St Jerome's Newsletter
Week 1, Term 1 (Thursday 7 February 2019)
Dear Parents and members of our school community
God of wisdom and might:
We praise you for the wonder of our being,
for mind, body and spirit.
Be with our children as they begin
a new school year.
Bless them, the teachers, the staff and our community.
Give them strength and grace as their bodies grow,
wisdom and knowledge to their minds
as they search for understanding;
and peace and passion to their hearts.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen
Dear Parents
Welcome to the 2019 school year! It has truly been a fabulous start to the year and the classes have all settled in beautifully. We especially welcome new families to St Jerome's and we have planned a special Welcome Morning Tea on next Thursday between 9am and 10am in the hall. Your toddlers are very welcome too and we will have a play space provided. If you are planning to attend, please email Grace Simich so we can cater appropriately. Grace.Simich@cewa.edu.au
We welcomed our Kindergarten students to the school on Tuesday and the children are greatly enjoying the many activities the teachers have planned for them. I take special joy in greeting the lovely Year 6 students who are now proudly the leaders of the school. I recall meeting them in 2012 as tiny Kindy students and it has been an absolute joy to see them grow in courage, wisdom and knowledge over their years here.
As it has since 1935, St Jerome's will provide your children with a stimulating and challenging curriculum that links faith and culture. Every one of our dedicated teachers embraces the privilege and challenge of teaching in this Catholic school. They expect each student to achieve to the best of his or her ability.
Our Catholic schools are open to all families who commit to supporting the philosophy, values and aims of Catholic education. Every Catholic school strives to be a spiritual, respectful and sharing place where education is an active partnership between parents, the school and the community. Catholic schools recognise that parents are a child's first teachers.
One of our key aims for this year is to improve communication with the families. Every class will be sending you details on the SeeSaw ap that they will use for easy and quick communication about curriculum, reminders, special events and regular updates on class work.
Please take care in our carpark. Although the carpark is slow moving, it is a safe drop off zone and pick up zone. Please abide by the carpark rules and ensure children exit vehicles by crossing in front of your vehicle rather than behind. Use the crossings. Please refrain from using mobile hones and respect the speed limit. Patience is not only a virtue but ensures safety! A reminder too that pedestrians have right of way. This also means that you need to take particular care if you are exiting from the carpark area directly beside the Parish house. Families use the footpath to walk home and we have children walking on their own. Be alert at all times.
Learning about our Saints - St Josephine Bakhita
Principal
P&F News
The first meeting of the P and F is next Tuesday at 7pm in the staff room and all parents are very welcome and encouraged to attend.
The executive team from last year have all held their roles for two years and it is a time to thank them for the efforts they have made for the benefit of all the children. Jodie Field held the position of secretary and kept us all up to date posting on the Face book page every Monday "what is happening” this week. This helped all the parents keep up to date and prepared for the week ahead. I am sure that as a community we are all very grateful for the time she has given us.
I also would like to publicly acknowledge Nikki Dragicevic’s work as treasurer. The P&F, in the past 2 years, has gifted back to the school, over $50000 each year which has provided many resources for our children. Without Nikki's careful accounting each month this would not have been possible. The P&F account currently has $10,000 (approx), ready to be distributed at our first meeting.
The events that we organise are varied, with the ultimate goal to build a feeling of community and friendship, like the welcome back picnic, which is happening Friday 15th of February, starting at 5pm and concluding at 8pm. There will be a food truck and a DJ for the children. It is a chance for families to pack a picnic dinner (or buy from the food truck) and meet and enjoy time with other families.
Other activities that have been traditionally organised by the P&F are the footy tickets, Mother's Day morning tea, Easter raffle, Christmas raffle, and last year, the retro Bingo. Each event would not be possible without people giving their time to organise and after 2 years I can say that each event is not that hard to do or even that time consuming. However the benefits in terms of the positivity it returns to the organizers are immeasurable. The P&F also runs the school banking, and we are very grateful to Karen Vas who has been organising this for many many years, resulting in our children learning the benefits of regular saving; a habit that they will need forever. Karen is retiring from this as her children will graduate this year and we are looking for a volunteer or a couple of people who can fill her shoes.
The school provides a wish list of items and costs that they would like, for example, the teachers in Year 1 might request new sets of readers, or Year 6 has historically been given money to reduce the cost of the year 6 camp to parents Other items on the wish list include items that may benefit the whole school such as outdoor tables. At the meeting the treasurer will provide a report including an amount that we can spend that month.
I am hoping that many new friends will attend our meetings in 2019. It would be wonderful to have parents from every year level. On a personal note I am so grateful that I have had the honour of holding the position of President and on behalf of the executive and the past committee, I thank all the parents that have been involved with the P&F.
Sophia Hicks
P&F President 2018
School Calendar
The calendar can be linked to your devices, but please be aware that it is not a dynamic calendar and that any changes that we make after you have linked it will not be automatically reflected on them. You will need to check the calendar on our website to be kept up to date.
