6 May 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principals Address

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I offer ponder the notion of the old becoming new again and things from the past coming back into fashion.

Even though Online Learning at home has become the new norm during this time, many leisure activities and hobbies, common place in years gone by, such as board games, model-making and jigsaws have made a comeback during the pandemic.

There has also been a revival of favourite pastimes such as letter writing.

We need our mothers more than ever during challenging and difficult times such as these. They have the undeniable gift of always reassuring us that everything will be alright and making us feel safe, loved and cared for.

This Sunday, I’m sure our mums would love nothing more than to lift everyone’s spirits with a family celebration full of hugs, laughter and good times.

But travel restrictions and social distancing, as a result of lockdowns, mean many families will be unable to physically be together, particularly those with elderly members.

Mother’s Day will look a little different this year, but it can still be just as special. And with one simple gesture, potentially more meaningful than ever.

Writing a Mother’s Day letter to your mum, to tell her what she means to you is a priceless, powerful gift that costs very little.

Below is an example written by one of my daughters, to her mother.

Dear Mum,

Thank you for all you do. Thank you for your constant support, encouragement and positivity. I am so grateful for everything you have done for me; you have filled my life with love and laughter. I am so thankful that you encouraged me to believe in myself and others and to go after my dreams. You have taught me how to be kind, how to be positive and how to be brave, especially during hard and challenging times such as these.

“Mother is a word we use for an angel with wings of love.” Mum, you are my angel – I love you. Happy Mother’s Day.

Love Kate

For those of us who have lost our Mums, take some time on Sunday to treasure the wonderful times shared with them and the great blessings they brought to our lives.

To all our wonderful mothers, grandmothers and special ladies.

Wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day.

Grant

Principal
Grant Diggins

Assistant Principals News

Welcome to Term 2, 2020, Everyone

This is certainly a term beginning like no other! Let’s keep all the COVID-19 safety measures in place so that transitioning to more normal times and routines will be without too many hiccups.

Congratulations on assuming home learning with your children. We at school understand that it may be a difficult process, but we are also hoping that you are valuing being another part of the educational journey of your children.

It’s been delightful to hear of the different activities that families are enjoying together. Our way of life has been forced back to simpler times and with that a new perspective and respect for life.

Your children’s teachers are working extremely hard in these difficult times. They are innovative, take initiative and adaptable. I congratulate each of them in all their endeavours in keeping learning happening for your children/ their students.

Please be mindful of your child’s designated two days at school from week 3. These days are specifically for new learning for those grades; also allowing them a reintroduction into being at school.

Mobile Phones

Students are not permitted to use mobile phones at school. If needed after school, they are to be turned off during the day.

Following are the conditions in place if mobile phones, including smart watches, are brought to school for after school purposes.

• Mobile phones must be left in school bags
• Parent contact is through the school office within school hours
• Smart watches are for time telling only during school hours
• Mobile phones and smart watches will be placed in school office if conditions are not followed

A school mobile phone will be taken on all major excursions and parents will be notified of the number to ring in case of emergency.

Assistant Principal
Anne Higgins

Religious Education Update

Mother’s Day

This Sunday 10th May we celebrate and remember all our Mother’s, Grandmother’s and special Mother figures in our lives.
Loving God, you gift us with mothers who give us life and love.
They show us a glimpse of what you are like and the unconditional, tender love you have for us.
As we honour all mothers on this day, we pray that you bless and keep these precious women close to your mothering heart.
We ask this in the name of Jesus.

Amen.

A Blessing Prayer for Mothers by Greg Sunter

Mother God,
You are the great Creator.
You gave birth to the world and through love brought all things into being.
You are our mother who feeds us;
Our mother who comforts and consoles us;
Our mother who defends us;
Our mother who calms and cares for us.
Before you formed us in our mother’s womb, you chose us.
Before we were born you set us apart.
You have carved us in the palm of your hand.
Bless all women who bring life into the world.
Bless all women who cannot give birth.
Bless all women expecting the birth of their child.
Bless all women who mourn their unborn child.
Bless all women who love and care for their children.
Bless all women who share their love and care with others.
Bless all women who tend the needs of their families.
Bless all women who tend the needs of the world.
Bless all women supported by a partner.
Bless all women who parent alone.
Bless all women of integrity.
Bless all women who struggle with who they are.
Bless our mothers and our grandmothers.
Bless our teachers and our carers.
Bless the dads who also mother.
Bless the mums we never knew.
God, our Mother and our Father,
Look with favour on all those we call ‘mother’.
Bless them and keep them as they bless and keep us.
We make this prayer through Mary, who intercedes for us.
Amen.

