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

T4 W5 2023 Newsletter

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T4 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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    FRONT OF SCHOOL FACE LIFT

    Thank you to our Parents & Friends committee who co-ordinated the beautiful face lift our Admin/Victoria St entrance received earlier this week. They’ve weeded and removed all the old plants, planted out the boarder with new plants and bark chipped all the garden beds. It looks absolutely fantastic and our learning community is so appreciative of your efforts. 

    ADMIN CAR LINE PICK UP AND DROP OFF SAFETY

    In the interest of child safety for all, can all parents using the Admin drop off and pick up please refrain from doing a right hand turn into the school driveway, cutting in front of cars already lined up. We have had several close calls of accidents and numerous parent complaints.

    If there is a queue of cars lined up please go down the hill and come back up the hill to join those waiting to enter the school. We also ask children exiting cars to walk behind their car not in front of it, and the speed limit is 10kph. We thank you for your patience and making St Ita’s a child safe zone.

    HOW TO BUILD EMPATHY AND STRENGTHEN YOUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

    Empathy is a key part of being a responsible and helpful community member at school and elsewhere. For example, young people who show empathy are less likely to bully. Empathy can also be a route to academic and career success, because it helps people understand and work with others.

    Although it doesn’t necessarily take a lot of work to build empathy, it does take attention and commitment — but it’s worth it for students, educators, and the school community. Studies show that when young people have empathy, they display:

    • More classroom engagement
    • Higher academic achievement
    • Better communication skills
    • Lower likelihood of bullying
    • Less aggressive behaviours and emotional disorders
    • More positive relationships

    Understanding empathy

    The word empathy is used a lot, but what does it really mean? Empathy is a concerned response to another person’s feelings. It involves thinking, feeling, and even a physical reaction that our bodies have to other people when we relate to how they feel. To have empathy, we have to notice and understand others’ feelings, but that isn’t enough. We also need to care about and value them. Con men and torturers are very good at taking others’ perspectives, but they don’t have empathy for them.

    Building empathy

    Children and teenagers naturally have the capacity for empathy, but that doesn’t mean they develop it on their own. They learn how to notice, listen, and care by watching and listening to adults and peers, and they take cues from these people about why empathy is important. All school adults – teachers, eso’s, cafeteria workers, administrators, and others – play a role in helping students develop and display empathy.

    One role school adults can play is helping students expand their circle of concern. People are inclined to feel more empathy for those who are similar to them or in close proximity to them. But when it comes to building a school community and developing caring students, that’s not enough. In strong school communities, students (and adults) have empathy for everyone – including those who are different in background, beliefs, or other ways. When educators show that they care about everyone in the school community and expect students to do the same, it can help students open their eyes and ears to others, including those who are sometimes treated as invisible.

    Another important role is encouraging students to take the leap from having empathy to acting on it. Too often, we assume that young people will automatically know what to do when they feel concern for a peer or an adult, and then do it. But we all sometimes fall into the empathy-action gap, when we care about a person or cause but don’t do anything to help. Educators can help young people overcome this gap by modelling and encouraging them to take action, whether it’s standing up for someone who is teased, helping to solve a problem, or simply listening to someone who is feeling down.

    Barriers to empathy

    Even with this kind of encouragement, some things can get in the way of noticing others, feeling empathy, and acting on that empathy. These barriers include feeling different or distant from another person. They also include feeling overwhelmed or distressed by concern for another person, because that can make it hard to act.

    To help prevent and overcome these and other barriers, educators can help students;

    • Notice and reject stereotypes
    • Respect and value differences
    • Widen their circle of concern
    • Listen closely to peers and adults
    • Manage difficult feelings like sadness, anger, and frustration
    • Navigate social situations ethically and fairly

    FIVE ESSENTIAL STEPS FOR TEACHING EMPATHY AT SCHOOL

    1. MODEL EMPATHY

    When frustrated with students, pause and take a deep breath and try to see the situation from their perspective before responding.

    When a student is upset, reflect back their feelings or the rationale for their behaviour before redirecting the behaviour.

    Be aware of students’ non-verbal cues and follow up on them. For example, if a student is slumping in their chair and appearing withdrawn or angry, say something like “I noticed that you are quieter than usual today. Is something bothering you?” rather than immediately reprimanding them.

    Ask for students’ input when appropriate and feasible (for example, when establishing classroom rules or generating ideas for group projects) – and really listen. Find opportunities to incorporate their feedback and respond to their needs.

