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THOUGHT FOR THE FORTNIGHT
In 433 A.D., history tells us that St Patrick was praying for God’s divine protection in his work and ministry in Ireland while facing powerful enemies. He wrote this prayer called St Patrick’s Breastplate, which is still widely known and recited today.
I arise today through
God's strength to pilot me, God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me, God's eye to see before me,
God's ear to hear me, God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me, God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me, God's host to secure me –
against snares of devils,
against temptations and vices,
against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me
ill, afar and anear,
alone and in a crowd...
Christ, be with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ where I lie, Christ where I sit,
Christ where I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Christ.
May your salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.
CORONAVIRUS
Please find attached a letter which was sent via SchoolStream on Tuesday, 17th March updating families about COVID-19 and the implications for us as a College. I ask that you take the time to review this document - COVID-19 update - event cancellations for families 17032020
Mentioned within the above letter is a short survey that we ask you to complete. A link to this survey has been provided here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YQQ2MYH
I thank families for your continued support with the adjustments needed to accommodate this situation.
AROUND THE GROUNDS
- The Grade 8 Camps were a great success. Thanks to James Wright, Peter Kay, Gemma Evans, Ben Hibbert, Nickie Birchall, Josh Leach, Sally Broadribb, Ben Fasnacht, James Hickey, Maddie Downie and Lilly Hyatt. Big thank you to James Wright for all his coordination and to the second camp that had to navigate safely the decisions around the weather.
- We had Mary Aikenhead Ministries Pilgrimage members at the Kingston Campus and showed them around the convent.
- Thank you to the Grade 4 staff, and especially Tamara Telly, for their organisation and running of the Leadership Day for Grade 4.
- Thank you to Donna Duggan, Ben Hibbert and Jacinta Castles for running the Fides and Maths Pathways parent information sessions.
- The Commencement Mass was a very respectful experience led by Fr Chris.
- We have had Lisa Horton, an architect, and Adam Mulchay from the TCEO attend meetings about our plans for the refit on the third Campus site.
- We had North Melbourne Next Generation Academy Footy Skills sessions with the Grade 3 & 4's.
- The Grade 2-10 inter school chess tournament saw selected students participate.
QUALITY STUFF
We have heard and we even have a car bumper sticker to prove it, it’s our 60th birthday. I wonder what that means to you? I would hope that part of the answer is that you as a staff member of the college are custodians of what it is to provide for a high quality catholic education in our region. What does that look like? Let’s look at where it physically all started for us 60 years ago, the convent. See in the next photos how Andrea, with her Explorers program, is authentically true to this challenge:
The old Principal's office, even our old premier, Will Hodgman, was sent there a few times to “get himself sorted”. The front room was previously the chapel where the sister's prayed. How appropriate that the Holy Family, as part of the Godly Play program, resides there. Explorers families, our extensive needs students from Huntingfield, the Kingston Campus Early Years students and teachers and our Children’s Liturgy group on Sunday use this resource to more fully know the stories of our religious heritage. Wouldn’t the sisters be chuffed to see and know that.
TRAFFIC/BUS SAFETY
It has recently been brought to our attention that students are not always following basic traffic safety measures, particularly at the end of each school day. A reminder to all students, staff and parents that, for the safety of all at the College, it is imperative that students only embark and disembark stationary vehicles in designated parking spaces.
We realise that in the busyness of the afternoon, when the cars are backed up for what seems like miles on end, it seems easier for students to duck between the cars and jump in the vehicle whilst banked in the queue. This is not in the best interests of all on site. Younger students are always learning and following the example of their older peers. It would only take a trip or stumble from one of our smaller students to disappear from vision, leading to what could possibly turn into a dire situation. We ask that you take that extra 30 seconds to move into one of the many designated car parking spaces on site before requesting your children enter the vehicle. Alternately there are many sites available for parking off site; Huntingfield Estate, Kingsgate Circle or utilise one of the many bus services available to families.
In the interest of everyone’s safety, we ask that families please abide by this request.
NEW INITIATIVE FOR FAMILIES IN CATHOLIC EDUCATION
Via SchoolStream, my newsletter section for this week and our website, we will be advertising to families, present and potential, this wonderful initiative:
St Aloysius Catholic College, in conjunction with Catholic Education Tasmania, is pleased to announce a very important initiative aimed at assisting families with the cost in selecting Catholic Education for their children. Those who hold a current, valid Health Care Card can now receive a specified level of fee assistance without the need to make an assistance application to the College.
