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 W6 2023 Newsletter

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T1 W6 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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    THE EXPECTATION OF RESPECT FOR ALL IN OUR SCHOOL

    One thing I have learnt over my educational journey is that good teachers understand that a culture of mutual trust and respect supports effective relationships in the classroom.

    Culture is the characteristic and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music and arts. Respect denotes both a positive feeling of esteem for a person and also specific actions and conducts representative of that esteem. Respect can be defined as allowing yourself and others to do and be their best.

    It is a common goal of any school to create a mutually respectful atmosphere between all individuals involved within our school, including administrators, teachers, staff members, students, parents, & visitors.

    As such, all entities are expected to remain respectful to each other at all times. Students and teachers especially are expected to greet each other with kind words, and student/teacher exchanges should be friendly, in an appropriate tone, and remain respectable. The majority of student/teacher interactions should be positive.

    Respect is often discussed, but more importantly, is modelled daily by teachers in the classroom, out on the yard duty and through daily interactions. Students will not thrive in an environment where this does not happen.

    Mutual respect in the classroom encompasses more than the interaction between students and teacher. When there is an atmosphere of mutual respect it means that students also treat each other properly. The result is a classroom where more learning takes place as students feel safe, motivated and, of course, respected. Achieving this atmosphere takes considerable effort on the part of the teacher as well as the students. Once established, however, students will usually work to maintain a positive classroom environment.

    My expectation on all teachers at St Ita’s is that they have one basic rule in their classroom – RESPECT FOR ALL. Students are expected to respect their teacher, each other, themselves, their work, and their property. This also clearly outlines to students what they can expect from their teacher as well.

    It is the responsibility of both Parents and Teachers to educate children about respect, why it is important and what it looks like. Teachers discuss with their class the language that makes them feel respected and disrespected. Teachers reinforce in students the idea that respect is something that everyone wants and is capable of giving to others.

    Inline with our Whole School Approach to Positive Behavoirs, the expectation is that all teachers, students and parents model respectful behaviour at all times.

    We are currently in the process of participating in the DOSCEL School Renewal which runs over a 3 day period. The opportunity to participate in school review enables us to improve the performance of our school through a process of self-assessment, benchmarking, critical reflection, forward planning and external peer review.

    OUR NEW SCHOOL GATES AT REC RESERVE

    The gates at the Rec Reserve are back up and operating.  The installation of new gates are due to an incident last week involving a car in the rec reserve grounds. We thank all parents for their patience and understanding whilst we worked through this interruption to drop off and pick up. A reminder that all parents parking and waiting for their child/ren must leave their car and collect your child/ren at the main double gates.

    BUILDING STRONG PARENT-SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS AT A SCHOOL LEVEL

    At St Ita’s we understand that as a parent you are the first, and foremost educators of your child. You know your child better than anyone else does. The expectation of all our staff, is that we build healthy respectful relationships with all students as part of our Whole School Approach to Positive behaviours.

    When things happen at school and your child comes home feeling upset, disconnected, misunderstood, angry or sad. It is human nature to want to support them. For this very reason it’s really important that the child’s teacher is always the first point of contact. Often kids put their own perspective on academic, social or emotional issues that relate to them, which can have significant impacts on their schooling.

    When you have a strong and respectful relationship with your child’s school and teachers, you’re in a good position to give them information to help your child get the most out of their education. You and your child’s teachers can work together to support your child’s learning and wellbeing.

    When everybody is working together in the best interests of your child, your child is likely to reap academic and social benefits, like:

    • regular school attendance
    • positive school results
    • a positive attitude towards school
    • good social and relationship skills
    • a sense of wellbeing
    • school completion
    • progression to post-secondary education like TAFE, university or an apprenticeship.

    You can help your child get the most out of school by communicating and building relationships with teachers, other parents and students from the very first day. This is better than having contact with your child’s school only when there’s a problem, either at school or in your family.

    How you can help build a strong parent - school relationships

    You can build a parent-school relationship in several ways:

    • Say hello to teachers and other staff at school pick-up and drop-off times.
    • Ask teachers for information or feedback about your child, and share your child’s special events or achievements outside school.
    • Go to parent-teacher interviews and parent meetings.
    • Check the school website, alerts and emails regularly.
    • Be involved and help out in the school community in whatever ways you can.
    • Go to school performances, school barbecues, events, school functions and parent webinars.

