4 February 2021

Newsletter Articles

IMPORTANT DATES

Tuesday 9th February - P & F Meeting - 5:30pm - Parent Engagement Room
Wednesday 10th February - Parent Information Night - Prep 5:30pm, Yr 1 6:00pm, Yr 3 6:30pm, Yr 5 7:00pm
Thursday 11th February - Parent Information Night - Yr 2 5:30pm, Yr 4 6:00pm, Yr 6 6:30pm
Friday 12th February - Sweetheart Day (Bright coloured clothes day - Gold coin donation)
Tuesday 16th February - Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday 17th February - Ash Wednesday
Thursday 25th February - Lunch with family - 10.30am-11.15am
Monday 1st March - Clean up Australia Day
Thursday 4th March - Open classroom - 8.20 - 8.45am
Friday 5th March - Beginning of Year Mass (Good Shepherd Catholic Church) - 8:20am
Friday 5th March - St Kieran's Feast Day
Monday 15th - Wednesday 17th March - Swimming Lessons
Monday 22nd - Wednesday 24th March - Swimming Lessons
Thursday 25th March - Lunch with family - 10.30am-11.15am
Thursday 1st April - Last day of term one

PRAYER / SPECIAL MESSAGE

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

Joy and Fervour

I make my own the words of Paul VI, which are as timely as if they had been written yesterday ... “May the world of our time, which is searching, sometimes with anguish, sometimes with hope, be enabled to receive the Good News not from evangelisers who were dejected, discouraged, impatient or anxious, but from ministers of the Gospel whose lives glow with fervour, who have first received the joy of Christ, and who are willing to risk their lives so that the Kingdom of God may be proclaimed and the Church established in the midst of the world”. (cf. apostolic letter Evangelii Nuntiandi, n. 80) (Pope Francis, address, 17 May 2013)

Reflection

How can you reject impatience and anxiety and restore joy and fervour in your life?

How would this transformation improve your witness to others?

PRINCIPALS REPORT

Dear parents and carers,

Welcome to the 2021 school year! We are hoping for a new beginning after a restricted 2020 and to get back to the things that make our school such a wonderful community.

There are many new faces in our school and I would like to welcome all our new families. We hope that your time with us will be enjoyable and rewarding. Thank you for choosing to be a part of our amazing school community. It was terrific to visit classrooms last week and see our new / old students’ happy faces. They were certainly welcomed with gusto and we know that this sense of welcome and belonging will continue.

There were a few tears in some classes last week but these were short lived. There were a few tears from parents and carers and a few students as well but it was difficult to tell if these were tears of joy! All jokes aside, it was a very calm and comfortable return to school last week and classes had a positive feel to them.

Last year Covid curtailed many of our regular functions and opportunities for parents and carers to feel connected and participate in the day to day life of the school. We are hoping that this will not be the case again this year. While there are still some restrictions in place, we are looking forward to reengaging with our community throughout the year.

As well as our new families we also welcome some new staff. Miss Tahnee McCahon who is our Prep teacher, Miss Anabelle Geddes teaching in Year 6, Miss Simone Stretton our 4th year prac student and Mrs Carol Walker our new School Officer. I am very excited to be working alongside them this year.

With the first two weeks almost complete I continue to see many happy faces and am sure this will continue as classes delve deeper into their learning throughout the term. I look forward to catching up with all our families over the coming weeks.

Enjoy the next 2 weeks, God Bless
Claudine Dank

RELIGIOUS LIFE OF OUR SCHOOL

The Word

Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever, so Jesus took her hand and healed her. People came to Jesus and he healed many who were sick and drove out many demons. Jesus went to a lonely place to pray. The disciples look for him, saying, “Everyone is looking for you.” Jesus answered, “We must go to the other villages - I have to preach to them too.” Mark 1:29-39

When people are sick we pray for them. Sometimes they get better and sometimes they don’t. God always hears and answers sincere prayer, just not always the way we were expecting. God knows that the difficult times can be a source of grace and growth in our lives and like a loving parent, God wants to be with us and to help us.

Welcome to a new year! It has been great to be involved with settling in our new students, in particular, prep. The first few weeks I look forward to sharing Morning Prayer and meditation with all the classes as they begin to establish their routines. As we progress through the term there are a number of times we can all come together as a community to pray. Please see below how you can be involved in the Religious Life of our school.

