Principal's Message

The Feast of the Assumption

On Tuesday 15 August the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”. The church celebrates the entry of Mary into heaven, body and soul. The Feast Day is a chance for us to celebrate the heavenly birthday of Mary.

This day recognises the unique position of Mary being a superlative human person, who was taken body and soul to heaven. As well as being our Mother, Mary is also seen as a sign of hope and comfort to all Australians.

As our patron Saint she offers calmness when we are tested by our own personal limitations and the circumstances that life presents to each of us. Mary, through her example, shows us how hope can overcome anguish, inner peace can overcome anxiety and a life lived in a positive manner can overcome many of our daily challenges. Just like all Mothers, Mary showed concern for and guidance of Jesus, all through his life. The bible is full of stories where Mary displayed to us her humanness and connected with Mothers all over the world.

Recently I read an interesting article written by Dr Justin Coulson which outlined the value of helping our children understand the importance of doing good - loving thy neighbour.

Like Mary, who guided a young Jesus, we too need to influence our children through age-appropriate opportunities. The article mentioned the following five ways for this to be achieved:

Role model helpfulness and kindness. Children and teenagers learn to be helpful and kind by copying the significant adults in their lives.
Encourage your children to perform sm all acts of kindness. Being kind, giving a compliment, helping to tidy up these small acts are just as powerful and effective as larger tasks such as mowing the lawn for a neighbour.
Make 'helping' a family project. Get your kids involved when you take a meal to a family who have just had a new baby, or visit a sick friend in the hospital.
Be a good neighbour. Help your kids learn to keep an eye on others, whether it is a neighbour, or a boy on their sports team. Teaching your kids to notice what's going on in the lives of people in their community promotes awareness and empathy.
Be grateful. Expressing gratitude is one of the best ways to do good. In fact, nothing can improve your life (and the life of others) like gratitude.

(Helping kids feel good by doing good, by Dr Justin Coulson, 2019)

Communication with Classroom teachers - Email and “face-to-face” available at mutually convenient times

As the term has begun, an invitation is given that, should parents/carers wish to have contact with staff members to discuss matters about the educational and/or social/emotional development of their child, then staff are able to be contacted via email or face-to-face.

Email communication can be done by initial email to info@staclovelly.edu.au and then the email inquiry will be forwarded by Front Office staff members to the particular class teachers for follow-up.

Please note that, in general, teaching staff members are not able to respond to email in the course of the school day as they engaged in face-to-face teaching of students in their classes.

Class teachers (and other members of staff eg specialist teachers) are also very happy to meet in person with parents and carers to discuss academic progress of students and this can be arranged at mutually convenient times (generally before and after school) by contact to staff members via the Front Office. Front Office contacts are info@staclovelly.edu.au or phone 96657399

Amadeus Practice

To maximise the benefit of learning an instrument, students are expected to practice at home in between lessons and rehearsals. It is ideal to create a routine by setting a specific time and space (without distraction) to practice every day at home. Students should set small goals and achieve something each day. Recommended length of practice sessions are:

Years 3 to 6 - 20 minutes daily

Instrumental Tutors will advise a specific practice program for their students, however, a general guide for students includes the following:

Tune-up and warm-up: focus on good posture, clean and clear notes
Technical skill building: scales, arpeggios and other exercises
Play difficult passages and repeat several times
Set pieces: individual and ensemble pieces
Use a phone or other device to create a recording of yourself playing. Listen to it and determine the aspects you are happy with and areas for improvement