Term 2, Week 2: Thursday 29th April, 2021
From the Principal's Desk
God, as the sun rises this day,
as it did on the first Anzac Day,
help us to remember the sacrifice of the first Anzacs,
and the generations of men, women and children
who have died in the cause of liberty and peace.
Help us to remember those who still bear
the physical and mental scars
and disabilities of their service.
Help us to remember the widows and widowers,
girlfriends and boyfriends, parents and orphans,
sisters and brothers
and all who waited in vain the return of a loved one.
Help us remember the mateship, agony,
courage and compassion of war service;
but save us from ever glorifying
the horror and tragedy of war.
As the sun rises on this day, Lord,
help us to remember.
We pray this in Jesus name.
Amen.
While Anzac Day is set to coincide with the anniversary of the landing in Gallipoli, the day itself is not meant to commemorate the event, but rather the qualities that Australia established for itself there. On Anzac Day, we recognise the courage, mateship, skill, and perseverance of those who have served, fought, and given their lives in the military. On Anzac Day, we show love, honour and support for those who fought to enable freedom for people worldwide but could not make it home.
The School leaders joined Miss Chris and I on Sunday morning 25th April, to commemorate ANZAC Day at the Creswick Cenotaph. It was great to see lots of students and their families who came along to honour the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). The leaders represented their school by reading a short poem and then laying a wreath at the cenotaph base.
PICTURE 1: Grace, one of our 2021 School Leaders read a poem written by a World War II Veteran. PICUTRE 2: Jack with his grandfather.
PICTURE 1: Annabella & Declan (2021 School Leaders) with Terry (Principal).
PICTURE 2: Gurnoor, Abbigail, Declan, Annabella, Paige and Grace.
(We thank Miss Chris for supplying the photos)
NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing for Years 3 and 5 commences on Tuesday 11th May and concludes on Thursday 13th May. I do not wish to buy into the why's and wherefore's of the test program, but I'd like to suggest that you view the NAPLAN tests as good learning experiences rather than dreaded pressure tests.
See them as learning opportunities for kids and opportunities for them to overcome any anxieties or nerves that these tests may bring on. It's also worth remembering that many children don't stress over these tests. The vast majority take them in their stride, wondering what all the fuss is about.
Whether your child stresses or takes them in his/her stride, here are some tips to help prepare your child or young person for the NAPLAN tests:
- Take your cues from your child: If your child doesn't worry about them, neither should you. Be careful not to create a problem that doesn't exist by incessantly talking about, or worse, worrying about the test.
- Focus on doing their best & trying hard: Choose your words carefully when you speak with your child. As with all their learning activities, place your focus squarely on effort rather than results. The only pressure on children should be to try hard rather than to do well.
- Listen to any concerns they have: If your child confesses to some nerves, then validate their feelings, rather than shut them down with a 'get over it' response. "Yes, sometimes tests can be a little scary, but they get easier every time you take them. Use this as an opportunity to develop some emotional smarts, which starts with recognising how kids feel.
- Give them some relaxation ideas: Anxious or nervous kids will benefit from some simple relaxation strategies. Taking some deep breaths, changing their thinking, and exercising the morning of the test are simple ways to help kids get some control.
- Help them retain their perspective: One way to help children who become excessively anxious about an event is to ask what's the worst thing that could happen? Okay, they may not do as well as they would like, but the sun will still rise tomorrow if they don't do as well as they'd like. Keeping perspective is a life skill that we all need to practise.
At St Augustine's, we do not teach to the test, although we do allow the students to practise some test-like items to familiarise them with test conditions.
We use the information from the assessments to compare results in the same cohort of students between Year 3 and Year 5. We examine the added value to the students' learning. Through this, we can reflect on the effectiveness of our teaching programs. We also use the information as another way to evaluate student progress. It sits alongside the other assessments we do as part of learning units throughout the year.
Later in the year, you will receive your child's personal NAPLAN report. The report will describe your child's particular skills in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The report will also show how your child performed in relation to national minimum standards. These describe the minimum acceptable standards for students across Australia.
For more information about the tests, please visit the VCAA website at www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the NAPLAN website at www.nap.edu.au
Mother's Day
A Mother's Love
There are times when only a mother's love
can understand our tears,
can soothe our disappoints
and calm all of our fears.
There are times when only a mother's love
can share the joy we feel
when something we've dreamed about
quite suddenly is real.
There are times when only a mother's faith
can help us on life's way
and inspire in us the confidence
we need from day to day.
For a mother's heart and a mother's faith
and a mother's steadfast love
were fashioned by the angels
and sent from god above.
We all hate to admit it, but our mothers tend to be right more often than not. Worst of all, she damn well knows it. She is the only one allowed to say 'I told you so,' because she probably did…and there was always a look that preceded or followed the advice given and sometimes all it took was a look, and no sound was needed. As I reflect on my experiences across my sixty or so years, one of the biggest influences for me was my mother's presence. I am sure at times she would have liked to have been elsewhere, but she never was. I am very thankful for several reasons, but I will stick to four:
- She never ever gave up on me
- Her love was unconditional
- Her pantry was always filled with the best food
- She missed out, so I didn't.
To all the mothers in our community, your sons and daughters might not look like they appreciate your patience, time, love, or persistence, but deep down, they do. I wish you all the best for your special day. Enjoy the celebrations and know that all in your care, love you dearly.
