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- Principals Report Week 1 Term 2
- Religious Education News
- Dates for your Diary
- Library News
- Extracurricular Activities at Rosary
- School Student Travel Update
- Whole Day Absences via Parent Portal
- School Counselling Services
- OSHClub News
- Clothing Pool Opening Hours
- Car Park Safety Reminder
- Car Park Notice - Rosary Netball Training
- Mothers Day Stall - Friday 12th May 2023 - Donations Needed
- Girl Guides
- School Bus Services - Important Notice 2023 - Hall Interchange - Copy
Principals Report Week 1 Term 2
Welcome back for Term 2. I hope everyone has had a nice Easter period and a holiday or a break from the routines of school. This week included ANZAC DAY, a time to acknowledge our service men and women, both past and present, who have served in our armed forces to preserve peace, justice and freedom. It is with great pride and gratitude that our nation stopped to remember these people and thank them for their service to our country and New Zealand. We will never forget their sacrifice and ongoing work.
Finland Schools Experience
My Finland Study Tour was a very interesting and rewarding experience. I was able to visit a number of schools across the week of the conference, including the equivalent of our primary, secondary and college school settings. The conference and tours were run essentially by leaders who are principals or have principal experience. Each day we would reflect on our school visit and also have input around 5 key themes:
- Background to the Finnish Education System
- Pedagogical Leadership
- School Governance and Administration
- Co-operation and Educational Support
- Schools of the Future
Finland is a unique country in regards to its isolated geographical location, climate, culture, industry, unity and lifestyle. It has had to be self-sufficient and resilient in many ways throughout history. Their education system, now recognised as one of the best performing systems in the world, has developed over the last 30 years with a focus on autonomy, trust, equality, relationships and wellbeing. Their success has built on meeting the needs of their students in a way that suits their context.
They have achieved excellence for their students through these pillars and ensuring all schools are funded and resourced at the same level. School in Finland is free, including tertiary/university education. There is essentially only one school system in Finland and all students attend their local school. Because of the focus on an equally resourced system, there is no ‘school shopping’ or parents selecting different schools. Collaboration is fostered rather than competition.
Interestingly, students start primary school at a later age, about 7, meaning their formal literacy instruction starts at this time. Compulsory schooling occurs until the age of 16 and their college type years are for 3 years until students are 19 years of age, where they can select an academic package or a ‘trade’ like package. As education is free and open to all, Finnish educators talk about there being no ‘dead-ends’ in education. There are pathways for every child right through to university or a trade degree, which is encouraged as a society.
There is a big focus in Finnish society and schools around health and wellbeing. Students and staff in all Finnish schools receive a ‘free’ hot lunch every day. Staff usually eat in the same dining area as the students. School days are generally shorter, even in primary schools, meaning a later start some days at 10.00am and earlier finishes at least a couple of days per week at around 1.30pm. Timetabling is very flexible. This seems to work seamlessly in Finland but would cause a number of issues in Australia. There is a philosophy that less is better and the development of the whole child is crucial. Core subjects like English and Mathematics are important but there is also a very strong focus on learning other languages, art, music, sciences and physical activity. Students play outside all year round, despite their cold winters as they are set up in a way that embraces their environment. They have a strong connection with nature and promote sustainability.
It was refreshing to see that schools in Finland embrace the same values as we do in our schools and their love for learning and wellbeing was clearly evident. However, their school and government compliance is far more relaxed. There are no annual exams or comparative tests and certainly no national testing. There is an academic performance exam/grade upon completion of their final year at school i.e. like our Year 12 certificate.
There is no doubt their context differs from our education systems and environment in Australia. The study tour was a wonderful experience and has given me a greater perspective of how individual schools and systems are designed to meet the needs of the students in their care.
Staff News
Congratulations to Ms Rebecca Wright (nee Van Der Sanden) and her husband Byron on their wedding during the school holiday break. The occasion was special and went very well. Ms Wright works in our front office so we will all learn to adjust to her married surname.
