Pre - Star of the Sea

Dear Parents, Children and Staff
There were several discussions held at some of the P & F meetings last year and at the most
recent one in March about the various developments of the school grounds. One aspect of
that is the Early Childhood playground and Year 1 area to the north of the Year 1 classrooms.
Through the school Newsletter, I have extended wide invitations to parents to attend these as
they are the meetings at which you will be kept updated on developments across all areas of
the school. However, for those who have been unable to attend the following information will
bring you up to date.
Firstly, the Year 1 play equipment and play area has been under review since term 4 last
year. The plan was to put shade sails over the equipment but we discovered that there was a
requirement to have a clearance of 6 metres under the overhead power lines and this was not
achievable as the poles supporting the sails would encroach into the 6 metre zone. There is
an interim decision to relocate the equipment and this has been costed. However, I am
exploring the option of relocating the existing Western Power poles to somewhere outside the
school boundary which would solve all issues for the present and future development of the
school. This is a major and expensive project and requires extensive consultation with
various parties including the Catholic Education Office, Western Power and I am meeting with
our local member of parliament, Mr McGowan later in the school holidays. The School Board
will consider all factors and make a decision as soon as possible.
Secondly, the play area in the early childhood centre of 3 and 4 year old Kindy classrooms,
Pre-primary and south of year 1 classrooms. In term 3 last year we recognised the need to
upgrade the area and enlisted the students of Notre Dame, as part of their studies, to design
a vibrant outdoor learning area. This research has proved beneficial as the ideas we received
are outstanding. Coming into 2012, the P & F and School Board have set aside funds to
transform the area. I have called on parents through the Newsletter to assist in moving the
project forward and have just recently found one who is acting as a project manager and
another, an architect, is currently working on drawing plans for the area. I imagine we will
need both busy bees and contracted trades to complete the project. It is hoped that some
work will commence in the near future and other parts will gradually be installed as time goes
by during the course of this year. When the call goes out to help at a Busy Bee I hope we will
get a huge response. Watch this space!
I would like to promote the idea of holding a Father and Son Camp in early Term 4. In the past, I have
been involved in a number of these and on every occasion they turn out to be hugely successful ventures
where dads and sons enjoy a weekend away on a camp dedicated to simply spending time together. In
order for this to become a reality a group of dads need to form a committee to discuss dates, venue, programme, etc. etc. If you are interested please call the office to leave your name and I will link up those
who express interest in making it happen.
This week we celebrated „ Harmony Week‟. A time when we acknowledge and give thanks for our
diversity and difference. Classes shared their learning at a special assembly on Wednesday. Many thanks
to Mrs Thomas, Miss Palermo, Mrs Pearce and Mr Garrote for putting together a great week of fun
activities and learning.
Thank you to Mr Burro and his class, 5G, on their assembly today. They taught us that we can all be
heroes in our everyday lives. Well done!
I extend a warm welcome to our new staff members, Kayla Smithwick in Kindy Gold, Lea Maxwell in
Kindy Blue and Iris Cobb in the Defence EA position. Best wishes to you all and I trust you will enjoy your
time on staff at Star of the Sea.
CAR PARK!
I urge all parents to observe all signs in the car park especially those that apply to the “Drop Off” and “Pick
Up” area. This was clearly never meant to be a stop and park area which is what we have happening
at the moment. Those who arrive early enough to get a park must go into the main body of the car park
and park and enter the school grounds to collect children. The “drive through” is for just that… drive
through, pick up and leave within a very short space of time. This a child safety concern and needs
parents to adjust to the planned management of the car park. Thank you for your co-operation on this
important matter.
Tim Emery
Principal
HOLY THURSDAY LITURGY
We are fast approaching Holy Week – the most important week in the
Church‟s Liturgical year. It is the week we remember and celebrate the
last days of Jesus‟ life.
On Holy Thursday, April 5th we will be re-enacting the events of Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
At 1.30pm, each class will hold their own liturgy to remember the events of Holy Thursday.
Following this, the whole school will process into the church. Year 6W
students and the School Choir will lead the school in a reflection of the
Stations of the Cross.
Parents, family and friends are invited to join the school community for this
reflection. It will start at 2.15pm and finish at 3.00pm.
Sacramental Program
All of the Sacramental Registration Forms have now been returned and we are in the process of
organising a mail out of information. Confirmation information was picked up at Tuesday‟s meeting
on 13 March or posted. Eucharist and Penance sacramental information will be posted out soon.
