Issue 18 - 16th November 2023

The National Office for Child Safety has launched a new campaign called ‘One Talk at a Time’ to raise awareness and promote behavior change regarding child sexual abuse. The goal of this campaign is to protect children and young people from abuse by helping adults understand preventable measures. It encourages parents to have ongoing, proactive conversations with their children, as well as with other adults in their lives. This campaign is an important part of the National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030 and fulfills a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Having conversations with children about their safety and abuse prevention can be tricky.  The ‘One Talk at a Time’ website has a toolbox of resources, tips and ideas for having conversations with children appropriate to their different ages, and with other adults.

This is the link to the website: ‘One Talk at a Time’

Catholic Education Tasmania has a dedicated focus on child safety.  The Child Safety Policy and Mandatory Reporting Policy can be located on our school website.

Child Safety Policy

Mandatory Reporting Policy

Mrs Kerrie Flynn

Principal

This past weekend we had several Parish and school community events. On Friday the 10th, several young people undertook the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This was an opportunity for these children to speak with Father Cris about asking for forgiveness and guidance. From St Peter Chanel Catholic School, we had Cienna Bell, Kaley Saward, Vin Howard and Harry and Jack Dawson, along with several other children from the Parish community. 

On Saturday the 11th, St Peter Chanel students Ty Dennison and Henry and Wesley Cotton celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism. This is the beginning of their faith journey and we look forward to supporting them as they grow and explore their faith in the coming years.

First Eucharist 12/11 Cienna Bell, Harry and Jack Dawson, Vin Howard

On Sunday the 12th, four of our students celebrated their First Eucharist. These students have made a further commitment to their faith and we recognise their dedication to learning more about the Catholic faith and understanding the importance of this Sacramental milestone. Unfortunately, Kaley Saward was unable to attend, her FIrst Eucharist will be held this Sunday the 19th. 

The St Peter Chanel Catholic School community is incredibly proud of these students and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow and learn more about the Catholic faith. 

I know that a lot of families responded earlier this year regarding Sacraments and the program will continue next year. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. 

This past weekend we also had students attend the Circular Head Remembrance Day ceremony. Every year on the 11th of November at 11:00, we pause to honour the Australians who fought and fell in the First World War and the generations who have followed them in the service of our country and the cause of peace. Thank you to Phoenix Hall and Charlotte and Dawson Armstrong for attending the ceremony with me and laying a wreath in remembrance of our veterans.

Prayer of St Francis

Lord,

Make me an instrument of your peace:

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, 

Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love. 

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Mr Casey Moore 

Deputy Principal/REC

On Thursday, 30th November we will be holding a 'Plain Clothes Day' to raise funds for the Archbishop's Samaritan Fund. Students are encouraged to come to school in plain clothes for a gold coin donation to help us raise funds for families in Tasmania in need. Gold coin donations will be able to paid via Qkr or on the day. Plain clothes should be school appropriate and all students should be in closed toe shoes. Thank you for your support. 

Last Friday, families received the 2024 fee schedule. Payment arrangements will be carried over for 2024 automatically. If you would like to update your payment arrangement, please contact the office.

This year, families will receive their 2024 book packs prior to the end of this school year. Pending delivery from our supplier these will be sent home during week 8 of this term. Please note that the cost for these has been included in the 2024 school fees.

A reminder for families of the upcoming dates for the remainder of this term. 

Tuesday, 5th December will be our annual Christmas Concert. This year's concert is Caribbean themed. Could all students please come along in a Red, Green or Yellow shirt with black or school bottoms. These shirts do not have to be Christmas themed but they are welcome to wear Christmas hats if they choose.

St Peter Chanel will be having a float in the Smithton Christmas Parade again this year. Please access COMPASS to view the details and to Opt-in by Friday, 24th November. No late entries will be accepted as parents are required to sign Waiver Indemnity forms.  

Congratulations to the following students who received Shooting Starr Awards at Assembly last week:

Kinder - Willa Neilsen & Nova Humphrey 

Prep - Louis Butt & Rocco Schuuring 

Year 1 - Henry Cotton & Cienna Bell 

Year 2 - Max Williams & Rory Bishop 

Year 3 - Dawson Armstrong & Darcy Jolly

Year 4 - Archibald O’Neil & Quinn Bishop 

Year 5 - Jordana Pay & Jaiden Spinks

Year 6 - Jeremiah Gibbs & Peppa Bishop

On Friday, we held our first Orientation session for our new Kinder students for 2024. We are excited to welcome them to SPC, as they prepare to start school next year.

What a fantastic time we had at Penguin for our NW Athletics Carnival! Fantastic sportsmanship was shown and we should all be very proud. Everyone tried their best which is all we ask for on days like today, with many ribbons being brought home! 

Results listed below