Term 4 Week 8
This Week’s Newsletter Items:
2023 Class Placement & Transition Days
Transition Day Timetable For Next Week
School Christmas Concert
2022 Term 4 Dates
Canteen Committee Members Needed
Some Christmas Cheer
Staff Vs Student Soccer Match
Parent Teacher Learning Conversations
2023 Term 1 Dates
This Sunday’s Gospel & Reflection
Dear Parents, Students & Friends of Resurrection,
The season of Advent is truly upon us and the words “Stay Awake”, that resonate in this weekend’s Gospel, are a reminder to us all of the need to make time to be present to ourselves, to our God, and alert to what is important. Let us allow ourselves to listen to what is truly being said and through words and our actions, make a positive difference to the lives or even the moments in each other’s lives.
With an Advent heart and lighting the first of our Advent candles, I wish for you the gift of hope.
Des Noack
Principal
CAUTION: Dates on calendar are CLOSER than they appear.
2023 Class Placement & Transition Days
Thank you to the many parents that have written or emailed the school in the past five weeks in regard to class structures and their input as to assist in the placement of their child next year.
Our placement of students is based upon our professional observations, assessments made throughout the year, peer relationships and family consultation.
One only has to imagine the challenge you would face if asked to create a ‘ready to go’ family that consisted of 26 members of similar age but hugely different experiences, skills and abilities. In attempting to achieve this you would have to think of each of their own personalities, their gifts and their abilities, together with their social, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs and strengths. It’s a daunting task but a task made much easier when consultation occurs.
Next Monday we commence our student transition (orientation) days. It’s a strategy we use to provide our students with a sense of belonging, an opportunity to get to know both the teacher and the students they who share the coming year with, and to also get a sense of the learning environment they will be working within.
Our two transition days for our current students from Prep to Grade 5 are:
Monday 28th November 2022
Friday 2nd December 2022
Our teachers are greatly aware of the expression
“Directors of First Impressions”
and just how important it is to develop a positive relationship with the students within their class and care.
So too, I ask you as parents to be mindful of your role as a director of first impressions when your child/ren discuss their class placement with you.
Your own reaction, expression and comments, be they positive or negative, will have a lasting impression on your child/ren’s attitude to the coming school year. Let’s together make it a positive experience.
Prep to Grade 5 Transition Timetable
We believe that it is important that our families understand the work that occurs behind the scenes to ensure that days that involve change in a child’s life are well planned, organised and communicated. Our efforts are dedicated in doing our best to set our students and teachers up for success.
The following outlines the timetable and the process used to facilitate student transitioning to their new classrooms Monday 28th November & Friday 2nd December.
8.30 - 9.00am
Current teachers bring in classes, complete roll & conduct normal morning routine.
9.00 - 9.15am
Teachers to read out 2023 classes to their current students
Grade 6 students move directly to the oval (hall if poor weather) and are supervised by staff leaving Resurrection.
9.15 - 9.30am
Movement of classes proceeds with attention to the following:
Current Grade 3s to 5s to take pencil cases
Grade 3 2023 teachers to have shared pencils in the classroom
All students to take drink bottles to new classes
Move to new lining up space marked by colour and chalk label (e.g. Green dot 4A)
9.30 - 10.30am
Orientation activities occur in new classes
Commence with prayer
Activities to focus on peer connectivity & establishment of classroom culture
10.30am
All students and teachers move back to their existing assembly spaces.
Teachers and students return to their classrooms (PBL focus - moving safely).
Teachers to provide feedback to leadership regarding any concerns observed during transition session for follow up.
10.35am
New teachers gather in the Planning Room
To debrief and opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback
Christmas Concert
Wednesday 14th December
On the last Wednesday of the school year, we will be hosting the Resurrection School Christmas Carols Concert on the school oval.
(Weather permitting!)
The following provides an outline of the evening. We are hoping that all students and their families will be able to attend as we come together to celebrate our school, our community and our faith.
5.00pm-5.45pm
Family picnic on the oval (BYO food & drinks- please note that no alcohol permitted)
No food or drinks will be for sale- BYO only
Families to bring their own picnic rugs, deck chairs, etc.
5.45pm
Students will assemble in their class lines in the courtyard as per normal in readiness to perform with teachers taking their class to the waiting area prior to performing.
