st stephen’s catholic school...
TRANSCRIPT
“Find
happiness in making others
happy.” Mary Mackillop -
1867
St Stephen’s Catholic School
Newsletter T E R M 2 , W E E K 5 1 1 M A Y 2 0 1 6
Mother’s Day Stall and Liturgy.
REMINDER:
Under 6’s Day –Friday
27th May
Please note: Error in Week 3, Term 2 Newsletter - Uniform policy, Sports
Uniform to be worn on Thursdays and Fridays. Apologies!
SCHOOL PHOTOS WENT HOME YESTERDAY!
If there are any problems with your order, please contact the
office.
Student Protection
Resources for Parents
Legal Aid: For free
legal advice –1300
651 188
Child Safety Services:
You can make a re-
port or voice your
concerns—1300 683
390
P A G E 2
Principal’s Message
We are almost half way through this term and a lot has happened. This week is NAPLAN week for
years 3 and 5 students. By the time you receive this newsletter the tests will almost be complete.
Last week I attended the three days of Principal Meetings in Roma. It was a very busy time with
lots of learning! Pat Coughlan, the Executive Director of Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office en-
couraged us all to seek nominations from our school communities for the Spirit of Catholic Educa-
tion Awards. These awards close this Friday 13th May. I’m sure there are many people in our com-
munity deserving of a nomination. If you would like to nominate someone please go to this web-
site to download the form. http://www.catholiceducationweek.com.au/awards.
A big thank you to Miranda Stirling and Amanda Polzin and their band of helpers who ran an
amazing Mother’s Day Stall last Thursday. Many parents, teachers and children have commented
on how wonderful it was. I myself was very excited to hear I had won a prize for my mother. Keep
up the good work.
During the week you may have noticed that some of the gates have had locks put on them during
the school day. This is simply a precautionary measure to ensure the continued safety of all the
children in our care at St Stephen’s. The front gate and the gate near the bus shelter are not
locked but kept closed during school hours also. These are the two recommended entrances for
parents, visitors and contractors.
Finally, I’d like to leave you with this prayer that was shared with the principals in Roma
A God of Expression
God smiles, this much I know
For he created laughter
So that we may join in the enjoyment of
His creative energy
Those wonderful colour schemes of bird
Butterfly and flower.
The shapes and expressions on so many
Creatures and insects
These weren’t created by a boring God
They were drawn and planned by a God
With a sense of humour
And that’s a comforting thought!
God Bless,
Janine
P A G E 3
Year 3 News
Busy, busy, busy!
The excitement is building in Year 3 with the material for our cushions ready to be dyed. We are
using the tie-dye method and are looking forward to the final patterns being revealed!
With our excursion coming up in June, we have been enjoying the antics of Andy and Terry in
their ever-growing treehouse! We are looking forward to comparing the book to the play. The
Treehouse stories have become a firm favourite in our classroom. We have been listening for
descriptive words in the text and narrative markers (character descriptions, settings, building of
plot and resolutions).
The other project we will begin soon is the papier mache model project. Each child will create a
model of their heads using papier mache. Once completed, they will make their ‘body’ using
stockings. If anyone has spare stockings which could be donated to Year 3, they will be put to
good use. Thank you.
We are also powering along with our rolling number chants.
Year 2 News What an EGG-citing time we are having in Year 2 at the
moment! We are thrilled to welcome some new additions
to our classroom. We have some baby chicks (as well as
some eggs ready to hatch over the next few days). Our
first chicks hatched on Tuesday morning to the great ex-
citement of all the children (and their teacher). One of
the boys called out, “Hey guys! We’re mums and dads
now!”
Over the next two weeks, our class will be engaging in
many learning activities based around our EGG-citing new
little additions. We will be writing diaries, information
reports, graphing data and many more activities.
We have been learning all about how to care for our
chicks. Ask one of our students around the school for
some information. They have been giving some great in-
structions to siblings on how to safely observe the chicks.
You are welcome to come and visit before or after school
if Mrs. Cavanagh or Mrs. Carlaw are in the room.
