St Cecilia's Newsletter Term 3, Week 4

A word from the Principal

Over the school holidays I was fortunate enough to attend a Law Symposium with Donna Cross, NSW newly appointed first Chief Behaviour Adviser who will work across public, Catholic and independent school sectors in a bid to improve increasingly difficult student behaviour.

Mrs Cross acknowledged that many schools across NSW are dealing with increasingly difficult and disruptive classroom behaviour that have been intensified following lockdowns, social isolation, remote learning and changes to school suspension policies. She further commented, "there are many ongoing and emerging behavioural challenges for students – especially as they grow up in a digital world.”

While some of the more complex issues require a whole-of-community approach, school can be a starting place to support engaged and healthy young people. Therefore, the past few weeks the staff and at St Cecilia's have been reviewing our 2015 school's Behaviour Matrix, to align with new behavioural policies. I will be sharing the reviewed document at tonight's FLIP meeting and looking for parent feedback. Through this review, the staff and I hope to achieve consistent and clear approaches to behaviour that set and maintain behaviour expectations in lessons and throughout the school environment. As many interconnected factors influence behaviour, we do utilise a range of other resources to support students’ overall learning, wellbeing, and engagement. This is just one piece of the bigger puzzle. 

During our Behaviour Matrix review it was identified that occasionally we get a bit of undesirable language creeping into our school playground and classroom. I would like to reinforce that anti-social language and swearing is not an acceptable form of communication for anyone at St Cecilia’s. We reinforce this with our children by teaching them how to be ‘self-managers’ and by reinforcing daily the value of being respectful learners.  

Most poor language choices in a primary school setting are often from children who are unable to express their emotions appropriately and it is often in instances such as missing a goal, feeling frustrated with oneself, or being upset with someone else. Nevertheless, it is not necessary or appropriate for the school setting. Therefore, the staff and I would appreciate it if you could please reinforce the importance of using socially acceptable language in the school setting and discuss replacement words or review the ‘How to Calm Down’ Steps with your child, which were listed in last week’s Principal Update.  

Explain to your child that some words that someone has used in a movie, Tik Tok or YouTube video, or even a word you as the adult may have used at home is not acceptable at school (or other places). Various places have different rules. At school, we do not swear.

Dependent on the context of the inappropriate language, sometimes a teacher reminder will be enough on other occasions a minor or major Compass chronicle may be logged.  

If you receive a ‘Major’ behaviour chronicle on Compass to notify you of your child swearing, we are relying on parent support to address the matter seriously with your child at home. If you wish to discuss the matter further, please do not hesitate to contact the the class teacher, Mr Madigan, or myself via scw@dbb.catholic.edu.au 

The following is a useful article on swearing. Swearing: school-age children & pre-teens | Raising Children Network and please find the article on NSW schools: Child health advocate appointed state’s chief behaviour adviser (smh.com.au)

Thank you for your support and partnership in educating your children. 

Regards

Marta Chylewska

Staying Connected

No dogs on school premises

Under the Companion Animals Act 1998 (NSW), Section 14, dogs are prohibited on school grounds unless the principal grants permission. I would like to remind parents and carers that no principal permissions or exemptions have been granted, therefore no pet dogs (or puppies) are allowed on school grounds at any time of the day.

Guide dogs, Assistance dogs and Companion dogs are permitted as they have gone through quite extensive training and have legal standing, however, the household pet is not covered by these exemptions.

If you must bring your dog and are leaving your dog outside the fence it must be more than 5 meters away from the school gate entrance. 

Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Father's Day Gifts

A reminder that our Father's Day gifts are now available to purchase via Qkr!

• Gifts are $6 each. 
• 4 gifts per child limit.
• ON SALE now on QKR!

The QKR online stall will close 5:00pm Wednesday the 16th of August so get your orders in before then. This gives you three weeks to order and we ask that you do so within the given time frame.

Father's Day Breakfast Thursday 31st August

We welcome all fathers, grandads or fatherly figures in your children's lives to attend the Father's Day Breakfast on Thursday 31st August. Breakfast will begin to be served from 7:45am, followed by the Book Week Parade in the assembly area. YES! You read that correctly. All children are invited to wear a Book Week outfit for the annual parade to follow. 

For catering purposes it is essential to RSVP at the attached link. https://forms.office.com/r/dRyYXyCHKx

Fluoro Friday School Disco

We have 100 tickets sold for the School Disco. Please jump on QKR to purchase your child's $8 ticket. The ticket includes a bag of popcorn, Snap Stick, water bottle, a chocolate and a fluro accessory. The Disco will be hosted in the Assembly Area and the Year 5 and Kindy parents have 21 volunteers at present, however still looking for more helpers. 

