22 November 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principals Report

We are coming towards the end of the 2017 school year. It is a time when many of us can feel overwhelmed by the multitudes of things we need to get completed. Our students can also feel overwhelmed. Our Grade 6 students are thinking about their last weeks as Primary students; our other students are getting ready to move into the next class on their primary education journey. While the stresses and pressures of the end of term can impact on us all I urge all in our community to take the opportunity to enjoy these last weeks, and remember our many achievements this year.

On Friday 17th November we hosted our Kindergarten to Grade 2 Athletics Carnival. It was on so many levels an outstanding day. The organization by Mr. Johnson, the set up and pack up by Mr. Mackenlay, Mr. George Simonetis and the student, staff and parental support made it a sensational day. The role that our Grade 6 Aussie Sports Leaders assumed on the day made the biggest impact. Their participation on the day certainly showed the growth and maturity of these students. Responsibility, Leadership and Independence are all skills we saw in abundance on this day from our Grade Six students. These are traits we also saw on our school trip to Canberra. Wherever we went people commented on our student’s manners and behavior. They were indeed a credit to themselves, their parents and our school.

Our Pre-Kindergarten Program for our 2018 Kindergarten students concludes today. It has been an absolute pleasure to meet our newest and youngest students and their families and we sincerely welcome them to our school. During the first two sessions the children have the opportunity to spend time in the classroom with their new classmates, explore their environment and engage in a variety of activities with the support of their parents. For the final three sessions the parents have gathered in the Hall for tea and coffee and to hear information about our wonderful school from a variety of different sources. I know that all in the school community will welcome and support our new families as they join us in 2018.

Bernadette Brooks
Principal

Prayer and Reflection

To Grow Is To Change

There are few constants in our lives. Change is one of them. The rate at which children grow never ceases to amaze most parents and as the end of the year approaches we prepare for change in our school. Some children, and even some teachers, will be changing schools, others changing levels. There are all sorts of reactions to change: from excitement at the new to fear of the unknown. For our children, change is the stuff of life.

But what about us adults? What can it mean to us? John Henry Newman, said “To grow is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often”. Some people want change for the sake of change, others don’t want it any at any cost yet change offers us possibility: we can become better people, or we can become worse. We can be open to life or we can close down on life. God’s desire for us is to fully live, according to the style of our unique personality. When a change comes upon us, instead of just going with the flow, or reacting against it, we can stop and ask ourselves, how can I become more full of life in this new situation. Pray for God’s spirit to guide your imagination to see the different scenarios and when you choose your response, let the Spirit be the wind beneath your wings.

Sr Kym Harris osb

Grade 6 Canberra Trip

Some Student Reflections about their Canberra Experience

When going to Canberra I think the absolute best places are Parliament House. “Why”?, you ask. Because it cost 1.2 billion and anything that cost that much money would be worth your while. Secondly Questacon because they have a lot of stuff for kids so you parents out there can have a little break. And last but still the best, Ibis Styles Eaglehawk, because that’s where me and my cabin mates shared the best memories and ate some really good food. I also think that getting to see the Australian Institute of Sports was just breathtaking and surprisingly tiring. But the most amazing place was Sydney especially the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The Opera House was the best because it never looks the same on a picture. You have to look at it up close and the same with the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Cameron Parremore

Canberra was an amazing experience. I saw and did things I’ve never seen and done before, such as land marks like Parliament House, The Sydney Opera House, The Bridge and lots more. Dinner was great. We had chicken, mac and cheese, eggs and bacon, along with cordial. The plane rides were exciting, looking out the windows and taking pictures. We also had $100 to spend. I bought nothing and saved my money. The class and I went to the AIS (The Australian Institute of Sport). We went for a swim where the gold medalists swim, looked at their gym, saw where they played volleyball, looked at gymnasts do their tricks and looked at some records they hold. We also went to the Australian Mint where I found out they make 650 coins per minute.

James Burnett

Grade 4 Camp

Kinder to Grade 2 Athletics Carnival

After a day of drizzle and rain, the sun returned with much gusto for the 2017 K-2 Athletics Carnival. With an early start the stage was set for a great day of fun and physical activity. As the clouds lifted and the crowds began to make their way in the air was filled with excited tension. The Kinders were decked out in their newly appointed House colours with teddys in hand ready to compete in their first ever athletics carnival!

With the help of our Grade 6 sport leaders we got underway briskly at 9am with a quartet of stations being used; field events, track events, the brutal obstacle course and the novelty events. A great day was had by all our students who I would like to particularly congratulate for their tremendous sportsmanship, encouragement and positive behaviour. It’s great to see these traits being displayed at events like the Athletics Carnival. I'd like to thank our fantastic parents, guardians and supporters who visited throughout the day and supported the kids and staff in such a positive manner, it was great to see! And of course a day like the Athletics Carnival just can’t happen without the great support from staff. A big thanks to Mr. Mackenlay, Mr. Simonetis and Mr. Atkin who helped set up the course, to Mrs. Machin (who stepped in at the last moment at the recorders desk) and all our Grade K-2 staff.

Athletics Carnival

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Athletics Carnival

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Wonderful weather, wonderful participation, wonderful leadership and wonderful sportsmanship

News from the HPE Department

Holy Rosary Soccer Club

On Tuesday 14th November we gathered for our Soccer Presentation Evening. Students were presented with their trophies and enjoyed a pizza dinner. The evening also provided us with an opportunity to thank our Coaches and supporters. I would especially like to thank Mr. Andrew Young and Ms. Sally Feldmanis for their coordination and organization of our soccer this year.

