St Ita's Primary School Drouin
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50 Victoria Street
Drouin VIC 3818
Subscribe: https://stidrouin.catholic.edu.au/subscribe

Email: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 03 5623 7222

T1 W5 2023 Newsletter

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T1 W5 2023 Newsletter

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St Ita’s Catholic Primary School acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

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    ALL STUDENTS EXITING VIA DROUIN REC RESERVE GATE

    Last Tuesday, I met with all students who exit the school at the end of the day via the Drouin Rec Reserve to access Civic Park or get picked up in the car loop.

    In line with the current child safe standards and practices, we remind all parents of the following expectations which are in place for the safety for all.

    Gates for morning drop off are open from 8.30am-8.50am. Parents entering the school site via Rec reserve gates will need to exit before the gates are locked.

    Gates for after school collection open at 3.20pm and close at 3.45pm. If you are running late for the collection of your child could you please contact school admin on 56237222.

    Any parents parking and waiting for their child/ren are expected to reverse park their car under the signage or to the left of the Fire Brigade building, and exit their car to collect their child/ren at the gate. Some children are quick to exit this gate and run to their parent’s car. This is an unsafe practice in a high traffic area, and we'd ask all parents to support us with the correct pick up and drop off procedures.

    All walkers, bike, scooter and skateboard riders walking to Civic Park are expected to wait in the shelter shed until the duty teacher collects them and escorts them through the gate. All students must walk left behind all parked cars to access the safety of the grass bank that leads to Civic Park.

    Parents using the Drouin Rec Reserve loop need to make sure that they are not pulling up and exiting their cars whilst they are in the car line.

    The speed limit within the Drouin Rec Reserve is 10km.

    We thank you for supporting all in the St Ita's learning community to keep all of our students safe in the Drouin Rec Reserve drop off and pick up zone.

    IMPORTANT PARENT NAPLAN INFORMATION

    This year NAPLAN will take place for all Grade 3 and Grade 5 students between the 15th -27th of March.

    Teachers are currently preparing their children to sit the online testing via their chromebooks at school, on the dates listed above.

    If parents or carers are aware that their child/ren will be away or absent for any part of the NAPLAN testing this year, it is important that you notify the school on (03) 5623 7222 or via email principal@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    Below is a parent information sheet that outlines the NAPLAN expectations and responsibilities of schools and parents. Please read this information sheet carefully.

    Thanks for your ongoing support in the partnership of learning at St Ita's.

    TEACHING KIDS RESPECT IN THE CLASSROOM

    We all know what it feels like to be respected (or disrespected). But what does the word respect really mean? To teach respect in the classroom we must be able to define it. We won’t bore you with dictionary definitions—they’re not particularly helpful when working with kids, anyhow. 

    Respect can be summed up this way: It’s about treating others as you would like to be treated.

    What does this actually look like in the classroom? Kids who show respect and are shown respect: 

    • Feel safe around their peers and their teacher
    • Don’t yell or talk over others
    • Listen to others even when they disagree
    • Don’t try to control others
    • Talk openly about their needs and wants
    • Admit when they’ve made a mistake
    • Freely express who they are and allow others to do the same. 

    Here are some recommendations, lesson ideas, and activities you can use to teach and encourage respect in the classroom:

    Model respect

    Children look to adults for clues about behavioural expectations. If they see their caregivers and teachers treating others with respect and compassion, they’re more likely to do the same. 

    Children are master imitators. If we expect them to always say please and thank you, then we must act as role models and do the same. 

    Start with yourself

    Too often adults make the mistake of demanding respect from children while treating children disrespectfully—for example, by shaming, lecturing, or being critical. This can happen when our “buttons get pushed” or we’re tired or frustrated. 

    Teachers and caregivers must commit to unlearning ineffective or harmful ways of responding to children, and model the respectful behaviour they expect from kids. We can train ourselves to think before we speak and choose our words carefully, knowing that children imitate what they see and hear. 

    Discuss respect with students

    Use age-appropriate language to let students know how they should treat others. Teach your children to use respectful words and phrases, like “Yes, Miss/Mrs. Smith,” and to say please and thank you. 

    Explain that respect is shown not only in their behaviour but also in their attitude toward others. Make sure kids know that it’s not okay for anyone, including adults, to use disrespectful behaviour. 

    Praise respectful behaviour

    Recognize students when they demonstrate kindness, good manners, empathy, and respect for others. This intentional acknowledgment leads to positive outcomes. 

