Week 3, Term 1, 2020

2021 PREP ENROLMENT 

Believe it or not, it is time to commence the year-long process which is the enrolment of our Prep cohort for 2021. As always, we will begin with our siblings before we move forward to inviting new families to join our community.

Our school website is the pathway to the enrolment process which must be completed online.  

Children must be 5 by 30 June in the year they enrol (2021). I encourage you to attend to this process as soon as possible.  Our friendly office staff are always happy to support and answer any questions you may have regarding your child’s enrolment. 

School Tours

St Saviour’s Primary School is passionately committed to educating, celebrating, inspiring and empowering young students with integrity to shape the future.

The School hosts a number of events throughout the year enabling families the opportunity to explore what St Saviour’s Primary School has to offer.  We have so much to offer our students and families that cannot be seen from driving past. 

Experience first-hand our holistic learning environment that drives academic achievement and a rich co-curricular program which ensures an engaging and balanced education.

As much as we love our facilities, it is our students and staff who make our school great. We hope you feel the warmth of our community when you visit. 

School tours are conducted during a normal school day to provide you and your family with a true sense of our St Saviour’s Primary community. All members of the family are welcome to attend.   

2020 Tours are planned for the following dates:

 Tuesday 3rd March 2020 @ 9a.m.

Tuesday 3rd March 2020 @ 5:15p.m.

Friday 13th March 2020 @ 9a.m.  Information Session 9a.m. – 10:00a.m.

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Students and staff are settling back into the routines of school and it is pleasing to see the smiles of so many throughout the school day.  The added bonus of the rain appears to have lifted the spirits of everyone as well.  It is so nice to look out across the school and see the oval and gardens looking so green and lush. 

We want many things for our children: for them to be happy and successful, to do well in school and to ultimately be better prepared for the real world.  We also want them to become many things, none more important or impactful than if they turn out to be honest-to-goodness kind.

Kindness has such a ripple effect on those around us. 

I recently read a research article by a Harvard Psychologist, Richard Weissbourd on spreading kindness in the world.  His stated mission is to spread kindness by raising children “who care about others and the common good”.   The psychologist found that 80% of children said their parents were more concerned about their achievement or happiness than they were about whether they cared for others.  

Additionally, the child interviewees were three times more likely to agree that “My parents are prouder if I get grades in my classes than if I’m a caring community member in class and school.”

Wherever you fall on the spectrum, there’s always opportunity to better foster the vital trait of kindness. 

So what can we as parents and educators do?

Following are 5 kindness kick starters for us all:

1. Don’t just role model kindness. Live it as a core value.

Values are those little things we do each day that exemplify who we are.  The daily little impressions that leave a huge permanent impression.

2. Verbalise kindness as a priority.

Weissbourd says instead of saying to your child, “The most important thing is that you’re happy,” say “The most important thing is that you’re kind.” It’s about getting your child to balance their needs (achievement) with the needs of others.  It also requires holding the child to high ethical standards. 

3. Expand your child’s circle of concern.

Every child starts out with a small universe of people they care about.  It’s our job to help them extend that circle out to include their peers, new students, the elderly neighbour or those less fortunate.   It’s important that children learn to consider how their decisions affect others (like the example of quitting a sports team).

4. Help children manage destructive emotions and avoid mean-spirited behaviour.

Anger, jealousy, and similar negative emotions can derail anyone from acting as desired, especially already-emotional children. Weissbourd says that children need to know that all feelings are natural, but not all ways of handling those feelings are Okay.  The old-fashioned method of defusing anger works – STOP, PAUSE, BREATHE THROUGH YOUR NOSE, EXHALE THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, COUNT TO FIVE.  The catch is to practice it with them first – when they’re not in the middle of an outburst.

5. Practice, practice, practice.

Daily repetition is key, as it is with the formation of any habit.  It’s especially powerful when your child practices expressing gratitude. 

Together let’s keep fostering the vital trait of kindness.

Thanks for reading.

Madonna

Dear Parents and Carers,

The term is well underway and hopefully routines are getting set to ensure a smooth start and finish to the school day. Thank you to those who have made a concerted effort to be on time for the 8:30am gathering in the Mercy Centre, especially if this had been an issue in the past. It does make a real difference to how settled a start your child has to their day (and probably yours as well).

