Dear Families and Friends,
Welcome to Week 3! We have started the week in a happy and safe way, delighted to welcome all the children back and getting back to some normality within the school. The children have all been calm, happy and ready to learn which is wonderful. We look forward with hope, to a day when all parents and special friends can be back on the school grounds and in the classrooms.
The Importance of Parent Involvement
Thank you for taking the time to take the calls for the ‘Book a Chats’ and build the relationship with your child’s teacher for the benefit of your child. Parents’ enthusiasm, support and involvement are integral to the success of our students.
Although the Book a Chat is a formal designated time, I hope you know you are always welcome to make a time to speak with your child’s teacher and with me about your child’s development or any issues of concern throughout the year.
We recognize that to be successful in school, our children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a positive difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will carry out our responsibilities for the wellbeing and education of your child. We ask that you guide and support your child’s learning by ensuring that they:
- Attends school daily, in correct school uniform and arrives on time, ready for the day’s learning experience
- Reads daily (or you read to them) to develop a love for reading and to improve literacy skills
- Practises number facts regularly to develop number fluency
- Completes all homework assignments
- Shares school experiences with you so that you are aware of her/his school life
- Has a growth mindset and informs you if she/he needs additional support
- Knows that you expect him/her to succeed in school and work with the teacher.
Parent Information Booklet 2022
Knowing our school expectations, routines and procedures is important to belonging, forming a basis for clear communication and respectful relationships. Today each family will receive the 2022 Parent Information Booklet, which is an A-Z of everything at IHM, outlining who we are, what we do and how we work together.
I encourage you to read through the booklet and keep it handy for reference throughout the year. If you have not received a booklet please ask at the office or access it from our website.
Cyber Safety
Each student will also receive a 2022 Cyber Safety Letter and Use Agreement. We ask that you read the letter and speak with your children about the information relating to keeping them cyber-safe both at school and at home. Please sign and return the Cyber-Safety Use Agreement as soon as possible.
COVID Safety
For most recent specific Covid safety practices, please see Newsletter Week 1, Term 1 2022.
Stay safe and warmest wishes for a great week ahead!
Kind regards,
Pauline Kinsman
PRINCIPAL
Recent News
Welcome Back To School
A big welcome back to all our IHM students for 2022. It is great to see face-to-face learning recommence for all students. I have loved catching up with those students in Years 2-6 who have been learning from home and hear how their learning went and some of the fun they got up to at home also. It is wonderful to see how happy children are to be back onsite with lots of laughing, playing and learning with their peers. All the best for a hope-filled 2022.
Wipe Out Waste – Caring For Our Common Home
At IHM we place the utmost importance on being Stewards of God’s Creation, meaning we must look after the wonderful world in which we live. We try and do this in many ways here at IHM and always seek the help of our families in supporting to reduce waste in our school and world.
To help reduce waste in our yard we ask families pack Nude Food where possible. See the image of things to pack and avoid.
Since 2020 we have been collecting bottle tops to be recycled and reduce our Landfill waste. Due to the amazing support of our families, we are continuing these efforts in 2022 and your child/children can bring these items to their class for recycling.
Sacramental Program
The Sacramental Program begins later this term with children preparing for Reconciliation.
A Parent Information Session for all sacraments has tentatively been booked on Tuesday
1st March, 6.30pm at St Michael’s College Primary Gym, 78 East Avenue, Beverley. If you would like more information about the Sacramental Program you are welcome to attend this session. Alternatively, please feel free to contact me via email adiassinas@ihm.catholic.edu.au or if you would like your child to participate in the program in 2022 or for further information.
Due to the changing nature of COVID restrictions and requirements some dates for the Sacramental Program could change in 2022. At this stage, Confirmation/First Holy Communion has been booked for Sunday 28th August with Archbishop Patrick O’Regan.
Have a happy fortnight.
God Bless,
Annette Diassinas
APRIM
A reminder about Sun Protection
During these summer months when the UV is high, it is important that we do all we can to keep our children as safe as possible from the harmful effects of the sun. In response to some recent queries our Sun Protection policy at IHM includes:
Hats
Children should wear a school hat from 1st September to 31st May and remember NO HAT = NO PLAY.
Sunscreen
The use of sunscreen is encouraged at recess and lunch.
Due to possible allergies and reactions to certain sunscreens, parents are asked to provide appropriate sunscreen for their children.
This can be sent to school, clearly labelled and kept in the classroom for the child to use.
As advised by the Cancer Council SA SunSmart:
The sunscreen should be SPF 30 of higher, broad spectrum and water resistant. Children of kindergarten age and older are expected to apply their own sunscreen under supervision.
Teachers will remind children but in accordance with child protection policies, cannot apply the sunscreen.
Swimming Lessons
Due to the current COVID restrictions our scheduled Week 3 swimming lessons have been postponed to later in the year. Lessons for students from Reception to Year 5 will now be held in Week 3 Term 2 (16th - 20th May). More information about swimming lessons will be distributed next term.
Congratulations
On behalf on the IHM community we would like to congratulate the McInerney/Zivkovic family on the recent birth of their baby girl. Amelia in Year 4/5 is now a big sister to Ajla.
Iceblock Fridays
Every Friday at recess time students can buy an iceblock from the Canteen for $1.20 each.
Pancake Day - Tuesday 1st March
Shrove Tuesday is on the 1st March and we are delighted to be able to provide a pancake at lunchtime for the children to enjoy. Please still pack lunch for your children and notify the office if there are any dietary requirements.
We are asking students to bring a GOLD COIN DONATION which will go towards Project Compassion. Thank you.
Nadia & Kate
Parent Information
When and Where:
Wednesday 16th March 2022
9am to 10am
IHM Chevalier Centre
At Immaculate Heart of Mary School (IHM) our commitment is to journey together with families in all domains of our students’ school lives. Shared understandings between home and school are fundamental to developing a common language and meaningful communication between the two learning environments. This session aims to inform and share key supportive learning practices that serve to empower and contribute to developing positive and successful readers.
This session will cover the topics:
- IHM Home Reading Guidelines
- Factors that influence learning
- Specific strategies for parents to use at home – (tool kit)
If you are able to attend please email the Office or your child’s class teacher. If you should have any queries, please direct them to your child’s class teacher or myself. I look forward to meeting you!
Mary Sapio
LITERACY SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Social