Mt St Patrick Primary School, Murwillumbah

20th June 2017

Newsletter No. 10

OFFICE HOURS School Administration Office is attended

Monday—Friday 8:20am—3:45 pm

CONTACT

Phone 02 66721821

Fax 02 66721536

Website

www.murplism.catholic.edu.au

Email

murp@lism.catholic.edu.au

Postal PO Box 1226 30 Mooball St Murwillumbah NSW 2484

IMPORTANT DATES

JUNE

Tues 20th Sacrament of

Confirmation Parent Mtg

Fri 23rd Athletics Carnival

Mon 26th School Band & Choir:

Mur’ bah Performing Arts Festival

Tues 27th Strings Group

Mur’ bah Performing Arts Festival

Tues 27th Semester 1 Reports go out

Wed 28th Pyjama Day

Thurs 29th Infant classes K-2:

Mur’ bah Performing Arts Festival

Last Day of Term 2 for

students

Fri 30th PUPIL FREE DAY

TERM 3

JULY

Mon 17th PUPIL FREE DAY

Tues 18th First Day of Term 3 for

students

TERM 2 CONCLUDES—THURS 29th JUNE TERM 3 COMMENCES—TUES 18TH JULY

PUPIL FREE DAYS

FRI 30th JUNE—School Review & Improvement MON 17th July—Catholic Worldview

Dear Parents / Caregivers,

FUNDING OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Over the past few weeks, you will have seen

and read much news in relation to government funding of Catholic schools in NSW and

indeed Australia. Much of the information given out has been confusing and contradic-

tory so two clear messages need to be heard by parents in the Diocese of Lismore.

School fees will not increase any more than usual in 2018 and the Catholic

Schools Office Lismore has assured that school resourcing from that source will be,

at the very least, maintained. In other words, staffing levels will be maintained,

needs based funding will stay in place and our schools will be as well resourced

into the future as they are now.

To gain more information about the funding question, you can visit the School Funding

Facts Website www.schoolfundingfacts.com which has been set up by the National

Catholic Education Commission.

SEMSETER 1 SCHOOL REPORTS: Next week you will receive your child’s Semester 1 school report. The academic grades given are on an A to E scale in accordance with NESA (NSW Educational Standards Authority). It is important for parents to have a clear understanding of the A-E grade scale; simply the grades reflect the level of knowledge and understanding achieved. (NB: The A-E scale is NOT applicable to

ES1—Kindergarten students)

A—the student has an extensive knowledge and understanding

B—the student has an thorough knowledge and understanding

C—the student has an sound knowledge and understanding

D—the student has an basic knowledge and understanding

E—Students who receive an E grade are placed on a modified program and

therefore receive a modified report

Further definition of A-E is provided in your child’s Semester 1 Report.

By following the index, the days of student’s receiving ‘straight A’s’ is highly improba-ble. A ‘bell curve’ of distributed marks is most likely. The ‘C’ grade reflects that the student has a sound understanding of the concepts being taught within a Year level.

Consequently the vast majority of students will receive this grade.

Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place next Term. However, If you would like to

discuss the report with your child’s teacher, please do not hesitate to contact them.

STAFFING NEWS: Both Mrs Whitney Nadin & Mrs. Stephanie Whiterod will commence maternity leave at the end of this Term. (Mrs. Stacy Jansson will continue until the end of Week 2 / Term 3). Our school community wishes these ladies well during this excit-ing time. As previously announced Mrs. Deminca Grose (Year 2) and Mrs. Dianne Cas-

persz (Year 1) have been appointed to commence at the beginning of Term 3.

Also, Mrs. Samantha Daly has been appointed for two days as additional student learning support in Year 3. Ms. Kelly Carson has been appointed for two days as

additional student learning support in Year 2.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL: I encourage all parents to take the time to attend our Athletics Carnival this Friday. The Carnival is a wonderful school event where all students show ‘Heart & Pride’ in participating enthusiastically and supporting their House Col-

our team. Thank you to Mrs. Samantha Daly for her thorough preparation and coordination of this carnival.

