16 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principals Report

Towards the end of Term 2 we conducted a parent survey in relation to communication in our school. Thank you to the 100 parents who responded to our survey, it has provided us with some important information that we can use to improve communication in our school. Overwhelmingly parents documented that the preferred means of communication from the school are through the School Zine App, Facebook and Email. Seesaw which is used in our Kindergarten to Grade 2 classes was also listed as a preferred means of communication and we will look at extending this in 2019 into other grade levels.

Other valuable data gathered from the survey included the following: 82% of respondents felt comfortable contacting teachers with questions or concerns, 78% of respondents were satisfied with how they were receiving information and 70% felt we communicated in a timely and effective manner. This data and the comments included in the survey will inform our communication practices within our school environment.

In consideration of this data it is also important to remember that we live in a world more connected than ever before, thanks to the progression of technology. With the popularity of social media, smartphones and tablets, we are able to stay in touch with pretty much anyone in the world at the click of a button, and that is truly a marvel. This however has greatly shifted the landscape of the working environment. With everyone pretty much contactable at almost any time during the day, the advocacy of ‘being on email’ outside of working hours has become the norm in recent times. I am extremely guilty of sending emails and checking emails late into the night, are you? I recently spoke to staff about the significant amount of research and studies that suggest the combination of smartphones and increasing pressures at work has blurred the boundaries between work and home and made it difficult for people to switch off at the end of the working day.

As parents we do need to remember for ourselves as adults and for our children that powering-down for a period of time provides opportunity to reset and refocus appreciation and gratitude for the lives we have been given. Technology has a power-off button. And the wisest of us know when to use it.

Last week we welcomed to our school community Dominic who is joining us in Prep.

Kind Regards
Bernadette Brooks
Principal

Prayer and Reflection

Yesterday on August 15th we celebrated the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Assumption signals the end of Mary's earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary's body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son.

Next week on August 20th we celebrate the Feast of St Bernard. The history of St Bernard’s (as our Church is referred to), is in fact, remembering and honouring many - Clergy, Religious and laity. It is through their hard work, sacrifices, foresight and faith that moulded the parish together and caused it to grow. What we see today are memorials to these people. Holy Rosary Catholic School has a long and proud history with the St Bernard’s Parish. We were founded in 1961 with a view to providing a Catholic education to the children of the St Bernard's Parish Claremont. Our origins were humble, we first opened on the 31st January with an enrolment of 37 students. Today we have over 440 students from Kindergarten to Grade Six.

Father,
You entrusted our Church into
the care of St Bernard.
By the help of his prayers
may Holy Rosary Catholic School
continue to serve our Lord, Jesus Christ
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Amen.

Blokes on Board 3-6

What a fantastic Grade 3 to 6 BOB evening. Thank you to our wonderful students and Dads, Pops and other friends who joined us for an evening meal and mathematical fun. Thank you also to our incredible staff for all their work and preparation for the evening. We have such an amazing community.

News from the Classrooms

Grade 1

Each week Grade One students are lucky enough to spend some time with some Grade 9/10 boys from SVC. The boys come and play games with us, teaching us new skills. We played lots of new games and can't wait to do it again.

"Wow, that was the best day ever!!...I love, love, loved that, it was even better than Friendship Friday!!"

It's wonderful to see the connection and friendships that develop over the time.

Grade 6 Mid-Winter Antarctic Festival & Parliament House

Science and Politics

The Grade 6’s were very engaged with their excursion to the Antarctic Festival and Parliament House. There was a great amount of learning for all, excellent questions asked and much more learning to come from their experiences. The Guides said that our Grade 6 students were well behaved and a pleasure to take on tour.

Learning, learning and still more learning to come

Grade 6 Excursion to GYC

Last week on Thursday 9th of August, Grade 6 attended the Guildford Young College production of “The Little Shop of Horrors”.  It was a wonderful production with many singing an acting highlights that entertained and enthralled our Grade 6 students.  Many of the students loved the theatrics of the puppet Plant “Audrey II” and the storyline surrounding the life of Seymour and Audrey in their little florist shop on skid row.  It was an excellent opportunity for students to see and begin to think about some of the educational programs that are available to them in College life.  We would like to thank Guildford Young College for the chance to be in the audience and also congratulate the Grade 6 students for once again highlighting what a joy they can be on excursion.

Students of the Week

Congratulations

Congratulations to Jesse, Riley, Archie and Ashton who have been selected for the Southern Tasmanian Junior Football League.

Students Not Returning in 2019

In order to commence planning for 2019 it is vital that we have accurate information regarding student numbers for 2019.

If your child is in a grade other than Grade 6 and is not returning to Holy Rosary in 2019 please contact Ms Bernadette Brooks as soon as possible.

Apple for the Teacher Promotion

101.7 7HOFM is on the hunt for Southern Tasmania’s favourite Primary School teacher – the teacher that goes an extra mile for their students!

And now it’s time to vote! Voting closes on Thursday 30th of August at 5pm.

The winning teacher and school will be announced on Friday 31st August. The teacher with the most votes receives a Apple Macbook Air, and each of their students receives an iPad! Please click on the link below to vote.

HRCS Book Fair

Gymnastics Roster

Uniform Shop

Father’s Day Stall

Family Breakfast

HRCS Quiz Night

Grandparent’s and Special Person’s Day

Acceptable Use of Images – Information for families

Schoolzine App

Schoolzine have recently rolled out updates to SZapp. Update to the latest version to take advantage of the new features.

Entertainment Books

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!

To order online click here.

Books are also available for purchase from the office.

Grade 5 Enrolments for High School

A reminder to all parents of current Grade 5 students that enrolments for Year 7 2020 will close on September 14th this year.

Parent Knowledge – Improving Student Learning

St Mary’s College Production

Elements of Strength – Yoga

Bowl Patrol

Bowl Patrol is a program to teach kids the basic skills of tenpin bowling. Please see the attached flyer for further details.

Term 3 2018 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.

2018 Upcoming Events