5 July 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principals Report

It seems hard to believe that we are coming to the end of our Second Term and have a two week break to recharge our energies ready for the Third Term. It certainly has been a very busy and productive term and we have so many reasons to celebrate our achievements during the Term. In addition to these achievements we continue to focus on the core business of teaching and learning and providing our students with the very best educational opportunities.

Reports for Prep to Grade 6 students were issued last week and optional parent teacher interviews are being held during this week. When parents and school staff communicate about students, it can be easy to forget about the strengths of the student and to focus only on problems and concerns. By keeping the student central to the discussion, it does ensure that their needs, developmental stage, strengths and perspective will be considered. Using a strengths-based approach does not mean issues or concerns are not raised – rather it includes strengths in the conversation and ensures that the negative aspects are not the sole focus of the conversation. Often solutions to problems can be found when strengths are identified.

It would be no surprise to most families that research identifies family involvement in schooling as a key predictor of a student’s success. Clear, continuing, two-way communication is imperative. Family life is evolving with many parents working full time and juggling various commitments. Teachers may see parents at the classroom door less than they used to, and opportunities for interaction are more limited. With these changes, also comes new opportunities. The good news is, in our technology-rich world, our approach to parent communication can be stronger than ever. At Holy Rosary Catholic School, we would like to get some feedback on the communication systems being used within the school for parents and carers.

This is a link to a short 10 question survey. We thank you for taking the time to complete the survey, this will help us ensure we are communicating effectively with everyone.

We thank all members of our community for their ongoing support of Holy Rosary Catholic School and look forward to our third term which will commence on Tuesday 24th July.

Kind Regards
Bernadette Brooks
Principal

Prayer and Reflection

Choosing Happiness

‘Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be.’ (Abraham Lincoln) Most of us would have heard this quote. I had…and I have worked on changing my outlook. I needed to. By nature, I not only tend to see that the glass is half full, I want to know the reasons and then question why it is that my glass is half full. Yes, you got it right – I overwork the situation. Yes, I have worked on changing my attitude and to a large extent I think it has changed me. But this week, I read something that made me realise that it needn’t be so hard.

Simply it was the advice to choose happiness in every situation, even when we are suffering. How to do this? Simply by looking at what delights us and enjoying those things. As I write this I have a favourite mug alongside me. I love its green, the pattern on it, the style of the cup but nearly always I just don’t notice. But if I do it gives me a little frisson of delight. It is those little moments of delight that, when added together, shape our hearts into happiness.

We are made for happiness and can tend to question why God doesn’t give us the things that we think would make us so. But too often we are crying for the moon, when we already have a lovely flower, sunlight, a meal or a joking word just before us. Maybe God can’t give us the ‘big things’ because we haven’t learnt to delight in the little joys that are constantly coming our way. So here’s a joy in front of me that I want to delight in: writing these pieces. I wouldn’t do these except that I have you, the reader, giving them time in the newsletter. Your interest draws out of me things I didn’t know were there…and that gives me a frisson of happiness. Thank you.

Loving God,
open my eyes and heart to see the many things that could delight me this day.
Let me enjoy the smile of my child, the word of a friend, sunlight on a leaf.
Let me join with your Holy Spirit in delighting in creation.
I ask this in Jesus’ name confident that you will hear me.

-Sr Kym Harris

End of Term Awards

Disco

What a wonderful night we all had. Our students were outstanding in their behavior, dance moods and all thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Thank you to Allison Norman and our Parent Circle and Grade 6 parent helpers who ensured everyone had wonderful time. DJ Drew Townsend certainly had the best mix of songs going and we would like to thank Drew and Elyn Townsend and also Matthew Wickham for ensuring that all the equipment was tested and tagged.

The BBQ was a great hit and we would like to thank Anita Jakubiszyn and Ann-Maree McCormack for the organization of our Sausage Sizzle and Naomi Sansom, Susan Weeding, Amity, Ryan and Niah from Grade 6 and Scott Mackenlay for assisting with the BBQ.

Thank you to Chigwell Butchers at Allunga Rd for their support with reduced cost sausages, and to Sally and Tim from Bakers Delight Claremont for donating the bread.

Visiting Puppet Show

A Not So Traditional Story - Terrapin Theatre

Last week students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 were treated to a wonderful performance from the Terrapin Puppet Theatre in our School Hall. A Not So Traditional Story is a memorable performance that combines Terrapin’s renowned skill in entertaining and engaging children with the voice of a new generation of Tasmanian Aboriginal performing artists. Two young ‘uns, Wurangkili and Timita, meet a mysterious alien named River when he gets lost in their country on his flying canoe. With River’s pet Wombat “Wombie” in tow, they all go on a journey to find the meaning of a mysterious object, getting clues from an Eagle, a Lizard and a Kangaroo they meet along the way.

All student thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to share in this performance. Thank you to Mrs. George who organized this for us.