As this is our last newsletter for Term 2 l would like to take this opportunity to thank our school community for your ongoing support. It has been another busy but successful Term. Enjoy the Term break with your family. Enjoy your Term break! Brendan Ryan Principal

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS Page 2

SACRED HEART PARISH

WEEKDAY MASS TIMES Tuesday 5.30pm Sacred Heart Wednesday 5.30pm Sacred Heart

Thursday 8.30am Sacred Heart

Friday 12.15pm Sacred Heart

WEEKEND MASS TIMES Saturday 6:00 pm Sacred Heart (Children’s Liturgy) Sunday 8:00 am Sacred Heart

(Children’s Liturgy)

Sunday10:00am 1st Uki

2nd & 4th OLPS –

South Murwillumbah

3rd Burringbar

SACRED HEART PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2017 CONFIRMATION Parent Meeting Tuesday 20th June Retreat Day Friday 11th August Sacrament of Confirmation Saturday 12th August

Reminder: Parent Information Meeting tomorrow night in the Parish Hall

starting at 6pm. Mass will be starting at 5.30pm.

Congratulations to those children who made their First Holy Communion on

Sunday 18th June, the Feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ,

at the Parish celebration at the Sacred Heart Church. We will continue to

keep these children in our thoughts and prayers.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL WINTER APPEAL

This Thursday we will be celebrating the Feast of

the Sacred Heart of Jesus with Mass at 12.15pm. At

the end of this Mass we will be presenting a Repre-

sentative from St Vincent De Paul with out donations.

All are welcome to attend this Mass.

If you have any donations of non-perishable food,

blankets and warm clothing that you would like to

donate please send them in to school by Wednes-

day.

PYJAMA DAY

On Wednesday 28th June we will be having a Pyjama Day. We are

asking all children to wear their pyjamas and bring in a gold coin donation.

All proceeds will be going to the St Vincent De Paul Winter appeal.

SEASONS FOR GROWTH

“Seasons for Growth” is available at our school for students. It is a program developed by the Sisters of St Joseph under the banner

“Good Grief”. (http://www.goodgrief.org.au) Loss and grief are issues that affect all of us at some stage in our lives. Learn ing to deal

with these is central to personal wellbeing and happiness. This program is offered as a support to children who have experienced

change due to death, separation or divorce. The children have a journal and they are led through the sessions by a companion who has

been trained to facilitate the course. It runs for eight weeks. 45 minutes per week during school time. There is no cost to parents for the

program. Next term the Seasons program will be offered for students in Years 5-6. If your child is in these Year levels and you would

like him/her to participate please fill in the form below. Thank you. Philomena Zambelli ‘Seasons’ Companion.

SEASONS FOR GROWTH PERMISSION SLIP—Years 5 & 6 students only

I _______________________________________ give consent for my son/daughter _______________________ to attend

the Seasons for Growth Education Program to be held within school hours. Below is a reason for this decision.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name (Parent / Guardian) _________________________ Signed: ____________________Date: ____ / ______ / 2017

Name (Parent / Guardian) _________________________ Signed: ____________________ Date: ____ / ______ / 2017

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

Page 3 SCHOOL NEWS

BIRTHDAYS

12th—18th June

Maya Balgowan, Isabelle Fitzmaurice, Jaxon Roach, Griffin Bull, Pepper Cardiff, Kahfeira Close,

Xavier Palmer, Kiani Byrnes, Stella Taylor, Lilly Wolfe.

19th June—25th June

Hayden Tease, Wren Webster, Indi Rawson, Samara Lever, Jack Jarman, Nicholas Piccini, Annie Amouyal, Ma-

son McInerney, Anna Davidson, Alice Simke Hetherington, Imogen Andrews, Bailey Buchanan,

Isabella Anderson

ALANA LOVE

Kinder M ‘Fish’

ARTISTS OF THE WEEK

JOSEPH COLNAN

Year 6M ‘Charcoal Landscape’ ’

ASSEMBLIES: TERM 2—commencing at 2:15pm

Week 9: Fri 23rd June ATHLETICS CARNIVAL Week 10: Fri 30th June NO ASSEMBLY—Pupil Free Day

SCHOOL FEES: Both Term 1 & 2 school fees are due by Friday 23rd June. It would greatly assist our school if these fees are paid by this date. Parents who require an extension on this due date must contact our school office or Principal this

week. Thank you in anticipation of your support with this matter.

LACHLAN DALY

Year 2P ‘Shadows’

MURWILLUMBAH PERFORMING ARTS FESTIVAL

Our school choir, school band, strings group, all Years 2, 1 & Kinder students and selected students from Year 5

are currently preparing for the upcoming Murwillumbah Performing Arts Festival. Many thanks to Mr. Reg Barber

(Music teacher), Mr. Mike Keogh (Band teacher), Mrs. Susan Davidson & Miss. Catherine Brooks (Strings teachers)

who have done a wonderful job in preparing all classes for the festival.

