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Dear Parents and Carers,
In this unusual year, 2020, where we continue to face the changed world with the reality of the pandemic, we have the opportunity to look toward the blessings in our lives and celebrate these even moreso. Have you considered what it means to ‘live life to the full’ in our current world? These two little reflections might help us to stop and take stock, and to ask God’s blessing on our life, our days, our family …
“There was a man who died and went to heaven. He was up there being shown around when he came across a huge dirty-looking warehouse. Well, his curiosity got the better of him so he went inside to have a look. There, he came upon box after box with people’s names upon them. Was there one for him? He hurried along the many rows searching for his name. Finally, tucked away on one shelf was his box. He opened it eagerly and discovered hundreds of blessings from God. He turned to his guide and asked, “How come I didn’t receive all of these?” The guide’s reply: “You didn’t ask!”
“If I had my life over:
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten popcorn in the ‘good’ living room.
I would have taken time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about the grass stains.
Instead of wishing away months of pregnancy, I’d have cherished every moment and realised that the wonderment growing inside me, was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I never would have said, ‘Later; now go and wash up for dinner’.
There would have been more ‘I love yous’, more ‘I’m sorry’.
But mostly, given another shot at life I would seize every minute – live it – and never give it back.” American writer and journalist, Emma Bombeck;
The joy on the faces of our fun and diverse book week characters yesterday brought joy to all across the school. We hope you have opened SeeSaw to look at the video and photo of your child’s class. Thank you for helping your child participate in the day! Thank you to Ms Grainger for her organisation. Thank you to the fabulous St Pat’s staff for channelling their inner ‘wild’ and dressing as characters from Maurice Sendak’s ‘Where the Wild Things Are.’
Today is the day that we historically celebrate Grandparents Day in St Pat’s style. We are lamenting that we are not able to celebrate the senior members of our families and our school and parish community with our usual Mass, morning tea and entertainment. Despite no on-site celebration, we are trying a ‘remote’ celebration with the children all creating a note or card for their grandparents and Mrs Grant creating a special liturgy to view online.
Blessings
Jo
The 3Rs
To a lesser or greater extent, when you Google a topic, you get a sense of current thinking. I was particularly motivated when I googled “The 3Rs” to learn that society has moved on from the 3 Rs being, reading, writing and arithmetic. The dominant images are now reduce, reuse, recycle.
Good news! However, the 3Rs at St Patrick’s have a further reference.
Last week I wrote about Being a St Pat’s Kid Day to Tathra. In conjunction with this is our practice to help students understand what being a St Pat’s Kid is. We use the 3R’s- remind, remove, and repair as a scaffold.
Remind- when students are breaking one of the three school rules, a teacher will remind the student of the school rule they are breaking. The teacher will remind the student of what it is to be a St Pat’s Kid.
Remove- in the event a student continues the behaviour, the teacher will ask the student to remove themselves from other learners within the classroom.
Remove- in the event a student continues the behaviour, the student will be removed from the classroom to another classroom. This will mean a member of the Leadership Team is called to escort the student out of the classroom. Learning will then occur in another classroom.
Repair- In a Catholic school this part of the process is fundamental. We believe in restorative practices. When there has been a break in the relationship, whether it be student to student or student to staff member the repair is essential. A break in the relationship occurs when one or other in the relationship has broken the agreement. The repair process is not simply asking a child to say I’m sorry. We do not make students say sorry. The process is differentiated for each child. Some students are able to discuss their feelings and thoughts, others find this more difficult. Asking for and receiving forgiveness is important within our Catholic community. Our processes, actions and language are unashamedly and overtly based on Jesus Christ and the language of repair, includes asking for and receiving forgiveness.
FOR ALL OUR WONDERFUL GRANDPARENTS WHO CARE FOR ST PATS KIDS
Using computers and other internet connected devices can be a great way for kids to play, learn and socialise – but there are also risks.
As a grandparent or carer, you have an important role to play in protecting the online safety of the children in your life. But knowing how to help them can be tricky, especially if you are not a tech expert. So this free book makes it easier for you.
'Online safety for grandparents and carers' covers key advice about online safety issues that can affect children and young people. It includes a range of practical tips, to help you talk about issues and manage them.
You will find information on many topics, from setting up devices safely right through to managing time online, dealing with cyberbullying and preventing unsafe contact from strangers.
There is also a section about online gaming and social media use, with a handy guide to some of the most popular sites and apps.
Please contact the school if you would like further support.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/seniors/online-safety-grandparents-carers/book
Caz Perryman
This week students have been preparing for Grandparent’s Day.
Students have been writing letters, making cards and sharing reflections about their grandparents.
The virtual liturgy can be accessed by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jCjjmjAq4V4
We had a ‘Crazy Hat’ fundraiser for our school companion dog, Judy, as she was involved in a car accident just over six weeks ago.
The amount of money raised was $275.55.
With the money, we donated $200 to Wendy Cook from the Animal Welfare League.
Wendy will be giving the money to people who can’t afford to pay their veterinary bills.
With the other $75.55 we are buying a school dog coat for Judy.
Mrs Carracher took us to the Bega Veterinary Hospital to give them a card, to thank them for helping Judy.
On Tuesday the 20th of October, Wendy C and Wendy E came from Animal Welfare League to talk to 4/5 C about animal welfare.
They brought an 8 year old cavalier dog named Beau who had back and eye injuries.
They explained how the animals came to them and how they look after them and what they do with the animals so they can be rehomed. They also explained what they would do with the $200 we gave them.
We would like to thank everyone for contributing to help people and their pets who are in difficult situations.
Many thanks,
Tygerlily Chinnock
Jack Taylor
Isobel Nicholson
Mrs Carracher and Judy xx
Presenting the card to Bega Veterinary Hospital
Wendy C and Wendy E from Animal Welfare League, receiving $200.
Students had the opportunity to take home a Book Club Order Form, please ensure you pick the books with your children. Please return orders by Friday 30th October or into the office by the Wednesday 28th October. Keep munching on those books together- they open up a whole new world. Enjoy.
Reminder: Book Club orders are by THE LOOP. Any problems please contact the office 6492 5500
Drink Bottles
It is imperative that your child brings a drink bottle to school each day. Due to recent Covid-19 restrictions there are no bubblers available and the students must provide their own drink bottle.
School Uniforms – Hats
Could you please ensure that your child brings their hat to school, as they are required to wear a hat to play outside.
Lice Aren’t Nice
The school has been informed that there has been a case of head lice, which are common in school-aged children. We encourage parents to check their child and if lice are detected carry out a head lice treatment prior to sending your child back to school.
St Patrick's Parish invite parents to find out more about the Catholic Faith over three nights with a 30 min video followed by discussion.
We especially invite anyone considering becoming a Catholic, those Married to a catholic spouse, or anyone curious to reconnect with their catholic Faith or find out more. For those wanting to continue their journey towards becoming a Catholic, RCIA (the Rite of Christian Initiation) will commence following these nights.
Peace,
Fr. Luke
