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- Principal's Message Term 2 Week 3 - 2022
- Religious Education - Term 2 Week 3 - 2022
- Early Learning Centre - Information Night
- COVID Update
- Catholic School Parent Event
- Maths Challenge Term 2 Week 3 - 2022
- Parent Overviews Term 2 - 2022
- Walk Safety to School Day - Friday 20 May
- ACT Sport News
- Community Council Entertainment Book
- Community Service Announcements
- ELC - a box of Cadbury Favourites as Fr Mark is our favourite!
- Kinder - a pumpkin from our sustainable garden - from little things big things grow
- Year 1 - rhubarb also from our school garden to cook his favorite dessert
- Year 2 - tea and biscuits to relax after a big day in the Parish
- Year 3 - a jar of jam to represent the love and kindness you have spread over the past 25 years
- Year 4 - treats for his favouite canine friend - "Mo" - a man's best friend
- Year 5 - a plant to symbolise how much Fr Mark helps us grow and a jar of honey to help spread the Good News and make it stick
- Year 6 - a pair of tracksuit pants to keep you warm and comfortable as you comfort and support us
- The Staff - a case of dry ale as we very much appreciate you dry sense of humour
Well done to our Year 3 and 5 students who participated in the NAPLAN assessments this week. Special thanks to Brooke Jeffries, our NAPLAN Coordinator, and the staff involved. The children were very settled as they commenced each day. Over the coming week, we will endeavour to provide time for children to complete any missed assessments. The NAPLAN site will be closed from Friday 20 May and no further time can be given to catch up on missed assessments.
Sports Congratulations
Congratulations to all of our participants who played at the ACT School Futsal Titles on Monday.
Mother Teresa School sent 8 teams of year 3 & 4 students, many of whom had not played Futsal before. Their willingness to give something new a go and their support of each other as teams moved into finals was wonderful to see!
A big shout out to Eva, Georgia, Olivia Y, Olivia H, Luciana, Paige, Clara, Sochikaima, and their coach Giulia Ruberto who brought home the U10 Girls Shield.
A big thank you to all of the parents who coached teams and supported staff throughout the day!
COVID Update
It has been a welcome relief to Principals not to have to send out the daily COVID updates via Compass. We do still need families to advise the school should a child be at home with COVID via our specific email address, covid.motherteresa@cg.catholic.edu.au then followed up with a Compass absentee notification through the Compass Parent Portal.
Unfortunately, COVID has not gone away; while numbers are low across the school we are experiencing cases across all grade levels. With the change in the weather, we are seeing an increase in the number of children presenting to sickbay with colds, headaches and generally not feeling well. While I understand the frustration parents are feeling, when they receive a call from the school to pick up their child, we are working extremely hard to avoid a return to remote learning; as has occurred in several neighboring schools. There are days when we need to split classes as a result of staff illness or their need to care for their own child/ren who may not be well. Thank you for your understanding as we work through this very difficult time and continue to provide your child with meaningful and focused learning experiences.
RAT kits are still available from the office should you require kits for regular testing, particularly if your child is a close contact.
We are considering a return the original morning tea and lunch timetable from Week 6 with some level of cohorting to restrict the transmission of infections. This change will depend on the number of cases reported across the school in the next few weeks. For our new families, I will communicate what the "old normal" will look like when we are ready to change over. Like you, I am still to find out.
Mother Teresa School Dates for Additional Pupil Free Days
Following consultation with the other Catholic Primary Schools in the Gungahlin area, we have nominated the following dates for our additional Pupil Free days granted to schools by the CE Director.
- Tuesday 31 May & Friday 24 June
During these days the teachers will be engaged in additional PL to support our Catalyst program and provide time for class preparation and student assessment. KidsBiz will be open on these days.
Our school rolls are an official legal document and must accurately account for a child's attendance and the reason why a child is not at school. Today a letter has been sent home, via the children, indicating if you have not provided a reason for why your child was not at school. Please process the absences through your Compass Parent Portal so that it automatically links to the class roll. You can find the absentee note through the "Shortcuts" button located in the middle at the bottom of the home screen. If you are having trouble completing the online absence please contact the front office for assistance.
Students absent for 25 Days or More
Families electing to take holidays for more than 25 school days (consecutively) must complete an "Application for Exemption from Attendance or Enrolment" form, which is available from the office and seek formal permission from the Principal. This is a legal requirement as parents are required to carry the letter of authority when travelling.
Afternoon Mother Teresa School Pick Up
Following the success of using the courts for parking and afternoon pick up, the staff have asked to continue to use this area for pick up. The traditional car line will not be reintroduced which has made the front of the school a much safer pedestrian area for everyone. The teacher on duty will remain in the pick-up area until 3.20pm and then bring those children not collected through the gate.
Parents are permitted on the school grounds while they pick up their child from the designated area outside. A reminder that children are NOT permitted on the play equipment following dismissal.