    Imagine what happens when caregivers and school staff look for these behaviours, publicly praise students who show them, and make records of positive behaviours. Students are more likely to repeat the behaviours, resulting in a more respectful classroom environment and school culture. 

    Incorporate social-emotional learning 

    Focusing only on negative behaviours can make students feel like they are “bad” or “problem children.” Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a different approach—it uses positive discipline and deliberately emphasizes recognizing students for their positive character qualities. 

    SEL equips children with the tools they need to manage their own emotions. And when kids can keep their emotions in check, they’re better at controlling their behaviour and navigating interpersonal relationships. 

    Create a visual anchor chart

    Visual charts are a great way to communicate with kids. Create an anchor chart listing ways kids can demonstrate respect in different settings—at home, at school, and in the community. Include eye-catching images to make it more visually appealing. 

    An anchor chart is a great way to open up more nuanced conversations about how certain behaviours may be considered respectful in some situations but disrespectful in others. 

    Play games that promote taking turns

    Taking turns is part of everyday life, whether it’s standing in line, sharing resources, or listening to someone without interrupting. Learning this important social skill helps kids exercise patience and show respect for others. It’s a vital part of social development and communication. 

    Try incorporating respect games for students with clear rules about taking turns into the classroom. Also encourage kids to engage in respectful activities that involve turn-taking during recess and free time.   

    Teach the importance of self-reflection 

    There are cultural and individual variations in who we feel deserves our respect and how we show it. For example, in some cultures, it’s considered disrespectful not to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. In others, it’s perfectly acceptable to leave your shoes on.   

    Challenge students to reflect on their views about who they believe deserves respect, and under which circumstances. Here’s an exercise to try: 

    Begin by defining respect and what it looks and sounds like, so your students have a foundational understanding. Next, create some scenarios for students to consider. Ask them to decide whether they should give someone respect in each of the scenarios (have them use a signal, such as a thumbs up). 

    For example, ask students: 

    • Do you give someone respect because they are smart? Because they are talented? Why?
    • Does someone need to earn your respect, or do you give it automatically? Ask them how a person would earn it.
    • Do older people deserve more respect than younger people simply because of their age? If so, why? If not, why? 

    You might be surprised at just how different the answers are among students. This exercise is a good way for kids to reflect on their own beliefs about respect. It also helps teachers understand where students are coming from, both personally and culturally. 

    The bottom line is this: respect starts at home, and in the classroom. It lays the groundwork for positive interactions and relationships throughout a person’s life. Respect is one of the core tenets of the Honourable Character Classroom Management System. Let us make it easy, painless, and simple for you to incorporate respect into the classroom. 

    Andrew Osler

    St Ita's Principal

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    Sacrament of Reconciliation Workshop

    Sacrament of Reconciliation parent/child workshop

    Wednesday March 1stat 7:00 pm St Ita’s school hall

    OR Thursday 2nd March at 4:00 pm or 7:00 pm at the Marion Room at St Joseph's Church Warragul.   

    PARENT INFORMATION PRESENTATIONS

    Please find below a QR code and website link to 2023 Parent Information Presentations. The information presentations will help to give you an understanding of what your child is learning in the class during Term 1. Please use these links to explore what your child is learning and if you have any questions, feel free to contact your childs' classroom teacher for further information. 

     

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    Here is web link if preferred- CLICK HERE

    SCHOOL FEE CONCESSIONS

    2023 School Fees Concession Program Financial Hardship

    Eligible Centrelink Concession Card (CCC) Holder

    Information for Applicants

    Aim: To assist school families experiencing financial hardship in accessing a Catholic Primary education for their child/ren.

    Confidentiality: At all times, the dignity and privacy of those seeking a fee concession will be respected.

    Level of Concession:  School office staff can advise applicants of the concessional fee to be charged. This concessional fee is fixed annually by Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited. Approved applicants will be charged only the concessional fee which will cover all standard school fees and levies including any charges remaining for camps, sports and excursions after the application of the Camps, Sports, Excursion Fund (CSEF) benefit.

    Eligible Concession Cards:  Centrelink issues a number of concession cards for a variety of reasons. Some cards have a generous or no income test and therefore holders of these cards are ineligible for a fee concession under Category One. Only CCC’s that are eligible for CSEF are eligible for the School Fees Concession Program. 

    The following CCC’s are the most common cards that are eligible for CSEF. The CCC type is specified as a two or three letter code printed on the concession card.

