Dear Parents,

Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop 

This week the staff and children reflected on the work of St Mary MacKillop, Australia's first saint.

It was more than 150 years ago that Mary and the Sisters of St Joseph travelled through the heat of the outback to some of Australia’s most remote communities. They were willing to do whatever it took to set up schools, so overlooked children could pursue an education, reach their full potential, and flourish.

“Never see a need without doing something about it.” – St Mary MacKillop

When Mary saw families living on the margins without access to education, she set out right away to open a school in an old stable and teach children herself — regardless of their gender, race, faith, or wealth.

Mary’s faith and determination inspired the hearts of those around her with many other young women joining her ministry as Sisters of St Joseph. She and her Sisters went wherever the need was greatest. They gave up everything to live amongst the people they served and teach with love and compassion.

“Let no obstacle deter us from proceeding with courage.” – St Mary MacKillop

Although Mary and her Sisters found themselves up against enormous challenges, they continued to walk with people every step of the way — from dire need to becoming a flourishing community. They saw injustice and were fierce to act, so children wouldn’t miss out on fair access to education. 

Parent Responsibility - as per your signed Parent Contract at Enrolment 

I would like to remind parents of the following section signed when enrolling your child/ren into a Catholic School, including Mother Teresa. In recent weeks staff have raised concerns regarding the use of highly inappropriate language by parents in front of students to staff. As adults, we set an example to the children. Please note what you signed in the Parent Contract 

Acknowledgments Section 7. The Parent acknowledges that:

a. the Parent will be encouraged to engage in the life of the School through participation in events such as Mass, liturgies, sports carnivals and school assemblies;

b. as the Student’s first and most important educator, the Parent should actively support the Student’s learning;

c. when volunteering at the School, attending events or otherwise participating in the life of the School the Parent must act in accordance with any applicable policies, codes of conduct or procedures in place, and any directions given by the Principal or staff at the School;

d. any behaviour by a Parent or any other person that is disrespectful, threatening, harassing or inappropriate may result in access to the School being restricted or revoked and that restrictions on participation in School activities and communication with staff may be put in place in the School’s absolute discretion; and

e. the School is not responsible for enforcing court orders and staff will not become involved in disputes involving family members.

Illness around the school

This week we have experienced a range of illnesses across the school including Whooping Couch and Influenza A. Please monitor your child and keep them home if they are symptomatic.

Athletics Ribbons

All ribbons from the Athletics Carnival will be handed out next week:

• On Monday students in the 8 years and 9 years age groups will receive their ribbons at morning assembly.
• On Tuesday, students in the 10 years, 11 years and 12 years age groups will receive their ribbons.

Ribbons are only given to the students who finished in the top 3 overall for each event in each age group based on times. Ribbons are not given for the many heats held on the day.

School Fees

Catholic Education has emailed Term 3 Fee statements to parents. I have noted several emails have bounced due to parents not updating contact details. Please contact our office should there be any issues or you need to request a split billing form. The school is no longer able to change payment arrangements unless the correct form is completed.

Building Fund Tax Invoices for the 2023 - 2024 school year were sent out by CE. Only families who opted in to pay the Building Fund will receive a statement. 

Families Leaving 

We continue to receive enrolment requests for places at Mother Teresa School for 2025. If you are aware you are leaving, please advise the office as soon as possible. Thank you to those parents who have notified the school.

Hats On! Reminder

It is that time of year when the children are to wear their school hat whenever playing outside. We have an agreed practice of 'No hat, Sit under a Shade Shelter'. The teachers will start to enforce this rule from Monday.

Annual School Survey - Tell Them From Me

Over the coming weeks parents, staff, and students from Years 4 to 6 will be invited to participate in an annual survey to reflect on the positive and areas of growth. Additional information will be sent home via Compass with an opt-out option should you prefer your child not to participate. Coming soon!

ADFA Musical

Today our Year 5 and 6 students are attending ADFA to view a performance of 'Pirates of Penzance'. This is another example of the various extra-curricular opportunities presented to the children of Mother Teresa School.

Kindergarten Zoo Excursion

As part of their science unit this term, Kindergarten will be attending the National Zoo and Aquarium next Monday August 12. As buses will depart at 9am sharp, we ask that all Kindergarten students be at school by 8:45am to attend morning assembly.  A reminder to register consent on COMPASS for your child to attend. We hope they have a fun-filled, adventerous day.

