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Dear Parents and Carers,
We are now moving towards the middle of the term, and our classes have been working in a settled manner during this week. The warm weather is continuing and it is great to see children remembering to keep hydrated across the day.
Our parent information evening last week was a great opportunity to spend time with you as parents talking about the routines and learning of the classrooms during 2019 – thank you for your efforts to attend.
We live in a world where technology is a part of our everyday lives. Following on from last week’s comments about the appropriate use of technology, I wonder how many have been able to create some tech free time at home each day? Or how many have been having conversations about using technology to send or receive messages that are respectful of all?
Asthma Plans –There are a number of children who are making regular use of blue asthma puffers during the school day. Please be aware that if your child needs to have an asthma puffer at school then you need to provide the school with an up to date asthma plan.
Changes to routines – thank you to those families who are keeping us informed when there is a change to the routine at the end of the day. This helps to make departures flow smoothly.
If there has been a change to the regular routine, please let us know.
Thank you also goes to those who have assisted us to reduce the number of interruptions during the day, – we ask that all visitors to school come to the front office, especially if you are dropping off lunch or classroom equipment or a message. Please leave Messages/equipment at the front office, we will get these to your children in a timely manner.
Uniform orders – if you would like to order additional clothing for the coming winter term, please fill the attached uniform order and return to school by Friday March 15.
Nits are a sensitive topic – we understand that the incidence of nits is a sensitive one, however, I encourage all families to monitor and take action as necessary.
Be aware that there have been several cases of nits recently. Please check your children’s heads and take the appropriate actions. Remember that shampoos only work if they are used at the right strength. Good ways to prevent nits include:
- Brush hair thoroughly every day
- Tie back long hair
- Check regularly for lice or eggs (nits) – take action as needed
People often say that regular use of conditioner is a very effective way to remove both eggs and lice.
All families are reminded that children whose hair is shoulder length or longer, should be wearing their hair tied back so as to keep the incidence of nits to a minimum.
Ash Wednesday - Next week when we attend Mass we will recognise the importance of Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a special season in the Church year. The forty days of Lent are a time for us to reflect on our relationship with God and others in preparation for Easter. Here is a list of ideas for special things you might do during Lent to mark this special time.
Schoolzine App – as you are aware we are moving to the Schoolzine platform for distributing information. Please be aware that we will not be renewing the Skoolbag app. Please take the time to install the SZapp as information is being distributed via SZapp and our website.
Glitches have been repaired and the newsfeed and calendar sections of the app should now be working. Instructions for downloading the app to your smartphone are attached to this newsletter.
Our school calendar is updated every week and can be accessed through our school website at: www.stjosephsgrenfell.nsw.edu.au Please let us know if you are not receiving the Schoolzine updates once you have installed the SZapp.
Swimming Good luck to Ruby, Genevieve, Hamish and Xanthe who have all gained selection for the Archdiocesan carnival to be held in Narooma on Monday.
Book Fair – this year, our Book Fair will be held in March. The books are due to arrive early next week, and we will be spending some time dreaming about what ones would be our favourites and we’ll send home some tips for suggested purchases for those who are interested in making a purchase.
Riding bikes at school – the children have asked if we could make use of the pushbikes during recess and lunch. This provides another physical activity choice for our children during the breaks.
We use the space in the church carpark as our riding area.
Please speak with your children about the fact that there are some inherent dangers in bike riding, and choosing to ride, shows that it is understand that these dangers exist.
If you consent for your child to ride the bikes during the day at school, please return the attached note.
Sincerely,
Therese Clancy
REC News
The Lord is my protector; he is my strong fortress. My God is my protection, and with him I am safe. He protects me like a shield; he defends me and keeps me safe.
- Psalm 18:2
The Kinder and Year One students have been continuing to explore symbols and signs in our world. They are beginning to recognise some symbols and signs that show us that God is present and active in our lives.
They especially like the images of God as protector and loving father. They, like us, also appreciate God’s unconditional love and the idea that God will forgive us even when we make poor choices in our lives. God is patient and kind and always full of unconditional and constant love. It is a comforting thought when everything else in our world seems to be in a constant state of flux.
Peace and blessings,
Leslie King
Classroom News
Year 2/3/4
In Religious Education we have focussed on our understanding of God. Students used a variety of words and phrases and the drew their idea of what God is.
In Geography we are investigating places that are similar and different. We began by looking at the special places in Australia.
We discovered that there is a pink lake in Australia, its colour comes from red algae and levels of salt.
In Science we are investigating Earth and Space. We began this unit by looking at the water cycle and types of clouds.
Our PDH unit is about Health, Wellbeing and Relationships.
In Literacy, we have been expressing various points of view in preparation for our work on persuasive texts. We have viewed both sides of the story of the Three Little Pigs-from the pig’s point of view and from the wolf’s point of view. Father Trenton joined us after Mass on Wednesday to discuss whether all children should keep pets. He was astounded at the convincing arguments from both sides that the children offered. We have also been writing collaborative texts of well- known fairy tales from a different point of view.
We will be attempting to publish our first text in Week Five following our self and peer editing activities in Week Four.
In Spelling we have been focussing on the special rule for adding –ed to words with short vowels next to last letter in the word (double the last letter).
Numeracy
Year 5/6 - were challenged with the pattern block fractions assessment. Students are exploring efficient strategies for addition and subtraction of large numbers.
Kindergarten and year 1 have been identifying a range of numbers on the 100 chart. They are getting very good at finding numbers.
Year 2/3/4 have been learning how to play Race to a Thousand. This activity involves rolling a varying number of die, they add the numbers and make using MAB. Once their one’s number goes over ten they need to trade for a ten.