Although Mother's Day does not fall until Sunday week (9th May) we did not want to miss the opportunity to wish all the mothers in our community, a happy Mother's Day.
Winter Uniform
REMINDER: as we commence week 3 on Monday 3rd May, we remind all that we transition into our full school winter uniform, we ask that these requirements are met (refer to the School Uniform Policy located on the school website: www.sacreswick.catholic.edu.au).
Goldfields Athletics Sports Day
This year the Goldfields Athletics Sports Day will be held on Monday the 24th May (Week 6) at Llanberris. Try outs have commenced for the children in Years 3-6 to participate in both field and running events. For those children who qualify, more information will follow as to how the day will look. Melissa Willey - PE Coordinator.
Wellbeing News - School Incursion
Last year we had booked the Meerkat Productions to come and perform ‘Mr Huff’. However, due to covid it was postponed to this year and will now take place on Tuesday 25th May at 2pm.
Mr Huff is the adaptation of Anna Walker’s award winning book and enables children to identify emotions and learn how to deal with them. The whole school will take part in learning about resilience and dealing with emotions. Below is the show synopsis from the Meerkat Productions website. Estelle McLean - Wellbeing Coordinator.
SHOW SYNOPSIS:
Bill is having a bad day. Mr Huff is following him around and making everything seem difficult.
It starts with feelings of grumpiness, not wanting to join in and upsetting his friends. Mr Huff just gets bigger and bigger and the feelings become debilitating, rendering Bill unable to complete his schoolwork and being disruptive in class.
Unable to understand these feelings Bill continues to try to get rid of him, but Mr Huff just keeps getting bigger and bigger until he’s bigger than Bill! Then they both stop, and a surprising thing happens…
School Photo Day is Fast Approaching!
A reminder School photos are being taken next Thursday 6th May. Our photographers - Arthur Reed Photos have asked us to pass on this information prior to photo day:
Annual school photos including sibling photos will be taken at St Augustine’s Parish Primary School by Arthur Reed Photos on Thursday May 6th, 2021. There is no need to return any forms or money to school.
Unique image codes will be issued to all students on/after photo day so families can register online to view images when they become available in the webshop.
Registration is simple, just follow the 3 simple steps on your child’s personalised flyer once you receive it and remember to add the codes for all your children attending this school. Even if you registered last year, it’s important that you do again this year using your child’s 2021 image code to link their images for the current year with your contact details.
When images are ready to view and in the webshop, all parents who have registered will be notified by SMS and email. Once registered, please wait for notification that 2021 images are online to view before making your purchase.
Refer to the flyer below for further deatils regarding school photos this year. All students are expected to arrive in their correct and full school winter uniform please. Thank you.
Tuck Shop
I am sure everyone agrees it is great to have our Tuck-Shop up and running once again, with orders very easily placed via the CDFPay App. Big pies have now been added to the menu - cost $4. If you wish to assist in the Tuck-Shop, please let Amelia Singline know. Thank you to those who have volunteered to assist, the Term 2 Roster is as follows:
- 30/04/21: Marny Smithard & Fiona Trounce
- 07/05/21: Due to the Mothers Day Liturgy being held, other helpers to cover
- 14/05/21: Amanda Chammings & Shaun Dossor
- 21/05/21: Samara Shearer & Emma Montano
- 28/05/21: Thea Elsworth & Emma Martin
- 04/06/21: Linda Penhall & Olga Torgovnikova
- 11/06/21: Shondra Baker & Josie Stephens
- 18/06/21: Lana Taylor & Mel McCarthy
- 25/06/21: Kristy Tippett & Brenton Smith
Life Education Program/Healthy Harold
This year Life Education will run programs on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th May. Cost is $10 per student, this fee will be added to school fee statements. Class participation will be as follows:
Wednesday 19th May:
Year 3 Class - 9:30 am to 11 am
Year 2 Class - 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
Year 1 Class - 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm
Foundation Class - 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm
Thursday 20th May:
Year 4 Class - 9:30 am to 11 am
Year 5 Class - 11 am to 1:15 pm
Year 6 Class: Session 1 - 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm and Session 2 - 2:15 pm to 3:15 pm
Dates to Note
APRIL
Friday 30th: Goldfields Cross Country Event
MAY
Sunday 2nd: Dismissal Mass at 8:30 am
Thursday 6th: School Photos
Sunday 9th: Mother's Day
Sunday 9th: Dismissal Mass at 8:30 am
Thursday 13th: Terry attending Principal's Network Meeting
Sunday 16th: Dismissal Mass at 8:30 am
Wednesday 19th: Life Education Program/Healthy Harold for junior students
Thursday 20th: Life Education Program/Healthy Harold for senior students
Sunday 23rd: First Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at 8:30 am Mass
Monday 24th to Friday 28th: Catholic Education Week
Monday 24th: Goldfields Athletics Sports Day - Year 3 to 6 students only
Tuesday 25th: 'Mr Huff' performance (incursion at 2pm)
Friday 28th: Terry attending Principal's Network Meeting
Sunday 30th: Second Celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation at 8:30 am Mass
JUNE
Monday 14th: Public Holiday - Queen's Birthday
Friday 25th: Last day of Term 2
