Issue 1 - 2nd February 2023
Welcome to the 2023 school year!
It seemed like Summer weather was a long-time coming to the NW, but it did and it’s been beautiful. I hope that you were able to enjoy the sunshine over the break and spend time with family and friends.
This newsletter has gone out the day before the children arrive on their first day back. Staff have been at school since Monday. It’s lovely to have those days to prepare, but it strikes us all that schools really only come alive when we have your children here. We can’t wait!
We extend a very warm welcome to all families, particularly our new Kinder students, new families and new staff.
I have some exciting news! Families who have been in the school for a while will know how very much we have needed an extension to our carpark. I am delighted to let you know that we have been successful in a capital grant to extend the school carpark. The groundwork is underway with architects, engineers, surveyors and other professionals to design plans and to establish ground preparation and timeframes, etc. It is thought, at this stage, that the extension will be placed between the Church and the Convent house. Once construction commences, we anticipate some disruption but it will be very worth it to have the additional parking spaces. I will keep you updated as I know more.
As always we look forward to working in partnership with you in 2023. I trust this year brings hope, happiness and a love of learning.
Heavenly Father,
We give you our school, St Peter Chanel .
We give you all the teachers and staff who work here,
We give you all the students who study here
We give you our families who entrust us with their children.
We pray our school would be a place of great discovery, adventure and creativity.
May it be a place where we love to learn and where we learn to love,
A place where everyone is respected, and all are deeply valued.
We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
(A modern prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)
Dear Families of St Peter Chanel Catholic School
I am very excited to be the new Deputy Principal at St Peter Chanel. I grew up in the United States and moved to Tasmania in 2007. I have worked in Catholic Education for over 10 years in a wide range of schools, all in the southern part of Tasmania. As a teacher, I have taught Grades 1-6 and was the Religious Education Coordinator for three years at my previous school. I am dedicated to Catholic Education and the opportunities for social, emotional and academic growth that it provides for all students.
As I get settled into this role, I have had the pleasure of getting to know the current staff at St Peter Chanel. They are a dedicated group that have already shown me the care and commitment that they have to ensuring that their students are guided and supported to become lifelong learners. I am delighted to join such an amazing team and am looking forward to meeting the students and seeing their growth throughout 2023 and beyond.
If you have any questions for me, please do not hesitate to email me at casey.moore@catholic.tas.edu.au
Mr Casey Moore
Deputy Principal
Parent FAQs for Read Write Inc. Phonics P-2
Welcome to 2023! I would like to start the 2023 school year by revising some vital information about our excellent Literacy Program that is in place for Prep to Grade 2. This is an excellent guide with links to information that can help you understand the language your child will be using and offer useful ideas to try at home. In the next newsletter, I will outline a new home reading program that we will trial this year to enhance the students’ reading potential.
Where can I find information relevant to my child’s learning of phonics?
Watch video tutorials on https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents-copy-2/ to help you to understand more about Read Write Inc. Phonics and how to help your child read and write at home.
Other useful websites:
Ruth Miskin Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/miskin.education
Free e-books for home reading:
http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/Reading/
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/ruthmiskintrainingedu?mc_cid=63bfb74b56&mc_eid=4ec2ad9cea
Glossary
‘Special Friends’
Special friends are a combination of two or three letters representing one sound, e.g. ck, ay, igh, oa.
Fred Talk
Fred the Frog helps children read and spell. He can say the sounds in words, but he can’t say the whole word, so children have to help him.
To help children read, Fred (the teacher) says the sounds and then children say the word.
For example, Fred says c-a-t, children say cat, Fred says l-igh-t, children say light.
Teachers are encouraged to use Fred Talk through the day, so children learn to blend sounds.
For example:
Play Simon Says: Put your hands on your h-ea-d/ f-oo-t/ kn-ee.
Put on your c-oa-t/ h-a-t/ s-c-ar-f.
Set the table with a b-ow-l/ f-or-k/ s-p-oo-n.
‘Fred in your head’
Once children can sound out a word, we teach them to say the sounds silently in their heads.
We show them how to do this by:
- whispering the sounds and then saying the whole word;
- mouthing the sounds silently and then saying the whole word;
- saying the whole word straight away.
Perfect pencil grip
Children sit at a table to write.
They hold up a pencil in a tripod pencil grip with the non-writing hand flat holding their paper.
How can I support my child to learn Set 1 sounds and to blend?
