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12 February 2021
Email Us
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Dear Parents
As we approach the end of the second full week of school, it is great to see all our students settled in to their classes and focused on learning. Teachers have commented on how well the children have returned to school and despite a few COVID restrictions, the school is running smoothly with very few disruptions. After today’s Mathematical Assessment Interviews, the next few weeks will allow for the teachers and students to immerse themselves in some quality teaching and learning time.
Last year our parents received a number of surveys, either from school or CSBB. Our survey was prepared by the School Advisory Council (SAC), an advisory body made up of parents, teachers and our parish priest, Fr Dave Austin. The responses were collated and “digested” by the SAC with a number of ideas formulated to address much of the feedback. The school leadership team, with the support of the SAC who will be meeting in just over a week, is planning to firm up some ideas to action during the next few months.
Three main themes arose from the survey; Community, Communication and Quality Teaching and Learning.
The other significant parent body in the school is the Parents and Friends Association (P&F). The P&F is the parent group that works in building strong community through the coordination of social events, opportunities for fundraising and meeting regularly with the principal to plan and provide feedback. Our current P&F committee will be standing down in the next few weeks at the AGM, with the opportunity for a new committee to be formed. While we have a couple of people interested in taking on some of the executive roles, I am still keen to hear from a few more people who would consider taking on the roles of secretary, co-president, or president and vice-president. Due to the impact of COVID in 2020, most of the current P&F’s plans were unable to be fulfilled. This year it is crucial in the strengthening of our community to have volunteers who are willing to assist in taking on this challenge (cognisant of the ongoing challenges with COVID restrictions). If this is a challenge that you and one or two others would consider taking on, I would be very keen to talk to you over the next few days.
Thank you to those who added a Google review for our school following last week's request. If you are able to, a few more reviews would be appreciated. Refer to last week's newsletter for instructions.
Next week marks the beginning of the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday being the first day of forty days of prayer, self-denial and almsgiving. St Kieran’s students will be receiving the ashes at some time during the day and subsequently learning about the themes associated with this season. Next week would be a good time for our families to consider the significance of the Lenten season and how might it be recognised in each home. Bishop Anthony has published a Lenten booklet which is available from the school if you would like to use it as a reflection guide. Shrove Tuesday, the day preceding Ash Wednesday, is also known as Pancake Tuesday. Pancakes can be ordered through Qkr with orders closing at Midday next Monday.
It was wonderful to have our Kindergarten parents dropping their children to school this week and being able to catch up for a short time on the playground. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions placed upon schools, All parents will be unable to enter the school grounds for drop off or pick up. There are exceptions that were communicated at the start of the year. As soon as these restrictions are relaxed, we will let you know. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Principal
Michael Gallagher
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2020 School Dates and Terms
February
Fri 12: MAI testing - Pupil Free Day
Tues 16: Shrove Tuesday - Pancake day
Kinder Parent Information evening 6pm
Wed 17: Ash Wednesday
Fri 19: Yoga Yrs 3 and 4
Tues 23: Year 3 Boys to St Paul's
March
Mon 1: Open Classrooms for Literacy 9am tbc
Tues 2: Northern Beaches Combined Swim Carnival
Fri 5: Yoga Ys 3 and 4
Mon 8: Cross Country
Tues 9: 6pm Broken Bay Swim Carnival
Fri 12: Yoga Yrs 3 and 4
Tues 16: Open Day
Mon 22: Parent /Teacher interviews this week
Tues 23: Stage 2 Gala Day
Thurs 25: Stage 3 Gala Day
Fri 26: Yoga Yrs 3 & 4
April
Thurs 1: End of Term 1
Mon 19: Term 2 commences
May
Mon 24: Athletics Carnival at Narrabeen
June
Thurs 24: End Term 2 for students
Fri 25: Staff Development Day - Pupil Free
July
Mon 12: Term 3 Commences
Fri 23: Grandparents Day tbc
August
Thurs 12: Northern Beaches Athletics Carnival
September
Thurs 16: End term 3 for students
Fri 17: Staff Development Day - Pupil Free tbc
October
Tues 5: Term 4 Commences
December
Wed 15: Last day for students
Please note that dates may be subject to change. Remember to check your Compass App for any updates.
2021 Term Dates
Term 1: Wednesday 27 January to Thursday 1 April (Good Friday 2 April)
Term 2: Monday 19 April to Friday 25 June
Term 3: Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September
Term 4: Tuesday 5 October to Friday 17 December
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Learner Diversity
Part of my teaching load is to work closely with the teachers in order to best support learner diversity. I would encourage you to read the following carefully as it is a concise summary of how the program works and it outlines also, avenues of assistance that may impact your child.
Our Learner Diversity Program is a multi-layered program designed to meet the needs of specific students as well as providing collaborative support in terms of the teaching and learning class programs. . . .
Enjoy the weekend!
Marisa Bombardieri, Assistant Principal
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Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week.