Mrs Carroll in the Parish Office has been a great help. Please keep the list of dates for Sacramental
Preparation in mind so that you attend every date for the sacrament concerned.
The next important date for Confirmation is this weekend 24-25 March. Candidates and parents
come to mass for their Enrolment/ Commitment Ceremony. Remember to bring your completed
commitment sheet and payment in an envelope unless you have already paid.
CONFIRMATION: compulsory attendance at the following required:
Parent Meeting – formation and information (Parish Hall) TUE 13TH MAR 2.00PM or 6.00PM
Enrolment/Commitment Ceremonies (see Mass times) SAT/SUN 17TH/18TH or 24TH/25TH MAR
Child/Parent Workshops (Parish Hall) TUE 1ST MAY 3.30-4.30pm or 5.00pm-6.00pm
Confirmation Retreat & Rehearsal (am or pm session) (Parish Hall) THUR 10TH MAY
Ceremony SAT 19TH MAY 7.00pm Parish Mass or SAT 26TH MAY 7.00pm Parish Mass (please
ensure you book your preferred Mass date)
SACRAMENT OF PENANCE (FIRST RECONCILIATION): compulsory attendance at the following required:
Parent Meeting – formation and information (Parish Hall) TUE 3RD APR 2.00PM or 6.00PM
Enrolment/Commitment Ceremonies (see Mass times) SAT/SUN 5TH/6TH or 12TH/13TH MAY
Child/Parent Workshops (Parish Hall) TUE 12TH JUNE 3.30-4.30pm or 5.00pm-6.00pm
Ceremony – By appointment July School holidays
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION (EUCHARIST): compulsory attendance at the following required:
Parent Meeting – formation and information (Parish Hall) TUE 26TH JUN 2.00PM or 6.00PM
Enrolment/Commitment Ceremonies (see Mass times) SAT/SUN 30TH JUN/1ST JUL or 7TH/8TH
JUL
Child/Parent Workshops (Parish Hall) TUE 31ST JUL 3.30-4.30pm or 5.00pm-6.00pm
Ceremony – with family at any Parish Mass in September (please ensure you book your preferred Mass date)
PARISH MASS TIMES:
SATURDAY 7.00PM
SUNDAY 7.30AM 9.30AM 7.00PM
PARISH RECONCILIATION
SATURDAY 11:30 -12:30
5pm-6pm
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be
careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live
at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:14, 17-18
Loret Strachan
Hello from the School Social Worker,
I was alerted to a website that looks at and promotes actions for happiness. Some of the information
on the website stated that “genes influence 50% of the variation in our personal happiness, that our
circumstances (like income and environment) affect only about 10%. As much as 40% is accounted
for by our daily activities and the conscious choices we make”. So our actions can make a difference!
“Research also shows that happiness, compassion and kindness are the products of skills that can be
learned and enhanced through training, thanks to the neuroplasticity of our brains”. The website
mentioned the GREAT DREAM which incorporates 10 keys to happier living:
G: Giving.
D: Direction.
R: Relating.
R: Resilience.
E: Exercising.
E: Emotion.
A: Appreciating.
A: Acceptance.
T: Trying out.
M: Meaning.
For further information and ideas on the “Great Dream” the website address is http://
www.actionforhappiness.org/
Regards, Tracy Small.
Harmony Week
We celebrated Harmony Week this week. The theme of Harmony
Week is Sport: Play, Engage and Inspire. Harmony Week is a time to affirm our commitment to mutual respect and to celebrate the benefits multiculturalism brings to Australia.
To launch the week on Monday, the school invited guest speakers to
address the students at assembly and to share their sporting experiences
with us.
We would like to thank the following guests:
Donna McPherson from Rockingham Netball Association
Scott Gallon –Ex Fitness Instructor for the Navy
Michael Bailey form the Western Warriors
Aimee White from the Western Australia Cricket Association
Peter Briar from Western Australian Football Commission
On Wednesday we held a Zumathon. The students brought in a gold coin donation to be given to
Project Compassion. Approximately $520.00 was raised. Thank you everyone for your generosity The
day ended with a whole school assembly. The students came together to share all the activities
they had completed in class. The winners of the Poster Competition were also announced.
