SCHOOL NEWS
Learning
YEAR ONE NEWS
We hope you enjoyed the assembly showcasing the student’s work. The children worked hard to prepare for the assembly.
During the assembly, the children reflected on how they use their bodies to show God’s love to others and, through meaningful prayer, thanked God for their ability to use their senses. The students must be commended on their performance modelling the appropriate clothing to be worn in Australian landscapes and for confidently reading and roleplaying their written procedures which highlighted the features of procedural texts.
In Religion, the children have learnt about using their imagination to visualise stories from Jesus’ life and to show love for others in ways Jesus taught. They have also discovered how people have special gifts to help them learn and how Jesus wants his followers to use what they have learned to help others. The children are now focusing on the preparation of Jesus’ birthday during Advent and remembering and celebrating the story of Jesus’ birthday at Christmas.
During our Literacy Dedicated Time, the have developed the children's Reading, Writing and Word Study skills. The text types we have closely looked at this term are Narratives, and Informative texts. During writing, the children have used their knowledge of life in the pioneer days to create a Historical Narrative. We have continued our explicit phonics instruction this term. We are becoming very strong readers and are able to decode words containing tricky letter combinations such as ‘ar’, ‘ea’, ‘ir’ and more! We will read and study Aboriginal Dream-Time stories, Narratives and Informational Texts.
In Mathematics, we looked at Australian coins and have learned to recognise, describe and order coins according to their value. Through hands-on experiences we have measured and compared pairs of objects according to their capacity or the amount each can hold. We will continue investigating numbers to one hundred and beyond by skip counting by twos, fives and tens starting from zero and we will explore numbers that are greater than and less than a given number.
Our Humanities and Social Sciences program has focused on family life from the past and present. The children have explored how family life has changed or remained the same over time. Through an inquiry based unit ‘Blast from the Past’, the have investigated the differences and similarities between the students’ daily lives and life during their parents’ and grandparents’ childhoods including family traditions, leisure time, communication and transportation. To deepen student’s understanding of life in the past we visited Kalamunda Historical Village where the children explored artefacts depicting historical life in the Kalamunda area.
Technologies have been integrated into our learning as we explored toys from the past. The students have designed and create a Softie Toy using felt, needles and thread. Using digital technology, the students will evaluate their creations before donating their Softie Toys to a child in need.
In Health this term, we explored how eating healthy foods can influence our health and wellbeing, as suggested by the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. We researched the benefits of regular physical activity and identifying opportunities when they can be active at school, at home and in the community. Students analyse a variety of advertisements and popular health slogans to determine what the underlying health messages are and then create their own positive health message.
This term in Science we focused on Physical Science, where we developed an understanding that our senses are used to learn about the world around us: our eyes to detect light, our ears to detect sound, and touch to feel vibrations. We used our science inquiry skills to plan and conduct a vibration investigation, then processing and analysing this data in order to compare our observation with our predictions. Finally, we communicated and presented our findings to the class in a variety of ways.
During Physical Education this term, we focused on following simple rules and fair play in partner and group activities. The students discovered the importance of working cooperatively and showing encouragement towards others. The students have used fundamental movement skills such as; kicking, bouncing and catching to control objects in simple games. They used their body management skills to perform different types of rolls and balancing positions. The students have also learnt about the physical changes to the body when exercising, such as an increased heart and breathing rate.
iHOUR
Last Friday 24 November, iHour presentations were held for Year Four - Six students who participated in the program. iHour is based around one driving question - How can we make our world a better place? Students work together in groups to think of a problem and an innovative solution in five weeks. iHour culminates with a presentation session for students to share their ideas to peers, parents and teachers. Congratulations to the students for their fantastic efforts in iHour last term!
YEAR FOUR
Hover Control - An improvement on a hover board - Hover Shoes! created and presented by
Kristy, Lia , Jack , Madison M and Emma.
Robo Rubbish - A clever solution to clean up our streets created and presented by Marie,
Justin, Noah, Ashlen, Mack and Neha.
iLitter iClean - A robo shark that will collect litter in our oceans created and presented by
Veronica, Chloe, Andre, Jacob and Jenna.
The Food Saver - A new invention to reduce food wastage created and presented by Rosaria, Matilda, Maya, Olivia and Anton.
YEAR FIVE
VR Glasses - A Virtual Memory Album to take you back to your special moments created and supported by Joseph, Sofia, Amelia, Anthony and Natalia.
Tempera- Thermal Clothing that is adjustable
created and presented by Mikayla, Tina,
Carmen, Maria, Tenielle and Angel.
SFD - A Swimming Flotation Device for young people created and presented by Jules, Catie,
Bianca, Calum, Natalie and Hannah.
Brain Cane - An improved walking stick to assist blind people created and presented by
Xanthia, Shanice, Daniella, Isabella and
Cooper.
YEAR SIX
DA Radar -An App to bring awareness to, and give Natural Disaster Assistance created and presented by Matthew, Jairda, Nyobi, Julian
and Jonas
No Worries - a Mindfulness App to help combat stress and anxiety created and presented by Emily, Sasha, Tin, Anthony
and Brian.
