31 July 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principals Address

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to a new school term.

As promised in the previous newsletter, the Key themes from June’s COSI External Review Report were:

Spiritual Formation and evangelisation

The panel affirmed the school’s development of a Catholic ethos which permeates and includes all members of the community. It recommended the development of a more systematic, regular and intentional approach to the spiritual formation of staff, students and parents.

Professional Learning Community

The panel affirmed the work of the school in building a Professional Learning Community. It recommended the continued development of a clear, timely and consistent practice for Professional Learning Teams within a grade and/or stage.

Data Analysis

The panel affirmed the collection of comprehensive data sets including academic, behavioural and social and the school wide tracking of data. It recommended that the school continues to focus on professional learning to build capacity of all teachers to analyse and use data to improve student outcomes.

Contemporary Pedagogies

The panel affirmed the school’s willingness to continue to focus on contemporary pedagogies to address the learning needs of students in a purpose-built environment. It recommended the school continues to embrace and implement contemporary learning beliefs to ensure the school’s vision, mission and learning philosophy are embedded into classroom practices.

These key themes will support the school’s strategic direction and form the focus for the development of our next three-year plan and future Annual Improvement Plans.

My thanks to the 144 parents who completed the COSI survey which comprised of 27 questions. The results were overwhelmingly positive including:

I am well informed about the school’s Catholic identity and mission and know what it means to be part of a Catholic school community (40% agree and 57% strongly agree)

Our school has a distinctive Catholic identity that supports and nurtures the spiritual and religious well-being of your child (46% agree and 50% strongly agree)

Our school provides the opportunity to celebrate through regular prayer, liturgy and Mass (37% agree and 60% strongly agree)

Our school caters for the learning needs of my child (51% agree and 40% strongly agree)

Our school promotes a safe and inclusive environment that respects the dignity of all individuals (56% agree and 37% strongly agree)

Our school is highly regarded in the community (36% agree and 57% strongly agree)

Our school encourages and values parents/carers being involved in the life of the school (43% agree and 50%strongly agree)

I know what is happening at our school (61% agree and 31% strongly agree)

Some areas for improvement identified in the survey responses included:

I receive relevant feedback and information about my child’s learning (26% disagree and 2% strongly disagree)

I am aware of the school’s improvement plan and direction of learning (14% disagree and 4% strongly disagree)

I am aware of what my child is learning in Religion (18% disagree and 2% strongly disagree)

I am aware of what my child is learning (17% disagree and 2% strongly disagree)

We will also include these areas in our next three-year Strategic plan and future Annual School Improvement Plans.

These results affirm what a great school St Aloysius is! We should be very proud of our students, staff, parents and parishioners and the wonderful way they work together.

With very best wishes,

Principal
Grant Diggins

Assistant Principals News

St Aloysius Pillar of Learning: Learning to Be

This last fortnight we have been focusing on Learning to Be.

Learning to Be emphasises the importance of ‘who we are’, as individuals and as a school. Learning to be is about knowing ourselves, knowing our strengths and knowing our needs - good choices that lead us to grow and thrive. Learning to be is about breaking through barriers and overcoming obstacles to become the person we are meant to be; reaching our potential as a person.

At school this can it is about challenging oneself to try hard, building resilience when the times get tough and having ‘grit’ to stay with the task. It also includes knowing where I am in my learning journey.

School uniform is a symbol to the wider community of who we are; it is our identity. It gives students and families a sense of belonging. It helps to instil respect and pride in ourselves and our school. School uniform also helps to make students more accepting of each other. Learning to Be is aligned with the school PBL value of Caring for Self.

Encourage your children to take pride in the way that they look by wearing the correct uniform. Taking pride in the way we look, act and interact with others assists with learning to be.

Assistant Principal
Anne Higgins

Religious Education Update

Grandparent’s Day

Last Friday 26th July we celebrated our grandparents with a Games, Liturgies, Morning tea and our Book Fair. We had an incredible amount of visitors for this very special celebration. The children were very excited to show off their school and how we learn and worship here at St Aloysius. A big thankyou to all the grandparents and visitors who participated in the day, your generosity of time and in our Book Fair is really appreciated. It is our amazing community that makes St Aloysius really special.

Stage 3 Mass Friday 2nd August

This Friday Stage 3 will be celebrating Mass in our school hall at 10am. All are welcome to come and celebrate with us.

Feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola

The 31st of July is the Feast Day of Saint Ignatius Loyola, who our Gold House is named after. Saint Ignatius was a Spanish priest and theologian who founded the religious order called the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. Ignatius is remembered as a talented spiritual leader writing the Spiritual Exercises, a simple set of meditations, prayers, and other mental exercises. His military career led him to being named the patron saint of soldiers. Our own St Aloysius was a Jesuit priest.