This approach in offering direct fee assistance is in line with both the Archbishop's Charter for our College and with the intention of our founding order, the Sisters of Charity, to come forward and offer the hand of comfort and assistance. It is fitting that this initiative has been introduced in our 60th year of the founding of St Aloysius School.
To obtain more information on the fee assistance that is available, please make contact with our Business Manager, Mr Les Gardner ph:0488 298 744 or email: les.gardner@catholic.tas.edu.au
A SLIGHT CHANGE TO THE EOY ARRANGEMENTS
After advice from the pastoral care team, we will this year have our Thanksgiving Liturgy and Awards on the last day of the year for students, Thursday 17th December. It will be in the morning and campus specific assemblies will be in the middle of the day. Susan McGann and Susie Bond will give more details later in the year.
Last year the Southern principals decided to have a centralised Grade 7 Orientation Day. That is, all orientation days for secondary catholic schools will be on Monday 30th November. As a result, we will run our Huntingfield Campus Orientation Day on that Monday. The Kingston Campus may not be on that day. We will confirm that date soon.
NEW STAFF MEMBERS
Environment and Sustainability Officer
We welcome Mrs Michelle Dance to the College. Michelle has been appointed to the Environment and Sustainability Officer position for which we recently ran a recruitment process. Michelle is currently studying a Diploma of Sustainable Living at UTAS, bringing valuable skills and knowledge of this area to the College.
Business Manager
Whilst Les Gardner takes a well deserved period of renewal leave, we welcome to the College Mr John Hills. John has extensive knowledge and understanding of the TCEO being the Assistant Director of Corporate Services. John will commence with us on Monday, 30th March 2020.
We are sure you will make both Michelle and John welcome when they commence their duties. We look forward to working with them both.
COLLEGE ALUMNI
Congratulations to the following College Alumni who received awards at the Guilford Young College awards night.
Ella Harding |
For Exceptional Commitment and Contribution to the Life of the College |
Raffaella Puli |
Tertiary Entrance score of 99 or more - 112.2 |
Angus Jacobson |
Tertiary Entrance score of 99 or more - 104.6 |
Kade Francis |
General Mathematics |
Angus Jacobson |
Ancient History and Legal Studies |
Jet Jankiewicz |
English, Mathematics Methods and Studies of Religion |
Isaiah Prichard |
Drama, English Writing and Mathematics Methods |
Huon Prichard |
Studies of Religion |
Raffaella Puli |
Chemistry and Mathematics Specialised |
Angus Jacobson |
UTAS History Scholarship |
Jordyn Mayne |
UTAS Takamuna Scholarship for Educational Costs (ICECS) |
Tyler McDonald |
University of Tasmania Course Award - Music Technology Project 2 - High Distinction |
Cameron Chrisite |
VET Certificate I in Construction |
Daniel Twaits |
VET Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation |
Angus Jacobson |
Excellence in Humanities |
Jasmine Hincks |
Outstanding Contribution to Community |
Lauren Young |
Outstanding Contribution to Community |
Ella Harding |
Outstanding Contribution to the Faith Life of the College |
Angus Jacobson |
Trowunna Award |
Jordyn Mayne |
Trowunna Award |
Tyler McDonald |
Outstanding Contribution to the Arts |
Thomas Howell |
Artistic Excellence Award |
Mitchell Owen |
Outstanding Contribution to Sport |
CHESS COMPETITION
On Friday, 13th March 27 students from the Kingston and Huntingfield Campuses from Grade 2- Grade 10, travelled to the Friends School to represent the College at the regional Chess Tournament. An amazing level of mental concentration, strategy and skill was observed in the participants who engaged in seven rounds of chess with opponents from other southern schools. It was great to see the resilience, perseverance and good sportsmanship that our students displayed throughout the competition. As well as individual growth and success, students received a certificate for participation, merit or distinction. Due to successful individual performances we also received a second team placing in Primary A and a second team placing in Primary B in the Primary Division.
2021 KINDERGARTEN ENROLMENTS
Any current families looking to enrol their child in Kindergarton for 2021, or know of families outside the College, are asked to complete an Expression of Interest form from the College Office or via our website. Enrolments are due by 1st May 2020.
ANIMALS ON COLLEGE GROUNDS
Did you know.....
(1) A person must not take a dog into -
(a) any grounds of a school, preschool, kinder, creche or other place for the reception of children without the permission of a person in charge of the place.
(2) This secton does not apply to -
(a) a guide dog that is accomplanying a wholly or partially blind person or is in training for that purpose: There other exceptions besides just '2a' above.
