Week 1 Term 2 2021

Dear Parents and Friends,

Welcome back! I hope you have enjoyed the break from routines and the chance to share some relaxed times with your children.

There was a lot of excitement as children arrived at school this week, with the building site fences now up and some demolition beginning. I am delighted that the project has finally begun with our builders Bruce Interiors and Constructions Pty Ltd and Edge Architects.

Safety considerations during this time are paramount. The site boundaries are clearly signed and fenced and our usual pathways, particularly for entering and leaving the school are not accessible. With almost half of the area of the school being part of the renovation/ build we will see many changes and excitement in one way or another I’m sure! We are prepared and positive and appreciate your cooperation.

We have tried to arrange things to minimize disruption but due to the close proximity of site works, obviously we need to be prepared for some disruption to our usual ways and I thank you in advance for your understanding.

A reminder that there are only two entrances to the school now - East Street (by the cottages) and Drayton Street (as usual). These gates will be locked between 9am and 3pm and if you wish to enter during school hours please use the doorbell on the gate.

At this stage the drop off/pick up zone is still in place, but it will be part of the renovations in due course. I will be notifying you regularly of updates that impact so that you are aware.

Please make sure you have our School Stream App on your phone as important updates are sent for your information and easy access so you know what’s happening at school.

Class Newsletters/Overviews of Learning

This week parents will receive a class newsletter/overview of what will be taught during the term from the class teachers. We hope this not only informs you of what curriculum is being covered but also allows you to have discussions with your child about their learning so that you can support them. Please don’t hesitate to speak to your child’s teacher if you ever have any question or concern about the learning program and your child. 

NAPLAN Tests

In week 3, the Year 3 and 5 students take part in NAPLAN testing. These tests are done across Australia on the same days and give a comparative snapshot of individual and year level students’ abilities in literacy and numeracy (reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation and maths).

If your child is in these year levels, ensure they arrive at school on time and have a good breakfast, so that they are calm, confident and ready to do their best. There is often a lot of media attention and misinformation about NAPLAN, so I urge you to speak with your child’s teacher, Mary Sapio or myself if you have any questions.

Gratitude for Mothers

Sunday 12^th May, we honour our mums and those who are like mums to us. Unfortunately due to lack of space during the building project, we cannot have our usual special liturgy and breakfast hosted by the staff.

We want you all to know that we honour the important role of motherhood in families, the nurturing, care and constant love that mother’s give.

I hope you always know how very special and important you are and I wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day for the 12^th May!

Blessings,

Pauline Kinsman
PRINCIPAL

Dear Families and Friends, 

Welcome back to our students and their families for Term 2.  I hope you all had a relaxing break and were able to enjoy the sun and find some joy over the break with your family. 

Mother’s Day

‘God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers’ - Jewish Proverb

Next Sunday we celebrate Mothers’ Day.  Mother’s Day is a chance to celebrate and give thanks for mothers all over the world and for those who are no longer with us but live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love. 

Whilst we won’t be holding a Mother’s Day Liturgy this year due to the building project stay tuned for some very special messages from your children. 

Mother’s Day Prayer

We pray for all those who have nurtured us.

We pray for all women who care for us remembering especially;

birth mothers

step-mothers

adoptive mothers

surrogate mothers

aunties

grandmothers

teachers

neighbours

good friends

and all women who have touched our lives in some way.

Amen.

Primary Maths Association Parent Workshops

On Wednesday the 26th of May from 7.00 - 8.30pm the Primary Maths Association is holding a free workshop for our IHM Families.  It will be held in the Chevalier Centre (IHM Library) The focus of this workshop is:

“What can I do at home to help my child become a powerful mathematician”.

The content of this workshop is aimed at students from Reception to Year 6 and is a great opportunity to learn some new ideas to support mathematical learning at home. 

Another workshop focusing on fact fluency for Year 2-4 students will occur in Term 3.  We hope you can make this session and a note with further information will be sent out in the next couple of weeks. 

Project Compassion

A reminder for families to return their Project Compassion Boxes if they have not as yet done so. Please return boxes to the Office by Friday 7th May. Thankyou.

Annette Diassinas
APRIM

We now have onsite before school care operating.

A friendly reminder that due to the building project, we cannot have children coming to school before 8.30am, unless they are booked into before school care. Entrance is via Drayton Street and bookings made through Camp Australia at http://www.campaustralia.com.au

Ice Blocks

Students can buy an ice block from the canteen on Fridays at recess time for $1.20 each. 

Friday Coffee Mornings

Due to the building works currently taking place and lack of space, coffee mornings will be on hold. The P & F look forward to welcoming everyone back for a cuppa and a chat once works have been completed.

Playgroup

A reminder that playgroup will recommence this Friday morning from 9:30 - 11:00am. Come and join the fun.

Breakfast Club

The IHM Breakfast Club run by our P & F will recommence next Wednesday morning from 8:30am in the canteen. All students are welcome to enjoy some yummy breakfast every Wednesday morning.