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27 August 2021

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Dear Parents

Today’s announcement by the Premier of a staggered return to school next term will be welcomed by our parents, just as it is by our staff. The return date of Monday 25 October is for Kindergarten and Year 1 students. Years 2 and 6 will return on Monday 1 November followed by Years 3, 4 and 5 the following week. I have been informed by our Director of Schools, Mr Danny Casey, that a statement will be sent to parents today with further information. I will endeavour to keep you updated as more information comes to hand over the next few days. 

St Monica and St Augustine 

The feasts of St Monica and St Augustine occur today and tomorrow. St Augustine is the patron saint of the order of priests who look after our parish. St Monica was the mother of St Augustine. Both are highly regarded in the Church. We wish our priests a happy feast day. Please keep them in your prayers as they also endure the challenges of lockdown, unable to fully serve our community as they would wish. 

Trivia Night 

Last Saturday evening’s St Kieran’s Trivia Night was a tremendous success. There were approximately 40 families involved in the three rounds of questions. The intermissions were filled with dancing, music and even a saxophone performance by Darcy B from Year 5. Congratulations to the Roy (1st place), Covich (2nd place) and Kirkham families (3rd place). The winning colour house was Yellow followed by Green, Blue then Red. Many thanks to Evergreen Music for hosting the night. Maybe another night in Term 4? 

P&F Executive and Class Parent Meeting 

Each term, the P&F executive meet prior to the general P&F meeting. Class Parents also meet, usually once per term. This week we combined this meeting on Zoom to address a few items that have come up regarding P&F funds, HBL+ and how school is operating during this time. The P&F committee has provided a summary of the meeting which can be found in the newsletter. 

HBL+ 

CSBB has responded to requests from the Catholic School Parents representative body (CSP), as well as schools themselves, for further resourcing for Home Based Learning initiatives. The provision of these resources is referred to as HBL+. St Kieran’s has requested extra resources to assist in meeting the needs of students who may be more vulnerable in their learning, as well as addressing the social and emotional impact of HBL on our students. 

As we enter Week 8 of the school term, it is very evident that our whole school community has been impacted by learning from home. Our teachers are aware of the fatigue that is setting in with many of the students and will be adjusting the work accordingly over the last couple of weeks of the term. If you feel you need to speak to the school counsellor about any struggle you or your child may be facing at present, please contact the school office so that the counsellor can contact you. This is done with the utmost confidentiality.  

You will have received a message from the class teacher regarding assessment or priority tasks. These are activities that the teachers will be using to monitor student progress this term. It is important that the children complete these tasks independently so that the results reflect the student’s own ability. More information regarding Semester 2 reporting will be communicated in Term 4. 

Home Packs 

A message sent yesterday via Compass offers optional Home Packs for students. These will be available for pick up in the foyer each Monday morning. Remember to register via the Google Form. 

Supervision 

A reminder to complete the Google Form if you need supervision for your child next week. This form will be closed at 5pm this evening. 

A wise person said to me a week or two ago, that while we endure the challenges of lockdown and HBL, each new day is one day closer to the end of lockdown. Please stay safe and look after each other. 

God bless, 

   Michael Gallagher
   Principal

2021 Term Dates


Term 3:  Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September
Term 4:  Tuesday 5 October to Wednesday 15 December for students (Thurs & Fri are Staff Development days)
 

Upcoming Dates

September
Fri 10:  Kinder 2022 Transition via Zoom
Fri 17:  End Term 3
October
Tues 5:  Term 4 commences
Mon 25: Kinder and Yr 1 return to school
November
Mon 1: Yr 2 and Yr 6 return to school
Mon 8:  Yrs 3 to 5 return to school
 
Did you know that the Compass Calendar updates automatically to our website?  It's easy to view on your mobile phone. Click on the button below to access.
School Dates

Religious Education 

We can do it. NO, we will do it, IN LOVE.
Jean Vanier, who started a world organisation of homes for handicapped people, made the following statement which has a universal application for all people.

“When I am sure I am loved, when I can really count on someone who trusts me, then, everything is different. I have a friend. We can share our thoughts and feelings. We can help each other. I am loved therefore I am important. I can build, and help build others and the community” 

Children need all the love we can give them. Sometimes love is sharing the joy and the accomplishments of life and sometimes love is talking through and supporting life’s hiccups. Certainly, in today’s world climate we are called upon to demonstrate love through our nurturing support of our children.  I am reminded of the second half of 1 Corinthians 13: 
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails.”

 

Prayer for Patience
Grant me patience Lord,
as I await Your answers to my call.

Teach me to be still in the midst of the storms
for Your timing is always perfect,
never too early and never to late.

Knowing that You hold the future,
it is definitely worth the wait!