Science Week Competition

A reminder that for Science Week all Mother Teresa students are encouraged to make a bottle rocket animal. Please see the flyer below for additional information. 

Community Council Meeting - Everyone Welcome

Our next meeting will be held on Tuesday 13 August at 6pm in the staffroom.

Agenda items include: 

• Social & Fundraising Events - Trivia Night 
• Class Contact Parent - Feedback
• Principal's Report - Upcoming Events

Traffic around the school

Please do not use private property as a way to make a quick exit. We want to work with our neighbours and ensure the safety and wellbeing for our children and the wider community.

Uniform  

A reminder for our students to be wearing the correct uniform. It is a sign that we are proud of Mother Teresa School. Please refer to the MTS Uniform Policy for more information.

God Bless,

Carmel Maguire & Craig Hart

Principal & Acting Principal

WHOLE SCHOOL FOCUS

The Whole school focus theme for this year is ‘COME HOLY SPIRIT’

This term at Mother Teresa School we will use the theme that:  We are called to Innovate.

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:14

We will share our gifts and talents with each other throughout the year. The values we will be focusing on this term are Responsibility, Sustainability, Care/Kindness, Respect & Affirming

At Mother Teresa School the value we will be focusing on for the next two weeks is:
Responsibility

At Mother Teresa School that means:

- Accept responsibility
- Accepting consequences
- Fixing mistakes
- Staying on task
- Being a risk-taker
- Following rules
- Power to choose

RECONCILIATION 2024

Something to Think About
What does it mean to forgive someone? What does forgiveness look like?

The Story
In today’s reading, St Paul is teaching about the importance of letting go of angry feelings and forgiving people who hurt us. God always loves us and forgives us, even when we do the wrong thing. In the same way, we should forgive others and be kind to them.

Video
Click to watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwZnxOXauF8&t=69s

Peace and Best Wishes,

Anne Leet
Religious Education Co-ordinator

Second Hand Uniform Shop
The Second Hand Uniform shop is run by the MTS Community Council in the school hall.

This term the shop will be operating Wednesday and Friday from 8:45am to 9:15am, with payment by QKR! app and cash. The QKR! by Mastercard app can be dowloaded via Apple or Google store.

Please ensure your car is off the basketball court by 8.50am as we must close and lock the gates for safety. 

Donations of uniforms that have no rips or stains and are freshly washed are always welcome to be dropped off at the front office.

Scholastic Book Club - Issue 5 
The Issue 5 catalogue for 2024 is now available. The cut-off date for orders is on Sunday 11^th August.

Special offer this catalogue: 3 free books when you spend $70, 2 free books when you spend $50, 1 free book when you spend $20

Parents can order online via the LOOP parent portal on the Scholastic website, no orders or cash will be accepted by the school. Late orders are charged a flat rate for home postage.

Books will be delivered to children in their classrooms, once they arrive at the school. MTS Community Council parent volunteers are running the Book Club, please ensure inquiries are directed to them via the office email. Parents concerned about possible missing, misplaced or damaged orders are advised to wait until the catalogue is closed and use the home postage option.

This term our school will be teaching Protective Behaviours to students using current resources from the Daniel Morcombe Curriculum and Education 2 Empower Publishing. We understand the content of Protective Behaviours can be confronting for some students and we are therefore keen to ensure there is an opportunity for families to engage with the contact before lessons are taught. To achieve this an overview of the program is attached and weekly updates will be provided.

FREE WEBINAR FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Consent and online boundaries: how to support your primary-aged child

Tuesday 20 August 2024

7.30pm - 8pm

We hope to you see online at our upcoming Term 3 eSafety Commissioner cybersafety talk for parents and carers.

As children begin to navigate the online world, they need to know how to make decisions around consent and boundaries. This 30-minute webinar will outline strategies for parents and carers, as well as support those hard-to-have conversations.

Please register here:

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1244428795787444059

The following document outlines the term days and pupil-free days for 2025.

The teachers will engage in professional learning and preparation during the additional professional learning days next year. 

Years 1 to Year 6 will commence on Tuesday 4 February 2025.

Our Kindergarten classes will commence on Wednesday 5 February 2025, in line with our other Catholic Gungahlin schools.