    • YA or YAL – Youth Allowance
    • PPS – Parenting Payment Single
    • PPP – Parenting Payment Partnered
    • DSP – Disability Support Pension
    • NSA – New Start Allowance
    • LI – Low Income
    • FA – Family Tax Benefit
    • SA or SKA - Sickness Allowance
    • CAR - Carer Allowance
    • ABA or ABY - Schooling Applicant
    • AGE - Age Pension
    • AUS - Austudy
    • HCC - Health Care Card
    • PTA - Partnered Allowance
    • SPL - Special Benefit
    • WID or WFD or WFA – Widow Allowance/Pension
    • The CCC must be issued in the name of the fee payer and list the students for which the concession is to be applied.
    • The expiry date of the card must be on or after 1 January of the year (2023) for which the concession is to be applied.
    • If an eligible concession card expires after the start of the year, the concessional fee rate will still be applied for the entire year.
    • If a family becomes eligible during the course of a school year, then a pro-rata concession may be granted.

    Lodgement of Application: Applications for 2023 close on Friday 23rd June 2023, please lodge your application immediately for your card to be checked and a pro-rata concession to be applied if applicable.

    The following application forms must be completed and are available from the school office:

    • Complete the school’s application form & the Direct Debit Request (DDR) Service Agreement (or Centrepay application form)
    • Submit the completed forms and present a valid CCC for verifying and copying.
    • Complete and return the CSEF application form immediately after receiving it from the school.

    Important Notes:

    • The concession is automatic for a parent/guardian responsible for the school fees, who holds an eligible CCC.
    • Any offer of a concession is subject to the applicant entering into a DDR Service Agreement or CentrePay arrangement for a regular payment plan of remaining fees (either weekly or fortnightly payments preferred). Any default in payment may result in the concession being withdrawn.
    • The Direct Debit form is available from the school office or alternatively the CentrePay application form is available online at https://www.humanservices.gov.au/customer/forms/sa325.
    • A CSEF application must be submitted for a concession to be granted.
    • A new application must be made for each school year.
    • Where the fee account is split, the concession applies to only that portion payable by the eligible card holder.
    • All families requesting, or receiving, a fee concession must notify the school should their financial circumstances change sufficiently to affect the level of concession offered or if cards are cancelled.

    Please complete the below concession request forms and return to admin together with a copy of your valid concession card before Friday 23rd June 2023.

    CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE

    Eligibility:

    An application on behalf of a student may be submitted if the student is:

    • a Victorian resident;
    • school aged and enrolled (3) three or more days per week at a school; and

    A student who meets the above requirements may be eligible if they:

    • attend their nearest appropriate non-government school/campus
    • reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from the school attended

    Note: Eligibility is assessed when the School completes your child’s application on the Student Conveyance Allowance System

    (SCAS). If approved, the allowance payable is based on the one-way distance to make the journey to and from school.

    If you are eligible and wish to apply for this allowance, please click the link to the Conveyance Allowance Application Form, which must be printed and completed and returned to the school office by Friday 10th March, 2023. Late claims cannot be accepted.

     

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    Teacher: Mrs Catherine McKenna

    Email: cmckenna@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    LIBRARY NEWS

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    It is great to see so many enthusiastic students coming into our library each week to borrow books.

    Many students know exactly what they want to borrow each week and some students browse, however they are not sure what they want to read next.

    I love connecting with students over books and reading but I also love the challenge of finding the right book for your students. To further help our students, having time to discover what they enjoy is a journey and they too need to be open in trying new books. As they read more their interests will develop over time.

    I invite you to open our St Ita’s Library Homepage. This is our online catalogue that is available to the students to borrow at school. You are welcome to browse with your child through the books at home. Search different genres, topics and themes. To assist them in remembering books they would like to borrow, jot down the title and call number too.

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    Art Teacher: Robyn Leary     

    Email:  rleary@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    ART ROOM NEWS

    Hi Everyone, 

    The room is now in full swing, with all students learning about different pop artists. 

    We are focusing on the elements of line, shape and colour as well as the principles of pattern and emphasis. 

    We are learning about all different colours, what their names are as a group and how they can be made. 

    Students are working towards an exhibition in the middle of the year.

    Along with classes, art club has started up for juniors on a Monday at lunch time. Ten students have been chosen and they are looking forward to painting on their very own canvas. 

    Here is some art work reflecting some of Keith Haring’s designs. You will see these up all around the school. 

    Enjoy your week and stay creative!! 

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    SPORTS NEWS

    Sports Teacher/Co-Ordinator: Hayley Roberts     

    Email:  hroberts@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au       

    IMPORTANT DATES 2023

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    Grade 3-6 athletics carnival - Friday 10th March

    Grade 1 and 2 will have an AFL incursion on Friday 17th March. It will run for 40 mins per class on the bottom oval.

