Term 1 Week 4
This Week’s Newsletter Items:
Ash Wednesday
School Canteen News
Fundraising Committee
Help Us To Help Your Child
2024 Prep Enrolment Now Open
Our House Spirit
Developing A Culture Of Learning
Focus On Writing
Weekend Gospel – It is Written
Classroom Awards
Operoo Forms
Please Don’t Just Say Yes!
On Tuesday, when checking the Operoo responses provided by parents regarding their child being able to have a pancake as part of Shrove Tuesday, we discovered that several parents had given permission even though they had previously informed us that their child was allergic to the ingredients contained in the pancake.
Fortunately, we were aware of the allergies know and were able to prevent any health issues from arising.
We ask that parents please read Operoo forms prior to giving consent. Saying yes, without truly knowing what you’re saying yes to can lead to all sorts of problems. Please help us to avoid this.
Dear Parents, Students & Friends of Resurrection,
Ash Wednesday
This Wednesday, we commenced the season of Lent with a whole school Mass.
It was wonderful to see so many parents and parishioners join us and for our students to begin this liturgical season in such a meaningful, reverent and spiritual way.
We hope that the next 40 days of Lent is a period of learning, growth and reflection and not just about giving up something. And if it is about giving up something, make it something that makes a positive difference to not only yourself, but others.
Thank you to the many students and their families who have already commenced bringing in non-perishable goods to be presented at the Sunday Mass each weekend during Lent, your generosity is reflected in the many families who have offered to present those gifts at each Mass.
We ask that students presenting the Lenten baskets during Mass on the weekend, please do so in their school uniform in recognition of the efforts that school students and families are making to support others at this time.
Fundraising Committee
The newly established Fundraising Committee will meet next Tuesday 28th February at 7.00pm in the staff planning room.
All welcome!
Help Us To Help Your Child!
Most families are fantastic in sharing information such as diagnosis, reports, medical issues and the like.
This information helps us to support your child and make the most of what we are able to support and assist them with.
However, there are some parents, who for whatever reason, refuse to provide such information or seek a diagnosis, even when it is clear that the child, and the school, could benefit from this.
Unfortunately, this refusal to provide such information, finally catches up with the parent, generally either at the time of transition into secondary school for their child, or a couple of months later when the secondary school, like ourselves, identifies that the child needs further assistance.
The lesson taken from this is: When you provide the school with the information it needs it supports the school in gaining further professional knowledge about your child’s needs and you are setting your child, yourself and the staff seeking to support your child up for success.
Please Let Your Friends And Neighbours Know That 2024 Prep Enrolments Are Now Open
Unlike last year, we are already receiving many enrolment applications from new families. It’s a very healthy sign.
To assist us in our preparation and planning, we are encouraging our current parents to please collect an enrolment form and to return it as soon as possible.
With every blessing upon you and your family,
Des Noack
Principal
Creating ‘Our House Spirit’!
Our student leaders were lucky enough to take part in a student leadership workshop run by ‘Our House Spirit’ on Thursday 16th February. During the workshop, our leaders explored the importance of connection and belonging. They learned a formula to create a sense of belonging which is:
Be you + be connected = Belong
Students engaged in an ‘Introducing Me’ activity where they created a display to create a House Spirit wall. They practiced getting to know each other and developed their public speaking skills when introducing their peers to the group. It was fantastic to see some great speaking and listening skills being developed.
The most exciting part of the day was when each leader worked with their peers in each house colour and began to create an action plan for the school community to get to know our student leaders.
Our leaders are still in the process of finalising the details for this special event, so watch this space and get excited for what is sure to be an engaging and inclusive event for every student in MacKillop, Teresa, Sebastian and Pedro house from Foundation to Grade 6!
Developing A Culture Of Learning
In recent years Resurrection has undergone significant change in many facets. Some are cosmetic, some are pedagogical, others cultural. One emphasis that has been evident throughout recent years has been teacher professional development. Those who know our recent past are aware of the challenges faced and the journey we have gone on to arrive in our current reality. But the result has been an enhancing of skills, knowledge and confidence in our profession.
In 2019, structures were introduced that allowed for teaching teams to be released together to engage in dialogue and professional learning. This enabled a level of consistency in professionalism and worked towards lowering levels of variability in instructional teaching. Whilst these structures have enabled greater emphasis on data and planning in response to it, our priority has always focussed on learning.