- Use pure sounds, not letter names. Watch the ‘how to say the sounds’ parent film on https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents-copy-2/
- Watch the ‘Reading the stretchy sounds with your child’, ‘Reading the bouncy sounds with your child’ and ‘Reading the digraphs with your child’ parent films on https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents-copy-2/ to see how to teach Set 1 sounds.
- Practise reading known Set 1 Speed Sounds cards speedily. If needed, show your child the picture side of the card to help them remember the sound.
We teach children to read and spell using Fred. He is a toy frog who can say the sounds in words, but not the whole word. Children have to help him.
To help children learn to blend, we say the sounds as Fred and then children repeat the sounds and say the whole word.
Here are two ways you can use Fred Talk at home:
- play Fred Games together – see Fred Games document on https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents-copy-2/
- speak like Fred throughout the day e.g. time for l-u-n-ch! Let’s p-l-ay!
- Watch the ‘Sound-blending’ parent film on https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents-copy-2/
How can I support my child to learn Set 2 or 3 sounds?
- Watch the ‘Set 2/3 tutoring’ film on https://www.ruthmiskin.com/en/parents-copy-2/
- Help your child practise reading known Speed Sounds cards speedily. If needed, show your child the picture side of the card to help them remember the sound.
How do I listen to my child read?
Your child has a Storybook matched to the sounds and words they know – a decodable book – so they should be able to read all the words.
Please avoid saying, “This book is too easy for you!” but instead say “I love how well you can read this book!”
‘Special Friends’, ‘Fred Talk’, read the word
Remind your child to read words using ‘Special Friends, Fred Talk, read the word’ (see glossary).
For example, ‘ship’: spot the ‘sh’, then Fred Talk and blend to read the word e.g. sh, sh-i-p, ship.
Red Words
Red Words are also known as common exception words. They occur in stories regularly (said, what, where) but have unusual letter combinations (‘ai’ in the word ‘said’ makes the sound ‘e’).
Remind your child not to use Fred Talk to read Red Words but instead to ‘stop and think’.
Tell them the word if you need to.
Read the same book again and again
Children love reading the same book again and again. Their reading becomes speedier and they understand what they are reading.
- Encourage your child to read words using ‘Fred in your head’ (see glossary).
- Show your child how to read the story in a storyteller voice.
- Share your enjoyment of the story when they read it again and again.
What do I do with the picture books?
One of the most important things you can do as a parent at home is read to your child.
Loving stories is important because children who love stories want to read stories for themselves. Children who read a lot become better readers.
Here are some top tips for story time:
- make it a treat – introduce each new book with excitement
- make it a special quiet time – cuddle up!
- show curiosity in what you’re going to read
- read the story once without stopping so they can enjoy the whole story. If you think your child might not understand something say something like ‘Oh I think what’s happening here is that…”
- chat about the story e.g. I wonder why he did that? Oh no, I hope she’s not going to…
- avoid asking questions to check what they remember
- link to other stories and experiences you have shared e.g. this reminds me of…
- read favourite stories over and over again – encourage your child to join with the bits they know. Avoid saying ‘not that story again!’
- use different voices – be enthusiastic!
- love the book – read with enjoyment.
How can I help my child to spell words?
- Encourage your child to use Fred Fingers to spell words.
- Ask your child to say the sounds in the word as they press the sounds onto their fingers.
- Ask your child to then write the letters – if they get stuck, say the sounds again.
- Praise your child for spelling using the sounds they know, even if their handwriting is not perfect.
How else can I develop my child’s language?
Children will have a large vocabulary if they are part of a ‘talk-a-lot’ family:
- use every opportunity to talk with your child throughout the day – meal times, playing together, bath time
- use new and ambitious vocabulary e.g. miserable instead of sad, stroll instead of walk
- speak to your child in complete sentences
- make up stories together - there’s no need to write it down.
Mrs Anna Hart
Literacy Coordinator
Swimming is a part of the Physical Education Curriculum and a compulsory part of all students' education. As it is a water-based activity, all students must get consent. Please ensure you have signed consent for your child to participate via Compass. If you are unable to do this please contact the office and we will print you a manual consent form. Fees for swimming this year have been incorporated into your annual school levies.
Students in Years 3-6 are expected to dress themselves. No parents/carers will be able to access the change rooms. Kinder, Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 parents will need to ensure that they hold a current WWVP card and carry it with them should they enter the change rooms to assist their child.