P A G E 4
From the APRE’s Desk
Mary Mackillop Quote for 2016
As is the custom at St Stephen’s Catholic School all staff are given an opportunity to vote for their
preferred quote from Mary Mackillop. As you would be aware, our school was founded nearly 100
years ago by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and as a result, the Josephite charism is integral to our faith
and spirituality as a Catholic Community.
The quote…”Find happiness in making others happy” from 1899 has been chosen to guide our re-
flective practice and spiritual nourishment as a staff for 2016. It is a very simple saying but reflects
much about what we are trying to instil in not only our students but all members of our school
community. All Students, staff, parents and parish need to walk together along our Road to Jerusa-
lem where we encourage our focus to move from ourselves on to others, and then invariably, on to
the greater good of all humanity. It is such a simple quote but doesn’t it speak volumes? Rudyard
Kipling’s poem’ IF’ speaks volumes about happiness and how we may attain more of it or on the
flipside, less of it. I read this quite poem regularly as a means to calibrate my life and I would like to
share it with you.
IF – Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)
IF you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: 'Hold on!'
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
' Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
if neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!
Fundraising
As you would be aware, our focus charity for Term 2 is the Queensland Cancer Council. The
school’s Mackillop under the guidance of Mrs Cavanagh will facilitate the Biggest Morning Tea.
This will be held on Wednesday 22 June, 2016. Our other major fundraising event will be a Fun Run
which will be held on Friday 24 June, 2016. Mr Doherty will facilitate this event. Students will be
asked to obtain sponsorship for this event. Details will be sent home over the coming weeks.
While charity is an important outcome from these events, from an educational point of view, it is
our hope that students learn the difference between charity and social justice. Obtaining sponsor-
ship allows an avenue for students to communicate with their parents and members of the broad-
er community about cancer and its effect on our society.
Liturgical Celebrations
Please find a summary of our Liturgical Celebrations for the next 4 weeks.
Please keep the Ostwald and Butlin families in your thoughts and prayers as they both negotiate
significant medical challenges over the coming weeks.
God’s Blessings
Keith Blaikie
Date Day Liturgical Celebration Year Level
13 May 10.30am Friday Mass - Beauaraba Lodge Year 4
22 May 9am Sunday School Family Mass All students
25 May 9am Wednesday Mass – St Stephen’s Church Year 1
1 June 9am Wednesday Mass – St Stephen’s Church Year 3
8 June 9am Wednesday Grand Parent’s Day Prayer Celebration with a shortened
Assembly.
-
P A G E 5
P A G E 6
Week 3 Term 2
Congratulations to: Alex, Johnny, Darcy, Harry, Eli and Gus.
Remember This week’s Assembly is on Wednesday @ 2:40pm in The Mackillop Hall.
Student of the Week Awards
On Saturday 6th August 2016 there are plans for some fete celebrations in the school
grounds followed by an Art Show in the evening. On Sunday 7th August there will be
a mass followed by some more family fun activities.
One of the main projects for the Centenary is a mosaic featuring Saint Mary of the
Cross Mackillop, which will be placed on the front of St Stephen’s School. The mosa-
ic will consist of small tiles from Venice and has been designed by Alain Colfs, a Bel-
gium National residing near Warwick. Alain also designed the St Francis De Sales
Mosaic on the Catholic Church in Millmerran.
St Stephen’s Centenary Committee are currently taking contributions for the special
projects, they are hopeful that many past pupils will get involved in the project. Do-
nations of $100 or more by past students, families or community members will be
listed on a plaque underneath the mosaic. If you would like to help towards the
costs of this historical piece of art, please contact St Stephen’s School Office on 07
4693 1627 or alternatively call Lloyd Cronin on 0428 220 617.
Closing date for inclusions on the plaque are 31st May, 2016
P A G E 7 T E R M 2 , W E E K 5
Athletics Training
With our annual Inter House Athletics Carnival fast approaching, preparations are well underway. As in
past years, extra training sessions will be offered to our 8 to 12 Year old students outside of the normal
HPE lessons with Mr Doherty. These sessions will take place on a Friday on the Parish Oval.