    1. TEACH WHAT EMPATHY IS AND WHY IT MATTERS

    Clearly explain that empathy means understanding and caring about another person’s feelings and taking action to help. Explain how it improves the classroom and school community.

    Stress the importance of noticing and having empathy for people beyond immediate friends, including those who are different or who are too often invisible.

    Give examples of how to act on empathy, such as helping, showing kindness, or even simply listening.

    1. PRACTICE

    Create opportunities to practice taking another’s perspective and imagining what others are thinking. Play charades and do role plays, read and discuss books, and use “what would you do” style vignettes or case studies.

    Name the barriers to empathy, like stereotypes, stress, or fears of social consequences for helping an unpopular peer. Share specific strategies to overcome them. For example, encourage students to privately offer kind and supportive words to a student who was bullied.

    Foster emotional and social skills, like dealing with anger and frustration and solving conflicts. Use an evidence-based social and emotional learning (SEL) program and teach specific routines for calming down and resolving disputes. Use advisories and guidance counselling to develop social and ethical skills.

    1. SET CLEAR ETHICAL EXPECTATIONS

    Be clear that you expect students to care about one another and the entire school community. Don’t just put it in the mission statement or on a poster – talk about it, model it, praise it, and hold students to it.

    Do an exercise with students to help them reflect on who is inside and outside their circle. Discuss why and how they can expand the circle of who they care about.

    Establish specific guidelines for unacceptable language and behaviours. Ban slurs or hurtful language like “that’s retarded” or “he’s so gay,” even when said ironically or in jest — and step in if you hear them. Encourage students to think about why these words can be hurtful. Enlisting students in establishing rules and holding each other accountable is really important. Also operating restorative justice practices and peer mediation when conflicts arise is a great support for children.

    1. MAKE SCHOOL CULTURE AND CLIMATE A PRIORITY

    Collect data from students and staff at least once a year about whether they feel safe, respected, and cared about at school. Take time to examine the data and make efforts to address problem areas identified by students and staff.  Avoid over-emphasizing comparative evaluation, getting ahead by beating others, or other pressures that can erode trust and undermine empathy.

    Andrew Osler

    St Ita's Principal

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    IMPORTANT DATES

    Friday 3rd November - Junior Athletics

    Monday 6th & Tuesday 7th November - School Closure Day & Melbourne Cup

    Friday 10th November - Daniels Donuts Orders must be completed

    Saturday 11th November - Eucharist Teaching Mass 2 (Focus - Liturgy of Eucharist) - 7pm @ Warragul

    Sunday 12th November - Eucharist Teaching Mass 2 (Focus - Liturgy of Eucharist) - 9am @ Warragul

    Sunday 12th November - Eucharist Teaching Mass 2 (Focus - Liturgy of Eucharist) - 10.30am @ Drouin

    School Colour Fun Run - Friday 17th November (This aligns with Rainbows for Rose)

    Christmas Concert - Monday 27th November commencing 5.30pm

    Wednesday 29th November – Parents & Friends Meeting

    Sunday 3rd December – First Holy Communion

    Tuesday 5th December – Grade 6 Graduation Mass & Dinner

    Wednesday 6th December – Board Meeting

    Thursday 7th December – Grade 6 Celebration Day - Gumbuya World

    Friday 8th December – Triathlon

    Sunday 10th December – First Holy Communion

    11th December – Kinect2Dance Concert

    12th December – Statewide Orientation Day

    15th December – Final Day of School Concludes 3.20pm

    DANIEL'S DONUTS FUNDRAISER

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    CHRISTMAS CONCERT

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    IMPORTANT DATES 2024 FOUNDATION ENROLMENTS

    STORYTIME SESSIONS

    Friday 10th November - Session One 9.15am - 9.55am (40mins) 

    Friday 10th November - Session Two 11.30am - 12.10pm (40mins)

    Thursday 16th November - Session One 9.15am - 9.55am (40mins)

    Thursday 16th November - Session Two 11.30am - 12.10pm (40mins)

    Storytime has been introduced to our transition program to give an opportunity for kindergarten children to visit our school in a less formal environment than the classroom. The children will listen to a story read by our Foundation teachers and participate in an activity conducted in the Foundation classrooms. In doing this, children will be able to familiarise themselves with our school environment and begin to make connections with school staff and other children with whom they may be working with the following year.

