Dear parents,

As we come to the end of a difficult term for all members of the school and wider community, we look forward to two weeks without a focus on screens. The COVID pandemic has deprived our students and staff of the opportunity to engage in face-to-face learning in the school setting which is beneficial for both their educational and emotional well-being.

We return to school and remote learning on Tuesday 5^th October and hopefully, it is day one of nineteen school days before we can return to school.

The prolonged period of remote learning has made school staff and Catholic Education examine how teachers gather assessment data that will inform term four reports.  Gathering data during lock down presents a number of issues around equity and validity.  We have students who for a number of reasons are not fully engaged in remote learning and struggle to submit work set by staff members. Some of the reasons include access to technology, language barriers and parents not having the skills to assist.  We are also unable to judge whether the work submitted is solely the work of the student.

If we head back into class at the start of week five we will only have six weeks to gather data before reports need to be finalised to go home.  This seems like an ample amount of time however if I was to asses a student’s maths ability by conducing what is known as a SENA test and also a reading test it would take approximately 50 minutes per child as each test is a one on one assessment with the teacher.  Most of our classes have at least 26 students so time is an issue. Conducting these assessments would need to be done while the teacher is teaching and carrying out other duties associated with the daily running of the school.

We will keep parents informed of any decisions about assessment and student reports.

NAPLAN

This week the results for the NAPLAN tests undertaken by student in years three and five during term two arrived. Parents are able to collect their child’s report from the front office if you wish to do so while we are in lockdown.  Once children return to school, we will send home via the students any uncollected NAPLAN results.

Maths Problem

Congratulations to Willem van Galen who was this week’s winner.  Thank you to all who have participated over the last few weeks and I will have new problems for you in week one of term four.

God Bless

Peter Hughes

WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS The Whole school focus theme for this year is:

‘We Are Bee-Attitude Keepers”

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

19 September 2021 - Year B

“All who wish to be first must make themselves the servants of all.”

Something to Think About

In this week’s gospel, the disciples argue about who is the ‘greatest’.

What does it mean to be a ‘great’ person? How do people show they are good by their actions?

The Story

The disciples are walking along discussing and arguing, probably in loud boisterous voices. When Jesus asks what they are talking about, they go very quiet. They have been caught out, like a bunch of naughty children. They have been arguing about who is the greatest and the best! Jesus takes the chance to teach them a lesson. He tells them that true greatness comes from serving others.

Video

Click to watch the video which retells today’s Gospel story: I’m Awesome – Right?

ACTS OF SERVICE

You will need: a blank piece of paper for each child, coloured markers.

1. Ask children to spend a few moments thinking quietly about some good deeds they have done in the past week. Perhaps they would also like to think about kind acts of service that others have done for them.
2. Invite children to write or draw these acts of service on their pieces of paper.
3. Children may wish to share these aloud for the group.
4. Encourage children to keep doing good deeds in the week ahead and assure them that even small acts of kindness make a huge impact.

Reconciliation & First Eucharist

Please pray for our Year 3 teachers and students who are currently preparing for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. It would be a lovely opportunity for families to attend Mass on Sunday.

Click here to access the parish newsletter or you can view it on the Parish App.
Join us for Mass on Sunday 19 September 2021 at 9:30am via Zoom.  Click on this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/824036573 or use meeting number 824 036 573 to join our Mass.

                
Peace and best wishes

Anne Leet

(Religious Education co-ordinator)

Wellbeing – hope and resilience

This week you and your children  may have experienced a sense of disappointment at lockdown being extended especially with the school holidays approaching. It is important to validate our feelings but to also give a sense of hope and to share what we can learn from this experience. By finding hope and praising our efforts to cope with challenging situations, we can support our children to see the positives, build resilience and gain a sense of control over the challenges. You should take time to positively reflect on the time you’ve had together, the opportunities to try something new or the time to slow down.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back after difficulties or upsetting situations. Remote learning has disrupted routines, connections and schooling, however there are lessons that can be learnt from this also. Resilience can be built through having tools to use to solve problems and to face challenges. Children tend to pick up on the anxieties and stress of the adults around them. Modelling positivity and demonstrating ways of facing challenges is a great way to support our children to build their tool set. Studies have shown that what our children are missing the most are their friends and their sense of connection. It is very important to maintain social connections with family and friends, even if it is a quick phone call.

With the school holidays approaching instead of planning holidays interstate or overseas, booking in play dates, organising day trips or visits to family and friends, many of us are likely working from home. School holidays may feel like more of the same, and many parents are burned out from trying to work while managing remote learning. This article is written by an education researcher with an interest in how to combine creativity with educational experiences for children. It may have some ideas to jazz up holidays at home. 

https://theconversation.com/wondering-what-to-do-with-kids-in-lockdown-school-holidays-ideas-from-a-happiness-expert-167798

The following article has 6 great tips on supporting the wellbeing of the whole family including going for a walk, practicing mindful breathing and taking time to read.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/wellbeing/six-little-things-you-can-do-for-your-wellbeing-every-day

Additionally, the Queensland Education Department has a great booklet with a range of simple fun activities, for students, for improving wellbeing through mindfulness, gratitude, physical activities and self-care.

https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculums/learningfromhome/wellbeing-activities-booklet.pdf

The Emerging Minds website has several resources to help with communicating about Covid including short 3 minute videos.

https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/communicating-with-your-child-about-covid-19/

If you would like further assistance, please contact our Student Welfare Officer Christina Page or our Diverse Learning Coordinator Karen Garrity.

Mental_Wellbeing_Activity_Grid.pdf

Home_learning_resource_MT.pdf