Farewell and Thank You Mrs Sandy Vincent. As you know, Mrs Vincent finished in her role as Teacher Librarian at Rosary on Monday this week. Mrs Vincent held this role for many years and always promoted reading and a love of literature with our students. I wish Mrs Vincent all the best as she enters the next stage of her life.
Mrs Jodie Dawson extends her Teacher Librarian role to 4 days per week now. I wish Mrs Dawson all the best as she takes on the full role in the Library now and continues our great range of lessons and programs.
Upgraded Visitor Sign-in Process
There has been an update to the Compass Kiosk in the school foyer which includes the access to recording WWVP numbers. Therefore we are making a change to the visitor sign-in process.
- The iPad has been removed.
- All student drop offs and pick ups will continue to be logged through the Compass Kiosk.
- Visitors will now sign in using the Compass Kiosk.
- All visitors to the school are expected to report to the front office to sign-in and present their WWVP card (as applicable – WWVP cards are not required for parent meetings).
- The front office will check the validity of the WWVP and visitors will be given a visitor lanyard to wear whilst on site.
- All visitors are expected to report to the front office to sign-out and return the lanyard, prior to leaving.
If staff see somebody in the school without a visitor lanyard they will check in with them and refer them to the front office for sign in.
The visitor lanyard is red with the word visitor all over it, with a card attached at the bottom with the Rosary crest and the words ‘ROSARY PRIMARY VISITOR’ at the bottom.
WWVP cards Available at Access Canberra (free)
Parents and carers are reminded that you will need a current Working With Vulnerable People Card (WWVP) to be able to volunteer and work directly with children at Rosary. There are always school events and classroom activities and excursions where volunteers can assist so please contact Access Canberra to apply for or renew your card well ahead of any events.
Next week is Catholic Schools’ Week and we celebrate the importance of faith and learning in our schools and at Rosary.
The 2024 Catholic Schools’ Enrolment Period also starts next week and enrolments can be lodged between Monday 1 May 2023 until Friday 26 May 2023. Enrolments must be placed in this period to ensure a place is available for 2024.
Rosary would like to invite prospective parents and their children to one of our open school sessions listed below:
- Thursday 4 May - Open Morning 9.30am to 11.00am (ACT Week 2)
- Tuesday 9 May - Open Morning 9.30am to 11.00am (ACT Week 3)
- Wednesday 17 May - Open Afternoon 3.30 - 5.00pm (ACT Week 4)
- Friday 19 May - Open Morning 9.30am to 11.00am (ACT Week 4)
- Monday 22 May - Open Morning 9.30am to 11.00am (ACT Week 5)
For more information please contact our school office on 62480010 or office.rosaryps@cg.catholic.edu.au
Year 5 Camp to Jindabyne - Week 2
Our Year 5 students will attend school camp at the NSW Sport and Recreation Outdoor Campsite in Jindabyne from Monday 1 to Wednesday 3 May. This is their first school camp experience and they are all very excited. They will participate in a range of indoor and outdoor activities that encourage developing individual skills and team work. Mr Read, Mrs Mogan, Mrs Pangallo and I will be attending camp with the Year 5 students. The camp should be a lot of fun. Good luck to everyone taking part.
Rosary Summer to Winter Uniform Transition
With the change in seasonal weather occurring now, students will have a two-week transition period before they must wear the full WINTER school uniform. The recent weather has been beautiful but that is bound to change soon so the warmer uniform clothing is essential for their health and wellbeing. Students are to be in full winter uniform by Monday 8 May.
PRIME ENERGY DRINKS
I have become aware that some students are consuming ‘Prime Energy Drinks’. Like all drinks containing stimulants such as Red bull or Mother, children’s health can be seriously harmed if consumed. We are aware that some versions don’t contain stimulants, however, our school does not allow energy drinks of any kind. If students bring them to school we may ask parents to collect them from the front office. If you are aware of these drinks for sale, it is worth noting that the drinks of concern are labelled not recommended for students under 15 years of age.