Prayer throughout the St Aloysius Community

2020 has been a year that none of us have experienced before. It is a time of uncertainty however it is a time where we can grow stronger together as a community. I know that many of our students are missing their school friends, teachers and other members of their family who they do not live with. Prayer is a beautiful way to bring a community together and can lift someone’s spirits in a time of need. To maintain our river of prayer I ask, if you wish, to have your child/children/ family write a prayer for their classmates, teacher, our school or those suffering in the world and email it to larissa.quigley@mn.catholic.edu.au I will share these prayers via the next newsletter or on our school Facebook page.

If you are looking for a child friendly resource for prayer, a fellow teacher, Natasha Brotherton, REC from St Mary’s Warners Bay, has a YouTube channel called ‘Faith 7’. She and her puppet friend Kevin explore different types of prayer and discuss current events happening in a way that your child will be able to connect with. You may like to view one video here;

Attitude of Gratitude

During Jesus’ time on earth, many people appreciated what Jesus had done for them. His message has continued through 2,000 years, and we will identify moments when we need to get into the habit of thanking and appreciating what is done for us today. The act of gratitude is a habit to foster and cultivate.

I challenge the students to say ‘thank you’ 6 times a day at school and 4 times a day at home, to encourage them to develop a sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the things they have been blessed with in their life. However, being thankful is more than just saying a quick “thanks.”

You might like to spend time with your child making a list of the things that you are grateful for in your life. Together write a prayer, thanking God for that which you are thankful for.

You may like to download our Gratitude Journal and complete these activities with your child or as a family.

For more activities that can help develop your child’s attitude of gratitude visit:

Acting Religious Education Co-ordinator
Larissa Quigley

Awards

Term 2, Week 1

Reminders

Birthday celebrations

Due to Covid-19 hygiene restrictions, there will no sharing of food at school. This includes birthday cakes, donuts, ice blocks etc.

Building/Maintenance Updates

During the school holidays, a large section of our main field was top dressed and seeded. Our ‘Lone Pine,’ donated by the RSL was also planted beneath our flag poles.

Tenders have been submitted for the Stage 3 building works which are due to commence in June.

Co-ordinator News

Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we respond to the changes facing our school community. Next week we will see classes transition back to school, back to face to face teaching and for some children they may begin to experience anxiety at the thought of returning after a prolonged absence.

The staff are very appreciative of your support and we are very much looking forward to students returning to school. All staff are developing strategies to support our students when they return, please contact your class teacher if you have any specific concerns.

Mrs Stephen has found a wonderful social story that I encourage you to read to your children to prepare them for coming back to school. The beyou website also has some resources that you may like to access.

Sonia Walters
Primary Coordinator

STEM News

Online Activity in light of COVID19

During our time at home, students have had the opportunity to be online more than ever. This has provided students with wonderful opportunities to collaborate and develop new skills. However, it has also meant students are engaging in new ways which may present risk without careful monitoring.

I found this good infographic about TikTok which has some great tips and general reminders. I would also encourage you to read at the link below:

Office 365

All students and teachers in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle can download and install Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus for free on up to five personal devices. This means students can access the Microsoft Office Package including Word, PowerPoint etc.

Please refer to the attached document for further information and instructions for downloading and installing.

Jessica Moulder

Primary Coordinator
STEM Coordinator

Pastoral Care News

Welcome to Term 2

I hope the school break was restful and relaxing for you all, and you were able to enjoy some family time during self isolation.

As we start Term 2 and the transition back to school in the coming weeks, it is normal for many children to have questions or concerns about COVID-19. While there is lots of support at school for students and families, there is also supports that parents and kids can access from home.

