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Loving God
Continue to be with us at this challenging time as we try to be the face of your Son, Jesus, to those around us. Grant us the desire to spend more time in prayer and reflection, so that we can come closer to you and others. We pray especially for all those involved in the education of students. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
HI EVERYONE - ESPECIALLY OUR LEARNERS AT HOME
I would like to start this week by saying “Hi”! I sent out a little video yesterday to connect with our families, via Facebook and email, so please try and take a look if you can. Below is something that our staff have put together just for fun, hopefully you can laugh with us, or at us, on a Friday that is anything but normal!
Having been around the school each day this week, I have missed so many of our children and families who we would normally see throughout a regular week. We are praying for a positive outcome to this pandemic for all of our community!
As we have all experienced, there is very little that seems “regular” at the moment. We would normally want to be socially together, but are being told to be socially apart. I’m guessing that the Prime Minister has never had to try keeping school age kids apart!!! While this seems so foreign and for most of us really difficult, we are reminded of why this has to happen when we see what has happened in our world around the coronavirus.
It is still unknown to us as a school, exactly what will be the same or different in the coming weeks and months, but we will endeavour to provide more clarity next week as we are able. As hard as it is, we are becoming accustomed to accepting uncertainty. Within the uncertainty, we will continue to communicate what we know with you, so that we can reduce the uncertainty our children and families feel.
We are often receiving new information quickly, such as the news yesterday that school work ends today and the final four days of Term will be school preparation for how we continue to prepare for what the next Term looks like. Please read the separate letter that will come home later today around what this means for us as a school community next week.
While it saddens us, as we miss our students, the clear message from the letters sent home this week are aimed at keeping all members of our community safe. We have many staff now working from home as a result of the advice from the Prime Minister on Sunday 29 March if they are in the “at risk” health category as well as staff who have children. Thank you for your support and understanding. If there is any support that you need, you are still able to contact the school via email or phone, and we can do our best to solve any questions you may have.
As this will be our last newsletter for the Term, I want to wish you all a safe, Holy Easter time. While this year will certainly not be the same as it would be celebrating our family traditions, I hope that you are able to share some time as a family. I imagine there will be some very creative ways we will come up with this year!
JUST FOR FUN
Here are some riddles to try out on your family!
Riddle: David’s parents have three sons: Snap, Crackle, and what’s the name of the third son?
Answer: David
Riddle: I follow you all the time and copy your every move, but you can’t touch me or catch me. What am I?
Answer: Your shadow
Riddle: What has many keys but can’t open a single lock?
Answer: A piano
Riddle: What can you hold in your left hand but not in your right?
Answer: Your right elbow
Riddle: What is black when it’s clean and white when it’s dirty?
Answer: A chalkboard
Tess Koning
Principal
WEEKLY MASS
Please follow this link to access free online resources for families and children in the absence of weekly Mass - https://cathfamily.org/
FREE RESOURCE DATABASE
CathFamily has a vast library of free resources for families, schools and parishes that celebrates Catholic culture. The free weekly eNews lists seasonal resources including downloadable prayers, feast day celebrations, recipes, craft, articles and links to other helpful resources.
Kids section: https://cathfamily.org/cathkids-faith-unlimited/
Nathan Porter
Assistant Principal Mission
Firstly, I would like to say thank you for the many supportive and appreciative messages sent to all our staff over the last few weeks. This positive feedback has been warmly received.
For most of us, life feels anything but normal right now with the COVID-19 pandemic. Students are predominantly working from home and you have become the supportive teacher in the interim. You will be amazing! You are not expected to know all the answers - we are still here to support you and your child/ren.
Just like at school where every student is different and unique, so are families. What works for one family may not work for another. What one student can achieve at home in these circumstances may not be achievable for another. Throughout this time it is imperative we remember we are all different and unique. Everyone is doing their very best under the circumstances. This is not a time to make comparisons or judgments or feel like you are not ‘doing a good job’. Whatever learning your child/ren experience over this period will be perfectly okay. We all just need to do ‘our’ very best. There's no map for this journey that we're on.
Above all, as you navigate your new ‘normal’, try to cultivate patience, practice empathy and have a sense of humour. This might seem difficult at times but now more than ever it is so important. We are here to support you so please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding during this period of change.
Jeannine Ucdereli
Assistant Principal Learning and Teaching
Assistance for Parents and Families
Please see below an information sheet from Catholic Schools NSW outlining sources of support for families, households, income and small business.
Following up from my last post around talking to your kids about COVID-19, I wanted to provide you with some extra resources in case you need them over the next few weeks. It is completely normal to be feeling overwhelmed at these times and I hope that these resources can lend a helping hand.
You can ring the numbers below anytime and talk to them about anything. They are friendly and are staffed by counsellors who can talk you through any concerns.
Parentline, 1300 1300 52: Parentline is a telephone counselling, information and referral service for parents of children aged 0 to 18 who live in NSW. Any parent/carer can ring with no question or query being too big or small. They are open: weekdays 9:00am to 9:00pm and weekends 9:00am to 4:00pm.
