Newsletter #23 August 11
Principal's News
Dear St Paul's families,
Welcome to the weekly update. I am trying to remain upbeat as the uncertainty regarding lockdowns continues to play havoc in our lives. Just when you think we are out, we get pulled back in again. No doubt it is impacting significantly on everyone in our community: socially, emotionally, physically and financially. Despite all the times we are continually knocked down, we still manage to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get on with the job.
Our priority is ensuring we can continue to provide for your children in receiving the best Catholic education possible. The most important part of this being a success is that we continue to work together and support each other. It has been a challenge to motivate our children to get to school or even complete tasks at home, with rules changing all the time. If you are struggling, please don't hesitate to contact the school so that we can help you in whatever way possible.
Whilst we have missed out on physically being able to host school based events for families to attend such as NAIDOC Day and Mary Mackillop Feast Day, the online presentations have hopefully provided some enjoyment for the children and families alike. Thanks to Ms Jess and Mrs Simms for providing these opportunities for our children to share with you.
Next Friday, 20th August, we will be hosting our Mini Olympics at school in a modified format. We will notify you as soon as possible if and when there are any changes to the restrictions regarding parents onsite.
Last week we submitted our Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disabilities data to Catholic Education and the Government.
The NCCD is an annual collection of information about Australian school students with disability. The NCCD enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.
At this stage, I do not know if or when we can host the Flying Start program. Once again this is all dependent upon current advice from the government. Watch this space.
As always,
Keep the Faith!
Vince Muscatello
Arts News
Over the past couple of weeks, the Foundation students have been learning about the Olympic Torch and watching footage of the lighting ceremonies of the Tokyo and many other Olympic Games'.
The children drew their own Olympic Torch and used many different materials to decorate it. They ripped red, orange and yellow coloured tissue paper and glued it on for the flame and coloured the torch with silver and gold oil pastels. Finally some children choose to add some "sparkle" using glittery fabric.
Technology News
Junior Unit students have been learning to describe and follow algorithms (a sequence of steps required to perform a task). They began their learning in week one by describing a sequence of movements along a grid and following that sequence to perform the movements as a group.
The next week students continued learning to describe and follow algorithms focusing on the importance of describing each step in an algorithm accurately. To practice students took turns to build a mini Lego creature in secret, then described the steps to build a replica to their partner. Students knew they were successfully able to describe each step was accurately if their partner was able to build an exact replica of their critter.
Last week, students then explored using symbols to represent a movement and writing algorithms using directional arrows. Working with a partner, students wrote algorithms using arrows to move an alien through space to a space ship, or a pirate around a treasure map to the 'x' marking spot!
Stay tuned for Junior Unit Technology updates, next students will be putting all they have learned into practice to code robots.
Until next week remember, code is like humour; if it's good, you don't have to explain it!
Ms Simms
Languages - Italian News
Ciao a tutti e bentornati ...
The recent fortnight has provided an opportunity for our students to witness the amazing talent and achievements of so many athletes across the many countries who participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Last Wednesday, our Year 1 & 2 students further embraced the Olympic spirit by completing a "Pinocchio ~ Olympic Flag" Italian colouring activity. Here is a selection of Junior Unit work samples for you to enjoy.
Grazie ~ Signora Ghidinelli
Junior Unit Gallery
Religious Education News
PARENT INFORMATION FIRST EUCHARIST
The First Eucharist Parent Meeting will be held at 7pm on Wednesday 1st September, at the Sacred Heart Church. The enrolment form can be collected from the St Paul's office and must be completed, with your choice of Mass, and returned to the Parish Office by Friday 27th August.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by email at jfreeman@spmildura.catholic.edu.au.
Our Diocesan Community Magazine
Our Diocesan Community Magazine will no longer be in printed format, now available online.
To access magazine click on the following link:
https://www.ballarat.catholic.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ODC-July-2021-web-hr.pdf
Sunraysia Catholic Communities Bulletin
Parent Noticeboard