Kids Talk
Year 1
This week for Harmony Week we did ZUMBA to the shuffling song. It was very very fun and I got the
moves right. ( Eliana 1W)
Yesterday for Harmony Week I got to show my work to the rest of the school.
( Lilly 1W )
Year 2
I wasn‟t there but I have heard great reports and the children enjoyed it.
( Lisa 2G )
Year 3
The one where they talked in different languages was really cool. ( Molly 3B )
The Year Ones listened to different music and they drew how they felt about it and it was awesome.
( Luka 3B )
Year 4
I liked when all of the classes came to the front and shared what they did for Harmony Week. ( Maree
4W )
I liked when we all sang “We are the World” together and the band played.
( Daniel 4W )
Year 5
We enjoyed making the Harmony Day posters, it was fun. ( Shana 5G )
I really loved the music and the dancing of the ZUMBA class – awesome !
( Kassey 5G )
Year 6
We loved the ZUMBA. ( 6G )
Notice to parents who are NOT
Australian Citizens:
Just making you aware that we have been
asked to follow up on the status of visas from
the Department of Education, so we will be
calling you in the next few weeks to clarify any
missing data. But in the meantime if your visa
status has changed recently we would really
appreciate if you let us know. We require a
copy of visas or proof of residency.
ARE YOU READY FOR THE
CHANGE ?
SUMMER
WINTER UNIFORM
DAY 1 TERM 2
Boyd Campbell PPW
Matisse McGavin 2W
Hope Pearce 3B
Amelia Nielsen 3W
Charlotte Roatch KB
Thanoj Chokkala KW
Nyakway Akwach 5B
Sean Tankard 5G
Tailer Minervini PPB
Emilio Crocce Caceres PPB
Braden Barnabas 4G
Jack Farren 5G
To make the change from summer to winter
uniform easier t he Uniform Shop will be
extending the usual trading hours.
It will be open on Monday 26 March from
12.30 to 5.00.
Ajit Matukumilli KB
Sophie Oliver-Smith KW
Claire Morgan PPB
Brooke Ranford 4G
Riny Deng PPG
Please consult next week‟s newsletter for
trading hours for the last week of the term.
Blood stocks drop dramatically during long weekends as regular donors take holidays, but the need
for blood never takes a break.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service is calling on staff and students to include blood donation in
their long weekend activities to help boost blood stocks.
If you‟re able to donate at Rockingham Blood Donor Centre on Easter Monday between 9am – 1pm,
please call the Australian Red Cross Blood Service on 13 14 95 or visit donateblood.com.au to make
an appointment.
One hour of your time this Easter could mean a lifetime to the person who receives your blood.
HE
T
A
E
GR
S
E
IZ
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P
AD
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
S&
ST BERNADETTE’S PARENTS & FRIENDS’
TA
IL
S
Quiz Night
SATURDAY 24TH MARCH 2012
AT 7.30PM
AT SECRET HARBOUR COMMUNITY CENTRE
COST: $10 PER PERSON
TABLES OF 8
LICENCED: DRINKS FOR SALE AT A GREAT PRICE
S
C
AU
N
O
I
T
BYO NIBBLES
DOORS OPEN AT 7PM
$1
00
TH
RSVP BY 20 MARCH
CL
UB
Special Auction: Exclusive use of a car bay at the
front of the school for the year!
ST BERNADETTE’S QUIZ NIGHT
$10 PER PERSON
CONTACT NAME:
CONTACT NUMBER:
NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON TABLE:
AMOUNT ENCLOSED:
THANK YOU!
ANY QUERIES PLEASE PHONE MIRANDA 0438 207 659
Parents and Friends Federation of WA Inc
REMINDER
The Parents and Friends Federation of WA Annual Conference is on this coming Saturday 24th March at Mercedes College Hall
The speakers are Michael Grose from Parenting Ideas, Paul Dillon from Drug & Alcohol Research Australia
and Stephen MacDonald from KidsMatters.
The day begins with Mass in the Cathedral at 8am with the Conference beginning at 8.30am and concluding at 3.30pm.
This is an opportunity to both listen to and ask questions of Mr Ron Dullard, the Director of Catholic Education, hear fantastic speakers and
network with parents from over 60 schools across the State.
It is free for every parent from affiliated schools and $75 from non-affiliated schools.
If you would like to attend please email admin@pff.wa.edu.au or ring 9271 5909