Grade 5/6 Round Robin Day

On Friday Grade 5/6 students joined with other Catholic Schools to play in a Netball and Football Round Robin in preparation for the Friday afternoon school roster in Term 3.

Congratulations to our students for their participation and staff and parents who supported the students.

Dominic Taster Day

On Tuesday 19th of June, students from Grade Five were invited to participate in a Taster Day at Dominic College. Students were involved in a variety of activities including Art, P.E and Science and were lead on a tour of the school, giving them an idea of what a school day might include. It was a great day of fun had by all!

All Schools Primary Cross Country

On a glorious winters morning, the bright eyed and excited members of Holy Rosary's athletic elite travelled North to Symons Plains Raceway for the annual All Schools Cross Country. The team of 8 were pitted against the States best from all around our Island home. All of our competitors demonstrated the type of spirit and determination that typifies a member of the Holy Rosary family. Jesse Cox was again a standout finishing in the top 40 (there were 342 competitors in his race!). A big thanks to Mr. Richardson who accompanied us on the bus and provided great assistance with coffee runs and comic relief. Also a big thanks to the parents who managed to get away from the daily grind and watch their kids run! Your support is always tremendous on days like this! Congratulations to all our competitors each of you represented our great school brilliantly!

The HPE Dept.

Bush Kinder

Reading With Your Child

HRCS Book Fair

Congratulations

Congratulations to Brock in achieving his goal of swimming 1km at the Aquatic Centre pool. Well done Brock!

Parent Survey

Survey for Parents and Carers on Communication at Holy Rosary Catholic School

This is a link to a short 10 question survey, we would like to get some feedback on the communication systems being used within the school for parents and carers. We thank you for taking the time to complete the survey, this will help us ensure we are communicating effectively with everyone.

Many Thanks

School Shoes and Uniform

A couple of weeks ago we had our School Photos taken. On these days each student in our school was in the correct uniform with the correct shoes and they all looked so impressive. It is so disappointing to note that students continue to come to school in the incorrect uniform and shoes and wearing sports uniforms on days when they do not have sport.

It is a school expectation that students wear formal leather school shoes with the formal school uniform. We are very happy for students to bring sandshoes to change into during the day and then change back into their formal school shoes to go home. In addition, parents are reminded that unless advised Sports Uniform for Grade 1 to 6 students is ONLY to be worn on the days that students have Physical Education or for Grade 5/6 students when they are involved in Friday Sport.

When you enrolled your child at Holy Rosary Catholic School all parents signed an agreement to uphold the expectations of our school and one of these is the wearing of the correct uniform. We really are relying on parents to help us by supporting and following these uniform expectations.

Administration of Medication

“From time to time it may be necessary for medication to be administered to students during school hours, or whilst on excursions, in order to keep them safe. Section 95A of the Poisons Regulations 2008 (Tas) sets out requirements to be followed when administering medication to students.”
Tasmanian Catholic Education Office

Holy Rosary Catholic School’s policy for staff to administer medication clearly states it can only be administered where a student’s parent/carer has provided written permission. This permission states what dosage, how it is to be taken, and when it is to be taken. It also gives clear direction to staff regarding the prescribed or non-prescribed medication.

Students must not carry medication unless there is a written agreement between the school and the student’s parent/carer. This includes asthma medication.

Parents/carers are responsible for keeping the school updated if the requirement for prescription medication changes or has expired. This also applies to asthma and anaphylaxis medication. The Tasmanian Catholic Education Office recommendations for Asthma and Anaphylaxis plans is that they should be updated annually.

For your ease of reference attached are:

Medication form

Action plans

Uniform Shop

News from Qkr

As of June 6th some of the older versions of the Qkr App will no longer work, and families must update their App. Most people have auto update enabled in their phone settings so this will happen seamlessly for them. If any parents are getting a message saying the App has stopped working, you simply have to download the current version from the App store.

If you still have any issues, there is always the website on offer as a backup to people with really old phones that may not be able to upgrade.

Entertainment Books

Get great vouchers, deals and savings for the school holidays

Holy Rosary Catholic School is fundraising with the Entertainment fundraiser this year, and we’d appreciate your continued support.

Your 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Membership expired on 1 June 2018. Please continue supporting our School by purchasing the 2018 | 2019 Entertainment Membership from us today. Hundreds of great value offers are ready for your enjoyment, while also helping our fundraising!

Books are also available for purchase from the office.

Lost Property

Get Into Hockey Term 3

Junior Hockey for ages 6-12 years
Tasmanian Hockey Centre
19 Bell Street, New Town

Holiday Happenings

Oceana Swim School

Please see the flyer with all the details.

Hobart PCYC

Hobart PCYC’s School Holiday Program will be offered for the school holiday period from 9th – 20thJuly 2018. The School Holiday Program will be open to all Primary School aged children and will be conducted by former Tasmanian State Soccer Player, Mr Nathan Rees.

2018 Upcoming Events