If you are able to assist please complete the form attached and you will hear back from the organising committee the week of the disco (or maybe even earlier). https://forms.office.com/r/GeSdaL3b1k

Families Leading in Partnership (FLIP) #7 

Please come along to our FLIP meeting this evening, hosted in the Staffroom at 6:15pm. The agenda in the following groups will include:
Faith and Learning Partners 
- Numeracy Improvement Plan 
- Behaviour Matrix review presented for parent feedback

Parent Connectors & Community Building Team
- School Disco update
- Father's Day Stall Gift update
- Community Culture Survey feedback

RSVP here if able to attend. https://forms.office.com/r/7jKCMTM3wx

NED'S Mindset Mission Performance

This Friday 11th August we have NED's Mindset Mission performance at 9:15am in the hall. The performance will be a 45-minute journey filled with humor, yo-yo and magic tricks, puppetry, and storytelling.

The assembly introduces a cartoon boy named NED who is on a very important mission: to find his mindset. Led by clues and memorable characters, he overcomes Mt. Everest’s toughest obstacles, uncovers inner-treasures on a Caribbean island, and grows his brain while repairing a sputtering spaceship. Throughout the performance, your students discover how to activate their growth mindset to overcome social, emotional and academic challenges.

The order forms (see below) will be sent home today. These forms are just a way for parents to communicate with the school which yo-yo they want to purchase for their child.  Students will need to bring the form filled in  with the exact cash (in an envelope or Zip lock bag), which teachers will collect at their scheduled time for yoyo sales, after the play. 

Cashless Canteen update

Thank you to the parents who reached out to me personally to share their views and thinking regarding the cashless canteen. I always appreciate when families come to me about any school related concerns because if I don't know about a matter of concern, I can't do anything about it.

While I acknowldge there are many benefits to having our children line up at the canteen to make their own purchases, the decision to transition to a cashless canteen was a system directive driven by a primary goal to streamline administrative processes and enhance financial transparency within our school. By adopting a digital payment system, we aim to eliminate the burdens associated with handling and reconciling cash transactions, thereby allowing our administrative staff to focus more on the provision of support to our students and parents.

Additionally, the cashless canteen system was implemented to ensure greater accuracy and security in managing financial transactions. We recognise the importance of maintaining financial integrity and accountability, and the cashless system significantly reduces the potential for discrepancies or errors that may arise when dealing with physical cash.

I understand that this change may be challenging for some parents and children, and I am committed to providing ongoing support and assistance during the transition period. Therefore, any feedback is always valued as it will inform my feedback to Catholic Schools Broken Bay and could inform and guide any future decisions, should a hybrid situation be allowed.

Please reach out if you haven't and feel strongly about the matter. I am readily available to address any queries you may have and to ensure a smooth adaptation to the new system.

Teaching and Learning Matters

Public Speaking Competiton

Year 6 have commenced presenting at class level this week, while K-5 are practicing their speeches at home in preparation for class presentation which begin in Week 6.

Religious Education Update

SHARING OUR FABULOUS LEARNING

This term our Year 5 students have been learning about some of the wise, reflective, and poetic writings of the Old Testament (e.g., The Lord is my Shepherd psalm). One of the tasks the students have engaged in was to select a modern-day song and reflect on the lyrics and wisdom teachings and apply to their own lives. The students realised that many of the wisdom teachings and contemporary songs written have similar meanings. That is, they are designed to teach people life lessons.

One of the modern-day songs explored was by Bruno Mars, You Can Count on Me. Miller W wrote, “true friendship is like a partnership and we need to help our friends always. Just like how Jesus taught us. This life lesson from the song is so important”.

Another modern-day song explored was A Million Years by Pink. Lorelei F wrote, “share your dreams and goals with the right people so that you can achieve them together. You can always pray to God and tell him about your dreams so when you grow older you can ask for help. This life lesson is about striving to be your best self and asking Jesus to help you along the way”.

MASS OF THE ASSUMPTION

OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

(HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION)

What are the Holy Days of Obligation in Australia?

• Christmas Day (December 25 – the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ)

• The Assumption (August 15 – the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
• All Sundays of the year

Why is it important to have Holy days of obligation?

The Catholic Holy Days of Obligation are our most significant feast days where we are required to celebrate Mass. They are the liturgical feasts that honour the mysteries of the Lord, the Virgin Mary, and the saints. More importantly, we think about Holy Days of Obligation by what they offer us… beautiful reminders of the ways God has shown His love for us.

Please join us in prayer as we celebrate the Mass of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Tuesday, the 15^th of August at 9:30am (school hall).

God bless,

Jamie Dowling

Religious Education Coordinator

Staff Spotlight

Super Dooper Mr Cooper 

At the end of last term, we welcomed Mr Cooper to St Cecillia's to teach 4 Blue. Mr Cooper has come to us after 12 years at the Central Coast Adventist school. He enjoys mountain biking, singing and playing piano, as well as working on construction projects. He also has a passion for Positive Behaviour for Learning and engaging learners through the authentic implementation of technology.  