Mrs Lee
Sports Coordinator
Friday 2nd Lunch Mr Blaikie Mrs Lee Mrs Butlin
6 May Year 3 High Jump Year 4 Discus -
13 May Year 4 High Jump Year 3 Discus Year 5 Shot Put
20 May Year 5 High Jump Year 6 Discus Year 4 Shot Put
27 May Year 6 High Jump Year 5 Discus Year 3 Shot Put
3 June Year 3/4 High Jump Year 3-6 Discus Year 6 Shot Put
10 June Year 5/6 High Jump Year 3-6 Discuss Year 3-6 Sprints
Save the Date
Wednesday 22nd June @10:50.
Biggest Morning Tea.
To raise money for the Cancer Council of Australia.
Hosted by the MacKillop Club.
Multi-draw raffle - $1 a ticket, 3 tickets for $2.
Morning tea and warm Milo available for purchase.
Games organized at morning tea time by the MacKillop Club Leaders.
P A G E 8
Held on 21st April 2016
Venue: St Stephen's School Library
Opened: 7.05 pm
Present: Ria Coffin, Lisa McEwan, Sharon Denning, Sandra Coffin, Leah Moore, Janine Butlin
Apologies: Lisa Gillam, Miranda Stirling, Carol Hicks, Jen Bourke, Karen Miller.
Confirmation of previous minutes: Previous Minutes presented by Belinda Saal.
Moved: Sally Croft
Seconded: Lisa McEwan
Business arising from minutes:
Inward correspondence
Outward correspondence
Belinda moves that the correspondence report be passed. Seconded by Sally Croft
Business arising from correspondence: Nil
Treasurer’s report (Sally Croft)
Closing balance as of 21st March 2016 is $1793.62.
$1688 profit from the chip van
Item Issue Raised Action By
Qld Parents and Friends Federa-tion
Possibility of guest speaker to attend next P & F meeting at Afternoons and Coffeespoons
Janine to inquire 5th May 2016
Date From Content
12/04/16
Qld Parents and Friends Federation 2016 Biennial Queensland Catholic Schools Parents confer-ence (Email)
07/04/16
FRRR Reaping Rewards Grant Rd 6 2016
17/03/16
Moore Stephens Confirmation of Donation to St Stephens
Date To Content
March
Pittsworth Leagues Club Thank you letter for donation of chips for show
St Stephen’s School
Parents & Friends Association
General Meeting Minutes
P A G E 9
President's Report (Leah Moore)
Thanks to Carol for saving us $75 by complaining to the chip man regarding the broken fridge.
Thanks to Sandra and Janine for the effort they did on submitting the grant for phonic ear.
The 2005, 2006 minutes have been found. Still looking for 2011 minutes.
Chip Van Show 2017. The show society contacted me and asked if we were happy with the stall. Their feedback was all good, our chips were fresh and a reasonable price. They are wanting to know if we are interested in doing the chip van again next year. The reason they are asking is because Shannon’s Chips come every 2nd year (they go to Stanthorpe Apple & grape) the other year. The show society would rather support local and are in a position that if they know that we are keen to do it every year, then they will tell Shannon’s they are not allowed to come. Please discuss so I can get back to the show society.
Moved: Leah Moore
Seconded: Sally Croft
Principal's Report (Janine Butlin) – As per report
End of term 1 activities.
Term 2 started with Parent/Teacher interviews
Amanda Feddema commenced as administration assistant.
St Stephens enrolments are 134 students.
Ross Thomas is retiring and holding a closing down sale with 20% off uniforms.
Condamine clothing are able to order in tracksuit pants that match spray jacket for $25 a pair.
Contacted CEO office in relation to laptops and iPads. Laptops are $942.70 and iPads are $346. Keith, Lisa and myself met with Vanessa Crouch the Education Learning Officer eLearning. The school is going to purchase another set of 20 iPads. A Resource grant will be used to purchase a set of 25 laptops.