Kids Helpline is available 24/7 and is a free call, or you can web chat or email them if your child would like to speak to one of their trained counsellors. I have included a link to there website so that you and your child can look at Kids Helpline together and explore some of their resources and topics.

There is also support for parents who need someone to talk to. As you juggle our changing society and the challenges associated with online schooling and supporting your children through this time, it's normal to feel confused or overwhelmed, but there is support out there for parents. Parent Line NSW can be reached on 1300 1300 52, 9am - 9pm Monday to Friday and 4pm - 9pm Saturday and Sunday.

Please reach out if you need support or if you just need someone to chat to. I can be reached at school on Mondays and Tuesdays or anytime via email.

Take care

Amanda Fogarty
Pastoral Care Worker

Learning Hub News

Mother’s Day

Don’t forget to spoil your mum this Sunday! There is a lovely book for listening together with a special lady this Mother’s Day and a fun make at home activity too. Just click here to go to the page (password is 2015).

Sora

A quick reminder that while we cannot borrow books physically there is still a wonderful collection to read online with School eBook Library Sora. When you go into this section on the Learning Hub website you will find a very helpful video that explains how to access the SORA book collection and how to borrow, reserve and return books. It is such a wonderful resource that enables students to be able to continue their reading journey during this time.

Book Club

Book Club is back and has gone paperless! Issue 3 of Book Club is now open for you to order. Book Club has only produced digital catalogues for this issue. Parents please continue to order as normal online via the Book Club LOOP platform.

Click on the link below to see the Issue 3 Catalogue:

Book Club orders will still be delivered to the school and distributed appropriately. Please make sure all Issue 3 orders are placed before Friday 22nd of May.

Premiers Reading Challenge

Don’t forget to keep logging your PRC books you have been reading at home either on your own or as part of your learning grids from school.

Kind regards,

Sam Berry, Catherine Creasey and Carolyn Lilley (St Aloysius library team)

Student News

CORONA PROJECTS

Social distancing, hygiene practices, testing, isolation, lockdown!

We are living in unprecedented times. 2020 will go down in history as a year like no other. As a special, optional project, Mr Diggins would love to gather our students’ perspectives of life during this pandemic, to capture their learnings and experiences over the last six weeks.

This may take one or more of the following forms:

CoronaTimes – a piece of writing to describe life as a student and young person during the lockdown eg recount, poem, diary, report, narrative

CoronaFlix – a short video account of life during the pandemic. It may be in the form of a documentary, interview or news report

CoronaSnaps – a photo/s that capture an aspect/s of life during this time

CoronaMasterpiece – an artwork, construction/model (photo of), song, dance/movement/skit (video) about the pandemic.

CoronaCare – an idea/s to help others who may be at risk or vulnerable during this time eg prayer, act of kindness

Please submit your work to: admin@chisholm.catholic.edu.au by 29th May.

Awards will be given to all entries and those considered the most outstanding will be submitted to the CSO for possible publication.

Parent News

CSO WEBSITE – Resources for Parents

A reminder to regularly check the CSO website which provides resources and advice for parents, related to wellbeing, talking to children about COVID-19, online safety and Home Learning.

Federation of Parents and Friends Association

Covid-19 update

Please see the update sent via Compass on 1st May 2020.

Corona Virus Social Story

This social story is a simple, visual representation and explanation of our return to school. It might help your children understand a little better the next phase of our transition back to school.

P&F News

We hope all member of our school community are safe and well during this uncertain time.

Due to the current restrictions we are unable to hold our annual Mothers Day stall for the school.

We would like to wish all our mums, grandmothers and other special ladies a very Happy Mothers Day.

There are fundraisers that are planned for 2020 that are still able to go ahead as they are all non contact including the Entertainment Book and soon in term 2 the wine drive (details coming soon).

Hopefully we will still be able to have the Mango Drive in November.

Stay Safe
St Aloysius P&F

CAPA News

Wow what an incredible time we are experiencing at the moment! We all so unsettled with what is happening, but it is great to see the students at St Aloysius so engaged in their home learning and trying so hard.

