27 November 2020

Newsletter Articles

IMPORTANT DATES

Monday 23rd - 27th November - Book Fair, Gift Baskets & Plants
Thursday 26th November - End of Year Mass (Years 5 & 6)
Monday 30th November - Year 6 Graduation
Tuesday 1st December – Mini Fete and Talent Show
Wednesday 2nd December - Year 1 Nativity Play
Wednesday 2nd December - Wet Wednesday
Wednesday 2nd December - Christmas Concert at 6pm
Friday 4th December - Last day of school finish at 12pm
Wednesday 27th January - First Day of School for 2021

PRAYER / SPECIAL MESSAGE

The Francis Factor (Reflecting on the Words & Wisdom of Pope Francis)

He Always Makes Himself Heard

Jesus does not always pass in our life with a miracle even though he always makes himself heard. Always. And when the Lord passes by, what happened here(the miraculous catch of fish by Peter, James, and John) always occurs. He tells us something, he makes us understand something, then he says a word to us which is a promise; he asks something of us in our way of life, he asks us to give up something, to renounce something. And he then gives us a mission.(Homily, Domus Sanctae Marthae, 5 September 2013)

Reflection Where is God becoming heard in your life? What is God asking you to give up or renounce? What mission is God calling you on? Re-commit yourself to what God is telling you. Double your efforts to respond to the Lord’s call.

PRINCIPALS REPORT

Dear Parents, Grandparents, Carers and Friends,

It is hard to believe that we only have 1 week left of the school year. The time has certainly flown in the blink of an eye. We will be able to look back soon and say that we survived a year that hopefully we won’t ever have to experience again.

In our final newsletter for 2020, I wish to express the immense pride I have in our students, staff and families. Student achievement this year, not only academically, but in the social-emotional aspects of their development has been impressive. I have been delighted in reading student reports before they were distributed via COMPASS next Thursday afternoon.

One of the critical factors of any successful school is the staff. There has never been a time when being a teacher has been more demanding or challenging especially during the COVID period. To our teachers and support staff, thank-you for your energy, passion and enthusiasm. What a privilege to be able to witness the joy that comes with the progress of every student. Not a week has gone by this year when we haven’t celebrated the successes of our students, whether these successes are in the classroom, playing an instrument, on the sporting field or giving out stickers.

I take this opportunity to wish our departing families, students and staff all the very best for the future. Whatever you strive for, whatever you do, give it your best. Make the most of life, be positive, choose to be happy and thank God for each new day.

To our returning staff, students and families we look forward to strengthening our relationship with you and embarking on the journey of the 2021 school year together as we Love God, Love One Another, Love Learning.

I am looking forward to welcoming a number of new students and their families to St Kieran’s in 2021, especially families commencing their education journey in Prep. We continue to receive a number of enrolment applications and still have spaces in Prep. Thank-you to all St Kieran’s families who continue to promote our school in a positive manner.

As we prepare for the coming of the Christ child, we remember that God comes to us out of love. In these weeks of Advent, leading to Christmas, we centre on this expectation and on preparing ourselves for the birth of Jesus. Family and friendships are a glimpse of the love of God. Where there is love there is God. May you experience God’s love in your lives this Christmas and may it be a time of peace and happiness for you and your families.

Merry Christmas to all and have a safe, happy and holy holiday season.

Claudine Dank

RELIGIOUS LIFE OF OUR SCHOOL

Very soon we come to the end of the school year for 2020, At our upcoming Mass and End of Year events we and we want to celebrate by giving thanks to God for all that has been.

This year has been like no other in our recent history and has thrown up many challenges, obstacles and difficulties. We have had to be creative, innovative, clever and inventive. We have had to find new ways of thinking, new ways of learning and new ways of staying connected to others. We have had to stop doing many familiar things, like coming to school, and start doing many unfamiliar things, like learning at home.

However, although the year has been difficult, we can be grateful for all the unexpected gifts that 2020 has brought us.