Looking into increasing the band width from 10mb to 20mb to help with speed and connectivity of internet.
Grants Report (Sandra Coffin) – As per report
Pittsworth Men's Shed re Outdoor Learning/Reading Area – Not interested due to insurance re-strictions
Pittsworth Woodturning Group re Outdoor Learning/Reading Area – It is suggested that the group supply materials and construct deck in return for a donation.
Qld Cancer Council Sun Smart Shade Grants – ineligible to apply
FRRR - “Let's Hear with Phonic Ear” grant application submitted on 20/3/16
New Hope Group – Request declined as our organisation is not within their local community focus area.
Grants currently open
Gambling Community Benefit Fund
SUEZ Environment Community Grants
Parish Report (Lisa Gillam) – As per report
24hrs of Adoration – Friday 27th May 9am to 4pm
Deb Ball - 13th May at 8 pm
Market Day – was a big success and the church raised $708
Floral Display was done at the church last weekend for the Gardens of the Downs.
General Business
Meeting Closed: 9.05pm
Next meeting: 9th June 2016 in the Library.
Reflection: Sally Croft.
No. Item Issue raised Action By
1. Register of Grants
List of grants that have been applied for to be tabled Belinda to compile list
12/05/16
2 Lockyer Valley Landcare Pro-gram– spon-sored by-Pohlmans
Are going to donate 4 trays of seedlings (1 per term) Nil
3 Smart Choices for school tuck-shop
Where is the school at with healthy tuckshop choices?
Sandra to source healthy options
Sandra to look for grant
12/05/16
4 Centenary Mo-saic
The P & F will donate $100 towards the Centenary Mosaic and the name be listed on the plaque. Moved – Belinda. Seconded – Sally.
Cheque to the drawn by
Sally
12/05/16
5. Chip Van Show 2017
The P & F will do the chip van at the 2017 Pittsworth Show. Moved - Ria. Seconded - Belinda.
Leah to advise Pitts-worth Show Society
12/05/16
6 Mother's Day Stall
All going well with plenty of volunteers. More dona-tions from school familes are needed.
Nil
7 RK Thomas Uni-forms
RK Thomas are closing down in Pittsworth and all uni-forms are 20% off. Uniforms will have to be sourced from another business in Pittsworth.
Janine to put notice in newsletter
27/04/16
8 Pyjama Day In support of foster care – 22/7/16 Janine to investigate 12/05/16
DATE ORDER COL-
LECTION SERVING CAKE DONA-
TION 11/05 Carol Hicks
Kim Webster
Sally Croft Simone Porter
18/05 Bec Heinemann Bec Heinemann
Sandra Coffin Katherine Anderson
25/05 Tracey Thomson Tracey Thomson
Naomi Janz Lisa McEwan
01/06 Sharon Denning Anita Mahon
Kerri Sullivan Karen Miller
08/06 Belinda Saal Michelle Cross
Ria Coffin Kirsty Ostwald
15/06 Leah Moore Nadine Blanch
Carol Hicks Jodie Frost
22/06 Pizza Day
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Tuck shop Roster
St Stephen’s School
Parents & Friends Association
Monthly Meeting
Thursday, 12th
May 2016 at 9.00am
To be held at Afternoons & Coffeespoons
AGENDA
Opening of meeting
Reflection
Welcome, Attendance and Apologies
Minutes of Previous Meeting
Business Arising from Previous Minutes
Correspondence
Treasurer's Report and accounts for payment
President’s Report
Principal’s Report
Other Reports
Grants
Parish
Business
P & F Award Nomination (Leah)
Next Meeting: 7.00pm on 9th June 2016 at School Library
Prayer
Meeting Closure
P A G E 1 2
St Mary’s College – Open Day – Sunday 29th May 2016 We would like to extend an invitation to all families to attend the St Mary’s College Open Day on Sunday the 29th May 2016 from 10am to 1pm. This is a great opportunity to: visit us on campus at 129 West Street, Toowoomba meet staff and students experience classroom and extra-curricular life at the College St Mary’s College has a proud history of providing quality holistic education to boys living in Toowoomba and the surrounding region. We would welcome your interest in the College and are currently taking final enrolments for 2017 and 2018. As St Mary's College is presently full in a number of grades we strongly encourage all families from the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools to enrol their sons as soon as possible for an immediate interview to secure a position for the coming years. Visit our website www.stmaryscollege.com for more information or drop in on the day. You are most welcome!