6.00pm
Christmas carols begin
Prep Nativity
All classes sing a traditional Christmas carol and a Christmas song
Whole school song at the end
Christmas carols concert should finish around 8.15pm.
What To Wear
Children are encouraged to wear either a Christmas T-shirt OR a plain red t-shirt OR a plain green t-shirt OR a plain white t-shirt.
Black bottoms (black pants, shorts or skirts) OR navy blue school pants or shorts
Runners
All students will be given a zip locked bag with a 1m piece of tinsel. Please ensure that the tinsel is cut into a piece to wear around their head (like a halo) and some tinsel around each wrist. Students are to arrive at the performance with the tinsel already on as part of their costume.
Key Upcoming Dates
School Lunch Menus
IMPORTANT REMINDER - CANTEEN COMMITTEE MEMBERS NEEDED
We are readvertised for the third time having only had three parents contact the office to nominate themselves for the Canteen Committee.
Without parental input or interest in this committee, the canteen development plan for our school will be placed on hold until next year when we might have greater interest.
A meeting continues to be scheduled for this coming Tuesday 29th November at 7.00pm for the committee (still to be formed) to meet and commence the process.
If you wish to be part of this committee, please call the office on 8312 6312 or email the office via: office@rskingspark.catholic.edu.au
Some Christmas Cheer!
On Monday, while teachers were preparing for the 2023 school year, our Learning Support Officers were busy decorating the school ready for our students to get a surprise when they entered the doors on Tuesday.
The school is truly filled with a renewed excitement and joy as we celebrate the season of Advent over the next four weeks.
Staff Vs Students Soccer Match
When the lunch bell rang on a glorious Friday morning, all of the year 6s that were participating in the staff vs year 6 students soccer match, dashed out of the door and ran straight to the Year 3/4 oval. As the other children started to gather around the soccer field, the excitement for the game started to build up even more.
As the first whistle blew the students ran to their places while the teachers were all jumbled in weird spots. From inside the field all that could be heard were the roar and chanting for the students while the teachers were cheering for each other, hoping for a third win. Ms Banks and Mr Dalton were commentating throughout the game, ensuring all teachers and students knew what was occurring throughout. As the game continued, it seemed like both sides were scared to approach the other as it looked like they were playing piggy in the middle, due to the ball being booted from one end to the other. Finally, the deadlock was broken as the first goal for the teachers went in. The students were devastated. This caused a change for the students who were giving everyone an opportunity to play.
A little while later, the teachers scored their second goal. The students felt like they were going to give up, particularly as they felt there were some questionable decisions from the referee. The third and final goal for the teachers then went in. The students of Resurrection stopped chanting as they lost hope but the Year 6s that weren’t participating were encouraging the team from the sidelines. As the Year 6s kept on yelling even louder, everyone started playing their best they could hear Mr Dalton tell how much time was left.
As the final whistle approached the Year 6s pushed for a goal as it would be the last time the Year 6s will ever get the chance to do this. As the Year 6s kept pushing, Mr Dalton said that there was a golden goal opportunity so the students team made a strategy that could get them the golden goal. During golden goal, Mr Galea unfortunately scored an own goal past Mr Lewis for the scores to end 1-3 with the teachers winning. The students were pumped, but when they heard the scores they were so confused because they thought that Mr Galea’s score would have added more, due to the golden goal rule.
After the game the staff and students shook hands because it was entertaining and fun. Finally, Mrs Davis took a photo of the Staff and the students.
By Michaela D
Parent Teacher Online Learning Conversations
Dear Parents and Carers,
Parent Teacher Online Learning Conversations are due to be held on Tuesday 6th (3:45pm - 8:15pm) and Thursday 8th December (3:45pm - 7:15pm).
Please note the following changes for Year 2C:
● Students in Year 2C’s learning conversations have been rescheduled to Tuesday 6th (3:45pm - 8:15pm) and Wednesday 7th December (3:45pm - 7:15pm).
These meetings are an important opportunity for you to meet with your child’s teacher and discuss their progress in relation to the curriculum, the Semester Two report and future learning directions.