Another event is also on the horizon with the beginning of Advent! The beginning of Advent in our Church calendar, marks the start of a brand new Church year. During these weeks, we turn our thoughts to the coming of Jesus, who is the saviour of the world. Jesus is the Son of God, present among the people God loves. That is good news! Advent is what makes the Christmas season so special. It comes from the word ‘Adventus’, meaning ‘coming’, and is the first Church season leading up to Christmas. It is the hopeful waiting of Jesus coming to dwell among us.

ST VINCENT DE PAUL HAMPER: A BIG thank you to all the generous people in our school community who have sent in items for our Christmas hamper. For those who have helped out last Friday night we thank you very much. Many hampers were made and they will be presented to the St Vincent de Paul members on the last day of school at the Parish.

North West Mental Health (NWMH)

Please see the services provided by the Western Qld Primary Health Network to target children and young people at risk of or living with a mental health condition. You can utilize the web based referral tool called refRHEALTH. Referrals can also be made through the local school, GP or a local service provider. Please see the attached flyer and user guide for further information.

PARISH INFOMATION

Emergency Relief - The St Vincent de Paul Team has Emergency Relief available and is here on Wednesday mornings. Please feel free to make the best use of this Service for our community.

Irish Club Bingo - The Parish is still in need for volunteers for Bingo if you are able to spare some time on a Sunday afternoon once a month, please call the Parish.

Advent - “ADORE” Booklets for ADVENT, CHRISTMAS SEASONS 2020-21 - Daily Reflections on the Scripture Readings for each day are available at Mass or at the Parish.

DIOCESAN INFORMATION

Annual Seminary Appeal

Thank you to all who supported the annual Seminary Education Appeal. Your generous support helps the formation and education of our seminarian attending the Holy Spirit Seminary in Brisbane. Townsville’s seminarian William Brennan has completed his third year of formation and is currently in Charters Towers and the Mid-West completing his end of year placement.

Your donation will help support Will and other Seminarians become the shepherds of the future in our diocese.

Please ask for an envelope if you missed the opportunity last weekend.

Caritas Global Gift Campaign

Bring hope and joy to vulnerable families around the world: buy a Global Gift this Christmas.

Your gift will support those struggling with poverty and injustice, helping them to build brighter, better futures for themselves.

Order Global Gift cards online at the link below or call us on 1800 024 413.

Online Advent Program

A time to tune in to the Word which God speaks to us during Advent, and be renewed in spirit. We will open our hearts to God and reflect together using a simple form of listening to the second reading from each Sunday. Opportunity for sharing via zoom chat rooms and time to pray. Led by Sr Judy Foster sgs.

23 November, 30 November, 7 December, 14 December 9.00 – 10.00am, or 7.00 – 8.00pm

Please register by 19 November to receive password: jfoster@tsv.catholic.org.au

GOODBYE STAFF

Mrs Peta Mawn - After 11 years of being on staff, Peta and Kyle have decided to be on an adventure up to the Torres Strait Islands. Peta has been offered a full time job. Over the years Peta has helped out our staff with beginning teachers and the other important jobs. What she does well is WAHOO with the students. The students love this and it was this year that she suggested that we complete this with the whole school. At this stage she will be starting and her children will be with us at the beginning of next year. It is a shame that she is leaving and she will be greatly missed. She has given the teachers so much knowledge. We wish her all of the best and maybe we may see her in the future. Good Luck Peta.

Mrs Telana Nel - Telana started as a beginning teacher 3 years ago and she has developed into an amazing teacher. Every student in year 2 loves her and she always supports all of her students and makes sure she gets the best learning out of her students. Telana and Leo will be experiencing parenthood next year in Brisbane and we wish them all of the best. I am sure there will be photos next year of baby Nel.

Mrs Mel Anderson - Mel has been with the school for 10 years as one of the School Officers. In this time she has helped so many students and made sure that she can see learning growth in them every year. In the last 2 years she has been working in the Library with the love of books and sharing that love with the students. Next year Mel and Steven will be moving to Hughden to live on the family station and for Steven to be the pastor for the Anglican church. We wish her all the best for her new chapter in her life.

