Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School Gladstone eNewsletter

Weekly Focus - Shrove Tuesday

From the Principal - Encounter

Dear Families

I hope your children enjoyed their day of rest on Friday. Our staff spent a rare opportunity to learn and inquire together and the day was full of rich dialogue and collaboration. Part of the focus for our Bishop’s Inservice Day was to explore the concept of ‘evangelisation’ whose root meaning is associated with being a ‘messenger of good news’.

We learnt that being a messenger of good news is about encounter and openness to how God reveals himself. Sometimes that involves us listening and watching much more than talking at others.

We all encounter God in our daily lives but often don’t realise it unless we take time to stop, slow down, reflect and recognise those encounters. For some of us that happens in the mass which allows us to reflect on God’s presence in our lives and respond in thanksgiving.

Our staff also spent a lot of time exploring the great diversity and richness of both the Jewish and Christian religions. We were reminded of the need to learn more about our own and other’s faiths, once again listening openly much more than we speak.

“I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them... No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.” – Pope Francis (EVANGELII GAUDIUM “Joy of the Gospel”)

Encounter is a massive part of who we are as a school community and the chance to listen and learn from each other is provided in many different ways.

I meet with our School Board this week and throughout the months ahead and this group has a real spiritual base, giving me support and an opportunity for shared wisdom in my role.

Our Parents and Friends is another way to encounter and support each other as we work to provide the best educational environment for our students that we can. All parents at Star of the Sea are automatically a part of the P&F and we would love you to be a part of our meetings each month.

We will endeavour to send out the meeting minutes each month in the lead up to the next meeting and invite you to email any agenda items to our President or Secretary via their email addresses:
SOSG_PandFPresident@rok.catholic.edu.au
SOSG_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au

One of the main items on our agenda next week is to find a new Treasurer. Prue McConnell has generously served the Parents and Friends for a number of years and we are very grateful for all she has given. At our last meeting, Prue decided it was time to step back and we are now seeking someone new to take over the role.

Please feel free to contact myself, Kaddie or any of the P&F Executive (Peter Sedgwick, Peta Ross or Natalie Braddon) if you would like to know more. We promise you will have lots of support.

Have a wonderful week everyone!
God bless you.
Jennett Mullane
Principal
jennett_omullane@rok.catholic.edu.au

2023 School Goals

From Our APRE

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, which is a time to prepare for Easter.

It is a time to stop and reflect. It’s a time to think about the people we are becoming and how we can make a difference to the people around us. It’s a time for us to pray, to do good deeds and to give to others in need. Lent is like a journey.....as we journey through Lent we want to focus on how we can become better people, how we can make a difference to those around us, how we can be more fair and just so that everyone has a happy future.

The marking of ashes in the sign of a cross is a symbol of the beginning of the Lenten journey. The ashes traditionally come from burnt palms from last year’s Palm Sunday Mass. Palms are a living plant, and a symbol of victory and triumph, but they are burned to dust and become a symbol of sorrow and repentance.

Wearing ashes on our foreheads is a tradition of repentance, or sorrow, that comes from the Old Testament. In the Old Testament, when Jonah preached about repentance or sorrow, the king covered himself in sackcloth and ashes and ordered the people to do the same. Ashes and scratchy clothes were a way for people to show that they were willing to make a big change in their lives. People are marked with ashes for the same reason: to show that they are willing to change. The physical symbol—ashes—is a sign of commitment to becoming a better person during Lent. God knows what is in our hearts; the ashes remind us to turn our hearts toward God.

Lent is a time for change, a time to become a better version of ourselves, and to become more like Jesus. The ashes remind people that they are called to ask forgiveness and believe in the Gospel. Prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (giving to others) are ways that help us prepare for the celebration of Easter.

Make a new beginning for Jesus,

God Bless

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

CATHOLIC IDENTITY

Our school Library invites students to explore Religion a little further. Our students can find a number of books in the Library to help them with their inquiring minds.

In Our Prayers

Let us pray...