Monday 26th June (commencing at 9:30am)

SMALL VOCAL GROUP—PRIMARY SCHOOL CHOIR—Action

Monday 26th June (commencing at 1:30pm START)

PRIMARY SCHOOL COMBINED VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL GROUP—selected students & Year 5 choir

Tuesday 27th June (commencing at 1:30pm START)

PRIMARY SCHOOL STRING ORCHESTRA—Strings Group CONCERT BAND— School Band

Thursday 29th June (commencing at 10:45am and not before)

INFANTS SCHOOL CHOIR (K, 1 & 2) - NO ACTIONS—Kinder, Year 1 & Year 2

LABELLING OF STUDENT JUMPERS & LUNCH CONTAINERS: It would be greatly appreciated if parents could use the Term holiday break to take the time to label their child’s school jumper and lunch containers. Unlabelled items ending up in the Lost Property crates makes it impossible to return the item to their rightful owner.

Page 4 SCHOOL AWARDS

TERM 2 Week 7

INFANTS STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Year KM Clara Aitchison, Joseph Stewart-Walker

Year KZ Scarlett Binns, Zoe Gort

Year 1T Max Bruhn, Tylah Whittington

Year 1W Annie Amouyal, Darby Piticco

Year 2N Lalia Chisholm, Charlie Devoy

Year 2P Cash Williams, Elijah Byrnes

PRIMARY STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Year 3J Cooper Leeson, Sanjay Nix

Year 3M Olivia Northeast, Coby Williams

Year 4G Ella Cracknell, Marley Loveridge

Year 4H Kate Warren, Zarli Hughes-Davies

Year 5F Hollie Mason, Cailey Baker

Year 5Y Charlie Toms, Ruby Trueman

Year 6D Lara-Grace Ewing, Millie Davidson

Year 6M Sophie Charman, Cooper Shields

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD

Phoebe Baldwin, Jaimie Smith, Madeline Lamberth-

Rosenberg, Carla Gaven, Sonny John, Isabelle Bice,

Annabelle O’Grady, Flynn Jones, Sid Longhurst,

Freda Biles, Neve Trembath, Lily Cronly, Hollie Mason,

Jessica Rees, Shana Kussrow, Elyce Kuhnell, Isabella

Anderson, Elizabeth warne, Milla Pearson

GOOD SPORTS AWARD

Kinder: Thomas Benard

Year 1: Tylah Whittington

Year 2: Brooke Madden

Year 3: Jack Thornton

Year 4: Kate Warren

Year 5: Lachlan Darby

Year 6: Noah Clark

MATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Charlie Devoy, Charlie Lesleighter, Max Palmer,

Mikayla Smith, Jessica Moore, Summer Gibbons,

Jaxon Booth, Phoebe Sykes, Cooper Shields

CREATIVE ARTS AWARD

INFANTS Tim Wellm, Lucia Calvino

Yrs 3 & 4: Murray Burnett, Jade Folkers

Yrs 5 & 6 Lily Cronly, Sienna Reid

INFANTS STUDENTS

OF THE WEEK

PRIMARY STUDENTS

OF THE WEEK

GOOD SPORTS AWARD

MATHLETES OF THE WEEK

CREATIVE ARTS AWARD

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD

Page 5 SCHOOL AWARDS

TERM 2 Week 8

INFANTS STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Year KM Aidan Ryan & Maya Balgowan