    Not all parents can be involved in school as much as they’d like, but you can still let your child know that school is important to your family. Talking about school with your child, and being positive about the school and its staff sends the message that you value education and are interested in what’s happening for your child at school.

    Parent-teacher interviews

    Parent-teacher interviews at primary school  are one of the main ways that many parents find out how their child’s education is going. Interviews can be a great way of getting all the important people – you, the teacher and your child – talking together.

    It’s important for the teacher and school to know about anything that’s affecting your child’s wellbeing. For example, your child might have a health condition, you might be concerned about bullying, or there might have been a change in your family, like a death, separation or divorce.

    Getting involved at primary school

    There are often many opportunities to be involved in primary schools, because they tend to be smaller than secondary schools. You can get involved at your child’s primary school by:

    • volunteering – for example, helping with classroom activities like reading groups or excursions or in the school canteen
    • attending parent groups or committees – for example, school councils, parents and citizens committees, or building and maintenance sub-committees
    • working on school fundraisers and events – for example, school fairs and raffles
    • doing social activities with other parents and families
    • helping with after-school clubs like chess, or coaching school sports teams
    • attending events like assemblies, concerts and Book Week parades.

    Changing relationships as your child grows
    Your child will start developing more independence, which might affect the way you communicate and connect with your child’s school. You’ll probably have less physical involvement with the school. And your child might be able to take more responsibility for communicating with their teachers.

    Even if you’re less involved with the school, you can keep creating a supportive environment for education at home. This might involve simply talking about schoolwork with your child, discussing your child’s plans and ambitions, or talking through the links between your child’s schoolwork and future goals.

    A great conversation starter for parents linked to your child’s schooling is to play the “Name it Game.” It’s a good game to play at the end of day pick up or a conversation maker at the dinner table.

    NAME IT GAME

    Rules (work around the participants in a clockwise motion)

    3 positive things that happened to you today

    3 things to be grateful for

    3 things that made you smile

    Andrew Osler

    St Ita's Principal

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    SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION WORKSHOP 2

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    Wednesday March 15th at 7:00 pm in the Gr 3/4 classroom enter via the Church/Hall path.  

    OR

    Thursday 16th March at 4:00 pm or 7:00 pm at the Marion Room at St Joseph's Church Warragul.   

    MINI VINNIES FUNDRAISER

    For the earthquake survivors in Turkey and Syria

    As a Catholic School and because we follow in Jesus’ footsteps to be Christ like, we are going to hold a green free dress day on Friday 17th March - St Patrick’s Day                             

    • Cost is a gold coin donation.
    • Money raised will go towards providing support for the people affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
    • The money will provide hygiene health kits which have soap, water bottles, water purification tablets, tooth paste and washing powder.
    • We also hope to provide education tents and recreational kits for children.

    As the Gospel of Mark promotes the ideal to give selflessly and serve others.

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    LAST DAY OF TERM 1

    A reminder to all families that the last day of term 1 will be Thursday 6th April, with an early finish time of 2.20pm.  On this day we will be having a whole school liturgy in the church at 11.30am to celebrate the Stations of the Cross, which will be presented by our Grade 6 students. This will be followed by a short assembly.  Parents who would like to take their children home after the assembly are welcome to do so, please ensure that you Dojo your childs teacher to let them know they will be leaving early.

    IMPORTANT DATES

    Thursday 6th April 2023 - Last day of Term 1, 2.20pm finish

    Monday 24th April 2023 - School Closure Day - no students on site

    Tuesday 16th May 2023 - RE Closure Day - no students on site

    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

    It is great to see so many enthusiastic students coming into our library each week!

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    Australian Reading Hour has a short and sweet message: read, share, and enjoy books!

    We’re asking all Australians across the nation to spend an hour on the day reading and sharing the stories they love with others. 

    WHEN TO READ

    Choose any hour that suits you! Australian Reading Hour is about taking some time out to unwind and escape into a book, and you can take part at any time on the day.

    We invite you to:

    • Read something new or revisit an old favourite!
    • Share the experience of the book with others – chat about what you’re reading in your community, your school, with your family and friends. #ARH23
    • Enjoy the wellbeing benefits that come with reading. Did you know reading reduces stress by up to 68%? 

