Term 2 Week 3 of 9
Friday, 12th May 2023
2024 Prep Enrolments
Due to strong demand, we are now taking enrolments for our third and final classroom with only 24 places remaining. Please ensure you do not miss out. Late applications may have to be placed on a waiting list.
Dear Parents, Students & Friends,
Celebrating Mother’s Day
We start this week with an apology for the
newsletter being published on Monday rather than last Friday. It does however give us an opportunity to provide a sneak peek at some of the photos taken of our Mums and Grandmothers making the most of Mass, visits to the classroom and the
morning tea, or as one mum described it, a little like ‘high tea’, last Friday.
This coming Friday, the newsletter will provide a much larger editorial on the day.
Thank you to all our mums and the special women in our lives who were able to attend, but also to the mums who, for so many different reasons
couldn’t make it. Please know that you were
remembered and also held in our thoughts and prayers.
We hope that you all had a beautiful Mother’s Day and got to make the most of the blessings that family, winter sunshine and the love of mothers brings to our days.
Wishing you all a great week ahead.
With kindest regards,
Des Noack
Principal
This Week’s Newsletter Items:
● Celebrating Mother’s Day
● Athletics Carnival
● Canteen Committee News
● Mass On Pentecost – Celebrating our Cultures
● Grade 5 Dance Battle Update
● Mystery Book!
● This Weekend’s Gospel
● Understanding The Gospel
● Middle School Playground Investigations
● Year Eucharist Excursion
● Students Awards
● Term 2 Dates
● Ordering School Photos
Grade 3 - 6 students participated in their annual Athletics Carnival on Friday 5th May. The rain held off and it was an enjoyable day for everyone. It was
wonderful to see the children supporting one another and all really involved in the event. Their behavior was superb and they represented their school perfectly
The day wouldn't have been so successful without our wonderful staff and their support, in particular Ms Katherine Salloum (5A). The hours you spent helping me are very appreciated. Thank you so much Kat.
Thank you to the staff who met me at the athletics track early in the morning. Also thank you to Mr Joss Coaley (3B) who did a fine job of commentating the day. And of course our wonderful parents. A day such as this requires a lot of assistance and flexibility.
Thank you for being there to make the day run smoothly.
Thanks again
Ms Jen Barresi
Physical Education Specialist Teacher
Mass on Pentecost
As part of our Mass on Pentecost weekend, in addition to children receiving their First Communion, there will be a focus on the multi-cultural aspect of Pentecost and our Parish.
We are encouraging all our families to come along to the Mass on that weekend dressed in traditional /cultural attire. We would especially love to see our children celebrating their culture at Mass in this way.
Canteen Committee
Date 4th May 2023
Attendees Jess D, John H, Catarina, Amy,
Angela, Xy-Za, Jessica C Apologies Des, Daniella
Apologies Des, Daniella
Discussion points
Discussion re term one and the success of each of the Fun Friday lunch orders. Committee identified that there was a lot of work last term (paperwork, counting money etc.) A lot of this work was put onto the office staff which made it hard to do their normal tasks throughout the day
Suggestion that we have two options moving forward
Engage with an organisation that prepares meals off site and delivers them (one day a week)
Engage with an organisation that leases our canteen space and pays a hire fee
Committee members voted that option two was the preferred option.
Discussion re canteen days (three days/one day/ five days) Vote that we would prefer 3 days.
Caterina shared that her brother in-law owns Franzone enterprise - Canteen Committee who runs THPS and Kings Park canteen. We have also reached out to Jude fine food who run Parkwood Green, CRC St Peters etc.
Actions
Caterina to send Jess details for Franzone foods
Jess to conduct site inspections etc and get details re lease, menus etc and organise next meeting with the data for voting to occur around which company to use
Jess to speak to Des re Angela W being interested in running the committee and if any concerns with parents being on both School Advisory Council and
Canteen Committee.
Grade 5 Dance Battle!
When - Wednesday 14th June
When - 12.00pm
Where - School Hall
Mystery Books!
Sometimes there is nothing better than curling up to a good mystery book! I love the suspense and the twists and turns as plots thicken, characters motivations are revealed and the cliff hanger moments.
We had a number of requests for mystery books when we surveyed students. And we have listened and ordered. Some of the new titles coming in are:
More ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’
Murder Most Unladylike
Many Rick Riordan books
Enola Holmes
Friday Barnes
The Violet Veil Mysteries
Sinister Summer
The one I’m most excited about is Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens. It appeals to readers of all ages. Set in a traditional British boarding school, the story follows two best friends, Daisy and Hazel, as they investigate the mysterious death of one of their teachers.
