SCHOOL NEWS

Learning

PRE-PRIMARY NEWS

This term we have spent time preparing ourselves for Year One and refining many of the skills and knowledge we have learnt throughout our year in Pre Primary.

 

In Religion, we focus on three units, beginning with ‘I Can Talk To God’. Through this unit we explored how we can communicate with ourselves, with others around us, and with God. Children learnt how, through prayer, they are able to communicate with God. They also recognise that they can communicate with others in a loving way.

 

Moving on from this unit, we will begin to explore how God loves us and ways that he has shown that he loves us. We will also look at how our memory works and the way we remember special times and events in our lives, which then ties in to the final unit ‘Waiting’. We will think about how we need to be patient and wait for things, such as special events and celebrations, like Christmas. We will have many opportunities to engage in and learn the Nativity Story and discuss the importance of Christmas.

 

In our integrated program this term we have centred our learning around Australia. We will explore Australian animals, Australian and Aboriginal history and dreamtime stories. Through our explorations, children will use skills learnt throughout the year as they discover, observe, discuss, describe, collaborate, experience, reflect, consolidate and gain new knowledge about this topic. The children will engage with many stories about Australia, and stories written by Australian authors.

 

In literacy, the children will continue to consolidate their sound and letter knowledge, and use this in their writing as they sound out words to spell them phonetically, and write high frequency words that cannot be sounded out. We will also continue to consolidate concepts of print such as capital letters, spaces between words, full stops and writing left to right across the page. This term we will encourage the children to extend their writing and write as much as is possible for them. Children will have the opportunity to engage in modelled, guided and independent writing experiences, using both creative and informational writing approaches.

 

This term we will also be further developing our reading skills and strategies as children show a strong interest in stories, and words they see around them. Children will use comprehension and understanding, decoding skills and letter and sound knowledge in their reading. They will be exposed to a range of books and will participate in modelled, shared and guided reading.

 

In Numeracy, we will spend time reflecting on and revising familiar concepts, to deepen and expand on this knowledge. We will refine counting skills, number recognition, 2D and 3D shapes, days of the week, subitising, measurement, patterning and problem solving skills. Children will also work with both addition and subtraction sums and learn new strategies, such as counting on, to help them work out the answer.

 

PMP is back in action this term as the weather will, hopefully, be warming up!

We will begin PMP on Tuesday and Thursday from Week Four until Week Seven. 

 

MINISTRY NEWS

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY

This term the Pastoral Care Ministry will be collecting non-perishable goods for the St Vincent de Paul Society 'Christmas Appeal'. The Christmas Appeal aims to collect non-perishable goods to be given to families in our community who don't have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas. This can be due to financial difficulties, illness, disability, homelessness or isolation. So, St Vincent de Paul aims to, with our help, collect goods that can be given to these people with the aim of bringing joy to those less fortunate in our community. We are asking that all families to donate non-perishable goods including:

 

FOOD (Christmas pudding, tinned food, jelly, jam, long-life milk, tea, coffee, fruit mince pies, cereal, dried fruit, bon bons, candy canes, savoury biscuits, nuts, lollies, milo). 


HOMELESS SERVICE HAMPER (Socks, shampoo, body wash, roll-on deodorant, thermos cups, thongs, toothpaste and toothbrush) 


FAMILY HAMPER (Nappies, cleaning products, washing powder, toiletries and socks). 


 

*It is imperative that all goods are in date and in good condition. 
Could all donations please be sent to your child's classroom, where they will be collected by the Pastoral Care Ministry each week. 

 

Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity. 


 

 

 

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE NEWS

REMEMBERANCE DAY 2017

On Friday, as a school, we paused to commemorate those who served in the defence of our home, freedom and nation as a country. As a gesture of remembrance for all those who have fought for us, we read a short poetic narrative called 'The Ode,' followed by the playing of 'The Last Post', signifying the end of another day. Immediately after this, we stood in silence to remember those who put our lives before themselves as we honoured them and our country.

 

Some of us wore rosemary or poppies to honour those who had died for our country and our freedom. 

Year Three Assembly

Last week, the Year Three children provided the school with an amazing performance teaching us about the different climates around the world. It was hilarious and engaging and it was like watching a musical. Everyone enjoyed their assembly a lot because we learnt so much about climates and changes in the climate. They also gave a lovely performance of ‘Your Welcome’ from the movie ‘Moana’. It was a fabulous way to end the assembly. 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRY NEWS

This term the Environmental Ministry has been checking up on the school worm farm. In class, we are learning about sustainability and how to prepare for future generations.

 

The worm farm is a sustainable way to get fertiliser for plants and vegetables. The worms are fed scraps that are left over from the canteen. The Environmental Ministry checks on the worms, feed them and then they condition their soil so they have a healthy environment to live in. 

WELLNESS MINISTRY NEWS

Last Friday, the Year 6 Wellness Ministry had a fun afternoon with all of the Pre Primary students. The Pre Primary students participated in different activities like Soccer Shotout, Hula Hoop Race, Bean Bag Toss and Bean Bag Skittles. It was a warm day and the children had a blast. All the Wellness Ministry loved seeing the smiles on their faces made all of us feel helpful and it encourages us to do more to bring smiles to more children. As leaders, we aim to expect great things from ourselves and others and we want the Pre Primary children to expect great things from themselves. Hopefully we can do this again before the end of the year.

 

CHISHOLM CATHOLIC COLLEGE ENROLMENTS IN YEAR 7 2020

Applications are now invited from parents of Year 4 children for entry into Chisholm Catholic College.  The first round of applications close on Friday 16 March 2018 .

