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 W6 2020 Newsletter

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T4 W6 2020 Newsletter

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are situated and remind you that we are gathered on Aboriginal land.

We acknowledge the Elders of this land both past and present.

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USE YOUR TALENTS

 “Talent” meant measure or money in ancient Greek but Jesus usage here makes an entrancing double meaning for us, such that the servants were given some resource and were held accountable for its use. (Matt 25:14-30) We might summarise “talent” as “God given ability” and Jesus alludes to the waste of God given ability. Elsewhere Luke’s gospel instructs us that, “To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). It is not the talents we start with that is important, but how we use them. We, who have been blessed with talents, wealth, knowledge, time, comfort and security, are expected to benefit others.

One in three people on the planet are “Christians” but, if we really lived as Jesus urges us to do, everyone would be! Sadly, many of us don’t live that example. Though we have heard the Good News and have been given abilities to proclaim it, like the servant with one talent, we timidly hoard our talent to ourselves rather than reaching out bravely announcing God’s Kingdom through our good lives and our generous sharing of talents and gifts with the world. Matthew’s parable warns us of the potential consequences of stashing our abilities and opportunities away rather than sharing them abundantly with others. Followers of Jesus should be brave and outgoing, using our talents for the Kingdom. Pope Francis in Laudate Si quotes the South African Bishop’s Conference urging us that, “Everyone’s talents and involvement are needed to redress the damage caused by human abuse of God’s creation.”(LS 202) Many are more concerned with selfish desires than the common good. In his new encyclical, Fratelli Tutti, the Pope counsels us that “the heroes of the future will be those who can break with this unhealthy mind-set and determine respectfully to promote truthfulness, aside from personal interest.” 

Deacon Mark Kelly  

            

INDOOR MASS TIMES 

As of Wednesday 28th October, we are now permitted to gather inside our church in groups of 20 for prayer or Mass, taking the necessary precautions by making a booking to attend, keeping distant, wearing a mask and leaving your contact details. Please book your attendance with the Parish Office.

Under these new provisions Masses are now as follows:

Saturday:

5.30 pm at St Ignatius’ Neerim South

7 pm at St Joseph’s Warragul

Sunday:

9.00 am & 11.00 am at St Joseph’s Warragul
8.30 am & 10.30 am at St Ita’s Drouin

Monday, Wednesday and Friday:
9.30 am at St Joseph’s Warragul

Tuesday and Thursday
9.30 am at St Ita’s Drouin


Because of the restricted numbers indoors it will be necessary to book by phoning the Parish Office to attend a Mass. 

Parish Office Phone: 5623 1642

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

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    SHIFTING THE BLAME

    “It wasn’t my fault” and “he made me do it” are phrases kids like to put on repeat. A parent’s job is to help children learn to take responsibility for their actions, both because it’s right and because it helps teach them cause and effect. A lesson that will serve them well for life.

    It’s a fact of human nature: no one likes to be wrong. We don’t want to get in trouble. We don’t want to face negative consequences. We want the easy way out. This goes for men, women, young and old.

    Blame shifting (n): a tactic to push fault on another person. Essentially, blame shifting happens when children blame others or external circumstances on their behaviour. Whether they did something wrong, failed to do something right, or feel a certain way, they are reluctant to own up to their own part or responsibility. They shift the burden of blame and/or action on others.

    “He started it!” “She was there with me!” “I can’t help it.”

    Ultimately, kids don’t want to displease their parents because they love us. They want us to be happy, not angry.  But it’s human nature to test boundaries and try new things, even if those are forbidden. Because they (a) love us, (2) don’t want to get in trouble, and (d) prefer the path of least resistance they will often try to blame shift. While you shouldn’t be alarmed when this happens, it’s something you should most definitely work to curb for quite a few reasons.

