58 Clegg Rd, Mt. Evelyn Ph: 9736-2219 Email: principal ... · We hope that your family hasn’t been effected by the latest strain of winter bugs that seems to have struck. Whilst

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No.16

3rd June, 2019

Dear Parents, We hope that your family hasn’t been effected by the latest strain of winter bugs that seems to have struck. Whilst every day counts at school, please ensure that your child is well enough to attend school. Thank you to everyone who is now into the habit of emailing or phoning on the day of absences; you know we are mandated in the interests of Child Safety to send you an email alert if we’ve not heard why your child is away from school. Similarly if your child’s teacher notices that a pattern of absence is occurring for your child, then they too will ‘touch base’ with you; please don’t be offended if this occurs as we have requirements for managing excessive school absences when they occur. The School Disco was a hit! Thank you to the wonderful P & F Team who arranged everything from hiring to cooking hotdogs. Thanks to every family who supported the event and to the teachers who stayed back and assisted with supervision. Thanks also to the students themselves who danced with enthusiasm; a great opportunity to strengthen friendships! As you know the students will have an extended long weekend with a pupil free day scheduled for this coming Tuesday June 11. There is no school on this day, so please do not send your children to school! This day will be a day of professional learning for staff, designing the next steps for improved classroom practice as informed by the learning that I experienced whilst overseas. Having adopted the school wide practice of visible Learning Intentions for the students, we are moving onto coherent practices in Success Criteria (students knowing what success in learning will look like) and Feedback; students being able to identify how they are going with their learning and what they need to do next. I would like to acknowledge the great work that our teaching and support staff do every day in providing quality education for each and every student. Their willingness to learn from current research and include this in their teaching, is one of the many things I love about working at St Mary’s; a true example of “Love Above All in our striving” (excerpt from our school vision statement). The feedback that I have received regarding the traffic situation at school pick up and drop off times has been positive and I’d like to pass on our collective gratitude for the co-operation and care that happens daily with this. Some feedback that has been received which requires attention please:

Drivers at school drop off distracted on their mobile phones

Students getting out of cars on the driver’s side instead of the safer passenger side

Parents using the ‘left hand side’ of the teachers’ carpark before school. The gravel side is available before school and both sides are available after school.

This Wednesday evening we look forward to sharing time with this year’s Confirmation candidates and their families. The Family Confirmation Preparation Evening will be held this Wednesday evening June 5 with a start time of 6pm. We look forward to seeing all Confirmation families in the hall at 6pm. Further parish news is that the Winter Appeal continues with all families in a position to assist the less fortunate, asked to donate non-perishable food items. Cans of food or long life milk can be left with your child’s classroom teacher. Also a reminder that the St Mary’s Church will be closed for renovation Monday 3rd to Friday 7th June (this week) and Monday 10th to Friday 14th June (next week). It has also come to my attention that there have been some technical difficulties with using the online system for ordering Italian Day Food. This was resolved last week and the CDF online system is available for you to place Italian Day orders until Thursday 20th June.

58 Clegg Rd, Mt. Evelyn Ph: 9736-2219 Email: [email protected]

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God’s blessings for the week ahead, Angela Glennie, Principal Congratulations to our students of the week: PF: Isla G PR: Mitchell G/Max J 1/2P: Sarah P 1/2M: Hansi P 1/2H: Kian F 1/2D: Poppy O 3/4F: Annabelle G 3/4M: Sebastian P 3/4G: Emelia P 3/4R: Nicholas M/Caterina O 5/6B: Mason P 5/6P: Jack M 5/6T: Rebecca B 5/6F: Morgan F/Tommy P

Inter school sports (last Friday) Student Report:

Girls Inter school Netball Report (Round 4)

This week the A team played a strong game against Mt. Evelyn Primary School, successfully scoring 23-6. Mt. Evelyn Primary had great sportsmanship and made it very hard for us by getting many intercepts. Luckily we had Chloe playing unstoppable (playing in GA) maintaining the lead by getting many goals in! Next week we head off to Rolling Hills where we expect a great side! Written by Brigitte Rice

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Also available at www.smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au

2019 FEES STATEMENTS Please check your bank to confirm that your payment agreement has been actioned.

Please contact the office if you did not get your fee statement.

St Mary’s BSB/ACCOUNT Details

St Marys Primary School BSB 083-347 Account Number 676054930

There are still a number of fee agreements outstanding. If you have not returned your fee agreement, please contact the office immediately.

