As we reflect on last week's tragic event in Christchurch, New Zealand we are reminded of the words of St Francis of Assisi. We pray for peace for all of the victims and families of this senseless act of violence and for all those affected by this tragedy.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console,

to be understood as to understand,

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Confirmation

We wish our Year 6 students all the very best for this Saturday when they will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at 2pm and 4pm. We keep all of these Year 6 children in our thoughts and prayers during this time.

Cybersafety Parent Information Night

Thank you to all of the parents who attended the recent Parenting in the Digital Age workshop conducted by the Allanah and Madeline Foundation. We had 67 parents who registered for the event and 46 who actually attended this information session on Wednesday 6th March. We thank Kelly Moore for organising the event and all of the staff who attended and supported this evening.

School Attendance

We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day.

School participation helps people to develop important skills, knowledge and values which set them up for further learning and participation in their community. Missing school can have a major impact on a child’s academic, emotional and social wellbeing.

There is no safe number of days for missing school. Every Day Counts.

A reminder that you must notify the school via phone or email on the day of your child's absence and the reason for their absence.

Passata Making Day & Harmony Day

There were some terrific sights last Friday 15th March as the Year 6 children participated in the St Raphael's annual passata making day coordinated by Catherine Talarico with the assistance of Maria Menillo and Aldo Molinaro. I am sure it was an experience that the Year 6 children will never forget! We look forward to sharing the passata at our Harmony Day pasta lunch on Wednesday 20th March in the school hall.

Parent Teacher Interviews

A reminder that parent-teacher Interviews will be held next Monday 25th March. The school will close at 1pm on this day. Please ensure that you have made a booking for these important meetings with your child's teacher and a reminder to please be on time as it can create major disruptions across the school if these times are not adhered to. If you are running late please notify the school as an alternative time will need to be arranged. The interviews will be 10 minutes and you will be asked by your child's teacher what specific areas you would like them to focus on during the interview.

School Photos

School photos will be held on Thursday 28th March. Please make sure that your child is wearing the correct school uniform on this day.

Foundation 2020

Current families who have a child eligible to begin Foundation in 2020 are required to enrol by Friday 5th April.

The enrolment form can be downloaded from the website or collected from the office.

Outdoor Learning Space Redevelopment

We have included an Outdoor Learning and Playground Redevelopment page to the newsletter to keep you informed of the progress. I encourage all parents to take the time to read the background information of the work that has gone into this stage of the redevelopment and the proposed plans for the upcoming redevelopment.

Please visit the Outdoor Learning Space Redevelopment section of the newsletter.

I would also like to personally thank Fiona Leggerio-Christoff, Lisa Mancini and all parent volunteers on this committee for their invaluable input and assistance to date with the outdoor playground development. Their volunteers hours of work have enabled us to get this exciting next stage of the redevelopment of this area.

OUTDOOR LEARNING AND PLAYGROUND PARENT SURVEY

We ask that you complete the following survey to gain your input into what you would like to see in this redevelopment. The children and staff will also have input in the coming weeks.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2B8XHLY

Staff News

I would like to inform you that Mrs Kelly Moore has accepted a position at St Brendan's Primary School, Flemington as the Deputy Principal/ Leading Teacher of Learning/ REL. Kelly has been at a school for the last few years as an IT consultant and we have greatly valued her expertise and knowledge in this area. This year Kelly has been also working in 1/2E to release Emma Sbizzirri one day per week in her role as Maths Leading Teacher throughout the school.

We congratulate Kelly on receiving this position and wish her all the very best for the future.

Emma will be taking maternity leave in Week 4 of next term and her replacement position is currently advertised on the CEVN website. We have received a number of applicants and will be shortlisting, interviewing and appointing a replacement for 1/2E Homeroom for the remainder of the school year in the coming weeks. The successful candidate will commence at the beginning of next term to work alongside Emma for the first few weeks to ensure a smooth transition for the children.

Teacher Profile

This week we profile Mrs Melanie Pizzonia.

Other News

Ivanhoe/Darebin Basketball Association

De La Salle College