1 April 2021

Newsletter Articles

IMPORTANT DATES

Thursday 1st April - Free Dress Day (Chocolates Donation)
Thursday 1st April - Last day of term one
Friday 2nd April – Good Friday
Saturday 3rd April – Holy Saturday
Sunday 4th April – Easter Sunday
Monday 5th April – Easter Monday
Monday 19th April – IPRASS Holiday
Tuesday 20th April – Term Two Commences
Friday 23rd April - Free Dress Day (Trash and Treasure Stall Items)

PRINCIPALS REPORT

As we approach the end of a very busy and successful term, here are some acknowledgments and reflections on our start to 2021:

• Firstly, thank you to all students, parents and staff for your efforts to begin 2021 positively and in the spirit of partnership that we value so very much. It was wonderful to see so many students and parents at the Parent Teacher Interviews throughout Week 9. These meetings are a crucial time for students to review their work with parents in partnership with teachers, set goals for improved learning and behaviour in Term 2, especially as we approach Semester 1 Reports.

• Thank you to our outstanding staff; the level of commitment and dedication, and the willingness to go beyond what is expected of them is remarkable. They are extremely supportive and eager to transform the learning that happens in our classrooms. They all work together as a team to achieve the best results out of the students.
• Thank you to our students. You are fun, interested and proud to be students of St Kieran’s Catholic School. You are involved in helping each other out and making sure that we are all ok. You bring us such great joy in the privilege we have of leading your learning.
• Thank you to our outstanding parents; we could not do what we do without the support of mums, dads and extended family members. The successful partnerships we enjoy, ensure that our school goes from strength to strength. It is also great to see so many parents here during open learning mornings and also family lunch.

Easter is the greatest feast in the Christian calendar and we have been blessed this year to experience it on the correct days throughout this week. Just as a family will gather on important occasions and retell the family stories, the Church keeps its ‘best stories’ for this most significant celebration as we gather as a Catholic family this Easter. These are the family stories that shape our Catholic identity; they tell us where we have come from, who we are and where we are going. Easter is much more than Easter eggs and hot cross buns. It is a time when the great stories of Holy Week give us an opportunity to reflect on a hope for a positive future and new beginning in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As we enter the first holiday break of 2021 and hope we do not end up in lock down again, may we look for brief respite from the hectic pace that seems to characterise our busy lives. I wish you a holy, happy and safe Easter break and look forward with genuine excitement and enthusiasm to Term 2, when we continue to live out the Easter messages of faith, hope and love and make the most of the wonderful learning opportunities available. I also hope you all have an amazing time with your family and friends and enjoy the time with your child/ren.

May God bless you and your family and see you in term 2.

Claudine Dank

RELIGIOUS LIFE OF OUR SCHOOL

Sunday the 28th of March was Palm Sunday. It commemorates the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. when palm branches were placed in his path, before his arrest on Holy Thursday and his crucifixion on Good Friday. The Gospels (Matthew 26:14-27:66) tells of crowds laying branches on the road before Jesus and proclaiming him as king, yet before the week is out, he has been betrayed and crucified. Palm Sunday highlights the paradox of Christ’s kingship; our palms represent his victory, but a victory that only comes through suffering and self-sacrifice. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent.

Sunday (Palm Sunday) - Jesus enters Jerusalem

Monday - Jesus Clears the Temple (Matthew 21:12–22, Mark 11:15–19, Luke 19:45-48, and John 2:13-17.)

Tuesday - Jesus goes to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 21:23–24:51, Mark 11:20–13:37, Luke 20:1–21:36, and John 12:20–38)

Holy Wednesday - Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of Passover.

Maundy Thursday - The Passover and the Last Supper (Matthew 26:17–75, Mark 14:12-72, Luke 22:7-62, and John 13:1-38.)

Good Friday - Trail , Crucifixion and Burial (Matthew 27:1-62, Mark 15:1-47, Luke 22:63-23:56, and John 18:28-19:37.)

Saturday - in the Tomb (Matthew 27:62-66, Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56, and John 19:40)

Sunday - Resurrection Day! (Matthew 28:1-13, Mark 16:1-14, Luke 24:1-49, and John 20:1-23.) Fairchild, Mary. (2020, August 28). Holy Week Timeline: From Palm Sunday to the Resurrection. Retrieved from the link below.

The Easter Triduum refers to the three days in the Church’s calendar which expresses the central mystery of our Christian Faith. It begins with Holy Thursday as we focus on Jesus’ farewell work and deeds at the Last Supper. Good Friday is when we ponder the events of his suffering and death. It finishes with the Easter Vigil when we celebrate the liberation of humankind through Christ’s resurrection. The three stage sequence of worship allows us to take in an enormous mystery in small parts and to relate it to our own loves - the sorrows, joys, successes and failures. Of all the Church’s celebrations throughout the years, the Easter Triduum is considered the highpoint.

Jesus is the Resurrection

“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die." John 11:25-26 (NLT)

PARISH INFORMATION

Holy Week 2021 - Good Shepherd Parish

Healing Mass, Monday 29th March 2021 at 7:00pm

Easter Mass for Laura Johnson Home, Thursday 1st April 10.30am

Holy Thursday, 1st April at 7:30pm

• Mass of the Last Supper at 7:30pm - Followed by all-night vigil in the Church until 7:00am Friday (sign up for a time at the Church door).