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Monday, 3rd June Tuesday, 4th June Wednesday, 5th June Friday, 7th June

8.45am 3.30pm 9.00am 6pm 8.45am 9.00am

School begins Staff Meeting Division Cross Country (Selected Students) Gr 5 MLMC Future Stars Day Family Confirmation Night School Assembly Prep Excursion – RSPCA 5/6 Level Sport Away (Rolling Hills)

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Monday, 10th June Tuesday, 11th June Thursday, 13th June Friday, 14th June

8.45am

SCHOOL CLOSURE – PUBLIC HOLIDAY (Queen’s Birthday) SCHOOL CLOSURE – Staff PD P&F Hot Chocolate Day (Whole School) School Assembly

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This is what “Friends of 10” looked like

in Maths in

1/2D last week.

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Mini Vinnies Winter Appeal

2019

Please bring UHT milk, cans of food, pasta, tea,

coffee and non-perishable food items for our those in

our local community who may need our support.

Food can be placed in classrooms and a Mini Vinnies

member will come around to collect the food.

The food will be given to the St.Vincent de Paul

Society at our Whole School Mass, the feast of the

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

on Friday 28 June, 9.00am

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2019 TERM DATES

Term 1 Wednesday 30th January – Friday 5 April Preps start Thursday 31st January

Term 2 Tuesday 23 April – Friday 28 June

Term 3 Monday 15 July – Friday 20 September

Term 4 Monday 7 October – Thursday 19th last day for students.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2019

26 Jan Sat Australia Day

28 Jan Mon Australia Day Holiday

11 Mar Mon Labour Day

19-22 Apr Fri-Mon Easter

25 Apr Thu Anzac Day

10 Jun Mon Queen’s Birthday

5 Nov Tue Cup Day

25 Dec Wed Christmas Day

26 Dec Thu Boxing Day

CURRICULUM DAYS

Tuesday June 11th School Closure Day

Monday November 4th School Closure Day

NB*TERM DIARY - Please find the full term diary online at www.smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au Please note updates

and changes will be made to the term diary during the term. Please check on the website for updates.

TRANSITION TO YEAR 7 If YOUR CHILD IS IN GRADE 6

Grade 6 parents, please return your completed Transition Form to the office ASAP.

Child Safety Code of Conduct

St Mary’s endeavours to create and maintain an environment where child safety is paramount and there is zero tolerance of any form of child abuse. What is the purpose of a child safety code of conduct? A child safety code of conduct is intended to promote child safety in the school environment. A child safety code of conduct spells out professional boundaries and acceptable and unacceptable adult/child relationships and behaviour, professional development and training. A child safety code of conduct helps schools, staff and volunteers to raise behavioural issues. It provides a reference point for discussion when there may otherwise be confusion, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence about boundaries for appropriate behaviour with children. The code specifies behaviour unacceptable for a professional relationship between a teacher and a student. All parents, relatives and caregivers attending St Mary’s Primary School to help within the classroom must hold a current Working with Children Check and must have read and signed the Code of Conduct. Please go to our website for more information. CHILD SAFETY CODE OF CONDUCTS CAN BE COMPLETED AT THE OFFICE

(CSEF) CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)

REMINDER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FOR PARENTS WITH A HEALTHCARE CARD

Every Victorian child should have access to the world of learning opportunities that exist beyond the classroom. The Camps,

Sports and Excursions Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the opportunity to join their classmates for

important, educational and fun activities. It is part of making Victoria the Education State and the Government’s commitment

to breaking the link between a student’s background and their outcomes.

IF YOU HAVE A CURRENT HEALTHCARE CARD Contact the school office to obtain a CSEF application form or download from www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

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ITALIAN DAY 2019 St Mary’s Mount Evelyn

TUESDAY 25th JUNE

Dear Parents,

The annual St.Mary’s Italian Day will be held on Tuesday, June 25th. The day will include fun

activities at each level. Students can join in the fun by dressing to impress in Italian colours of

green, white and red or come as their favourite Italian character. Along with the activities planned

for the day, the children will also take part in an incursion called ‘Ciao Italy’ – ‘A celebration of

Immigration’ it is a fun and educational activity where an immigrant shares his story with objects

from his suitcase.

There will also be the traditional Pizza and Gelato available for ordering online.

Yours Sincerely, Signora O’Connor

Italian Day Special Food Day - Menu

Please order online at CDF Pay by selecting the Italian Day option:

CDF Pay orders will open from

Tuesday 28th May and will close on the 20th of June

PIZZA: Margherita (Cheese & tomato) x slice/s @ $1.90 per slice

Hawaiian (Ham & Pineapple) x slice/s @ $1.90 per slice

GELATO: (only one per child)

Strawberry @ $1.60

Chocolate @ $1.60

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WORKING BEES & GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

Working Bees at St Mary’s are fundamental to maintaining safe and orderly learning environments

for our students. There are so many tasks to do with such a large school ground that we need all

the help we can get!

