FROM THE SCHOOL LEADERSHIP TEAM

Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members, Faith and Friendship In 2013, our school theme of Faith and Friendship conjures images and ways of being that we promote and believe in at St Rita’s. We have faith in each other to care, nurture and educate our children. Friendship is about being there in times of difficulty and celebration and as one of our children told Fr Leo during our school mass yesterday – being there to care and look after someone. We gather in Faith and Friendship for our Parent Information evenings. Last night, our Prep parents met with teachers and our school leadership team to share information about the breadth and depth of the Prep Program. Last week, our Year 4 teachers led us in educational perspectives on embedding technology into student learning – as we embark into the 1:1 Notebook program. We encourage, in the spirit of partnership, for you to engage in these evenings and where possible provide topics or questions to the year level team beforehand that are of particular interest to you.

These are the following times for the remaining Year Level meetings:

Meetings are this week *Year 1 – Wednesday 13 February 6.00pm 1L classroom *Year 2 – (Tonight) Tuesday 12 February 6.00pm Year 2K classroom * Year 3 – Wednesday 13 February 6.00pm Library *Year 5 – Tuesday 19 February * Year 6 – Wednesday 13 February *Year 7 – Monday 25 February

We look forward to sharing and exchanging information on how our students will come to Know More Do More and Be More at St Rita’s in 2013.

We enclose in this week’s newsletter communication from our new Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director, Ms Pam Betts.

May God’s peace and blessings be with you in the coming week. In Faith and Friendship

Anne McKenny Principal Ash Wednesday 13 February – The Season of Lent begins Lent begins on Ash Wednesday which includes the five Sundays of Lent and Palm Sunday of the Passion. Traditionally it is characterised by the themes of baptism and repentance, fasting and sharing with those in need. It is also a time of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil. We will have a number of upper students at the Parish Mass on Ash Wednesday who will return the ashes for in-class reflections and liturgies. A number of our junior classes are also visiting the Church for a reflection with Fr. Leo. This marks the most important season within the Catholic calendar and as such is reflected in daily prayers and discussions within the class.

Caritas Just Leadership Day 2013 A big congratulations to Kasey, Leah, Holly, Jade, Gabby, Darcy, Natasha and Matilda who represented St Rita’s at the launch of Project Compassion 2013. Part of the leadership experience is to plan what we can do to make a difference in the name of Catholic School Justice. Stay tuned for more information on what our Mini Vinnie’s have planned!

Around Our School

Term 1 Week 3 12 February 2013 39 Benfer Road VICTORIA POINT 4165 Ph: 07 3207 6628 Fax: 07 3207 6734 Email: pvictoriapoint@bne.catholic.edu.au

Online: www.stritasvp.qld.edu.au

IMPORTANT DATES Tuesday 12 February Year 2 Parent Information Evening Wednesday 13 February Year 1, Year 3 and Year 6 Parent Information Evening Thursday 14 February Early Years Assembly Monday 18 February Whole School Assembly

It was great to see our community together at the Opening School Mass

Kevin

As we approach week 4 of the school term, no doubt family home routines are well and truly in place and understandably at times still in ‘trial and error’ mode with some families juggling many extra-curricular activities including sporting commitments etc. Unfortunately, I am yet to find anyone with a simple rule, recipe or answer that works for all as naturally every family and household is different.

One of the challenges in all schools for parents can also be adjusting with homework routines whilst trying to manage many other tasks outside of school.

I encourage parents to refer to the homework tab on the school website as a guide. These guidelines are in line with Education Queensland recommendations. http://www.stritasvp.qld.edu.au/documents/homework.html

It is important for us as parents and teachers to encourage and support our students with their homework; however, we must not forget the importance or take away from the child as the self-directed learner. Worldwide educational consultant Dr Ian Lillico who is the founder of the ‘Boys Forward Institute’ has said that ‘homework’ should include interactive learning opportunities like a game of Scrabble with parents, a visit to the theatre, a game of cricket/football in the backyard or helping with the cooking and/or preparation of dinner. With that said, it is important for the students to keep up to date with the actual homework tasks set by teachers in order to keep up with the class, however once complete, research shows that these other skills can be far more beneficial and enjoyable than additional worksheets to the already set homework.

