Week 5, Term 2, 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Week Five in Term Two. Yesterday was an unusual Mother’s Day, to say the least, but I hope you were able to connect with your mum in some way. Thank you to the over 150 parents who sent a photo of themselves with their children for our Whole School Prayer last week. The response was overwhelming and much appreciated by the staff and especially your children. This prayer service can be seen on St Fidelis Facebook page, St Fidelis Catholic Primary School Moreland, if you missed it. Thank you to Mrs. Hedley for the lovely singing, Mrs. O’Brien for putting the slide show together and Father Cartwright for giving up his time to come and connect with the St Fidelis families and giving all the mothers a special blessing.

Edwina Moulin Update

Last week I spoke to Edwina Moulin who is still in a rehabilitation hospital in Melbourne. Edwina is progressing extremely well and will soon be able to move into apartments that are more private with a carer. Edwina was extremely upbeat on the phone and still has her witty sense of humour. She asked me to let everyone know she misses all the children and parents. We wish Edwina all the best and hope to see her in the near future.

Update Remote Learning

Last week I was able to connect with all classes for a few minutes during their live Class Google Meets. It was lovely to have been able to say hello to all the students and see their lovely faces again. The students are all extremely happy to see each other, share their stories, and learning each week. The Teachers are continuously exploring new technologies that they can use to ensure that the learning is engaging and interesting. They are working tirelessly in preparing teaching videos in conjunction with Mrs. Di and Mrs. Monaghan. We all enjoy Mr. Frazzettos Art videos and the children are producing amazing pieces of art.

Home Learning Packs are now prepared for all year levels. These packs allow for more offline learning but also opportunities for teachers to have small group teaching using some of the material that goes home. You will be notified weekly if your year level is required to pick up Home learning Packs via the Skoolbag App. If you are unable to pick up packs on your designated day please don’t hesitate to call and you can pick them up the following day/week.

Inquiry Learning:

Most of you will be aware that we work in partnership with Kath Murdoch an Inquiry Based Educational Consultant. Kath is an educator, researcher and writer. Kath works with teachers all around the world in the area of Inquiry.

At St Fidelis, we have invested and are very fortunate to work alongside Kath. Kath meets with all teachers at least twice a term to plan, discuss, and develop teachers' understanding of Inquiry and classroom practice. Kath also spends time in the classroom modelling Inquiry practices for teachers.

Kath Murdoch’s Inquiry Based Model assists children to develop as inquirers. The cycle of Inquiry allows children to become researchers of their own questions, assists them to explore and find different ways to answers questions they want to explore. This allows for purposeful and authentic engagement in the learning.

Kath Murdoch Clips-Inquiry Learning

Kath has developed three clips to support our Community of Inquiry. The clips highlight our inquiry stance providing further insights to parents regarding this approach. We are sure you will be familiar with the things Kath is saying through the language and processes your children engage in during their learning at St Fidelis. For families that are new to St Fidelis we will continue to assist you with understanding the Inquiry Approach during your time at St Fidelis.

On the Teaching and Learning page this week please take a moment to view the videos produced by Kath for the St Fidelis parents. The Video links and passwords are shared with you on the Learning and Teaching Page.

ST FIDELIS INQUIRY AT HOME PART ONE by Kath Murdoch.
ST FIDELIS INQUIRY AT HOME PART TWO by Kath Murdoch
ST FIDELIS LEARNING ASSETS by Kath Murdoch

ENROLMENTS 2021

As I’ve mentioned over the last couple of newsletters this is a key enrolment period for St Fidelis Catholic Primary School. We are asking all families in the school to help support us at this time. The school has a Facebook page and a twitter page. We are asking all families to:

Like the St Fidelis social media pages (retweet St Fidelis Tweets, Instagram )
SHARE Facebook page to friends/family on your social media and on any kinder/childcare groups

In addition, if you know of any families in your neighbourhood that have children commencing school in 2021, can you encourage them to give me a call, particularly if they are uncertain of which Primary School to send their child. I am more than happy to answer any of their questions and offer them a one on one school tour. Thank you for your support with this as the best form of advertising is verbal recommendations. (Word Of Mouth)

PUPIL FREE DAY PLEASE PUT DATE IN YOUR DIARY

Wednesday, June 3rd will be a Pupil Free Day. All St Fidelis Staff will be working on the Review process on this day. If we are still remote learning the teachers will have no contact with the children on this day, if we have returned to school the school will be closed to students on this day.

School Fees:

We are still accepting school fees if you would like to come in person to school, however many families have asked for bank details for direct debit. If any families need to discuss alternative arrangements for the payment of fees please contact me directly. I have included the bank details for your ease of payment:

CDF (Catholic Development Fund)

BSB: 083 347

ACCOUNT: 65 603 6380

REF: Child's name Fee Account Number

ACCOUNT TO: St Fidelis Primary School

Please note once you have made a payment can you email Ann Russo

annr@sfmoreland.catholic.edu.au with the amount you have deposited

Enjoy your week

Manuela

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