Stevens masterfully weaves together a classic whodunit plot with the unique setting of a 1930s girls' school, creating a fun and suspenseful atmosphere that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the pacing is perfect, with just the right number of clues and red herrings to keep the reader engaged.
"Murder Most Unladylike" is a fantastic read that combines the best elements of the mystery genre with a charming and nostalgic setting. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery or just wants to get lost in a great story.
But if you want something a little more on the comedy and mystery side - you can’t go passed Timmy Failure by Stephan Patsis.
As with most books, they are significantly better than the movie. The series follows a boy (Timmy Failure) and his polar bear pet (Total)as they set up a detective agency known as ‘Total Failure’. His mode of transport is a robot vacuum and his ability to solve cases is questionable.
Happy reading,
Mr Lewis
A reading from the holy Gospel according to John (14:15-21)
I shall ask the Father and he will give you another Advocate.
Jesus said to his disciples:
‘If you love me you will keep my commandments. I shall ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you for ever, that Spirit of truth whom the world can never receive since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come back to you. In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see me, because I live and you will live. On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you. Anybody who receives my commandments and keeps them will be one who loves me; and anybody who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I shall love him and show myself to him.’
Although this week’s gospel passage comes from the Last Supper discourse, it is the perfect reading for this time in the liturgical cycle. In next week’s liturgy we celebrate the Ascension of the Lord and the following week we celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples. This week’s reading is the perfect precursor to these coming weeks. Prior to this section of the Last Supper discourse, Jesus has told the disciples that he will be leaving them. He alludes to that fact again in this section but also spells out that he will ask the Father to send to the disciples another advocate (sometimes translated as paraclete or counsellor). By referring to the Spirit as ‘another’ advocate or paraclete, Jesus names himself as having been an advocate. The Spirit is to continue the work that Jesus has begun in and with the disciples, standing as witness and strength for them to help them when the world turns against them. Jesus says to the disciples that ‘In a short time the world will no longer see me; but you will see me, because I live and you will live.’ Christian people believe that Christ continues to be present in the world even though he is no longer physically present. Jesus’ reference to ‘the world’ is a reference to those who do not believe. It is only those who believe who continue to recognise and affirm his ongoing presence in the world. Whilst the Spirit, the advocate or paraclete, will act in the world to bring about the reign of God, it is in the hearts and minds of those who believe where the Spirit will act most strongly.
From the perspective of … The disciples
The words of Jesus in this gospel passage were addressed to the disciples at the Last Supper. They had almost no inclination of what was about to befall them, nor the heart-wrenching loss that they would feel. Yet Jesus tried to prepare them and reassure them that they would not be abandoned by him. In the days after his death, the disciples struggled to remember these words and they were caught up by despair. Even once they had witnessed the Risen Lord, he told them that he would again be leaving them. They must have been so confused and afraid.
Living the Gospel – Live in love
Throughout the gospel of John, we are reminded of the enduring relationship between Jesus and the Father. A number of times, Jesus announces that he and the Father are one. In today’s passage, Jesus also says to the disciples that they can share in this relationship of love. When Jesus speaks about anyone who ‘loves’ him, he speaks about anyone who lives by his message and seeks to be like him. Anyone who does that will share in the love that exists between the Father and the Son. That invitation is open for each of us today as well.
Gospel Focus – Paraclete
The Greek word, parakletos, is translated into a number of different terms in English translations of the gospel. Its technical use was for a lawyer or attorney. However, its use in scripture is like the broader meaning of advocate that we use today: someone who stands up for another; someone who speaks up for another; someone who intercedes on behalf of another. An advocate is one who lends strength and support to someone who is disempowered. That is exactly what Jesus did for many people during his ministry and it is also what the Holy Spirit is sent to do.
Middle School Playground Investigations Three Perspectives from Our Students
Perspective 1:
The Grade 3’s and 4’s went to many different parks on Monday. We went to four different parks; one in Docklands, one in the city, one in Yarraville and one next to the Melbourne Museum. We all had lots of fun. But before we could go and play we had to answer some questions on the clipboard because it is for our Inquiry unit. Then we went to go and play. We all had lots of fun! At the first park there was a huge tower and you could climb it. There were also two slides and you had to climb the tower to go down it. Mr. Coaley came up the tower. Everyone was giggling and laughing. Then he went down the slide and he was screaming! It was funny. Then at the second park we all had to answer some questions on the clipboard. Then we went to play. It was very slippery at this park. Then we got on the bus and went to park three. It was MASSIVE! We answered a few questions and then we went to go play. Once again Mr.Coaley had a go, this time on the ropes course, and he got frightened. Then he dropped down. And then the final park, park four. It was so cool! It was kind of like a maze. My friends and I played tag. And then the whistle blew and it was time to go.