Kids helpline, 1800 55 1800: Kids helpline is a free national telephone counselling service for kids 5 or older meaning kids can safely access it directly. I would suggest helping your child navigate it first to help them. Any parent/carer can also ring with no question or query being too big or small. The service is open 24 hours and they can also do webchat and email counselling.
Also, there are a couple of online resources for reading together with your child. I would suggest that you read through them before showing your child so you know if it is ok for them:
Birdie and the Big Sickness - a children’s story about getting sick.
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/chq/our-services/mental-health-services/qcpimh/natural-disaster-resources/storybooks/
My Coronavirus Story - a factual story for children about the virus, because children have questions!
https://www.flipsnack.com/KeshetChicago/coronavirus-social-story/full-view.html?fbclid=IwA%20R3v_kIRiBfi47Po2ZPUTs4LKtM1qpLi2k0phq-GsE19LyPJB66QXx_Lvjc
Smiling Mind - This is always a great site to practice mindfulness and relaxation. They have introduced a section specifically for coping during these times. Certainly worth a look and a listen! https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
Boredom busters - Look online for things to do while you are at home together with your child/ren. Some great examples I have heard are having a dress up day or choosing a country and making food from that country. These things can help children take their minds off things and helps them to feel grounded and in control of what is going on around them.
Calming techniques
Everyone will be feeling worried. Here are a few things you can do to help calm your children:
1. What is the colour of calm?
Ask your children what colour they think calm would be and ask them to do a drawing of their favourite thing in that colour. Ask them to describe what it feels like to be calm.
2. Take Two
Write down or draw a picture of 2 of their worries. Drawing/writing helps children to let go of the emotion that they have around the worry. THEN, ask them to draw/write the worry with a happy ending. This helps children find a solution to their worry.
3. Colour in!
Colouring in is one of the best ways to become calm! It is so simple yet quietens the mind and helps regulate the nervous system. Look online for free printables to use.
4. The 5 things technique
Look around and see if you can find these things around you: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste. This exercise can be done anywhere and helps children manage their worry.
Most of all, remember to take care of yourselves, be kind to each other and breathe.
Kelly Russell
School Counsellor
CANCELLATIONS
As you are probably aware, almost all sports are now cancelled up until September.
Please keep up to date on the Diocese of Lismore Sport website which the Catholic Schools Office are updating regularly -
https://sport.lism.catholic.edu.au/cancellations?doing_wp_cron=1584485846.8669068813323974609375
Please also see the link to School Sport Australia website for updates -
http://www.schoolsportaustralia.edu.au/blog/2020/03/23/ssa-announces-cancellation-of-2020-championships/
Yours in Sport
Laura Hatherly
EVERYDAY CREATIVITY
Research shows that everyday creativity from simple things like cooking, drawing and singing can help to improve our emotional health. We don’t need to be gifted or professional to do it. Our curiosity and desire to explore new things is all we need to be more creative. Here are some easy ways to start:
- Take your food and make it more fun like colouring your pasta, cutting food into shapes or making a fun bento box.
- Find images that inspire you and put them up around the house or in your journal.
- Add colour to your space by putting flowers in a vase or wear a colourful scarf.
- Listen to a variety of types of music.
- Allow unstructured and imaginative play.
- Look out the window or go for a walk to boost your creativity.
Enjoy some valuable creative time at home.
Yours in Creative and Performing Arts
Leah Toole
LUNCH ORDERS
The canteen is still operating as usual and lunch orders can still be placed via Flexischools or by dropping them in the basket on the counter each morning.
As we get closer to school holidays, and with the current supply issues, there may be some things that are unavailable however I will do my best to find a substitute if this occurs.
VOLUNTEER NOTICE
We are still unable to have volunteers in the canteen at this stage until further notice.
Thank you for your understanding on both of these matters.
Don't forget you can order online by 8:30am- it's so easy!!
- Download the Flexischools app from the App Store or from Google Play.
Note: for iPhone and iPad please select ‘Allow’ notification - Click “Register Now” to create account
- Top-up your balance
- Start ordering immediately
- Alternatively Go to www.flexischools.com.au
Kim Goldie
Canteen Coordinator
2021 YEAR 7 HIGH SCHOOL ENROLMENTS
Our MacKillop College and St Joseph’s College Principals recently visited all Catholic feeder schools. At that point students and parents were advised that we were moving towards an online enrolment process. Unfortunately, due to the current demand on our IT teams as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic requiring a move to digital learning platforms, we are unable to move to online enrolment this year and therefore will be reverting to our traditional paper enrolment method.
Year 6 students in our Catholic feeder schools were MAILED their enrolment packages last week (Thursday 26th March).
Parents are asked to follow the instructions carefully (photocopies only of supporting documentation MUST be attached please) and return their completed application to the respective Colleges prior to the end of Term 1, if possible.
UNIFORM STORE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Unfortunately we have had to close the Uniform Store, both online and shop front, until further notice due to COVID-19 guidelines. As soon as this changes we will communicate it to you through the schools.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
2021 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS
We are currently preparing online resources for the information that was to be delivered during this session and we will let you know once this is ready.