A great way to finish off the soccer season

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A great way to finish off the soccer season

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First Lego League Robotics Tournament

On Saturday, 18th November, the Holy Rosary robotics team competed in the First Lego League robotics tournament held at Dominic College. The students involved had to program our robot named “Jeffrey” to complete different challenges on the robotics course. The theme of this year’s tournament was ‘Hydrodynamics’ and all challenges had a water theme, from turning on taps, to replacing broken pipes and even flushing a toilet. We also had to present a project based on a current water issue and suggest a solution to this problem. The third element to our day was competing in the core values section which looked at how we worked together as a team. Our students represented the school proudly and we all had a fun day.

We had a lot of fun showing off the skills we have learned.

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We had a lot of fun showing off the skills we have learned.

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ATSI Incursion

On Wednesday 15th November our Kindergarten and Prep students had the opportunity to work with Trish Hodge and Craig Everett. The children worked in groups and learned about Aboriginal dance and Aboriginal stories. The stories were about “The Creation of the Palawa People” and “The Creation of the Tasmanian Devil”. After the stories the children made Tasmanian Devils from clay and the fruit of the wattle plant. They had an amazing day as you can see from the attached photo gallery.

ATSI Incursion

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ATSI Incursion

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What an amazing experience learning about our Aboriginal culture

Orientation Day and Reports

On Monday 18th December all children will have an opportunity to spend some time in their new classroom and meet their new teachers and classmates. On this day the students will bring home reports, class lists and booklists.

Social and Emotional Program for Term 4

Students of the Week

SWPBS Awards

Bronze Award

Congratulations to the following student who has constantly displayed our three expectations of Respect, Safety and Learning and received her Bronze Award for 100 Bernies.

Presentation to Dino’s

As a school community during Monday’s assembly we had the pleasure of presenting Mr. Stephen Noble of Dino’s Pizza with a cheque for the money raised from our Community Fundraiser Day where the children spelled out the word COMMUNITY in coins. Mr. Noble was very appreciative and has since made contact with the school to thank us once again and to let us know that he was very touched by our sense of community and willingness to reach out.

Uniform Shop

White Socks Girls Single Pack - $2.00
Sizes 5-10, 2-8

Navy Stockings - $4.00
Sizes 3-5, Avg, XTall

Rugby Jumper (old stock) - $20.00
All sizes except Size 8

Polar Fleece - $10.00
Sizes 14, S, M, L

Tartan Trousers - $20.00
Sizes 12, 14, 16, 18

New Rugby Tops

After Board and parent consultation we will be introducing a new rugby top to our school uniform in 2018. This is to bring the colour of the top into line with the new soft shell jackets that were introduced last year. There will be a two year change over period so if your child has our current rugby top they may continue to wear this until the end of 2019. We would like to stress that it is not a requirement to purchase the new top immediately as we do not wish to place undue pressure on families who may have recently purchased our current one.

Fees

Outstanding School Feels

With the end of the school year fast approaching, it is important that all outstanding school fees be finalized by that time.

Many families have made arrangements for regular scheduled Direct Debit and EFTPOS payments that will ensure their account is finalized within the designated timeframe, or alternately, mutually agreed payment arrangements have been negotiated to clear outstanding amounts.

Those families who are making UNSCHEDULED PAYMENTS by cash, cheque, BPAY and EFTPOS are reminded that accounts are to be finalized by the 15th December 2017.

The process for recovery of outstanding debts will be commenced shortly. If you are experiencing difficulty in complying with your agreed payment arrangement, please make contact with the school office.

Term Dates for 2018

Term 1 – 8 February to 13 April
Term 2 – 30 April to 6 July
Term 3 – 23 July to 28 September
Term 4 – 15 October to 20 December

Parent Notice Board

2018 Planning

If parents know that they will not be continuing enrolment of their child/children at Holy Rosary Catholic School in 2018 please let the Principal know as soon as possible. The realities around budgets in schools rely heavily on maintaining the right numbers of students. It helps our school out immensely with maintaining staffing, allocating resources and balancing classes whether any students will be moving schools.

NEW Scooter and Bike Racks

New scooter and bike racks have been installed in the area between the Grade 5/6 classrooms and the school hall. It is an expectation that all students riding to school bring a lock, and lock their scooter or bike into these racks as the school will not take responsibility for any losses. Students will not be permitted to have scooters or bikes in any other area of the school. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

Spare Clothes Cupboard

The Office has a cupboard where spare clean clothes are kept for those times when students need a change of clothes. We please ask that in the event your child is sent home with spare clothes these items are laundered and returned to the office to be available for use by other students.

Free Dress Day

Appreciation Afternoon Tea

The Village - (final session for 2017 is the 13th December)

The Holy Rosary Catholic School Birth to 4 program has commenced on Wednesday’s from 9:00am – 10:30am. Our last session will be our Christmas party.

FREE Volunteer Training

Early Support for Parents is a volunteer home visiting program supporting parents. ESP is in need of volunteers who can spare 1-2 hours a week to support parents in their own communities.

Christmas in the Barn

This community event will be held on the 24 November at 12 noon.
Cost: $15 per head.
All are welcome.

Parents Staying Connected – Crochet Group

Tuesdays from 28th November, 10:30am – 12:30pm @ Chigwell House

Term 4 Assemblies and Liturgies

Parents and Friends are most welcome and kindly invited to join us for our School Assemblies which are held at 1.45pm and our Liturgies which are held at 12.00 noon on the following dates in the School Hall or St Bernard’s Church unless noted differently.

Upcoming Events