I would like to highlight the following from our School Website:

Parents:

Parents and caregivers have an important role in assisting the school in the development of their school’s homework procedures. They can help their children by:- o Reading to them, talking with them and

involving them in tasks at home including shopping, playing games and physical activity

o Helping them to complete tasks by discussing key questions or directing them to resources

o Encouraging them to organise their time and take responsibility for their learning

o Encouraging them to read and take an interest in and discuss current local, national and international events

o Helping them to balance the amount of time spent completing homework, watching television, playing computer games, playing sport and engaging in other recreational activities

o Contacting the class teacher to discuss any concerns about the nature of homework and their children’s approach to the homework.

Students Students can take responsibility for their own learning by:-

Being aware of the school’s homework expectations

Discussing with their parents or caregivers homework expectations

Accepting responsibility for the completion of homework tasks within set timeframes

Following up on comments made by teachers

Seeking assistance when difficulties arise

Organising their time to manage home obligations, participation in physical activity and sports, recreational and cultural activities and part-time employment.

All the best for the week.

Shane

SCHOOL FEES

School fees were posted to families last Thursday, please ensure the school office is notified of any change of address. If you have not yet received your account please contact the finance department. NOTE: Direct Debit DOES NOT carry over from year to year. Application forms are available at the school office. If you are experiencing difficulties in paying your account, please contact the school as soon as possible, preferably before the due date, as it may be possible that some assistance, such as extension of time or payment by instalments may be available. Krys Kuropka Finance Secretary

SCHOOL PARENT NETWORK (SPN)

The purpose of the School Parent Network is to allow parents to contribute to discussions on pertinent issues and to make decisions that will have a positive impact on the whole of the St Rita’s community. We are responsible for the management and distribution of the funds collected from the annual Parent Levy.

The SPN works in collaboration with the School Principal, Staff, Students and Parish to support the spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of all students, as well as providing a medium of support, information and involvement of parents and carers in their children’s education and school community.

The first SPN meeting for 2013 has been postponed until the 13th March, 7.00 - 8.30pm, due to ParentInformation Sessions. The SPN Meeting is an informal discussion about upcoming events and current items on the agenda. Everyone is welcome to come along and we would love to hear about what is important to you. We hope to see you there.

If you cannot attend you can contact the SPN via our email StRitasSPN@gmail.com

SPORTS NEWS

District Swimming

Congratulations and well done to our St Rita’s Rep Swimmers who competed at the Redlands District Swimming

Carnival on Monday. It was great to see how enthusiastically our students took to the water and gave it their best in each of their events.

A further congratulation’s goes to two of our Year 6 boys Jaiden Maslowskyj and Connor Duffy who both did exceptionally well and both qualified and made the Redlands District Swimming Squad for 2013. Jaiden qualified for 50m Back/Fly/Free, 100m Back/Free and Connor qualified for the 50m Fly. Well done boys!

District Trials The following District Sport Trials have become available: 1. Netball (Girls born in 2001)

2. Basketball (Girls or Boys born in 2001/2002)

3. Touch Football (Girls or Boys born in 2001/2002)

4. Senior Rugby League (Boys born in 2001)

If there are any students interested in trialling for any of these sports – it is suggested that they are involved in regular training with a club and show a high proficiency of skill and knowledge of the game. Please see Mr Kenyon if interested.

Cross Country Training Training is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning from 7.50 – 8.25am. Students are asked to meet Mr Kenyon under the covered area outside the tuckshop prior to 7.50am. Training is for students from 4-7 and is open to any others who may be interested. See you there!

St Rita’s Touch Football A big thankyou to all those students who expressed interest in playing touch football for St Rita’s in the ‘Cleveland Friday Night Competition’. At this stage there are 4 Teams: U/10 Mixed (Full) U/12 Girls (Full) U/12 Boys (3 spots available) U/14 Boys (4 Spots available)

Due to the boys teams having a large amount of available spots – by the end of the week if there is no further interest in playing from other students the boys teams will be merged.