St Mary of the Cross Feast Day

The 8th of August is the Feast day of St Mary of the Cross, our first Australian Saint. Mary was an extraordinary person who believed that all children should have a chance to learn, no matter how rich or poor. Mary was the founder of the Sisters of St Joseph. Through their work they made a significant contribution to education in Australia. Mary had a difficult life; however, this did not stop her from believing in God and dedicating her life to helping others.

Mary MacKillop is not only the first Australian to be recognised by the Church as a Saint, she is truly a very Australian saint. She characterises the spirit of the Australian mythology. She was a prodigious hard worker who put the needs of others before herself. She exhibited something of the larrikin spirit: constantly in dispute with authority but pressing on, regardless. She used the strengths of others but also didn’t tolerate those who were not genuine. Her commitment to the schooling of children from poor and rural communities established a model of Catholic education that continues to today. A Saint for and of Australia!

Religious Education Co-ordinator
Nicholas Hughes

Reminders

Don't forget to vote for St Aloysius, Precious Plastic Recycling Workshop at the link below.

Sport News

NSW PSSA State Cross Country

Special Congratulations to our three amazing runners who represented St Aloysius at the NSW PSSA State Carnival at Eastern Creek last Friday, July 26th.

Oliver Gorton, Zach Thomson and Harry Lidbury have been amazingly talented long distance runners to qualify for the NSW PSSA event. Only the best of the best get to race in that event. Of the 75 to 80 runners in each age group the boys results were:

Oliver raced in the 8 and 9 years boys and finished in the top 50.
Zach raced in the 10 year boys and finished in the top 40.
Harry raced in the 11 year boys and finished in the top 20.

All absolutely sensational efforts and we are very proud of all three of them!

CLUSTER ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

Congratulations to all 49 of the students who represented St Aloysius at the All Saints Cluster Athletics Carnival at Glendale on Wednesday 24th of July.

GIRLS

BOYS

It was a great day for St Aloysius!! It was inspiring to see every one of our students put 100% effort into performing their events to the absolute best of their ability. It was also wonderful to see their team spirit as they supported and encouraged each other. Even parents from other schools commented on the awesome team spirit our team was displaying. So congratulations one and all.

So many St Aloysius athletes won heats, or made it into the finals, or won events, or finished in the top 5, or gave everything they had to catch whoever was in front of them. I was so proud to be there with Mrs Morgan to see St Aloysius school shine so brightly.

Special mention must go to our 1500 metre runners. This was the first time this event has been run at the Primary school level. Since we had not run this event at our school carnival I spoke with Mr Diggins and we decided to make it an invitation only event this year. So I invited our three State level cross country legends Oliver, Zach and Harry and they certainly did not disappoint. Zach won the first ever Junior boys 1500 metre race and Oliver finished second in the same race. Then Harry won the first ever 11 year boys 1500 metre race. Great effort boys!!

Every student who finished in the top two of their event (or top 3 for 100m) has been selected to represent our school and cluster at the Diocesan Athletics Carnival in Glendale on Wednesday the 7th of August. The icing on the cake is that we also have two relay teams who made it through to the Diocesan level as well. St Aloysius really were on fire at the cluster carnival!!

Extra Special Congratulations to our Diocesan level athletes. We wish them every success on the day!

PBL News

Congratulations to every student who has worked hard and made good choices to abide by our core values of Care for Self, Care for Others, Care for Learning and Care for our Environment. So many students have performed so well that every class has achieved their target and received their reward and sent their tree to the office for our Good to Grow mural. Now that we have every class represented on our mural we celebrate with a whole school reward. So every student will be rewarded with 20 minutes of extra play after lunch. Our aim is to keep working together and in that way we all continue to grow as individuals, as classes and as a school.

Richard Hannan
St Aloysius Sport Coordinator

Primary Coordinator

STEM News

National Science Week 2019

Destination Moon: more missions, more science is the school theme for National Science Week in 2019 (10th-18th August 2019).

This theme is a way for teachers and their students to discover past missions to the Moon and space programs that have solved some of the seemingly unsolvable problems—and current and future space programs, operations and missions. Many of these use big picture thinking in science to solve problems, and technology, engineering and mathematics to design new solutions. This will help forge our future paths in the areas of space operations, space science, Earth observations, positioning systems and communications.

Grok Learning

This year for the first time over 50 students from Years 4-6 will be participating in the NCSS Challenge. Students will be working together to solve a variety of coding challenges.

What is the NCSS Challenge?

The NCSS Challenge is a programming competition open to all school students and teachers. The Grok Learning team have been running coding competitions like the challenge for over 12 years.

The NCSS Challenge is unlike any other programming competition. NCSS teaches the students how to program as we go along, rather than expecting them to be an expert already. If students are a seasoned coder, the challenge has something for them too – the problems range from relatively simple to mind-bendingly hard.