    1. Allowing blame shifting robs them of one of life’s most important lessons.

    In my personal opinion, one of the great life lessons we can help our children take hold of in childhood is this: cause and effect. Children need to learn – for their own good! – that it’s important to take responsibility for their actions. To own up to their mistakes. To be the master of their own responses.

    Example: If one child takes something off the other and the response is a kick, there are two things happening. One, a child swiped a possession. Two, a child responded with a kick. Both have a level of responsibility and I believe it’s important that both parties shoulder the responsibility for their own choices. Excusing bad behaviour (in response to another bad behavior) just says, “Sure you can hit/slap/scream if someone does something unpleasant to you.“ 

    1. Blame shifting encourages passivity.

    There are times when your child will do something (like colour on the walls or take money from you, in an extreme example) and deny it or blame it on someone else. There are other times, however, when they will fail to do something and blame it on external circumstances of people. I believe this is ultimately more dangerous.

    Example: Your child has a deadline for school, waits until the night before it’s due, then realizes the printer is out of ink, and Wal-Mart doesn’t have a replacement. But it’s not Wal-Mart’s fault. The work still has to be done and now it’s time to find another way. Blame shifting says, “Oh well, it’s not my fault they were out of ink. I’ll just have to turn it in late and hope it’s excused.” Problem solving says, “Is there somewhere else I can go – perhaps to a family member’s house? – and print it? I won’t do this again!” That is recognizing that they must now deal with their choice to delay work and find another solution. 

    1. Blame shifting discourages ownership.

    Blame shifting says, “this is someone else’s problem, not mine.” Well sometimes that’s true. But sometimes it isn’t. By reminding your child they own their choices, emotions, and decisions you are actually empowering them to change their situations. Those who feel that “life happens to them” do not set and meet goals. They feel at the mercy of life. They feel robbed if luck doesn’t go their way. Instead of working harder and persevering they blame life or fate for their situation. 

    1. Blame shifting increases pride and decreases the capacity for humility.

    I have one child who quickly tries to blame shift anytime it’s clear someone is in trouble (I see where this comes from because this child has my personality). It’s often a struggle to get the child to admit they are wrong. But, when given enough time to think about what happened, the desire to make things right is born. This is humility.

    However, if the child is not given time to swallow their pride and see where they hurt another, humility and empathy don’t rise to the surface. This often requires time alone for reflection. I believe “time out” is helpful not because of the isolation factor, but because it’s the only way they are given time and space to think about what’s happened.

    How to discourage blame shifting:

    Hold each child accountable for their actions, not the one who “started it.”

    Notice when your child fails to take responsibility for their actions and gently remind them where the responsibilities lay.

    Require your kids to follow through with what they start.

    Help your children own age appropriate tasks and chores by enforcing consequences if they go undone.

    Help your kids learn to problem solve and ask questions when they feel powerless.

    Discourage self-pity by having them think outside themselves.

    Don’t become the referee. 

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    COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS UPDATE

    One of the biggest challenges on schools, as we work back to a sense of normal, is to ensure we are maintaining the current COVID-19 regulations & restrictions as outlined by DOSCEL and the Department of Education. These regulations and restrictions include very strict guidelines in relation to cleaning, gatherings, the health, safety and well-being of all within our school community which includes parents accessing the school site during the operating hours of 8.30am – 3.45pm, after hours and at off-site school events where students are in attendance. Under the current restrictions we are not allowed to have parents or external visitors on the St Ita’s school site or at school events.

    Each day we get a Director of Catholic Education COVID-19 update and this update clearly outlines what we can and can’t do in line with all COVID-19 restrictions. The expectation is that all schools in Victoria operate and adhere to these outlines.

    Where this impacts on us the most during fourth term is the running of events such as;

    • Foundation Parent Information morning,
    • Grade 6 Graduation/ Mass
    • End of year Whole school Mass
    • Whole School Assemblies
    • School Photos
    • Grade 6 Big Day Out
    • Junior Athletic Sports

    Under the current restrictions, all parents and siblings are unable to attend the above events.  Also, schools are expected to create risk assessments that will need to be put in place in order to run modified versions of the above events.

