Edition 6: 2nd March 2015

Father of light, in you is found no shadow

of change but only the fullness of life

and limitless truth.

Open our hearts to the voice of your Word

and free us from the original darkness

that shadows our vision.

Restore our sight that we may look upon

your Son who calls us to repentance and a

change of heart, for He lives and reigns with

you for ever and ever. Amen

New Students We extend a warm welcome to St Edward’s School to Bailey Moore (5L) and family from South Tamworth Public School.

Principal’s Note.... Last Monday and Tuesday I attended the Armidale Principals’ Meeting at St Joseph’s Uralla. On Monday Bishop Michael Kennedy addressed the meeting, stressing the role of the Catholic school in today’s world. After Bishop Kennedy’s address we spent significant time with the new Director, Mr Chris Smyth, who explored the concept of Professional Learning Communities. Other topics covered were the Diocese’s learning strategies, as well as using data to enhance student learning. It was certainly a valuable few days.

Last Wednesday evening we held our School Board and Parent Association AGM’s. The role of the Board is to support the Principal and Parish Priest in the sound management and organisation of the school. I thank the Board

Members for their continuing support and advice. The new Members elected were Garry Littlejohns (returning), Mel Salvestrin, Jim Newlan, Luke McGrath, Heidi LeBrocq and Judy McManus and I thank them for making themselves available to serve on our School Board.

The St Ed’s Parent Association Executive was also elected with the new Committee being: President: Jenny Maloney Vice-President: Bec Evans Secretary: Tracey Scott Treasurer: Tania Young

Thank you also to these parents for their willingness to help out

our School. The first Parent Association Meeting will be held TONIGHT in the Primary Staffroom starting at 7.30pm. I encourage all parents to attend to and help out

where you can to support these enthusiastic people who give so generously of their time to support our school. Lucky door prize is on offer for this month’s meeting.

Catholic Schools Week Each year we celebrate Catholic Schools Week, this year it will be celebrated across NSW and the ACT from 8th March to 14th March (Week 7). This year’s theme is ‘Educating for Today and Tomorrow’. The theme ties in with the 50th Anniversary of the Declaration on Christian Education, 'Gravissiumum Educationis.' The document recognised the continuing need for the Church to support parents in the education of their children. Catholic Schools Week is about strengthening relationships between all those who have a stake in our schools – students, staff, families, priests, parishioners, and members of the wider community – by showcasing what happens in our classrooms every day

All families (K – 6) are invited to celebrate with us by attending our St Edward’s Breakfast at the Primary Campus on Monday 9

th March from 7.30am – 8.30am.

Following the breakfast, there will be a Liturgy at 9.00am at the PRIMARY Campus (School Hall), followed by open classroom visits until 11.00am. Parents and visitors are welcome to stay and share morning tea with the Primary students in the school grounds.

After morning tea, there will be a Liturgy at 11.35am at the INFANTS Campus (Infants Hall), followed by open classrooms until 1.10pm. Parents and visitors are welcome to stay and share lunch with the Infants students in the school grounds (perhaps pack a picnic). This is an ideal opportunity to support the community of St Ed’s and learn more about the great things that take place in Catholic schools every day. We hope you can join us!

Parent/Teacher Interviews – Primary this week A reminder that all Primary parents will have the opportunity for an individual interview with your child’s class teacher this week. Interview time sheets went home with all Primary students last week. Please note due to time constraints, these interviews are strictly limited to 15 minutes only and we encourage all parents to attend. Please contact your child’s class teacher if you haven’t received your interview time. Please note Years 1 & 2 Parent Teacher Interviews will be held next week (9

th- 13

th March).

Media and Communications Consent Form The Catholic Schools Office has asked families to complete a new Media and Communications Consent Form for all children enrolled at St Edward’s. This form will be updated at the start of every year. A copy of this consent form was sent home today with every child. Please complete and return it to school by Friday 13th March. If you DO NOT wish to give your consent, please notify the school office, by writing your child’s name on the top of the form and writing permission denied on the form.

VALUE FOR THE WEEK: “LEARNING”

Due to the Twilight Swimming Carnival on Thursday 12th

February, please note that ALL children from

CURRICULUM UPDATES Each week the Curriculum Team will keep you informed of our latest developments to improve teaching and learning in our school. Week 5 Throughout Week 5 Belinda Lane and Belinda Barry-Cupples worked hard on the Science Programs, taking into consideration the feedback from Stephanie Strachan and Regina Menz. They reported back to staff at our weekly staff meeting also. On Friday 27th February Tim Unwin worked on completing the Stage Content Trackers for the teachers program and Alex Rasche researched forms of assessment and reporting to implement into St Edward’s. Pauline Long, Heidi LeBrocq and all classroom teachers worked hard to get all Primary children through the PAT Comprehension Testing, next week will see all children complete the PAT Mathematics Testing. A reminder to everyone to keep an eye on our Curriculum Updates section of our School Website.