As with the beginning of the year, all of these meetings will take place online using Google Meet. Once you have made a booking, you will receive a confirmation email indicating the time, date and google meet link. Please keep this email in order to join the meeting at your allocated time.
Attached to this note is all the information you require for making a booking for the Parent Teacher Online Learning Conversations. Bookings are now open and will close on Friday 2nd December at 12:00pm.
Please visit the below link to make your booking:
schoolinterviews.com.au/code/ze8d6
Please note that interviews are for 15 minutes and spaces are limited. If you require more time with a particular teacher, please arrange a separate meeting by contacting your child’s teacher directly.
Warm regards,
John Hein
Deputy Principal – Curriculum
2023
Prior To The 2023 School Commencing
Tuesday 24/01
Leadership Day 1
Exec & Team Leaders
Expectations
SIF & AAP Goals
Review Year
Team Planners & Action Plans
Wednesday 25/01
Leadership Day 2
Exec & Team Leaders
Staff meeting agendas
Staffing of Camps
Implication of EBA
Thursday 26/01
Australia Day
Friday 27/01
School Closure
Staff Planning Day:
Welcoming of new staff
MACSSIS Data
Staff Handbook
PBL Matrix & Flowchart
Compliance
Mandatory Reporting
Student medical needs
Saint Thomas Aquinas
Sunday 29/01
4th Sunday In Ordinary Time
Term 1 Commences - Week 1
Monday 30/01
School Closure
Office Open from 9.00am till 3.00pm
School Vision Part 1
Prayer Life Of The School
Team Meeting Session 1
Getting to know each other (Offsite)
Tuesday 31/01
St John Bosco
School Closure
Office Open from 9.00am till 3.00pm
School Vision Part 2
Team Meeting Session 2
Professional team charter
Team Action Plan
Wednesday 01/02
Grade 1 to Grade 6 Students Return To School
Appointments for Prep students re testing
Thursday 02/02
The Presentation of the Lord
Preps first day of school - 8.45am till 12.00pm
Friday 03/02
Saint Ansgar, Saint Blaise
Preps second day of school - 8.45am till 12.00pm
Sunday 05/02
Saint Agatha
5th Sunday In Ordinary Time
Week 2
Monday 06/02
Prep Students commence full school days: 8.45am – 3.15pm
Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 07/02
Parent Helper Training 9.00am (Legal & Classroom Support)
Wednesday 08/02
Prep Day Off - Scheduled testing of Prep students
Saint Jerome Emiliani
Saint Josephine Bakhita
Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 09/02
Parent Helper Training 2.30pm (Legal & Classroom Support)
Grade 6 Camp Information Night 6.00pm
Friday 10/02
Whole School Mass – Opening Of School Year
Saint Scholastica
Saturday 11/02
Our Lady of Lourdes
Sacramental (Eucharist) Invitation Mass 6.00pm
Sunday 12/02
6th Sunday In Ordinary Time
Sacramental (Eucharist) Invitation Mass 10.30am
Week 3
Monday 13/02
Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
Emergency Displan Practice
Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 14/02
Parent Teacher Conversations 3.30 to 5.00 / 5.30 to 6.30pm
Saints Cyril and Methodius
Parent Advisory Council 7.00pm – 8.00pm
Wednesday 15/02
Prep Day Off - Scheduled testing of Prep students
Thursday 16/02
Parent Teacher Conversations 3.30 to 5.00 / 5.30 to 6.30pm
Friday 17/02
Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea – Seniors
Saturday 18/02
Sacramental (Eucharist) Invitation Mass 6.00pm
Sunday 19/02
7th Sunday In Ordinary Time
Sacramental (Eucharist) Invitation Mass 10.30am
Week 4
Monday 20/02
2024 Prep Enrolments Open
Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 21/02
Shrove Tuesday
Parent Helper Training 9.00am (Legal & Classroom Support)
Wednesday 22/02
Ash Wednesday (Whole school)
Prep Day Off - Scheduled testing of Prep students
Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 23/02
Saint Polycarp
Parent Helper Training 2.30pm
Saturday 25/02
Sacramental (Confirmation) Invitation Mass 6.00pm
Sunday 26/02
1st Sunday Of Lent
Sacramental (Confirmation) Invitation Mass 10.00am
Week 5
Monday 27/02
Prep’s Commence Full-Time
Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Wednesday 01/03
Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Friday 03/03
Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea - Middles
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
Friday 10/03
Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea - Juniors
Staff Social Event
Walk Safely To School Day
Sunday 12/03
3rd Sunday of Lent
Week 7
Monday 13/03
Labour Day – School Closure
Evidenced based Assessment & Moderation Week
Tuesday 14/03
Parent Support Group Meetings
Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Wednesday 15/03
School Open Night 6pm – 7.00pm
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
School Open Night 6pm – 7.00pm
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
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 & 5
Wednesday 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
Wednesday 29/03
Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
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
Holy Thursday
This Sunday’s Gospel - Stay awake, you must be ready.