Mr Cooper has really been enjoying working at St Cecilia's and is looking forward to the developments and growth in his students over the next two terms. 

PEC Update

Dear Parents and Carers,

Please see flyer below on 123 Magic, I am a huge advocate for this program and the support or affirmation it can provide parents with.  I will be attending these sessions and would like to invite anyone interested to attend with me.  If you are interested, please contact me on 0424 763 734, bookings essential.

When: Tuesday 15^th August, 22nd &  29^th August 2023 (3 consecutive Weeks)

Where: Wyong School Community Centre 52 Cutler Drive, Wyong

Time: 12.30pm – 2.30pm (2 hours)

123 Magic and Emotion Coaching is for parents and carers of children aged 2 – 12years, wishing to learn how to manage difficult behaviours and encourage the development of their children’s ability to manage their emotional reactions.

The program aims to teach parents easy to use skills they can use to encourage children to respond more flexibly when they are frustrated or upset.

From the Parish

Wyong Parish are launching their Youth Group Chosen. They are looking for volunteers. Please see informations below and contact Gabi Wyong Parish Youth Coordinator on 0401395366.

Year 2 Faith and Learning Walk

Last week we welcomed our Year 2 families into the classroom for a Faith and Learning Walk.During the Faith and Learning Walks, parents and carers join the children in the classroom to celebrate a grade liturgy. The liturgy theme will highlight what the children are learning during their Religious Education lessons and allow an opportunity for the families to connect with the Catholic faith.Following the liturgy, the children demonstrate their acquired knowledge by showcasing their favourite pieces of learning. Participating in these learning walks will enable parents and carers to engage as partners in their child’s learning journey. A beautiful experience for our Year 2 families.

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PBL - Positive Behaviours For Learning

Classroom Connections

100 Days of Kindergarten

It was certainly a remarkable effort made by all of our students, families, parent helpers and teachers to make the 100 days of kindergarten celebration such an amazing day!  Everyone looked awesome. OLD but awesome!  The day began with photos by the balloon arch and an aerial shot of kindergarten in the shape of 100 on the oval. The day continued with loads of fun and creative activities, including making our 100-day family 'keep sake'. It was especially lovely for kindergarten to welcome parents and families into the classrooms where we made 100 days of kindergarten cookies and ended the day with a fun 'granny and grampa race' across the oval. The students were full of excitement and laughter throughout the entire day.  The kindergarten teachers would like to send a special thank you to the KB and KG class parents and any other parents and helpers that supported us to make the day as special as it was. 

It was a fantastic day! Thank you again for sharing the special memories, achievements, and excitement of our primary learning journey thus far. 🙂

Sports News!

Central Coast Athletics Carnival

Congratulations to the 46 children who competed at the Central Coast Athletics Carnival. We are proud of the grit and positive, encouraging spirit all the children displayed towards one another. The following children qualified for the CSBB Carnival at Narrabeen on August 30^th. We wish them all the best in competing at the next level. 

Junior Girls Relay
1st - Lucy I, Skye P, Emelia J, Jayde G (1:07.05)

11 years shotput
2nd - Ella L (7.03m) 

Junior Boys Long Jump
3rd - Bodhi I (3.37m)

Central Coast Mariners 

In celebration of the Central Coast Mariners A-League Men’s Grand Final victory this year ago, we were fortunate enough to be partipants of the Vibe Trophy Tour.  The children all got to see the trophy up close and personal, in celebration of not only the win for the Mariners, but also for the entire Central Coast community. 

A very memorable and exciting opportunity for our children ... and staff. Thank you to Mr Challinor who alerted us to this experience which is available to schools, football clubs and holiday programs.

Awards & Acknowledgements

Congratulations to the following children for their achievements! The listed award recipients will receive their award at Friday morning's assembly at 8:45am!

Academic Achievement Award

PBL Award

Personal Best Award

Upcoming Events

Term 3 Week 4

• Wednesday 9th August - FLIP meeting at 6:15pm in staffroom
• Thursday 10th August - Staff Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
• Friday 11th August - Whole School Awards Assembly 8:45am 
                                        - NED Mindset Mission Performance 9:15am

Term 3 Week 5

• Monday 14th August - Year 4 Parish Mass at 9:15am (All parents welcome)
• Tuesday 15th August - Whole School Assumption Mass in hall 9:30am
  

Term 3 Week 6

•  Monday 21st August - Round 1 Public Speaking begins today; 'Class Level' speeches
                                            - Year 3 Parish Mass at 9:15am (All parents welcome)
• Wednesday 23rd August - Year 5 go to Bathurst (overnight) 
                                                  - Year 1 Faith & Learning Walk 2:30pm in class
• Thursday 24th August - Year 5 return from Bathurst 
                                               - Bright Beginnings at 9:30am
  
• Friday 25th August - Whole School Awards at 8:45am
                                        - Stage 2 Netball/Soccer Gala Day