I wish everyone a great start to Term 2.
God Bless.
Greg Walker
Principal
FIRST EUCHARIST FAITH FORMATION EVENING – Thursday 27th April
The Sacrament of First Eucharist is offered to students in Year 4 (or above) who are baptised Catholic and have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If you wish for your child to receive this Sacrament, there is an expectation that you and your child attend the Faith Formation Session. This will be held at Holy Rosary Church Thursday 27 April from 5:30pm – 6:00pm. During this session, there will be some theological input as well as information and discussion, therefore both the child and parent/s are required to attend.
PROJECT COMPASSION – thank you!
Thank you for your generous donations to Project Compassion. With your generous donations and our splash of colour day, we raised $1,191.10!
On the last day of term, our students participated in a whole school Liturgy which retold the significant event of Holy Week. Thank you to the teachers for all their thought and preparation behind the scenes. Thank you also to all the parents and grandparents who were able to attend.
Calling all Book Lovers: Please join us in the Parish Centre as we read together the international best-seller Divine Renovation: From a Maintenance to a Missional Church by Fr James Mallon. Starting Tuesday 2 May at 7.30pm reading groups will meet in-person and online (from Wednesday 3 May) for 8 weeks. You’ll leave the reading group with practical, faith filled and powerful techniques to help renew your spiritual life and that of your parish community. Please contact Emily at emilykathrynhall@gmail.com for further information. A great opportunity to connect with like minded catholics from across the inner north and discuss how we can better serve our community.
Religious Education Coordinator
- First Eucharist Formation Evening - Thursday 27th April - Holy Rosary Church 5.30pm
- Year 5 Camp to Jindabyne - Monday 1st May - Wednesday 3rd May
- Catholic Schools Week - Monday 1st May - Friday 5th May
- Year 2 Litrugy - Thursday 11th May - Holy Rosary Church 10.00am
- Rosary Cross Country - Friday 12th May
- Mothers Day Stall - Friday 12th May
Welcome to Term 2!
Mrs Vincent was an amazing Teacher Librarian and will be greatly missed by all the students; however, she has left an amazing legacy of clubs, books and a vibrant library space that is loved by all!
For those who don’t know me my name is Mrs Jodie Dawson and I have worked with Mrs Vincent for the last 5yrs in the Teacher Librarian role one day a week.
Things will continue to operate the same as previous years. Lunch Time Clubs for Lego, Drawing Club and Aero Club (yrs4-6) will continue in the same format as previous terms. The library will be open Monday-Thursday during lunch times for students who wish to use the space. Our wonderful Library Monitors will continue to assist in the running of the Library. If you have any concerns please contact me through the Front Office.
Reminders
- Please ensure your child has a library bag for their library lesson. This helps to keep our books in pristine condition and preserves the life of our books
- Library Days for Term 2 are as follows:
Tuesdays- Year 4, Year 3, Year 2 Barcelona
Wednesdays- Year 5, Year 6, Year 2 Osaka
Thursdays- Year 1, Kinder and Year 2 Dublin
On occasion there may be a last-minute change due to timetabling changes.
- I encourage students to borrow each week! In the older years, books may require more than one week to read, so students are encouraged to reborrow the book if required
- Should a book not be returned during the library lesson students are encouraged to bring it the next day or as soon as possible. On return of their book, we will organise a time for them to borrow that suits the library and class teacher
- Please encourage your children to continue to read at home.
Chess Club- Chess Club will recommence from next week, Tuesday 2nd May (weeks 2-10) from 3.10-4.30pm operating in the same capacity as previous terms. We are currently at full capacity for Chess Club for this term.
