Feeling Blessed

While I very much enjoyed my time in Italy learning more about the life of St Francis of Assisi with other educators from the Sandhurst diocese the saying "There's no place like home" is so true. As I did play supervision on the Monday morning the smiles and genuine 'Welcome back Miss Maree - we missed you" from the students just filled my heart. It is so good to be back! A huge thank you to all the staff for their efforts in my absence, particularly Maddy and Ebony! I could not have done this trip without their support and knowing that the school was in such capable hands- Grazie, grazie grazie! (that's all the Italian I learnt!)

Sorry for the lateness of the newsletter - can I still use the excuse of "I'm still on Italian time" - maybe not! :)

Open Day and Information Sessions

Last Thursday we welcomed prospective families to visit and view our school in action with tours led by our very capable students Casey, Huntah, Lewis and Ivy as well as student led interviews with Jackson, Lewis, Ivy and Finley. It is so wonderful to showcase our amazing students and staff and the fabulous things that are happening at our school. If you know of families who may be interested in enrolling their children please encourage them to contact the school/office for further information and personal tours.

Upcoming Events this week

Mother's Day:

On Monday we welcome Mackillop students to our library to purchase some little gift for their loved ones this Mother's Day. St Joseph's students will visit the stall on Thursday if they wish to purchase something special for their loved ones. Gifts range from $1 to $10. Maximum money allowed is $10 per student.

Mother's Day afternoon tea will be held in the library and stage area on Friday from 2.30pm. Everyone is welcome (nana's, aunts, special loved ones etc). The students may have a few songs to share with the guests.

Raffle tickets are selling well. Thank you to everyone who has been able to share the load of selling tickets at IGA - on Saturday alone $500 was taken in sales so it is really worth the hour or two that parents can volunteer their time.

Don't forget to return your own tickets to be in the draw to win some amazing prizes donated by our very generous local businesses.

St Joseph's Cross Country:

The school will hold their Cross Country on Tuesday morning from 9-10am. The track used is the block of the school including Mackillop Walk. F-2 students will run 2 laps (approx 1km) and 3-6 students will complete 4 laps (approx 2 kms.). Parents are very welcome to attend and even participate if they want too! Ribbons will be awarded in aged groups and eligible students 9 years and over will represent the school at District on Thursday 16th May.

Euroa Secondary College visit.

4/5/6 students will be visiting Euroa Secondary College this Wednesday to experience a day in the life of a secondary students. Shania will accompany the students by bus for the day's experience.

School Advisory Council.

This Tuesday the School Advisory Council will meet at 6pm to discuss many items including Child Safe Code of Conduct, ongoing upkeep of the school, and many other items to ensure the longevity of our school. I thank the parents and parish representatives for their time and input in these meetings.

Newsletter and Assembly

This term we will be alternating the newsletter and school assembly each week. We will publish the newsletter this week, and assemblies will commence in Week 2 at 2:45pm in the library with 4/5/6's to lead.

Choose Day Inquiry

Last term we trialed a new session focussed around student agency whereby our children discussed with the educators their passions and areas of life that they would like to inquire into more. As all learning is linked to the curriculum we went about creating a multitude of experiences for our children to engage with. It was such a success that we've gone back to the drawing board and compiled a list of inquiries to kick start this term. On Tuesday the children voted on their top three preferences from the list and our next 'Choose day inquiry' will commence next Tuesday afternoon. The inquiries for this term so far are fishing, cooking, kinder visits, aged care visits, construction building, art/drawing club and garden group! If we have any budding parents who would love to come and join us of a Tuesday afternoon, please feel free to reach out as we'd be happy to have you!

Ongoing illnesses.

Recently there has been a number of students and staff affected by illness. If your child is feeling unwell please monitor and keep them at home if at all possible to reduce the sharing of colds/flus etc. Please ensure your child has adequate clothing (eg. jumpers etc). We have had Gen, Gab and Maddy all absent for a number of days while they recover for illnesses. Thank you to our amazing staff who pull together when we are short staffed to ensure excellent teaching and learning still occurs.

10 cent Can Collection:

We have a bin at school (near the staff room door) where 10 cent cans and bottles can be left. This is a simple ongoing fundraiser that requires very little work while being great for our environment. If you are not already doing this yourself we would love any spare cans/bottles that you/neighbours/extended family might have.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Take care and stay safe,

Maree

Wellbeing

Deb Randles