Dear Parents and Caregivers, 

Over the last couple of weeks, we have seen the seasons change and the weather start to get warmer. As the change of season comes around it is important that we take time to be attentive to what is happening around us. Nature is beginning to change – the days are becoming longer; buds are beginning to appear on trees and the scents of spring are definitely in the air. These seasonal changes remind us of the joyful and eternal cycle of life. We all know that Spring is the time of regrowth: the time when we prepare for the long much warmer days of Summer. This time of regrowth can also naturally occur within our children. This is never more noticeable than when they try on their summer uniforms and we discover just how much they have grown in a few short months. Our children can make us acutely aware of what is important and how we can connect with the people and the natural world around us. Recently, there were two students in a classroom. One was feeling apprehensive about her day and the other reached out in friendship. The two continued to chat, one attending to helping the other feel more comfortable. When they were asked how they were feeling, the second child said, "She’s not feeling great about her day. So, I’m listening. My dad told me that a problem shared is a problem halved."

I wonder how often we allow ourselves to think about halving the problems of those around us? Do we, in the ‘busyness’ of our day, overlook the people around us who may in fact be seeking someone to help them halve their problems? How often do we allow ourselves to attend to and be grateful for the seasons as they change throughout the year? How often do we allow ourselves to be truly grateful for the people around us and the simple actions that can make our lives just that little bit easier?

As always, the students of Mary Immaculate often provide evidence of people who want to make a difference to others. Just yesterday, some girls were explaining a problem they were having on the playground when another girl came over and offered an apology that was gratefully accepted by the whole group. Whilst it may not have appeared significant at the time what the girls were actually doing was recognising the face of Jesus in the other. They were willing to listen and forgive – they were willing to make a change and make things better for each other.

St Paul says: "In all things give thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5:8) As we give thanks for this time of year, as we show our appreciation to the people around us, we build up an attitude of gratitude.

At Mary Immaculate, we try to consistently build a positive environment that allows the students to recognise the good around them, to be grateful for all they have and for all they do. Each class has a focus on recording gratitude moments  that are added to our Gratitude Tree which is proudly displayed in the student foyer as a reminder to us all of the many blessings within our School Community.  Parents are warmly invited to also contribute their own gratitude moments to our tree via the leaves available in the Office. 

As we continue to hear about children of the world who may be displaced, who fear for their safety and who are hungry for the opportunity to be grateful we find ourselves in the position to express our gratitude for the opportunities and blessings that are bestowed upon ourselves and our families.

May we be grateful of all the moments that allow us to make Christ be our Way and Life.

Tina Murray

Principal

MIEV P & F COVID Safe Fundraising Survey

In order to follow up from the Term 3 P & F meeting that was held via Zoom on 31 August, the P & F are seeking input regarding COVID safe fundraising ideas. 

A COVID safe fundraiser needs to have limited face-to-face contact, maintain social distancing requirements, have no mixing of classes and will require extensive cleaning of any equipment used.

The P&F will look at running these events at the end of for Term 4 and will consider inclusion during the 2021 school year. 

Please note that the current COVID guidelines no do allow parent helpers to attend or help with events within the school. 

We hope that next year will be a year that will allow parents volunteers to resume helping with amazing events for the school and children.

Please provide your input by 3pm on Monday 21 September (Week 10 Term 3) via the following link - https://forms.gle/AgwTsaw2FByoGee58

Let Christ Be Our Way and Life

Tina Murray

Principal

CLASS FORMATION FOR 2021

The lengthy process of class formation for 2021 will commence in earnest when we return to school in Term 4.

This process involves the current class teachers preparing draft lists for next year’s classes. This process takes into consideration the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each individual student. Decisions are made to establish balanced, equitable class groups with the potential to work well together. As the teachers know the students within the school environment exceptionally well, the best interests of each individual student is always considered during the discernment process.

Parents are invited annually to contribute to the process of class formation by informing us in writing of any special needs that may affect class placement. Written requests should be submitted before Week 4 Term 4 (2 November) either through a note / email to the class teacher or via an email to info@mievdow.catholic.edu.au marked – 2021 Class Formation.

It is important to note that whilst parental requests are considered, there is never a guarantee that these requests will be granted. If parents make a request, particularly about their child being placed within a friendship group, please be aware that there may be circumstances surrounding such requests that may prevent it from being granted. All requests are considered when classes are constructed and must be provided prior to classes being finalised. 

STUDENTS NOT RETURNING IN 2021

If parents are already aware that their child / ren will not be returning to Mary Immaculate in 2021, we request that this information be provided to Mrs Pizarro in the School Office as soon as possible. This information will assist us with accommodating both new applications and students who are currently on our waiting list. 

UNIFORM LABELLING

With the holidays fast approaching this period is a wonderful opportunity to renewal labels on all pieces of your child’s uniform. I completely understand parental frustration regarding lost and missing items.

Please ensure all uniform pieces are clearly labeled with your child’s name using permanent marker in a prominent place. Students should know where their name is marked for easy checking. Please encourage your child to place all items straight into their bag rather than leaving them on the playground or in the classroom.  

 

With the warmer weather now commencing students are able to choose to wear either Full Summer or Full Winter Uniform during the last 2 weeks of Term.

All students will return in Term 4 wearing their Full Summer Uniform.

Mary Immacualte Parish Primary School Welcomes Father Casmir to Mary Immaculate as the new Assistant Priest.

Congratulations to 6 Gold, and 3 Green, our only Gold Star winners for the Term, well done. Let’s keep trying for more this week! It is important for our children to read every day, even if just for ten minutes. Please encourage your children to read their Library books, and talk about what they have read. 

As we near the end of Term can we please check at home for any overdue Library books or Classroom Readers? There are also quite a few of our loan Library bags which must be tucked away at home somewhere – we would be grateful if they can be returned, thank you. We have none left in the Library at all! Please search and return, or if anyone has any spares they would like to donate it would be much appreciated. Many thanks for the donations we have received this week. 

Book Week 2020: "Curious Creatures, Wild Minds!!" As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, the Children’s Book Council transferred the celebration of Book Week this year from August to 17 - 23 October, Week 2 next Term. Our Book Character dress-up day will now be on Tuesday 20 October, NOT  Thursday 22 October because of a clash with another event. Because of the Covid 19 restrictions, we will be unable to have our usual parade with parents and friends invited, but the students are invited to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. There will be photos and videos taken by teachers to share with parents later.  It is important that it is not just a dress-up day but an awareness of book characters, the books they come from, and a little bit about who the character is and why we like them. 

Don’t forget to keep reading every day with your family! Aim for at least ten minutes a day!

"If you are going to get anywhere in life you have to read a lot of books."

Roald Dahl

Happy reading!

Mrs Sue Bryant

Teacher-Librarian

We will be transitioning into Summer Uniform in Week 9 and 10 of this Term.  For Weeks 9 and 10 students can wear either FULL Summer or FULL Winter Uniform according to the weather. 

All students are expected to be in Full Summer Uniform the first day back of Term 4 which will be Tuesday 13 October 2020.

PLEASE DO NOT WEAR A COMBINATION OF BOTH, BEFORE THIS TIME.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY - MONDAY 12 OCTOBER 2020

CHILDREN RETURN TO SCHOOL FOR TERM 4, TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2020 IN FULL SUMMER UNIFORM