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Dear Families
Today we celebrated the beginning of the school year with a Mass welcoming our new students, families and teachers and recognising the Year 6 students as student leaders of the school. The theme of the celebration was “Let Your Light Shine”, a message Fr Dave reinforced in his address to the students and parents. It was wonderful to see so many of our parents, grandparents and friends at the Mass. Congratulations to the Year 6 students on your various roles as student leaders within our school.
School is now in full swing with the arrival of our Kindergarten class on Monday. There were many smiling faces and some tears, not all from the students! The parents then gathered for a welcome morning tea provided by our Year 6 class parents. It is a privilege to welcome our new families and students to the St Kieran’s community.
If you have some spare time in your busy lives, I encourage you to volunteer some of this time, once a fortnight or month, with helping in the canteen or in the carpark with “lollipop” duty. Volunteering, in any way, helps the school and wider community, as well as sending a message to your child that school is a place where everyone belongs and is valued. If you have some spare time, please consider helping out.
I would like to remind you of a few safety tips with the carpark, especially during the afternoon pick up period. If you are parking to collect your child(ren), wait till the traffic has eased before reversing out of your car space. When using the Kiss and Ride, display your family name clearly for teachers to read. Please DO NOT get out of your car in the pick up zone but allow the children to get into the car on the passenger side. As you leave the pick up zone, indicate which direction you are turning i.e. left to Condamine Street or right onto King Street. Your cooperation will ensure the safety of the students.
In the first few weeks of school, there sometimes are “little” issues with the students as they settle into their new classes. I encourage you to make contact with the class teacher if this is the case and to find an early resolution so that school can continue smoothly during this early period.
Michael Gallagher
Principal
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Please note that dates may be subject to change. Remember to check your Compass App for any updates.
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2020 Term Dates
End Term 1: Thursday 9 April
Term 2 Commences: Monday 27 April
End Term 2: Friday 3 July
Term 3 Commences: Tuesday 21 July
End Term 3: Friday 25 September
Term 4 Commences: Tuesday 13 October
End Term 4: Wednesday 16 December
Staff Development Days - Pupil Free
Friday 14 February - Mathematical Assessment Interviews
Monday 20 July - Numeracy / Science
Friday 25 September - Spirituality (please note change of date)
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Learning Support
Welcome back to another school year full of great learning for our students! Linked is some information regarding the structure of our Learning Support Program at St Kieran’s. Part of my teaching load is to work closely with the teachers as Learning Support Teacher. I would encourage you to read the linked article carefully as it is a succinct summary of how the program works and outlines also avenues of assistance that may impact your child.
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MAI Bookings via Compass
Thank you to the parents who have booked their child’s MAI Assessment through the Compass Portal. Bookings are almost full at this stage. If you have not managed to secure a session, your child’s teacher will make alternate arrangements to ensure your child has the assessment over the next few weeks.
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Religious Education
Thank you to our ‘first time’ altar servers Ava C, Kurtis S and Zoe M for doing such a wonderful job this morning and thank you also to our Year 6 leaders and their teachers for the planning they put into our Opening School Mass. The students participated with reverence as they led their school community in thanksgiving for a new year of learning. Thank you to Mrs Ucchino and Miss Williams for their thoughtful preparation of the students. Thank you also to Fr Dave OSA for presiding over our Mass and for always being there for us.
Year 6 students also received their Leadership badges, an outward sign of their leadership commitments to St Kieran’s School community.
Linked to this newsletter is our school program of Masses and Liturgies for 2020. Please note that although we endeavour to adhere to these dates and times, they are subject to change.
Year 2 students, teachers and parents are currently preparing for the Year 2 Family Mass to be held on Sunday 16 February at the 9.30am Mass at St Kieran’s. All members of our school community are invited to attend.
Yours in Religious Education,
Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar |
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Valentine's Day 2020
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.
Wendy Rose, Karen Hughes, Nick Labone and the Mission Team.
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Library News
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 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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Thank You - Earn and Learn
THANK YOU….
Thank you to all of you who collected Woolworths Earn and Learn dockets for the school.
We have been able to purchase some wonderful play equipment for our students to use in the playground. A very special Thank You also to Susanne Foale who patiently ordered all the equipment for us.
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Safer Internet Day
Join in the Safer Internet Day buzz
This year Safer Internet Day will be celebrated on Tuesday, 11 February 2020. The theme is ‘Together for a better internet’ and Australia’s eSafety Commissioner is encouraging parents to mark the day by starting family conversations about online safety.
You can download our Safer Internet Day resources at esafety.gov.au/sid and use them to start the chat about online safety with your family. Click here for further information.
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Book Club
The current issue of Book Club was sent home this week. Orders close Saturday 15 February.
