Principal's News

Dear Parents / Carers,

It was lovely to welcome the children back to school last Wednesday morning.  When asked on Thursday and Friday what they were loving about being back the answers ranged from maths, games, the playground, learning, teachers and, not surprisingly, across all year levels, “friends”!  Others were less specific “I like everything; all of it!”

While some approached the return with more trepidation, they were soon seen to be enjoying the company of their classmates.

DIGITAL TATTOO   

After being postponed a couple of times last term ‘Digital Tattoo’ is planned to go ahead over the next two weeks.  Due to the fact that Leigh, the presenter, is presently unable to come back into Victoria from Queensland, she has agreed to present her workshop remotely for the years 5 and 6 classes this coming Wednesday August 4th. 

The parent and carer information session, similarly, will be held via Zoom on the following Wednesday, August 11th between 7:30pm and 9:00pm. This presenter is highly recommended and parents of children from all levels are encouraged to attend as Leigh speaks about online interaction and safety and the power of choices for our young learners.  The link to this zoom meeting is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85949627061?pwd=RmhYa2xDVDl0M2FGZ2lWSERKRi9hQT09 

 Leigh has asked that for the parent and carer session to please try and not be in a space where children can hear.  

In the meantime Emma, our Wellbeing Leader, has included some readings on this topic inside the newsletter today.

YEAR 4 ~ ‘MEDIA’    

Congratulations to the Year 4 classes on their double page spread in the Colac Herald last week.  The children worked enthusiastically with their teachers and experts during last term learning about all styles of media.  They worked with John Brougham from Radio Awareness for Kids to produce their own small group broadcasts and also with Mixx FM. 

Jess and Greta from the Colac Herald then introduced them to the newspaper through the Newspapers in Education experience and the children went on to produce the articles and advertisements that were published in the Herald last Wednesday. Definitely some journalists and creatives in the making!

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Last Saturday evening and Sunday morning saw many of our year 3 and 4 children presented to the St. Mary’s community as they begin their preparation for the Sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.  As always Fr. Michael worked beautifully with the children and the adults and we thank him for his care and guidance.

The celebration Masses for the Sacraments will be held on the weekends of August 14th and 15th; August 21st and 22nd; and August 28th and 29th, with families choosing one of the Masses on one of these weekends to attend.  Please see more information on the Sacraments from Julie, our R.E. Leader further on in the newsletter.