Issue 21 - 17th November 2021
I imagine like me, many have had heaters on in recent weeks. Have we actually turned them off since Winter? My goodness, at this rate, we may well be having a white Christmas. For various Principals’ gatherings, I have travelled to Geeveston last week and Hobart this week. Snow on the mountains, driving rain and Winter woolies, in November, has had me wondering when we might start to see the sun! I am told, though, that whilst I was in the South last Wednesday, the sun shone brightly for the Athletics Carnival. How fabulous!
As a result of their great performances at our carnival, many students represented SPC at the North West Carnival this week. Thank you to those students who participated in this combined schools event, did their very best and showed pride in representing our wonderful school.
It is around this time each year that students begin to tire, as the busy days of completing the school year begin to catch up with them. The students have had an excellent year, and so it is important that they complete these final weeks to the same high standard in their work, the wearing of uniform and their behaviour. They will thrive all the way to the end in a supportive environment where staff and families have similar expectations and a commitment to working together. Please be mindful of our uniform policy regarding appropriate hairstyles. If you are unsure if a particular hairstyle fits within the school’s guidelines, feel free to check prior to heading to the hairdressers. I am aware that at this time of year, some children are wearing out, or growing out, of their shoes. I do not want families to spend money buying new shoes so close to the end of the year. If your child has outgrown their shoes, please write a note to the teacher to explain the wearing of sports runners, instead of the required school shoes.
Patience, resilience and perseverance are required of us all in these last weeks. May we all have them in abundance!
Lord of the loving heart,
May mine be loving too,
Lord of the gentle hands,
May mine be gentle too.
Lord of the willing feet,
May mine be willing too,
So may I grow to be more like you
In all that I say and all that I do.
Amen
Mrs Kerrie Flynn
Acting Principal
The Importance of relationships
Relationships are essential to our experience of the world, and yet they can be one of the most difficult aspects of life to navigate. Human beings flourish when we experience healthy relationships. Healthy relationships involve communication, communication which is open, honest and respectful, and this is something we at St Peter Chanel consistently work on.
Our Mission statement proclaims:
We Seek the Lord through our Relationships, Service and Humility, Hopes and Aspirations.
We foster partnerships that are meaningful, respectful and inclusive towards all members of our school, parish and wider community.
We are restorative and reconcile differences in our relationships with each other, as we live in solidarity with one another and the planet.
As Advent is about to begin, let us ponder on our own relationships and how Jesus related to people, how he showed his compassion for those in the face of disagreement and hostility. Respect for others does not simply happen, we need to work at it, and continue even when we feel we are failing. At this time, let us celebrate the birth and life of Jesus Christ.
Advent
Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Church calendar is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. In Western churches, Advent begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30th and is the beginning of the liturgical year. The four Sundays preceding Christmas, which is when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, are recognised for four virtues. The candles on the Advent wreath symbolize hope, love, joy and peace. The candles are lit in that order, beginning Sunday, 28th November.
Heavenly Father, we look forward to the celebration of Christmas and to the coming of the Lord in glory. Bless this Advent wreath and all of us. As we pray daily around it, fill us with your life and strengthen us for our daily tasks. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Christmas Art Competition
Last week families received the attached flyer for the Christmas Art Competition. Students art work will be displayed in the Church and winners selected.
The Fathering Project
The first Australian program which focuses on the fathers of all children. It is an evidence-based organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and fathers’ engagement with their infants, pre-school, primary and adolescent aged children.
Fathers and father figures play a vital role in children’s lives. Absent, disengaged, ill-equipped or busy fathers is a significant social issue damaging the lives of Australian children and young people.
The Fathering Project delivers engaging prevention and intervention programs, plus access to resources that will equip fathers with the skills to be the best Dad they can be and improve the lives of fathers, children and families for generations to come.
For further information check out - https://thefatheringproject.org
Last Thursday, Jack Britton, Libby Buckby and Luca Smith attended the service at ANZAC park. It was the 103rd Smithton Remembrance day service. Thank you to our leaders for representing our school and Mrs Melissa Thorp for accompanying them.
Athletics Carnival
On Wednesday, 10th November we held our annual SPC Athletics Carnival. Well done to all students for their hard work and participation on the day. It was a successful event and we were very lucky to have great weather. Thank you to Mr Britton for leading the carnival and all of our staff who ensured everything ran smoothly.