Engagement

PARENT & FRIENDS NEWS

 

YEAR 6 PARENTS/GUARDIANS

1.       Friday 1 December

Sun On Restaurant, Rudloc Road, Morley

Dinner from 6.30pm (after drop off children to Graduation Dinner/Dance) until 8.15pm

2.       Friday 8 December

At Our Table, Grand Promenade, Bedford

Lunch after Graduation Mass

RSVP to Connie Sciullo on 0412036072 or Ida Romeo 0409977524

 

YEAR 5 END OF YEAR DINNER

Date: Friday, 24 November

Venue: Oggi Bar and Eats

300 Walcott Street, Menora

Time: 7 pm

RSVP: asap to Maria 0410 151 110

 

INFANT JESUS NETBALL

In 2018 there will be the introduction of a new NetSetGO Tier Structure. This means that Year 2 through to Year 6 will be able to participate through Infant Jesus Netball Club. Additionally, there may be a skills based activity program for Pre-Primary and Year 1, offered through IJ Netball Club – depending on numbers and parent volunteers.

 

The official netball season normally starts on the last week of April – this will be confirmed next year. We are also looking for coaches and managers for all year groups. Please contact Hien – 0434197895 – if you are interested or have any questions. 

 

MAD (Mother & Daughter) Camp 2018.    

MAD 2018 promises to be wonderful time spent with your daughters and creating special memories and bonds. The camp will be held 6-8 April 2018 at Point Walter Reserve.

 

Please fill in your Registration Form, pay the deposit via EFT and hand in your form to the office. The deposit needs to be paid by 9 February 2018. Any queries please contact one of us on the form.

 

Please be advised, that you will be required to obtain a Working With Children Check (WWC). The forms are available from your local post office (some will be made available from the school office). You will need to tick the Volunteer/Unpaid Student Box on Page 3 (Part 5) and have (Part 7) signed by the Principal. Once this is done you will need to complete the process at the Post Office.

 

Accountability

VISITING THE SCHOOL - SIGN IN PROCEDURES

An iPad is now available for entering the school during school hours. This replaces the sign in book. Please follow these procedures:

  • Sign in and receive a Lanyard or Exit Card
  • Enter the school
  • Sign out and return the Lanyard

All visitors to the school must sign in i.e. parents dropping things off, parents picking up students, volunteers helping canteen or class, students arriving late,  maintenance workers etc. The iPad is another important safety and security measure in monitoring all legitimate movements in the school. Only parents are permitted to  complete information regarding the movements of their child and sign accordingly on the iPad.

 

PROLONGED ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL OF A STUDENT DURING SCHOOL TERM

There is an approval procedure that must be followed if you are taking your children out of school for several days.  

  • Letter or email must be sent to the Principal and teacher advising the school of the circumstances of the absence.
  • School then formally approves the absence with a letter sent to parents.

It is important to note that the Education Act states that all children need to be at school at all times during the school year.

 

Prolonged absences should only be taken if it is essential for illness, pastoral and family reasons. In this instance it is a requirement that parents provide a valid explanation, in writing, for children’s non-attendance at school.

 

It is also important to note that prolonged absence from school will impact on children’s learning.

 

HEAD LICE

We have recently had an outbreak of head lice at Infant Jesus School. When this occurs we usually advise parents to check their children's hair and treat immediately if head lice are present. The attached letter gives you more information to read.

Discipleship

PRESENTATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY 21 NOVEMBER

When Mary was asked to be the mother of the Saviour, she was completely free to accept or reject the offer. Her response, “Let it be done to me,” was a great act of faith. Because she did not understand what was happening, she must have known that there would be difficulties ahead. She replied yes to the angel's announcement and agreed to become the mother of Jesus, and the Church has declared Mary to be the Mother of God. Because she was the first to say yes to the Messiah, the Church has declared her to be the Mother of the Church.

 

The feast of the Presentation of Mary dates back to the 6th century in the East and the 15th century in the West. It is based on an ancient tradition that says Mary was taken to the temple in Jerusalem when she was three years old and dedicated to God. What we celebrate on this day is the fact that God chose to dwell in Mary in a very special way. In response, Mary placed her whole self at the service of God.

 

Every moment since your Baptism, God invites you to be open to his grace and dedicate yourself to him, as Mary did.

(loyolapress.com)

 

 

 

Infant Jesus Parish 24:7 Morley Youth Group

All youth in Years 6-12 are invited to join us this Friday night, 6-8pm in the Parish Hall.  For more info call Roger 0434 988 711 or Elizabeth 0410 554 393.

 

POPE FRANCIS AND THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL

"Mary is the woman of faith, who lives and advances in faith, and "her exceptional pilgrimage of faith represents a constant point of reference for the Church" (John Paul II).  Mary let herself be guided by the Holy Spirit on a journey of faith towards a destiny of service and fruitfulness. Today we look to her and ask her to help us proclaim the message of salvation to all and to enable new disciples to become evangelisers in turn." (Evangelii Gaudium "The Joy of the Gospel" # 287)

 

 

CATHOLIC MISSIONS

To coincide with the inaugural World Day of the Poor this coming Sunday,  please see the attached announcement from Catholic Missions. The theme is Mother and Child.

CARITAS AUSTRALIA

Send a Christmas message to those you love and support those in need. When you choose a Global Gift this Christmas, you are bringing a moment of joy and helping create a lifetime of change for some of the world's most vulnerable people. 

 

This year you can help bring the gift of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love to our one human family around the world. Each Global Gift will go towards supporting our most important work; from responding to emergency situations to supporting education programs and training farmers with new sustainable livelihood techniques.  

 

Share a message of compassion this Christmas - simply select one of our beautiful Global Gift cards. When you send a Global Gift card to your friends or family you also share a gift with the world and help support our one human family. 

 

From only $10 you can change lives.

 

Order Global Gift cards online at: www.globalgifts.org.au or call us on 1800024413