At Resurrection, learning, as you would expect, is our primary focus. There are multiple ways to learn at school such as academic, social, spiritual, emotional, conceptual etc. And there are also different learners in a school setting, and they can be simply defined as people. All of us are learners and can benefit from the insights of others to help guide and develop us into the full flourishing versions of ourselves.
During 2022 and the beginning of 2023, we made a commitment to enhance the capacity, skills, knowledge and application of professional learning for all staff.
On a weekly basis we have internal professional learning through mentoring and modelling that takes place on Mondays and Fridays. In addition, we have engaged the services of Mrs Mary Fitz-Gerald, a highly respected and retired principal, to develop our Team Leaders. Her role is to meet with the Team Leaders and support their growth as leaders, challenge their thinking and equip them with strategies and skills for leadership.
We continue to enhance the culture and mindset of all at Resurrection that we are all learners and are committed to developing their knowledge, thinking and skills.
The learning culture in our school has numerous benefits for teachers (and in turn our students). It provides opportunities for our teachers to collaborate and share best practices, ensuring that students are receiving the best possible education. Our learning culture fosters an environment where teachers feel supported and empowered to take risks and be innovative in their teaching. Additionally, a learning culture supports an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust between staff, allowing for more open communication and collaboration. By engaging in this culture of learning, we can ensure that our students receive a high-quality education and have the necessary tools to succeed.
One way we are enhancing this culture is through observations and coaching allowing teachers to receive feedback and suggestions on their teaching style and have a better understanding of how their students are responding to their instruction. Through observations, teachers identify areas where they can improve and develop more effective teaching strategies. Coaching also provides our teachers with the support they need to implement effective teaching strategies, as well as helping them develop the skills needed to create a successful learning environment.
Coaching also provides our teachers with the opportunity to reflect on their teaching practices, discuss successes and challenges with their peers, and develop the ability to become reflective practitioners. By collaborating with colleagues, they develop strategies to meet the needs of their students and create an engaging and effective learning environment.
Currently, our coaching structures are implemented and supported by the following staff:
· Peer observation, feedback and modelling provided to teachers by Shannon Ziebell.
· Team Leaders: Mondays through direct coaching with Mary Fitz-Gerald
· Junior teachers: Rosie Hogan and Sandra Ferraro daily through observation, feedback and modelling cyclically
· Prep – 4 teachers: Michelle White supporting through modelling and classroom observations
· Leadership Team: Engaging in 360 Feedback and coaching from Steve Atkinson on leadership
· Early career stage teachers: Mondays through their VIT sessions with mentors
· LSOs –Engaged in certification as well as meeting weekly to enhance and share professional knowledge
The next stage of development is that of peer observation and feedback led by our Team Leaders from Team Leaders. Each alternate Monday, Team Leaders will be released for the purpose of observation of their teams. These observations will inform them of the strengths and areas to further develop and support their teams professional practice and development.
We are proud as a profession to have teachers that see themselves as learners and the impact they have on their students learning through high professional expectations, knowledge skills and practice. Some schools operate where the classroom walls are a protective barrier to others. We are not one of those schools. We are building a learning culture where the norm is to seek feedback, reflect, model and be the best at what you do. In turn, provide our students with the best education that is possible.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:38-48
In this weekend’s Gospel Jesus was offered three shortcuts for his ministry. Firstly, exceptional powers to satisfy his own needs (bread out of stones). Secondly, when he needed to take risks, angels to keep him safe. Thirdly, when he wanted to change the world, absolute political power.
These were the Temptations of Christ, but also for us. If you or I are tempted to sin, we will find the marks of this threefold pattern. We want the whole world to change to satisfy us, or we want to take stupid risks and come out unscathed, or we want to exercise total power over others.
How can we try to follow Jesus without the shortcuts of the fantasy world which the Devil may offer?
Note that when you read the gospel, you will discover that Jesus resisted each temptation with:
‘It is written’.
The forty days of Lent are a perfect opportunity to read what ‘is written’ in the Gospels about the episodes and pattern of the life of Jesus and in doing so, apply some of what we have learnt into our daily living.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 4:1-11
Jesus fasted for forty days and nights.
Jesus was led by the Spirit out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, after which he was very hungry, and the tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to turn into loaves.’ But he replied, ‘Scripture says:
Man does not live on bread alone
but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’
The devil then took him to the holy city and made him stand on the parapet of the Temple. ‘If you are the Son of God,’ he said, ‘throw yourself down; for scripture says:
He will put you in his angels’ charge,
and they will support you on their hands
in case you hurt your foot against a stone.’