Working With Vulnerable People Cards
A reminder that any visitor or volunteer must carry a valid ACT Working With Vulnerable People Card to assist around the school. This is available from Access Canberra and is free for all volunteers. It is also a reminder for those who have a card to check the expiry date and action a renewal if needed. A copy of cards must be maintained at the front office. Both sides of the card must be provided.
- Last week we released the North/Gungahlin Regional Cross Country Carnival permission and information to successful entrants, via the Parent Portal, as our first attempt at online permission forms. We are currently exploring an effective and efficient online payment method which we hope to introduce later in the term. Please do NOT use Compass pay. Please pay via the envelope provided
- This week we released the Year 2 - 6 Athletics Carnival information via Compass for parents to access. A hard copy of the permission note was sent home last week. By releasing the information through Compass parents have easy access to refer to details and a program once it is finalised.
Following discussion with our canteen provider they will only be open on Wednesday to Friday for online lunch orders Please note that students from Years 4 to 6 will collect their lunch orders at 10:20am, while Kindergarten to Year 3 will collect theirs from 11:00am.
School Fees
Term 2 school fees have been emailed to all families last week. Fees are due for payment by Friday, 27 May unless you are paying by regular instalments or alternative arrangements have been made with either myself or Mrs Betts.
God Bless
Carmel Maguire
WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS
The Whole school focus theme for this year is ‘Do small Things with Great Love’ and the Bible reference that supports our theme for Term 2 is Ephesians 5:8, in which St Paul says:
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light,
For the effects of light are seen in complete goodness
and right living and truth.”
Thank you Ms Higgins, Mrs Maher and 2 Lime for presenting a fabulous Focus Assembly on Forgiveness. They explained how we can be ‘Living as children of light’ by forgiving others at Mother Teresa School and shared some great insights on how they can live in the light by: making honest choices; standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult and bringing light to others. They shared the story of the ‘Prodigal Son’ and shared an amazing song called You Forgive Me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LO-2fm7IKcU
Fifth Sunday of Easter
15 May 2022 - Year C
“I give you a new commandment:
love one another.”
The Story
In today’s gospel story, Jesus knows that he is about to die. He wants to tell his disciples something
very important that they will remember. Jesus had spent his whole life loving others, and for the past three years the disciples had seen him showing this love to all kinds of people. Jesus showed love to others by serving them, helping them, healing them, teaching them, forgiving them. Jesus wants to remind his friends that if they want to be his disciples, they have to love like this.
The Scriptures
A reading from the holy gospel according to John 13:31, 33-35
After Judas had gone, Jesus said:
"My children, I will be with you for a little while longer.
Then you will look for me,
but you won't find me.
I tell you just as I told the people,
'You cannot go where I am going.'
"But I am giving you a new command.
You must love each other,
just as I have loved you.
If you love each other,
everyone will know that you are my disciples."
The Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Something to Think About
Jesus gave his followers a new command – to love one another just as Jesus loved.
If we do this, everyone will know that we are friends of Jesus.
In this Easter season of joy and hope, what will you do to show love to those around you?
Peace and Best Wishes.
Anne Leet (Religious Education Co-ordinator)
ACT Health COVID-19 guidelines have changed for schools. Mother Teresa's priority will be to deliver on-campus learning with COVID smart measures in place to minimise transmission of COVID-19 onsite. Mother Teresa will regularly review, and update where required, our approach to managing COVID-19 as appropriate. Our approach is informed by the National Framework for Managing COVID-19 in Schools and Early Childhood Education and Care Settings, and the latest advice on winter season preparedness from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
The following is a brief outline of changes for Term 2 2022.
Check in requirements
Digital check in with the Check In CBR app is no longer required for staff and students. However, QR codes will continue to be available for voluntary use, including for community hirers holding events on school sites.
Masks
The use of face masks has been eased from Term 2. Staff, students and visitors are not required to wear masks on school or ELC sites. (Masks will need to be worn if a person is a close household contact of a positive COVID case – see below.)
Cohorting
Cohorting will no longer be required. However, schools are advised to where possible minimise the length of time or number of students involved in organised activities that bring mixed groups together.
Physical distancing
Physical distancing should be maintained on school sites where possible. Density quotients no longer apply.
Parents and carers on school sites
- Parents and carers can attend outdoor areas of the school/ELC site for drop off and pick up, or when attending a permitted activity to be advised by the school.
- Parents and carers can enter school/ELC classrooms or indoor settings with an appointment, including to access enrolment support, or when attending a permitted activity. Parents and carers can book an appointment with their school/ELC.
- Parents and carers must follow COVID smart measures (physical distancing, hygiene practices, staying away if unwell).
Staying home when sick and hygiene requirements - Staff, students and visitors must not attend school or ELC sites if they are unwell and will be sent home if they any have symptoms of COVID-19. All staff, visitors and students should, at all times, maintain appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene.
