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5 February 2021
Email Us
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Dear Parents
One of the many highlights at the beginning of the year is when Kindergarten students start their first day of school. After being introduced to school with a literacy and numeracy assessment last week, our Kindergartens arrived on Monday morning with their parents for the first day of approximately 2500 days of school! The first day was a great success for our new students and we look forward to seeing them flourish throughout the year.
Today we celebrated the Beginning of Year Liturgy on the playground, welcoming our new students and teachers, while recognising our Year 6 Leaders through the presentation of badges. It was a special ceremony led by Year 6 under the guidance of the Year 6 teachers and Fr Dave, our Parish Priest.
Next Friday is a Pupil Free Day, as teachers will be conducting the Mathematical Assessment Interview (MAI) for Year 1 to Year 6 students. If you were unable to secure a session through the online booking system, the teacher will assess your child during the following weeks at school. Some schools do these assessments before school begins but experience has shown that students respond better once they have had a few days to settle into school and have had time to get to know the teacher better.
Over the next few weeks leading up to the first of two Open Days, I am asking for your assistance in “working together to grow our school”. Many Catholic schools across the Broken Bay Diocese have seen a reduction in enrolments over the recent years for a variety of reasons. With the provision of a marketing and promotions coordinator, we will be endeavouring to attract as many new families to our Open Days so that they can see what a great community St Kieran’s is and what we have to offer. “Word of mouth” is the most effective advertisement for our school so I hope that you can share the many positive aspects of our school. One of the first requests I have of you is to leave a Google review for St Kieran’s. It is as easy as typing “St Kieran’s Manly Vale” into the Google search engine and then clicking on “Write a Review” leaving a comment and a star rating. The more reviews, the higher the ranking in searches for local schools.
Towards the end of last year, we called for parent volunteers for a number of roles in the school, including class parents, canteen, library and the Parents and Friends Association. There was a positive response from many parents but there are still some positions vacant. One of those is the role of the P&F president. In this phase of “growing” our school, the president is a vital role (or a dual role with a co-president) for this task. The plan is to hold the P&F AGM this term (date to be advised) and a class parent meeting in the next week or so (date to be advised). If the role of president/co-president is one that might be of interest, I am very happy to discuss it with you during the next few days.
CSBB has recently advised that parents can no longer enter the school grounds for drop off or pick up, except for our Kindergarten parents who can do so for another week. Please refer to the letter sent home on Monday 25 January which outlines exceptions for parents entering the school.
If you have any concerns or questions in these first few weeks of the school year, contact your child’s teacher or the school office.
Principal
Michael Gallagher
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2020 School Dates and Terms
February
Fri 12: MAI testing - Pupil Free Day
Tues 16: 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 tbc
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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Mathematical Assessment Interview (MAI)
Next Friday, we expect that the bulk of our students will complete the MAI (Mathematical Assessment Interview). Thank you to all the parents who have already booked online. As explained in last week’s newsletter arrangements have been made with the remaining students in order to complete the test.
This type of assessment is diagnostic in that it provides teachers with information about the mathematical skills and understandings the student has already acquired. By understanding this, the learning and teaching program can be better differentiated to suit each students’ exact level of understanding so that skills can be built on and developed.
Understanding the actual “grade” given through the use of the MAI involves understanding that students move through a continuum of skill development called Growth Points. The Growth Points are allocated across the areas of Counting, Place Value, Addition and Subtraction and Multiplication and Division. These areas are all at the very core of mathematical understanding and it is these skills that can then be applied across other strands of Mathematics. The Growth Points range from 0 – where particular skills are not yet apparent to a possible Growth Point of 6 for Counting, 5 for Place Value, 6 for Addition and Subtraction and 7 for Multiplication and Division.
There are “benchmarks” for the level of achievement a student should have at the start of the school year and if the student is below that level then they are considered “vulnerable” in that particular area and require differentiated support to develop their skills and understanding. Students who are above the benchmark require support to further their skills and understandings. This ensures that all students maintain productive growth as they move along the Growth Point Continuum.
Should you wish to find out what your child’s MAI result was you can ask the teacher at the Parent Teacher Interviews which will be held before the end of Term One.
Information about the Parent Teacher Interviews will be made available over the next few weeks.
Enjoy the weekend!
Marisa Bombardieri, Assistant Principal
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Happy Birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week.
2 Feb: Jake B
5 Feb: Emilia G
6 Feb: Maya H
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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. For the next week Kindergarten parents are permitted to be on the playground if necessary.
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: Juani M and Charlie M
KW: Hattie G and Lorenzo R
1B: Emily X, Clancy B and Sam W
2B: Charlie C and Emme O
2W: Clara D and Fletcher C
3B: Violet S and Luke P
3W: Christian G and Natasha M
4B: Patrick H and Bellinda D
4W: Marlon W, Zac B and Kayla B
5B: Brooke B and Jack P
5/6: Nina F and Kieran H
6B: Philippa Q and Madhuilika S
PE: Mary H and Ava W
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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
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
Last year during the initial COVID outbreak and the beginning of home-schooling, Bishop Anthony Randazzo decided to postpone Parish Sacramental Programs for one year. What this means for the children of St Kieran’s is that Confirmation will be taught in Year 3 with Reconciliation and Eucharist to follow in Year 4. By moving the Sacramental Program back a year, we will be keeping in step with our Parish.