    If and when I hear of any changes to restrictions currently in place, I will happily let everyone in the St Ita’s community know. For now, I ask all parents to exercise patience and continue to support us to keep everyone in the St Ita’s teaching and learning community safe. We thank you for your ongoing support as we work through these challenging times.

     


    MINI VINNIES FREE DRESS DAY

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    On Wednesday 25th November, St Ita's Mini Vinnies team invite all students to wear casual clothes instead of their school uniform to say 'thank-you' for donating non-perishable food items to the St Vinnies Drouin food pantry.

    Students are requested to bring a long any of the below non-perishable food items to donate to St Vinnies between now and Wednesday 25th November, if they haven't done so already.

    • CEREAL
    • RICE
    • PASTA/NOODLES
    • SUGAR
    • TEA
    • COFFEE
    • PASTA SAUCE
    • UHT MILK
    • TINNED FOODS

    The St Ita’s community have always gone above and beyond to help support the amazing work of the Drouin branch of St Vincent de Paul Society. Our “Vinnies” group, as it’s affectionately known, is located within the St Ita’s Parish and works to support and assists those in our local community struggling with poverty, homelessness and tough times. Our student group, Mini Vinnies also works hand in hand to support this amazing group of volunteers.

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    SCHOOL PHOTO DAY - WEDNESDAY

    Our school photos will take place next week on Wednesday 18th November, 2020.

    All students are required to be at school by 9am, neatly presented in their full summer uniform and must wear their black school shoes, bring or wear their school jumpers (or Grade 6 Bomber jacket) and we request long hair to be neatly tied back using our school colours - red, blue, white or black.

    Due to COVID-19 there will not be a Group class photo taken this year, however they will provide a Composite class style photo taken from individual student portraits.

    Schoolpix school photos are to be ordered on-line for any families wishing to purchase their child's school photos. Forms were sent home yesterday with your child's unique ordering code. Please check their school bag. All students will be photographed on the day, regardless of whether photos are ordered. All orders must be received on-line by Friday 20th November for free delivery back to the school.  Order forms do not need to be returned to school.

    Orders placed after Friday 20th November will incur a postage fee to your nominated address at the time of ordering and will not be sent to the school.

    For seperated families, please note the same ordering codes apply for your children. Ordering details are attached below on how to use the student search to order additional photos for seperated families. Alternatively, please contact the school office for your child's unique order ID. Ph: 5623 7222 or via email: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    The school code for all St Ita's student orders is: 20830.




    2021 FOUNDATION STORY-TIME & ORIENTATION DAYS

    Our new 2021 Foundation students will visit St Ita's again on Monday 16th November, to participate in their third Story Time session to help with transitioning to school. 

    Their first Orientation session will be held on Monday 23rd November from 9.30am to 10.45am.  Please meet at the Drouin Rec Reserve School Gate. Please bring a named water bottle. Children can wear their school uniform if they have one.

    Monday 23rd November Foundation Orientation
    9.30 – 10:45am
    Student only
    Meet on Drouin Recreation Reserve
    Monday 30th November Foundation Orientation
    9.30 – 10:45am
    Student only
    Meet on Drouin Recreation Reserve
    Tuesday 8th December Foundation Orientation
    9.30 – 10:45am
    Student only
    Meet on Drouin Recreation Reserve




    2021 FOUNDATION PARENT INFORMATION ON-LINE SESSION

    Wednesday 18th November - 2pm

    Next week on Wednesday 18th November at 2pm, there will be a parent question and answer session live via Zoom for our 2021 Foundation parents. A link will be sent via the schoolzine email on Wednesday at 1pm to access this event.

    Tomorrow a pre-recorded parent information session video will be sent to all 2021 Foundation parents to view before the live Q&A session next week.