Close Household Contacts
Household contacts will not have to quarantine if they have no COVID-19 symptoms but will need to comply with the following requirements for seven days from the time the first person in their household tests positive for COVID‑19:
- Advise ACT Health that they are a household contact by completing a COVID-19 online declaration form.
- Wear a face mask in all indoor spaces when outside of the home, if aged 12 years and over.
- Students study from home, where it is practical to do so.
- Parents/Carers notify the school of their child being a household contact via the school COVID email - covid.motherteresa@cg.catholic.edu.au. Don't forget to submit an absentee note via COMPASS.
- If it is not practical to study from home, students must undertake COVID-19 testing and return a negative result in the 24 hours prior to returning to school and then every 48 hours if ongoing attendance is required.
Daily Reporting of COVID Cases
Schools will notify parents only if there are a significant number of cases within the community and/or a cohort.
The health and safety of students and staff remains as always our priority. If there are high numbers of COVID-19 exposures at our school, consideration will be given to whether additional COVID-19 Safety Measures should be reintroduced, with authorisation by Catholic Education Office. These measures aim to limit the potential for further transmission and will generally be limited to a short period of time (e.g. 1 to 2 weeks).
- Additional testing recommendations such as to test before returning to school/ELC and again in 48 hours.
- Masks Staff, students in Years 7-12, and visitors may be asked to wear a mask when indoors and when physical distancing of 1.5 metres cannot be maintained.
- Limiting parents and carers on site Parents and carers may be asked not to attend a school/ELC site without an appointment.
- Cancelling permitted activities Any of the planned permitted activities may be cancelled or rescheduled to another date.
- Strict Cohorting It may be necessary to cohort a particular class or year level so that they don’t mix with other students or staff across the school.
- Remote learning Some or all students may need to return to remote learning. This measure will be limited as much as possible, however may also be enacted in response to workforce shortages arising from COVID-19.
Rapid Antigen Tests
Our school/ELC will have access to Rapid Antigen Tests for distribution as needed and requested by parents. Parents or students who are symptomatic should not attend the school/ELC to collect a Rapid Antigen Test. Those families are encouraged to access testing through an ACT Health testing facility.
I look forward to working with you as we continue to manage COVID-19 and acknowledge that educating your children is as always our priority.
This week Miss Jeffries drew our lucky winner for the Year 1 and 2 competition - a big congratulations to Emma in 2 Emerald for being the lucky mathematician drawn out this week. A very big thank you to Ben in Kinder Rose for being the only Kinder student to submit an entry for the Kinder Maths Challenge. Ben shared some fantastic maths with me and will also receive a prize!
This week the challenge is for Year 3 and 4 students .
Make 42
Make 42 using the digits 2, 3, 4 and 9 only once in an equation. You may use + - x ÷ or () as needed.
Can you find another way to do this?
Now for a small number - make 4 using the digits 2, 5, 6 and 8. Again you can only use each number once and any of the operations, as above.
Can you find another way to make 4?
Send your entries via email to Mrs Blackwell catherine.blackwell@cg.catholic.edu.au or complete them on paper and put it in your notebag to send to the office by Thursday morning of Week 3. The winner will be drawn on Friday.
Please find the Grade Overviews for Term 2. These overviews provide parents with a guide to the curriculum being taught in each grade level across the term.
Please see the list of State Teams that are currently open for selection trial registrations open to interested students.
Points to note;
- Please promote the SSACT Scholarship Fund ($500) open to all travelling teams, information and application form within Resources on the website.
- ACT School Sport currently have 29 teams open – please check in with your School Approver regularly to ensure your students can move through the selection process. The School Approver email notification of a student registering is our school administration email.
Sports Open
16&U Boys Football (Soccer)
18&U Girls Football (Soccer - this opened last week)
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/football-soccer/
18&U Girls Basketball
18&U Boys Basketball
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/basketball/
15&U Girls Volleyball
15&U Boys Volleyball
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/volleyball/
17&U Girls Softball (12&U Team information to come shortly)
17&U Boys Softball
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/softball/
12&U Girls Hockey
12&U Boys Hockey
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/hockey/
Sports closing very soon
12&U Boys Australian Football
12&U Girls Australian Football - brand new team for 2022
15&U Boys Australian Football
15&U Girls Australian Football
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/australian-football/
18&U Baseball
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/baseball/
18&U Girls Football
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/football-soccer/
16&U Girls Hockey
16&U Boys Hockey
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/hockey/
15&U Netball
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/netball/
12&U Rugby League
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/rugby-league/
12&U Girls Basketball
12&U Boys Basketball
https://schoolsportact.org.au/sports/basketball/
12&U Boys Touch Football (15&U Boys info to come shortly)
12&U Girls Tough Football
15&U Girls Touch Football
Support Mother Teresa School in ACT and purchase your Entertainment Membership from us today!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Mother Teresa School in ACT
Adelle DeZilva
mtscommunitycouncil@mail.com