    Whole school cross country - Friday 31st March

    DIVISIONAL SWIMMING

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    Wellbeing Team Leaders:  Caitlin Noonan & Tyler Attwell

    Email: cnoonan@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au tattwell@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING

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    Helping your child develop a Growth Mindset takes time, consistency and patience.  Your child will often require support to deal with failure and setbacks as they develop Growth Mindset strategies.  There are some simple changes that we as parents can make in the way that we praise and congratulate our children that will assist with this process.

    Talent Praise versus Effort Praise

    Most parents know and appreciate the role that positive reinforcement has on their child’s mood and self-esteem.  To be told that they did well at something immediately lifts their shoulders and makes the child feel “on top of the world”. 

    The way that we praise our children can assist in the development of a Growth Mindset.  “Talent Praise” is where we praise the skill that the child is good at.

    • Well Done! You’re a natural at that.
    • Amazing! You’re the best reader.
    • WOW! You got the best score in the class.

    Talent Praise can lead children to believe that they are only good at the area in which they are “talented”.  In turn, they may not challenge themselves in other areas because they don’t believe that they will ever be good in the other areas.

    On the other hand, we have “Effort Praise”.  Using Effort Praise acknowledges the process that the child went through to get a result:

    • Well Done.! I loved how hard you worked at that.
    • Amazing! I noticed how hard you’ve been practicing.
    • Wow! Was there something that you found difficult as you completed this task?
    • What do you like best about your work?

    Effort Praise helps students to develop resilience and persistence through the process of completing a task.  It helps children to see the value of practicing skills and encourages them to reflect on these skills.

    Making simple changes to the way we praise our children’s efforts, will assist the development of their Growth Mindset and lead to students who are more willing to have a go at things that are hard or challenging.

    If you would like any further support with this, please get in touch.

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    CAMP AUSTRALIA

    Camp Australia Co-Ordinator: Carmelina De Cesari

    Contact Number: 1300 105 343

    Website: www.campaustralia.com.au

    PARISH NEWS

    Very human God!

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    Rightly we are in awe of Jesus the Christ. As Peter did, we call him Lord and God but sometimes we forget his uniqueness as both man and God.

    Jesus lived on earth as an ordinary man with ordinary feelings. That was the whole point of his incarnation.  How he must have dreaded the torture and crucifixion that was the inevitable end of his journey! He would have been less than human if he wasn't fearful of the pain and suffering. It is in knowing that and stepping up for us nonetheless that the fullness of Jesus love for us is revealed.

    In the Transfiguration event, Jesus shines with bright rays of light, Old Testament prophets appear next to him and God the Father speaks.  For Jesus the Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-9) is the Father's affirmation of him in his mission. Peter, James and John must have been already aware of Jesus’ special nature. These three leaders among the apostles have been especially chosen to witness this astounding event. Though the experience is overwhelming and discombobulating at the time, it is a glimpse of Jesus' glory and divine assurance that, though bad times are coming, they need to stand up and be unafraid. Much more will be revealed to them along the journey of Jesus’ mission, his death and resurrection, and, remembering this experience, eventually they will understand the Creator’s unbounded love. 

    Jesus calls us too, to stand tall and be unafraid. The circumstances of our world, our country, our parish, our families are challenging. Making compassionate, faithful Christian decisions is difficult and we are tempted to demand that God make it all right - now! Instead though, we find the strength, through prayer and through His Word and sacraments, to focus on Jesus, and wait.

    Deacon Mark Kelly

    2023 SACRAMENT DATES - RECONCILIATION
    Parent/Child Workshop 1:
    Drouin: Wednesday 1st March 7pm
    Warragul: Thursday 2nd March 4pm & 7pm
    Parent/Child Workshop 2:
    Drouin: Wednesday 15th March 7pm
    Warragul: Thursday 16th March 4pm & 7pm
    SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:
    Drouin: Wednesday 29th March, 7pm
    Warragul: Thursday 30th March, 7pm
    Commitment Masses:
    Drouin: 19th & 26th February 10.30am
    Warragul:18th & 19th February 7pm & 9am

    PARISH SACRAMENT ENQUIRIES

    Phone: (03) 5623 1642 Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

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    Check out our Catholic Parishes of Warragul & Drouin Facebook presence.

    PUBLIC NOTICES

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    IRISH DANCING LESSONS

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    PIANO & SINGING LESSONS

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