The View

From the Director of Primary

Last week was certainly a very busy one with a number of classes participating in the Learn to Swim program or in the case of the Year 3 and Year 5 students, completing the NAPLAN tests.  As reported in the media, a number of students experienced connectivity issues especially on Tuesday.  I would like to acknowledge the students for their resilience during this time and a desire to do their best throughout the NAPLAN testing period.

Spirit of Jesus

Recently, the Year 3 and 4 classes had an opportunity to work with Peter Mitchell who developed the Making Jesus Real program.  Mitch, as he is fondly known, has travelled around hundreds of Australian Catholic schools encouraging students, teachers and parents to “switch on” to the spirit of Jesus.

The students had an opportunity to consider a number of key issues during their session including the fact that they are in charge of their attitude – to school, to home, to one another and to the challenges they face on a daily basis. 

Without question, self-reflection is a very important tool.  When asked how they need to grow as a person in order to be the very best that they can, their responses showed considerable thinking.

 

Where did you see the Spirit of Jesus on your life over the last 3 days?

  • When Mum made me breakfast and lunch this morning and dad ironed my clothes.
  • When I was asked to be a partner as I didn’t have one.
  • When my friend caught the bus so she could watch me play netball.

What can I do to be a better person this year?

  • Not fight with my sister, be more cheerful instead of moaning and groaning at home.
  • Play with different people, include more people in my games, smile more especially at home.
  • Volunteering to do things at home and school; be more positive when I say, “Hello” in the morning.
  • Be more of a “giver” of myself than a taker. Try to be more kind and encouraging and saying thanks more than I do.

What small things can I do to be a better team player at home?

  • By doing as I am asked cheerfully and saying, ‘Ok” with a smile;
  • Be more positive at home instead of moaning and groaning.
  • Be more pleasant with my brother and sister; take the bins out when they are full.
  • Volunteer more at home. 
  • Thank my parents 4 times a day every day. Be more grateful for what I have and keep my room tidy.

What small things can I do to be a better person at school?

Coming into school and saying good morning and good afternoon to more people.

Include more students in our games; be a better friend to my friends and make new friends.

  • Be more of a giver of myself by sharing my things with others.
  • When thanking a person use their names. Don’t exclude anyone.  Play with different girls.

What is your “Oh Yeah” moment from this morning’s lesson or what was the main point that made sense to you?

  • When Mitch said, “We should encourage our parents.”  I realised I had never thought about that and I am going to say thanks for the many little things they do like meals, washing clothes, and be more grateful.
  • I liked it when we talked about the Spirit of Jesus is in of our hearts, and always try to be the best person you can be.
  • I liked the video of Arthur who couldn’t walk and he kept trying.  He believed in himself, so much so that he turned from being negative and sad to positive and happy.
  • School is not only being smart, it is about believing in love, being caring and positive.

“One of the greatest gifts that we can give our students is for them to see the Spirit of Jesus in themselves and others.  To recognise His presence in themselves and others and to live the gospel values of kindness, compassion, friendship … is the bottom line of Catholic education.”  (Peter Mitchell)

Circle of Life

Information has been sent home via Ed Smart regarding next week’s Circle of Life sessions for the Year 1 to 6 classes. The program aims to:

  • encourage the development of positive attitudes towards growth and development of sexuality in children
  • promote discussion between parents and children
  • provide accurate and up to date information
  • help children to develop positive relationships

It is very important that parents and teachers work together to inform students about such important topics.

Healthy Lunch Boxes - Nut Alert

During the past few weeks several students have brought foods containing nut products in their lunch boxes. I would like to remind families that nuts are not to be consumed at school. This includes foods such as peanut butter, Nutella, hazelnut spreads, health bars and biscuits that contain nuts. There are a number of students who experience severe and life-threatening allergic reactions to nuts.

Ideally students should only bring water to school in their drink bottles.

Assembly

The students always enjoy the opportunity to showcase their learning at assemblies.

Next Monday, commencing at 10am in the Cahill Centre, the Year 3 and 4 classes will host our first Primary assembly for Term 2. Families are welcome to attend and we ask that you sit upstairs on the mezzanine level of the Cahill Centre.

 

Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Christine Russell who worked in Year 6 Navy for the duration of Term 1 and for the past 4 weeks has been in Year 2.  The students have thoroughly enjoyed working with Mrs Russell and we wish her all the best.    

 

Caroline Wilson-Haffenden

Director of Primary