8 Feb: Ben P
12 Feb: Felicity B
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 Important
All visitors to the school must sign in via the Compass kiosk located at school reception.
No Entry Reminder
Due to COVID restrictions parents are reminded not to cross the school grounds.
Parents may only come to Reception via the Gordon St entrance.
Dismissal Times
2.50pm for Carpark
2.55pm for Bus and Gordon St collection
Also any student who shows COVID symptoms must not attend school and requires a negative test result before returning.
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Congratulations to the following students who received Merit awards this week:
KB: Lulu F and Zach D
KW: Chloe C and Mary H
1B: Lucinda B and Owen L
2B: Emily L and Jacob T
2W: Charlie M and Kate L
3B: Allegra C and Monty T
3W: Andrew G and Mateo BL
4B: Samuel C and Olivia R
4W: Jacob B and Ella C
5B: Emilia G and Katelyn W
5/6: Aoife S and Dylan J
6B: Malgorzata K and Oliver S
PE: Joel J and Jake F
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Billing of School Fees
School fees are billed annually at the beginning of Term 1 (8 Feb) by CSBB and are due in 10 monthly instalments. The first instalment is due 21 February with the last payment being 21 November. School fees may be paid more frequently (annually, fortnightly or weekly), however the monthly instalment amount is to be paid by the 21st of the month.
Our preferred method of payment for fees is BPAY. Fees can also be paid by EFTPOS or Credit Card.
Please refer to the attached letter sent to all families in December for more information.
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Religious Education
If you were ever a fan of songwriter Johnny Mercer, you will recognise these lyrics:
“You’ve got to
Accentuate the positive
Eliminate the negative
Latch onto the affirmative
Don’t mess with Mr In-between.”
Not that he intended to do so, but Johhny could be giving us some excellent advice as Ash Wednesday approaches and with it the forty days of Lent.
Lent it is about improving our spiritual lives and seeking a closer relationship with God. . . . . . .
Read more about Lent, the Sacramental Program and the Burning of the Palms
Yours in Religious Education,
Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar
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Italian Club for Stages 2 & 3
Buongiorno a tutti!
I hope you have had an ottimo start to the new year. This year I am happy to announce that we are starting our new Italian Club for students in Stages 2 & 3. We will meet on Thursdays at lunchtime to celebrate all things ‘Italianabulous’! Those who will join will have an opportunity to engage and participate in activities related to theatre, art, craft, history, research, music and much more. If your child would like to join us, ensure they see me next week.
So why Italian? Follow the link and find out what our program here at St Kieran’s involves!
A presto!
Maestra Fabiola
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Valentine's Day 2021
Valentine's Day is a day we want to share love with each other... Not with flowers, not with chocolates but with UNDIES!
Each year our school collects undies to give to the homeless of Sydney. We ask everyone to bring in a packet or two of undies (ladies, mens, boys and girls undies).
There are boxes in the foyer that you can put your undies into (clean ones!). These undies are donated to the Wayside Chapel in Sydney.
Valentine's Day… Don't say it with flowers, don't say it with chocolates, say it with UNDIES.
Make sure you bring in the undies by Friday of Week 4!
Many thanks in anticipation of your support.
The Mission Team.
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Library News
Please take note of the day your child is able to borrow books as they must have a library bag.
Parent Help – I always need help for shelving and covering books. If you would like to continue, or to start helping in any way in the library, please email the school or fill in the linked form. If you have not contacted or covered books before or would like a refresher, I will hold a very quick session either before or straight after school at a convenient time.
We will send home about a dozen books for covering once or twice a term at most. If you wish to help shelve books you can choose to come in the morning or afternoon – whichever suits you.
Many thanks
Liz McGuire
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Book Club
Orders for the current issue of Book Club are due by Saturday 13 February. Online orders only.
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Safer Internet Day
This week students participated in a range of activities to recognise Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 9th February. As part of recognising the day, students were reminded of appropriate and respectful behaviour when using the internet and were encouraged to “start the chat” and report any harmful content to a trusted adult.
Sadly the eSafety Commissioner recently published that 1 in 5 young people reported being abused, threatened or socially excluded online. With students having an increased online presence, it is essential that they feel confident to speak up and know who to seek assistance from if such a situation arises.
To learn more about the day and to seek further information on tips to guide your child to have safer experiences online, please access the parent resources on the e-safety commissioner’s website. https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
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Student Medications
If your child requires medication at school please send their medication and plan to school as soon as possible. Please ensure that all medications are within their expiry dates. If you have new plans please include a copy of the plan.
No medication will be administered unless authorised by a doctor. This includes Panadol, Nurofen, cold and flu remedies, creams etc.
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Summer and Sport Uniform.
Please click here to view the summer uniform and sport uniform expectations
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Road Safety Education
Some reminders and helpful hints from a Road Safety Education
Public Transport reminder to all students: covid safe travel notifications
- Remember to ‘tap on & off’ with your opal card as you travel to & from school. This is particularly important during COVID when tracing is an important part of the public safety strategy.