The CAPA department is in a state of limbo at the moment as we reassess some of our projects for the year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic we will not be undertaking our special drama performance in Term 3 as hoped. However this will give us more time to create something really special next year!

We are very grateful for the help Anna Kerrigan has already given us with regard to script writing and will be enlisting her great services next year.

I realise that Music activities are Can Do activities and do not want students to feel too stressed to do these particular activities. If families are feeling overwhelmed by their Must Do and Can Do activities, just concentrate on the Must Do things and we can catch up Music when we get back to school full time.

If your child loves Music and has been enjoying the Can Do activities, I have found some fun websites for you to visit if you would like to play some Music activities or do some fun activities at home! Have a look below.....

Great website with some fun games to play!

San Fransisco orchestra website with games and activities.

This has got some great games and activities!

Funbrain offers games on composers, instruments, reading and vocabulary.

Dallas symphony orchestra website

This looks like fun too!

I will keep looking for some websites and send some more home in the next newsletter.

Yours in Music!

Carla Whiting

Finance and Office News

Kinder 2021 Enrolment

If you have a child due to start kinder in 2021 and would like a pack sent home with an older sibling, please email the office to arrange. Applications close 29th May.

Office Hours

Our office hours our 8:30am to 3:00pm.

Office Restrictions

The school office is open, with social distancing being enforced, limiting the number of people entering at any given time to one adult (no limit for children). Late arrivals or early departures will need to be entered by a parent/guardian using the Compass kiosk in the office.

School Fees

Term 2 School Fee Statements would normally have been issued now, but due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, they will be sent out later in the term. We understand that each family unit has been affected differently, and we are mindful that this can also be an anxious time for all.

The Diocese of Maitland Newcastle is very conscious of the significant financial impact COVID-19 is having on our families. Their number one priority is to support families through this crisis and ensure children have stability. If you would like to discuss your current situation in confidence, please contact Samantha Keppie via email finance@chisholm.catholic.edu.au in the first instance.

Please also note that both the Year 5 & 6 Camps have been postponed until we receive further advice from the Catholic Schools Office.

Canteen News

Welcome to Term 2 and I hope that all students and their families are well.

Canteen made Mini Muffins

SAVOURY MINI MUFFINS

Ingredients:

1 x medium grated sweet potato
1 x grated zucchini
1 x grated red onion
1/2 cup grated cheese
1/3 cup wholemeal flour
4 x eggs

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Spoon into mini muffin tray.
Bake in oven at 180c for 15 minutes.
These also freeze well.

The Canteen is OPEN with a limited service and menu.

I am:

• open 5 days per week.
• taking online orders only for recess (Wednesday to Friday) and lunch (Monday to Friday) through the QKR app. When ordering online please ensure you receive a confirmation email from QKR to know that your order has been processed and accepted.
• Not handling any cash.
• Not open for counter service due to social distancing and hygiene regulations.
• Having a limited menu as unfortunately volunteers are unable to come in to help at this stage.
• Using appropriate hygiene measures.

As it is early days yet, please be aware that these procedures may continue for all of this term. I will let you know of any changes as they happen.

Stay well and see you all soon.

Tracy McGovern

OOSH News

St Nicholas Before and After School Care

Before care: 6.30am- 8.50am
After care: 2.50pm- 6.00pm
Holiday Club: 7:00-6:00pm
Service Ph: 0419 697 715
chisholm@stnicholasoosh.org.au

Dates to Remember

WEEK 3 Monday 11th & Tuesday 12th May – Kinder, Year 2, Year 4 & Year 6 – at school
WEEK 3 Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th May – Year 1, Year 3 & Year 5 – at school
WEEK 4 Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th May – Kinder, Year 2, Year 4 & Year 6 – at school
WEEK 4 Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st May - Year 1, Year 3 & Year 5 – at school
WEEK 5 Monday 25th & Tuesday 26th May - Kinder, Year 2, Year 4 & Year 6 – at school
WEEK 5 Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th May - Year 1, Year 3 & Year 5 – at school