Jesus said to him, ‘Scripture also says:
You must not put the Lord your God to the test.’
Next, taking him to a very high mountain, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘I will give you all these’, he said, ‘if you fall at my feet and worship me.’ Then Jesus replied, ‘Be off, Satan! For scripture says:
You must worship the Lord your God,
and serve him alone.’
Then the devil left him, and angels appeared and looked after him.
Classroom Awards
Week 4 Awards
PA - Anna Druitt
Madeline H - For being an effective communicator during whole class discussions by showing fantastic listening skills when others are talking.
Summer Z - For being a risk taker when attempting to blend sounds together to make a word during our morning phonics sessions. Great work Summer!
PC - Carla Tirotta
Carter D- For being a knowledgeable learner and using letters to record the sounds you hear in words when writing a sentence about Jack and Jill.
Eamen S- For being a kind and caring member of the Prep Learning Community and offering to help your classmates when they are upset.
1A - Enza La Rosa
Ava P - For being a resilient learner in taking risks with challenges and upholding the PBL values.
Mary L - For applying her writing skills with the correct letter formation and for using the correct structure to develop a recount.
1B - Matt Galea
Emily L - For being a great communicator by sharing her ideas with her peers.
Ryan D - For showing great knowledge when confidently answering his 10 times tables.
1C - Natalie Donevska
Esequiel V- For being a risk taker in his learning, always adding more detail in his work, sharing his knowledge and experience with others.
Amelia Z- For being resilient in your learning, using your initiative and showing respect in the classroom.
2A - Linda Odgers
Levi P - For showing great effort when copying letters from the board and showing respect in the classroom. Well done!
Kara F - For writing interesting sentences using adjectives and expressing her ideas to the class.
2B - Rick Martin
Amelie L - For being a communicator, sharing her ideas and feelings with her teachers and peers.
Lenix - For being a risk taker, always trying new things in his learning and sharing his understanding with others.
2C - Dorothy Hall
Olivia M - for being an effective communicator by writing a recount about her holidays and then sharing it in front of the class.
Nathan Z - for being reflective when considering his afternoon and evening routine, and how his habits can form part of a healthy lifestyle.
3A - Ella Nowak
Charlotte V- for being a great communicator when sharing her ideas and thoughts during class discussion times.
Dorcus D- For being a risk taker in her learning and challenging herself to expand numbers up to the thousands. Keep taking risks Dorcus.
3B - Emma Lyons/Sophie Duddington
Nina S - for being a great communicator when sharing her thoughts and ideas about ways to show kindness to others.
Joy M - for being a responsible and respectful communicator by actively listening to his peers.
3C - Joss Coaley
Daphne C - for being a caring and compassionate communicator while creating a beautiful class prayer; thinking of others before yourself. Congratulations!
Rhys S - for being a resilient learner and giving every challenge a go! You are always learning in everything you do! Amazing effort, well done!
4A - Lavina Stewart
Vaslem C - For being an effective communicator during whole class discussions and sharing his thoughts about the importance of Prayer. Awesome work Vaslem!
Ni Tha Sui - For being a responsible learner and displaying increased confidence when completing work tasks independently. Well Done Ni Tha Sui.
4B - Thomas Pham
Reuben T - for being a respectful communicator by consistently raising his hand and sharing his ideas during our whole-class discussions. Keep it up mate!
Emmeline Q - for being principled by being aware in our class and demonstrating ‘the right behaviours at the right time.’ Thanks for being responsible!
4C - Brittany Davidson
Anei A- For being a risk taker in his learning, challenging himself to go above and beyond when completing learning tasks.
Liam S- For being a risk taker in his learning, persisting when tasks are difficult and demonstrating a desire to improve.
5A - Katherine Salloum
Carter M - for being a reflective learner by constantly asking the teacher questions to better his understanding whilst creating his Place Value House. Great learning, Carter!
Jasper H - for being a principled and knowledgeable learner by constantly remaining focussed during class time and completing all set tasks. Keep it up, Jasper!
5B - Shannon Betham
Eli Holt - for being a reflective learner when thinking about how he learns best, and reflecting on texts in a range of creative ways. Keep up the great effort, Eli!