Yours in Religious Education,
     Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar

THIS WEEK'S BIRTHDAYS

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

23 Aug: Louis H and Monty T
24 Aug: James G 
26 Aug: Oliver S
27 Aug: Grace C

SCHOOL  NEWS

Congratulations to the following students who received Merit awards this week:

KB: Jake F
KW: Jake L
1B Hayden B and Emma H
2BEmily L and Emme O
2W: Kate L and Jorgie A
3B: Audrey F and Tyler P
3W: Billy B and Sofia M
4B: Lucy W and James G
4W: Maya H, Amelie P and Zac B
5B: Max D and Emilia G
5/6: Darcy B and Michael P
6B: Philippa Q and Joel J
 

From the P&F

Last Tuesday night the P&F and Class Parents had a Zoom Meeting with Michael and Marisa to discuss the school term so far.  The main topic, was of course, HBL and how that will proceed in the weeks to come.

A suggestion has been made for work packs for younger children and many parents with children in Years K-2 thought these would be a very helpful tool for our younger learners.
The survey around HBL was discussed as it highlighted a wide range of suggestions and expectations from parents. More formal teaching over Zoom was mentioned along with the needs and challenges for teachers to keep students engaged as the term continues.

Class Parents discussed ways to support all school families during lockdown, but especially our new Kindy families. We want everyone to know that the school community is still here to support anyone we can.

Feedback concerning the Family Trivia Night was extremely positive and if lockdown continues into Term 4, we may look to organise this again, as it was a great way to bring families together.

If parents have any questions or would like to chat to someone during this time, Class Parents and the P&F are here to help support our families, so please reach out to them or the school.
   The P&F Team



ONLY ONE WEEK TO GO
I would like to congratulate the 94 students who have already completed the PRC. What a fantastic effort! With only 1 week to go until the end of the challenge, here’s hoping we can get well over the 100 completion mark. Don’t forget that the amount of Personal Choice books is now 10.



There is also a PRC tab on Story Box library so there’s easy access to PRC titles.
  • User Name: stkieransmv
  • Password: school



While Book Week wasn’t celebrated in the usual way, the students were able to participate in some Book Week activities and even dress up! The winners for each category were announced by the Children’s Book Council of Australia last Friday and we congratulate these winners:
  • Book of the Year for Older Readers:  The End of the World is Bigger than Love by Davina Bell
  • Book of the Year for Younger Readers: Aster's Good, Right Things by Kate Gordon
  • Book of the Year for Early Childhood: No! Never! by Libby Hathorn and Lisa Hathorn-Jarman
  • Picture Book of the Year: How to Make a Bird by Meg McKinlay
  • The Eve Pownall Award for non-fiction: Dry to Dry The Seasons of Kakadu by Pamela Freeman
  • New Illustrator: This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder

Important

All visitors to the school must sign in via the Compass kiosk located at school reception and the Service NSW QR code.

Dismissal Times: 
2.50pm for Carpark
2.55pm for bus and playground pick up

Any student who is attending and shows COVID symptoms will be sent home and must return a negative COVID test result before returning.

Sibling Enrolments

If you have a child starting in 2022 please forward their application to the school as soon as possible.  Applications are available from the school website. 


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:
Building resilience during the COVID pandemic
 

Entertainment Book Memberships

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

Support us, surprise Dad and purchase an Entertainment Membership. Or treat yourself and buy Dad gifts all year round! PLUS for a limited time get a bonus $40 or $20 eGift card (Woolworths, Big W or Freedom) for you or Dad when you purchase a Multi City/ Multi Plus Membership or a Single City Membership.
 
Other eGift card offers available -
  • 5% off JB Hi-Fi; 
  • 5% off Kayo Sports;
  • 5% off Barbeques Galore;
  • 5% off Dan Murphy’s
  • 8% off Kathmandu;
  • 10% off BCF;
  • 10% off Supercheap Auto;
  • 10% off Rebel;  
  • 25% off The Iconic (full price).
Hurry, offer ends 1st September.  Also, don’t forget anyone who purchases a Membership now till 11.59pm, Wednesday September 15 will receive an extra month free. That’s a 13-month Membership that you will love!           

CANTEEN NEWS

Before and After School Care Contact Details
Compass Guide for Parents

BRAIN TEASER

PARISH NEWS

Masses

During lockdown we are live streaming the 9.30am Sunday Mass on YouTube.  We also post the link on the Parish Facebook page.  The Mass can also be watched anytime after the stream has finished.
  • 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Northern Beaches Council Vacation Care
Northern Beaches Council operates Vacation Care services at four locations on the northern beaches - Cromer, Forestville, North Curl Curl and Manly Vale.  Please click on the links below to access their information.
Brain Teaser Answer
Short
Copyright © 2021 St Kieran’s Manly Vale, All rights reserved.


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