News & Events

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Yesterday was the anniversary of the opening of the first ‘Mother House’ in Kensington, opened by Mary MacKillop in 1876. Coincidently this week, we also celebrate Mother's Day this Sunday. The day is devoted to all mothers, for their selfless love and the pains and hardships they have taken to make life better for their children. Globally all children realise the importance of a mother and the contributions they make in their life and hence, a day like this gives them an opportunity to thank their mother for all that she has done. If you haven’t done so already please make sure that the Mother’s Day Morning Tea (this Friday) is in your calendar for what should be a great morning. From my visits around classes this week I know that the students have been busy preparing for Sunday. Happy Mother’s Day - one and all!

This Sunday we also celebrate the Ascension of the Lord which occurs 40 days after Easter, which marks 10 days until Pentecost. Pentecost is celebrated by Christians across the world in memory of the outpouring of the Spirit, and the launch of the Church’s mission to broadcast the good news to the world. For the past 40 days the Church has been celebrating and reflecting on the resurrection. The Feast of Pentecost brings the season of Easter to a glorious close. 

Emeritus Archbishop Leonard Faulkner

Over the weekend we heard the sad news that Emeritus Archbishop Leonard Faulkner, former Archbishop of the Adelaide Archdiocese and Bishop of Townsville diocese died, aged 91. His Funeral Mass will be held in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on Monday 14 May at 11.00 am, following a vigil service in the Cathedral commencing at 7.30pm on Sunday 13 May

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing will be conducted next week, from the 15th to the 17th May. Tests of this nature give us valuable data as a school and more importantly feedback about individual student progress. You are also no doubt aware that the data forms part of the MySchool website. They are however, by their nature, a snap-shot of how a child performs on a particular day, at a particular time, in a given test situation. My experience has shown that some children may become anxious on the week or eve of the tests, this anxiety often reflects itself in results where they underperform. I believe in the ‘normalisation’ of the process. Key to this is treating the day like any other and not fuelling the fire by ‘talking the tests up’. NAPLAN is one of a number of ways that allows teachers to assess, measure and track student individual attainment and achievement, it provides another piece of the learning jigsaw not the finished picture. 

Here are some suggestions that may help you support your children during the week…

• Ensure your child gets plenty of rest and a good night sleep.
• Give them a solid healthy breakfast – but don’t overload them.
• Provide healthy snacks and lunch on test days and plenty of water.
• Cut back on after school activities if your child is tired, but encourage fresh air and a fun play outside.
• ‘Keep it low’; children pick up cues from us, so encourage your child to do their best but don’t put extra pressure on them.
• No extra tutoring or last minute studying is necessary; the test will cover normal classroom/curriculum work learnt over a period of time.
• Emphasize that this is just one of many tests they will have during their schooling.

Most of all – reassure them that you are proud of them … for who they are – not what they can do. No test can ever measure a person’s worth. Last week was the Feast day of St Catherine of Siena who had a known quote that is very applicable for our students as they embark on NAPLAN; “Be who God meant you to be, be that well, and you will set Italy (the World) ablaze”. 

Further information for parents can be found at https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/parent-carer-support

Uniform

Last term I reminded parents of our Uniform Policy. I was very pleased with the majority of students who complied from the beginning of this term by wearing their Winter Uniforms correctly. Please be conscious of your child’s PE day/s this term, to ensure they are wearing the correct uniform at all times. A reminder that the School Uniform Policy also incorporates grooming, in particular;

• Hair needs to be kept away from the face at all times. Long hair (shoulder length) needs to be tied back.
• Hair ribbons, ties, clips and headbands are to be in school fabric or school colours.
• Make up is not allowed including nail polish.
• Hair style and colour needs to be appropriate for school and should not be designed to attract attention.

Students who have not complied must do so immediately. If this is an issue for any reason please see me.

National Walk Safely to School Day

Next Friday, May 18th, Primary school aged children around Australia will make those important steps towards a healthier childhood by participating in Walk Safely to School Day.

This annual event encourages children to lead a healthier, more active lifestyle by simply including a walk at the beginning and end of each day. The event also promotes reduced car-dependency, greater use of public transport, cleaner air, improved diets and road safety to primary school children throughout Australia. The day;

• Teaches children healthy lifestyle habits from a young age as they learn that walking is the best form of exercise. It’s easy, free and these habits tend to last a lifetime.
• Asks parents and carers to walk their primary school aged children all or part of the way to school. Those who can’t walk the whole way are asked to combine a walk with public transport or to park the car a good distance away from the school and walk the rest of the way.
• Helps to reduce hazardous traffic congestion in and around schools, creating pedestrian-safe areas for children entering or leaving school.
• Is a way parents, teachers, carers and students can help ease global warming and climate change, as they reduce car-dependency.

Why not stop the car a few blocks away and walk to school, it's great exercise for everyone. And remember, Active Kids are Healthy Kids!

We also wish all our students well as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next Wednesday.

God Bless

Brady Stallard