Swimming commences on Tuesday, 7 February. In a bag, students will need swimmers, towel, goggles and a plastic bag for wet items. Kinder will commence their swimming program on Tuesday, 14 February.
Lesson time |
|
Year 6 |
9:00 - 9:40am |
Year 5 |
9:40 - 10:20am |
Year 4 |
10:20 - 11:00am |
Year 3 |
11:00 - 11:40am |
Year 2 |
11:40 - 12:20pm |
Lunch break for swim teachers |
12:20 - 12:35pm |
Year 1 |
12:35 - 1:15pm |
Prep |
1:15 - 1:45pm |
Kinder |
1:45 - 2:15pm |
Please see below a brief overview of upcoming dates for the term. As always these are subject to change.
Friday 3rd February |
P- 6 Students Commence |
Tuesday 7th February |
Kinder students Commence P-6 Swimming Commences |
Thursday 9th February |
Year 6 - CHAC On Country |
Monday 13th February |
Learning Treasures 9:00am - 10:30am |
Tuesday 14th February |
K-6 Swimming |
Wednesday 15th February |
Grade 6 Leadership Day PCYC |
Thursday 16th February |
Year 1 - CHAC On Country GRIP Leadership Day |
Monday 20th February |
Learning Treasures 9:00am - 10:30am |
Tuesday 21st February |
K-6 Swimming |
Thursday 23rd February |
Year 4 - CHAC On Country |
Monday 27th February |
Learning Treasures 9:00am - 10:30am |
Tuesday 28th February |
K-6 Swimming |
Thursday 2nd March |
Year 5 - CHAC On Country |
Monday 6th March |
Learning Treasures 9:00am - 10:30am |
Tuesday 7th March |
K-6 Swimming |
Thursday 9th March |
School Photos |
Friday 10th March |
SPC Swimming Carnival (3-6) |
Monday 13th March |
Public Holiday |
Tuesday 14th March |
K-6 Swimming |
Wednesday 15th March |
NAPLAN Commences Year 6 to St Brigid's for Spirit of Jesus session |
Thursday 16th March |
Kinder - CHAC on Country NW Swimming Carnival |
Monday 20th March |
Learning Treasures 9:00am - 10:30am Prep - CHAC On Country |
Tuesday 21st March |
No Swimming lessons - due to NAPLAN |
Thursday 23rd March |
Year 2 - CHAC On Country |
Monday 27th March |
Learning Treasures 9:00am - 10:30am |
Tuesday 28th March |
K-6 Swimming |
Thursday 30th March |
Year 3 - CHAC On Country |
Monday 3rd April |
Learning Treasures 9:00am - 10:30am |
Tuesday 4th April |
K-6 Swimming |
Thursday 6th April |
Last Day Term 1 |
Canteen will commence on Friday 3rd February.
Breakfast club will commence on Monday 6th February
Students will be sitting NAPLAN between 15 and 27 March 2023.
The National Assessment Program-Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so.
NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance; however, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.
This is the first year NAPLAN will be held in March, having previously taken place in May. This change was made so school systems would have access to results earlier in the school year, so they can be used to inform teaching and learning plans for the remainder of the year.
Why NAPLAN is conducted online
NAPLAN online provides a better assessment and more precise results.
One of the main benefits of NAPLAN online is that it uses tailored (or adaptive) testing. This means that students receive questions better suited to their abilities, so they can show what they know and can do.
Online testing also allows us to provide a wide range of accessibility options to support students with disability to access NAPLAN.
Feedback from students is that they find the online test more engaging.
Please note that students in Year 3 complete the Writing Test on paper.
Parent information brochures and other resources
Your questions answered on NAPLAN and what it means for your child:
NAPLAN information brochure for parents and carers
The link will take you to the official National Assessment Program (NAP) website.
Please contact the school if you have any further queries.
If you do not intend to pay school fees in full (i.e. Pay by 28 February, 2023 to receive a 5% discount) you must return the Payment Arrangement form sent home at the end of last year. This is the form for you to select how you wish to pay your school fees.
For those families that have a Concession Card, please return that paperwork to the office.
For any queries, please contact Melinda by email - melinda.armstrong@catholic.tas.edu.au
For any student that needs to take medication during the school day, we will need a consent form signed. Please request an Administration of Medication form if it applies to you. You can email spc@catholic.tas.edu.au for a form to be sent home or send through a Facebook message.
