Orana Catholic Primary School
Term 3, Week 3, 2021.
TO GIVE IS TO RECEIVE
Generosity is an attitude of freely sharing our ideas and talents and giving our time generously. We show generosity by being welcoming, inclusive and promoting a sense of belonging.
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop
Provident God,
with grateful hearts we remember
the power for goodness that Mary MacKillop is in our world.
On this her feast day
may we be touched anew with her spirit of prophetic charity
and generous participation in mission.
We ask this in the name of Christ, the Sacred Heart, and of the Spirit of Mission.
Amen.
Dear Parents and Carers,
The 8th August is the Feast Day of Mary of the Cross MacKillop, the second patron saint of Australia. Mary MacKillop was a founder of the Sisters of St Joseph who were instrumental in establishing many Catholic school in Australia. Mary MacKillop was a pioneer and advocate for the poor, sick and those on the margins of our society. Today, her mission to the poor is very much alive in our world. One of her key mottos was “Never see a need without doing something about it”. This motto fits seamlessly with both our school motto, “To Give is to Receive” and the 2022 focus on our gospel value of Generosity. At Orana, we take inspiration from the words of Mary MacKillop to work on our whole school essential question “How can we live a generous life?” How can we as parents, staff and community members live a generous life? Generosity goes beyond financial generosity; how can we be generous in spirit, in our time, in showing empathy and more?
The Catholic Performing Arts Festival takes place throughout August and gives students in Catholic schools the opportunity to showcase their talents. Today we hosted the flute, clarinet, trumpet and brass ensemble sections in our hall. Well done to the students who showcased their talent today. We host another session next Friday. Thanks to Ms Draper for her work in organising our school’s involvement in this significant event.
Last weekend, our Year 3 students and their families displayed their commitment to the Sacrament of Penance at the parish Masses. Please keep these students in your prayers as they take this step in their faith journey. This weekend, the Year 6 students will attend commitment Masses for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The Year 3 and 5 students participated in the Bishops’ Religious Literacy Assessment this week. This is a curriculum based assessment which reflects and supports the progressive nature of the K-12 Religious Education Units. It focuses on students’ ability to recall content about the Catholic religion and to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of Religious Education.
Please note that our school has CCTV cameras on site for security purposes. You may have noticed the new signage around the school.
Our 2022 Kindergarten enrolment interviews continued this week. Places are now very limited. If you have a child, or know of someone, who is due to commence kindy next year, please contact the office for an enrolment application.
God bless and take care,
Dee Johnston
Principal
Punctuality
We encourage families to ensure that all students arrive on time to school. Being punctual ensures that children are calm and relaxed about their day ahead of learning. Year One to Six students should be in class ready to learn at 8.50am when the bell chimes.
NSI School Climate Survey - Closing Today!
At the beginning of Term 3, we launched the NSI School Climate Survey. The purpose of this survey is to collect feedback and analyse data from students, families and staff members to inform effective school improvement. The survey feedback does not include individual responses, rather it provides a graph based on the feedback of all parents. We are seeking your impressions. There are no right or wrong answers. The school values your feedback and we strongly encourage you to complete the survey by today. Please refer to the survey information via the link below.
School Climate Survey Information
Survey Web Link Passcode OCPACS
Dates To Remember
TERM 3 - WEEK 4
Friday 6th August - Climate Survey closes
Saturday 7th August - Year 6 Confirmation Commitment Mass 5.30pm
Sunday 8th August - Year 6 Confirmation Commitment Mass 10.30am
Monday 9th August - Vocal Solos, Performing Arts
Monday 9th August - ICAS Digital Technologies
Tuesday 10th August - MHL Carnival - Year 6, Morris Buzacott Oval
Tuesday 10th August - Vocal Solos, Performing Arts
Tuesday 10th August - P & F Meeting 6.30pm
Wednesday 11th August - Both Kindy Classes Farm Incursion
Wednesday 11th August - Solos: duets for flute, clarinet, saxophone and brass, Performing Arts Festival
Thursday 12th August - Confirmation Parent/Child Workshop Year 6: 5-6.15pm OR 6.30-7.45pm
Friday 13th August - No Assembly
Friday 13th August - Performing Arts hosted at Orana: solos and duets for flute, clarinet, saxophone and brass
Sunday 15th August - Feast of the Assumption
Saturday 14th August - Parents and Child Camping Event
Faith In Action
Sacramental Commitment Mass - Confirmation Year Six
Our Year Six children will embark on their preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend by attending either the Saturday 5.30pm Mass or Sunday 10.30am Mass. This Mass is where our children and parents will commit to their preparation. All the Orana community are welcome to attend.