Parent info
Remember to slow down around students. Transport NSW link.
Resources:
There is a new resource on SAFETY TOWN for Kindergarten and year 1: “Grandpa & Amy’s Trip to Circular Quay – the interactive story book” It is part of the new resources within Safety Town.
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Volunteers - Please remember to sign in at the Compass Kiosk at reception when you arrive at school.
Upcoming Volunteers
Wednesday 17 Feb - Ann Camp and Natalie Feeney
Thursday 18 Feb - Ally Browne and Kylie Billing (Afternoon)
Friday 19 Feb - Eleanor Hill, Richard Bartlett and John McNamara (Afternoon)
Thank you
Hannah, Canteen Coordinator, 0438 433 231
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Extra Curricula Opportunities
Evergreen Music
Enrolments are now open for Mixed Ensembles on a Tuesday morning prior to school. All instruments including voice are catered for. Please click here for information.
Young Investigators Science
Enrolments are now open for Young Investigators Term 1 2021. This term, we have two classes available running on both Wednesday & Thursday mornings. To enrol or for further information please click here.
Alana Wylie PhD - Eye Heart Science
Drama
Enrolments are now open for Drama classes at lunchtime on Monday. To enrol click here.
Stephanie Waites, Drama Teacher - 0407 235 914
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Dads' Curry Night
We would like to kick off this year's first Curry Night on Friday 12 March at Ashiana in Manly (2 Sydney Road just behind the Steyne).
Meet from 6pm onwards at the front bar of the Steyne for pre-dinner drinks and 7.30pm at the restaurant.
We are looking forward to seeing some old and new faces – Alumni are always welcome. New Kindy dads are especially welcome.
Let me know by return email if you would like to come.
Cheers Howie howardgiles100@hotmail.com
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Compass Guide for Parents
Compass is now our main form of communication with all families. If you are experiencing any issues with logging in, booking parent teacher interviews, viewing school reports or adding attendance notes, please refer to the Compass Guide for Parents. If you need to have your password reset please email or call the office.
Compass Guide
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Parenting Ideas- Michael Grose
Michael Grose is a former teacher and one of Australia's leading parenting and educational writers and speakers. He is the author of nine books for parents, plus 'Parenting Ideas' which offers a wide variety of parenting and educational resources from renowned experts including himself. Please click on the link for this week: A simple formula for parenting
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Before and After School Care Contact Details
All calls, emails and texts will be returned during Coordinators admin hours which are 9am to 10:30am and 2pm to 3pm.
Patricia Downey
Coordinator St Kieran's OSHC
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Entertainment Memberships
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Masses
For all Parish Bulletins from the Catholic Community of North Harbour please click here.
Parish Gospel and Homily Live Streaming Facebook or via YouTube.
For information regarding the Sacraments please contact Janette Davidson on 0408 866 521 or via email.
Important information about changes to the Children’s Sacramental Program
Last year parents were notified via the school newsletter and in the parish bulletin that as part of the review of Sacramental preparation in the diocese, the following decisions have been taken:
- The order of the Sacraments of Initiation remains unchanged: Baptism – Confirmation – First Reconciliation – Eucharist (First Communion).
- From 2021 onwards, children will receive Confirmation in Year 3 (not Year 2 as was the practice) and then the remaining Sacraments in Year 4.
This will mean that children in Year 3 this year will commence their Sacraments with Confirmation in 2021. Dates for the celebration of Confirmation will be in August 2021.
2021/2022 Children’s Sacramental Program information with the Confirmation Preparation Program outline and enrolment dates can be downloaded from the parish website and from the back of both churches.
For more information please contact Janette at sacraments@northharbourcatholic.org.au or on 0408 866 521.
Parish School Youth Mass – Sunday 14 February – 6.00pm
This Sunday 14 Feb at 6pm there will be a Parish School Youth Mass at St Kieran’s Catholic Church – King St, Manly Vale. All parishioners are welcome, especially families and youth. Students from our local schools have been invited to attend. This liturgy will be tailored specifically for young people with vibrant music, an engaging message and of course Augustinian community. A reminder to please bring a face mask to attend Mass.
- This Youth event will be held twice a term on the following dates.
- Sun 14 February (Term 1)
- Sun 14 March (Term 1)
- Sun 9 May (Term 2)
- Sun 13 June (Term 2)
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COVID-19 Updates
For COVID-19 updates and latest news, click here.
Administrative Assistant Job Opportunity
One of our parents has a job opportunity for an admin assistant to work in King St. For information regarding this position please click here.
VIP Music
Learn Music on Keyboard in the Parish Centre. Click here for information.
Queenscliff Netball Club
Winter registration is now open. Please visit www.queenscliffnetball.asn.au Modified rules for U8 and U9 ages.
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