Whitford Catholic Primary School
Newsletter 28 - 9 September 2020
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians
National Child Protection Week: 6-12 September 2020
This year National Child Protection Week will celebrate its 30th year with the theme of ‘Putting Children First’. The need to put children first, bring abuse and neglect out of the shadows and put child wellbeing on the national agenda has been recognised time and time again as an important pillar for boosting the wellbeing of all children in Australia.
It is important to remember that keeping our children safe and well is everybody’s business, and together as a community, let us help children thrive by:
- Speaking up if we see something that is not safe for children
- Talking respectfully with children and valuing and acting on their ideas
- Supporting families and
- Creating places where children feel safe to live, play and learn
May we continue to put children’s needs first, not only during National Child Protection Week, but every week. We can also play our part by liking and sharing ‘National Child Protection Week’ on social media platforms @ #ncpw
Don’t forget R U OK Day is tomorrow………
Thursday 10 September is the national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life’s ups and downs.
We don’t need to be reminded that 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone and circumstances have made it more important for us all to stay connected and, for those who are able, be willing to support those around us. The message for R U OK Day 2020 is ‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’ We can do this by helping someone who says they’re not OK through guided conversations that could possibly change a life. We can all learn what to say at www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
Wellbeing Week!
We have an energetic and creative Wellbeing Team here at school, made up of staff members who are currently planning a whole school focus on Wellbeing for next week. More detailed information will be sent home later this week via SchoolStream. Many thanks to Elaine Mahon, Geoff Clarke, Andrew De Miao and Steph Hopkins.
Athletics Carnivals
Such a busy and exciting time of athletics we have from today through to Friday this week. Thanks to Mr D’Adamo for his top effort in preparing the students (even whilst hobbling about on crutches) and to the students for their commitment and enthusiasm. We should have a fabulous few days ahead. For those parents attending any of the carnivals, please remember the 1.4m distancing rule.
Congratulations!
On a finishing note, I take this opportunity of congratulating Mr Geoff Clarke on his appointment as Assistant Principal at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School in Butler from 2021. Although we will be sad to see Geoff move on from our school, we congratulate him on his success in attaining this promotional position and will later in the year, thank him for his many contributions to our school. Well done Geoff.
Many blessings
Tamara McGougan
Principal
JOHN MARSDEN’S TIPS FOR PARENTS
John Marsden is arguably one of Australia's foremost writers of Young Adult fiction. A trained educator with a natural gift for storytelling, his books can be found in many of our bookshelves and no doubt, I’m sure many of our own parents have grown up reading his novels. I came across some of his thoughts that I thought interesting and worth sharing. They may even make you smile!
1. “Give children space. Back off. Let them roam. Let them be bored. Don't over-plan their lives. Cut way back on the after-school activities programs.
2. Keep away from all those ghastly, soulless, sterile playgrounds. Keep away from shopping malls. Look for real places. Wild places.
3. Be an adult. Say no to your children at least once a day. If the role of Adult in your family is vacant, then one of your children will fill it. And it won't be pretty.
4. Don't take up all the space. If you are dominating, loud, forceful, your children are highly likely to become passive, lacking spirit and personality … and/or sullen.
5. Believe about 40 per cent of the dramatic stories your children tell you of the injustices, corruption and terrible practices happening at school.
6. Teach them empathy. For example, after their jubilant victory celebrations when they win a sporting match, remind them that their jubilation was only possible because someone else – the losers –may not be feeling that great.
7. Help them develop language skills. Don't finish their sentences for them. Ask them open-ended questions, that need a detailed answer, not Yes/No questions.
8. Make sure they have regular jobs/duties at home and that those jobs are done to a consistently high standard.
9. Don't whinge endlessly about the miseries of your adult life. A lot of children now are fearful about growing up because their parents paint such a grim picture of the awfulness ahead.