ENROL NOW for Kindergarten 2016 Is your child commencing school in 2016? or do you know of family or friends who would like to enrol their child in Kindergarten at St Edwards?, then please fill in an Enrolment Form and return it as soon as possible. Enrolment Forms are available from Mrs Sauer at the Infants Office, or Mrs Richards at the Primary Office.

School Fee Information A reminder that fees paid for the full year in advance by this Friday 6

th March 2015 will receive

a 5% discount on the Tuition fee ONLY. Amount to pay including discount are $1,111.00 for 1 child

(saving of $49), $1,963.60 for 2 children (saving of $84.40) and $2,465.20 for 3 or more children (saving of $110.80). Payment is accepted via EFTPOS, Cash, Cheque, Direct Debit (through the Armidale Diocesan Investment Group, at no cost to you) or Direct Deposit (BSB: 082 105 ACCT: 001 001 044 using your Surname & Acct No. as reference). Please note a $2 fee will be incurred for Credit Card payments. We are aware of financial difficulties facing people in these hard times and are more than happy to talk with families experiencing problems. Please make contact with Mr Gary McSweeney by phone or by appointment to discuss your financial responsibilities. It is vital that you do make contact.

Dental Health Check – Year 1 students only A reminder to our Year 1 parents that Darling Dental, a private Tamworth Surgery, is kindly offering free dental health checks to our Year 1 students ONLY this Thursday 5

th March 2015.

A consent form went home a few weeks ago to every Year 1 student and if you would like your

child’s teeth checked this form needs to be completed and returned by this Wednesday 4

th March. Thank you to the

families who have already returned their child’s form.

CANTEEN NEWS – IMPORTANT CHANGES Please note as a school we will also be observing the Fridays of Lent as special days of prayer and penance. Therefore, no meat or meat products will be on sale in the

School Canteen each Friday during Lent. Each Friday until the end of term the following alternatives will be offered as part of the Canteen menu: Fish Burgers ($2.80) and Macaroni Cheese ($3.00). Hot dogs will also be available for purchase now through until the end of term on a Thursday ONLY, not Friday.

McCarthy Catholic College Open Day An Open Day will be held at McCarthy Catholic College, Tribe Street this Saturday 7

th March 2015 from 10.00am to

1.00pm. All welcome to attend. Please note applications from students attending local Catholic Primary Schools close on Wednesday 1

st April 2015.

Canteen Roster Date Primary Infants

Tues 3

rd Mar

Kathryn Chapman

Lisa Haynes

Wed 4

th Mar

Yolanda Coppola Renae Humphris

Kimberley Davison

Thurs 5

th Mar

Bec Evans Tania Young

Tara Briscoe Carrie Weber

Fri 6

th Mar

Kristle Nicol Simone Bath

Sara Dahl Kristle Nicol Yvette Marchant-Doyle

Mon 9

th Mar

Kirsten Scott

Bec Evans Katrina & Craig Masters

Student of the Week (first name shown) & Curriculum Award (second name shown) Curriculum Focus: PDHPE KBC Emily Tobin 3M Tyrell Gibbs Grace Dietrich Jimmy Purkiss KL Darcy Moore 4O Lachlan Smith Taylah Evans Caleb Viertel KR Alyssa Sleiman 4P Maddison Stacpoole Isabella Fox Wade Lye 1M Ariana Tuckey 4S Sophie Walker Emmanuel D’ugo Oliver Fauchon 1P Lily Stacpoole 5A Liam Nicholson Cody Murray Connor Swift 1R Bree Ashton 5L Marley Pitt Ben Cunningham Jack Frazer 2E Josh Beard 5M Wilbur Taylor Nicholas Maloney Riley Drury 2R Orlando Fox 6C Bassy Jackson Zachary Whalan Tully Munro 2U Riley Haynes 6G Tyrone Nepomuceno Tomas McCluand John Flanagan 3B Rachael Golledge 6M Ryan Southern

Ben Shields Ethan Miller 3G Tayla Johnson Matty Tocknell

Values Award -“Doing Your Best” Kinder – Cooper Allingham, Talei Witchard-Spencer, Anton Robson Year 1 – Angus Bridge, Quinton Manuel, Sienna Haynes Year 2 – Luke Fensbo, Isaac Robinson, Alexis Masters Year 3 – Sophia-Rose Markham, Charmaine Smith, Tamika Manuel Year 4 – Rylea Felstead, Sebastian Lawler, Jake Salvestrin

Year 5 – Taylah Bath, Jayden Pengilley, Will Michie Year 6 – Kaitlyn Heywood, Braden Gumbleton, Sisi Orvad

House Award Primary: Kennedy Green Infants: Kennedy Green

Pride & Presentation Award Infants: KBC

Respect Rules Award Congratulations to Jessica Shiels (1P) for listening carefully and always trying her best.

