- emtclear.catholic.edu.au

EMMAUS CATHOLIC PRIMARY
SCHOOL.
NEWSLETTER ONE, TERM ONE, 2015
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3RD. 2015
Welcome to the
2015 school year!
What a delight it is to welcome you all to
the start of our new school year!
Over the course of the term I will be
introducing all of our new students, 49
Preps and seven other students at
various grade levels, to you through the
photos we take on day one of the school
year.
New staff members for 2015
It really is a pleasure to be able to
I am equally delighted to welcome our six
introduce our six new teachers to
new members of staff team. Much to their
Emmaus! We are looking forward to
chagrin they too will be photographed!
being to learn from and with each
From the outset of the year can I stress of these wonderful people!
the importance for all of us to be
proactive communicators with one
another. As a staff team we have talked
already about the importance of being
initiators of conversation amongst our
community members.
Can I ask all parents to never hesitate to
ring, ask a question and gather
information directly from us rather than
relying on ‘the grapevine.’
We look forward to a wonderful year of
learning, leading and celebrating
together!
Welcome to Lilah McCarty who has joined
the Emmaus community this year as a Prep
student. Pictured with big brother, Fletcher,
mum, Nicole and dad Shane.
Taylah Whelan joins us having
graduated from Australian Catholic
University and will be teaching in
Kanamo. It is also wonderful to be
able to congratulate Taylah of her
engagement to Kurt over the school
holidays! Lovely news Taylah!
Georgia Cann comes to us from
Lumen Christi PS, Delacombe.
Whilst sorely missed from Lumen,
we are delighted to have you
teaching in Nyereeka with us at
Emmaus Georgia!
Shae Fogarty is known to us at
Emmaus having taught dance to
some of our students the year
Arabella Ashley is finally here at Emmaus!
Pictured with her big sister Charlotte,
brother Tom, sister, Greta, mum Emilie and
dad Matt. Welcome Arabella!
before last. Shae has just graduated
from Federation University to teach
on Nyereeka. Nathan Jeffrey began
his teaching career last year at
Waubra PS and like Shae has spent
time with us at Emmaus on
teaching placements. Nathan is
teaching in Kanamo this year.
Jenna Mitchell has also just
graduated from ACU and joins the
Mok-Borreeyn team having
completed a teaching round with
us in the past.
Elisa Jones has two delightful little
girls with us at Emmaus and has
done a lot of emergency teaching
for us in the past. Elise will be
teaching in the Vornda team for
three days a week.
Welcome one and all!!
Jade Quick is also delighted to finally be at
school! Pictured on day one with big brothers
Tyler and Brodie and mum, Michelle. Great to
have you with us Jade!
LEARNING CONFERENCES. Please find below the link to an online booking document where we ask parents to nominate a time when we can meet to discuss your hopes and aspirations for your child in 2015. We call these ‘parent / teacher’ gatherings “Learning Conferences.” This term Learning Conferences are scheduled for three Wednesdays, Feb, 11th, 18th and 25th with meetings scheduled in 15 minute blocks from 3.30 -­‐‑ 5.30 pm. At Emmaus this year we have structured our staffing to have extra teaching support at each level of the school. In Vornda Michelle Jessup will teach full time whilst taking on the role of Level Leader. In Kanamo the same applies for Helen Shellard. In Mok-­‐‑Borreeyn Ethan Corfee takes on the role of Level Leader and in Nyereeka Jane Whitear is Level Leader. Thus, when you book your learning conferences you will be invited to meet with your child’s ‘homeroom’ teacher and Level Leaders will move from meeting to meeting and participate in as many as they reasonably can. Please log onto the following link, follow the instructions and make your booking for one of the Learning Conference afternoons. h]p://
www.schoolinterviews.com.au/ code to enter: 9WFBP PARENT LEARNING WALKS. In a further a]empt to keep parents fully informed of the learning and teaching environment we are endeavouring to foster with your children we have scheduled a series of “Learning Walks” for parents. The dates for the walks are noted on the calendar on page 4 of the newsle]er. These walks are extremely important from our perspective for a couple of key reasons. 1)
To allow us to continue to effectively report to our parent body on not only what we do but why. 2) To dispel any misconceptions that might arise and convey facts to parents once again about what we do and why. Please find the dates and times for your scheduled walk so that you can spend some time with us in the actual learning environment that your children encounter every day. Welcome to Zeth Lynch! Zeth is excited to be able to begin his school days with us at Emmaus. Pictured on day one with grandma, Jenny. Welcome to Logan Pepplinkhouse who commenced school ife at Emmaus last week. Pictured with dad, Dean, brother Noah, mum, Amanda and liMle sister Zoe.
It is wonderful to have Frankie Lehman joining her big sister Maya at Emmaus. Pictured on day one with dad Jim.
Baeli Jans is finally at Emmaus with her big brother Ky. Pictured on day one with mum, Simone and dad Dan.