    Share you family reading photos with us too at…..

    cmckenna@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

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    Story Box Library

    Just a reminder to parents and new families that we have a subscription to Story Box Library. There is a link to the website below, or you can download the app. I encourage you to try it out.

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    Audiobooks

    If your child isn’t into reading, or if they haven’t found the genre that they love yet, get them listening to audio books. Also known as ear-reading, it’s a great way for our students to explore and develop a love of story. I use the app BorrowBox which is free through the Local Community Library-Myli.

    Scholastic Book Club

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    Book Club Issue 2 - CLICK HERE

    Orders close Thursday 23rd March for free delivery back to school. 

    You also have the home delivery option with an addition fee of $7.50

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    SPORTS NEWS

    Sports Teacher/Co-Ordinator: Hayley Roberts     

    Email:  hroberts@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au       

    RUNNING CLUB

    Well done to everyone who came to running club on this chilly Wednesday morning! 

    This weeks' superstar runners were Indi, Summer, Riley and Chase. 

     

    So far this Term the students of St Ita’s have run:

    Blue house: 6.3km

    Gold: 5.5km

    Green & Red: 5.25km

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    SWIMMING CARNIVAL RESULTS

    Very happy blue house captains with the trophy after the senior swimming carnival 

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    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

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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

    Ways to help foster a Growth Mindset

    Making Mistakes

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    Mistakes are a frustrating part of life.  They take up our time, patience and quite often, our resources.  They can make us feel angry, frustrated, and have us questioning our ability or feeling less than worthy.  Mistakes are, however, an integral part of being human.  No matter how they make us feel, mistakes are an important process in the human brain.

    Mistakes are things that show us where we require more practice in an area.  If you make a mistake, you often look at what you did, where you went wrong with the process and what you need to do to rectify it.  Then you practice again.  You may make more mistakes.  So, you practice again.  Eventually you will master the skill and mistakes will happen less and less.

    In short, our brains need mistakes to grow and improve processes.

    In our classrooms, learning mistakes are celebrated. We explicitly identify that mistakes are a part of learning and help us to see what we need to continue working on.

    At home, you can help change the perception of mistakes by making mistakes yourself and modelling a positive reaction to them.  Showing perseverance for the task also shows your children your Growth Mindset and resilience, which is one of our WSAPB values.

    Here are some great picture story books to help your children identify mistakes as a part of the learning process:

    The Girl who Never made mistakes

    by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

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    The Most Magnificent Thing

    by Ashley Spires

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    The Beautiful Oops

    by Barney Seltzberg

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    PARISH NEWS

    Be Careful - Don't Break Boundaries

     

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    Just so typical of Jesus!

    He doesn't understand how to work the media, how to grease palms and hit on the rich and influential. If he wants to build a political constituency, he should be smooching with the civic and religious leaders. Certainly not mixing with unimportant sinners, non-Jews and undesirable people!

    Instead, this week’s gospel (Jn 4:5-42) records the longest conversation he has with anyone and is it someone of importance, like the chief priest or the governor? No, it is with a woman! And not just any woman but a Samaritan woman, and not just a Samaritan woman but one of pretty questionable moral circumstances. And he knows just exactly who he is dealing with but, it seems like he doesn't care that she is the lowest of the low!

    His Good News message is intended for women as for men. He promotes relationships based on the fact that everyone, woman or man, is created and loved by God who accepts them in his reign with equal dignity as his sons and daughters. 

    Instead of condemning the Samaritan woman for the errors of her ways he patiently invites, challenges and affirms her. It seems his message must be for everyone, not just Jews or males or people with the “right stuff”. Maybe he really doesn't care about my failings either, about whether I am male or female, or Aussie or Afghan, or one of the in-crowd or a loner, or saintly or a sinner.

    Maybe he is concerned only for what my future can be. Maybe he knows about my spiritual thirst too. If I'm not careful he'll convert me and I'll be out of my comfort zone, my safe space. I'll end up out there proclaiming and teaching others about Jesus too. And we wouldn't want that - would we?

    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.

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    CAMP AUSTRALIA

    Camp Australia Co-Ordinator: Carmelina De Cesari

    Contact Number: 1300 105 343

    Website: www.campaustralia.com.au

    PUBLIC NOTICES

    DUSTIES DISCO

    MOE/NEWBOROUGH DODGERS BASEBALL

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    IRISH DANCING LESSONS

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    PIANO & SINGING LESSONS

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