To assist planning for this year we are asking each family to attend ONE Working Bee and to

indicate which session (listed below) suits best.

As an incentive this year the families that attend a Working Bee date will be rebated the $100.00

working bee levy from their account.

In an effort to cater for everyone, we will hold Working Bees across a range of days and times. If

these dates to not suit you please contact the office and schedule a time that will be appropriate.

If you are a tradie, we would appreciate your expertise at times, so please let us know your skills

below.

We looking forward to seeing you all,

Veronica Fraraccio

Deputy Principal

Please complete and return to school

Family Name: _______________________________Eldest Child’s Grade: _______________

Please circle your selected date below or nominate a date of your own _______________2019

I have particular skills and expertise in the area of ___________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Saturday 22nd June – Super Working Bee 8.00am – 12.00pm

Tuesday 16th July 9.00am - 11.00am

Saturday 14th September – Production 8.00am – 12.00pm

Thursday 17th October 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Tuesday 12th November 9.00am -11.00am

Thursday December 5th 1.00pm – 3.00pm

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Uniforms

All St. Mary’s students are required to wear the full correct school uniform. We believe that the wearing of

uniforms promotes the children’s pride in their school and self-discipline. Uniform items can be purchased or

made at little cost. The uniform shop at St. Mary’s carries all uniform items, including school and library bags.

There is a small amount of second hand uniforms available in the shop.

Children are expected to have a school bag with the St Mary’s School logo.

Please ensure that your children bring their correct school bag.

Girls’ Winter Uniform Boys’ Winter Uniform

Navy tunic or tailored pants Navy Trousers

(no jeans, jean style or cargo pants) (no jeans, jean style or cargo pants)

St Mary’s polo shirt St Mary’s polo shirt

St Mary’s windcheater St Mary’s windcheater

Navy socks or tights Navy socks

Black polished shoes Black polished shoes

(no sneakers/runners) (no sneakers/runners)

Navy gloves and scarf (optional) Navy gloves and scarf (optional)

Girls’ Winter Sports Uniform Boys’ Winter Sports Uniform

Navy track suit pants Navy track suit pants

St Mary’s windcheater St Mary’s windcheater

Navy unisex sports shorts or Navy unisex sports shorts

St Mary’s polo shirt St Mary’s polo shirt

White St. Mary’s sports socks or plain White St. Mary’s sports socks or plain

White socks and runners White socks and runners

St Mary’s School logo school bag

No jewellery – single sets of plain studs or sleepers, and watches excepted.

No make-up

No extremes of hairstyles

Long hair to be fully tied back at all times with navy ties and ribbons

No nail polish

An important note on Uniforms. Whilst it is not compulsory to purchase uniform items only from our

uniform shop, we trust that parents will only purchase items that are of the same as sold in the shop. We would ask that you

continue to support us as we strive to ensure a disciplined atmosphere in our school, by ensuring that your children do wear the

standardised uniform.

Your children may, at times, tell you that it is okay because, “others do it” or “have it”, but this is a good signal that it is NOT okay!

A note about hair. As we are a primary school, we feel that any change of colour is inappropriate for children. In the

spirit of our practice at St Mary’s, to keep children as children, we ask that you cooperate with this and leave the hair colouring as

something that they can look forward to in their older age. We also differentiate between “weekend hair” and “school hair”. The use of

hair gel, etc., and spikey styling is considered to be a “weekend hair” practice. Not only does this give a more disciplined and uniformed

approach, but also saves you time and money!

Please ensure that all items of uniform are well maintained, including sports uniform and hats.

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Other news in Religious Education:

Family Confirmation night is on Wednesday 5th June 6pm.

First Holy Communion is on Sunday 23 June, 2pm

Thank you from Project Compassion Our school raised: $1038.75

Mini Vinnie’s WINTER APPEAL. Please donate non-perishable items such as

UHT milk, can food, pasta, tea and coffee to the St.Vincent de Paul winter appeal.

Please make sure the food is in date. Food can be collected in each classroom. Thank-you.

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POSITIONS STILL AVAILABLE FOR 2020

Limited vacancies are available in the 3-4 year old

groups and 4-5 year old groups.

All enrolment enquiries should be directed to Yarra

Ranges Kindergartens at [email protected] or

9726 0439.

Please contact the Preschool on 9736 1954 if you

would like to speak to the teachers or make a time for

a tour.

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NO NUTS AT ST MARY’S We have children attending

our school with severe (life threatening) peanut allergies.