“The most important lesson we can teach our children in Catholic schools is that they can be the MORE DAY ONE PHOTOS
authors of their own future.” Welcome to you Kaitlin Orchard, joining
her big sisters, Tara and Bridie for the
first time at Emmaus. Pictured on day
one with her little brother, mum, Prue
and dad Chris. Great to have you with us
at Emmaus Kaitlin!
Prof. James Conroy.
•••
LITURGIES AND ASSEMBLIES AT EMMAUS IN 2015. Given access to our beautiful new Multi-­‐‑Purpose facility and the size of our school we will be conducting Liturgies and Assemblies somewhat differently this year. The schedule of Liturgies and Assemblies is included in the calendar following. There are a couple of important points I wish to make about how we are conducting Liturgies and Assemblies this year. Luke Jans is finally a school boy at
Emmaus! It has been a long time coming
hasn’t it Luke! Pictured on day one with his
big sisters and brothers, Zac, Caitie, Tayla,
Jake, Ryan, his mum, Michelle and dad
Paul. Welcome Luke!
As a Catholic school we see this as of significant importance and a further opportunity to celebrate our catholic culture. but given our increase in size we simply couldn’t accommodate everyone. 4)
The giving of awards will First and foremost I wish to change with a stronger focus stress how parents are always 3) Whilst each level of our school on recognition of student welcome to join us at our will be responsible for the growth and achievement. scheduled Liturgies and facilitating of our Liturgies Assemblies. Please join us for liturgies and and assemblies, the whole assemblies if you possibly can. 2) Our focus in gathering will be school will always be present. on providing our community This was always a feature of for time to pray together. our school in our early days 1)
OUR FIRST GATHERING FOR PRAYER IN 2015
Last Friday we gathered as school community on Friday afternoon, our first day back, to recognise
the importance of shared prayer times.
We told ‘our story,’ that is, Jesus on the Road to Emmaus and took time to reflect on what it that
makes us a Catholic school. It is such a great space for gathering!
UPCOMING DATES
Wed. Feb. 4th
NO PREP STUDENTS AT SCHOOL TODAY
Thurs. Feb. 5rd
9.00 am OR 7.30 pm
Information Sessions for new families re the workings of the Community
Leadership team
Fri. Feb 6th
First City of Ballarat Library sessions
Tues. Feb 10th. Midday
Opening of school year mass at St. Alipius Parish Church.
First Community Leadership Team meeting for 2015. 7.30 - 9.00 pm
Wed. Feb. 11th
No Preps.
Day one of Learning Conferences.
Mon. Feb 16th.
Food Handling Training session for all parents who might be able to help us on
our soon to commence Friday Lunch Order program.
Wed. Feb. 18th
No Preps
Ash Wednesday. Nyereeka students to attend mass at St Alipius. Yrs P-4 Liturgy
at Emmaus at 2.15 pm.
Day two of Learning Conferences
Fri. Feb 20th
-Principal’s meeting, Brendan away.
Nyereeka to lead Liturgy and assembly. 2.30 - 3.00.
Tues. Feb. 24th
Parent Learning Walk for parents in Nyereeka.
Wed. Feb. 25th
No Preps
Day three of Learning Conferences
Thurs. Feb. 26th
Parent Learning Walk for parents in Kanamo.
Fri. Feb 27th
Mok-Borreeyn to lead Liturgy and assembly. 2.30 - 3.00.
Tues. March 3rd
Parent Learning Walk for parents in Mok-Borreeyn.
Wed. March 4th
- No Preps
Thurs. March 5th
Parent Learning Walk for parents in Vornda.
Fri. March 6th
START OF SALES OF LUNCHES FROM EMMAUS CANTEEN
Diocesan Principal’s meeting.
Kanamo to lead Liturgy and assembly. 2.30 - 3.00.
Mon. March 9th
LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY
Tues. March 10th
CLT meeting. 7.30 pm.
Wed. March 11th
No Preps.
Day one of year 6 camp. Halls Gap.
Fri. March 13th
Year six students return from camp.
Vornda to lead Liturgy and assembly. 2.30 - 3.00.
Fri. March 20th
SCHOOL SPORTS. FEDERATION UNIVERSITY. DETAILS TO FOLLOW.
Tues. March 24th
OFFICIAL OPENING OF MULTI-PURPOSE FACILITY.
Thurs. March 26th
EASTER LITURGY. MIDDAY. (LAST DAY FOR CHILDREN)
Fri. March 27th
Staff Professional Development Day. Dan Pedro. Managing all behaviours.
Friends of Damascus College PLEASE AVOID SENDING FOOD THAT are invited to join us for our MAY CONTAIN NUTS. 20 Year Anniversary Dinner An important request to all parents on Saturday 21st March in the that wherever possible can we please John Shannon Centre. Tickets are $50 per head, which avoid sending any food products with
includes a 2 course sit-­‐down nuts in them to school.
meal, and can be purchased We have a significant number of
from the Damascus College website unEl the end of children who can experience severe
February. allergic reactions to nuts. Your
support in this important matter will
2015 Emmaus Catholic be greatly appreciated.
Primary School Fees Thank you!