Religious Life of our School - Term 1

Join us for the following Prayers as a school community

Week 2

Friday 5th February Assembly 8.20am - Welcome - School Leaders

Week 3

Friday 12th February Assembly 8.20am - Anniversary of the National Apology Day (Feb 13th)

Week 4

Wednesday 17th February Ash Wednesday (Beginning LENT) - Time to be announced

Friday 19th of February Assembly 8.20am - Project Compassion Launch Year 5

Week 5

Friday 26th February Assembly 8.20am Year 4

Week 6

Friday 5th of March - St Kieran’s Feast Day and Beginning of Year Mass (At the Good Shepherd Church)

Week 7

Friday 12th of March Assembly 8.20am Year 3

Week 8

Friday 19th of March Assembly 8.20 am St Joseph's Feast Day Year - Service Leaders

Week 9

Friday 26th March Assembly 8.20am Palm Sunday - Year 6

Week 10 - HOLY WEEK

Stations of the Cross - To be announced

Thursday 1st April Assembly Easter – Leaders

Good Shepherd Parish Sacramental Program 2021

This important time in your family’s life as it marks a new chapter in your faith life as Catholics. Your child will be able to participate fully in the worship life of the Good Shepherd Parish by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist each week. So, this preparation is not just for their Confirmation and “First” Communion. It is a preparation for a lifetime that begins with these Sacraments of Initiation. Good Shepherd Parish is your partner in this preparation and is committed to supporting you in your responsibility as Christian parents which you accepted at your child’s baptism. We look forward to sharing and celebrating with you and your family during Lent and the Easter Season as your child becomes a full, worshipping member of our community.

Preparation for Confirmation and First Communion takes place during Lent and the Easter Season.

There will be a series of four (4) compulsory retreats aimed at:

• Nurturing a child’s/family’s understanding of God’s love for them and their response of thanksgiving.
• Nurturing a child’s/family’s relationship with Jesus Christ in prayer and worship.
• Enhancing a child’s/family’s appreciation of and active participation in the Mass.
• Developing a child’s/family’s sense of belonging to a community of disciples who love as Jesus loves.

Importantly, candidates and a parent/carer must attend all retreat sessions.

Godparents/sponsors could also attend to show support. At the completion of the retreats, candidates will be confirmed by Bishop Tim Harris on Wednesday the 28th of April at 7pm in the Good Shepherd Church. At the completion of the final two retreats, candidates will receive Communion for the first time at a Mass on either Saturday 22nd May (6pm mass) Or Sunday the 23rd of May (9am or 6pm Mass). Should you wish for your child to participate in the 2021 Confirmation and First Communion Preparation Program please collect a Parent Information Brochure from the Parish or school office.

PLEASE NOTE: If you were enrolled in 2020 you will need to complete new forms for 2021.

PARISH INFOMATION

Casual Staff for MMCNQ Centres

We are currently recruiting for casual staff to work in either our early learning centre, Kindergarten or out of school hours care services. Be supported by experienced early childhood teachers and educators, gain practical work experience and work in a fun and active work environment.

Interested in finding out more about our casual work opportunities in Mt Isa?

Contact our Area Coordinator, Nadia Russo on 0429 918 722

POSITION VACANT - Good Shepherd Parish, Mount Isa

Parish Secretary

We are seeking a dynamic, self-motivated and highly skilled person/s to provide support to the Parish Priest in his pastoral and executive roles. This includes responsibility for secretarial, and administrative services for Good Shepherd Parish. The position is permanent – part-time (30 hours – 9am to 3pm) and we are able to considered it as a job-share or a two part-time positions arrangement. PLease contact the Parish if interested

DIOCESAN INFORMATION

World Day of the Sick Webinar

The Faculty of Theology and Philosophy and in partnership with Catholic Health Australia (CHA) is running a webinar event that brings together international experts and thought leaders to discuss mental health, public health and the question of solidarity in the face of this global pandemic. The first event in this series, entitled Vaccines, Viruses and Vulnerabilities: Catholic health and care of the human person is taking place on World Day of the Sick which is February 11.

For more information and to register visit the link below:

STOPline Service

The Diocese of Townsville has recently enhanced its Whistle-blower Program, which enables all workers, volunteers, parents of students and parishioners to play an active role in eliminating improper conduct in the Diocese. The Diocese has contracted an independent external whistle-blower service STOPline to allow for confidential reporting.