Isaac 3C
Perspective 2:
Monday was the best day ever, here's why.
On Monday morning it was cold and freezing, when the bell rang everyone rushed to their lines and waited for their teachers to come. In the warm heated classroom, the teachers did the roll to check if everyone was there. As the buses arrived, everyone lined up in roll order and hopped in the bus. The first park was Ron Barassi Park in Docklands. It was so long that I even slept on the bus. When we arrived and played on the playground, my pants got slightly wet because of the slide and the rain. The second park was Birrarung Marr Park in the City. When we arrived, the playground was so bright that my eyes were even in pain. It was fun anyways again my pants got wet!
The third park after lunch was the Royal Nature Park in Parkville. When we arrived I already loved the wonderful view, it had lovely flowers that were blooming, and a ropes course that was so tricky even Mr Coaley hugged the pole so tight so he wouldn’t fall off. The fourth park was the Melbourne Museum Park in Carlton. I loved this one as well. It had two monkey bars, slides that were dry, secret lairs, tunnels and more! This one was the best one yet! That’s why Monday was the best day ever.
Varaoso 3A
Perspective 3:
On the 8th May 2023, I had a playground excursion to four parks, the first one was called Ron Barassi Park in Docklands. It was so fun! The third park was my favourite, which was Royal Children’s Nature Park! I jumped on the bus ready to go. First I went to a playground that kind of looked like a pyramid for some reason, but with a slide on the side. After having lots of fun playing in the park, I wrote in my clipbook and went to another park after going on the bus. Then I got to Birrarung Park in the City. The park was so colourful but we couldn't go on the slide because it was extremely WET! Me and my friends went on the swingy red pushy net and Varaoso pushed the people but they were scared and said it would flip over. Then Mr. Coaley blew his whistle and we set off to our clipbooks and went to eat lunch.
After that we went to the bus and drove to the Royal Children’s Nature Park, that was my favourite park! When I got there, I immediately went to the swings with Nina, Varaoso , Santa and Adi. Nina was helping Adi push the swing, WE WENT SO HIGH! Then we went to write in our clipbooks again. When we went to Melbourne Museum Park, there were swings and monkey bars. It was funny when I saw Mr. Coaley was hanging like a monkey on the monkey BARS, I should say, all of it was extra fun. It was also my first excursion and I enjoyed all of it.
Lucy 3B
My favourite park was Royal Nature Park because it had swings for young babies, toddlers, kids and one for the disabled. It had a little fountain with water flowing and a tiny bridge you could go on and the water goes under you as you cross it. There is also an athletic training parkour section at the park. It was high and tall but I think it was not safe because it was high and there was nothing under it to catch you. I would put all of this in my very own playground if I could with a BBQ and public bathroom. But I rate it a solid 5 stars out of 5 stars for fun!
Selena H - 4B
My favourite part of the excursion was the well at Royal Nature Park. I liked it because it had a tap that you pull the handle down and then water comes out. The water travels all the way to the sand pit and makes this outline of water around the sand. I rated it a 5 stars because it had a lot of things you could play with. There was a wooden obstacle course you could do. It was so fun. If I wanted to build my own playground I would add a big slide that goes at normal speed. The safest park was Royal Nature Park because it had the most safe equipment. I learnt to always be safe.
Ken M - 4B
Year 4 Communion Excursion
On Tuesday we Grade 4s went to two churches for a deeper understanding of the communion. We got on a double decker bus. It was our first time getting on one ever!
Our first stop was at St. Francis' Church, the oldest church in Melbourne. All of the classes went to the church one by one and went inside to pray to Jesus and take the time to talk to him as well. While the others were waiting they ate their tasty snacks to pass the time and visited the bookstore that was focused on the angels and Saints. Back to the student’s in St. Francis. Every child went to the chapel that was mostly focused on Mary.
After every class went inside to feel what it was like we went back on the bus and drove to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. We stopped at St. Patrick's and split into groups of five to six and explored the church. I learned while we were there that Mary Mackillop is the first Saint in Australia. When we were done exploring we ate our lunch because we were starving after all that walking we all did. At one o'clock we went inside to stay for the mass and the priest's name was Fr. Alex. At the start we said some prayers and listened to some pages from the bible. When we got to receiving the body of Jesus our teachers said to place our arms on our chest for a blessing. After all of the reading we bowed before we left and on our way back to school. When we got there we talked about what we learned and before we knew it we were home.
Thanks Mrs Aclan for organising the excursion!