Year 2 students will not be making their Confirmation this year. In 2021. Year 3 will participate in the Parish Sacramental Program complemented by teaching in the classroom. Parents will receive information from the parish and school prior to the commencement of the program. Please see the brochure with an overview of the 2021 -2022 Sacramental information.
Religious Education modules of learning this term include:
- Kindy: Belonging to God’s Family
- Year 1: Jesus our Friend
- Year 2: Jesus shows me how to love
- Year 3: Getting to know God
- Year 4: God’s Forgiveness and Healing
- Stage 3: Sacraments of Service
All learning modules are based on Scripture appropriate to the children’s level of development.
Yours in Religious Education,
Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar
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PE Lessons
A reminder to parents that if your child is unable to participate in PE lessons at school a note is required to inform the teacher.
Please make sure you either send the note to school with the child or you contact the school on the day.
Thank you for your attention to this.
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Correction - Apology
Last week the newsletter indicated incorrectly that Mrs Lucy Middleton taught 2W on Thursday. Mrs Liz McGuire teaches 2W while Mrs Wetzlar completes her REC duties.
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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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Valentine's Day 2021
CAN YOU SPARE A PAIR!
For the past number of years we have been supporting the Wayside Chapel in their efforts to give dignity to the homeless by offering them a shower and clean underwear at their centre.
They have chosen Valentine’s Day to raise the profile of this gift giving and we at St Kieran’s have chosen the month of February to support this initiative by supplying new undies (any size but predominantly adult male XL) and donating them to the Wayside Chapel. They go through more than 100 pairs of undies each day. Hard to believe, isn’t it?
What better way to show loving and caring!
Maybe this Valentine’s Day you can find it in your hearts to
SPARE A PAIR!“
So, throughout the month of February we will have a box outside the office area that new undies can be placed inside ready to send to the Wayside Chapel.
The generosity of the St. Kieran’s Community is always astounding so, if you can assist, that would be awesome.
Many thanks in anticipation of your support.
The Mission Team.
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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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Book Club
Orders for the current issue of Book Club are due by Saturday 13 February. Online orders only.
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Summer and Sport Uniform.
Please click here to view the summer uniform and sport uniform expectations
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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.
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Volunteers - Please remember to sign in at the Compass Kiosk at reception when you arrive at school.
Thank you to all those who have put their hand up to volunteer in the Canteen this year. We have been able to fill almost all shifts aside from next Thursday (11 Feb). If someone is able to help out next week and the ongoing dates for each term that would be great.
Upcoming Volunteers
Week 3
Wed 10 Feb: Nicole Crane, Melissa Dunn (A), Kylie Billing (M)
Thurs 11 Feb: Lauren Shaw, Volunteer required
Fri 12 Feb: Pupil Free Day
Thank you
Hannah, Canteen Coordinator, 0438 433 231
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Evergreen Music at St Kieran's
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.
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Young Investigators Term 1 - Great Scientists
Hi St Kieran’s Manly Vale Science lovers!
We are excited to announce that enrolments are now OPEN for Young Investigators Term 1 2021.
This term, we have two classes available running on both Wednesday & Thursday mornings.
We have a jam packed, exciting term planned, and we hope your Young Investigators are just as eager as we are to get back into the school term.
Please see the enrolment details below and follow the link to enrol!
| Young Investigators Term 1 2021 |
| Topic |
Great Scientists (experiments include: Crystals, D.I.Y Dinosaur Poo and back by popular demand, Chocolate Rocks!) |
| When |
Wednesday & Thursday mornings |
| Time |
7:30- 8:30am |
| Where |
Room 4 |
| First Class |
Wednesday 3rd February & Thursday 4th February |
| Last Class |
Wednesday 31st March & Thursday 1st April |
| Cost |
$220 (9 week term) Creative Kids Vouchers accepted* |
ENROL HERE FOR YOUNG INVESTIGATORS TERM 1 2021: https://www.eyeheartscience.com.au/term1-2021
Got a Creative Kids Voucher?
*To use your Creative Kids Voucher, please email us through the following:
- Child’s full name
- Creative Kids Voucher number
- Child’s Date of Birth
Once we have received this, we will send you through a discount code to use when checking out.
If you haven’t yet received your Creative Kids Voucher for 2021, apply here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-creative-kids-voucher
Hope to see you all there!
Cheers
Alana
Alana Wylie PhD
Eye Heart Science
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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).
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 always welcome. We have a new Kindy intake so if anyone has a Kindy child starting, feel free to invite any new dads along.
Let me know by return email if you would like to come.
Cheers Howie howardgiles100@hotmail.com
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Witnesses to a Car Incident
Please contact the school if you witnessed an incident in the Gordon St parking bays this morning (5 Feb) between 10am and 10.40pm involving a red car.
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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: Using birth order knowledge
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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.
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COVID-19 Updates
For COVID-19 updates and latest news, 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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