St Edward’s Parent

Association NEWS

Meeting TONIGHT 7:30pm in the Primary Staffroom. Tonight we will be deciding on our fundraisers for 2015

and we would love to hear your ideas. ALL WELCOME!

EASTER RAFFLE It’s that time again! St Edward’s Parent Association

has 13 delicious Easter prizes to be won in this year’s raffle.

The child who sells the most tickets will also win a prize! Tickets are $1.00 each and were sent home

with your child today. Extra tickets are available from either school office. All tickets are to be returned by Friday 27th March,

with prizes drawn during the last week of this term. A big thank you to Jacquie Littlejohns for putting

together these wonderful prizes.

Jenny Maloney – President 0419 139 737

RE News

Mass for tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd March, 9.30am: Year 5

Year 1 Grade Liturgy A reminder to parents and carers that the Year 1 Grade

Liturgy will be held tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd March. The

Liturgy will commence at 11.40am in the Infants Hall.

Parents and friends are most welcome.

Altar Servers Year 5 & 6 students have received a note calling for

expressions of interest to become an Altar Server at Mary

Help of Christians, Parish Masses on the weekend. Becoming

an Altar Server is great way to participate in the Mass,

serve your Parish and give back to the Parish Community.

Please discuss this with your child and return the bottom

section of the note to Mrs Clarke.

Catholic Schools Week Next week, we will celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2015.

We will be hosting our ‘Family Breakfast’ at the Primary

Campus on Monday 9th March at 7.30am.

At 9.00am there will be a liturgy in the Primary Hall for

Years 3 - 6, followed by open classrooms until 11.00am. At

11.35am the Infants’ children will have a liturgy and open

classrooms until 1.10pm. We hope you are able to join us in

celebrating Catholic Schools Week 2015 – Educating for Today and Tomorrow. Sally Clarke & Amy Elliott Notes Home Today CSO Media & Communications Consent Form (every child)

CEC NSW Media Release Re: Capital Funding (all families)

Parent Association Easter Raffle Tickets (every child)

WISE WORDS FOR FAMILIES – “10 ways to

support kids at sport, and keep the sports

monster on a leash” Every year there are headlines about

parents behaving badly at children’s

sports. It’s not confined to one sport.

Aussie rules, rugby league, soccer

and basketball are just some of the

sports where parents’ behaviour has

over-stepped the mark in recent times. Children’s sport has an

amazing capacity to bring out the very worst in some parents. It

seems that inside even the most mild-mannered person lurks a

“sports monster” that emerges when their children hit the sports

field. This sports monster shows itself when parents argue with

officials and umpires, disagree with coaches and drive children

to the point of distraction with their well-meaning advice.

So if you, like me, have found it hard to contain yourself when

watching children’s sports, help is at hand. I’ve devised a ten

point plan to help you keep the monster on a leash, and lower the

stress levels for you, your family and everyone else involved in

your children’s sports. Here goes:

1. Don’t allow sport to dominate your family-life or your child’s

life. Insist on a balance between different areas and encourage

your child to vary his or her interests.

2. Make sure you are a neutral observer at games and events

involving your children. Take an interest and be encouraging but

don’t add pressure by having too much stake in the end result or

your child’s performance.

3. Focus on effort, improvement, enjoyment and participation

rather than on the results. Your child is learning, so winning is

not the aim of the game at this stage. Yes, they do keep a score

but you don’t have to focus on that.

4. Be positive with all your comments about performance. Talk

to children if they display poor sportsmanship. Parent approval

is very important to children, and linked to their continued

participation.

5. Remember that sport teaches children many life lessons, such

as how to work together, solve problems and also how to accept

the disappointment of defeat. Sport is a great character-builder

for people of all ages.

6. Encourage children to talk about sport, but don’t force them to

communicate if they don’t want to.

7. Get to know your child’s coach and understand that his or her

job is to teach skills, develop positive attitudes and promote

personal development. Winning should be further down on their

list of priorities as a coach.

8. Take an interest in other participants, not just your child. By

removing the focus from your child you are more likely to keep

a balanced view of sport.

9. Model good sportsmanship and other desirable attitudes for

your child and insist that he or she acts in a sportsmanlike

manner at all times, both on and off the field.

10. Emphasise fun rather than winning, learning rather than

perfection and teamwork rather than individual performance. If

you want your child to excel in a particular sport he or she must

enjoy their participation. Many children need to get more from

their sport than just trophies and ribbons to keep them

participating over the long-term.

This ten-point plan is easy to read, but hard to put into practice,

particularly when your child is about to make the winning score.

You may say that you’re not fussed, but deep inside, you are

cheering for your child to do well.

Most parents would be proud for their child, if they scored the

winning goal or made the winning play. But it’s a matter of

keeping your perspective, and remembering that participating in

sport is to benefit children, rather than parents.

By Michael Grose www.parentingideas.com.au