Raffle CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE The Conveyance Allowance assists families with the cost of transpor6ng their children to and from school. To be eligible to receive a conveyance allowance, a student must:-­‐ Be aged between five years (by 30 April in the year that the allowance is sought) and 21 years; Live more than 4.8 km by the shortest prac6cable route from the nearest Catholic school aLended; or Live more than 4.8 km from the nearest bus service. If you are eligible, please obtain an applica6on form from the office, and aLach a copy of a bing map with your applica6on. Applica6on must be received by Friday, 27 February 2015. Damascus College Enrolment InformaCon Damascus College warmly invites all families to a5end our upcoming open mornings on Thursday 5th February and Thursday 12th February from 9am to 10.30am. Enrolment ApplicaEons for Year 7, 2016 close at 4pm on Friday 13th February 2015. Damascus College 20 Year CelebraCons 1st Prize $1000 towards school fees 2nd Prize$500 towards school fees 3rd Prize $300 towards school fees All Cckets to be returned by Tuesday 24th February 2015 with our raffle to be drawn on Friday 27th February 2015. Tickets to come home soon! FEE STATEMENTS Fee statements will be sent home this week, and on a monthly basis for your informaEon. Statements will show this year's annual school fees and any outstanding balances for 2014. Year 6 students will also have a charge for their Year 6 Polo Shirts. This charge has not been included in any fee direct debit calculaEons and will need to be paid separately. Please note that direct debits commence on Thursday, 5th March. If you have any queries with regards to your fees, please do not hesitate to see Doris. FAMILY FEE ASSISTANCE Family Fee Assistance Scheme is available in all Ballarat Diocesan Catholic Primary Schools. TuiEon fee discounts are available to families eligible for a means tested Health Care Card, Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or Veteran Affairs ensioner Card. If you are eligible for this fee assistance please see Doris for an applicaEon form. Thanks Brendan. A COUPLE OF IMPORTANT SOCIAL GATHERINGS FOR OUR COMMUNITY. Parents from our Community Leadership team have already set a couple of dates for people to get to know one another in 2015. Friday Feb 13 -­‐ An informal social get together for parents/caregivers. 7 pm @ Provadore for drinks and nibbles Sunday March 15th -­‐ Family Day BBQ. Venue and details to follow. IMPORTANT PARISH NEWS. In the next month or two all of us who reside in the Parish of St Alipius are invited to par6cipate in program of parish renewal. An important part of this will be encouraging all of us to consider how we might best contribute to Parish life. Another significant part of the program will be seeking the financial support of all parishioners to the ongoing financial viability of our parish. To this end there will be informa6on /brochures sent home in the next few weeks informing all of us as to how we might support our Parish, in facets of Parish life. Please do read the informa6on and engage in the program wherever possible. CONGRATULATIONS!! Our hearEest congratulaEons go to Kristy, Steve, Josh and Eddie Lane on the safe arrival of their beauEful baby girl, Hannah. Hannah was born over the school holiday period and is thriving. Hannah is pictured arriving at Emmaus on day one of the school year. CongratulaEons Kristy, Steve and boys! CONDOLENCES. Whilst we celebrate the birth of a beauEful li5le girl I do wish to express the condolences of the Emmaus community to Carissa Aldridge whose dearly loved dad died just before the recommencement of the new school year. To Carissa, Jeff, Lyndsay, Courtney and Ella we offer you our thoughts and prayers in your Eme of grief. God bless. PLEASE FORGIVE A LITTLE SELF INDULGENCE. Over the holidays the mother of my beauEful wife died ader a long ba5le with illness. Shirley Hutchinson was a remarkable woman. She raised 8 wonderful children, one of them, Jillian, my wife. She was devoted wife to George, my father in law for 67 years and was unsEnEng in her love and care for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Shirl was a gem in the way she would ‘call a spade a shovel,’ a characterisEc I think Jillian might have inherited! Shirl and George loved to travel and saw lots of the world upon their reErement. UnEl recent Emes she was able to recall the most incredible insights into the countries and people they had visited. She had a deep faith in God and regularly prayed to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, for insight and guidance as her children encountered the challenges of life. A lot of my oldest mates reckon I was “bajng way above my average” to marry someone as beauEful as my wife Jillian! To see her as distressed as she was upon the death of her mum, someone she loved very dearly and spoke to almost every day, has obviously been awful for Gerard, Damien, Maddie and me. We share in your pain love and miss your dear mum. She is now resEng in peace. God bless. IN CONCLUSION.
I cannot adequately
capture
the sense of anticipa
tion we
all feel at being able
to
further build our
community here at
Emmaus.
With the support of
all
stakeholders; staff,
parents
and students alike
we will
continue to enhanc
e what is
already a wonderful
community.
We genuinely look for
ward
to learning and work
ing
alongside you all in
2015.
Yours, for the staff
Brendan
team,