We pray that we will truly be open to encountering God’s presence in our lives: May we pause to listen more than we speak, so as to relish and learn from each encounter.

As we begin this Season of Lent on Wednesday, may it be a time of growth and openness to God’s invitation to come closer.

We pray for all whose lives are impacted by the ravishes of natural disasters and war: May the world and its leaders respond in generosity, wisdom and compassion to support them in their need.

We pray that the sick, lonely and housebound will be comforted and given the support they need.

We pray that, through the Holy Trinity, those who have died will find their home with the Lord.

From the APC

All students in Years Prep – Year 4 have a subscription to a 3P Learning Product called ABC Reading Eggs. This program is a highly engaging and personalised reading resource that makes learning to read fun. Each student has a personal login and every year level uses this program in their own unique way as the resources are endless.

The program has three components that students work through.

Fast Phonics is designed for students who are learning to read using systematic synthetic phonics as the key strategy, helping them to sound out words. Children explore peaks, full of fun activities and decodable reading books, along with the yeti and friends.

Reading Eggs makes learning to read interesting and engaging for kids, with great online reading games and activities. Children love the games, songs, golden eggs and other rewards which, along with feeling proud of their reading, really motivate children to keep exploring and learning.

Reading Eggspress is designed for the older readers and provides them with a unique and effective learning environment where they can improve their English language and comprehension skills in a way that is both exciting and relevant.

Reading Eggs are holding a Parent Information Session on Thursday, 16 March 8.00 pm – 8.30 pm AEDT. Below is the link for you to use.

Reading Eggs Parent Information Session - Webinar Registration Link

Have a great week.

Anthony King

Assistant Principal: Curriculum

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Restrictions regarding Pets / Dogs on school site

Several concerns have been raised regarding pets (especially dogs) being brought onto school property when dropping off or picking up children. All parents should be aware that dogs should not be on school property unless the permission of the principal is obtained. This permission is only to be given in the case of requests involving assistance animals (guide dogs etc.) or requests involving dogs (pets) visiting classrooms for class activities. Dogs should not be present on school property without a leash and permission has been obtained.

Shrove Tuesday

In preparation for the start of the Lenten Season, our school celebrated Shrove Tuesday. To support the Caritas Project Compassion Appeal, our Year 6 classes organised the sale of Pancakes to raise money for this very worthwhile cause. Many thanks to everyone who helped to make the morning such a great success.

Wednesday 1st March Tuckshop will be having a Nachos Day for second break only. Orders can be placed either via Flexischool or over the counter in Tuckshop. Orders must be placed at Tuckshop by 8.40am, Wednesday 1st March.

Nachos will be available with salsa, cheese or sour cream. Children will have the option of toppings.

Nachos will be $4.50 per serve.

Julie & Witney-Bre

Tuckshop Convenors

Volunteer Inductions

ARE YOU PLANNING ON HELPING IN THE CLASSROOM OR AT SCHOOL EVENTS SUCH AS OUR CROSS COUNTRY?

You will need to join us for a Volunteer Induction first please!

These inductions do not take long but serve a very important purpose in helping us to provide a safe and supportive environment for your child.

Please note that this is an Annual Induction that must be completed each year.

Join us if you can in the staffroom at the following times:

Tuesday 30 January @ 6pm (Before the P&F Meeting)

Friday 2 February @ 2:30pm

Monday 5 February @ 8:50am (After Assembly)

Tuesday 6 February @ 5pm

Cross Country

Mar

21

Tue

21 Mar 2023
8:45 AM to 11:00 AM

Our Cross Country takes place this Tuesday 21 March and there are lots of things we need to do to get ready.

An email has been sent that will give you more information about the event. Importantly, it will ask for volunteers to help make the event possible. Just click on the link below and let us know if you are able to assist us:

https://forms.gle/g8nHCJjqEAhqY3697

Our students will prepare for the event during their Physical Education (PE) lessons but there are some families who may wish to engage in other training with their children in the lead up to the event. Possible options include the following:

3D Coaching and Triathlon meet Tuesday afternoons 5-6pm and Thursday afternoons 5.30-6.30pm on Chanel oval. $5 per session. Coaches offer many great tips on how to improve your running. Follow on Facebook.

