4 April 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principals Report

We find ourselves at the end of term one and in the midst of Easter fever. It was wonderful witnessing each year level present a segment of Holy Week in the lead up to the resurrection of Christ. It is hard not to have your mind on chocolate eggs and camping holidays at this time of the year but it is important to reflect on the essence and message of Easter – one of forgiveness and reconciliation. It certainly is a time to bury hatchets, build bridges and make peace.

The holidays is an opportune time for parents to talk to their children about the safe use of communication media. Although we practice responsible cyber usage and access to such communication spaces as Facebook, YouTube etc is blocked at school, home is another entity altogether. It has come to my attention that some of our students are using Kik Messenger, snapchat, and Instagram irresponsibly at home. Living with technology in this modern age is hard on parents but we have to ask ourselves: do we know what our children are messaging messaging to their friends? How accessible are these apps and sites to our kids? Is my child using someone else’s device to send messages? Do we have set cyber-rules at home? Have we talked about this as a family? If not maybe have a plan to do this in the holidays.

I have some exciting news to share. Our new school fence will be starting during the Easter holidays. Trevor Morris will be starting with the school car park and then the rest of the fence. The school will look different by June holidays.

St Kieran’s has been a very productive and peaceful place this term. Thank you to the Year 6 students who have put a lot of effort in to sorting the bins and lunch tubs before school and during break time. Year 6 have shown leadership in taking their chores seriously, making sure the little students are always looked after and ensuring that the school is a nicer place at the end of each day.

I wish everyone a restful and reflective Easter break. See you in Term 2.

APRE Report

The holidays gives us some time to set aside certain things that are important to us— family and friends, a workout, a few social phone calls, or maybe even a daily nanna nap—so that we can renew ourselves, our energy, and our perspective. Holy Week – the week leading up to Easter weekend is a time that is set aside in our Church’s liturgical year for our spiritual renewal. In fact, the word holy refers to anything that is set aside for God’s purposes. Holy Week is holy precisely because it is time that is set aside for us to focus on how we are spiritually renewed through the suffering, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. This Holy Week allow yourself time apart, holy time, to spend with Jesus. May it be a time set apart to unclutter your mind, lay down your burdens, and renew your faith in Jesus.

The Symbols of Holy Week

The liturgies of Holy Week are filled with some of the richest and most ancient symbols of the Catholic faith. The waving of palms on Passion (Palm) Sunday reminds us that we are called to be followers of Jesus, not just fans who cheer from a distance. The washing of feet on Holy Thursday speaks to us of the selfless love that we are called to practice in imitation of Jesus. The veneration of the cross on Good Friday reminds us that, as Christians, we believe that Jesus can overcome anything, even death. The lighting of the Easter fire in a darkened church and the celebration of baptisms on Holy Saturday speak to us of the new life that is ours because of Jesus’ triumph over the darkness of sin and death through his resurrection.

We have only one assembly left this term. During this time we will remember Christ’s crucifixion with a whole school prayer gathering. Please feel free to join us in this gathering. Prayer life of our school is important to us and we wish to share it with you.

Jesus, you have overcome death
And conquered every fear I could imagine
Help me to live each day remembering that You are alive
That You are bigger than anything or any situation
And that Your power is real
Jesus, you're my hero and I'm walking with you.
Amen.

Sacramental Retreats 2019

The Parish Sacramental Program is well under way. Please make sure you attend your nominated session only so we are able to track candidates. Confirmation Practice will be held on Sunday the 28th of April after 9am Mass. It is very important that all attend. Confirmation with the Bishop is on the evening of Tuesday the 30th of April. Please keep all candidates in your thoughts and prayers.

Peta Laffin

Parish Information

Donations

If you have any food, or not needed blankets please donate to the Parish. They are in the need for warm items for winter.

Ministries

If you are able to help with Mass jobs over the holidays can you please call the Parish.

Safeguarding Website

The Diocesan Safeguarding webpage is now live at the link below This page has the latest policy and risk management strategy as well as helpful forms and links to website with information on how to keep our parishes safe for children and vulnerable adults. Your feedback or concern are directly submitted to the Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator. If you provide your details, you will be contacted as soon as possible, and your information will be respected and managed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and legislative requirements.

If you, or someone you know, has been abused, or you are concerned about conduct that may amount to a criminal offence, you should report the incident directly to the police.

For more information regarding the Safeguarding policy and risk management strategy, please contact Mr Craig Brereton on 4726 3264 or cbrereton@tsv.catholic.org.au

Curriculum

NAPLAN Online

Last week our Years 3 and 5 students completed the NAPLAN Online Practice test. Everything ran smoothly and the students were able to experience what the real test will look like.

