FROM THE PRINCIPAL'S DESK
Dear Parents / Caregivers,
The Lenten readings during the last week or so have centered firmly on the concepts of forgiveness, compassion and mercy. Compassion is one of our school values and has been the focus of the liturgies we have shared with the students during our Lenten journey. The following quote from last week’s Second reading from the letter of St Paul to the Ephesians resonated strongly with me.
"We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus to live the good life as from the beginning he had meant us to live it."
Our school community is truly amazing and abundantly blessed. We are comprised of energetic and spirit filled members who daily go above and beyond the call of duty, with little regard for accolades. Despite the ideal described by St Paul, as human beings living within a community, we must all acknowledge that despite our best efforts or intentions we can sometimes get things wrong or fail to please all those with a vested interest. Please be assured that whenever difficulties arise the staff of Mary Immaculate will do their very best to reach a mutually agreeable resolution. Please rest assured that we are always on the ‘same team’ and whenever a problem arises the best way forward to finding a solution is always by accessing the collective wisdom available through respectful interactions.
It is only within the context of community that value systems can be established and become a lived reality. Each day we have an opportunity through our everyday interactions to experience and glimpse the possibility of the abundance of God’s love. Our community aspires to be a place where mistakes can be made without fear and with the real expectation of true compassion and forgiveness. This can only become a reality however, if we are mindful to respond rather than react, especially during difficult situations.
Thank you in advance for contributing to making our community a place where Christ’s way is reflected in our way and life and where Christ can be experienced by all.
Tina Murray
Principal
NAPLAN
Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in the annual NAPLAN tests in reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
Students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in the NAPLAN assessments during 11 - 15 May 2021. Important information related to the NAPLAN assessments can be accessed using the links below. A NAPLAN Online – information for parents and carers information sheet is included with the newsletter.
Online trial tests can be accessed via the following link
MORNING SUPERVISION
Parents are reminded that student supervision commences each morning at 8.00am.
The Emerald Drive gates for students to enter the school will not be open until approximately 7.50 am.
Although we understand many parents have work commitments it is important to note that although a few staff may be on the premises early there is no student supervision before 8:00 am.
Students remain the responsibility of parents if they arrive prior to 8:00 am.
All students arriving prior to supervision commencing at 8:00 am are asked to sit quietly under the covered walkway until supervision begins. Arrangements have been made for the Aquamarine Drive gates to be opened at 8.00am each day.
If you require Before or After School Care please contact Oosh Zone on 0409 960 803.
DIOCESAN SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
Parents are reminded that entering into the contract of enrolment at Mary Immaculate is an obligation to support the implementation of consistent and comprehensive practices that guide the operations of all schools within the Diocese of Wollongong.
In April 2019, the Diocesan Social Media Policy was released to support CEDoW, schools and staff minimise the reputational risk of individuals, schools and / or CEDoW. It also ensures that schools meet their compliance requirements with the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) and the Australian Education Act 2013.
It is an expectation that all members of the school community will take all reasonable measures to comply with this Policy.
All schools are required to ensure parents are aware of the following expectations
- parents / carers are required to seek permission from the Principal to establish a social media presence that is in any way associated with the school
- not to post content on social media of other students without the express consent of their parents / carers
- promptly notify the school of inappropriate use of, or content on any social media, that may negatively impact on CEO or any of its school communities
Parents are encouraged to access the Diocesan Social Media Policy to familiarise themselves with the context and obligations of this policy via the following link:
PHOTOGRAPHIC PERMISSION
Please ensure the annual Diocesan photographic permission form has been completed and returned. This information is vital in ensuring that staff are able to confirm student involvement in digital projects designed to share learning and achievements within the school and wider community.
One of the most important things your child can do to achieve academic success is also one of the most basic: going to school every day.
In fact, research has shown that your child's attendance record may be the biggest factor influencing their academic success.
By making your child's school attendance a priority, you will be taking an important step in supporting your child's present and future school success as well as setting a good example of the positive habit of punctuality.
Please ensure your child is at school prior to the first bell each day as this will set them up for success for a day of learning. The following infographic contains interesting information about the importance of school attendance. Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you need help or advice related to maintaining the regular attendance of your child.