Power Off - An Energy Saving App and motion sensor to help save on your electricity bills created and presented by Mitchell, Alessio,
Jonathon, Cristobel, Alfred, Isla and Xavier.
The ideas created during ihour this year have been very inspiring and we might see many of these in the future. Congratulations to the 2017 inventors.
MINISTRY NEWS
PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY
‘I woke on Christmas morning knowing I made a difference to someone’s life.’
A man looked around him in a city street and saw a little girl poorly dressed, shivering and nearly starving. The man was angry with God and demanded: “Why don’t you do something about this?” But God did not answer. The man went on, and saw a homeless man in the gutter. Again he cried out: “Why don’t you do something?” But God was silent. In the middle of the night, God spoke to the man. He said gently: “I have already done something about these things. I made YOU, with eyes to see, ears to hear, and strong hands to help”
Engagement
PARENT & FRIENDS NEWS
2017 P&F Donation
Congratulations and well done to our fundraising committee who did an incredible job this year and managed to raise $17,000 through all their fundraising campaigns. I’m pleased to announce that along with Parent Levies, these efforts have allowed us to make a $30,000 donation to the school this year to assist with the iLab, Christmas concert and updating of equipment in our classrooms. Thank you to all the members of the Fundraising and Social Committees - Jenny Allpike, Maria Bellesini, Nicola Cecchele, Irene Gianatti, Marisa Gulluni, Liselle Morgan, Maree Previti, Ida Romeo, Sarah Ruggiero and Anna Williams.
2018 P&F Executive Roles
Thank you to all the Parents who attended the ACM on Tuesday night.
Congratulations to Marisa Gulluni on her new role as P&F President. Well done Marisa, you will do an outstanding job and we're all here to support you. Congratulations also to Jenny Allpike on her re-election as Treasurer. Elections for Vice-President and Secretary will be held at the first P&F meeting in 2018.
Second Hand Uniform Swap Meet
Exciting news! The P&F are hosting a uniform swap meet! So make sure you come along and sell those items that your kids no longer fit, want or need. The event will be held in the school hall on Monday 4 December 8am-10am. Please see attached flyer for details. Thank you to Justyna Dimasi for initiating and co-ordinating this event.
Nicola Cecchele - P&F President
SCHOOL BANKING 2018
School Banking will continue to be held on Tuesday mornings and with change in school times will be between 8.10 and 8.30 am in the old Uniform Shop room. I am sure great new rewards will be out next year!
We are looking for volunteers for 2018! If you are able to help out a few mornings a term or have any queries regarding the school banking please contact Maria Bellesini on 0410 151 110 or mariabellesini@bigpond.com
A special thank you to the volunteers that have helped out in 2017 - Belinda Poat, Natasha D’Souza, Nicole Oakley, Billie Dewitt, Natasha Radice. I look forward to volunteering with you all again in 2018.
YEAR 6 PARENTS/GUARDIANS
Hi to all Year 6 Parents,
Our babies are going to high school next year, Where did the time go?
We have some fun stuff planned and we would love for you all to join us.
Firstly, Friday 1 December Dinner at Sun On Restaurant Morley straight from Dinner Dance drop. Parents to be back at school at 8.30 with full belly's. Dinner cost approx. $20 ahead plus drinks .
8 December Lunch after Mass Ceremony at our Table Grand Prom in Bedford. All are welcome and invited. Please if you have never attended a lunch or dinner before we would really love to have you.
Lastly, help is needed and welcomed nextFriday 1 December to make over the school hall for the dinner dance straight from school drop off at 8.30am as well as 1.30pm to help set up food platters.
All RSVPs and questions are welcome - please call or text message 0403 345 235 or 0412 036 072. Looking forward to having a chat with you all Connie.
YEAR 3 END OF YEAR FAMILY SUNDOWNER
UPDATE
When: Friday 8 December from 5pm
Where: Robert Thompson Reserve, Corner of Benara Road & McGilvray Avenue, Noranda
(Opposite Noranda Palms Shopping Centre)
BYO food & drinks, picnic blanket, scooters and bikes. All Year 3 families welcome
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.
A reminder the next MAD Camp meeting will be held next Thursday 30 November at 7pm at Fast Eddy's Morley.
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.
Discipleship
PARISH NEWS
Christmas Mass Times
Saturday 23 December: Vigil Mass at 6.30pm – Mass of the Sunday.
Sunday 24 December: Masses at 7.30am, 9.30am & 11.30am (Italian Mass) – Mass of the Sunday.
Mass at 6.30pm – Christmas Vigil Mass with children’s nativity story. Carols from 6.00pm.
Mass at 12.00pm – Midnight Mass. Carols from 11.30pm.
Monday 25 December: Christmas Masses at 7.30am, 9.30am & 11.30am (Italian Mass). Carols 30 mins before each Mass.
NO EVENING MASS.
Tuesday 26 December: Boxing Day – Mass at 8.30am.
Saturday 30 December: Vigil Mass at 6.30pm – Feast of the Holy Family.