Team registration is $800 which is $80 per player based on a team of 10 players. Fees are not due till 1st March, and we ask that you wait patiently till final team allocations are sorted.

We also have a regular training program run after school during the week to teach and prepare students for the game. This week’s training will be on Thursday and its recommended that those students who have signed up to play come along to meet their team mates, collect singlets and go over some skills and drill and learn the basic concepts of the game.

Perceptual Motor Program If there are any parents from Prep and Year 1 who would be interested in assisting with the activities involved in the perceptual motor program could you please register your details at the office. The program begins Thursday 21 February.

Preps (Thursdays 8.40am – 10.40am) Year 1 (Thursdays 11.20am – 1.20pm)

2013 CLASS CONTACT LISTS

We are back into the swing of things for another year. It is, once again, time for the class contact list forms to be handed out to all St. Rita’s families.

For those of you who would like to be included on your child’s/children’s Class Contact List, could you please fill the tear off slip out and return it to the school office as soon as possible. It is entirely up to you whether you would like to have your details recorded on the Lists. It can be a valuable communication tool within your Child’s/Children’s class or grade. It is important to note that all details supplied will not be used for any purpose than to prepare these lists. They are to be used appropriately and not for any intention other than what they are meant to be used for. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on either 0438 069 521, 3206 8543 or email - danderson5@bigpond.com.

Debbie Tye-Anderson

YEAR 3 INFORMATION

Year 3 wear their sports uniform on a Wednesday and a Friday. Homework is due in on a Wednesday. Library borrowing is on a Wednesday.

NEWS FROM THE RESOURCE CENTRE

Welcome back to the library!

All students have begun to borrow from the library and so it is fitting to

remind all students that you need a library bag/satchel if you wish to borrow. Parents are welcome to set up a borrowing card, just come in and see us before or after school.

Scholastic Book Club brochures will be distributed today. If you wish to place an order, please send your order to Mrs Brownlie in the library by Thursday, 21st February.

I am awaiting the delivery of new book covering materials, so please look out for the invitation to cover some of our many new books for our students.

Mrs Jo Rossi & Mrs Maureen Brownlie.

ARTS NEWS

Well done to all students who auditioned for choir 2013. All students that participated in auditions have been accepted into choir. Lists of students for all extra-curricular programs are now up on the music room door. All programs begin this week in the music room, at the times stated below:

Junior Drama (3/4) - Monday's 11.00 (after first eating) Rock Band (all ages) - Monday's 1.35 (after second eating) Senior Drama (5/6/7) - Tuesday's 11.00 (after first eating) Junior Choir - Tuesday morning's - 7.40am Senior Choir - Thursday mornings - 7.40am

Thank you to Mr Fernando and Mrs McNaughton who sang excellently at the opening school mass....we obviously have some excellent singing role-models!

Paul Tyrrell Arts Teacher

UNIFORM SHOP

HOURS

Thursday - 8.00 to 10.00am Friday- 8.00 to 10.00am The uniform shop will be closed this Thursday 14 February. Sorry for the inconvenience.

NIHONGO NOTES

Host Family Needed - We have the opportunity to have a university student from Japan help out in our

Japanese classroom for three weeks from 3rd March

and I am seeking a host family to accommodate this female university student for this time. The family will

receive payment to assist with costs. If you are able to assist, please contact me at

ktominaga@bne.catholic.edu.au

Thank you. Kathryn Tominaga

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Wednesday 13 February

Michelle Berry

Veronica Dunn

Friday 15 February

Louise Lowcock

Darren Smallwood

HELP NEEDED??

HELP NEEDED??

2nd Break

Louise Lowcock

Monday 18 February

Amanda Heinmann

Helen Coates

A very big THANK YOU goes out to Duncan Blackburn for sharing his day off with us and helping in the tuckshop. I hope to see more new faces lending a couple of hours to volunteer in tuckshop.