Your duty... If you wish to bring any animals onsite, prior approval needs to be obtained from the Acting Principal. The College may give approval, and discuss with you reasonable precautions.
The Qkr (pronounced 'quicker' app is used for online payments of various College activities and events including canteen and cafe, without the need to send money through to the College offices. The app is available via the App store or Google Play.
Click on the link below for the guide to using the app.
PREP
In Prep, we have been focusing on 2D shapes. We went on a shape hunt around our school and made 2D shapes with natural materials. We explained what they are and what materials we used to make our shapes.
GRADE 4 LEADERSHIP DAY
NORTH MELBOURNE FOOTBALL CLUB VISIT
On Tuesday, 10th March players Jy Simpkin, Paul Ahern and Tristan Xerri from the North Melbourne Football Club spoke with the Grade 3 and 4 students as part of their Community Camp Program. The students had the opportunity to ask the players football questions which ranged from how many goals have you kicked, why do you go in the ocean after a game to who is the funniest player on your team.
KINGSTON CANTEEN GUIDELINES
We ask that you read through the following to ensure the smooth running of our canteen.
• Canteen is now open for over the counter sales at recess and lunch. We request that students visit just the once at either recess or lunch.
• Some students have been bringing large amounts of money and at times sharing this with their friends. Students can bring no more than a few dollars (e.g. maximum $1.00 for lollies plus chips or one icy pole etc.) Money is not to be shared.
• Please check that your child's details on Qkr! are correct (the ordering app). Some common errors - ordering through Huntingfield menu, not Kingston; incorrect class colour (Green, White or Blue); selecting the wrong day for ordering. Your child's classroom details can be checked on Compass - please note V on Compass refers to Green.
Thank you for your cooperation.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
GRADE 8 CAMP
Grade 8 Camp was recently held at Fortescue Bay Campground. The students on the camp are responsible for planning and preparing their own meals. They also set up their own tents. The activities include surfing, abseiling, kayaking, mountain biking and bushwalking. The camps are split into two classes attending at a time due to safety reasons and the size of the site. 8 Green and 8 Gold attended first and had a great time. Unfortunately when it was 8 White and 8 Blue's turn, the weather turned for the worst. The site received a deluge of rain and we had to return to school early. However the students coped with the rain, kept having fun and made the most of the situation. As Peter Mitchell (MJR) always says, "Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react." Our students and staff reacted to the rain in a very impressive manner. A big thank you to all the students for the way they conducted themselves on camp. And lastly a massive thank you to the fantastic staff who attended and participated in the camps.
GRADE 7 HIIT FITNESS
The Grade 7 HIIT Fitness class has started the year full of enthusiasm and drive. Though only going for six weeks they have already participated in a Boot camp at All Aerobics, Commando Fitness, Beach Tabata and a challenging circuit. All students are developing strength and stamina in the hope of participating in the mud run in October.
Click on the link to view some of their training -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjSDrGQvIh4&feature=youtu.be
SSATIS SWIM CARNIVAL
An incredible effort by our Grade 7-10 swimming team being rewarded with 3rd place in the Junior Co-Ed Shield at the SSATIS carnival held on Wednesday, 11th March. This was the best result our College has ever had.
Grade 8 student Ethan Jones broke two records today, one of which, the U14 boys 50m Freestyle, had stood since 1994!
Well done to all the students on their outstanding achievements. You have done the College proud!
ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDERS
Our new Kinder students have started learning about Tasmanian Aboriginal culture. Using the new outdoor space milathinna (meaning Country) children learnt that Aboriginal people have lived in lutruwita (Tasmania) for more than 40000 years. We imagined what it must have been like living through ice ages as children made small ice caves. They also made miniature bark huts.
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
If you or someone you know is self isolating or finding it difficult at this time and in need of assistance please reach out let us know. There are people in the College and in the Parish who are available to assist with shopping, collecting items or supplies or even just chatting on the phone. We are also offering company/transport to those who are elderly or with a disability and would like assistance with early morning shopping.
Please contact Pauline Marriott at Pauline.marriott@catholic.tas.edu.au or 0457001551
VINNIES UPCOMING EVENTS
Vinnies students have been hard at work making Harmony Day posters in different languages highlighting various countries and cultures around the world. Look out for these bright orange posters around Huntingfield during Harmony Week. Purple Day for Project Compassion has been booked in for Monday 30th March and already a lot of enthusiasm has been generated by the students for this event. Although to reduce crowding we will not have the usual recess and lunchtime activities, a purple free dress day is still going ahead across the College with gold coin donations going to Project Compassion.