The Diocese has defined Reportable Conduct in the Policy which can be found on the Diocesan website.

Reportable conduct includes suspected abuse, misconduct, mismanagement and policy breaches,

The Whistle-blower Policy applies to the Diocese (including parishes), Townsville Catholic Education, Centacare North Queensland, Saints Catholic College and NWQICSS.

Information can be shared anonymously.

P: 1300 30 45 50 E: tsvcatholic@stopline.com.au W: in the link below

SCHOOL RENEWAL PLAN AT ST KIERANS

This week the Blue team came out to our school to discuss our School Improvement Plan for 2021. Our new TCE team consists of Ms Stephanie Giorcelli is the Education Consultant, Mrs Lee-Ann Barton as Religious Education advisor, Mrs Janelle Knack for Indigenous advisor and Mrs Megan Wuersching is the Learning and Teaching advisor.

It was an excellent meeting where many discussions, ideas and future plans were raised for our school. It is currently in draft and once it is completed I will share it over the 1st Semester with our school community.

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

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.

The school is here to help you on your journey with your child. If you have any concerns please talk to your child’s teacher.

LEARNING & TEACHING

2021 is an exciting year for learning and teaching in our school. Firstly we welcome Miss Kristen Merli officially to the teaching and learning team, she will be assisting our P-2 teachers with planning and all matters curriculum related and I will continue to support our Years 3-6.

This year we have also been able to expand on our Co-teaching model that we trialled last year. Co-teaching is where we will have two teachers in the classroom at the same time working with the students. It might mean smaller group instruction, one teaching supporting and observing students whilst another teaches or two teachers teaching together. Research shows that this is one of the best ways to support and grow students in their learning. Times per week varies across the classrooms. Miss Merli will be working with our Prep, Years 1, 2, 4 and 5 classes and I will be supporting Years 3 and 6.

Reading continues to be a focus for us this year and this week most classes have been sent home reading folders and readers from the library. Please ensure you are filling out the form each week and sending readers and books back on your child’s allocated library day.

It has been wonderful seeing all of our happy little learners back at school and we look forward to supporting all of our students throughout the year.

Mel Siemer

WAHOO / STEM

Dear Parents,

Throughout the school year your child will be participating in STEM activities, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The goal of STEM is to provide students with real world problem solving opportunities. STEM allows students to think outside the box with project-based learning. Your child will be working on many exciting STEM projects this year!

Below is a list of household materials that we will be using to create our STEM projects. If you are willing to donate any of the items below then you can send them to the classroom with your child at any time throughout the year.

Thank you in advance for helping our classes collect these items for STEM! Please let me know if you have any questions.

Save these items for STEM!

• cereal boxes
• paper towel tubes
• tissue boxes
• coloured tissue paper
• shoe boxes with or without lids
• scrap pieces of cloth
• Newspapers

Mrs Karissa Smith

ESMART (CYBER SAFETY)

This week Martin McGauran came to our school to speak to the students about cyber safety and how to be safe online. He also spoke to the teachers and parents. He has a few simple messages for the students about online safety.

Prep to Year 2 with Ollie online and Year 3 to Year 6 with Thrive Online. The students loved the information and found it very useful.

Martin will be working with the school for us to develop a scope and sequence of curriculum for cyber safety, so that the students will be able to learn about it all year round.

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

Welcome back to a sport-filled year (fingers crossed anyway!). I hope the students are all rested and ready for an action packed year ahead.

In class this term, Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students are working on their Fundamental Movement Skills. Years 3-6 students will be participating in some modified hockey skills and indigenous, cultural and traditional games. For this unit, we will be looking at games that our parents/grandparents played in their schools as well as games from other cultures and games from Indigenous Australians. If your family has any games that they played, and you would like to share with the class, please contact me as we always love having our families come into the school to share their experiences. My email is clloyd@skmtsv.catholic.edu.au. .

Please be aware that if your child turns (or has already turned) 10, 11, 12 or 13 this year, they will be eligible to participate in representative sport. I will send emails home to parents for available sports when they are due. To participate in these events, your child must be competitive (they should play this sport on a regular basis outside of school) and have a full understanding of the rules.