50% For Tuckshop Volunteers

This means, on the day you volunteer in the tuckshop you will receive 50% your child/children tuckshop for that day. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call or email me.

Thursday Afternoon Preparation is back. This is especially for those parents who still have a child at home, are not able to help during tuckshop hours. I will be in tuckshop from 1:00 pm on Thursday to do prep work for Fridays, please feel free to help while waiting for your children to finish school.

Reminder - Flexischool, please reset your child's class for this year. If anyone is interested in using Flexischools or is having trouble with set up please do not hesitate to call or come and see me. www.flexischools.com.au

Renee Saleh 0411 523 969 email - rsaleh@bne.catholic.edu.au

SCHOOL BANKING

We had an amazing number of new school bankers join us last week and even received a few deposits at the school for collection – what a great start to the year! Congratulations

Ashton C from 4L you have received an extra $2 in your banking this week. Don’t forget to put your school banking in your blue message satchel each Tuesday morning. Regards Matthew Dowling Customer Service Manager Ph: 3207 6133

FROM THE PARISH

This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday – 13

th February

Lent is a gift that the Church in her wisdom celebrates every year. It is a gift of time, a gift of contemplation, and a gift of quiet so that we may listen to the Word, who whispers to us to come back to the God who created us. It encourages us to turn away from the noise and over-indulged appetites so that we may understand the hunger that can be filled—with the grace of God—only by prayer, fasting, and giving to the poor.

Why do we start Lent by wearing ashes? Ashes remind us of our mortality. After all, that’s what we turn into when we die. And when we come face to face with our mortality, we tend to become more willing to get our lives in order and focus on what’s really important. It’s kind of like Ebenezer Scrooge in “A Christmas Carol” facing up to his own death and deciding to mend his ways before it’s too late. Well in the same way, we wear ashes in the shape of a cross on our foreheads to symbolize our willingness to change, to die to sin, and to be born to new life in Baptism.

Why do we give up things during Lent? We give things up during Lent as another way of practicing discipline. By exercising self-control, we can free our minds from desires for material possessions and pleasures, and focus on the true happiness that can only come from faith and Jesus Christ. So we give up things that are obviously unhealthy for us such as smoking or excessive eating and drinking, or swearing, and things like that. But we can also give up things that aren’t bad in and of themselves but that clutter up our lives such as watching TV, listening to music, shopping, and so on. With less clutter, we can focus on what’s really important, our relationship with Jesus.

Why do we give up meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday? Meat is a symbol of luxury and wealth. When you think about it, we talk about getting a job that pays enough to put meat on the table. So to abstain from meat is a sacrifice for most people, a way of doing without and living more simply. Finally, Jesus died on a Friday and so Good Friday is seen as a day of penance and that’s why we abstain from meat.

Little purple books (children) and Little black books (adults) for Lent Every Lent, Fr Leo orders these books for the parish and school. The books have a 6 minute reflections for every day of Lent and they help us to connect to God in prayer. The Little purple book is written especially for children while the Little black book is for adults and cost $4. They can be collected from the back of the church or from the parish office.

A different kind of playgroup — Aria Angels – Music, Movement, Art and …More Reaching out to parents before and after Baptism, through the parish, it offers a special time for children from birth to 5 years. We start the session with music, song and dance. Next we have an art activity, then a cuppa and close with a prayer. We gather in the Ruby room next to the parish office on Thursdays from 9.00am to 10.30am during the school term. Starting dates are THURSDAY Feb 21, 28 March: 7, 14, 21, 28, The cost is $5 for one child (adult family members welcome to share in each session at no extra cost), $8 for two children and $10 for three children, including morning tea. If you are a parent, grandparent, or carer of pre-school children you are warmly encouraged to join us. For more information call parish office on 3207 9177. Children’s Liturgy of the Word (C.L.O.W.) The Lower Primary Group (Prep to Year 4) will be held on Saturday at 6pm and Sunday at 9am, each weekend. If you can help with Senior Liturgy please contact the parish office. All children of any age are very welcome to participate in this Liturgy. It’s a great way to introduce your children to Sunday worship

