3 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Marching with our Grade 6s on ANZAC Day and remembering those who have sacrificed their lives in past and present wars is a very emotional and some would say spiritual experience; that is, the loss of lives and their memorial reaches deep inside the person, touching our core and within the context of prayer, song and bible readings can bring us closer to God regardless of religious denomination.

This week the Gospel reading is Luke 24: 32, the story of two disciples walking to Emmaus (12km from Jerusalem) two days after Jesus’ crucifixion. These two did not recognise Jesus as he appeared on the road with them until later that day. The message for us is that none of us walk our life alone. Even when we don’t recognise or acknowledge Jesus’ presence he is there in our everyday life. We may not see the extraordinary in the ordinary. We may not see the hand of God in our lives but can always try to be evermore open to this hand of God with us daily – just as he was at the ANZAC Day Memorial Service.

Carol Seagar
Principal

ANZAC Day

Jesus In Us – A Poem

I saw Jesus yesterday.
He was at the hospital visiting a friend who was sick.
They prayed together quietly.
For just a minute he looked like our priest.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in his eyes.
I saw Jesus this morning.
He was in my kitchen making my breakfast.
He then fixed me a special lunch to take with me.
For just a minute he looked like my mum.
But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from his heart.
I saw Jesus today.
He was praying on his knees all alone.
He then began to cry for those he prayed for.
For just a minute he looked like a lady from our church.
But it was Jesus, I could see the compassion poured out of his prayer.
I saw Jesus the other day.
He was at the grocery store talking to a friend.
He then put his arms around them to comfort them.
For just a minute he looked like a young mother in our ladies’ class.
But it was Jesus, I could see the concern for others who hut.
I see Jesus everywhere.
Taking food to the sick,
Welcoming others to his home,
Being friendly to a newcomer,
And for just a minute I think he’s someone I know.
But it’s always Jesus, I can tell by the way he serves.

May someone see Jesus in you today.
Remember to encourage those you see living for Jesus!
“You are My witnesses,” says the Lord. (Isaiah 43:5)
Life is God’s gift to you. The way you live it…is your gift to God.

Author Unknown

Kinder 2018

Kinder Information Evening

There will be a Kinder 2018 Information Evening at school on Thursday 11 May at 7.00pm.

Japanese

Our focus in Japanese for the second half of Term 1 has been – bangou (numbers). Students

in Years 3-6 are learning to count to 20 in Japanese and how to write the Japanese symbols for these numbers. They have also learnt how to ask and respond to the question:

Nan sai desu ka – How old are you?

Here are some photographs of Grades 5/6 students playing number games in Japanese:

Japanese Games

Learning Support

STM Techspot – Resources for Parents

Keeping on top of all the changes that happen in the digital world can be really tough. We can’t be expected to know every single new potentially dangerous trend among younger people. We are all busy and do not have unlimited hours to be researching every online threat. Luckily there are some fabulous resources available that give us the info we need to know in a concise and user-friendly way:

• The eSafety Commissioner’s “Parent’s guide to online safety” is a fantastic initial resource, and is really a must read for parents. We have attached this at the bottom of the article.
• Further to this, the eSafety Commissioner’s iParent Website has a wealth of up to date information, stats and facts regarding children’s online behavior and digital technology use. Please take the time to visit and have a brief sift through the iParent site to familiarize yourself with the content - https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent
• The office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner also have Facebook and Twitter accounts which are well worth following to keep abreast of very new concerns or trends.
• Last, but certainly not least, are your children. They know what they use online, so it is important to keep regular open lines of communication. Take an interest in what they are using and familiarise yourself with that content.

Thank you all in advance for the time and effort you put into keeping your child/ren safe online. It really does have a huge impact on the schooling lives of all our students at STM.

Cheers, Kurt

MyTern

Post 4
Building your child’s emotional resilience: Using MYTERN in everyday situations

Your child comes home from school and complains that someone has made them sad or angry. Explain to your child that although the other child probably shouldn’t have said or done that, they still didn’t have the ability to take control of their steering wheel. Help them understand that it was their decision to drive down the angry or sad road. The other person didn’t MAKE them do it. It’s ok to drive down a red road as this builds resilience, but they are not to stay on that road for too long.