    You will be offered the opportunity to book your child into a maximum of two of the four sessions offered over the two days, with 34 places in each session this will allow each child to attend one session each day, please ensure you only select one session per day for your child.  All sessions are optional, and you only need to book as many sessions as you think your child will be comfortable with.

    How to book: Please click the link below to book your child a session.

    https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code/6dhsy

    If you experience any difficulties booking your preferred session, please contact the office. Phone (03) 5623 7222 or via email: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

    Friday, 17th November 2023 – 9.30am – 10.45am (Parent only)

    The Parent Information Session will run for approximately an hour and will take place in the Multi-purpose Hall. At this session you will be informed of general daily routines, school start dates, uniforms, and general useful day to day information. It is recommended that all families new to the school in 2024 attend this session, the information provided will assist all families with understanding the daily operations of our school.  There will also be a short question and answer session if you still have some unanswered questions after this session. 

    TRANSITION/ORIENTATION SESSIONS

    Friday, 1st December 2023 - 9 30am – 10.45am

    Thursday, 7th December 2023 - 9 30am – 10.45am

    Tuesday 12th December 2023 - 9.30am – 12.15pm

    No booking is required to attend the Transition/Orientation Day and although the first two sessions are optional, the third session on Tuesday 12th December 2023 is the statewide transition day and we would love for all students to attend this session.

    What to wear: Children are welcome to wear their new school uniform if they already have it, or something comfortable for the day. Children will also need to bring a hat for outdoor play.

    What to bring: Foundation students will need a water bottle, and a snack or small lunch.

    BIG BLOKES BBQ

    Thank you to all of our generous parents who volunteered their time to help with the annual Big Blokes BBQ.  We appreciate your contribution, and the fantastic job that you did to make this day a success.

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    ST VINCENT DE PAUL / ST ITA'S PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS GIFT APPEAL 2023

    Christmas is quickly approaching with just seven weeks left of our school year.

    In past years, the families of St. Ita’s have helped bring joy and hope with donations of gifts to children in less fortunate situations within the wider community, at Christmas time. This charitable act invites you, as a family, to be involved in a simple, hands-on project while focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift. Last year we were able to support well over 200 children that are under the care of St. Vincent de Paul within our Parish and local areas, and we have been asked if we are able to help a similar number again this year.

    This year, families who wish to support our Christmas Gift Appeal, will have the options of either purchasing their own gift in their chosen store for a child / children aged between 0 - 13 years, or by visiting the Warragul Toyworld to purchase a gift and leave them there to be collected.

    Alternately, families can donate an amount of money to an account held at Toyworld and a St. Vinnies member will select toys to the value of any financial donations. Please do not wrap your gifts as they will need to be sorted and labelled for the appropriate aged child.

    Our school Mini Vinnies Team will be assisting the St Vincent de Paul team with this, this year. Simply pop your gift into a gift box or a Christmas gift bag and drop it into the school to be placed under the Christmas tree in the foyer. It is preferred where possible for you and your children to select gifts, to give children the important life lesson of the joy of giving to others. We will require all gifts to be dropped in to the school by Wednesday, 6th December at the latest, for collection by the St Vincent de Paul team.

    Please support the St Vincent de Paul team to continue their work in our Community, the need this year is greater than ever. Thank you all for your continued support, and a happy and blessed Christmas to all.

    ANGLICARE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE ONSITE ON THURSDAY

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    Every family needs a little help from time to time. Are finances stressing you out?  Is parenting feeling a little too hard some days? Your children’s emotions difficult to manage? Is their behaviour disrupting the whole household and impacting their time at school? Anglicare Victoria Family Services are now located on site every Thursday to provide support in these areas, or even if you just need to have a chat.

    Completely confidential, non judgemental, we are here to support you and your family.  Contact Heath on 0499 007 031 or ask for Heath at the office any time on Thursday.

    SIMON EVERYWHERE

    STUDENT ABSENCES

    PARENTS WORKING ONSITE AT ST ITA'S

    A reminder to all parents who are entering the school as classroom helpers or parent support during speech and or OT sessions;

    • You must enter via the Admin Office and sign in via the iPad, where you will be required to enter your Working with Children WWCC) details.
    • Please ensure you have your WWCC card with you at all times as it is a requirement of DOSCEL that you carry this card with you whilst you are onsite. 

    SCHOOL FEE STATEMENTS 

    School Fee statements have been forwarded to all families via Email, if you have not received your statement please make contact with us so that we can check your details and ensure we have your correct Email details. 