Parish Junior Choir Do you like to sing? Come and join the parish junior choir. Rehearsals are each Wednesday during term time from 3pm to 4pm at the Ruby Room at the parish office. If you would like more information please contact the Parish office. Invite your friends to come along and sing with you. There is no cost for this activity. Afternoon tea is provided. Open to all primary age and high school age parishioners. St Rita’s Parish Newsletter The weekly parish newsletter is available from our website www.stritasparish.org You can contact the Parish Office on 3207 9177 or email victoriapoint@bne.catholic.net.au Mass Times in our Parish – Saturday 6pm, Sunday 7am, 9am, 6pm. Reconciliation Times - Saturday’s 5pm to 5.30pm in the Church

GARAGE SALE

St. Rita’s garage sale will be held on the 23rd of February,

(Weather permitting.) If you have any saleable items that you

no longer need now is the time to donate them.

Contact Moya on 32079498 for suitable time to drop off

Corrigall Swim School

Thornlands State School Pool Learn to Swim – pre-schoolers and school age

Intermediate, Junior and Mini Squad For all enquiries: 3821 1053 or 0422 878 613

Communication from our new Brisbane Catholic Education Executive Director, Ms Pam Betts.

Dear Parents

I am very pleased as the year begins to extend a warm

welcome to parents new to Catholic education and to

those of you who are continuing. Thank you for

choosing a Catholic education for your children. I hope

that 2013 will be a very fulfilling one for you and your

children and that it has begun in a spirit of confident

enthusiasm.

There are 137 schools and colleges in the Archdiocese

of Brisbane educating almost 70,000 students. Our

Catholic schools commit to nurturing active

partnerships with families and providing parents and

caregivers with opportunities to participate in the life of

the school community. There is extensive research

which indicates that when schools and families work

together children have higher rates of achievement and

stay in school longer. There will be many occasions in

the year ahead to become involved at your child’s

school and I encourage you to do so.

In the education world, very little stands still! It is

indeed, a very dynamic pursuit in which to be engaged.

This year across our schools we will be implementing a

new Religious Education curriculum and at the same

time, continuing with the roll out of the Australian

curriculum. This will all occur in contemporary learning

environments in which information and communication

technologies are embraced. During this year and the

next we will also be working hard to ensure that our

primary and secondary schools are ready for the move

of year seven to the secondary context in 2015.

Beyond the school gates, there is a very important role

for parents to play in lobbying politicians at both state

and federal levels about funding for Catholic schools.

We rely on government funding for our capital and

recurrent needs and are committed to supporting

families by keeping tuition fees at a modest level. You

would be aware no doubt that in 2010 a significant

review into school funding was commissioned by the

Australian government with a report presented in early

2012. In this election year, we anticipate that

educational funding will be a major agenda item. The

full report is available online as is further information

about Catholic school funding.

The seminal document, The Catholic School on the

Threshold of the Third Millennium acknowledges

parents as the primary educators of their children and

as major partners in the education process. Such a

close relationship with the school implies a partnership

with mutual rights and responsibilities. As this new year

begins be assured of our support of you as parents and

of our ongoing commitment to strengthening

partnerships and involvement of families in the life of

the Catholic school.

With every blessing

Pam Betts

Executive Director of Catholic Education

Archdiocese of Brisbane.

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Dolphins Netball Club are still looking for netball players.

We require girls aged from 9-12 years. It is not too late to join, ask your friends,

Neighbours, cousins and mates. We have a great time, get fit and make new friends.

For more information, please contact:

Gay Ring on 0438 127 321; Email: grin6610@gmail.com or

Julie Rawding on 0403 794 249 Email: jarawding@hotmail.com

Join the ‘Redlands Young Actors Group’ for confidence and self-esteem

The Redlands Young Actors Group (RYAG) has commenced its 2013 monthly Drama Workshops. The three hourly sessions are always held on a Saturday from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Membership is open to all students from 8 years of age up to early teens. Drama classes are held in The Gallery of The Artist Tree, 14/19 Bloomfield Street, Cleveland.