YOUTH GROUP
A number of students from Grades 5-11 at three different schools attended the first Parish Youth Group and Youth Forum. Lots of ideas have been generated for upcoming events. Although Youth Group is currently postponed, we look forward to coming together in the future to pursue faith, leisure and outreach activities.
PARISH SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM
An Information and Enrolment Session was held on Tuesday, 3rd March. We have 17 young people from Grades 2-9 in 7 different schools interested in completing their Reconciliation and the Sacraments of Initiation. These students met again on Saturday 14th March for their first preparation session on the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
If any students from either campus or their families are interested in making their Sacraments please contact Pauline.marriott@catholic.tas.edu.au
COMMENCEMENT MASS
On Thursday 12th March the College Commencement Mass for 2020 was held in the Huntingfield Gymnasium and attended by students and staff of Grades 3 - 10. Fr Chris commented on the respectful nature of the students, in particular their quiet reverence in the gym as a sacred space, prior to the Mass. Particular thanks to musicians Di van Tienan, Simon MacFarlane, Hannah Donovan, Madeline Brough and Francis Yuan (volunteer) as well as Ms Leitch who led our choir of Grade 5-7 students. Following recent health guidelines the sign of peace was omitted.
VISIT FROM MARY AIKENHEAD MINISTRIES
On Friday, 6th March a group of 18 Pilgrims (mainly health and education employees) from Mary Aikenhead Ministries led by Sr Maria Wheeler visited the St Aloysius school convent. This was part of their Tasmanian Pilgrimage relating to the history of the first Sisters of Charity in Australia and their early work in Tasmania. They were delighted to see the way in which the Spirit of Mary Aikenhead and the Sisters of Charity is celebrated and kept alive at the college with the convent set up for Godly Play and the ‘Explorers’ Birth to 4 Program. They enjoyed seeing photographs on the wall of the Sisters at St Aloysius and hearing anecdotes from Sr Maria about the school’s friendly pet goat and the parking skills of the Archbishop at the time, as well as meeting our Explorers staff and Grade 10 students who assist with the program as part of their VET training. Mary Aikenhead Ministries are due to return later in the year with another group.
BLAST FROM THE PAST
Maree Crane was visiting Explorers with her grandson, Max, when she noticed some old photos on the wall and realised she was staring at herself in her First Communion photo from the 1960s! She was so pleased and amazed to see a photo of herself as she has no copies of any photos from her time at St Aloysius.
She believes the other in the picture are (starting from the back L-R):
Chris Fazackerly, Danny Baker, ?? (boy), ?? (possibly Marguerite Coad)
Ian or Andrew Fyfe, ?? (boy), ?? (possibly Claire Priest)
Peter Plunkett, Leonie Sexton
Peter Atkins, Maree Sculthorpe (Crane)
?? (boy), Loretta Strong
?? (possibly Peter Slattery), Felicity Togood
The Sister might be Sister Frances
Do you recognise anyone in this photograph perhaps you have pictures from your time at St Aloysius? If so please contact Pauline.marriott@catholic.tas.edu.au
We are happy to share some relevant parenting topics in each newsletter for parents and families to watch or read and reflect.
Going Beyond the Fishbowl
Leading the way for Children during the Coronavirus Pandemic
Happiness is a term that captures a huge variety of positive emotions such as humour, serenity, optimism, joy, pride, inspiration, love and hope. Happiness means different things, to different people and is essential to your understanding of emotional literacy. Throughout history, philosophers, religious writers and poets have pondered on the meaning of happiness and how it might be achieved. In the last few decades, scientists and psychologists have researched this further by studying a field of science called positive psychology.
The result of this research suggests there is a strong correlation between gratitude and greater happiness. Practising gratitude helps you shift your focus to positive memories or experiences, noticing the good in your life. Over time, this will re-wire your brain to create new neural pathways, increasing your state of happiness and overall wellbeing.
In this edition of SchoolTV, parents and care-givers will learn how to achieve happiness and the benefits of practising gratitude. We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this month’s edition, and we always welcome your feedback.
If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.
Here is the link to this month's edition https://staloysius.tas.schooltv.me/newsletter/happiness-gratitude
SAXOPHONE TUTOR
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HUON VALLEY THEATRE INC.
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CAMPS TASMANIA
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SOUTHERN FOOTBALL CLUB
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