    OPEROO / CARE MONKEY

    Please remember to read and click on 'respond' if you receive any notifications via Operoo (previously Care Monkey). Once you click on respond and accept or decline the message, this will stop any reminder notifications being sent to you for this particular message.

    If you have trouble logging in to Operoo, enter your email address on the log in page and click on 'resend confirmation email' or 'forgot password' and an email will be sent to you to click on to re-gain access. Please make sure in the top right hand corner that "Asia/Pacific" is highlighted.



    ABSENCES via WEBSITE or SCHOOLZINEAPP - not Skoolbag

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    A reminder that we now use the school website or schoolzine app for student absence notification instead of the Skoolbag app. Please delete the skoolbag app from your devices for St Ita's. You can sign up to the schoolzine app via the school website. Please click on the link below for details.

    Alternatively, absences can be sent to teachers by email or Class Dojo prior to 9am or by calling the school office. p: 5623 7222.



    SCHOOL FEES

    Term 4 school fees are now due & payable. For all families on a direct debit plan, all 2020 school fees must be paid in full by December 2020. If you are on a direct debit plan, please use the statement as a reference only and contact the office if you require any amendments to your plan.

    The 2021 school fee schedule is also available on Care Monkey.

    If any families would like to set up a weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit schedule for next year, please complete the Direct Debit Form and return to the school office at your earliest convenience or prior to 01 December 2020. Please calculate the total fees payable by the number of weeks/payments required. For any assistance please contact the school Admin office via email on: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    For any families that have recently received a Government means-tested health care concession card, please forward a copy of your card to the office to check your eligibility, as a fee concession may apply. The card must be in the name of the parent/fee payer for a fee concession to apply. 

    If your current Health Care card is due to expire this year and your card is re-issued, please send a copy of your new card details to the office as soon as possible for the concession to be checked and applied for next year's fees, if not already done so.

    For any families impacted financially by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and/or have concerns about your financial situation regarding school fees, please contact Mr Andrew Osler on 5623 7222 during the hours of 9am-3pm Monday to Friday, or via email: principal@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au so that he can explore confidential financial support arrangements with you.

    by Mr Carroll

     

    Students have been very busy in their Physical Education classes this term. Never has the emphasis on physical activity been more important for children as it has this year, with the well known physical, emotional and social benefits gained from living an active and healthy lifestyle. With winter sports basically out this year, the summer months are a chance for the kids to get outside and achieve their 60 minutes of physical activity each day.

    Students in Foundation to Grade 2 have been preparing for their upcoming Athletics Carnival on Friday 20th November. They have covered all events for the day and understand the various athletic techniques and event rules.

    Students in Grade 3 and 4 continued their Netball Unit after starting these lessons prior to the resumption of remote learning in Term 3. They have recently moved onto a T-Ball Unit, where the skills of throwing and catching have been emphasised. Prior to encountering a game, students will learn the batting technique.

    Students in Grade 5 and 6 have finished their Netball Unit from Term 3 and have had the opportunity to play the sport of Sofcrosse, a modified version of Lacrosse. This has been a wonderful opportunity for the students as it will no doubt be a sport they will encounter at a secondary level.

    ST ITA'S JUNIOR ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

    Foundation, Grade 1 & Grade 2

    Friday 20th November

    9am - 1pm.

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    Foundation, Grade 1 & Grade 2 students are to wear their house colours or their sports uniform to school and must wear their runners, bring a water bottle, apply sunscreen and wear a hat.

    Parents, please respond via Operoo for your child to participate in this school event.

    Would $500 assist you with education costs?

    Saver Plus can help boost your savings for education costs by matching your savings dollar-for-dollar, up to $500 and provides free savings tips.  

    Check if you’re eligible: www.saverplus.org.au                                       

    Or Contact Rick t: 5120 2542 m: 0407 567 312

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    PARENT ZONE