We have had several requests for the date of the Edu Dance Concert. This will now be held on Friday 5th April. Further information on this will be forwarded to you at a later time.
Upcoming events next week
Thursday - Welcome Morning Tea for new families (9am - 10am)
Friday - Beginning of Year Mass (whole school) at 9am
Friday - Welcome Back Picnic (5-8pm) (on the oval)
We warmly invite you to attend any of these events and look forward to catching up with you.
Fees Information
If you hold a current Centrelink Concession Card you may be eligible for a discount on your tuition portion of school fees.
Please email accounts@stjeromes.wa.edu.au with a copy of your card (front and back please) or call into the office by Tuesday 12 February 2019 so that the discount can be applied prior to issuing your fee statement.
If you have an existing discount brought forward from last year please ensure that you also provide a copy of your current card.
Thank you
Dee Papadopoulos
Finance Support
MAD Volunteer Information Session - Thursday 28 February
Dear Parents
We invite you to consider participating in our MAD volunteer program in 2019.
MAD volunteers receive training and on-going support to work with our students to develop skills in the area of Language. Volunteers work 1:1 or in a small group each week at a time that is suitable for both the volunteer and the class. Simple, routine tasks repeated over a period of time provide the opportunity for our students to consolidate basic skills whilst enjoying the interaction of peers and members of the community.
A ‘hands on’ information session will be held on Thursday from 9-10am in the Discovery Room.
We hope you will consider joining the MAD program for term 1 and invite you to come along to the information session on Thursday 28th February or email regarding further information.
MAD VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SESSION RSVP to Joanna.roper@cewa.edu.au
With thanks Joanna Roper
Disability Support Coordinator
Occupational Therapy
“Little Peeps” is the school’s provider for Occupational Therapy Service. Should you be interested in Occupational Therapy for your child please refer to this link.”
St. Jerome’s Music Programme 2019
Welcome to another exciting year of making music!
Mrs Searle and I are looking forward to working with the staff, parents and children here at St. Jerome’s Primary School.
Both Mrs Searle and I love music and are passionate about it! We aim to make learning music at St. Jerome's enjoyable, fun and accessible for all children! The following statements are the foundation of our philosophy towards learning music and underline the importance of music as a learning area.
· Music is fun!
· Music is for everyone.
· Music is unique as it can develop a person holistically.
· Music offers joy, beauty, connection and community.
· Music develops creativity and self-expression.
· Music promotes children’s confidence and self-esteem.
· Music enriches lives by providing an integrated experience through singing, saying, moving, dancing and playing.
· Music crosses language barriers as it is an alternative form of communication.
· Music is active as well as passive.
Classroom Music Programme
This year all classes will be involved in Classroom Music Lessons.
Mrs Searle will be teaching students in Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Year 1 and Year 2 classes. I will be teaching students in the Year 3-6 classes.
The Classroom Music Programme is a programme that aims to develop concepts and skills in the areas of Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Form and Expression.
These concepts will be developed through singing, playing instruments, guided listening, moving and reading and writing music.
Liturgical Music Programme
There will be singing rehearsals for students to prepare for liturgical celebrations. Whole School Liturgical Singing will take place on Friday afternoons from 2.15-3.00 p.m. when there isn’t a Whole School Mass or Assembly scheduled for the week.
Instrumental and Vocal Programme
The Instrumental and Vocal Programme is available to students in Years 2-6. Lessons take place during school time. Instrumental Music Enrolment Forms are available from the School Front Office, and parents/guardians are asked to email forms directly to Instrumental Tutors.
Sound and Media Team
The Sound and Media Team is available to students in Year 6. Students involved in the team will need to be on hand to help set up sound and media equipment on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8.00-8.30 a.m. Training sessions will take place during Weeks 2 and 3.
Junior Choir Programme
Junior Choir is available to students in Years 2 and 3 with rehearsals taking place in
the Music Room on Wednesdays from 1.15-2.00 p.m.
Auditions for Junior Choir will take place during Weeks 2 and 3. Interested students are invited to attend and participate in the audition process.
Our first Junior Choir rehearsal for the year will be on Wednesday 27th February. Junior Choir members are asked to meet Mrs de Kluyver in the Music Room at 1.15 p.m.
Senior Choir Programme
Senior Choir is available to students in Years 4, 5 and 6 with rehearsals taking place in the Music Room on Friday mornings from 8.30-9.15 a.m.
Auditions for Senior Choir will take place during Weeks 2 and 3. Interested students are invited to attend and participate in the audition process.
Our first Senior Choir rehearsal for the year will be on Friday 1st March. Senior Choir members are asked to meet Mrs de Kluyver in the Music Room at 8.30 a.m.
School Band Programme
School Band is available to students in Years 4, 5 and 6 who have had at least one
year’s experience in their chosen instrument and are successful in their audition.
School Band rehearsals will take place in the Music Room on Friday afternoons
from 1.15-2.00 p.m.
Auditions for School Band will take place during Weeks 2 and 3. Interested students are invited to attend and participate in the audition process.