Good Friday, 2nd April 2021

• 10.00am Stations of the Cross
• 3.00pm Lord’s Passion
• Ecumenical Service at the Cross on The Hill at 6.00pm

Holy Saturday, 3rd April 2021

• Easter Vigil Mass 7.30pm Service of Light, Renewal of Baptism Promises

Easter Sunday, 4th April 2021

• Ecumenical Service at the Lookout 6.30am
• Mass 7.30am, 9.00am, 6.00pm

Reconciliation/Confession Times

• Friday - After Stations of the Cross at 10:00am & Lord’s Passion at 3:00pm. 11:30am-12:00 noon

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

DIOCESAN BASED INFORMATION

Plenary Council Update

As we journey towards the 1st Assembly of the Plenary Council, the ‘Working Document has been released. This document draws heavily on the voices heard during the Listening and Dialogue and Listening and Discernment phases of the Plenary Council, but also from other key sources. It is entitled Continuing the Journey.

There is now a regular Podcast to provide valuable insights into the journey the Catholic Church in on towards the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia. Episodes are available on Spotify and Anchor.

All other resources are available on the Plenary Council website –

Mass Livestream

Sunday Mass from the Sacred Heart Cathedral will continue to be Live Streamed for the community. You can find the stream here

Prayer resources and other important information can be found at the link below.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN

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.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

Last week our Year 3 and 5 students all participated in a practise Online NAPLAN test. These practise tests allow students to familiarise themselves with the testing procedures and layout. It is also an opportunity for schools to check for readiness in regards to student log-in’s and digital devices/accessories. NAPLAN will take place in Term 2, Week 4 on Tuesday 11th May – Friday 14th May for students in Years 3 and 5.

This year, one of our curriculum goals is for all students to have positive growth in Mathematics. To support our teachers in achieving this goal they have already begun participating in various training and professional development, new resources have been purchased for the school and a focus will be made on incorporating hands-on activities in lessons.

WAHOO/STEM

What an exciting term we have had in STEM! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Most of the activities have been ‘hands on’ and related to the units being taught within that class. Below are some of the activities that we have participated in:

Prep have participated in rotational activities, looking at directions, building patterns with Duplo and playing with programming the Bee Bots.
Year 1 have been looking at changing matter in food. We have twisted, stretched and shaped pretzel dough; made ice cream in a bag and experimented with melting different types of chocolate.
Year 2 have looked at Digital Technology and algorithms, including following programs, writing their own algorithms and programming Bee Bots with algorithms.
Year 3 have been coding on the computer, built habitats for an animal and designed their own animal with adaptations for their environment.
Year 4 have tried to clean up oil spills; looked at how seeds are scattered and designed their own ‘seed’ to scatter so it can grow and created art work from leaf rubbings (while looking at the parts of a leaf).
Year 5 have examined light and completed activities involving shadows with Lego Men; refraction of light in water, making a pencil appear ‘broken’ and arrows reversing; and colour, including making skittle rainbows in water.
Year 6 have examined earthquakes in action, making plate tectonic models out of playdough; building structures to withstand earthquakes in jelly and have made a model seismograph.

All these activities were enjoyed by the students. Ask your child to tell you more about what they did!

HPE

We have had a massive few weeks in PE lately to finish the term. It was absolutely amazing to see so many of our students tackle the new cross country course. I am very proud of all those who participated and helped on the day. A big thank you to Gary Dank for our drone footage and the parents who helped out on the day. However, Moondarra was the victorious house for the carnival, ending Corella’s 4 year winning streak!

Our swimming carnival was a huge success and once again, thank you to all those staff, parents and students who helped out on the day. There were some amazing costumes as well so well done to all those students who went above and beyond to prepare an outfit.

Corella was the winning house for this one so the scores are tied!

Soooo… the athletics carnival will be the decider for the 2021 house of the year! This will be in Week 5 - Friday 21st May. The Prep-Year 1 students will be leaving early on this day.

Next term we have our district cross country carnival and the netball gala day in week 2. The Rugby gala day is in week 4 so we look forward to another fun term of sport. We wish you all a safe holiday.

ECO WARRIORS

A huge thank you to all of the families who donated Woolies seeds to our garden club. Each class has had an opportunity to plant and care for their own tray of seeds that we are hoping will be seedlings which will be planted in our garden before the holidays. This Thursday we will have a working bee where children can volunteer to come across to the garden and work. This will involve lots of messy work so can you please ensure your child is wearing old clothes and shoes if they intend to help in the garden.

ESMART (CYBER SAFETY)

Principal Awards

Sponsored by Mount Isa Coffee Club

Congratulations to;

• Meleka Sopoaga
• Micah Smith

These students have worked so hard with their learning and the effort they have placed in their work. We are all super proud of them.

TUCKSHOP

All tuckshop orders are to be made online through Flexischools by 9.00am on the day required.

2020 Families - Please remember to change your child's classroom to their 2021 class prior to your first order this year.

In the app go to the profile tab - students - select student - click on the pencil and update the year level first and then class and press save.

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.

MOTHER’S DAY FETE

Free Dress Dates:

Thursday 1st April - Chocolates (Party size packs)
Friday 23rd April - Trash and Treasure Stall Items
Friday 30th April – Plants
Friday 7th April - Fill a plate for cake and bake store
Friday 14th May - Free Dress - After School Fete.

Please ensure that students wear sun safe clothing (sleeved shirts) and correct footwear as students have PE lessons on these days.

We are also going to need as many volunteers as possible. If you are unable to come to a meeting and would like to help, please let the school know.

FETE SPONSORS

We give many thanks to the following businesses for their generous donations towards our Mother’s Day Fete.