Starting on Monday 29th July, 2019 and running for about 5 weeks, NCSS will release notes and problems containing the information they will need to complete the week's programming challenges.

Why learn to code?

Programming (also known as coding) is how sites like Facebook and apps like Instagram are made. Knowing how to program is like having a computing super power.

Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates have all said that students should learn how to code. It’s a skill that not only teaches you how to work with computers, but also teaches you how to think about solving problems with systems.

The NCSS Challenge teaches students to code in Python 3.6. Python is an easy to learn scripting language used for many different purposes such as web applications and scientific research. Companies like Google, Facebook and Reddit all use Python in their infrastructure and web services.

Jessica Moulder
Primary Coordinator
STEM Coordinator

Music Notes

Term 2 seems like it was so long ago, but there are a few thank yous I need to express!

Dance Day

Thank you so much to the parents, carers and friends who came to support our Dance Day. In spite of the weather, we were able to see our students perform the dances they had worked so hard to prepare. Your support was overwhelming! Thank you for your patience in dealing with our small Hall and the weather. Thanks also to students for dancing with great heart and skill! I am proud of your performances!

Creative Arts Gala

Thank you for your patience and support with our Creative Arts performances! Both the Matinee and Evening performances were well-performed and well-received by audiences. All students involved, from the tiniest chorister to the Year 6 dancers to the students working tirelessly behind the scenes to the staff operating lights and keeping students organised – I thank you all. Thanks also to the generous donations of parents, the P&F, and community members in purchasing tickets and giving extra on top of that as well. More on this to come – watch this space! I am excited to begin planning our much-needed updates on our Hall and will keep you informed.

This week students in Years 4-6 will be attending the Diocesan Production of ASPIRE, entitled 365 Questions, Issues and Good Deeds. Some of our very own students will be performing, including Ava Roeth and Marcella Stace. We are excited to see the result of all of their hard work!

Kelly Henman
Creative Arts Teacher

Learning Hub News

Book Fair

Wow! What a week we have had in the Learning Hub!

Thank you so much for all your support, whether it be through purchases or helping out with sales, it is so appreciated. We could not do this without you all!

A huge thank you for the book donations they will be covered and ready for you to borrow early next week.

PRC

The clock is ticking! You only have until Friday the 30th of August to complete the PRC for 2019, please log your books. Well done to the 85 students who have already finished it!

Book Week 2019

Reading is your “Secret Power”

This Year we will be celebrating Book Week Friday the 16th of August.

“How can books be your super power?

Is there a book that gives you a secret power?

On Friday the 16th of August (Week 4) we will have our Book Parade and Book Week rotation activities.

The parade will begin after lunch at 2:05pm gates will be opened for parents at the end of lunch (there will be no picnic lunch)

Students are encouraged to simply wear a cape or a mask to represent their own ”Secret Power” from their favourite book instead of a full costume.

However, if students are keen to dress up in a costume and this is okay with parents, they are more than welcome to.

To celebrate this theme, Maitland Library will be coming to visit years K-3 on the day of our parade, Friday 16th August, for their Book Week Roadshow.

Please check yesterday’s Compass message for details about the Creativity Competition that will be running. ( this is not compulsory)

Each Stage have their own activity .

Great prizes to be won!

We are looking forward to a fantastic Book Week!

Kind regards,
Sam Berry, Catherine Creasey and Carolyn Lilley (St Aloysius library team)

Aboriginal Education News

I work with all the Aboriginal students either in the classroom or I withdraw depending on any need they have and in consultation with their class teacher.

I have goals for the children and use these goals for planning activities with them.

A big goal for any child is to strengthen their social skills as being with peers either in small group or large group situations can be challenging at times.

Being Aboriginal and part of group can help build relationships with other peers that may not be in their immediate group of friends. I hope the student’s see me as another safe, trusted person they can rely on to help and assist them. I am also here for the families with any matter and have access to lots of resources and access to community networks.

I look forward to continue working with your child this term.

Clare Parker
Aboriginal Education Teacher

Student News

Mercy Works

On Monday 5th August, Helen O’Neil (Diocesan Office) and Maureen Rak will visit our school between 10.15 and 10.50am to explain Mercy Works to our Year 4 students. The children will then decide on an initiative to organise that will raise money to support these charitable works. Mercy schools from our All Saints region will be participating.

Parent News

Senior Leaders Retreat

Grant will be attending a Senior Leader’s Retreat at Kincumber from Wednesday afternoon 14th August to Friday 16th August.

22nd Annual Special Needs Mass

Please see attached an Invitation to attend the 22nd Annual Special Needs Mass.

2nd Thornton Scout Group

Scouting is a not for profit organisation run entirely by Volunteers, and receives no funding from Scouts Australia or any other.

