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20 November 2020

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Dear Parents
 
Last night I attended a Mass and dinner hosted by Bishop Anthony Randazzo and the Director of Schools, Mr Danny Casey, to celebrate an unforgettable year. One of the readings in the Mass was from the Book of the Apocalypse that spoke of flood, fire and disease! A very apt reading for 2020. Bishop Anthony made the obvious connection between the reading and the challenging year that was 2020, but rather than seeing it as a punishment as it was in the Bible, he suggested we view it as the opportunity for new beginnings.

On that theme, that is what we have been doing in planning for 2021. The School Advisory Council met on Monday evening to continue breaking down feedback from the parent survey distributed in Term 3. Three main themes have emerged; Community, Quality Teaching and Learning, and Communication. As we prepare for next year, we have considered many of the suggestions that have come out of the survey. There is a resounding need to work on strengthening our community. We welcomed our new families early in the year and look forward to reconnecting with them. Our focus now is to re-engage with our whole school community and to involve as many of our families as possible. Next week you will receive a Google form, accompanied by a video, asking you to consider how you may contribute to making St Kieran’s thrive. Consider volunteering for the Parents and Friends, class parents, canteen, car park, library or any other roles where we need support.

Next week is Week 7, also known as Fallow Week, a week where our school community takes a break from the regular routines such as homework and meetings. I encourage you and your family to make next week a fallow week in your home and spend quality time resting and preparing for what is the sprint to the finish line of the school year over the following three weeks.

On Monday, the majority of students will be participating in the swimming carnival at Manly Pool. Apart from a great day of fun, exercise and competition, the carnival is a selection trial for the Northern Beaches Carnival held in early 2021. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, only parents who have volunteered will be able to attend. All students will be returning to school by bus at the conclusion of events.

The Tell Them from Me survey for parents is still open. This will be the last week for you to complete.

Congratulations to Jaden W. (Year 6) who has been selected to train with Manly United FC as a goal keeper for the U/13 AYL team. Well done Jaden!

Principal
Michael Gallagher

2020 School Dates and Terms

November
Mon 23:  Swim Carnival
Thurs 26: Kinder & Yr 1 Swim Safety
Fri 27:     Yoga Kinder 
               Yr 6 Spirituality Day
December
Thurs 3:  Yr 4 excursion to Bilarong
Fri 4:       Yoga Yrs 5 & 6
                Dads' Curry Night 7pm
Fri 11:      Yoga Yrs 5 & 6
Mon 14:  Yr 6 Lunch
                Yr 6 Celebration Evening 6pm
Wed 16:  12pm End of Year Mass Yrs 3 - 6 in the Church
                12pm End of Year Liturgy Yrs K - 2 in the Library
               Term 4 Ends for students
               Yr 6 dinner Balgowlah Bowling Club (Balgowlah Heights)
January 2021
Wed 27:  Teachers Return
Thurs 28: Students Yrs 1 - 6 commence
February
Mon 1: Kinder commence
 
Please note that dates may be subject to change.  Remember to check your Compass App for any updates.

Organising Classes

Last week I wrote about the end of year reports that teachers are currently working on.  Reports are but one aspect of the many details teachers need to finalise, particularly during Term 4 when we also have one eye on 2021.

Towards the end of this term, once the classes for 2021 have been organised, teachers meet to hand over information, reports and data on students.  A teacher will have to meet with the previous students’ teacher to receive hand over information and then meet again with the 2021 teacher to provide hand over information.  This is because we want to ensure that all necessary data is made available to guarantee a smooth transition for the students into 2021.  At the start of each year, teachers will assess students in their own class while keeping in mind information shared at the hand over meeting. 

As explained last week, by Michael in his section of the newsletter, teachers also work closely to consider carefully the placement of students into class groupings for 2021.  The process around this is involved and requires a high level of professional judgement.  Learning needs are considered as well as group dynamics and social/emotional needs.  The process involves a thorough progression of analysing all possibilities and often will require going right back to start when changes are made as there is a “Domino Effect” that can be caused when this occurs.  Students are also involved in the process as they are asked to nominate some peers they would like in their class.  They are ensured of at least one of those students being in their class.

Class requisites and provisions for 2021 are also considered at this time.  Lists are organised and orders placed ensuring the smoothest possible start to a new year of learning.
 
Enjoy the weekend.
     Marisa Bombardieri, Assistant Principal

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS

Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week.

17 Nov: Kayla B
18 Nov:  Lauryn W
19 Nov: Alicia D, Lucas M and Ben W
20 Nov:  Madeleine G
21 Nov: Meabh K and Regan Y
22 Nov: Maddison B

SCHOOL  NEWS



Important

All visitors to the school must sign in via the Compass kiosk located at school reception.
Congratulations to the following students who received Merit awards this week:

KB:  Emma H, Indi M and Ivy A
1B:   Clara D and Cooper T
1W:  Zac B and Kate L
2B:   Tommy D and Eli A
2W:  Christian G and Oscar M
3B:   Kayla B, Amelie P, Zofia K and Ella C
3W:  Mila C and Asher K
4B:   Emilia G and Nina F
4W:  Sophia S and Sebi dS
5B:  Freya M and Aoife S
5/6: Gretel W and Nicholas W
6B: Maddison B and Jaden W
PE: Marlon W and Emme O


What a busy week we had with the Book Fair! While we couldn’t have parents and students buying their own books and goodies, we did spend a lot of time setting up, completing Wish Lists with the students, collecting Wish Lists and packing the orders. I would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to:
  • Mrs Perry for helping set up the Fair and process of the orders and,
  • Mrs Foale for photographing the Fair and organising the price lists that were in the Newsletter, class Facebook pages and Compass.

