Principal’s Report – Issue 19

Dear Parents

Dear Parents

As we approach the end of another school term we can reflect on some enriching, memorable and successful events that have taken place at Infant Jesus Schoo. We have many very committed and enthusiastic people, including staff, parents and children, who give their own time and talents to create a positive atmosphere at this school.

Parents and students will recall that our vision and focus for 2018 is to #ExpectGreatThings. Through various events and activities this term, we feel that this focus is being achieved. The efforts of the students and the staff to reach out and assist those in need, whether that be through the funds raised with the various Mission activities, work in the classrooms, pastoral or extra-curricular work in the community – all members of Infant Jesus School are striving to meet this call. Congratulations and keep up the tremendous work.

Next term our Year Four students prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. Please remember to keep them in your prayers during the term.

Our senior students have been very involved in Interschool Sports this term and achieved some success along the way. The support by parents with these events has been great and certainly assists the school to participate in these activities. The extra time dedicated by the staff of the school has also been tremendous.

All parents should have received their child’s/children’s report today. Reports have been sent home via the SEQTA Engage. Parents have been given their log-on codes as well as instructions on how to down load this App. If you have not downloaded the App you will not be able to read your child’s report. Hard copy (paper) reports will not be sent home. Reports are now available to parents.

It is important, as parents are undoubtedly aware, to take the time to discuss the report with their child. Teachers’ comments are important and should be used as ‘indicators’ in areas which a child may work towards improving. We would strongly encourage parents to arrange interviews with class teachers if there is some area of concern, so as to develop a collaborative approach towards assisting the child with their schooling.

Retro Bingo

Wow! What a fantastic night. Congratulations to our P&F Association, Marisa and her Team, Michelle Jacobsen, Jenny Allpike, Filippa Di Ciano, Kristie Di Nella, Irene Gianatti, Simone McGuire, Maree Previti, Crystal Shi and Nan Versaci and all those involved with the organisation of the Retro Bingo Night last Friday. It was wonderful to see so many parents and staff having a great night! I knew most of the songs – which is saying something! I think we unearthed some hidden talents within both the Staff and parent community. It was just a really ‘good night’ and as one of my staff said to me on Monday, if you couldn’t have fun on Friday then you were very hard to please.

One of the main aims that we have as a school is to ‘Build Community Spirit’. This was certainly achieved!

Year Six Interschool Winter Carnival
Last week our Year Six students participated in the Interschool Lightning Carnival. I am most grateful to Miss Witkowski, Mrs Edwards, Mrs Tassone and Mr Colangelo as well as the parents who assisted with the various teams. I especially recognise and thank the parent helpers who coached a team; Michael Bellesini, Ethan and Taliyah Quartermaine, Tracy Caputo, Leah Wilson, Corina Papalazaros, Stephanie Thaung, Anita Civello, Jordan Alvaro and Natalie Marion; and all the other parents who came and supported in some way at these events.

Wise & Witty words….

’It’s not what you do for children, it’s what you do with them as a parent that counts.”
Australian mother of seven children aged 12 to 28.

“There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live.”
Jon Adams

In Our Prayers
We continue to keep Mrs Janelle White in our prayers. Janelle returned from the Year 6 Camp earlier this term and contracted a virus that has kept her off school for the past five weeks. We pray that she is able to make a full recovery.

Best Wishes
We take this opportunity to wish Mrs Cheryl Macpherson all the best for her leave commencing the beginning of Term Three. Cheryl will be away for the first four weeks of Term Three.

Thank You
We Thank, Mrs Maria Tassone, who stepped into the fold as a Year Six Teacher at very short notice, mid-way through the term. Thanks Maria for your help and support, particularly with the Sacramental Program – Confirmation, Year Six Assembly and the Lightning Carnival.

Infant Jesus Family

Our congratulations to the Page Family on the arrival of a little son, Joshua, a little brother to Lila (PK) . Blessing to you all as a family at this joyous time.

Our condolences and prayers go to the Scriva Family (Allegra 5B, Claudia 1W and Myah PPW) on the sad loss of their grandfather. May he rest in the peace of Christ forever.

From My Readings . . .
Australian families are increasingly time-strapped. The busy-ness of life can make it difficult for adults and children to participate in enjoyable activities or just to ‘hang out’ as a family.

Do you engage regularly in activities that involve play and laughter or are all your interactions with children of a managerial nature?

School holidays offer families a chance to unwind away from the normal routines. They also provide the window of opportunity for parents to spend some enjoyable time with children.

There are many theories about promoting healthy parent-child relationships and strengthening families; however, it’s easy to overlook a simple, cheap way of forming family relationships – spending enjoyable time together. American family researcher John DeFrain has found that the happiest childhood memories that adults hold have two common threads. First, childhood happiness always centres on activities experienced together as a family. Second, the most pleasurable childhood times almost always centre on simple, inexpensive activities.

During the holidays do something fun and enjoyable with your children. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should be something different, something fun and something that involves laughter and play.

Money can’t buy happiness, but loving family relationships can create it.

Holiday ideas to do with children and young people:
1. Ask children about their favourite activity and take your cues from them.
2. Take older children on a date – one-on-one.

3. Plan an outing in advance and use public transport if that is not your normal mode.
4. Start and finish reading a novel to older children in the holidays.

5. Have a television (screen free) free day.
6. Join the kids in playing board games, listen to or play music, share a book or swap stories. Make the alternative activities so good that the kids look forward to the ‘games

Term Three Important Dates

Term 3 Calendar click on this link PARENTS CALENDAR TERM 3

Monday 16 July
• Students Commences Term 3

Saturday 21 July
• First Eucharist Commitment Mass

Sunday 22 July
• First Eucharist Commitment Mass

Monday 30 July
• School Photos

Tuesday 31 July
• School Photos

Saturday 25 August
• Family Mass (6.00pm)

Prayer for the Week

End of Term Prayer
We thank you Lord, for this term.
For the challenges, the successes, and the mistakes from which we have learnt.
Be with us as we spend our time with family and friends.
Give us strength and courage to do what is right: to be witnesses of our faith.
Help us to be practical a Christian these holidays, to appreciate what others do for us, to give time and effort to help others.
To be peacemakers in our family.
Keep us safe in our activities; gives us good rest and good fun.
Bring us back refreshed and ready for a new term.
We thank you for our classmates, teachers, parents and a community that cares for us.
May we always be conscious of you in our lives.
Amen

Did you Know?
• During his or her life time the average human will grow 949km of hair.
• Your foot and your forearm are the same length.
• Your smell is unique: your body odour is unique to you unless you have an identical twin.

Even babies recognise the individual scents of their mothers

Thought for the Week

“Happiness is not so much in having as sharing.

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

Norman MacEwan

Lastly, I hope all members of our community, particularly our students and staff, have a very enjoyable, relaxing and refreshing two-week break. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing everyone after the holidays. School resumes on Monday 16 July.

Best wishes