Principal’s Post – 21 June 2018

Dear Parents and members of our school community,

OUR PRAYER

Our faith is enriched by the many stories told by Jesus to teach us how we should live our lives. When we teach the story of the Good Samaritan or explain the parable of the Prodigal Son, we are sharing eternal truths of generosity, kindness, sorrow and forgiveness. So often we forget that children need to read these stories just as much as they read their fiction or factual books. Our Library has a selection of Bible stories at 220 in the non-fiction area. Encourage your children to choose a book from here.

***** Whilst on the theme of stories, I encourage parents to share their family’s history with their children. Last week I enjoyed a fascinating discussion with the principal of CBC Fremantle, Mr Domenic Burgio. He told me that he was shocked that the majority of boys had no idea of even how their parents had met let alone any idea of their grandparents’ lives. Attached are two views of something from my family’s history. Here is a clue: both my grandmother and mother were talented dressmakers. A book voucher goes to the first student who can identify what this box was used for. Please use objects that have special significance in your life eg grandfather’s war medals, mum’s wedding photo, old tools or anything that will add to the stories you share about your family. I look forward to children coming up to me with some fascinating stories.

Lord Jesus, shepherd extraordinary, well we remember how your energy was spent in looking for those rejected by society and by religious institutions. Make us aware of those left out in conversation, left behind in the race for wealth, ignored in social gatherings, forgotten by government and Church. Then give us the courage not to stand till but to include them into your

family.

Evacuation Drill Today, we evacuated every single child and every staff member in less than two minutes. Your children will also tell you that just as we arrived, the heavens opened and we were all soaked! This was an evacuation drill that they’ll all remember.

Kindergarten Enrolments for 2019 Interviews for Kindergarten 2019 have started. If your child was born between 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2015 they are eligible for Kindergarten in 2019. Parents of children with siblings are urged to ensure their applications have been submitted to avoid disappointment.

3 Year Old Kindergarten Enrolments for 2019 Interviews for 3 Year Old Kindergarten have also commenced. If your child was born between 1 July 2015 and 30 June 2016 your child will be able to join the program once they turn three. Application forms are available from the front office at the school or on the school website. For further information, please contact the school office on 9499 9500.

Instrumental Music Program New Enrolments for Term 3 (Years 2-6) New students to the Instrumental Program are sought for Term 3. If your child has an interest in learning an instrument, please complete the Music Program 2018 Mid Year Agreement Form further in this newsletter.

Once completed return to the office in person or via email to accounts@stjeromes.wa.edu.au. Prior to enrolling Year 2 students into the program please discuss with their teacher your intentions to enrol your child to ensure that these lessons will not impact on their learning.

Instrumental lessons are held during school time and lessons are rotated so that your child does not miss the same subject each week. For more information please contact Dee at the office.

Instruments/Lessons available for Term 3 are:

Piano/Keyboard Drums

Guitar

Vocals

Agreements are required prior to the Monday 25.6.18. Any agreements received after this date may not be allocated a place for Term 3.

Current Term 2 Students Please note that current students will be automatically re-enrolled for Term 3.

Cancellations If your child is having lessons at present and does not wish to continue lessons in Term 3, a written note or email must be provided to the office and to the tutor by Monday 25.6.18, or earlier if advised an alternative date by your child’s tutor.

***** May I remind parents that the turning bay at the back of the church is just that, a turning bay and is not to be used as a waiting bay or a parking bay. It is also important that parents do not park in front of the chain at Drive Through when it is in place. These are both serious safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians. When drivers stop in front of the chain, traffic becomes banked up on Rockingham road preventing other drivers from entering the carpark and using the vacant bays. We encourage parents intending to use the Drive Through to delay coming to pick up their children until after 3:15pm when the flow of cars moves quite steadily. Drive Through can open any time between 3:10 and 3:15pm. The exact time is determined by when the Pre Primary children using Drive Through are seated on the limestone wall and the flow of cars trying to leave the carpark has reduced. To open before this time just adds to the problem.

Please support us in our efforts to keep you and your children safe.

________________________

Helen O’Toole Principal

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