St Jerome's Newsletter
Week 7 - Term 2 (Thursday 11 June)
St Jerome’s Primary School acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners and Elders, both past and present, of the lands on which this school is located.
Dear Parents and members of our school community
Dear Lord,
Let us huddle together this morning,
our community, a place of warmth in our lives
as we share the flame of hope and connection.
Let us allow the frost of isolation and bitterness to melt away
as we open ourselves to a sense of peace and spirit.
We extend our thoughts to all those who are cold this morning,
lacking shelter or love to keep them warm.
Let us wrap our prayers around them and each other like scarves,
and wish each other safe journeys through the storm.
May we be insulated from fear as the earth is insulated by the lingering dark clouds,
And, like bulbs, may we continue to grow and open inside, despite the cold,
Ready for the spring, to stretch and grow towards justice.
Amen
Thank you so much for your co-operation in limiting your time in the school grounds if you choose to bring your child into school. The peace and quiet of the mornings has been maintained plus students are loving all the extra morning exercise they experience on the school oval. Additionally, the afternoon drive through has been much less crowded over the past three days. I believe many parents have realized arriving after 3.20pm is the best option particularly if your child is in Years 1-6.
School Fees
As school has now returned to normal teaching and learning, the usual fee invoices will be sent to families during next week.
We understand the grim economic impact that COVID-19 has had on many businesses. Thousands of people are now either unemployed or under employed.
I remind parents of the Health Care Card discount scheme plus many other available options to assist you in meeting your financial obligations to the school. Please make a time to come in and discuss your changed circumstances.
Reading choices
I wandered into our library this week to be greeted by the gales of laughter from a Year 1 class as Mr Bennett-Surtees read them Piranhas Don't Eat Bananas by Aaron Blabey. So you too can enjoy the experience, here is the link to the private YouTube clip of this reading. So many of the children's favourite book choices revolve around topics that some parents find challenging. Consider this range of titles = Cinderella's Bum; Wierdo; Fairies Don't Fart; Walter the Farting Dog! Rejoice in the fact that your child is enjoying reading and that they will eventually move off onto other subjects.
A Cry for Help. How do I teach my child to share?
The following short article is one of the best I've seen and it really does respect that every child is on a different developmental journey especially in regard to regulating their behaviour.
Helping Children Regulate Their Own Behaviour
How can we communicate with children in ways that enhance their self-regulation - their ability to manage their own behaviour? One way is to use a sequence that involves reflecting, reacting (and giving reasons for our reactions), and redirecting young children.
By communicating in this way, we can help your learners understand why and how to follow rules - teaching them how to behave rather than just telling them to behave.
The result? Children are motivated to follow rules, even when adults are not present
USING THE RRR SEQUENCE
Here's how the personal message might look in a situation in which a child has taken another child's toy.
One way to respond would be to say, "You have to share!" But consider what the child learns when we respond thoughtfully.
REFLECT
"You wanted that toy, too."
We begin by reflecting on the child's behaviour. By showing that we are listening and watching, we demonstrate respect for the child, which establishes a healthy groundwork for the conversation.
REACT
"I felt sad because you took the toy without asking."
We react to the child's behaviour, and give a reason for our reaction. This provides the child a chance to see their actions from the perspective of others and to understand why others might feel the way they do. Often, adults will give a rule without explaining why that rule is important, as if we expect children to be born knowing how to behave. Giving a reason is necessary to promote the child's understanding of the consequence of their action.
REDIRECT
"Friends take turns. Try asking if you can please have the toy."
The final step in a personal message is the statement of the rule or redirection. The final thing we say should be what we expect the child to do or what they should do.
This multi-step process takes practice, time and dedication. But when we consistently respond in this way, children begin to regulate their own behaviour. Why? Because they understand what good behaviour actually means.
(Acknowledgement: 5 Tips for Talking to Children at Play by Marissa Rasavong)
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION NEEDED
We must have a current mobile number for parents in case we need to contact you in an emergency. We have recently found out that many families have not informed the school that their old number has been cancelled. This can be distressing to a child in a health crisis at school. Additionally please try and have another emergency contact of a relative or friend who lives nearby. We appreciate Auntie Jane in Sydney loves her nephew but her help won't be at all useful from so far away. If all your relatives live interstate, then ask another parent if they would allow their name and number to be your emergency contact.