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 24:37-44
Jesus said to his disciples: ‘As it was in Noah’s day, so will it be when the Son of Man comes. For in those days before the Flood people were eating, drinking, taking wives, taking husbands, right up to the day Noah went into the ark, and they suspected nothing till the Flood came and swept all away. It will be like this when the Son of Man comes. Then of two men in the fields one is taken, one left; of two women at the millstone grinding, one is taken, one left.
‘So stay awake, because you do not know the day when your master is coming. You may be quite sure of this that if the householder had known at what time of the night the burglar would come, he would have stayed awake and would not have allowed anyone to break through the wall of his house.
Therefore, you too must stand ready because the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.’
Gospel Reflection
The first Sunday of Advent sees the commencement of the new liturgical year. This new liturgical cycle is referred to as Year A and features the gospel of Matthew. (Year B features the gospel of Mark and Year C, that we have just completed, features the gospel of Luke.)
Advent comes from the Latin word Adventus which literally means ‘coming’; it is also reflected in the Greek word Parousia, which is used to describe the second coming of Jesus. So Advent is a time of preparation and anticipation of the coming of Christ into the world that is celebrated in the Nativity at Christmas. The gospel passage chosen for today’s reading richly expresses that anticipation and need for preparation.
It may seem a little confusing that we begin our year-long exploration of the gospel of Matthew by taking a reading from Chapter 24. However, the need for readiness and alertness that Jesus speaks about in relation to the coming of the Kingdom is equally suitable for a modern audience when preparing to celebrate once again the coming of Jesus into the world. Jesus is the best expression of the Kingdom that we have yet experienced and so rather than seeing the choice of this passage as a confusion, we should recognise the alignment that exists between the anticipation of the Kingdom and the anticipation of the Nativity.
The two great feasts of Christianity – the Nativity and Easter – are each preceded by a period of preparation: Advent and Lent.
The emphasis of these seasons is on the mental and spiritual preparation to fully enter into one of the great mysteries of faith. In the Nativity, we celebrate God become human; God present in the world in a physical way. Advent is a time to remember the many and varied ways that God continues to be present in the world.
Gospel Focus – Get Ready!
Jesus draws a parallel between the people in Noah’s time and the people of his own time. What it reflects is a complacency that periodically overtook the Jewish people. When the people bound themselves to God in covenant their lives gradually became better.
Inevitably, their lives improved to such a state that they forgot God was responsible for their blessings. They ignored their relationship with God and became complacent about their good fortune.
Ultimately, their comfort was brought to an end and they recognised once again their need for God. Jesus calls the people to get ready because the pattern is repeating itself.
Scriptural context – Burglars in the night
The teachings and sayings of Jesus reveal him to be a clever public speaker and story teller. His use of imagery and language captivated the imagination of his audience. However, we have tended to endow his every word with awesome significance and layers of meaning.
Today’s reading is an example where Jesus used a confronting image simply to gain his audience’s attention. He does not intend to suggest that God sneaks up on us like a burglar and is seeking to catch us out. The image conveys the need to prepare for what might happen unexpectedly.
Historical Context – The Advent Wreath
One of the major symbols of the Advent season is the wreath. The encircling wreath is symbolic of God without beginning or end and the green foliage represents our hope in God.
There are usually five candles in the wreath, a central white candle representing the light of Christ that came into the world and then four outside candles that are usually purple and rose coloured.
The first candle is generally symbolic of Hope and Expectation. The third candle – the rose or pink candle – celebrates the Joy that is anticipated in the coming of Christ. The progressive lighting of the candles marks the journey towards the Nativity.