Road Runners run Thursday afternoon from the Duck Ponds in Term 1. Registration online before going or turn up from 5.10pm to register on the day. Run starts at 5.30pm. Session costs $2. Follow on Facebook

Park Run is Free and runs every Saturday morning at 7am from Lions Park, next to McDonalds. Register online before going to get your individual barcode. Use this barcode to register for the day and look at your times after each run. More information can be found online @ Gladstone Parkrun

Please Update Your Media Details

Dear Parents

We are asking your assistance in updating media consent for your child/ren.

Our system has been updated with more options that give us clarity with the myriad different ways your child's details can possibly be used. If you completed a paper copy of the enrolment form, you will definitely need to update these media consent details please. Parents who completed an online application are also asked to check their child's current media permissions to ensure it is correct.

This is a very quick task completed through Parent Lounge and below are some instructions to guide you with this task. You will need to complete this task for each child you have at Star of the Sea please.

We appreciate your help in ensuring we have the correct information for your child/ren.

Media_Consent_UD_Areas_How_To_Guide_docx.docx

Student of the Week Award

Free Seminar for Parents - Talking to your child about Respectful Relationships

Catholic School Parents Qld is the over arching organisation for our Parents and Friends. As part of their goal to engage and support parents in their important role they have organised this free webinar with Robyn Rosengrave. We hope you find it very valuable.

Respectful_relationships_webinar_Robyn_Rosengrave_flyer.pdf

Position Vacant - Parish Finance Secretary

Our parish is seeking to employ a Finance/Administration Officer and is calling for applications.

The role is part-time (3 days a week) and provides assistance to the Parish Priest in the administrative tasks of the parish.

Principal duties include:
• General book-keeping and management of parish financial giving program
• Payment of parish expenditure
• Record keeping for parish finance council meetings
• Liaising with contractors and suppliers for maintenance and property matters
• Providing general admin/secretarial work in a job-sharing arrangement with another admin officer

The position would be suitable for someone with book-keeping experience or knowledge (especially of MYOB software), who is proficient with Microsoft Office software and is well-organised and attentive to detail.

A familiarity with some aspects of parish life and practice will be an advantage. The successful applicant will be provided with in-house training and a hand-over period during which s/he will work with existing staff.

A copy of the full position description and instructions for applying can be obtained by contacting the parish office (sosgladstone@rok.catholic.net.au or 49721025). Applications should be submitted no later than 10th March 2023.

Keep up to date on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/sosparishgladstone

Please do not hesitate to contact the parish office on 4972 1025 if we can be of any assistance.

Position Vacant - HR Officer

2024 Prep Applications now open for Existing Families

We are experiencing strong demand for our 2024 Prep classes and do not want our existing families to miss out. Please ensure you have registered your interest in enrolling your child for next year's Prep cohort by submitting your application online:

http://www.staroftheseagladstone.qld.edu.au/enrolment/enrolment-information.html

Family Name Labels to use in your car for drive through pick up in the afternoon

Having your child's surname clearly printed and placed where it can be seen on the sunvisor or dash helps us find your child quickly and speed up the collection process in the afternoons.

In the past we have printed names for all families in our school – if you would like us to send home a label for your car to be used at pick up please email us and we will get one ready for you and send it home.

Email kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au if you make the subject SCHOOL PICK UP SIGN we will know to make one and send it home for your use.

Student Absentee Line

If your child is not attending school, you can call us, 24/7, to leave a message to report the absence. The phone number is 4994 8301.

This designated phone line gives you the opportunity to call the school at a time that is convenient to you.

As always, absences can be reported using Parent Lounge or by emailing your child’s teacher and SOSG_Absentee@rok.catholic.edu.au).

Community Notices

46th_Gladstone_Harbour_Festival_Fun_Run.pdf

Thank you to our Caulfield Sponsors

Caulfield_Newsletter.pdf

2023 Week 5 Newsletter - Term 1