Australian Census - 10 August 2021
Leading up to the 10 August census, Orana encourages families to indicate Catholic religion if they are Catholic.
The Australian census on 10 August 2021 will provide a snapshot of who Australians are and what is important to us. The census is a key tool that government uses to determine how organisations, schools, church ministries and community groups are prioritised, funded and empowered to best operate in our State.
If your faith is important to you or if you identify with Christian values, please use your voice in the Australian census when asked your religion.
This is an important opportunity to demonstrate the significance of faith-based families in our West Australian community and will support endeavours to secure equitable access to opportunities and resources.
Altar Serving Training
Now that our Year 4 children have made their First Holy Communion, they are welcome to learn how to be an altar server. Please fill out the Microsoft Forms in the link below so that this can be communicated to the Parish.
Social Justice Group
This term the Social Justice Group are planning to hold a second-hand book and toy sale. This could be a great opportunity to clean out your toy box and bookshelf! The money raised will be used to purchase gifts to put in the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hampers which we will be organising in Term 4. This is one way of showing GENEROSITY to those less fortunate than us. If you have any books or toys you would like to donate, please put them in the basket situated outside the Year 4W classroom. Let’s make this Christmas a very special one for those less fortunate than us. Specific information regarding the sale will follow shortly but in the meantime, let us get those donations in!
Thank you.
Care Packages - Year 3
3W are making care packages for the homeless and we need donations! We need non-perishable items eg.pretzels, ready made popcorn, and crackers. Towards the end of Term 3, we will create care packages out of these items and donate them to the homeless.
From our Parish of Saints John & Paul
Fr Thai is currently taking a well-deserved holiday. He will return to our parish after the 15th August.
Please visit the Parish website for the latest information on weekend Masses.
Orana Netball News
We would like to thanking the families of Orana for participating in the Netball fundraiser on the last week of Term 2. We are able to raise $420 which will go a long way to the upkeep of equipment for our teams. Our players, coaches and managers are grateful for the support of the school community.
Thank-you
Orana Netball Club
P & F News
Hello Orana!
The Orana P&F and the committees have been busy planning a number of things this term that will keep us (and the children of course!) excited. Our next P&F Meeting will be held this Tuesday 10th August 2021, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. We will be discussing projects and activities that we have in our calendar. If you are keen to get involved, please come and join us.
The Disco Committee has been formed, led by Kate Guilfoyle and planning is underway. Save the date – Disco is planned to be on Friday, 10th September 2021. If you are available to volunteer on the day, please get in touch by contacting P&F via Facebook/Messenger, or email at Oranapandf@gmail.com. Stay tuned for more info!
There is also a Parent & Children Camping Activity on the 14th to 15th August 2021. This will be held in Kerem Adventure Camp in Bullsbrook. There will be optional activities such as wall climbing, disc golf, indoor movie, bush walking, and basketball to participate in, and of course there will be a camp fire! This is not a school activity and as this is an off-site activity, you will be responsible for your own children’s supervision throughout the event. For further details please see the below flyer and visit our Orana P&F Store to purchase tickets: https://orana-catholic-primary-school-parents-and-friends-association.square.site/
SOCIAL WORKER NEWS
About Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is liking yourself, feeling worthwhile, believing in yourself and knowing what you do well.
Self-esteem gives children confidence to:
try new things and try again when things don’t go as planned
do things that they might not enjoy or normally be good at
face challenges rather than avoid them.
When children try new things, face challenges and bounce back, they learn and grow. This is why self-esteem can be an important part of child development.
Warm and loving relationships are the foundation of children’s self-esteem because they make children feel valued and worthwhile. Relationships are built on plenty of responsive, caring interactions with your child. Family rituals are important too, because they build your family relationships and give your child a sense of belonging.
Pre-schoolers and self-esteem
At this age, pre-schoolers often like to compare themselves with others, and will ask whether they’re the biggest, fastest or best at whatever they’re doing. You can have a big role in nurturing your child’s self-esteem and helping your child value themselves.
Here are some ideas:
· Give your child balanced feedback. This is praising your child for giving things a go, doing their best or trying something new – not for being the ‘best’. It encourages them to appreciate other people’s successes too. For example, ‘Well done for racing and giving it your best try – I’m proud of you. Let’s congratulate Sven on winning’.