Mrs Annette Ahwing - Annette has been our Indigenous School Officer for the last 8 months. She has helped many of the younger years with their reading and she has seen so much development with these students. Annette has also made many relationships with all of our Indigenous students and I am sure the students will miss her. We wish her all the best back in Townsville next year.

Mrs Julie Wheeler - Over the last 2 years Julie has helped out many students as our Speech School Officer. Each morning she completes individual programs with these students and has seen them all progress over the last few years. Next year Julie will be looking after family. We will still see her around as she will come in for supply.

Mrs Tiana Young - Tiana has been with us for the last 2 years. Throughout this time she has been a School Officer and worked with many of the students throughout the school and supported the teachers. Tiana will be studying next year and we will still see her still around as supply.

Other Teachers

Miss Kristen Merli - Co-teacher, learning support and curriculum between P- 2.
Mrs Mel Siemer - Co-teacher, Indigenous teacher and curriculum between 3 - 6.
Mrs Peta Laffin - APRE and Inclusive Education teacher
Mrs Carla LLoyd - teaching PE
Mrs Karissa Smith - teaching The Arts and You can Do It.

SCHOOL RENEWAL PLAN AT ST KIERANS

Each fortnight we will profile a section of our Annual School Improvement Plan for 2020. This is the document that guides our plans and priorities for the year. We prepare this document based on initiatives set by the Townsville Catholic Education Office and through consultation with our school stakeholders: parents, staff and students.

INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

"An education in the fullness of humanity should be the defining feature of Catholic schools. An inclusive education finds a place for all and does not select in an elitist way the beneficiaries of its efforts." - Pope Francis

Inclusive education is more than a set of practices, it is a way of thinking about people, diversity, learning and teaching.

Inclusion is:

• Students with disability present and fully participating in the same environments as all other students for the same amount of time, including participation in assemblies, school excursions, concerts and other extracurricular events.
• All students learning the same age-appropriate curriculum, with necessary supports and adjustments.

It is important that a team approach is undertaken by parents and the school. Collaborative partnerships serve a number of valuable purposes that can significantly improve learning outcomes. Parents and school staff bring skills, knowledge and experience to the partnership. Communication, commitment, equality, skills, trust and respect all contribute to an effective collaborative partnership. Working together enables:

• Everyone to be part of the decision-making process
• Help prioritize needs and leads to improved learning outcomes.
• Develops student centred plans
• Identifies strengths and interests.
• Provides joint problem solving opportunities.

St Kieran’s looks forward to working with our families in 2021.

LEARNING & TEACHING

End of Semester Reports

With 2021 being such a crazy year there will be some changes to how our reporting is set up this semester. English, Maths, Religion and Science grades will reflect the students achievement in Terms 3 & 4. The grades for all of the other subject areas are based on students' work from the whole year.

Reports will be released on Compass on Wednesday the 2nd of December at 3pm. For our Year 6 families please be aware that you will lose access to your Saint Kieran’s compass login at the end of the year so we recommend you print all reports you want to keep. If you do not have a compass login please contact our office and they will assist you. We are so proud of all of our students and the personal and academic growth they have achieved this year.

Have a happy and safe holiday,

Mel

PREP ENROLMENTS 2021

Families seeking enrolment of their child into Prep for 2021 are invited to complete an Application for Enrolment, available on our website or alternatively collect an application package from the School Office.

As we are anticipating that there will continue to be strong demand for placements within our Prep groups for 2021, it is important that applications are received by the school as soon as possible.

Please note that if you have a sibling of a current St Kieran’s student you will also need to complete an enrolment application for your child for Prep 2021. Students enrolled at St Joseph’s Kindergarten or St Mary Mackillop Early Learning Centre are also required to complete an application form.

St Kieran’s Catholic School works in partnership with St Joseph’s Catholic School and Good Shepherd Parish to coordinate the Prep enrolment process so that the best opportunity is afforded to all.