Final scores for our houses were as follows:
Gibson - 971 Hanlon - 971 Marian - 1009
Congratulations to the following students who were selected to represent our school at the North West Athletics Carnival on Wednesday, 17th November:
Alex Liang, Tait Grey, Jordan Grey, Taite Horton
Sienna Von Stieglitz, Mia Grey & Libby Buckby,
Grayson Ollington, Isaac Bishop, Logan Poke, Saxon Bishop, Lewis Sheehan
Charli Moodie, Heidi Braid & Jewel Wynwood
Jedda Maguire, Aihden McAlister, Kye Moore, Ryan House, Phoenix Hall, Reef Poke, Lucas Facey
Shayla-Lee Howard, Tayla Ollington, Hali Robinson, Eliza Cornish, Peppa Bishop
Jaiden Spinks, Hendrix Waasdorp, Liam Bell, Naite Barker, Lucas Saward
Arah Blake, Charlotte Armstrong, Jordana Pay, Bayley Swain
Our representatives displayed a most remarkable “have a go” spirit in every event they participated in and the results of these events proved how influential support and self belief can push one further.
These students can be proud of themselves, as we are of them!
Here are some photos from the day.
Congratulations to the following students who received Aiming High awards at last week’s assembly:
Prep - Millah & Finn
Grade 1 - Koa & Olivia
Grade 2 - Charlie & River
Grade 4 - Tom & Kye
Grade 5 - Macey & Luke
Grade 6 - Tait & Sarah
This Friday, 19th November our Grade 6 students are heading to Marist Regional College and Smithton High School for their Grade 7 Orientation days.
Last Thursday, our Grade 3 students went on their overnight camp to Camp Clayton. Our students displayed a fantastic sense of camaraderie and support in the face of challenges. Here are some photos from their time away. Thank you to Mr Van Keulen and Mrs Jaffray Morf for ensuring our students had a fantastic time.
School Banking update from Commonwealth Bank:
For 90 years, our School Banking program has helped children learn about money, reinforced the importance of regular savings and provided structure for parents to support their children to save.
Though the program continues to have strong support from schools, parents and teachers, recent decisions by some state and territory governments because of a review by the corporate regulator mean we are unable to continue providing programs in schools, and we have had to make a difficult decision to close our School Banking program for all government and non-government schools across the country.
Our School Banking program was established in 1931 at a time when having a bank account was not commonplace, and since then we have helped more than 15 million Australians take their first financial steps. This would not have been possible without the wonderful support we have received from schools like yours, including all the parents and volunteers, and for this we are deeply grateful. Thank you.
Even though this is a sad time, School Banking has taught so many young Australians, past and present, the value of money and we believe this should be celebrated. We have created a place for you to share your stories, fondest memories and lessons learnt through the program. To share your story and access our financial education resources, please visit commbank.com.au/schoolbanking
Even though the CommBank School Banking program will not be returning to your school after this year, you can continue to make deposits into your child’s Youthsaver account through online transfers or at any CommBank branch. If you need further information, please phone 132 221 or visit your local CommBank branch
Autism Tasmania conduct free workshops for parents and family carers of children on the autism spectrum, or those who have autistic characteristics.
Early Days workshops are for parents and other family members of children aged 0-6 who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis or are going through the assessment and diagnosis process. Parents / family members who are wanting to find out more about autism to help decide whether they should seek assessment for their child are also welcome to attend.
Here are the details for the upcoming workshops:
TOPIC: Helping my child cope with change
- Learn about why change is difficult for autistic children
- Identify challenges and successes for when change occurs
- Develop strategies for day to day, minor, major and unexpected changes
WHEN: Wednesday 24th November 2021
TIME: 10am—11:30am
WHERE: Autism Tasmania - 9 King Street Burnie
REGISTRATION: www.trybooking.com/802081
TOPIC: My child and autism - Online
- Learn about autism and what it means for your family and your child
- Learn practical strategies that can make a difference to your child’s development
PART A: Wednesday 1st December 2021 at 10am – 11:30am
PART B: Thursday 2nd December 2021 at 10am – 11:30am
WHERE: Online via Zoom
REGISTRATION: www.trybooking.com/BVEKC
Spaces are limited, so registration is essential. Parents / Family members can register through TryBooking via the above links. The registration link opens a secure online form. After registering participants will receive a confirmation email and a pre-workshop questionnaire to complete where they will be asked to provide details about them and their child which help to shape Early Days.
Please see the attached flyers for more information.