· Explain that losing is a part of life. Try asking questions like ‘Did you give it a good try?’ or ‘Did you have fun?’ before you ask ‘Did you win?’ This shows your child that you value them regardless of whether they won or lost – and encourages your child to do the same.
· Play simple board games or card games together. Turn-taking games like these help your child learn how to play cooperatively and get along with others. This can give your child skills and confidence in social situations.
· Encourage your child to help you with household chores – for example, setting the table or putting away laundry. This shows your child that you trust them with responsibility, which helps your child feel good about themselves.
· Show interest in the things that interest your child. For example, you could visit the library to borrow books on your child’s favourite subject. Or spend time together building blocks, doing puzzles, kicking balls – or whatever your child enjoys.
Family meals can be a simple but important way to strengthen a sense of value and belonging for children of all ages. That’s because children can all contribute to a family meal – for example, by setting the table, washing vegetables, tossing a salad and so on. Family meals can also give everyone a chance to talk about things that are important to them.
Primary school-age children and self-esteem
At school, children might compare themselves with their friends and classmates. At this age, self-esteem tends to relate to many things – including how well children learn, how they look, how they do at sport and how easily they make friends.
Challenges at school might seem to dent your child’s self-esteem because your child might feel less capable than others for the first time. But this will help them learn that they don’t need to be perfect at everything to be loved, valued and capable.
Here are some ways you can help:
· Give extra love and cuddles at the end of the school day.
· Focus on the effort your child puts in and the courage it takes to try new or difficult things. For example, ‘I know you were worried about dancing in the concert, but you were so brave to give it go’.
· Encourage your child to try again when things don’t go to plan the first time. You could say, ‘Go on, give it another try – I believe you can do it’. This also builds your child’s resilience.
· Coach your child through tricky social situations – for example, ‘Try giving a big smile when you want to join in. People will want to play with you if you look happy’. You could try role-playing these situations with your child first.
· Foster a good relationship between school and home by talking with the teacher to find out how your child is going. It’s also good to get involved in school life if you can, and show interest in your child’s schoolwork and homework.
Being connected to other people who care about them is important for children’s self-esteem. It helps to strengthen their sense of who they are. You could encourage your child to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, if that works for your family. Or you could get involved in a local religious community, sporting club or community service.
Kath Warburton
Social Worker
Available Thursdays, Fridays and alternate Wednesdays
OSHC News
Year 6 Graduation Art Fundraiser - Orders close on Monday 9th August.
Last week, all the students worked hard on a beautiful art masterpiece in class. You have the opportunity to turn this masterpiece into keepsakes for your child, yourselves or to give as gifts to grandparents etc!
An image of your child’s art has been posted on SeeSaw - here you can view the artwork that will be used for the keepsakes.
What a wonderful gift to give that special person in your family that has everything and is difficult to buy for!
There is a choice of:
- 2022 calendars
- Greeting cards
- Diaries
- Notebooks
- Sketch pads
- Pillowcases
- Tea towels
- Tote bags
Orders are to be placed directly with Crazy Camel via the following link: www.crazycamel.com.au/33943 or via QR code on the flyer or SeeSaw app.
Please note that the child’s details entered during purchasing will determine which artwork has been ordered.
Examples of the keepsakes can be viewed in the school office.
Orders close next Monday 9th August at 11.59pm. All keepsakes will be forwarded to Orana and distributed via the children. We should have the keepsakes by the week commencing 30th of August; however, the shipment is coming from over east and with COVID, it’s possible there may be some delays so please factor this in.
All proceeds raised from this fundraiser will go towards the Year 6 Graduation. As always, we thank you for your support!
Graduation Committee
Parking and Pick Up After School
Unless your child is in Kindy, it is best if you arrive from 3.15pm to park or use the drive through. Children will then be ready at the green shed, waiting for you. We request that when parking on the oval, that you reverse park in one row on the edge of the oval. Please continue this row around the fence line to the 2 large trees on the Chelmer Ave fence line. Please do not park on the main section of the oval. The grass is required for school use, such as during athletic carnivals and sport lessons and is already showing signs of wear.
School Banking Postponed
School Banking day is currently postponed. We now have a new banking coordinator. Thank-you to Flavia Ricciardo for volunteering to on this role. After handover and training is complete, banking will recommence.
OSHC News
Grounds / Maintenance News
2021 Professional Development Days Reminder
The following dates are pupil free days for 2021. For your future planning OSHC will offer a full day program on these dates.
Friday 24th September – Catholic Day (Pupil Free Day)
Monday 11th October – Data Analysis Professional Development and Wellbeing Session