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Last Sunday’s Gospel…
We heard about the Temptation of Jesus while he was in the desert. It wasn’t an uncommon practice for people of the time to spend time in the wilderness to become closer to God. Jesus did it at about the age of 30 because he knew his time had come to begin his public life and ministry. He also knew it was going to be challenging and so spent time with God to get himself ready for the journey. Jesus was fully human as well as divine. This time in the desert is the 40 days we have as Lent. The difference is for us is that we know there will be a triumphant outcome. Jesus didn’t. To make it even harder, the Devil tempted Jesus three times to turn away from the journey and join the Devil in enjoying many riches Jesus could have had. During Lent we practice small acts of self denial or do extra tasks or pray more so we are strengthened to answer the big tests we have in our own lives by making the correct, if difficult, decisions and doing so with grace.
From the Principal...
Our whole school sporting events continue to a feature of our school life with a very exciting cross country carnival on Monday. It was lovely to see so many parents come and watch and wonderful to have so many parent helpers. Thank you! The students had a happy time both participating and cheering others along. You will see some photos further on in the newsletter. I am grateful to the staff who never complain about the extra work holding something like this takes.
A number of students were not prepared for the day and parents asked about notes. Everything happens through Compass so please make sure you have the app and that we have the correct email account on record so you receive the email notifications that something has been posted on Compass. You can also turn on notifications in the App so you get a little red number showing – the same as for messages or email. The office staff are happy to help if you have any difficulties or need to learn how. We are making sure all email platforms are working too. The students are never in trouble if they come unprepared but they can feel very embarrassed no matter how much we try to play it down for them and tell them it’s ok. You are also missing vital information like school reports if you are not using Compass. I do realise that if you are reading this you are obviously using Compass so please check in with your friends and pass the message along that help is available.
I met with CEDoW staff and representatives from Moduplay about the playground grant and the concept plans for the playground. I hope to have some plans I can share with you. I have asked that it be spread out so that as many students as possible can use it at once and there be apparatus for the older students as well as the young ones. Being close to the front of the school and visible from a number of classrooms, we are looking at a subtle colour palete that will stand fading and the test of time.
Our students and staff are ready for NAPLAN being earlier in the year. I am very proud of the way the students are facing it calmly and with confidence. While it is important, it is just one test on one day and only one way we measure student achievement and growth.
As we begin Lent, I encourage you to talk to your children about the Lenten practices they are learning about at school. Perhaps the inclusion of family prayer will be timely.
Wednesday and ends at Easter. It is a time of penitential preparation where people prepare their hearts and minds through personal reflection, imitating the 40-days Jesus spent in the desert after his baptism. Below are some ideas to try with your family at home during Lent to avoid life’s distractions, reflect and focus on God.
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Mrs Daniella Thompson
Religions Education Coordinator
NAPLAN
This term students in Years 3 and 5 will be taking part in NAPLAN from March 15-17th.
Parents of students in Year 5 are asked to ensure their child’s ipad is updated and has the NAP Locked down browser.
Both Year 3 and Year 5 students will also need headphones to complete the tests.
Further information regarding NAPLAN can be found via the link.
PB4L Focus - Toilets
Our current fortnightly focus is how students can be safe, respectful and responsible when using the Toilets. Teachers have taken the time to explicitly teach students the procedures on appropriate times to use the toilets and how to move around the school when walking to/from the toilets. Students are encouraged to use the toilets before the bell in the morning, and during break times, to avoid interruptions to learning when in the classroom.
3 Ways to Teach Your Child about Friendship
Learning how to make and keep friends is a life-long skill. Having healthy, quality
friendships make us happy. One place where children build friendships is at school.
Friendships can take a lot of work, but they can also be very rewarding. In this article you will find three ways to help teach your children about friends and how to be a good friend.
1) Share clearly what a good friend does. (You might wish to use the attached "friendship soup" activity and watch the youtube clip here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7w7yXkJTu0)
A good friend:
• Remembers important dates and things (things you're good at, things you achieved, birthdays)
• They're dependable, there for you
• They do and say kind things to and for each other
• They want to help their friends when they have a problem or are feeling
upset
• They have common interests and want to spend time together
• They like to have fun with each other
It's important for children to learn as well that friendships change as we change,
and it's ok to move away from some friendships towards others as we get
older/change.
2) Read books about friendship.
Reading a book together is a great way to start a discussion with your child and
friendship is a common theme in children's stories. These books show friends
overcoming differences and challenges to maintain their friendships. They
illustrate important traits like respect, kindness, and helping each other.
• My New Friend is So Fun by Mo Willems - Gerald the elephant overcomes
anxiety and jealousy when his best friend, Piggie, starts spending time with a
new pal named Brian Bat.