For those students on Medical plans, i.e. Asthma Action Plan, Diabetes, or Anaphylaxis Action Plans, please provide an updated plan for the 2023 school year. Any questions can be directed to Melissa on email at melissa.thorp@catholic.tas.edu.au
We would like to reintroduce a member of our school Community, Monty. Monty is a Schmoodle. Monty enjoys meeting children, and especially listening to them while receiving a pat, or playing games during time spent together.
The value of animal assisted therapy is widely accepted as an aid to stimulation and communication. The presence of animals can improve the wellbeing of children and lower their rate of anxiety.
Animals are not generally allowed on school premises. Appropriate consideration and consultation were undertaken for this activity. Whilst inherent risks will remain, and some people will choose not to participate, our school supports this activity occurring. Monty is a well behaved friend and has all the expected vaccinations and routinely visits the vet for normal check- ups. Monty will spend his day with Mts Flynn as she goes about her school Principal duties.
Children, at times, will have a chance to interact with Monty on the school grounds. Please also note children will not be allowed to feed Monty.
If you do not want your child to interact with Monty, please email Mrs Flynn no later than 15/2/2023 via kerrie.flynn@catholic.tas.edu.au
We will assume that no reply by the given date, allows interaction with Monty.
If you have any questions, please contact the office.
Catholic Education Tasmania supports schools in offering children creative play and learning within our outdoor spaces through our Outdoor Play and Learning guidance.
It is timely to restate some purposes of this policy, being:
· Support learning and creative play with reasonable levels of risk-taking
· Offer age appropriate activities and items to encourage development of gross motor, collaboration and risk assessment skills.
· Enable children to extend their capabilities.
Examples of potential activities with suitable risk controls include:
- Loose parts imaginative play & building
e.g. Logs, sticks, milk crates, rocks, tyres, mud play, etc.
- Limited tree climbing / play
- Approved items disassembled
- Fire pit usage & tricycles ridden without helmets
If your child(ren) are participating, you may wish to discuss how they are finding this? You are welcome to contact your Principal with feedback, or queries.
Updated 13/1/2023
Kinder:
Kinder will go straight into the new Smart Play uniform, when it arrives (anticipated in Term Two). Until that time, Kinder students will wear the current sports uniform. This should be organised for all students. If your Kinder child does not have a sports uniform to begin the year, please contact the office, or speak to them when you collect your books.
Prep:
Prep will go straight into the new Smart Play uniform, when it arrives (anticipated in Term Two). Until that time, Prep students will wear the current sports uniform, every day.
Years 1-6:
The Smart Play uniform will become compulsory for all students in 2025. Until then parents can opt for their children to move into the Smart Play uniform at any time in 2023/4, or continue to wear their current uniform.
Should parents choose for their children to continue wearing their current uniform, it will be worn as it always has been - formal uniform and sports uniform on Health and PE days.
There are still some current uniform items available for purchase at very reduced prices should parents wish to purchase them. No new stock will be ordered.
All students in Years 1-6 will continue to wear the current uniform until the Smart Play uniform arrives. Please contact the office if you have any queries about uniform.
Shoes
Students moving into the Smart Play uniform will wear all black leather/leather-like runners every day.
The leather/leather-like meets our Workplace Health and Safety requirements. The runners must not have any coloured logos, trim, etc.
Students continuing to wear the current uniform can choose to wear the all black leather/leather-like runners every day or continue to wear formal shoes and their usual runners on sports days.
Please contact the office if you have any queries about shoes.
Hats
As a Sun Smart school, hats are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4. Please ensure your child has a school hat on the first day. Students without hats will be asked to sit in a shaded area at break times.
Hair
Hair should be neat and tidy. Hair must be of natural colour with no colours, dyes, streaks or tips. Hairstyles including mohican style, mullets, distinct differences in length, shaved sides or in-shavings are not allowed. Hair that reaches the top of the collar is to be tied up. Ribbons and clips should be plain and in school colours.
Jewellery
A signet ring, watch and/or fine necklace with a small cross/crucifix/holy medallion may be worn. Smart watches with phone/text/message access and/or with cameras are not to be worn to school.
Students with pierced ears are to wear plain silver or gold studs or sleepers, no dangly earrings or diamond/gem/coloured studs.
Nail polish and cosmetics may not be worn at school.
Set up for Success - Learning Treasures will commence on Monday, 13th February at 9:00am. Below is a timetable for activites for Term 1.
We look forward to seeing all returning and new families!