Rayden V - 4B
WEEK 3 STUDENT AWARDS
PA - Anna Druitt
Kris S - For being an effective communicator during whole class discussions. You are always willing to share your ideas!
Akoch S - For being a resilient learner when working hard each morning during phonics with your letter formation. Keep up the great work Akoch!
PC - Carla Tirotta
Kaira K - For being a reflective learner when making changes to your bridge you designed to make it more stable.
Ryder N- For being an effective communicator when asking questions during whole class discussions. Well done!
1A - Enza La Rosa
Evelyn M - For being a resilient learner in all areas of study and for showing initiative towards all of her learning. Keep up the amazing work Evelyn!
Noah V - For being respectful towards others and showing leadership during guided reading time. Amazing work Noah!
1B - Matt Galea
Tyson M - for being a resilient learner by achieving many goals throughout the year which has allowed you to transition back into the classroom. Amazing Tyson!
Aaliyah A - for being a knowledgeable learner by sharing her understanding of different topics during whole class discussions.
1C - Natalie Donevska
Adau M- For being an excellent communicator during small group work when sharing her recount about the school holidays. Well done Adau!
Simon N- For being a risk taker when writing sentences and using his initiative to help others in the classroom. Well done Simon!
2A - Rebecca Koutivas & Shannon Ziebell
Ruth - For being an excellent communicator in reading groups when discussing the text and sharing her thoughts.
Aquin J - For being a risk taker in whole class discussions when sharing words that have a long vowel sound.
2B - Ric Martin
Linda D- For being knowledgeable and sharing her understanding about bees during inquiry.
Brian N - For being a reflective learner during mathematics, asking questions to clarify your own thinking.
2C - Dorothy Hall
Athiei C - For being a risk taker when settling into her new class and school, even volunteering to share her mathematical thinking with the class.
Jayden C - For being a knowledgeable learner when adding known facts and details about spiders to his information report planner.
3A - Ella Nowak
Emma N- For being a risk taker and challenging herself to learn her multiplication facts and improving her score on her multiplication grid each week. Keep up the amazing work Emma!
Stella T - For being an excellent communicator and using her voice to clarify her learning. Keep up the amazing confidence Stella!
3B - Emma Lyons/Sophie Duddington
Ebenezer Bawibik T- for being a motivated learner and giving all learning experiences a red hot go! Keep up the amazing work Ebeneezer.
Santa O - for being a reflective learner by making text to self connections to the books we read in class. Keep up the brilliant thinking, Santa!
3C - Joss Coaley
Makaylah G - for making a positive start to the term and for sharing her knowledge with others. Congratulations Makaylah!
Za Lian L - for sharing with others and using his communication skills, especially in our Inquiry unit. Congratulations!
4A - Lavina Stewart
Sofia C - For being a resilient learner when confidently completing and understanding how to solve addition equations using the Jump Strategy. Keep up the hard work Sofia!
Bahnam Q- For being an excellent communicator when sharing his ideas and thoughts about how past events have shaped how we live. Well done Bahnam!
4B - Thomas Pham
Ken M - for being knowledgeable and a communicator when he shared his understanding of equality while solving addition equations. Keep sharing your ideas Ken!
Dwayne L - for being a risk-taker in his learning when he completed the more challenging literature circle role - ‘Sophia the Summariser’.
Congratulations Dwayne!
4C - Brittany Davidson
Liam S - For demonstrating a sense of responsibility for his actions and a positive attitude towards learning with a great start to term 2. Keep it up Liam!
Jackie D - for showing responsibility and dedication to her learning during literacy activities. Well done Jackie!
5A - Katherine Salloum
Alexander L - For being a responsible and reflective learner by recognising that he needed help to complete multiplication problems using the algorithm method and approaching the teacher for help. Great initiative, Alex!
Achai M - For being a risk-taker by using her initiative and volunteering her thoughts and ideas within whole class discussions.
5B - Shannon Betham
Weston T - For being a responsible learner by taking care of your belongings such as your glasses to ensure that you can learn effectively. Keep up the great effort.
Jerry J - for being a reflective communicator when sharing what you know about animals, their features and adaptations. Keep up the great effort!
5C - Malae Suaesi
Ronel P - For being a reflective learner whilst being at the Melbourne Zoo. He was able to make his peers aware of the general public and encouraged them to act respectfully.
Kriselle A - For being a resilient learner when using the think board to solve multiplication problems with different strategies.
6A - Annette Lee
Stallon F - for being a knowledgeable learner, sharing great strategies and thinking in Mathematics! Well done!
Charlize T - for using lots of persuasive devices in writing- you are demonstrating lots of amazing thinking! Great work!