Thank you for updating your details.
Dear parents, guardians and carers
Re: Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The definition of disability for the national data collection is based on the broad definition under the DDA. For the purposes of the collection, students with learning difficulties as well as chronic health conditions may be included. The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
· year of schooling
· category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
· level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
· formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
· consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
· develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).
Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.
Kind regards
Helen O’Toole
Principal
Camping in Pre Primary
RE News
Sacramental News
Sacramental Program
We have received word from the Archbishop that the First Eucharist and First Reconciliation Sacramental Programs can recommence next term. Confirmation is tentatively booked into term 4 this year, but we cannot confirm this until Father Vijay receives approval from the Archbishop and we will let you now as soon as this happens.
The dates for both First Eucharist and First Reconciliation have been changed so please check these carefully.
Please note that First Reconciliation has been moved to the end of Term 3.
This year the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be conferred to all candidates during the School Term 3 holidays from Tuesdays to Fridays. Father wishes each family to bring their child to him for Reconciliation so that he has time to meet and speak to each family. Each session will last for approximately 15 mins and finish with your child receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation. Parents will need to make an appointment with Father for First Reconciliation by ringing the parish during their office hours.
The following people may be contacted if you require further information.
Parish Office - Tuesday – Fridays 9:30am -2:30pm on 94181229
Religious Education Co-ordinator & Children’s Liturgy Leader – Soly Fernandez email: re_coordinator@stjeromesparish.org
Carol Hoare – Assistant Principal St Jerome’s School – 94999500
Serious Safety Concern - Lane behind the Church
Parents of children riding their bikes or scooting to school are asked to speak to their children about this matter.
Children are using the lane behind the church to walk, ride or scoot to school. For safety reasons, this is against school rules. We ask that you do not tell your children that “you said it was ok for them to do this”. The lane is used by staff to access the staff carpark and parish members are also using it again, now masses have started back in the church. Drivers, despite taking care, do not always see children walking along or on their bikes & scooters.
Please remind your children not to use the lane at any time, before or after school but to walk their bikes and scooters in front of the church to access the school. This is a serious safety concern and we need your support to ensure that an accident does not happen. Our rules are to keep all children safe, so please send the right message to your children and do not ride or walk your children to school via the lane.
School Photos Days - Week 9
School Photo Days
We are now able to confirm that school photos will be taken in week 9 of this term on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June.
A MESSAGE FROM KAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY - SCHOOL PHOTO DAY IS COMING!
Dear Parents,
For the duration of COVID-19, please be aware that Kapture photographers are following all recommended health guidelines and safe practices. Kapture have modified the photography system whereby photographers will remain at all times 1.5m from students and staff. Photographers will use only verbal queues and instructions in an effort to uphold a high standard of student presentation. Students may be instructed by photographers to use single use sterile combs, use wet wipes or tissues, to fix collars, buttons and stray hairs - all without physically touching students.
In addition to the above, the class group photo format has been modified whereby a full length ‘character’ pose will be taken of each student in a white studio. The photo is a fun shot with the view to students showing their personality – ‘strike a pose’. These poses will then be combined with all students in the class to form the class group photo of 2020. An example of a character pose can be seen as a purchase option when ordering your photos online.
Our school photo day is coming! Approximately two weeks prior to the photo day every student will receive a Kapture Photography personalised flyer to bring home. The only method of ordering your photos is online through the Kapture website as your payment is secure and can be easily verified at any time.
Sibling orders can ONLY be placed online. Late requests cannot be granted.
You have the option to order a sibling photo package online, however please note sibling orders will close in most instances at 12-midday sharp, one business day before the first photo date. We suggest you place your sibling order as soon as you receive your flyer with your order instructions as places are limited.
Log on to kapture.com.au for your sibling photo order cut-off date and time.
You can place an order online for class or individual photographs at any time for the remainder of the current school year. However, a $20 fee will apply if you order more than 10 days after photography.
If your child is in a sports or special photo, you can use the same school code on your information flyer to view and order these photos on the Kapture website, around the time that school photos are ready to be delivered. Please note class, individual and sibling portraits are not available to view online prior to purchase.
Kapture offer a money back guarantee for any parent who is not fully satisfied with their photo package. Should you have any queries before or after photo day, please direct them to the Kapture office on 9240 1714 or email enquiries@kapture.com.au.
