Week 3 Term 3 2021

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Families,

Welcome to Week 3 of Term 3!

I trust this finds you and your families well and happy, enjoying the Olympics, the Festival of Light and the resumption of activities around Adelaide. I am pleased that COVID restrictions have been lifted somewhat, however, we still need to be vigilant in our school and wider community.

Therefore I ask that you:

Check in upon entering the school grounds
Wear a mask
Only come into the school yard if you need to
Do not enter classrooms and make a time with the teacher if you need to see them before or after school
Maintain social distance and hygiene practices.

It is pleasing to see that from Thursday 5^th August, the following activities can resume:

Playgroup (parents should wear masks where possible)
Choir and dance rehearsals within the school
All extracurricular activities within the school
Incursions and excursions, (ensuring that the venue supplies a copy of their COVID safe or COVID Management plan and we comply)
Whole school assemblies
School sports including interschool sport training, trials and competitions.

Thank you for your cooperation and support in adhering to these practices so that everyone can keep safe and healthy. We are all in this together and our IHM community will continue to support each other through these challenging times. As always, I will notify you immediately should anything change.

The children have coped well with the changes and are calm and happy as they come into school in the mornings and throughout the day. We’ve been impressed with their independence in coming into school (even our very youngest!) and settling in readily to begin their learning. It is great to see that many parents are continuing to encourage this sense of independence and responsibility in their children.

Parent Survey

All families received a letter yesterday (via School Stream) introducing you to a survey we are currently conducting about the school climate and the Catholic Education Living Learning Leading Framework, in conjunction with Curtin University.

We value your feedback greatly, and so all parents are invited to participate in the survey as an important opportunity for you to let us know how things are going for you and your child/ren. CESA and school staff will use the data to identify strengths and areas to work and build upon as part of our Continuous improvement.

Please be assured that your feedback will be anonymous and confidential.

We would appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey, either on-line at www.NSIPartnerships.com.au and enter the code IHMLLLP in the start questionnaire field or ask for a hard copy, available from the office. The closing date for the survey is Thursday 19^th August. Thank you in anticipation.

Building Update

I have regular site meetings with the Architect, the builders and site manager to discuss progress and issues related to our building project. Unfortunately, the COVID situation has negatively impacted on our building project, as it has with so many other things. We have had delays with the delivery of materials, the wet weather and the lock down. We are hoping there won’t be any more significant delays but will practice our patience. All the children and teachers have been patient and resilient with the mess, noise and change a building project brings and I’m very grateful to them all.

On the positive side, there has been good progress with the upstairs learning areas, which are looking light and bright. There has also been quite a bit of preparation work happening for the new school front and entrance this week. As this work impacts on the footpath and traffic, I thank you for your patience and safety awareness as the works continue.

Warmest wishes,

Pauline Kinsman
PRINCIPAL

From the Assistant Principal

It was so nice to see all of our IHM children and families returning last Wednesday. The restrictions bring different emotions. It can be a stressful time or one where we are able to slow down for a bit. However it was for you, we are happy our children are back and our community can start gathering…at a distance…with masks…not on school grounds..again.

Maths Workshop

Later this term we will be hosting another Maths Parent Workshop (if restrictions ease) on the topic:

“How to help your child become fluent with their facts.”

Information will be released shortly about this and free care for children will be offered for the workshop.

How Does Exercise Affect Mental Health and Wellbeing?

Physical activity promotes many aspects of child and adolescent development, including social and emotional skills, as well as physical development of motor skills. It also supports mental wellbeing. We know that high levels of inactivity can lead to a greater risk of both physical and mental health problems. Some children and young people dislike competitive sport and anxiety about competition may worsen existing mental health issues.

You could consider involving your child in non-competitive physical activities such as Yoga and Pilates as an alternative. Or explore activities where the focus is on participation, not competition. It is more important for children and young people to learn that being active is fun rather than focusing on winning.

To learn more about how you can support the Wellbeing of your child visit Be You (formerly Beyond Blue https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/development/brain-development

Sacramental Program

Over the coming weeks some students from IHM will be participating in the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Confirmation is the completion of the grace received at Baptism. It is the Sacrament in which we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which strengthens us to take up the mission which Christ gives us.

Sharing in the Sacrament of the Eucharist through Holy Communion is the high point of Christian life and worship. Receiving Holy Communion we are united to Jesus by receiving his Body and Blood and we are united to one another in Him. This is a Sacrament that we receive not only once, but every Sunday.

Stay warm and take care of each other.

God Bless,

Annette Diassinas
APRIM