Students will be involved in group and individual drama activities that will open up opportunities for creative thinking, experimentation, plus observing the importance of good vocal expression, body language and how to make an impact. They will also learn about effective communication and the skills that are required to become a good speaker and a confident presenter. Students will have the opportunity to enter local Eisteddfods and participate in other performances. They will be involved with theatre restaurant, public speaking, improvisation, script work, creative movement and mime.

Parents of young actors wishing to become RYAG members may visit the website www.playtimeproductions.com.au and follow the prompts Redland Young Actors Group for registration or telephone Valerie Warwick 0416 174 447 or Terry Larsen 0409 480 547 for more information.

CARMEL COLLEGE ENROLMENTS YEAR 7, 2015

Applications for enrolment for Year 7, 2015 are invited from parents of students who are currently in Year 5. Carmel College’s enrolment process for this year level will begin shortly. Enrolment information can be obtained via the Carmel College website www.carmelcollege.qld.edu.au or by contacting Mrs Donna Cook, College Enrolment Secretary on 3488 7791. Applications are also being accepted for students currently in Year 4. These students will be the intake for Year 7, 2016.

‘LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE’

These lists are compiled for the use of families within their Year Levels and will only be distributed within your child’s year level. We have found that many people like to use them to contact other parents with regard to birthday parties, social gatherings or other Class/Year level events. All details supplied will not be used for any purpose than to prepare these lists and, in turn, it is important that all lists are used appropriately and not for any intention other than what they are meant to be used for. If any of you would like to take on the role of Class Contact Person, please indicate by ticking Yes at the bottom of the form. The Contact Person is basically there to help other parents within the Class/Year to contact each other if there is a special event happening or if any news needs to be distributed among the class parents. You may wish to organise social events or other gatherings among your Class/Year level, it is entirely up to you. The role can be as big or small as you want it to be. If you would like your details to be included on the Class/Year list, please fill out the tear off slip below and return it to the school as soon as possible. The sooner these forms are returned, the quicker the lists can be distributed. If you have more than one child at school, you may wish to fill out only one form detailing each child’s name and class where indicated. Any queries regarding the list or the role of the Class Contact Person, please feel free to contact me. Debbie Tye-Anderson danderson5@bigpond.com

Phone: 3206 8543 or Mobile: 0438069521

(Please Print)

………………………………………………………………………………....……… Child (1) Year/Class:

Child(ren)’s Surname:

Child (1) First Name:

Parent(s) Name(s):

Address:

Contact Telephone Number:

Mobile:

Email Address:

I would like to be the Class Contact Person Yes No

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N

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A

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2013

Child 2: _______________ Yr/Class: ______________ ………………………………………… Child 3: _______________ Yr/Class: ______________ …………………………………………… Child 4: _______________ Yr/Class:_______________

School Parent Network Meeting

As there are a large amount of Parent Information Sessions being held

tomorrow night, Wednesday 13th

February, we have decided to hold

our first SPN meeting for 2013 next month. It will now be on the 13th

March from 7.00 - 8.30pm. We welcome anyone who wants to come

and contribute to our informal discussions. We apologise for any

inconvenience with this change.

A reminder notice will be put in the newsletter closer to this date.

School Parent Network Meeting

As there are a large amount of Parent Information Sessions being held

tomorrow night, Wednesday 13th

February, we have decided to hold

our first SPN meeting for 2013 next month. It will now be on the 13th

March from 7.00 - 8.30pm. We welcome anyone who wants to come

and contribute to our informal discussions. We apologise for any

inconvenience with this change.

A reminder notice will be put in the newsletter closer to this date.

School Parent Network Meeting

As there are a large amount of Parent Information Sessions being held

tomorrow night, Wednesday 13th

February, we have decided to hold

our first SPN meeting for 2013 next month. It will now be on the 13th

March from 7.00 - 8.30pm. We welcome anyone who wants to come

and contribute to our informal discussions. We apologise for any

inconvenience with this change.

A reminder notice will be put in the newsletter closer to this date.