Sunday 31 December: The Feast of the Holy Family - Masses at 7.30am, 9.30am, 11.30am (Italian) & 6pm.
Mass at 6pm – Vigil for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God.
Monday 1 January: Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. Mass at 8.30am.
Tuesday 2 January: Public Holiday. Mass at 8.30am.
Saturday 6 January: Vigil Mass – The Epiphany of the Lord.
Sunday 7 January: The Epiphany of the Lord.
Masses at 7.30am, 9.30am, 11.30am (Italian) & 6pm.
Second Rite of Reconciliation for Advent
Prepare yourself for the Christmas season by joining your parish family for this communal Rite of Reconciliation as we come together to listen and reflect on the Word of God; to express our sorrow for the times we have failed and to praise our God, whose forgiveness is unfailing.
WEDNESDAY, 13 December at 7pm - Infant Jesus Church
THURSDAY, 14 December at 7pm—St. Peter’s Church, Wood St, Bedford.
THURSDAY, 21 December at 7pm - Good Shepherd Church, Lockridge
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Change to Mass Times
Following the recent survey of Mass attendees at the Saturday Vigil Mass, I have decided to change the start time of this Mass to 6pm. This change will commence from Saturday 13 January.
Also, in future, when there is a public holiday, there will not be two morning Masses. We will have only one morning Mass at 8.30am.
Fr. Greg
Don’t throw that away!
As the school year comes to a close, please remember the parish when you are cleaning up your unwanted school supplies: pens, pencils, textas and stationery - are all useful. What we cannot use, we will pass on to where it is needed. 2nd hand primary uniform items also very welcome. Please drop your donations to the parish office or into the Church foyer.
Request from Vinnies- PreLoved Soft Toys
Our local St Vincent de Paul Conference is looking for soft toys to give out with Christmas Hampers this year. Can you help? Please drop them off to the Parish Centre from Monday to Friday between 9am and 12.30pm.
Infant Jesus Parish 24:7 Morley Youth Group
All youth in Years 6-12 are invited.
Join us this Friday night, 6-8pm in the Parish Hall.
For more info call Roger 0434 988 711 or Elizabeth 0410 554 393
FEAST DAY ST GREGORY OF SINAI 27 NOVEMBER
Originally from Cyprus, St. Gregory migrated to Palestine where he joined a monastic community on Mount Sinai. Later he moved to Mount Athos in northern Greece where he developed his own method of contemplation that has influenced Christians worldwide. If, for example, you have ever prayed the Jesus Prayer, then the heritage of St. Gregory of Sinai has probably touched your life.
Gregory sought union with God by disciplining the body and quieting the mind. He taught that repetition of the Jesus Prayer opened the soul to the divine presence and led to the highest forms of contemplation.
Some of the fathers taught that the prayer should be said in full: “Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me.” Others advised saying half, thus: “Jesus, Son of God, have mercy upon me”; or “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me,” or to alternate, sometimes saying it in full and sometimes in a shorter form.
Gregory taught his method to monks on Mount Athos and made it a source of contemplative prayer for the church of the East. He travelled to monasteries and dioceses throughout Greece and Macedonia, inviting monks and religious to practice the Jesus Prayer. In Macedonia he also established three colonies of anchorites who were devoted to contemplative prayer.
Gregory wrote extensively, including tracts on asceticism, verses on the nature of God, liturgical hymns, and theological treatises. His most significant work, The 137 Chapters or Spiritual Meditations, spread the practice of disciplined contemplative prayer throughout the East and Europe.
Gregory of Sinai died at Mount Paroria in 1346.
(loyolapress.com)
POPE FRANCIS AND THE JOY OF THE GOSPEL
"Faith also means believing in God, believing that he truly loves us, that he is alive, that he is mysteriously capable of intervening, that he does not abandon us and that he brings good out of evil by his power and his infinite creativity. It means believing that he marches triumphantly in history with those who 'are called and chosen and faithful' (Rev 17:14) " (Evangelii Gaudium "The Joy of the Gospel" # 278/)
CATHOLIC MISSIONS
Advent Message from Catholic Mission
This Advent, “Let us love, not with words, but with deeds.” (1Jn 3:18). Why not make this line from Holy Scripture a reality by joining us on Thursday 14 December, 7pm at The Basilica of St Patrick, Fremantle for a captivating and beautiful evening of sacred music, readings and congregational carols to highlight the true meaning of the Christmas Gospel in our world today. Emeritus Bishop Justin Bianchini will be giving the reflection. Music from Eva-Marie Middleton (soprano), Paul Wright (violin), Dominic Perissinotto (organ) and The Basilica Choir. Proceeds will go to Catholic Mission’s work in support of maternal and child health in Uganda. Tickets $30, Concessions $20, 12 year olds and under are free. Add another ticket to your booking for just $10 and we will give that ticket to a homeless or refugee person so they too can share in the beauty of Christmas with us and enjoy a nice supper beforehand. On-line bookings at www.trybooking.com/SWMO or pay at the door.
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 Globa