All students will be photographed individually on photo day for school administration records AS WELL as included in their class group presentation available for purchase to all families. Should there be any reason why your child should NOT be included in the photo shoot –please contact the school office.
APRE
SEQTA Engage - Login
Dear Parents and Guardians,
All Pre-Primary to Year 6 School Reports are delivered electronically via SEQTA Engage.
As advised in previous emails and newsletters the school will be changing to a new computer system during the July school holidays. Access to your child’s report may not be possible during the school holidays. Once school resumes the SEQTA logins may need to be reset and you will regain full access to all reports. PLEASE ENSURE THAT THE SCHOOL HAS A VALID E-MAIL ADDRESS to ensure that you will have access to SEQTA Engage.
New Families / Accounts
If you have not previously created a SEQTA Engage account, you will receive an email over the next couple of days that must be actioned within 7 days. This email includes a link that is specific to your family. More information on how to create your new account can be found at http://www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au/seqta-engage/ and then clicking on “Registering”.
Current / Previous Accounts
It is important that you check your login for SEQTA Engage as early as possible so that you will be able to access your child’s report at the end of this term.
Please go to the following site http://www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au/seqta-engage/ and click on “SEQTA Engage” to check your login details. A link to this site can also be found on the school website at www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au, click on the “Portal” tab on the green menu bar and click on “SEQTA Engage”.
If you have remembered your username but have forgotten your password, please go to the following site http://www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au/seqta-engage/ and click on “Forgot Password’.
If you have forgotten your username you will need to email seqta.help@stjeromes.wa.edu.au and provide your name, your child’s name and your child’s class.
Other Information
Reports will be available for viewing on Thursday 2 July after 2pm. If you are unable to print your child’s report a copy can be obtained from the school office at a cost of $5.00.
Please be aware that some emails can end up in junk mail, so ensure that you check your inbox as well as your junk mail.
If you have any specific issues or general questions please email seqta.help@stjeromes.wa.edu.au outlining your query and provide your name, your child’s name and your child’s class.
Kind regards
Mrs Vanessa Alaniz
Assistant Principal
AP Curriculum
Enrolments for 2021
Kindergarten Enrolments for 2021
Interviews for Kindergarten 2021 are happening now. If your child was born between 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017 they are eligible for Kindergarten in 2021. Parents of children with siblings are urged to ensure their applications have been submitted to avoid disappointment.
3 Year Old Kindergarten Enrolments for 2021
Interviews for 3 Year Old Kindergarten next year will take place this term. If your child was born between 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 your child will be able to join the program once they turn three.
Application forms are available from the front office at the school.
For any enquiries please contact:
St Jerome’s Primary School
38 Troode Street,
Lake Coogee, WA 6166
Email: admin@stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Phone: 9499 9500
School Nurse News - A Healthy Lunchbox
Healthy lunches and snacks are important for keeping active kids alert and focused and providing them with the nutrition they need every day.
A healthy lunch box should include:
· Fruit – at least one serve of fresh seasonal fruit. If you don’t have fresh fruit, canned (in natural juice) is a good substitute. Dried fruit is high in sugar and should be avoided
· Vegetables – vegetable sticks, salads or a mix of raw (with dip) or grilled vegetables
· Dairy – one serve of milk, yoghurt or cheese supports optimal growth and development in children. If your child can’t tolerate dairy provide a suitable alternative.
· Protein – lean meat or poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, legumes/beans, or nuts and seeds.
· Grain foods – wholegrain and high fibre varieties are best.
· Water – the best drink to keep children hydrated.
Remember, children who help plan and prepare their own lunch are more likely to eat it. Your child might like to try out this fun, ‘Interactive Lunchbox’ website: www.goforyourlife.vic.gov.au/hav/articles.nsf/html/index.html
Book Club – Issue 4 (2020)
Book club orders must be finalised online
By Friday 19th June
Any orders placed after this date will incur a delivery fee and be delivered to your home.
Please use LOOP on scholastic website.
No cash payments or paper orders taken
Catalogues for Issue 4 have been handed out to classrooms.
Leave it to Jinkx
Cross Country Training 2020
Contact Details
Email: admin@stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Location: 38 Troode Street, Lake Coogee, WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9499 9500