Regards,
Jodie Dawson
Extracurricular Activities at Rosary
There are many extracurricular activities available onsite for our Rosary Students. Please note all of these activities attract a fee and are delivered by external providers. Please see the timetable below for details:
- French Lessons - Monday 3.10pm - 4.20pm (continuing) / Wednesday 8.00am - 9.00am (beginner)
- Action Tae Kwon-Do - Monday 6.30pm Children class / 7:30pm Adult class
- Chess Club - Tuesday 3.10pm - 4.30pm (Weeks 2-10)
- Zanshin Martial Arts - Tuesday 6.30pm Junior class / 7:30pm Senior class
- Artkids - Thursday 3.15pm - 5.15pm
- Italian Lessons - Friday 8:00am - 9:00am (beginner)
- Musicorp (various instruments) / Piano Lessons - Friday 8:20am and during class time throughout the day
- Block Crafters - Wednesday - Coding and Robotics After School Programme for interested students aged 8-12 years (currently fully booked).
Please contact the school if you require further information.
Whole Day Absences via Parent Portal
Whole Day Absences
If your child is absent from school for a whole day or longer, please submit details of the absence via the Parent Portal. This should be completed within 7 days of the absence. There is no need to adjust times for whole day absences.
If your child will only be absent for a partial day, the absence will be recorded as your child is signed in or out via the kiosk at the front office. You do not need to add an early pick up or late drop off via the Parent Portal.
Unexplained absences for your child will be displayed on your homepage when you log in to Parent Portal.
If an unexplained absence appears that you believe to be incorrect, please send an email to the front office for investigation.
The school counsellor, is available every Thursday and Friday.
You can refer your child for counselling by filling in a referral form available on Catholic Care’s website or follow this link: https://catholiccare.force.com/housing/s/school-referral-form
After you have filled out the referral form you will automatically be sent an email requesting your consent for your child to access the service. In the case of families where parents are separated, consent of both parents is normally required. If this is difficult for you please feel free to discuss this with the counsellor.
Welcome back to Term 2 at OSHClub. We are excited to have everyone back!
Highlights during the school holidays were the incursions. The children particularly enjoyed the reptiles and holding the lizard, and snake. Making slime was also a big hit with the children. A friendly reminder for future vacation care programs - could parents please ensure their child has a full lunch packed, and afternoon snack’s. OSHClub provides breakfast and fruit for morning tea. If families forget please let Jillian know and she can make a lunch up.
Term 2 we are adding more hands-on cooking adventures with children. We have also provided a feedback box at the parent’s sign in area. We would like feedback so we can grow the program and take this as a learning opportunity.
We are also asking families to help us this term donate to the food bank. If you are able to bring a non-preserved food item that would be great.
Please have a look at our moments white board. Children are picking out photo’s and helping with this display each week to show the school community what activities are provided at OSHClub.
Access to the clothing pool will now be as follows:
Monday - All Day (school hours)
Tuesday - Friday - Before and after school only
Thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers who maintain the space for our community.
Please note: All donations of preloved uniforms (in good wearable condition) are welcome at the front office.
Car Park Notice - Rosary Netball Training
Rosary Netball Club will be holding training sessions this term on Monday and Friday afternoons between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on the school netball courts.
To ensure the safety of these students, could parents and carers please be mindful not to leave cars on the courts after this time. If you need to be on the premises after 3.30pm, could you please park in the carpark to the side of the hall or in the gravel car park at the rear of the school.
Thank you for your co-operation.
ALL GIRLS are invited to visit their local guide unit and find out what guides get up to.
Guides have FUN indoors and outdoors, learn new skills and make new friends.
Guides is for girls aged 5 –18 yrs.
Local guide units meet once a week at the Guide halls in Lister Cres, Ainslie and Clianthus St, O'Connor.
To find out more, go to:
https://www.girlguides-nswactnt.org.au/
or https://www.northcanberragirlguides.com/
NOTICEBOARD