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Message - Religious Education Leader
Dear Families
The restrictions are thankfully easing but as we predicted, slowly and cautiously. The teachers have worked strategically to ease the students back into routines and expectations – so crucial for authentic learning to happen. We must acknowledge the very challenging time for families when a lockdown occurs, particularly with remote learning. We are immensely grateful for the effort that goes into the learning that happens at home.
Victorians are recognised for the hard slog when it comes to lockdowns, having been through four significant sets of COVID restrictions. Everyone experiences these tough periods in different ways but what really seems to be the antidote or ingredient that helps get people through is the ability to take the anger and frustration, think it over, pray it over and turn it into positive action. The time and energy you spend on supporting your children through remote learning at home is a great example of the positive action.
Kind regards
Andrew McDermott
Religious Education Leader
Confirmation Retreat
I had the privilege of engaging with the Confirmation candidates this week. I found them to be a very intelligent and mature group of young people. They were open to deep discussion and new ideas and made some profound connections in the matters of faith and their world. I felt enriched from this experience and I hope they did too.
We explored mindfulness and how it can enrich their prayer experience and life in general. Mindfulness in its essence means ‘being present in the moment’. How often, for instance, do we say the Sign of the Cross and not actually take in the words we are saying? Mindfulness is the opposite of being in auto-pilot and allows us to be more aware and tuned in to the present moment. How much better does a Tim Tam taste when you are present to the sensation and flavours? How much more enjoyment is had when you are listening intently to how the instruments contribute to the rhythm and melody of a song? And how much better is your relationship with a friend when you listen deeply within a conversation?
We explored art forms and how humans have found this to be a great expression of faith and an inspiration for others – art forms that are inspired by God that include visual art, movies and music and of course writing e.g. the bible!
Sister Julie imparted her wisdom and spoke to the candidates about the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit will play a big part of their lives as long as they are able to accept and use the gifts that He brings. The students saw that the gift of ‘courage’ is particularly needed during this time of a world pandemic. This insight came from them and showed how deeply they thought about the connection between faith and living in today’s world.
Thanks to Father Denis for providing Reconciliation for the candidates and to Sister Julie for sharing her gift of knowledge. Thank you to Sarah Naughton and Nathan Carey for taking the time away from their classrooms and supporting this special day and for what they brought to the discussion too. Thanks to Nicola Saunders for organising the pizza lunch (a special treat for a special day!) And most of all, thanks to the candidates for their participation and response to the immersions.
The Confirmation Retreat is only a small part of the candidates’ preparation but it was something I appreciated immensely. Holy Spirit is finding a home in these young people!
.
Basketball court cover
The plans for our court cover are moving forward. During the school holidays the footings will be placed in. Then in mid-late August the basketball courts will be temporarily fenced off for 2 weeks while the frame and cover are installed. We hope to have shelter for rain and sun by the end of August!
Parent Notified Absences (PAM)
Parents should notify the school of any absence by 9.00am. This can be done via PAM or alternatively by contacting the school by phone.
GR 5/6 CAMP - IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Gr 5/6 parents, please ensure that the medical and the school activity form is completed in PAM. Please note that the forms MUST be completed in PAM to enable your child to attend camp.
To find the camp permission form in PAM - click on the photo/name of your child. Then use the menu on left and click on school activities and complete as required.
Holidays
If families are wanting to take a holiday during term time a holiday request form must be completed and emailed to principal@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au. Forms are available online via PAM or on request can be emailed.
Uniform Reminders
Winter Uniform will be required to be worn from Term 2. Uniforms can be purchased from PSW located in Hampton Park.
NB: We have a number of unnamed items in lost property. Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be returned to your child if handed to lost property.
Illness
Dear Parents
If your child is unwell, has a fever or has been vomiting or have had gastroenteritis, they must stay at home until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
If they are not completely symptom free eg: runny nose, cough they wil need a medical certificate to confirm they have recovered and are not contagious in order to attend school.
Change of Clothing (Foundation – Junior students)
Accidents happen, from muddy puddles to tummy troubles; there may come a time when your child needs a change of clothes. Please ensure your child has a spare set of clothing in
their bags at all times in the event they are needed.
Important Wet Weather Pickup Information
Dear Parents
As the winter weather continues we have refined the rain pick up procedure.
Walking School bus - unchanged - parents should make sure children have rain jacket/umbrella.
Car pick up - all cars come through the school side (single line) and children will be escorted by staff with umbrella to car.
Walk home without parent - unchanged - released from classroom and walk as normal
Front gate/Basketball meet/pick up - parent to meet at the exit door to the community of the YOUNGEST child. Older children will be released from their classes to meet parent at the exit door for the youngest child.
Jericho (3/4 WSI, CGO, TDE & EOK) exit point Foundation room door facing basketball court
Bethlehem (Foundation) exit point - doors nearest orange slide - Mrs Perera and Ms Cannizarro
Ephesus (3/4 CC, MWA, MWH, SCL) exit point - door closest to oval (near toilets)
Bethany (5/6) exit point - down stairs near the Japanese/Performing Arts rooms
Galilee (1/2 CKU, CPA, GPO) exit point - door near staffroom (on admin building)
Jerusalem (1/2 MSA, MSL & JMA) exit point - door near flying fox
Damascus (1/2 SBR, CPO, APA & EST) doors near playground at portable end
If this wet weather arrangement is in place, staff will be outside to inform parents to collect from the youngest student's community. We will also attempt to inform parents via email in the hour before pick up if the forecast is bad.
Please note that children picked up by car will need to be under shelter, under the bridge and in the Bethlehem foyer so parents cannot wait in those areas.
Kind regards,
Kate
TERM 2 DATES
Friday June 18 | Harmony Day |
Monday June 21 | Gr5/6 Senior Camp |
Tuesday June 22 | Gr5/6 Senior Camp |
Wednesday June 23 | Gr5/6 Senior Camp |
Thursday June 24 | Last day of Term |
Friday June 25 |
School Closure Day School Term 2 Ends |
Monday July 12 | Term 3 begins |
Bread Bag and Tag Recycling Program
Our school is participating in a bread bag and tag recycling program. Every bread bag and tag that is collected and brought into the office by July 16th will be used to purchase new sporting equipment for our school. The bread bags and tags can be any brand and can be dropped off in the boxes located in the office.