Issue 2 - March 2024

We find ourselves already halfway through Term One!  This term is quite unique, with the Easter break and Term 1 holidays separated by 7 school days. Additionally, of the 10-week term, only 5 of those are full weeks at school. 

The condensed nature of this term means that every day of learning is precious. Even though the term may seem short and fragmented, consistency in attendance is key to ensuring that students stay on track academically.

Research consistently shows that regular attendance is strongly correlated with academic success. Each day missed represents a missed opportunity for learning and can have a significant impact on a student's progress and achievement. By attending school consistently, students not only benefit from direct instruction but also from the social interactions and collaborative learning experiences that occur in the classroom.

Whilst it may be tempting to take an extra long break between Easter and the term break, those 7 days are compulsory school days and it is expected that all students attend unless there is an authorised reason to be away.

Disappointingly, I was not able to be in the school on the evenings of the Get To Know Your Child meetings this week. I have heard from the teachers that they were wonderful evenings of sharing information, building relationships and getting valuable insights into your child.

SPC Way

The way we do things at SPC

Your children may talk at home about the ‘Bump Chart’.  Every classroom has a Bump Chart as part of the SPC Way.

Every day, all students start at ‘We are ready to learn’.  Students who exemplify the SPC Way can make their way up the chart to receive stars.

Occasionally, students will move down the chart, if they are exhibiting behaviours that are not conducive to learning.  This is not a punishment. The first step is giving the student a reminder to think about their choices, and they are prompted to get back on track. The next step is to move away from where they are seated, that might break the ongoing behaviour and give them some space to reflect and remember what is expected of them. The third step is a chat with a member of Leadership. At this stage, the student is counselled and given the opportunity to make better choices. Should a child continue to behave outside of the SPC Way, parents are contacted.

At every stage, students are encouraged to at least make their way back to ‘home base’ demonstrating a readiness to learn.

Mrs Kerrie Flynn 

Principal 

As the Lenten season continues, I would like to remind everyone about Project Compassion from Caritas Australia. Every small contribution counts towards their larger goals. Your continued support of this project provides resources and support for less fortunate people around the world. For those families that are using their collection boxes, can you please return those to the school before Friday of Week 10. To find out more go to their website: https://www.caritas.org.au/

With our busy term, it is easy to lose sight of the rapid approach of Holy Week and Easter. Palm Sunday is the 24th of March, and starts what is known as Holy Week. This is the week that we commemorate the last few days of Jesus’ life, before we celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

Palm Sunday is recognised as the day Jesus entered Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem were so excited at his arrival that they waved palm branches to celebrate and praise him. 

Holy Thursday marks the last time Jesus was with his disciples at the Last Supper. This meal is represented when we take communion. Good Friday is the day that Jesus was condemned, crucified and died.It is also a traditional day of fasting. Holy Saturday is a day of mourning and rest as we prepare for Easter. 

Easter Sunday is a day to celebrate new life and renew our faith in Jesus Christ. 

I hope that as Lent continues and we get closer to Easter, everyone in the St Peter Chanel community has the opportunity to reflect on the importance of these seasons.

Heavenly Father,

As I continue my Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you. 

Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as I strive to become the-best-version-of-myself, honestly admitting my shortcomings and sins. 

As I renew my resolve each day to become a better person, let me hear your voice in the deepest reaches of my heart. 

Give me rest in you. 

Help me to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgement. 

Stay with me through the busy days and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you. 

Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving, and come closer to you through prayer this Lent. 

In your name I pray,

Amen.

Mr Casey Moore

Deputy Principal & Religious Education Coordinator 

Year 3 and Year 5 students will be sitting NAPLAN between 13th and 25th March, 2024.

The National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance; however, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

Why NAPLAN is conducted online:

NAPLAN online provides a better assessment and more precise results.

One of the main benefits of NAPLAN online is that it uses tailored (or adaptive) testing. This means that students receive questions better suited to their abilities, so they can show what they know and can do.

Online testing also allows us to provide a wide range of accessibility options to support students with disabilities to access NAPLAN.

Feedback from students is that they find the online test more engaging.

Please note that students in Year 3 complete the Writing Test on paper.

Parent information brochures and other resources:

Your questions answered on NAPLAN and what it means for your child: NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers is available at the official National Assessment Program (NAP) website if you misplace your hard copy.

Please contact the school if you have any further queries.

As part of the uniform policy students are not permitted to wear a smartwatch. Please refer to the full policy here:2024 SPC Smart Play Uniform Protocols.pdf

Our Kinder - Year Two students will participate in their water awareness lessons each day from Monday, 18th March to Friday, 22nd March. Families can find details around the swimming times via compass. If you are yet to consent, please do so as soon as possible. 

Any parent or family member who will be attending to help dress their child will need to provide the office with a copy of their Working With Vulnerable People card before you will be allowed to enter the changerooms. If you have any questions regarding this please contact the office.

Congratulations to the following students who received aiming high awards last week:

Kinder - Esther Korpershoek & Evie Kay

Prep - Nova Humphrey & Arlo Gray

Year 1 - Brady Marshall & Rylee Schuuring 

Year 2 - Brock Hardy & Cienna Bell 

Year 3 - Nash Miles & Levi Korpershoek 

Year 4 - Harry Dawson & Hudson Medwin

Year 5 - Grace Williams & Hamish Poke 

Year 6 - Liam Bell & Charlotte Armstrong 

Congratulations to the recipent of our first SPC Way Award - Reegan Poke!

Good Luck to all the 3-6 students who have been selected to attend the North West Swimming Carnival next Tuesday, 12th March. We know you will all do your best and represent SPC well! 

Bake Raffle 

Congratulations to our bake raffle winner - Avah Lobegeiger!

Our next bake raffle will be Wednesday, 13th March. 

Easter Raffle 

As per the letter last week please see below upcoming dates for this term. 

Play-based Learning

In Kindergarten we do lots of Play-based Learning. This means that through play the students learn and practise many skills such as problem solving, sharing and turn-taking, resilience and  creativity. We also develop literacy and mathematical knowledge including story telling, speaking & listening, counting, colours and shapes.

Buddies

Recently the Kinder and Grade 6 buddies met for the first time. We got to know each other a little bit and created awesome collages of ourselves. It was so much fun to spend time together and all the students can’t wait to do more exciting, fun and fabulous activities together!