• The Almost Terrible Playdate by Rich Torrey – emotions run high when a
strong-willed boy and girl can’t agree on what to play. Can they turn the
playdate around before it’s too late?
• Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel - Frog is upbeat and always
optimistic. Toad is well… kind of a grump. But together, they can solve any
problem.
3) Show your child how to be a good friend through your friendships
Children learn by observing parents and trusted adults. Make sure to be positive
when talking about your friendships and let your child see you making time for
your friends and helping them. Bring your children along if possible so they can
observe. Think about the traits of a good friend and try to demonstrate them
consistently. Friendship takes practice so don't expect to get it right every time.
Keep giving your children encouragement and try to be a good friend yourself
Sources
• Catholiccare Sydney: 3 Ways to Teach your Child to be a Good Friend
• Catholiccare Sydney: Parenting Hub
For individual advice around friendships, you can contact Parentline at 1300130032.
If you or your family need additional support, please contact CatholicCare Wollongong on 42271122 or enquiries@catholiccare.dow.org.au #alwaysconnected
We had a great morning at the 2023 Cross Country. Students showed enthusiasm and perseverance when competing.
A big thank you to the parent helpers! We really appreciate all of your help and support.
Athletics Carnival
Our next big sport event is the Athletics carnival on Monday, 20th March. Please ensure you have completed the compass event giving your child permission to attend the carnival.
Compass - it is important that every parent can access compass. We use Compass as our main communication form. Compass allows parents to see our notifications, school reports, newsletters, give permission for excursions and to add a student attendance note when the student is absent.
Importance of being on time to school each day
By being late, students miss important messages from the teacher and may miss out on important learning activities that happen early in the day.
The school bell goes at 8.45am, all students should be at school prior to the bell. Any student that arrives late will be marked as a partial absence.
*Please note, only mark in Compass if your child is absent for a FULL Day, our School office marks for partial absences.
School Fees
School fee account statements are emailed at the beginning of each month by the CEDoW School Fee Liaison Office to families. If you are having difficulty paying for your school fees we ask that you make contact with the school immediately via email info@hfidow.catholic.edu.au
The uniform shop will be open Wednesday afternoons, 2.30pm - 3.15pm.
If you have any used and good condition school uniforms/clothes, they would be greatly appreciated. These can be taken directly to the Shop or can always be dropped off at the School Office!
Please remember it is cash only - no EFTPOS facilities are available.
Good news, Sunday 12 March 2023 will see the return of the Campbelltown City Council Challenge Walk, held in the beautiful grounds of the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan.
We’d like to get our local schools involved as this is a great healthy community event to get the kids outdoors and active. There are prizing for the largest teams in the following categories:
- Primary
- Secondary
- Corporate
- Open
- Fitness
This year we have added a fresh new colour burst section to the course but don’t worry, you can detour around it if you want to try beat your personal best. There will also be some health and wellness stalls this year – chiropractor, massages and more.
Online entries are now open via Council’s website at a cost of $18 per entry. Cashless late registrations will also be available on the morning of the event between 6.30am -7.30am at a cost of $28.
Online Entries close Wednesday 8 March.
For more details including how to register, head on over to our website Campbelltown Challenge Walk 2022 - Campbelltown City Council (nsw.gov.au)
Spread the word, we would love to see you there!
Events Team
P: 02 4645 4926
E: events@campbelltown.nsw.gov.au
| Monday 27th February | School Cross Country |
| Wednesday 1st March | Grade Mass - YEAR 2 9am |
| Friday 3rd March | Assembly - 2.10pm School Hall |
| Wednesday 8th March | Grade Mass - YEAR 6 9am |
| Monday 13th - 24th March | Naplan |
| Wednesday 15th March | Grade Mass - YEAR 4 9am |
| Friday 17th March | St Patricks Day - Mufti Day |
| Friday 17th March | Assembly - 2.10pm School Hall |
| Monday 20th March | School Athletics Carnival |
| Wednesday 22nd March | Grade Mass - YEAR 1 9am |
| Wednesday 29th March | Grade Mass - YEAR 3 9am |
| Friday 31st March | Assembly - 2.10pm School Hall (Harmony Day) |
| Thursday 6th April | FINAL DAY FOR TERM 1 |
| Monday 24th April | Staff development - PUPIL FREE DAY |
| Tuesday 25th April | Anzac Day - Public Holiday |
| Wednesday 26th April | Students return - Term 2 |
| Friday 30th June | FINAL DAY FOR TERM 2 |
| Monday 17th July | Students Return - Term 3 |
| Friday 4th August | Staff development - PUPIL FREE DAY |
| Friday 22nd September | FINAL DAY FOR TERM 3 |
| Monday 9th October | Students Return - Term 4 |
| Friday 15th December | FINAL DAY FOR TERM 4 |