ESMART (CYBER SAFETY)

Over the last 2 weeks Miss Kate Andrews and myself have been working on the curriculum with cyber safety. We have made sure that this is covered in every year level each year and is linked in with the Health Units. At the beginning of 2021 the units will be introduced to the teachers and they will place them in their planning. All of the lessons are directed at the students learning levels and cover all aspects of internet and cyber safety.

LIBRARY

The time has come for me to say “Farewell” to the students and wonderful families of St Kieran’s. I have had over 10 years of being a part of this St Kieran’s community and I leave with lots of fond memories. So many in fact that I could write a book, but that’s for another time. My next adventure will take me to our family cattle station near Hughenden, where I will work with and direct cattle instead of students.

From someone who has never been shy to speak her mind and to call a spade a spade, may I just say “don’t forget to be kind to each other and always remember to laugh”. “It’s the simple things in life that can help turn a frown upside down”.

Blessings to all,
Mrs Mell Anderson

HPE

We have wrapped up our units for the Term but students are still participating in PE lessons. They have thoroughly enjoyed the gymnastics sessions assisted by Trudy from Leichhardt gymnastics.

In sports news for next year, I have sent out an email to all parents of students who turn 10, 11 or 12 in 2021. This email has some information regarding extra curricular school sporting activities for the year. Please let me know if you didn’t receive it.

Congratulations to Fletcher Choyce for representing the region at the State 10-12yrs cricket competition. Fletcher showed amazing sportsmanship and we are all very proud of his achievements.

I wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday and look forward to a full sports calendar for next year!

ECO WARRIORS

Christmas Concert BBQ

This year the Eco Warriors are hosting a bbq at the Christmas Concert. We will be selling sausages on bread, steak burgers and drinks. Order forms have been sent home and are due back at school, with payment, on Tuesday 1st December. Please support our hard working gardeners!!

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION

Congratulations to all of our Year 6 graduates Will, Jeziah, Sienna and Titan. They have been amazing leaders this year guiding our younger Indigenous students and we wish them all the best for high school.

It is with much sadness that we are saying goodbye to Miss Annette from our team. Annette is returning to Townsville at the end of the year. We would like to thank her for the hard work, love and support she has given to all of our students, and no one is prouder when one of the children moves up reading levels than she is. We wish her all of the best for her future endeavours.

We would also like to say a very sincere thank you to Mrs Tammi Webber. Tammi has been the Indigenous Education Consultant for our school for the past 5 years. It is impossible to put into words the appreciation we feel towards everything she has done for us in this time. Her wealth of local knowledge, understanding of our school community and wisdom in all things Indigenous Education will be sorely missed. Although she will still have an office here at school she will be facilitating other schools within the Townsville Diocese. She will be replaced by Mrs Janelle Knack, who we look forward to working with in the new year. This year also sees the last of the Webber children graduating from Saint Kieran’s. Over the years the Webber’s have been behind the scenes working constantly around our school. From mowing lawns, working on our Sacred Space, selling tickets at the fete, being on the school board and many other countless tasks we cannot thank them enough for all they have done for our school and know that it isn’t really goodbye.

TUCKSHOP

Thursday Meal Deals

Term 4

Did you know the tuckshop could make cupcakes for your child’s birthday? $1.00 each, please enquire at the office for an order form.

PLAYGROUP

Lots of fun cooking with Little K's last week. The children made their own rice krispie treats and decorated them like Santa. They also decorated reindeer biscuits and made their own salt dough for craft. Such busy happy little people working, sharing and growing together.

This week we painted our salt dough footprints and handprints, decorated little wooden Christmas trees and made some crazy peg reindeer. Next week will be our Christmas party!

LOST PROPERTY

We have a number of items in the office that we do not know whom they belong to. Below is a brief description of the items we have. If they belong to you, please collect them.

• Grey and red Spinach Boost glasses
• Blue Fitbit watch
• Black Vogue Glasses Case with purple and cream Vogue glasses
• Size 6 Left foot Black Jazz Shoe.