Representative sports are divided into the following levels:

1. School Representative: Student represents St Kieran’s at a Mount Isa competition/trial. If successful, the student will be selected as a:
2. Mount Isa District Representative: Student represents Mount Isa at a Regional competition/trial. If successful, the student will be selected as a:
3. North West Regional Representative: Student represents the North West Region at a State carnival/trial. If successful at this level, students will be selected as a:
4. State Representative: Student represents Queensland at a National carnival/trial.

Our school cross country will be held at the end of Term 1. The date for this carnival is still to be confirmed, but we will let you know ASAP. Students who are placed in the top 3 will be invited to be a School Representative at the Mount Isa District Cross Country which will be held on the 29th April (Term 2, Week 2). I have recommended that students start training if they wish to compete in the Cross Country :)

Calendars for representative sports can be found on the North West School Sport website:

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION

2021 sees our highest Indigenous student enrolments for quite some time which is fantastic to see. With Miss Annette leaving us at the end of 2020 we are still in the process of putting our Indigenous Education Team together. As soon as our team is in place we will get our SKIFS welcome back to school bbq organised so we can all get together for a meet & greet.

This year we would love to hear from our Indigenous families regarding ideas for guest speakers, celebrations and input into how our kids learn at school. If you would like to get involved please make sure you catch up with me anytime or join in when our RAP committee meets.

This year we hope to continue our Buddy Reading, set up our Yr 5 & 6 Deadly Leaders group and Personal Learning Plans as well as acknowledge and commemorate significant events throughout the year.

We look forward to catching up with you all soon.

YOU CAN DO IT

My name is Karissa Smith and each Friday, I go into classes to work through the You Can Do It and Bounce Back programs with the students. I will attach to each newsletter some helpful information that you can apply at home, that relates to the topics we are covering.

You Can Do It covers the keys to success and happiness: Confidence, Organisation, Persistence, Getting Along and Resilience.

The Bounce Back! wellbeing and resilience program teaches children the skills and attitudes to help them be in a positive mood most of the time, get along well with others and become more resilient.

Ten coping statements are a core part of the program.

Bounce Back! stands for:

Bad times don’t last. Things always get better. Stay optimistic.
Other people can help if you talk to them. Get a reality check.
Unhelpful thinking makes you feel more upset. Think again.
Nobody is perfect – not you and not others.
Concentrate on the positives (no matter how small) and use laughter.
Everybody experiences sadness, hurt, failure, rejection and setbacks sometimes, not just you. They are a normal part of life. Try not to personalise them.
Blame fairly. How much of what happened was due to you, to others and to bad luck or circumstances?
Accept what can’t be changed (but try to change what you can change first).
Catastrophising exaggerates your worries. Don’t believe the worst possible picture.
Keep things in perspective. It’s only part of your life.

The program can help your child to get better at:

• using helpful thinking when faced with a problem or a difficult situation
• thinking more optimistically, i.e. expecting bad times to get better
• understanding that everyone has setbacks and difficulties, not just them
• talking to people they trust so they get a reality check on their thinking
• being brave and facing their fears
• enhancing their own wellbeing
• feeling and expressing gratitude
• boosting their positive emotions
• managing uncomfortable emotions and turning a bad mood into a good mood
• getting along with others, making and keeping friends and dealing well with disagreements
• setting goals, being resourceful, developing a growth mindset and not easily giving up
• being kind, fair, honest, friendly, cooperative, responsible, and accepting of differences
• using humour in a helpful, not a harmful way
• identifying, applying and extending their ability and character strengths
• respecting other people and not bullying others.

You can help your child get the best out of their involvement with Bounce Back! If you reinforce the key messages they are learning.

TUCKSHOP

Thursday Meal Deals

Term 1

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.

If you are using the Flexischools app to order tuckshop, please make sure you have changed your child/ren year level to their new year level. We have had a few students that are still in last year’s year level.

PLAYGROUP

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Sweetheart Day

Sweetheart Day is an annual Heart Kids flagship event held on February 14 - International Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day (aka Valentine’s Day). On Friday 12th February we are raising awareness and funds to support the 8 babies every day born with a heart defect. That is one every 3 hours when a families lives change in a heartbeat.

Sadly 4 young lives are lost to CHD each week. Sweetheart Day is your chance to join in the fight against this disease. Students are invited to wear either red or blue on the day and bring in a gold coin donation.