We are also continuing the enrolment application process, albeit online, to ensure we are doing everything to prepare for the education of your child as they start school in 2021.
In the coming weeks, we will be in touch to provide more information about our primary schools. In the meantime, if you have any questions please email us at enrol@stagnesparish.org.au and we will do our best to answer your query.
Thank you for your patience at this time.
St Agnes' Parish Education Team
Week 11 - Term 1 2020 |
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Monday |
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Tuesday |
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Wednesday 8th April |
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Thursday 9th April |
HAVE A HAPPY EASTER! |
Week 1 - Term 2 2020 |
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Monday |
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Wednesday 29th April |
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Please note these dates can change from time to time due to unforeseen circumstances and we will endeavour to advise you of any changes at the earliest possible opportunity. Our school Google calendar can be accessed via this link for additional advanced dates -
For your convenience school term dates are located on our website. Click on the words “TERM DATES” on the home page.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS 2020
Please note below the new Staff Development days (Pupil Free) for next week.
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- Monday 6th April
- Tuesday 7th April
- Wednesday 8th April
- Thursday 9th April
We will offer limited child minding places if you require it.
Our remaining Staff Development Days (pupil free) for the year are:
- Monday 27th April (Term 2, Week 1)
- Monday 20th July (Term 3, Week 1)
- Monday 12th October (Term 4, Week 1)
Limited child minding places will also be available for each of these days and we will advise on how to register closer to each date if you require it.
KM | James Hubbard | For working hard to remember his sight words and using them in his writing. |
James Thorburn | For trying his best and having a go at new activities. | |
Braxton Beresford | For having a go at new activities on google classroom. | |
KS | Lani Sheather | For her wonderful home learning efforts this week to learn sight words. |
Hamish Brockenshire | For his wonderful home learning efforts this week to learn new computer skills. | |
Braxton Hoitink | For his wonderful home learning efforts this week to learn sight words. | |
1B | Marco Grech | For being a settled and kind friend at school. Keep being you! |
Sianna Karickal | For creating a great recycled musical instrument. Awesome Sianna! | |
Josephine Yewdall | For working hard at school and being gentle and kind. Great job, Josie! | |
1R | Layla Dobson | For completing a lot of activities online to a very high standard. |
Toby Hamilton | For completing a lot of activities online to a very high standard. | |
Angelrose Safin Vallooran | For designing and building a wonderful musical instrument and posting a photo of it online. | |
2T | Jack Armitage | For his commitment to his home learning. |
Lily Skinner | For her commitment to her home learning. | |
Advik Thapa | For his accuracy in online Maths tasks. | |
3BH | Lacey Sinclair | For her efforts and beautiful responses in online learning. |
Liam Jones | For his efforts and clear enthusiasm for online learning. | |
Mayriah Spicer | For her efforts and attempts to complete online learning. Keep it up Mayriah! | |
3D | Lucas Yates | For having such a positive approach to his learning throughout the Term. Well done Lucas! |
Aislinn Shijo | For her wonderful efforts towards all areas of her learning throughout the Term. Well done Aislinn! | |
Finlay Toole | For his wonderful home learning efforts this week. Well done Fin! | |
Misty-Lee Bennett | For her wonderful efforts in all her learning throughout the Term. Well done Misty! | |
Sebastian Bennett-Tonkin | For his positive attitude towards learning throughout the Term. Well done Seb! | |
Lilliana Anderson | For her wonderful home learning efforts this past fortnight. Well done Lilliana! | |
4F | Jackson Coleman | For the effort and dedication you have put into your home leaning. Well done Jackson. |
Lucinda Giurissevich | For the growth mindset you have shown this Term. You have come so far and still have a smile on your face and eagerness to keep learning. | |
Jesse Leslie | For the awesome work you have put into your home learning this week - in particular your Maths. Well done. | |
5G | Analiese Bishop | For being an amazing role model to her peers and embracing her new learning. Keep up the great work Analiese! |
Axel Davidson | For trying harder to participate in class discussions and being more responsible in completing his work. Keep up the great work Axel! | |
Bronte Hood | For trying hard to improve her timetables. Keep up the great work Bronte! | |
5H | Charlee Webber | For her valuable contributions to our online learning community. |
Bailey Elphick | For contributing remotely to our online class discussions. | |
Phoenix Kitching | For ensuring his work is always done to the best of his ability. | |
6H | Isla Rutherford | For being a responsible self-motivated learner. |
Zoe Little | For constructively utilising feedback to improve your writing. | |
Jack Banks | For being a mature and responsible person who always thinks of others. | |
6MH | Kiara Tattersall | For excellent effort when completing home learning to a high standard. Very impressive! |
Amelia Dowd | For excellent effort when completing home learning to a high standard. Very impressive! | |
Darcy McHugh | For demonstrating positive leadership skills and communication when speaking with younger students. |
Update regarding COVID-19 from Prime Ministers advice on 29-03-2020
Update regarding COVID-19 School Social Distancing School 2020-03-31
Chickenpox fact sheet
PLEASE NOTE -
This is currently suspended until we have more information about the health risks of this process.
Emma Francis
Sustainability Team