    All fees for 2023 should be finalised by 27th October 2023. If you are unable to finalise your account by the due date, please contact the Admin Office to discuss payment options.

    Direct Debit and Credit Card payments can be set up at any time, please contact School Admin to assist with putting these options in place. 

    Contact: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au or (03) 5623 7222

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    ST ITA’S MEDALLION

    The winner of this weeks St Ita’s medallion is Annabeth Harris from Grade 1B.

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    ST ITA’S STUDENT AWARDS

    Week 3 & 4 - Awards for Teamwork

    Foundation F Layla Alicata Caitlin Morris Addison Dingli
    Foundation L Hazel Ablett Pippa McCormick
    Foundation M Ricardo Palombieri Florence Deguara
    Grade 1C Madelyn Taylor Annabeth Harris
    Grade 1G Isla Thomson Eli Nooy
    Grade 1GL Toby Winter Audrey Bogart
    Grade 2AK Samuel Oatley Charlotte Hill
    Grade 2M Mattise Martin Lily Shears
    Grade 2ST River Sharpe Lexi Slaughter
    Grade 3/4D Tahlia Atkins Amelia Bennetto
    Grade 3/4HN Cody Summerhayes Nardya Hart
    Grade 3/4K Thomas Morris Eleanor Noonan
    Grade 3/4M Willow Major Maddison Brighton
    Grade 3/4O Isaac Lewis Derek Borcena
    Grade 5/6A Nancy Carroll Evie Wright
    Grade 5/6C Ava Harrison Charlie Unwin
    Grade 5/6MW Jordan Amey Joshua Brighton
    Grade 5/6W Zac Peters Eilish Ni Mhuireagain

    CONGRATULATIONS


    Congratulations to Ivy Chugg in Grade 3/4H who recently competed in the Gymnastics State Championships, her team came 1st on vault and 4th on floor. 

    Well don Ivy!

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    SPORTS NEWS

    Sports Teacher/Co-Ordinator: Hayley Roberts     

    Email:  hroberts@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au 

    COLOUR RUN

    Date: Friday 17th November - Rainbows for Rose Day

    Where: St Ita's Primary School

    Summary: Kids will wear white, run laps of the oval while getting squirted with colourful dust, sprayed with water pistols and completing some obstacle course activities, having fun!

    Fundraising Event: Thank you to all our families and community members who have supported our fundriasing efforts, all funds raised will go towards the continued improvement of our play equipment.  

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    PARISH NEWS

    HYPOCRITES AT HOME

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    Hypocrisy makes Jesus as angry as he ever gets (Matt 23:1-12). Strangely, those ancient scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders, poncing around as gatekeepers rather than a welcoming committee for the poor, blind, lame and unwashed multitudes, have much in common with the modern world.

    We recognize such figures in our own time. People who make an art form out of looking good rather than doing good. The arrogant bureaucrat who hounds a lowly applicant because he can; the apparently devout person who wants those less pious to see how deficient they are. Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of laying expectations and regulations on strugglers instead of lightening their burden. That is not his way at all!

    He has this to say about them, “Anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and anyone who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matt 23:12). Such self-promotion reveals deep insecurity, an inner sense of inferiority, leading some to “big note” themselves to create a façade of their own importance.

    Within families too we might encounter those, often men, exalting themselves, trying to be “big frogs in little puddles” at the expense of family. Often under a cloak of respectability, these insecurities lead them to abuse those closest to them. Domestic and family violence in Australia includes physical, emotional, or financial violence and the fear and distress of children witnessing their mother being abused. The roots are abuse of power and the control of one person by another. Overwhelmingly the victims of family violence are women and children. Victims are clearly in need of peace, compassion, and justice.

    Our first call is to live God’s love in our families. And then, beyond our families, being aware and prepared to do what we can to prevent and respond to domestic and family violence elsewhere. Our Sale diocese is firmly committed to preventing domestic and family violence while simultaneously fostering a safe and supportive environment for all.

    Deacon Mark Kelly

    SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

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    Please pray for the following First Communion candidates as they continue their faith journey.

    Elysian Admiraal, Tahlia Atkins, Connor Gregory, Natalie Hateley, Eleanor Noonan, Patrick Reidy, Eli Rushbury, Claire Upston, Georgia Wassenberg and Theia Wells.

    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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    ANGLICARE SERVICES

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