Our school is  a place of faith and learning

“From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics. The inspiration of Jesus must be translated from the ideal into the real. The Gospel spirit should be evident in a Christian way of thought and life which permeates all facets of the educational climate”. 

Dear Parents and Families,

This week, we celebrate the feast day of Mother Mary of the Cross. Mary MacKillop. Mother Mary MacKillop was the founder of the Josephite Sisters who have a strong history with the Sale diocese, establishing many of the Catholic schools in our local area. Their purpose was to nurture the faith of children in remote and rural areas of Australia and for children to access education. A number of our Josephite sisters now work in the area of pastoral care, supporting families within communities.

We remember the sheer determination of Mary Mackillop to pursue her vision and praise the work of the Josephite sisters today. Her Feast day falls on August 8th.

The term is continuing to move along swiftly and we have had a number of events within the last fortnight. Hopefully you will have a chance to look at the photos attached throughout the newsletter to appreciate the busyness of the new term.

We begin by congratulating our Foundation students for their milestone of 100 days at school. A great day was held by all and they truly looked the part in their dress ups. I have never seen so many silver haired students!!! All students were true to character and we enjoyed their efforts to dress as nan or pa, walk like nan and pa, talk like nan and pa and smile like nan and pa.

On Wednesday, we had a terrific day at Senior Athletics and I sincerely thank all our volunteers, spectators and teachers who allowed the day to run smoothly and on time. A special “Thank you” to our students for their participation and sportsmanship and of course “ Thank you to Kristy Glover for her organisation.

The Australian Mathematics Competition was held yesterday and it is always great to see the number of students who are keen to participate and test their skills and thinking. Thank you parents for being so supportive of your children.

Our next major event for students will be our Book Week celebrations which will take place on Monday, August 19th, 2024. All students are invited to dress as their favourite book character or inline with this year’s theme of “Reading Is Magic”. We will have our parade at 9.10am in the stadium followed by some multi age activities revolving around this year’s shortlisted books. Parents are welcome to join us for the parade.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

As mentioned in our last newsletter, Parent/Teacher Interviews are to be held mid term. They will be held on Tuesday, August 13th and Thursday, August 15th, 2024.

Families would have received details regarding how to register for Interviews yesterday.

Interviews are 10 mins duration and if you feel you would like to chat further, you may arrange an additional meeting time with your child’s teacher. Families are always welcome to arrange a time with teachers to discuss their child’s learning & wellbeing.

Details for Parent Support Group Meetings(PSGs) have also been shared and families are asked to register online. Families attending PSGs need not attend Parent/Teacher Interviews next week. 

We hope that all families will meet with their teachers as this is a perfect opportunity to discuss how your child has settled into the new term, their achievements and learning goals for the remainder of the year. 

Please check details for your Specialist Teachers as their availability will vary. If per chance you are not able to secure a time, please contact your child’s Specialist Teacher to organise a time that suits you both. Likewise Mrs Mary Wilson will only be available on Tuesday evening but is very happy to arrange a another time with families who cannot make it on this day.

Unwell Students

As mentioned in the last newsletter, we have had a number of children and staff with cold and flu-like symptoms. Your doctor will diagnose and advise you of how to manage your child’s illness. 

The Victorian Health Department recommends that individuals diagnosed with influenza or having influenza-like illnesses remain at home until symptoms are resolved. Those diagnosed with COVID 19 are also recommended to remain at home until symptoms are resolved. 

Families and staff are asked to remind their children of coughing and sneezing etiquette and to hand wash regularly. 

Parents will be contacted if children present unwell at school or indicate they are unwell. 

Families are reminded to notify the school of their child’s absence. 

Pupil Free Day

We will have a pupil free day on Wednesday August 14th. We will be focusing our work on the revised Victorian Mathematics curriculum and engage our learning and teaching advisors from DOSCEL to support on this day. We also have five staff attending a professional learning day on Friday, August 16th regarding effective and evidence based practice when teaching Math.

NAPLAN 

NAPLAN results were sent home this week for our Year Three and year Five students. Please know that this assessment is one of many assessments and observations teachers regularly undertake with your child or their class. Families of Year Five students are reminded to keep the NAPLAN report in a safe place as Secondary schools may ask for this information when you are seeking enrolment at their school.

Wishing you all a lovely weekend,

Take care 

Anita & Staff

2024 SCHOOL TERM DATES

MARY MACKILLOP AWARDS 2024

Alexis Simmons, Tyler Harrison, Lexie Healy, Indi Avery, Elkie Leggett, Abigail Glover, Laura Salerman, Katie Clarkson, Ettie Curtis, Addi Finlay, Kailin Smith, Addi Morelli, Ella Francis & Bailey Johnstone

Senior Athletics Carnival

Mini Olympics

Thank you to all our tuckshop volunteers!

Time: 12.35pm - 2pm

 If you need to swap your allocated day, please contact another volunteer to make arrangements. The office should only be contacted as a last resort.

We have a number of items available in the second hand uniform shop. To purchase or check out what's available please contact Anna Baynes on 0419117649.

A SPECIAL REPORT: Eating Anxiety

The complexity of eating anxiety stems from a combination of social, psychological, and environmental factors. Young people may develop this anxiety due to social pressures related to eating in front of others, fears about body image, or due to more ingrained issues such as eating disorders. Additionally, cultural norms or dietary restrictions can also play significant roles, as can direct experiences like bullying or teasing related to food choices or eating habits.

Whilst not a formally recognised condition, eating anxiety is a genuine and often overwhelming experience that can significantly hinder a young person's ability to participate in everyday activities comfortably. This condition can lead to serious nutritional deficiencies and social withdrawal, impacting overall health and academic performance.

Recognising and addressing eating anxiety is crucial for parents, carer, and educators. Through education, policy changes, and community support, we can help young people manage their anxieties and improve their relationship with food, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and social interactions.

This Special Report will help you understand how best to support a child experiencing anxiety around eating.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://sttsale.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-eating-anxiety-au