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

T2 W11 2025 Newsletter

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T2 W11 2025 Newsletter

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

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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 RAISING CHILDREN NETWORK

    The Raising Children Network, is a government-funded, non-profit organisation created to support families.      

    We would like to introduce all parents to a valuable resource to support the social and emotional wellbeing of students at St Itas. As parents and educators, we play a crucial role in nurturing the mental health and resilience of children, and the Raising Healthy Minds app is a parent-friendly tool to support our work.     

    The app is FREE and was co-designed by parents, carers and mental health experts. It provides practical, evidence-based articles and videos on emotions, behaviour and wellbeing for children aged 0-12 years, as well as information on parental self-care.

    Please take the time to download and use the benefits of this excellent app. A brocher is attached on the public noticeboard. 

    NO CAMP AUSTRALIA ON FRIDAY SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY

    Unfortunately, Camp Australia are unable to offer care on Student free day on Friday 4th of July due to a lack of staff. Parents will need to source out other options for care on the school closure day.

     FIRST SEMESTER PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS

    Our first semester parent / teacher interviews will be held in the second Week of term 3 on Monday 28th July 3.40pm – 7.00pm and Wednesday 30th July 3.30pm – 5.30pm. Parents will be able to log on their interview time via the online booking

    DROPPING STUDENTS AT SCHOOL BEFORE 8.30AM

    A reminder to all parents that the school drop off time and gate opening is at 8.30am. We have been getting a growing number of students dropped off at school between 8.00 and 8.30 am and children are unsupervised. It can also be extremely cold and wet with minimal shelter. If you need to drop your children off prior to 8.30am we recommend that you contact Camp Australia and access before school care.

     CHILDREN WALKING HOME VIA DROUIN REC RESERVE

    We have noted that we have a lot of students who are now walking from school via the Drouin Rec Reserve gate at the end of the day.

    In the interest of student safety, we will monitor all students who walk and ask them to assemble at the end of each day under the shelter before exiting as a group.

    A staff member will walk the children around to the grassed area behind the signage so they can exit through the gate behind the goals that leads to Civic Park.

    For parents and carers who are parking and waiting for their child to walk to their car, these children will also meet under the shelter and parents will need to exit their cars to collect their children at the gate.

    Parents must notify their child's teacher with a class dojo, written note or email to give permission for their child/ren to walk from this point of exit.

    We thank you for supporting us to have a child safe environment at St Ita’s.

     TEACHING KIDS RESPECT

    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.

    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 and activities you can use to teach and encourage respect.

     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, 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 behavior 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 your child.

    Use age-appropriate language to let your child 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 behavior but also in their attitude toward others. Make sure kids know that it’s not okay for anyone, including adults, to use disrespectful behavior.

     Praise respectful behavior.

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

     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 your children with clear rules about taking turns.

    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 children 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 children have a foundational understanding. Next, create some scenarios for your children 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, you can ask:

     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 children. This exercise is a good way for kids to reflect on their own beliefs about respect. It also helps parents understand where students are coming from, both personally and culturally.

    Respect starts at home. It lays the groundwork for positive interactions and relationships throughout a person’s life.

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    NEW BUILD BLESSING

    Bishop Greg, Father Brendan, members of parliament and representatives from DOSCEL will be onsite for the official blessing and opening of the new building on Friday 8th August. Time to be decided. This is a tentative date and I will keep parents updated of any changes.

    The ceremony will be held in the meeting space in the new grade 1-2 build with children and guests. I’ll put a morning tea on for guests once we’ve finished the formal ceremony and students can go back to class.

    DOSCEL BOARD VISIT

    On Wednesday 13th August we will have a visit from the Board DOSCEL Board to have a look at our school in action. I’m not sure of times but I believe it will be around 12 noon. Will keep staff posted.

    NON GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS CENSUS

    IMPORTANT DATES

    Thursday 3rd July - Last day of term 3.20pm finish

    Friday 4th July School Closure for Students and Whole Staff Planning Day

    Friday August 8th Blessing of the new Grade 1-2 building

    Wednesday 13th August Visit from DOSCEL Board

    Wednesday 20th August Book Week Dress Up

    SCHOOL BELL TIMES 2025

    8.50 am Morning Bell - Learning Begins
    10.50 am - 11 am Eating Time (10 mins) & Recess
    11.20 am - 1.20 pm Learning Time
    1.20 pm - 2.20 pm Eating Time (10 mins) & Lunch
    2.20 pm - 3.20 pm Learning Time
    3.20 pm Afternoon Bell - Hometime 

    PARENT INFORMATION PRESENTATIONS

    Our teaching staff have put together information slides for each grade level to help provide families with important information about our school.  The slides include information relevant to each grade level, such as specialist timetables, classroom expectations, and special activities that may be happening.  We encourage families to look at these slides as they will assist in answering many common questions about school life at St. Ita's.

    CLICK HERE to view the slides

    STUDENT MEDICATION 

    We understand that, from time to time, students need to take medication while they are at school. If so, please contact the Admin Office to complete a Medication Administration Form. 

    All medication must be delivered to the office in its original packaging. If it has been prescribed by your GP, the pharmacy labeling on the packaging must include your child's name.
     
    Please note: We will make every effort to help you with medication administration. Wherever possible, medication should be scheduled outside school hours. For example, medication required three times a day is generally not required during a school day: it can be taken before and after school and before bed.

    STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

    STAR READERS CHALLANGE

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    WARRAGUL AND DISTRICT INTER LEAGUE

    Both Noah and Ned have been selected in the Warragul and District Interleague football sides to represent the East and the West which will be played in the coming weeks. We wish Noah and Ned successful carnivals and wish both boys all the very best.

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    WEST GIPPSLAND INTER LEAGUE

    Emerson Portlock has been selected to represent the West Gippsland football league in their upcoming carnival. We wish Emerson every success and are very proud of his achievements.

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    WEST GIPPSLAND GIRLS INTER LEAGUE GIRLS SQUAD

    Recently we had a large group of St Itas female footballers were selected to play in the West Gippsland Interleague side. The girls did an amazing job and are showing their depth of ability St Ita’s has with women’s football. We are all very proud of your collective efforts girls, well done.

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    COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

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    PARISH NEWS

    AS GOOD AS IT GETS

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    If we’ve got into the habit of thinking about the gospel figures as remote and inspirational but not us, then today’s gospel makes us sit up. The twelve apostles are specifically commissioned by Jesus and Peter is appointed leader of the church. That was 2000 years ago, and we understand the Pope is the successor of Peter while the bishops are in the line of the apostles.

    But what about the rest of us? Today’s gospel (Lk 10:1-12, 17-20) recounts Jesus appointing others besides the Twelve.  These others are to be His disciples too and they represent all of us. We aren’t members of the Twelve but we’re disciples.  Baptism is the ritual by which we become disciples of Jesus who speaks to these “others” and tells them being a disciple won’t always be easy. Again, he is talking about us.  He is talking to us: women and men, old, young, of whatever status, ethnicity, or background.

    And we know about it not being easy! How unfashionable it is to be a disciple today - to lead a Christian life, to stand tall behind core Christian values, defence of the poor and marginalised, of refugees and victims of discrimination, defending the rights of the unborn, while at the same time respecting the dignity of those who don’t respect us. It is hard to be faithful to regular participation in Eucharist and reconciliation when nobody else seems to care. It is hard not to be entrapped by the consumerist, care for nothing world around us. Discipleship is difficult.

    But, as our gospel today assures us, we are not alone, we are sent and we wield the power of the Holy Spirit, we are spreading the Good News by our Christian lives and we are assured by our saviour that, “our names are written in heaven.” That is as good as it gets!

    Deacon Mark Kelly

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    SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION PROCESS 2025

    Confirmation is the sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives us the increased ability to practice our Catholic faith in every aspect of our lives and to witness to Christ in every situation.

    An invitation is extended to Grade 6 families who wish to have their child continue their journey of initiation into the life of the Catholic Church, through the Sacrament of Confirmation.

    This sacrament is offered to Grade 6 children who are baptised Catholic and have celebrated the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is such a special time for our Confirmation Candidates as they become full members of the Catholic Church.

    Please know we will keep you all in our prayers as you take this next very important step in your child’s life.

    If you wish to accept this invitation, please put these important dates in your diary.

    PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOP

    Families are invited to attend this workshop.

    Thursday, 31st July 7pm – 8pm

    Marian Room, St. Joseph’s Church, Warragul

    RETREAT DAY

    AT Marish Sion College, Warragul

    Friday, 8th August, 10.00 – 2.30

    The candidates will participate in a rehearsal of the ceremony

    2ND RITE OF RECONCILIATION

    Thursday, 7th August, 7:00pm St Ita’s Church Drouin

    SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

    Friday, 15th August, 7:00pm Marist-Sion College Hall.

    Celebrant: Bishop Greg Bennet

    If you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Liz Schellekens: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au or St. Joseph’s Parish Office: 56231642

    The Sacrament Team is looking forward to working with you and your child in this next very important step in their faith journey.

    Kindest regards, Liz Schellekens

    SACRAMENT KEY DATES

    2ND RITE OF RECONCILIATION Thursday, 7th August, 7:00pm St Ita’s Church Drouin

    RETREAT DAY  Marish Sion College, Warragul Friday, 8th August, 10.00am – 2.30pm The candidates will participate in a rehearsal of the ceremony

    CONFIRMATION MASS with the Bishop Friday 15th August, St. Ita’s Church, Drouin, 7 pm

    Other dates will be provided closer to the time.

    For more information, contact Liz at the Parish Office 5623 1642  or email warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

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

    SCHOOL UNIFORM

    We understand, and are aware that our school uniform retailer, Beleza, has recently experienced shortages and stock ordering issues with some of our school uniforms core items.  Beleza have confirmed that they will communicate with us as soon as items have been received, and we will notify families so that we can aim to have all students in full school uniform as soon as possible.

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    SCHOOL FEES

    Term 1 & 2 School Fees are now overdue. The due date for payment was 21st April 2025.  If you have not received a statement, please contact the Admin Office to request a copy.

    Term 3 School Fees are due and payable by 21st July 2025.

    DIRECT DEBITS

    There is still time to set up Direct Debits if you would like to use this method of payment. We offer weekly, monthly, and fortnightly options, and credit card and bank account options are available.

    CSEF/CONCESSIONS

    We encourage all families with a current Concession Card to complete the paperwork for the CSEF Concession Program. Rules and conditions apply, so please read the attached information carefully. If you have any questions, please contact the Admin Office on (03) 5326 7222.

    SCHOOL SAVINGS BONUS

    TRAVEL CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE

    We encourage all families to review the attached Travel Conveyance Allowance Application Form to see if they meet the government's requirements to receive an allowance for driving their children to and from school daily. Please review the eligibility criteria carefully, and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Admin Office at (03) 5326 7222.