6B - T.B.C
Zerika A - for her positivity towards her peers and for always showing kindness and respect in the classroom!
Akok A - for showing great enthusiasm in class and for participation on specialist day.Keep up the good attitude!
6C - Jane Huang
Tejith B -For being a risk taker by challenging himself to utilise different types of graphs and charts to display his data.
Nevaeh M - For being a responsible and reflective learner by connecting inquiry learning to the Melbourne Zoo excursion and taking notes about how animals adapt to the environment.
Specialist Awards
Japanese: Yumiko Aiki - Carol M (4C) - for being a thinker and a risk-taker by taking responsibility during Japanese class. Her determination and dedication to achieve her personal best is inspiring. Congratulations!
Performing Arts: Jody Banks - Deng D (5B) - for being a risk-taker when learning new choreography for the Grade 5 Dance Battle and for participating enthusiastically in Performing Arts lessons. Great work, Deng!
Visual Arts: Jake Moloney - Zoe. I (4C) - for being a responsible learner in the Visual Arts learning space, by assisting her classmates with their art pieces. Well done Zoe!
S T E M: Matt Dalton - Jemma C (6B) - For being an inquisitive learner during STEM. She demonstrated enthusiasm and creativity while testing your catapult. Well done Jemma!
P.E: Jen Barresi - Noah S (4B) - for being a positive, respectful and enthusiastic participant in P.E. It’s a pleasure to teach you every Wednesday and watch you grow as a
student. Keep up the great work Noah!
Week 4
Monday 15/05
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Exec Team 9.30am - 11.00am
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 16/05
● Learning Diversity Leaders Network
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 17/05
●
Thursday 18/05
● Saint John I
● Catch up photo day
Friday 19/05
● Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea - Middles
Saturday 20/05
● Saint Bernadine of Siena
Sunday 21/05
● Solemnity Of The Ascension Of The Lord
Week 5
Monday 22/05
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Exec Team 9.30am - 11.00am
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 23/05
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 24/05
● The Solemnity of Our Lady, Help of Christians
● Student Wellbeing Leaders Network
Thursday 25/05
● Saint Gregory VII
● Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi
● Saint Bede
Friday 26/05
● Saint Philip Neri
● Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea - Juniors
● Staff Social Dinner
● Religious Education Leaders Network
Saturday 27/05
● Saint Augustine of Canterbury
● First Communion Masses
Sunday 28/05
● Pentecost Sunday
● First Communion Masses
Week 6
Monday 29/05
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Exec Team 9.30am - 11.00am
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 30/05
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 31/05
● The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday 01/06
● Saint Justin
● Deputy Principals Network
Friday 02/06
● Saints Marcellinus and Peter
● Year 3-6 Athletics Carnival (Backup date)
● Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea - Preps
● Deputy Principals Network
Saturday 03/06
● First Communion Masses
Sunday 04/06
● Solemnity Of The Most Holy Trinity
● First Communion Masses
Week 7
Monday 05/06
● Student House Activity Day
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Exec Team 9.30am - 11.00am
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 06/06
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● Mary, Mother of the Church
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 07/06
● Parent Support Group Meetings
Thursday 08/06
● Parent Support Group Meetings
Friday 09/06
● Saint Ephrem
● Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea – Seniors
● ONWZ Principals Network Meeting
Saturday 10/06
● First Communion Masses
Sunday 11/06
● Feast Of Corpus Christi
● First Communion Masses
Week 8
Monday 12/06
● King’s Birthday – School Closure
Tuesday 13/06
● Parent Support Group Meetings
● Parent Advisory Council 7.00pm – 8.00pm
● Staff Meeting 3.30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 14/06
● Parent Support Group Meetings
Thursday 15/06
● Parent Support Group Meetings
Friday 16/6
● Instalment 2 - Family Fee Payment Due
● Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
● Year Level Mass followed by parent morning tea - Middles
Saturday 17/06
● Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
● First Communion Masses
Sunday 18/06
● 11TH Sunday In Ordinary Time
● First Communion Masses
Week 9
Monday 19/06
● Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
● Reports back to teachers
● Exec Team 9.30am - 11.00am
● Team Leaders Meeting 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Tuesday 20/06
Wednesday 21/06
● Saint Aloysius Gonzaga
● Resurrection Day Celebration
● Resurrection Day Mass 9.00am (Whole School)
● Last Day of Term 2 Dismissal Time 3.15pm
● Semester 1 Student Reports Sent Home
Thursday 22/06
● School Closure Staff Faith Formation Day 1
Friday 23/06
● School Closure Staff Faith Formation Day 2