WHOLE SCHOOL MASS:

On Tuesday at 9:30am we will gather as a whole school to celebrate Mass for the first time in 2020. The Preps have already had a "practice run",  know where they will be sitting and have discussed "Mass manners."  Some students from Years 5 and 6 are involved with the Gospel and choir members from Year 5 will be leading the singing. 

After Communion our Year 6 students will gather infront of everyone to be acknowledged as leaders of the school and to make their Leadership Pledge. We would love to have parents join us, not only at Mass but also for the shared morning tea afterwards.

Thank you to members of the Pastoral Care Team who have offered to supply a plate for parents to share. The Tea/ Coffee station will be set up outside the tuckshop. Hope you can join us!

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM: 

There are almost 40 students and families who have enrolled in the Parish Sacramental Program for 2020, with the Parent Information Night on Tuesday signalling the start of the program. This weekend, participants and their families will be recognised at mass (Saturday 6pm/ Sunday 9am)and then Cluster 1 gets underway at either Sunday 10:15 OR Thursday 3:30pm. If there is anyone you know who has not signed up yet, it is nor yet too late but they would need to get paperwork to the Parish Office ASAP.

 Our Choir is leading the singing this Sunday at 9am Mass. Students are asked to gather for 'warm ups' at 8:45am. Thank you                                           

                      Just Leadership Day and Project Compassion Launch

Next Thursday (Feb 20), 8 Year 6 students will be attending a Just Leadership Day, led by Catherine McLeer from CARITAS. 

Our school leaders will be involved in the special Mass to celebrate the launch of Project Compassion on Sunday 23 February.

                                                    ASH WEDNESDAY

Wednesday of Week 5 (Feb 26) is Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. This is a very significant time in the Church calendar and this year Years 2-6 will be gathering with all the College students in the Mercy Centre for a simple Ash Wednesday Liturgy, led by Fr Michael and Fr Hal. Parents are welcome to join us.

SAFE PRACTICES

Our "Lollipop Supervisors" on Perth St and Lawrence St have noticed a few unsafe practices, with some parents not using the designated supervised crossings to take their child across the road. Whilst it is obviously easier to just cross the street yourself, I ask you to consider what your child is learning/ remembering from doing this. Crossings are there for a reason, as are red/ yellow flags on the beach and railings at lookouts. You will not always be with your child (they will be teenagers one day) and as a parent, I am sure that you would hope that they would be appreciative of best/ safe practices to the point that they would resist urgings from their friends. At school the students learn and discuss road safety, as well as staying safe in other places and while the majority of parents  do the "right thing" this is just a gentle reminder to others.

For those students, parents and staff who access the school from Neil St, we have been asked by the College to remind everyone concerned that the driveway off Neil St is not to be used as a thoroughfare. Pedestrian access is through the College grounds and NOT down the driveway.

Thank you for consideration with these matters.

Enjoy the rest of your week and the gentle rain,

Regards,

Judy

STUDENT PROTECTION CONTACTS

Last week, the four student protection contacts spent a day of professional development focusing on policies and procedures related to student protection.

As the posters around the school say, 'everyone has the right to feel safe'.  Whilst students can always talk to their parents, family, teachers and other trusted adults, we do have four designated student protection contacts that students can also talk to and they are:

Madonna Sleba (Principal)

Sam Hannant

Rachel Harlen

Anne Woodcroft-Brown

This information is also helpful when completing your volunteer form for the school.

SPORT UNIFORM DAYS

A reminder of days that students are able to wear their sport uniform this year.  This relates to the day their PE lesson takes place and then everyone will wear their sport uniform on a Friday.

Prep - All week

Year 1 – 1L Wednesday and Friday and 1M Thursday and Friday

Year 2 - Thursday and Friday

Year 3 - Wednesday and Friday

Year 4 - Wednesday and Friday

Year 5 - Thursday and Friday

Year 6 - Wednesday and Friday

PARKING IN PERTH STREET

Please read the signs carefully in Perth Street and be careful where you park as the bus drivers can become annoyed and do report vehicles to council and the police if you are parked in a bus zone.

PARKING IN THE TCSO CAR PARK

Please refrain from parking in front of the fire hydrants in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office Car park.  Emergency vehicles need to have access to this spot at all times.  

RESPONSIBLE USE OF ICT DOCUMENTS

Toowoomba Catholic Schools has produced two Responsible Use of ICT Agreements.  One for young students in Prep to Year 3 and one for upper primary and secondary students.  I do believe some year levels have sent these documents home in hard copy format, however these documents have now been sent home electronically.