As always, we are concerned for the safety of our children,

and ask everyone to avoid bringing any items that may

contain peanuts to school, as the smallest amount of peanut

or proteins of peanuts on benches, etc., can affect an allergic

child. Whilst we can appreciate that there may be children

who just love to have their Nutella and Peanut butter

sandwiches or bars alternatives must be given.

Mt Evelyn Chess Club

The Mt Evelyn Chess Club started up

again Monday 11th Feb, 7pm til 9pm at

Hardy House, the RSL Hall, 49

Birmingham Road Mt Evelyn. All

welcome – beginners to players.

Is anyone available to run the Chess

Club from early May to mid July as Tim will be overseas. Email Tim

on [email protected] or phone 0419 102 380.

This club is supported by the Mt Evelyn Township Group, the Mt

Evelyn RSL and a grant from Yarra Ranges Council to purchase the

competition standard chess sets and clocks. Gold coin donation.

School Vegetable Garden News

We had lots of great helpers

in the garden this week –

moving soil and collecting the

autumn leaves. A BIG

THANK-YOU to the parents

who help in the garden,

including Liz, Alan, Ginny

and Ilona. The children enjoy

learning in the garden!

Garden club is run on Wednesdays, from 10.45 till 11.30am. New

parents helpers required. Please bring gloves and garden tools. All helpers

are required to have a working with children’s check. If you would like to

assist, please complete the form below. Or email

[email protected]. Thank-you

VEGETABLE GARDEN VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY

Name:_______________________________________Mobile:______________________________

Availability: Helping in the garden ⟥ Wednesday 10.45am. Thank-you

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Children’s birthday parties – cause for

celebration or alienation?

RESILIENCE

by Michael Grose

It’s funny how the seemingly small things cause the greatest angst for kids – a sneer from a sibling; a curt remark from a teacher or being left off a classmate’s birthday party invitation list can leave a child feeling insecure, even sad. While some issues such as sibling disputes are perennial others such as helping children manage the disappointment of missing a friend’s birthday party is a more pressing concern for primary-aged children right now. In fact, according to many teachers and parents I meet many children’ birthday parties are creating rifts between children, leading to alienation for those left off the party list.

Issue invitations with sensitivity

It’s a good life lesson for a child to learn that they can’t be invited to everything. But not being invited to a party shouldn’t make a child feel isolated or humiliated. Disappointment is normal; humiliation and alienation are not acceptable. Which means children need to give out invitations while being mindful of the feelings of others. This is where good parenting comes in. We need to remind, and if necessary teach children, how to give out invitations sensitively being mindful of the possible disappointment that some children will experience. Likewise all children who are going to a party should be reminded of their social obligations to all classmates, not just those who are in the “in” crowd. Tolerance and social graces are the foundations of a civil society and these lessons start in primary school.

Helping kids handle disappointment

One of the keys to functioning socially and emotionally is the ability to deal with disappointment and rejection.

So whether it is a case of not receiving an invitation to a classmate’s birthday party or a school playground snub, most children experience some type of rejection from their peers throughout childhood. Most children recover from such rejection. They move on and form constructive, worthwhile relationships but some children need help. They often take rejection personally, blaming themselves. As a parent it is useful to challenge children’s unhelpful thinking and encourage them to look for new friendship opportunities. Parents can help children understand that rejection may happen for any number of reasons that are unrelated to them.

In the course of a school day children will meet with a number of challenges and even setbacks. They may struggle with some schoolwork. They may not do well in a test and they may not be picked for a game that they wanted to play. Children grow stronger when they overcome their difficulties. The challenge for parents is to build and maintain children’s confidence to help them get through the rough times.

One way to help children deal with rejection and disappointment is to talk through problems or difficulties, recognising and accepting their feelings. Talk about various scenarios, discussing possible outcomes. The age of the child will determine the amount of detail. Keep things simple and avoid burdening a younger child with concepts he or she doesn’t understand.

Your attitude can make a huge difference to how a child reacts. If you see rejection or disappointments as problems then your child will be hamstrung by this view. See them as challenges then your child will, in all likelihood, will pick up your upbeat view and deal with disappointments easily. After all, confidence is catching!

To help children handle rejection and disappointment try the following four strategies:

1. Model optimism. Watch how you present the world to children, as they will pick up your view.

2. Tell children how you handle disappointment and rejection. Not only is it reassuring for children to know that their parents understand how they feel but they can learn a great deal by how their parents handle situations.

3. Help children recognise times in the past when they bounced back from disappointment. Help them recognise those some strategies can be used again.

4. Laugh together. Humour is a great coping mechanism. It helps put disappointment in perspective. It helps them understand that things will get better. They always do.