Ask them what road they are now on. If they are on a red Buska road, discuss what type of PETS could help them drive on to a better road. Try not to focus on the reasons WHY your child is on a red Buska road. Focus on the PETS that can help them to regain control of their steering wheel getting them off the red Buska road and onto a green Reapo road.

Your child needs to begin to understand that even though they may not be able to control circumstances or other people, they ALWAYS have the option to control how they feel and which road they drive down. It is the feeling of control that we are trying to convey.

Family Activity: Discuss how easy it is to blame others and circumstances for how we feel. Have each member of the family give an example of when they have blamed others and how they could have taken control of their steering wheel in that situation.

Helping your child to take responsibility and not blame others:

1. Stay calm. Your calm attitude communicates that there’s no emergency, and he doesn’t need to be in “fight” mode.
2. Empathize. Acknowledging your child’s experience will help him/her feel understood, less alone – and less like it’s an emergency. Bypass his/her anger and respond to the unhappiness that’s driving the anger, which helps him/her understand his own emotions better.
3. Model taking responsibility. Your goal is to help your children assume their share of responsibility for whatever happens in their life, instead of blaming someone else. So model taking responsibility in whatever ways you can,
4. Teach repair. When children are no longer upset and blaming others you can teach repair – for example “You were pretty upset when your lego broke, I know when you told your brother it was all his fault, that really hurt his feelings…I wonder how you can make things better with your brother?”
5. Create a no-blame household. When children grow up in a household where blame is a way of life, they’re more defensive and more inclined to blame than to take responsibility. Not surprisingly, families who focus on solutions instead of blame raise children who are more able to take responsibility, because admitting a mistake doesn’t mean they’re “wrong” or “bad”. Why not experiment with a no-blame household? Every time you start to assign blame, teach yourself to ask “What can we do to solve this?” instead.

Raising a Secure Child

How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child's Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore

By Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, Bert Powell and Christine Benton
Book Medium: Paperback 280 Pages $34.90

Today's parents are constantly pressured to be perfect. But in striving to do everything right, we risk missing what children really need for lifelong emotional security. Now the simple, powerful "Circle of Security" parenting strategies that Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell have taught thousands of families are available in self-help form for the first time.

Readers learn how to protect and nurture babies through teens while fostering their independence--and what emotional needs a child may be expressing with difficult behaviour. Vivid stories and unique practical tools offer insight into how our own upbringing affects our parenting style (and what to do about it). Healthy attachment requires self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes. This book shows parents they already have what it takes.

Medical Information

Can parents of students with medical needs please ensure all medical plans are updated with your doctor and returned to us in the next two weeks. We use these plans (for example anaphylaxis and asthma) as direct instruction when your child needs medical assistance from the staff.

Important Health Request

Dear Parents

You may be aware that Pippa Harmey, a student in Kinder this year, Is receiving treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (a type of cancer) which puts her at risk if she is exposed to Chicken Pox, Shingles or Measles. Please inform the school office as soon as possible if you or your children or friends come into contact or become ill with any of the above.

Pippa's parents, Yvette and Dave have asked for our help in this very important matter.

This is especially important for all families in our school.

This is a simple but very important way we can help Pippa on her journey towards wellness.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Change of Details

PLEASE advise the school when you change jobs, addresses, phone numbers – this is really important so we can contact you when your child is ill or injured.

WWVP Card

Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers are reminded that if they wish to do Parent Help with their children they must have a current WWVP card which has been copied and held on file at the office.

How to apply for a WWVP Check & Number

1. Complete the online application form.
2. Print the “Application Receipt” which is generated when the application has been completed in full.
3. Take the “Application Receipt” (and your 100 point check to confirm identity) to a Service Tas Shop and pay the fee.
4. Take your WWVP card to the school office where your number will be recorded. If you are not recorded in the office you will not be able to do parent help, camp, etc.

School Drop Off & Pick Up

Please be aware that we are monitoring pick up and drop off on Campbell St and Abbott St. Both Carol and Kurt are now able to issue parking violation notices through the council.

The 5-minute drop off zones do not allow for you to leave your car and enter the school. If you wish/need to come into the school grounds, please park in another parking zone.