These documents will be discussed with students at school, however it might also be a good opportunity for parents to reinforce the responsible use of ICT message at home.  

UPCOMING 2020 Sport Dates

Prep - 8 year old Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 25 March: 1pm-2.30pm @ Glennie

P-6 Swimming Lessons - 16-20 March at Glennie Aquatic Centre

P-6 Cross Country - Thursday 2 April: 9am onwards on Primary School Oval

9-12 year olds 200m&800m Athletics 1/2 day at O'Quinn St Oval - 18 June: 9am -12pm

Prep - 6 Whole School Athletics Carnival - 19 June: All Day

This week we are celebrating school libraries in Queensland. Students can enter an A4 drawing of their favourite book character to the competition organised by Queensland School Libraries Association (QSLA). Students, let your artistic flair loose on your character and bring your masterpieces to the library by 3pm next Monday 17th February.

Classes are reflecting on what they enjoy about our library during their borrowing session, Year 4 were the first to contribute their thoughts.

Stig Wemyss, well known for his narration of all the Andy Griffiths books had students from Years 4, 5 and 6 taking on humourous challenges and games during his wildly funny show on Tuesday afternoon. Stig encouraged students to use their Toowoomba Regional Libraries membership to access audio books free via the Borrow Box app. All Stig's narrated works are available for download and sudents have the steps to follow on a postcard from Stig.

What a fun week we have had in the library!

St Saviour's Primary Swimming Carnival 2020

St Saviour’s Primary Swimming Carnival was held on the 4^th of February at Glennie Aquatic Centre. Students from year three to six were involved in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly in both 50m and 25m events. The carnival concluded with a year six relay involving the four houses. All students put in a mammoth effort in both the swimming and the cheering on the day. It was a tough competition but Goretti was the overall winning house with Xavier winning the relay. Age champions for the day are listed below.  

• 9-year-old girls – Mia Casagrande, Sophia Hooper (Runner-up)
• 10-year-old girls – Emma Barram, Erin Ward (Runner-up)
• 11-year-old girls – Harper Eagleson, Lillian Cook (Runner-up)
• 11-year-old girls – Hannah Marsh, Maddison Klemm (Runner-up), Holly Robinson (Runner-up)
• 9-year-old boys – Jasper Eagleson, Taylor Wann (Runner-up)
• 10-year-old boys – Noah Sanders, Patrick Chappel
• 11-year-old boys – Dominic Seaby, James Currie (Runner-up)
• 12-year-old boys – Dominic Marsh, Conor Ward (Runner-up)

Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday the 12^th of February 2020, St Saviour’s students competed in the Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival at Glennie Aquatic Centre. These students are to be commended for the way they represented their school in swimming and behaviour on the day. Students swam their hearts out on the day and many students placed in the top four in their heats and relays.  Some of these students have been selected to participate in the Central Zone Swimming Carnival to be held on Wednesday 19^th February. 

Orienteering

Unfortunately orienteering could not start as planned due to the rain but has been rescheduled to begin next Tuesday the 18^th of February 2020 (3:15-4:15). There is one spot available if your child (year 3-6) would like to participate. If you would like your child to participate in orienteering please email Mr Luck via brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au.

Fitness Club

 Due to the rain fitness club has not been able to start this year and we thank parents for their understanding. We are hoping to kick off next Tuesday the 18^th of February 2020 (7:15am – 8am). Fitness club will run in the lead up to Peak2Park and the School Cross Country. It will run every Tuesday and Thursday until Thursday 26th March 2020. Fitness club is for students in year three to six. Mr Luck, Mrs Wagner and Mrs McHugh will be running these sessions. Please make sure your child is on time if they wish to attend, as the sessions start with stretching and a warmup which need to be completed before participating. If your child would like to attend could you please log onto Care Monkey and sign the permission form. If you have any questions, please email Mr Luck via brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au.