Scouting is a great way for children and their parents/guardians to become active, active in the community, meet new people and make new friendships, we are always looking for more Joeys 5-8yo, Cubs 8-11yo, Scouts 11-15yo and of course Parents / Guardians to become Leaders and or Adult Helpers to keep scouts running.

Scouts also accepts the Active Kids Voucher and we offer a Free three week trial for children and their parents to try Scouting before making a commitment.

Thanking you

Kylie McClelland-Group Leader
2nd Thornton Scout Group
Group Mobile - 0499 159 045

P and F News

2020 Markets

The committee to start the organisation of the 2020 twilight markets will hold its first meeting on Friday the 21nd of August 6.30 pm at the Commercial Hotel in Morpeth. Join us for dinner or a drink whilst we start the organisation process.

The success of the markets will depend on volunteers, and we aim to have a team of between 10-15 to help organise with 1-2 coordinators.

If you are unable to come but would like to be a part of the team, or if you are able to come please RSVP to staloysiuspandf@outlook.com

Father’s Day

Notes will go home week 3 with the stall to be held on Thursday the 29th of August.

Colour Fun Run

The school colour fun run will be held on Wednesday the 25th of September. Information will be sent during week 6 and we are raising money to help air-conditioning the new school building which is about to be built. This is the last air-conditioning fundraising and our kids will always be cool in those hot summers!

Precious Plastics Project

Don’t forget to support the school and vote.

Here are the links:

Our project design stems from an existing model called Precious Plastic Recycling Workspace - You can learn more about what our workshop will look like and how it will function at the following link

My Community Project

My Community Project will fund projects in each NSW electorate to help improve the wellbeing of the people and communities that live there.

Precious Plastic 3 - Promo - YouTube

Go and join our army of plastic recyclers!

The long term vision is to be able to create and produce community resources from recycled plastics while learning HEAPS about sustainability, environmental awareness and STEM....So much STEM. As a staff we are thrilled to have this opportunity and ask that you please vote for our school project, as well as passing on our voting link to any community members that are over the age of 16 and resides within the Maitland electorate.

St Aloysius P&F

Staff News

I have the pleasure of announcing the appointment of Nicholas Hughes as Religious Education Coordinator at St Aloysius. Nic has been fulfilling this role in an acting capacity since Stacey Whiting moved to Mayfield at the beginning of the year.

It is with mixed feelings that I advise you that our Creative Arts teacher, Kelly Henman has been selected as the preferred applicant for the position of Religious Education Coordinator at St Patrick's Wallsend. Kelly has been a great asset to our school since its inception in 2015 and her gifts and talents will be sorely missed. However, we are happy for her, congratulate her on her appointment and wish her all the best for the future. Kelly will start her new role at the beginning of Term 4.

A special welcome also to Vanessa Blyton who is doing her internship over the next six weeks in Year 5 with Miss Kim Jenkins.

Our School Support Officer (Clerical), Cathy Thompson will be on leave from Friday 2nd August until Friday 23rd August.

Finance and Office News

Term 3 School Fees

Term 3 School fees were emailed home last week. If paying per term please ensure that these fees are paid by the 19 August 2019.

If you are on a 10 month payment plan, please ensure that your payment plan is sufficient to have all school fees paid in full by the end of November.

Those families with a Year 6 Student, please note that a Fee Clearance is required to continue your child’s secondary education to a Catholic High School. Your child’s school fee obligation is to be completed by the end of October this year.

Year 4 Camp is being held this Term, 12-13 September. Majority of our families have either made part payments or payment in full for this Camp. Please ensure that the camp fee of $245 has been paid in full by the 6 September.

Items available on the QKR App for purchase are:

Interrelate

Year 4 Camp

If you need to discuss your 2019 School Fee Statement, please contact the school via email in the first instance, finance@chisholm.catholic.edu.au

Canteen News

OOSH News

St Nicholas Before and After School Care

Before care: 6.30am- 8.50am
After care: 2.50pm- 6.00pm
Holiday Club: 7:00-6:00pm
Coordinator: Ashleigh
Service Ph: 0419 697 715

Dates to Remember

Friday 2nd August – Stage 3 Mass 10.00am
Friday 2nd August – 2020 Market Meeting 6:30-7 pm at the Commercial Hotel in Morpeth
Wednesday 7th August – Diocesan Athletics Carnival
Wednesday 7th August – Kindergarten Assembly 2.00pm
Friday 16th August – Book Week Parade
Wednesday 21st August – Yr 6 Assembly 2.00pm
Wednesday 28th August – Debating – Rosary Place St Mary’s
Thursday 29th August – Father’s Day Stall
Friday 30th August – Father’s Day Celebration
Tuesday 10th September – Interrelate
Thursday 12th – Friday 13th September - Year 4 Point Wolstencroft
Friday 20th September – Starting School Expo 11.00am - 1.00pm
Wednesday 25th September – Colour Fun Run
Tuesday 17th December – Year 6 Graduation