Year KW Mila Wilson & Wren Webster

Year 1T Jack Gilbert & Griffin Bull

Year 1W Maui Williamson & Will Grant

Year 2N Max Coaker & Billy Miller

Year 2P Carla Gaven & Max Lever

PRIMARY STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

Year 3J Tully Fitzpatrick & Luca Stuart

Year 3M Jack Thornton & Ivy Piticco

Year 4G Haylen Fox-Duong & Hiwot Nardi

Year 4H Xavier Palmer & Maia Fergus-Mackie

Year 5F William Wallace & Nicholas Males

Year 5Y Bryce Wilson & Emmett Stepto

Year 6D Sienna Smith & James Nimmo

Year 6M Lucia Alexander & Joseph Colnan

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD

Elijah Byrnes, Eliza Baldwin, Wren Hynes, Tully

Fitzpatrick, Eboni Rawson, Ella Cracknell, Alira

Heterick, Cailey Baker, Enya McCarthy, Sienna

Bull, Blake Cracknell, Lara-Grace Ewing,

Lucia Alexander, Noah Carroll & Cooper Shields

GOOD SPORTS AWARD

Kinder: Rafe McAndrew

Year 1: John Kent

Year 2: Yasmin Van Rosi

Year 3: Mitchell Johnston

Year 4: Marley Loveridge

Year 5: Lily Yates

Year 6: Ashley Grey

MATHLETES OF THE WEEK

Elsie Wilkinson, Isabelle Bice, Olivia Bagnall, Shaylee

Minahan, Alice Simke-Hetherington, Eliza Wightley,

Keira Lesleighter, Imogen Andrews, Neo Willis,

Georgia Lolback

CREATIVE ARTS AWARD

INFANTS Tully Sedelaar, Alex Seamer

Yrs 3 & 4: Rhys Charman, Ella McClusky

Yrs 5 & 6: Charlize White & Lucia Alexander

INFANTS STUDENTS

OF THE

PRIMARY STUDENTS

OF THE WEEK

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD

MATHLETES OF THE WEEK

GOOD SPORTS AWARD

CREATIVE

ARTS

AWARD

Page 6 CURRICULUM NEWS

Our school recently purchased 30 iPads to be used for our technology classes. We will be using this class set of iPads to teach computer technology from Kindergarten through to Year 6. The benefits of this will be numerous. Computer technology will open up more future career paths for our students than any other discipline in today’s world. Learning these fundamentals skills throughout primary school will help our students in all careers – from architecture to zoology. Just as we teach our students their times tables, or how to write a narrative, it is important every student to learns how to design an application, write an algorithm,

or learn how to effectively use the Internet.

CODING

Throughout term three our students will be learning the fundamentals of coding, application creation and algorithms through code.org/educate and the Scratch application. These programs offer our students the opportunity to access high quality lessons that are fun and relevant to all ages. Students will be able to access these lessons from any device. Via a class code and

password picture students will be able to work through a series of courses designed to make coding easy and fun.

Computing is already a big part of daily life and just about every occupation in our modern world. We want our students to not only learn how to use computer technology but to learn how to create it. It is becoming essential that students be exposed to the fundamentals of computer science long before they reach high school, as it is foundational in changing the way a student thinks about problem solving. An understanding of these fundamentals and problem solving skills will put them on the path to what will

become an essential skill and one of the largest areas of employment in the modern world.

Mr Reg Barber - Digital Literacy and Numeracy teacher

STEM @ Mt St Pat’s

YEAR 6—CODING LESSON

KINDER —LAZY MARY DAY

Page 7 SPORT NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

NEWS

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL—PARENT HELPER

Dear Sam,

I am able to assist at the Athletics Carnival on Friday 23rd

June at Murwillumbah High Athletic field.

( ) Primary Timekeeper ( ) Primary Place Judge ( ) Primary Point Scorer

( ) Infant Place Judge ( ) Infant Group Helper

Signed:

Name: Child’s class:

MT ST PATRICK ATHLETICS CARNIVAL: The School Athletics Carnival will be held this Friday at the

Murwillumbah High School oval. All students (except house captains) must come to school and walk to the

oval with their class. Students will need to bring water and all their food (with extra snacks for this very active

day!) as there will not be any lunch orders on Friday. The coffee van will be available for parents and staff so

please save your morning coffee till then! He also offers toasted sandwiches, muffins, cookies, chocolates,

chips and cold drinks. Please note, adults are only allowed to approach the van (no students to be unac-

companied by an adult in this area please).

Permission notes are available on the Moodle under ‘parent notes’, if your child has misplaced their note.

The students have been training for their events during their PE lessons and Thursday School Sport. House

captains have been enthusiastically organising the war cries. War cry practice will take place this Thursday af-

ternoon in place of School Sport. There is no need to wear sports uniform on Thursday as students will be

wearing sports uniform on Friday instead. Students may wear a house coloured t-shirt (no singlets) and girls

may have black or navy shorts / bike pants under their PE uniform.

Thank you to those parents who have already indicated that they are able to assist on the day. We are still in

need of many more helpers so if you are available, please complete the form below. Any help would be greatly

appreciated. We look forward to a fun filled day of sport and great sportsmanship!

Mrs. Samantha Daly – Sports Coordinator

Lee & Joanne Kuhnell

02 66766477

0448 883 060

Suzie Cardiff 0438 721 019