 Peak2Park

This year St Saviour’s will be participating in Peak2Park on Sunday 1st March 2020. The annual Peak2Park fun run/walk is organised by HALT (Healthy Active Lifestyles Toowoomba Incorporated), who are an independent not-for-profit registered committee of local people looking to encourage residents of Toowoomba and district to participate in exercise and to raise funds for local charities. The walk/run will begin at beautiful Picnic Point on the scenic rim of the Great Dividing Range and finishing at lovely Lake Annand. St Saviour’s Primary will enter in the 4km event which will start at 7.45am at the beginning of Heller Street, immediately south of Tobruk Drive. Marshalling will commence at 7:00am. Students are required to be supervised by a parent or guardian at the event and if they could wear their school sports uniform to represent the school. Cost of Peak2Park is $10 for St Saviour’s students and $20 for adults. Registrations can be completed by accessing the registration form  at https://www.peak2park.org.au/enter.aspx or by seeing Mrs Robinson at the office. If you have any questions please email myself via brendan.luck@twb.catholic.edu.au.

 Kind Regards

 Brendan Luck

PE Teacher

Catholic Schools Winning Relay Team 

Boys and Girls

Congratulations to our wonderful team of swimmers

Term 1 School Fees:

Term 1 School Fees have been emailed home yesterday.  Please check your inbox.  If you have not received your Term 1 account please contact the office.

Term 1 fees are due by Friday 6th March.  Payments can be made via eftpos/direct deposit/cash

Volunteer Register:

Please remember to return the Volunteer Register forms to the office.  This ensures that our register is up to date for 2020.

Late Arrivals:

All children who are late to school after 8.30am MUST sign in to the office and take a red late slip to class.  We have had a few children this week who have been late, but have not signed in.  Please remind your child/ren to do this to keep up to date records.  

School Photo Day:

Please date claim next MONDAY 24th February for school photos.  Information is in today's Newsletter.

Assembly Monday:

Assembly will start at 2.20pm on Monday due to the cancellation of Assembly this week due to the bad weather conditions.

School Photo Day is being held on MONDAY 24TH FEBRUARY.  This year our school photos are being taken by MSP Photography.  Tomorrow your child will receive an envelope for ordering purposes.  We do encourage orders to be placed on line, through the MSP secure online ordering portal, however ordering with cash is acceptable.  

If you do not receive an envelope please contact the office and we will arrange to get another one home to you.

SIBLING PHOTOS:

Families wishing to order sibling photos are asked to collect a SIBLING photo envelope from the office.  Instructions on how to order are on the envelope.  Sibling photos will be taken before school from 8am on photo day.  

• If ordering with cash, please ensure correct money is given, as no change can be issued.
• Please ensure that envelopes are sealed correctly.
• Envelopes need to be returned to the classroom teacher before photo day.
• Any orders placed after photo day will incur a fee

Welcome back to the school year.  Thanks to the many parents and families who were able to join us at the Welcome BBQ in Week 1.  

We invite all parents and friends to our first Parents and Friends meeting to be held next Monday 17th February in the staffroom at 6:30p.m.  

Engaging parents and families is an ongoing process.  We strive to encourage parent and family engagement in all that we do.  All families are encouraged to attend meetings and to be part of the P&F.

When parents and families engage with their child's learning, attendance increases, behaviour in school improves, homework return rates go up and, overall, children's achievement tends to improve. 

There is no set way for a school to adopt a culture of parent engagement, no one size fits all approach.  We are open to your ideas. 

Our school community thrives due to the commitment and dedication of our very generous and supportive parent community.

Year 6 2020

“With great power comes great responsibility” - Spider-Man

 This is a quote that really relates to everything we do in Year Six.  Although we have many responsibilities on our roster, we get to experience some great rewards. So far this year, we have experienced some really great things.  For example: in Week Two we had the annual SSPS Swimming Carnival.

This was a day where we, the Year Six students, led the younger grades in cheering for their houses as our friends and teammates swam in their individual races. All the newly elected house captains did an awesome job but a special well done to Holly and Dominic who lead the Goretti team to overall victory on the day!

Last Monday, the School and Vice Captains had their first assembly. This was an exciting experience for all the Year Six students as there is a LOT involved with preparing for assembly each week.  We had a fun time setting up the chairs and making the other students feel welcome.

On Friday, we went to the mass at the St Saviour’s College where the Year 12’s received their Leadership Badges at their leadership assembly for 2020.  This Mercy Mass also related to us because we are the leaders of St Saviour’s Primary, also a proud Mercy school.

Most recently, Stig a narrator came to talk to the Year Four to Six students yesterday about ‘Borrow Box’. A fantastic FREE resource.  He shared some very funny stories and we certainly could not stop laughing! We are settling into Year Six well, taking on the rewards and responsibility of being the 2020 leaders of St Saviour’s Primary.