St Joseph’s College Toowoomba
Enrolment interviews for students wishing to enter Year 7 in 2018 will commence during Term 3, 2016. If you are considering applying to St Joseph’s College for enrolment in Year 7, 2018, please complete an Enrolment Application Form and forward to the College. Enrolments for 2018 will be finalised by Term 4, 2016. Because of high demand for enrolments at St Joseph’s, it is not always possible to offer places to all en-rolment applications. It would be regrettable if children from Catholic Primary Schools were unable to be offered a position because of late application. If you intend on enrolling your child at St Joseph’s for 2018, you are urged to do so during Term 2, 2016. St Joseph’s College Open Day 2016 will be conducted on Tuesday 24th May 2016, commencing at 8.30am. All are welcome to attend. Please contact the Enrolment Officer on: Phone: 4631 8525 or by Email: [email protected]
P A G E 1 3
Expressions of interest are called for a part-time cleaning position at St Stephen’s School.
The position is for 10 hours per week term time. Please submit your application in writing to the Principal by Wednesday 18th May, 2016.
If you are interested in applying for the posi-tion please contact the school office for more information on 46 931 627 or email [email protected]
The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse will close new applications for private sessions on 30 September 2016. If you know of people who would like to apply for a pri-vate session, it is important that they come for-ward now.
People who have already registered for a private session will not be affected. They have each been notified and are guaranteed to receive a private session if they still wish to attend.
Please contact the Royal Commission with any questions or for support by calling 1800 099 340 or by emailing [email protected].
P A G E 1 4
If you are interested and would like any more information on uniforms or other details regarding the day, please
contact Margaret Smith on 0438 933 032.
STUDENT TRAVEL REBATES
Semester 1, 2016
Students With Disability
Does your child have a verified disability that requires
transport assistance to and from school? Has your
school’s learning support teacher assessed your child’s
travel capability rating as ‘semi-independent’ or more
dependent?
Bus Fare Assistance
Does your child attend a school outside the Brisbane
City Council boundary? Does your family spend more
than $33/week* on fares to and from school (* $25/week
if you hold a concession card)? Does your child travel on
a publicly available bus not owned or associated with the
school?
Visit our website to see if you qualify for financial assistance to help with the cost of transport and
apply at www.schooltransport.com.au by 31 May 2016. Late applications cannot be accepted.
P A G E 1 5
Objectives of National Walk Safely to School Day are:
To encourage parents and carers to walk to school with primary school age children
To promote the health benefits of walking and create regular walking habits
To help children develop vital road crossing skills and ensure children up to the age of 10 years hold an adults
hand when crossing the road
To reduce car dependency and traffic congestion
To reduce the level of air pollution created by motor vehicles
To promote the use of public transport
PO Box 285,
Pittsworth
QLD
4356
Tel: 0746931627
Fax: 07 46932156
Email:[email protected] St Stephen’s Catholic School
Date Activity
MAY
10-12 NAPLAN
12 P &F Meeting @ 9.00am
20 Under 6’s Day
Walk Safely to School Day
22 School Family Mass
27 Under 6’s Day
JUNE
8 Grandparents Day
10 School Athletics Carnival
22 Biggest Morning Tea—10.50am
24 Last day of Term 2
What’s On
St Stephen’s School
Parents & Friends Association
Please join us for coffee
Parents & Friends of St Stephen's School
are welcome to attend
the St Stephen's P & F Association Meeting
to be held on
12th May 2016 at 9.00am
at
Afternoon's & Coffeespoons