2023 Week 3 Newsletter - Term 2

Weekly Focus - Protecting privacy

From the Principal - Moving on with gratitude

Dear Families

We have been working hard this year to build some consistent routines and expectations across the school so that the children have stability and a recognisable language wherever they are.  We have introduced Welcome Circles so that every class starts their day in the same way with the same sort of language.

We have also been teaching the children to recognize what they need to do to be ready to learn.

This term we are working on helping them move on from difficult experiences in a positive way.  At the end of play times and the end of each day we encourage them to not focus on the annoying or negative but find something they can be grateful for.

This does not mean that they ignore harmful situations.  We talk about ‘digging deep’ to find solutions or getting help as needed.  We do know though that it is not good for them to stay focused on the negative and we encourage you to help us in teaching them to look for moments in their day that they can be grateful for as well.

This week is Privacy Awareness Week (PAW) which is an annual event to raise awareness of privacy issues and the importance of protecting personal information.  It is an important part of what we do in our schools to keep our children safe and you play an essential part as well.

Firstly, please help us in protecting the privacy of all children at Star of the Sea.  You should only take photos of your own child and friends who have given permission.  There are very serious reasons why some children cannot have their photos displayed publicly and you put them at risk if you do not respect their privacy.

Secondly, it is never too early to start having the chat about privacy with your child, especially if they are accessing online social media and gaming sites.  Privacy is about protecting personal information that reveals who you are, what you do, what you think and what you believe.

Make sure they know how online behaviour affects their privacy. Encourage them to report anything suspicious, like unknown people contacting them or unexpected notices.  

Children need to know that their digital footprint can last forever. It can be difficult to remove or delete information once they have shared it.  Make sure your children know the difference between the kinds of information that may be appropriate to share online and what should be kept private.

It is important also that your children have good password practices to keep their personal information safe. Emphasise that passwords should not be shared with anyone, especially at school or online.  Help them create unique passphrases for all accounts which are made up of a few words and use a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid using birth dates, your name or the name of a family member or pet.

There are more great tips for you here about ways to keep your children safe online.

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

2023 School Goals

From Our APRE

On Sunday Miss Deb and I led Children’s Liturgy during the Parish Mass.  I love the way the children can teach me so much during these sessions.  The mix of children attending brings a wonderful dynamic as they share their experiences and interpret the readings for the week.

This week we listened to the Gospel of John – Jesus the sheepgate. John 10:1-10

“I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.”

On Good Shepherd Sunday we are invited to think about which Shepherd we might follow.

This is ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ and a particular focus taken today is leadership. Which voices do we follow? Why do we follow these voices and not others? Authentic leadership is rooted in authority, and authentic authority is the ability to author or bring life to birth. Genuine authority cherishes, guards and encourages the best in life; it provides rest and refreshment; it guides our steps; it nourishes us; it leads us to God. 

© Dianne Bergant CSA

I hope you get some time this week to reflect on the voices you follow and where they might be leading you.

God’s blessings,

Kellie Richardson

Assistant Principal: Religious Education

Kellie_richardson@rok.catholic.edu.au

Catholic Identity

Prayer is an important part of our school day.  Everyone is invited to take part – we often begin by stilling our bodies, clearing our mind and inviting people to join in the prayer.

Prayer can take many forms, from creative to traditional.  I am sure many people would be familiar with the more traditional prayers – Our Father and The Hail Mary.  We incorporate these prayers into our day and explore the meaning behind them.

Each activity of prayer may be expressed in a variety of ways. The Catechism of the Catholic Church identifies three expressions of prayer, namely: vocal prayer, meditative prayer and contemplative prayer. Creative prayer expressions are also part of Catholic Prayer.  The action of speaking the words and moving our bodies is not the goal. They are the strategies used so that we simply "be." God comes to us and we rest in the presence of God. Contemplative prayer is the quiet centre of all communication with God. It is the simple act of God being with us and our being with God. The end purpose of all forms and types of prayer is contemplation, where we rest, comfortably and peacefully, in the God who comes to be with us and to dwell in us.  Contemplation leads to action. Transformation becomes possible. We are called to contribute to the reign of God in our world. (God's Kingdom Come on Earth as it is in heaven).

ECSI guide 8 Prayer Renewal Project

Liturgies and Assemblies

WEEK 3

Year 2B invite you to their Assembly on Friday 5^th May at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 4

Year 4B invite you to their Assembly on Friday 12^th May at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 5

Year 4A invite you to their Assembly on Friday 19^th May at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 6

Year 5B invite you to their Assembly on Thursday 25^th May at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 8

Year 6B invite you to their Assembly on Friday 9^th June at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 9

Year 2A invite you to their Assembly on Friday 16^th June at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

WEEK 10

Year 5A invite you to their Assembly on Friday 23^rd June at 8.35am in the Covered Courts Area.

In Our Prayers

From the APC

Congratulations to our very own Tracy Oliver who has been awarded Triple M ‘s Best Lolly Pop Person. 

Tracy has been a part of our SOS community for the past 10 years.  Tracy’s vibrant personality, her friendly smile and at times crazy costumes makes her one of a kind.  As most of you know, Tracy works very hard to get to know each child and looks forward to greeting them each morning and afternoon.  She can often pick up on how children are feeling and can spark a smile or lift their energy with her kind and gentle greetings, all while keeping them safe to cross the road. 

Thank you, Tracy, for all you do to make a positive difference to all of us when we see you each morning and afternoon.   We are proud to be the Home of Triple M’s Best Lollypop Person. 

Have a great week everyone!

Anthony King

Assistant to the Principal: Curriculum

anthony_king@rok.catholic.edu.au

Uniform Shop- Closed next week in readiness for move to new store

As many of you would be aware, our Uniform supplier, Weareco, supplies Uniforms to all Catholic Schools in Gladstone.  The company has been seeking to find a shopfront to cater for more choice in availability to visit the store.

Weareco has now signed a lease across the road from us at 1/190 Goondoon Street and has confirmed they will open the store to the school community on the week of the 15th of May.  This means that the Uniform Shop will be closed on Wednesday 10th May to allow for their move to the new location.

Planned standard shop opening hours for the new shop are as follows:

• Monday          8am-11am
• Tuesday          8am - 11am
• Wednesday   2pm - 5pm
• Thursday       2pm - 5pm
• Friday              Closed

Diocesan Festival - An invitation for all

It is with great excitement that Bishop Michael and the Diocesan Pastoral Council will launch the Diocesan Pastoral Plan at the upcoming Diocesan Festival to be held at The Cathedral College in Rockhampton, Friday 26 May (12.30pm) until Saturday 27 May (12.30pm).  We look forward to welcoming many from across our diocese to gather for the launch.

The Diocesan Festival will provide a great opportunity for us to come together as members of our faith community and hear firsthand of the plans for the future of our Diocese as expressed through the pastoral plan.

Registration can be made via the QR code below or by using the following link:   https://app.tickets.org.au/CDOR/DioFest 

Sponsorship is available for those who need to travel to attend and stay the night.

Non State Schools Transport Assistance Scheme

Young Engineers Workshops for Students

Survey regarding free Parent Workshops re Autism

In July the Autism Centre for Excellence that runs from Griffith University will be coming to Rockhampton to run some free workshops for teachers and parents. 
They would like to tailor the workshops to the local needs so are asking for some input from teacher and parents. Cath Ed have asked for teacher input to assist in making the workshops useful.  Please complete the link below if you are able to help.
https://forms.office.com/r/5rrwsrBQcm

Parenting: The Great Experiment Workshop

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).

Thank you to our Caulfield Sponsors