ac-vi-es like playing games for Technologies” Mia Condello “I enjoyed going on the Epic reading website this term” Aaron Daclo “Working at home was fun because I got liIle breaks” Leo Astone & Max Musca “Term Two has been fun because there have been less kids so I haven’t been distracted” Cooper McGuire
14
15
Year Four Class News The first four weeks of Term Two have flown by in Year Four! Remote learning has taught the students independence and responsibility in the classroom, as well as new ways of learning. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents for your support to ensure that the students have returned to school happy and ready to learn. The beginning of the term saw the start of our inquiry into the Age of Explora-on, and why explorers went on great journeys. We chose an explorer to research and created mini-booklets detailing; why they explored, their journey to the unknown lands and maps that showed the route they took. We have also been learning about how explorers survived the long journey to new lands. Coincidentally, we found a procedure in the newspaper of how to make ‘hardtack’, which was a type of dried biscuit eaten by Captain James Cook and his crew. With the help of Mrs Bonomi, we decided to make and taste it for ourselves! It was the perfect lesson combining our learning about procedures and famous explorers. FROM YEAR 4 - DID YOU KNOW? Hardtack tastes like Pizza Bianca! (Francesco) William Dampier was the first explorer to visit five con-nents. (Grace)
16
17
Public Relations Ministry News It has been great to see everyone happy to be back and ready to learn. We have missed having our ministry mee-ngs, so it is delighrul to be able to con-nue with our school responsibili-es. We are very excited about our ideas for this term. The ďŹ rst idea is for virtual assemblies where students in the Public Rela-ons Ministry help with the presenta-on of the Merit Cer-ďŹ cates. It has been wonderful watching the whole school with everything that is happening around us. We hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy throughout this period of -me.
18
P&F NEWS
Entertainment Book FULLY DIGITAL Support your local community and us. Keeping your community connected and saving money on all your favourite ac-vi-es! Entertainment is about keeping you in touch by introducing new experiences and helping you enjoy all your local favourites. Help #savehospo and support our fundraiser. Buy today and have up to six months to ac-vate and you will also receive and addi-onal month free
 hIps://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/orderbooks/8423y3
19
Contact Us 17 Smith Street, Morley Western Australia 6062 9276 1769
info@infantjesus.wa.edu.au
www.infantjesus.wa.edu.au
Type to enter text
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 with one another. 20