10. Teach them to be very wary of people who Absolutely Know the Absolute Truth about Absolutely Everything! The colour of truth is always grey. Every creature, every person and every situation is complex. The universe is a wonderful mystery.”
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KINDY 2021
Important Dates
Thursday 10 September
- Jumps & Throws Years 3-6
- 4W Just Jump
Friday 11 September
- Junior Athletics Carnival
Saturday 12 September
- TOM judging
Wednesday 16 September
- P & F Meeting
Thursday 17 September
- Performing Arts Opening Mass - St Mary's Cathedral - 10am
- 4W Just Jump
- PP Dance Assembly
Friday 18 September
- Junior virtual assembly - merit award assembly
PE News
ATHLETICS CARNIVALS
Senior Jumps & Throws (Yr 3-6 Jav, Shot Put, Long Jump, 800m) - Thursday 10th Sep (School oval)
8:50am - 9.40am 800m Finals (Yr 3-6)
9:45am - 10:30am Yr 4 Rotation
11:00am - 11:45am Yr 5 Rotation
11:50am - 12:35pm Yr 6 Rotation
1:20pm - 2:05pm Yr 3 Rotation
2:10pm - 2.55pm Tug O War (Yr 3-6)
Junior Carnival (PP - Yr 2) - Friday 11th Sep (School Oval, 9:00am - 12:35pm)
A reminder that parents are welcome to attend the event at a spectator capacity only. The school staff will assist in the running of all events on the day. Thank you for your understanding.
Adriano D'Adamo
PE Specialist
Uniform News UPDATE and LOST PROPERTY CLOTHING
Lost property and 2nd Hand clothing items are currently hanging outside the front office till the end of the week. While the uniform shop remains closed to parents on Wednesdays, if you need to check sizes or anything specifically please feel free to contact the office to arrange a convenient time to go to the uniform shop.
A reminder that, as we move to Summer uniform for Term 4, please start to get your orders in so we can complete them on time for you.
Photography Competition
This term, the Technology Ministry and Idea Factory are presenting our school wide photography competition. This is the perfect opportunity to get out into nature and capture some amazing shots.
We have four categories that students can enter: Nature & animals, sunrise and sunset, sport and action.
Entry details: Take a photo, print it out (if possible - otherwise we can do it at school), place your child's name, class and category on the back and place it in the box out the front of the Year 6 room. The winners for each category will be announced in Week 10.
We look forward to seeing some of the amazing entrants come through.
Mike Barns
Year 6 Teacher/Digital Technologies Leader
P&F NEWS
LAPATHON
Thank you to those students and families who have already returned their Lapathon envelopes. We are getting close to our target and would love to meet our annual $15,500 pledge to our hardworking class and specialised teachers.
Don't forget you can either return the envelopes or make a donation via our Everyday Hero Account https://nfp.everydayhero.com/au/whitford-catholic-primary-school#
Entertainment Book
Get your new Entertainment Membership today to support Whitford Catholic Primary School. Membership is app only-no books available.
Entertainment Memberships can start anytime (as soon as you download the app) and are packed with thousands of substantial savings on dining, travel and fun family activities. The digital membership is easy to download to start using instantly. New offers are added weekly for ongoing value all year round.
Order today with the link below...
Book Club
End of Term Special - Thursday 24 September
2 Slice of Dominoes Pizza and Juice Box - $6.50
Choice of:-
Cheese
BBQ Meat Lovers
Hawaiian
All orders must be made online by 12 Noon Monday 21 September.
No late orders will be accepted
No other menu items will be available
OLM Parish News
To view the current parish newsletter please click here
OUR SPONSORS
Community News
Ride to Conquer Cancer - Benjamin Weston (Fox Weston's Dad)
One of our students parents is doing the Ride to Conquer Cancer this year, which is a 200km push bike ride. If you would like to donate please follow the link below:-
https://www.cancer200.org.au/fundraisers/benjaminweston/cancer-200
All moneys go directly to the Harry Perkins Institute for cancer research.