Our first School Band rehearsal for the year will be on Friday 1st March. School Band members are asked to meet Mrs de Kluyver in the Music Room at 1.15 p.m.
Auditions for Junior Choir, Senior Choir and School Band Programmes
Auditions for student involvement in the Junior Choir, Senior Choir and School Band Programmes will take place during Weeks 2 and 3. If students are successful in securing a position, they will be notified by letter. They and their parents/guardians will be required to sign a contract formalising their decision to commit to their designated ensemble for 2019.
This process should enable students to make an informed decision about their involvement in their chosen ensemble and make them aware of the requirement to commit to the year’s work.
Participating in these ensembles will enable students to extend their musical skill and ability and provide them with the opportunity to sing/play in a social setting with other singers/musicians.
We are looking forward to a fun, musical year ahead!
Carmel Searle and Amanda de Kluyver
Music Specialist Teachers
Instrumental Program Tuition Agreement Forms - Reminder
Lessons commence next week.
If you haven't already done so, please complete the Application Form below and then email the tutor directly.
Information on our Music Tutors is provided below for your information.
Canteen Volunteer Nominations
Dear Parents & Friends
As per usual this time of the year is an important time for Canteen as we try to prepare and plan for the year ahead. Volunteers are an important part of this planning as the number of volunteers determines the variety of food items available on the menu and the choices offered at recess.
Our school is very privileged to have a canteen that operates 5 days per week but this can only continue with everyone's support and commitment. Everyone is welcome - Parents, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents etc. With over 400 families at our school we hope that volunteer numbers will be sufficient to ensure that we are able to continue to provide this much needed service.
What does volunteering at Canteen mean and what can I expect?
Being a volunteer involves assisting in processing lunch baskets, serving the children at recess and lunch times and assisting in the preparation of lunches (i.e. sandwiches, hamburgers, hot rolls etc). There is no cooking involved so anyone can assist!
Rosters are monthly and generally from 9.00am to 1.00pm, however we are extremely flexible and will gratefully accept any time you can donate to the canteen and the children.
Pantry Rosters
We understand that some parents work fulltime however would still like to participate in some way. Last year we had a very generous team of people that donated ingredients and food items to the canteen on a monthly basis. A list of suggested items will be supplied, however the item/s you donate is entirely your choice.
Emergency Back Up Team
As the name suggests we would only call upon you if we were in dire need due to lack of volunteers or heavier than expected work load. This is another very important team of people that we need to keep our canteen running successfully.
Please keep in mind that our greatest need is for
Volunteers to work on a Monthly/Regular basis.
The children are always excited to have a parent or relative on canteen duty, so put a smile on your children's faces (and ours too!) by completing the attached form to become a valued member of our canteen volunteer team. Please return this form to canteen by Friday 15th February – or ASAP.
Confirmation of rosters will be issued towards the end of February. Please feel free to contact us with any queries or concerns on the phone numbers below.
We would like to thank you for your generosity, continuous support and for making Canteen a success for your children!
Renate Martin, Luisa Direnzo and Diana Bucat
Canteen Team
Phone: 9499 9510 or Renate (0404 069106)
Canteen Volunteer Nomination Form
Please return ASAP 🙂
(You can drop the reply into the Canteen or the School office)
Name: _________________________________________________________
Eldest Child's Name: _____________________________________________
Eldest Child's Class: _____________________________________________
Phone number/s: Home: _________________ Mobile: __________________
(Please complete appropriate section/s below)
I would like to:
1. Be a Monthly Volunteer at Canteen. My preferred day/s are (please choose more than one option if possible):
2. I would like to be rostered on with (if you wish to be on roster with a friend):
3. Be a Monthly Volunteer at Canteen - limited hours only. My preferred day/s are and times available are:
4. Be a Volunteer at Canteen - other (please specify details eg: one day a week, one day per fortnight, 2 hours per week, 3 hours per fortnight etc):
5. Be a Volunteer on the 'Emergency Back Up Team' - days available are:
6. Be a Volunteer on the Pantry Roster
South Coogee Football Club
We provide an excellent opportunity for young children to became involved in a team sport and camaraderie.
To register, go to
https://www.scjfc.com.au/registration.html
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via the email address or phone number listed below.
South Coogee Junior Football Club
Secretary
0419 819 656
website www,scjfc.com.au
CHAMPS OF THE BAY - Sunday 24 February 2019
Further details:
E: nick.wyatt@sportzcorp.com.au
M: 0407 224490
Sewing with Children
Give your child the life long skill of learning to sew.
Children's beginner sewing classes.
Term 1 begins 11/02/19 for 9 weeks.
$335 includes sewing kit valued at $65 and term projects.
Contact Gail for more information on 0427980744
Gail Holland
“Sewing With Children”
Mob: 0427 980 744
Contact Details
Email: admin@stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Website: www.stjeromes.wa.edu.au
Location: 38 Troode Street, Munster WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9499 9500