I really appreciate all the hours put into this to make our Fair a success. The proceeds of the Fair will benefit the students of St Kieran’s.

Reorders: Reorders will be sent to Scholastic on Monday and hopefully will be at school by the end of next week.

           
As I will be packing the Fair up on Monday, I am happy to process any last minute orders on Monday only. However, please note that if any items are no longer available, your child will be asked to select something else.
  

Library Borrowing

Next week (Week 7) will be the last week for borrowing for 2020. Please ensure all books are returned from Week 8.

Religious Education

“Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Broken Bay exist to educate and form young people in Catholic discipleship; offering them experiences of following Jesus as members of the Catholic community.” Pg16 K -12 Religious Education Curriculum.

This mission statement could be summarised as ‘At St Kieran’s Catholic Primary School, we plan for students to come to know, love and serve God.’

KNOW: Students engage in a rigorous and rich Religious Education Program that involves taking the messages of the Scriptures and relating these teachings to their lives.

LOVE: Students plan and participate in a wide variety of joyful liturgies, Masses, celebrations and experiences designed to give expression to and build a love of Gospel values, of each other and of God.

SERVE: Students use the ‘Service-Learning Model’ to develop an awareness of the lives of others and serve others in their community through age appropriate activities.
 

Christmas Carols

Unfortunately due to COVID restrictions our Christmas Carol get together in the playground has had to be cancelled. 

Yours in Religious Education,
     Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar

Drink Bottle Reminder


Please remember to send your child's drink bottle to school with them.  Due to COVID restrictions, the bubblers are out of service.  Students may refill their bottles at school from their classroom.

School Fee Relief

The Diocese of Broken Bay is committed to supporting families as the impact of COVID 19 continues to be felt in the community. To apply for COVID fee relief please click here

Student Absences

If your child is absent from school please remember to log their absence via Compass.  By law, all student absences must be explained.  If you don't enter your child's absence on Compass you must send a note to the school.

2021 School Travel Applications Now Open

Applications for student travel in 2021 are now open. Students who require a School Opal card or travel pass for 2021 can now apply online. A new application should be submitted if a student is applying for a school travel pass for the first time or requesting an additional pass as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody). 

For full details click here.

Dads' Curry Night

Friday 4 Dec 2020
Urban Tadka 7.00pm

 

I am pleased  to announce Dads Xmas Curry night will be on againat the Urban Tadka  _ Terry Hills. They do a great package Banquet and Drinks .

There will be a limit of 30 people so first in best dressed.
As I can't do the coach this year, I will talk to Uber and see what Cars/ Transport we can arrange or if this is possible.

Looking forward to a great night.

Howie    
Email Howardgiles100@hotmail .com   Tel 0438888528

Volunteers - Please remember to sign in at the Compass Kiosk at reception when you arrive at school.

Please follow our Canteen Facebook Page.  Volunteer opportunities are posted here.

Week 7
Wednesday 25 November
Nicole Crane
Afternoon – Melissa Dunn
 
Thursday 26 November
Sara-Jane Lai
Susanne Foale
 
Friday 27 November
Nicole Covich
Riany Tanner
Morning – Rosa Marotta
Afternoon – Natalia Clack
 
Thank you
     Hannah, Canteen Coordinator, 0438 433 231 

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

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's article Modelling self kindness.

Before and After School Care

Please be reminded of our contact details:

All calls, emails and texts will be returned during Coordinators admin hours which are 9am to 10:30am and 2pm to 3pm.

Alanna Kellendonk
Coordinator St Kieran's OSHC

Entertainment Memberships


Click here to support us now. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact Susan Nicols at slnicols@hotmail.com.

PARISH NEWS

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 further information please contact Janette on 0408 866 521 or via email

Baptism of Young Children Program
Is your child interested in becoming a Catholic or would you like your child to become a Catholic and participate in the 2021/2022 Children’s Sacramental Program?

Our Baptism of Young Children Program (for children aged 7yrs – 11yrs) will be offered in Term 4 2020 on Sunday 15, 22 and 29 November.
Please contact Janette at sacraments@northharbourcatholic.org.au or on 0408 866 521. 
      Janette Davidson - Family and Sacramental Minister, Catholic Community of North Harbour
 

COMMUNITY NEWS

COVID-19 Updates

For COVID-19 updates and latest news, click here.
 

Keyboard Lessons

Learn music from VIP Music.  For information click here.
 

Manly Warringah Basketball

Click here for basketball information for Term 1 2021.
Copyright © 2020 St Kieran’s Manly Vale, All rights reserved.


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