It was very exciting to see our students and staff return this week renewed and refreshed after the holiday break. Everyone seems to have and seemed happy to share the stories of their adventures over the holidays. We now look forward to another full term, which is unbelievably, the last one for 2020. 

From the time children are tiny, parents are constantly reminding them to have good manners. When they ask for something, parents tell them to say, “please.” And when they receive something they are reminded to say, “thank you.”

When parents prompt their children to say “please” and “thank you,” they are helping them to understand the concept of thankfulness. We continue with our focus on gratitude that we commenced in Term 3.

We have all been the recipients of gifts from God. In our life of faith an attitude of gratitude or to be thankful to God for everything he sends, is an essential key to effectively praying.

Our gratitude and words of thanks are indeed simple ways of showing appreciation for what we possess and for all the blessings that we have received. But the expression of gratitude is like all other blessings and must come from the depth of our hearts. Expressing an attitude of gratitude is more than giving words of thanks for the blessings. It is a way of living our life and being aware of how and why we are receiving these blessings. Being thankful changes a person’s life and orientation. Our expression of gratitude for all that we have received transforms our life and we feel and think in terms of abundance. Many gospel passages provide us with an opportunity to reflect upon our own disposition of gratitude whenever we receive the gift of grace.

How does it change our life? if at all!

How has it affected our values, our concerns, our interactions, our life-style?
 

Thank you, Lord, that I can hear when so many are deaf.

Thank you, Lord, that I can walk when so many are crippled.

Thank you, Lord, that I have food when so many are hungry.

Thank you, Lord, that I have shelter when so many are homeless.

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of a friendship when so many are lonely.

Thank you, Lord, for sharing your cross with me, it helps me to grow and become more compassionate.

Thank you, Lord, for all your blessings, so many deserve them better than I do.

Help me, Lord, always to be grateful. Amen. 

In the week ahead, may we be more mindful to acknowledge our blessings and to open our eyes, our ears and our hearts to the many opportunities to express gratitude to our God and to the people who are the face of God for us in our world.

Let Christ be your way and life in the days ahead. 

Tina Murray

Principal

CLASS FORMATION FOR 2021

The lengthy process of class formation for 2021 will commence in earnest this term.

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 could be submitted either through the class teacher or via an email to info@mievdow.catholic.edu.au marked – 2021 Class Formation. Parents are able to provide input during Weeks 1 to 4 in Term 4.

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.

WORLD TEACHERS’ DAY

All teachers have a special day, that is known as World Teachers' Day. It's celebrated on the last Friday in October and was established by UNESCO on October 5, 1994.

This year NSW will celebrate World Teachers’ Day on 30 October 2020.

World Teachers’ Day is an opportunity to celebrate the 160,000+ hardworking and dedicated primary, secondary and early childhood teachers in NSW.

2020 has been a year like no other with teachers having to adjust their teaching practices in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. Teachers, with support from parents and carers have ensured education continues across the country this year, despite major challenges. It’s reinforced the significant role teachers play in the lives of children and students, their families and communities. 

On Friday 30 October,  I encourage you to take an opportunity to say a big ‘thank you’ to our wonderful teachers. The following link will provide templates that you may wish to use with your children to commemorate this very special day.  

Please never underestimate the power that simple words of gratitude can have on the life and work of a teacher.

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL APPRAISAL

Mrs Del is currently finalising documentation for her Assistant Principal’s Appraisal that is scheduled to take place in Week 4 this term.

An Appraisal occurs for each Assistant Principal every four years of his or her contract and is part of the ongoing Assistant Principal Performance and Development Plan (PDP) Process. The fundamental purpose of this process is to identify the Assistant Principal’s leadership strengths, as well as, areas for future development and growth. 

Part of this process involves consultation through surveys and relies heavily on honest feedback from all sectors of the school community.

Parents are invited to participate via a short survey. Please click or type this link to access the survey.           

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Appraisal2020ParentDel-Giudice 

Surveys need to be completed before Friday, 23 October 2020. 

The information you provide will be kept confidential to the Panel members who will be facilitating the Appraisal. If you are unable to access the electronic tool, hard copies of the survey will be available from the school’s front office.

Thank you in advance for taking part in this important process.

 SCHOOL BANKING

School banking will recommence on

Wednesday 21 October 2020.