Our new ‘No Parking’ teardrop banners on Campbell St are working well so far, and fewer people are parking on the yellow lines. Thank You.

School Crossings

Please ensure that you always use the school crossings when picking up or dropping off children at school. Not only does this maximise your and your child’s safety, but it also sets an excellent example for other students at the school. Thank you all in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

2017 Sacramental Calendar –

P & F

This year’s committee members are: President – Jacqui Cross; Finance Officer – Kylie Smart; Secretary – Kirsty Pedder.

Vacancy: Fair Coordinator; coordinate the team, facilitate meetings and purchasing and help with sponsorship. If anyone has these skills please contact a P&F member.

Dates of meetings: Thurs 1 June; Wed 5 July; Wed 16 Aug; Wed 13 Sept; Tues 17 Oct; Wed 15 Nov.

Tasmanian Catholic Schools Parents Council – Reading Workshops

Please click on the attached document to see flyer about Reading Workshops.

Birth to 4 Program at St Thomas More’s

Starting 21st February in the Josephite Hall 9 -10:30 every Tuesday during term time. All parents and children 4 and under are most welcome. Looking forward to seeing you.

Community Announcements

Airbrushing Workshop: Beginners/Intermediate Course 17 & 18 June from 9.30 – 3.30pm

$250 per person, materials and equipment supplied. For enrolments contact: happyshackair@outlook.com or phone Paul on 0437 418 031.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THURSDAY 4 MAY – BOARD MEETING, 7.00PM
THURSDAY 11 MAY – KINDER 2018 INFORMATION SESSION
FRIDAY 12 MAY MOTHERS DAY BREAKFAST AT 8.00
WEDNESDAY 17 MAY – STM CROSS COUNTRY CARNIVAL
FRIDAY 2 JUNE – KINDER 18 APPLICATIONS CLOSE
MONDAY 5 JUNE – BAND SOIREE
MONDAY 12 JUNE – LONG WEEKEND
TUESDAY 13 JUNE – NIJSSA CROSS COUNTRY
- STRINGS SOIREE
THURSDAY 15 JUNE – BOARD MEETING, 7.00PM
TUESDAY 20 JUNE – INFORMATION EVENING FOR CONFIRMATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST
THURSDAY 22 JUNE – FEAST OF ST THOMAS MORE
MONDAY 26 JUNE – SCHOOL PHOTO DAY
THURSDAY 29 JUNE – FOUNDATION BAND & STRINGS WORKSHOP

Dog Safe Education Program

This is my dog, Frankie. She is almost 4 years old and is very friendly and sociable, fully immunised and healthy. I would like to bring her to my Kindergarten class on occasions and have the permission of Mrs Seagar and the TCEO as long as I advise parents and address any concerns. I have had positive feedback from the parents in my class, so I am now sharing the plan with the wider school community.

There are many studies that have shown the benefits of having pets in schools. Below is a link to a story about a school in WA that has recently adopted two dogs. We hope that Frankie's presence at school will contribute to wellbeing and add to the life of our Kinder room.

I have invited the Launceston City Council to present their Dog Safety Program later this term. It is a great program that teaches children how to be safe around dogs. This will be beneficial for all children, not only those who may interact with Frankie at school.

If you have any questions or concerns please let me know and I can give you any further information that you may require. If all goes well I will try bringing Frankie one Wednesday and see how it goes.

Please feel free to email me with any concerns: jacquie.wood@catholic.tas.edu.au

Kind regards,

Jacquie Wood

Mothers Day Invitation

New Counsellor

Introducing Belinda Flack, who will be our School Counsellor on site once a fortnight.

Lost

Size 8 green woollen vest – has the name M. Neill in it. Please check your child’s cupboard and return to office if found.

Book Club

Last term someone paid for a Pokemon book and a Gods and Monsters book but didn’t put their name on the order form. The books are waiting in the library for the owner to collect.

Project Compassion

Total money raised through our Easter Chocolate Raffle to go to Project Compassion was $2281. More house were the winners in raising the most money.

GALLERY

Lego Competition winners – Mary Boyle (age-group winner), Freddy Saxton (age-group and overall winner), Ella Webber (age-group winner)