Bawi Van Thang T - for being a resilient and respectful learner when settling into the Resurrection school community. Well done on developing your confidence in contributing to group and class discussions, Bawi Van Thang!
5C - Malae Suaesi
Steven N - For being a risk-taker when considering how to improve his sentences using verbs and nouns.
Robert R - For being a resilient learner to accurately record seven to nine digit numbers in written and expanded form.
6A - Annette Lee
Ebenezar: for being a resilient and respectful member of our class group. You are demonstrating excellent leadership skills.
Chuol: for being an effective communicator. You shared your mathematical thinking with the class and demonstrated efficient strategies.
6B - Niamh Mulcahy
Cung - for participating in class discussions, sharing his ideas and being a good role model to the others in the class
Emilia M - for being compassionate and helping me to find my feet in the school. She reminds me of the class/ school routines, explains new ones as they arise and displays other acts of kindness throughout the day. Thank you Emilia!
6C - Jane Huang
Mia S - for being a communicator when sharing her ideas about effective strategies used in reading and writing progress.
Summer W- for being a principled learner by remaining focussed on her learning tasks and finishing it in a timely manner.
Specialist Awards
Japanese: Yumiko Aiki
Moses Z (1B)- for being a thinker and a risk-taker in his learning by showing enthusiasm and initiative during Japanese class. His positive outlook energises our learning environment.
Performing Arts: Jody Banks
Ethan D (5C)- for being knowledgeable when learning our new music theory terms and sharing his understanding of dynamic markings during Performing Arts class. Excellent work contributing to the class learning, Ethan!
Visual Arts: Jake Moloney
Briella U (5B) - for being a risk taker and creating a unique rabbit to commemorate the Lunar New Year. Great thinking Briella!
S T E M: Matt Dalton
Isaac C (2C)- for being a respectful learner during STEM. You made a noticeable effort to listen attentively to others. Well done Isaac.
P.E: Jen Barresi
Zoe I (4C)- for listening, working hard and showing respect to the teacher throughout the lesson. Well done, Zoe!
Week 5
Monday 27/02
· Prep’s Commence Full-Time (Mon-Fri 8.30am-3.15pm)
· Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
· Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 28/02
·
Wednesday 01/03
· Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 02/03
·
Friday 03/03
· Middle Level Mass followed by parent morning tea
Saturday 04/03
· Sacramental (Confirmation) Invitation Mass 6.00pm
Sunday 05/03
· 2nd Sunday of Lent
· Sacramental (Confirmation) Invitation Mass 10.00am
Week 6
Monday 06/03
· Student House Activity Day (Clean Up Australia Day)
· Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
· Grade 6 Camp – Kyneton
· Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 07/03
· Saints Perpetua and Felicity
· Grade 6 Camp - Kyneton
Wednesday 08/03
· Instalment 1 - Family Fee & Student Levy Payment Due
· Saint John of God
· Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
· Grade 6 Camp - Kyneton
Thursday 09/03
·
Friday 10/03
· Junior Level Mass followed by parent morning tea
· Staff Social Event
· Walk Safely To School Day
Saturday 11/03
·
Sunday 12/03
· 3rd Sunday of Lent
Week 7
Monday 13/03
● Labour Day – School Closure
● Evidenced based Assessment & Moderation Week
● Catholic Education Week
Tuesday 14/03
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Wednesday 15/03
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 16/03
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5
Friday 17/03
● Solemnity of Saint Patrick (Dress In Green)
● (Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral)
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5
● Whole School Mass 9.00
Saturday 18/03
●
Sunday 19/03
● 4th Sunday of Lent
Week 8
Monday 20/03
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5
● Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 21/03
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● Parent Advisory Council 7.00pm – 8.00pm
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5Wednesday 22/03
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 23/03
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5
● Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo
Friday 24/03
● NAPLAN – Grade 3 & 5
● Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea - Prep
Saturday 25/03
● The Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
Sunday 26/03
● 5th Sunday of Lent
Week 9
Monday 27/03
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 28/03
●
Wednesday 29/03
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 30/03
●
Friday 31/03
●
Saturday 01/04
●
Sunday 02/04
● Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Week 10
Monday 03/04
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 04/04
● Saint Isidore
Wednesday 05/04
● Saint Vincent Ferrer
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 06/04
● Whole School Mass 9.00am
● Resurrection Feast Day
● Last Day of Term 1
● Dismissal Time 3.15pm