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Evergreen Music Mixed Ensemble
For information and enrolment for the music program at St Kieran's in 2020 click here.
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Canteen
We still have many shifts available this year on the roster. Sadly, if we’re unable to fill these shifts we will have to close the canteen on that day. We understand that most parents are time-poor, however every bit of help will assist - all welcome, mums, dads, grandparents! Training will be provided whilst on the shift. Please check the roster for available spots.
NEXT WEEK’s ROSTER (Term 1 - Week 3):
Wednesday 12 February: Kavita Babuta (M), Nicole Crane, Jo Quarrell (A)
Thursday 13 February: Kristie Hardy, Jane Smith
Friday 14 February: CLOSED due to Pupil Free Day (Testing)
· Full day Volunteers are required from 8.50am to 1.50pm.
· Morning Volunteers are required from 8.50am to 11.15am (M).
· Lunch Volunteers are required from 11.15am to 1.50pm (L).
Any changes to the canteen roster, please contact: Jo Nesbitt - 0410 629 135 or joannemnesbitt@gmail.com
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Dads' Curry Night
The first Curry Night will kick off in Manly as it's always a good place to start with The Steyne, then on to Ashianas.
There are plenty of places to visit afterwards if you get a long leave pass for the night.
So please put Friday 20 March in your diaries - 6pm onwards kick off and 7.30pm at Ashiana.
Of course a few kids left St Kieran’s last year and are off to new schools, however our Curry Night has an alumni, and old dads are more than welcome, and in fact, encouraged to come along.
All new Kindy dads are especially invited.
Any questions please let me know. Look forward to catching up,
Cheers Howie
Howardgiles100@hotmail.com Tel 043 8888528 |
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Digital Entertainment Memberships
Entertainment Memberships have now gone digital!!
Click here to order your membership now. For further information and to answer all your questions, please contact Susan Nicols at slnicols@hotmail.com
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Sacramental Program News
Parents of children in Year 3 and older (who received the sacrament of Confirmation last year) are reminded that the First Reconciliation Program commences this term with the Parent Information Meeting on Tuesday 11 February at 9.30am OR Wednesday 12 February at 7.00pm both meetings in St Kieran’s Church;
- Group Facilitator Meetings will follow the Parent Information Meetings at 10.30am (Tuesday) OR 8.00pm (Wednesday) in St Kieran’s Church;
- Practice for First Reconciliation Tuesday 10 March at 4pm in SK Church OR Wednesday 11 March at 7pm in SC Church;
- The next Baptism of Young Children Program (for children aged 7 – 11 years) will commence in March 2020, prior to the beginning of the 2020 – 2021 Children’s Sacramental Program;
Parents new to the school with children in Year 3 (and older) who would like their children to join the First Reconciliation program are asked to contact Janette as soon as possible.
For further information please contact Janette on 0408 866 521 or at sacraments@northharbourcatholic.org.au |
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VIP Keyboard Classes
For information click here.
Allambie United FC
Manly Allambie United FC is looking for male and female soccer players of all ages and all skills. Trials for Under 9 to Under 14 boys, mixed and girls teams on Sunday 16 February 2020. Please refer to our website https://www.manlyallambie.com.au/ or visit our Facebook page
Manly Dam Water Research Open Day
The Water Research Laboratory of UNSW Sydney located next to Manly Dam is opening their hydraulic and coastal laboratories on Saturday 15th February between 9.00 am – 1.00 pm. This may be of interest to students at primary school level for general environmental studies;and for high school students interested in choosing a science or engineering career. Please refer to our web site for further information about the Open Day and the specialised research and consulting work completed at the WRL.
http://www.wrl.unsw.edu.au/all-events/wrl-open-day
Australian Girls' Choir
The Australian Girls' Choir is holding free try-out classes during February. For further information click here.
Manly Roos
Manly Roos welcomes boys and girls to play rugby. Come and try: Girls- Sunday 9 February at Denzil Joyce Oval North Curl Curl from 2-4pm.
Boys and Girls - Sunday 16 and 23 February at Keirle Park Manly at 4pm. Free sausage sizzle. For further information go to te roosrugby.com.au
Manly Bombers
The Manly Bombers is now open for Registrations for the AFL Auskick program for 2020.
AFL Auskick is one of the best, first experiences kids aged 5-12 will have learning Australian Football. In weekly sessions, Auskickers and their families will run, jump, kick, laugh and create their own special moments playing footy. No matter their skill level, ability or knowledge of the game, Auskick is for everyone!
Manly Hockey Academy
Many Junior Hockey is running a 4 week Academy program for new players in the lead up to the 2020 hockey season for girls and boys aged 5-8yrs. For dates, location and times click here.
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