Last Sunday’s Gospel…

In the Gospel we heard about the end of time. It tells us that we have no need to be afraid if we have done our best to keep God’s laws. There is the offer of being with God too, even if we have made some big mistakes, if we look on them with regret and are happy to make up for them. Jesus did that of course with His ultimate sacrifice. He opened Heaven to all of us and now we have to do our part too.

From the Principal... 

Thank you for your responses asking for your child to be separated from another for some reason. If you have still to let me know, please do so by next Friday 25^th November. I hope to then finalise classes so we can organize transition where it is needed and be ready for our promotions afternoon in Week 10 where the students will meet their teacher for 2023. 

The students may have told you we are trialing swapping our eating times around. Our behaviour data is showing more incidents in the middle block in classrooms. By eating lunch first, which is usually healthier, we believe less sugar at that time will be helpful. In the afternoon, when they are becoming tired, the snacks in recess that provide a bit more sugar will give them a boost. You do not need to do anything. Lunch orders are already adjusted too. We will see what the data says. This use of data is one of the reasons we collect it. As you know, the students are allowed now to play on any playground. This was in response to playground incidents. We have noted a very significant drop in the frequency of issues. It seems that if the students are playing where they want to, they are happier. Students have also reported they are enjoying the playground more with the increase of balls and a grade not playing a full field game of soccer for example which was causing distress due to the lack of cameras to check on refereeing decisions! It’s very satisfying to be able to make our school a better and happier place for our students.

The transition to Kinder program has been going very well with our new Kinder students and their parents settling in very smoothly. We have taken quite a large number of additional enrolments into other grades so we are almost full for K-3 for 2023. The growing enrollments are a credit to our parent community who I constantly hear speak well of our beautiful school and our dedicated teachers who work very hard to provide the best learning experience they can. Thank you all! 

We have also had a number of students who unfortunatley have had injuries and have come to school on crutches. I have to ask that if this happens, there is a protocol that we have to follow for the safety of not only the injured student, but the surrounding students. Before the student comes to school, we need to have received a letter from the Dr describing the injury etc. Then we need to employ staff to support the injured student. So as you can see it is a lengthy process. It is much appreciated if this can be followed so it can be done quickly without any stress to all concerned.

Please take special note of the upcoming events, especially the Christmas concert and the End of Year Farewell Mass so that you can join us if possible. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Regards, 

From the School Counsellor…

Noticing and Encouraging your Child’s Strengths

(Reference: Prof. Lea Waters, Psychologist, KidsMatter Families e-newsletter March 2017)

Knowing what your child’s strengths are provides a doorway for you to connect positively with your child. Noticing and encouraging your child’s strengths builds their confidence and resilience. So, what can you be noticing? There are two types of strengths:

1. Activities your child is good at, like music, art, sport, maths, writing etc. (note, these are only true strengths if your child actually likes doing them).
2. Positive personality and character strengths, like being kind, forgiving, hard-working, loving, caring, compassionate, determined, generous, humorous, problem-solver, inquisitive, creative, etc. 

You can notice your child’s strengths by labelling them. EG: Rather than simply saying “Thank you for sharing.” You could name the strength by saying, “That was very kind of you to share your toy with your brother.”

Once you are aware of your child’s strengths, you can provide positive opportunities for them to enhance their strengths. EG: providing art materials, kicking a ball with them, asking them to be the expert and show you how to play a console game, provide your child with books or video links of things related to their strengths, etc.

When your child is going through a rough patch, remind your child of their strengths, with evidence in the form of examples. Brainstorm together how they could use these strengths to get through this time. For example, a child who is creative might use playing with Lego or drawing to help regulate their emotions and calm themselves.

It is also useful for parents to know their own strengths. Use this knowledge to ask yourself, “How can I use my strengths to be the best parent I can be?”

When you have a challenging day with your child – the type where you are at your wits end – go to bed at night, take a long, deep breath and remind yourself of your child’s strengths, and yours. This helps rebuild the connection between you and your child. 

Information to equip Families 

CatholicCare #AlwaysConnected          http://www.catholiccare.dow.org.au/   ph: 4628 0044

CatholicCare provides individual, couples and family counselling as well as a variety of parenting programs such as 123 Magic and Bringing up Great kids and Keeping Kids In Mind.

ParentLine NSW          http://www.parentline.org.au/   ph:1300 1300 52

This organisation assists parents and carers with parenting advice, resources and support. 

Kids Helpline               https://kidshelpline.com.au/   ph:1800 55 1800

Children from 5 years, teens, young people to 25 years and parents and carers can contact just to talk, get advice and support.

Raising Children          http://raisingchildren.net.au/

Lots of parent-friendly videos and fact sheets covering information about each age group from pregnancy to teens, parenting and children with special needs.

KidsMatter e-Newsletter            https://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/families/enewsletter

Lots of information for families covering a range of topics about children’s social, emotional and psychological development.

Request to pay by instalments information

PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES BY INSTALMENT

If you are currently paying by instalments there is no need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment as your request carries over from year to year unless you wish to amend the frequency of your payments eg. Weekly to Fortnightly.

If you would like to pay school fees by instalments in 2023 and have previously not taken up this option for payment, please complete a Request to Pay by Instalment Form which is available on the school’s website or from the school’s administration office.

On completion of the request either email it to instalments@dow.catholic.edu.au. Following receipt of the request, instalments will be generated on your school fee account during the process of invoicing 2023 school fees. Your school fee statement will provide a list of scheduled payments and their due date depending on the frequency you have chosen eg Fortnightly, Monthly, etc.

If you currently have a child or children at another school in the Diocese and you are paying.

by instalments at this location, you will not need to complete another Request to Pay by Instalment. The instalment request carries over from school to school with the same frequency of payment eg Weekly, fortnightly, etc.