There are some changes this year in regards to when the tests will be completed. With the new online format we have 9 days to complete all four tests. It is a requirement that students complete certain tests before they can sit the test that follows. With this in mind our NAPLAN schedule looks as follows:

Tuesday 14th May Writing
Wednesday 15th May Reading
Monday 20th May Conventions of Language (Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation)
Tuesday 21st May Numeracy

Have a wonderful holiday and blessed Easter with your families,

Mel Siemer

Indigenous Education

Last Wednesday we held our SKIFS Welcome back to school BBQ. It was great to see many of our Indigenous families attend. This term our students have completed their PLPs (Personal Learning Plans) and were able to share their personal goals with their families. It was also an excellent opportunity for our teachers to meet families in a less formal setting. Thank you to Mrs Dani Germaine, Mrs Kellie Pigliafiori and Mrs Jodie Wilson for helping to prepare the BBQ and also their assistance in helping the students to present their goals. A special thank you to Titan for his deadly Acknowledgement of Country and Mrs Tammi Webber for her warm welcome to everyone on the night. Our students have done us proud with their determination to achieve and positive reflection on their learning journey.

Physical Education with Mrs Lloyd

What an amazing group of students we are blessed with here at St Kieran’s. Over the last 2 weeks, we have had 3 MISSA sports trials, and 2 gala days throughout which ALL St Kieran’s kids showed outstanding sportsmanship, commendable behaviour and a resilience beyond their years. The MISSA touch football trials were held and four students presented and all were chosen in some form to represent Mount Isa. Sienna Wilson, Fletcher Choyce and Will Webber were selected in the 10-12yrs North West School Sport Touch Football Teams and Kiana Jacobs was selected as a shadow player in the team. This is truly something to be proud of. Touch footy training will be happening until the NW carnival on May 12.

The MISSA netball trials were also held last week and Zeta Larsen and Kaitlyn Lagiono trialled to make the North West team. There were a staggering 40 players who attended the trial! Well done to both girls for having a go and attending the trial and congratulations to Kaitlyn L who was selected as part of the team.

Hockey MISSA trails were also happening last week - five of our gala day students remained for the trials - Alex Worth, Kaitlyn Laffin, Aniela Saunders, Lilly Glover and Zeta Larsen. These students had just completed a full day of hockey and backed it up by attending the trial- well done to all of you! Results are still to be announced for this.

Our 2 gala day sports were held on Friday - cricket and hockey. Both teams had a wonderful day and the sportsmanship at both days was remarkable! Our students fought hard for their team, never faltered in frustration on the day and wore smiles a mile wide even when the scoreboard didn’t go their way. It was really impressive and wonderful to part of their team. A huge thank you to Hope Philip from the Remote Indigenous Hockey Association for her help with coaching!

Carla Lloyd

You Can Do It.

Get to know our staff – Miss Merli

Hi, I am Miss Kristen Merli, the Prep Teacher. This year is my fifth year living in Mount Isa and teaching at St Kieran’s. My family lives in Brisbane which is where I spend most school holidays. Some things I like to do around Mount Isa are going camping, going to water holes and taking care of my three puppies - Indie, Freya and Ruby. At the moment, I am in the middle of planning my wedding which is in September. The best part of teaching is seeing children grow.

Congratulations

Miss Tarni Pereira last week graduated. We are all so proud of her. It is such an amazing achievement to complete a degree. Now she will be developing in a competent teacher, who I know is completing an amazing job in her class.

School Officer Needed

We are currently looking to employ a School Officer for Term 2. At this stage for 10 weeks. If you are interested please send in a resume with 3 referees attached.

School Events

22nd April - Easter Monday Public Holiday
23rd April - First Day Term 2
25th April - Anzac Day Public Holiday
2nd / 3rd May - Athletics Carnival (Week 2 Term 2)
6th May Labour Day Public Holiday
10th May - Mother Day Fete
10th May - Cross Country Districts

P&F Dates

Update from the P&F

Our next P&F meeting is scheduled for Thursday 30th May 6-7:30pm in the Parent Engagement Room where you can also bring your children along. We also have a FETE P&F Meeting scheduled for Wednesday 1st of May.

Tuckshop

All meal deals are $9.00

24th April First Break – Burritos + Popper, Second Break – Brownie + Zooper Dooper

St Kieran’s Buy, Swap, Sell

Teacher Desk, great condition $50

Community Notices

Would you like your child or children to receive a visit from the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday between 9am-12pm along with a Queen Quest Entrant. Orders can be placed and dropped off to the Rodeo Office on Marian street by the 11th of April.

Just a reminder that if you would like to book for the Mother’s Day breakfast at Terrace Gardens to shout Mum or Grandma to a morning off cooking to please get in contact with Kellie Pigliafiori on 044 777 6384 as soon as possible. Mother’s Day Raffle tickets available to purchase on the day! This event is on Sunday 12th May 2019 from 9am-11am.

Thank you

On behalf of the team at St Kieran’s, I would like to sincerely thank Autobarn Mount Isa and Shannon from Audioxtra for their considerably generous donation of 6x hand-held UHFs that are needed for the teachers on cross country to keep all students safe. We are so grateful for this and they will be priceless in helping many of our other school events run smoothly. Thank you Nikki and the team at Autobarn for organising this and donating!

Little K’s Playgroup

Little K’s Playgroup is free and all are welcome. Mondays 8:30am to 10:00am.