Guardian Angels’ School

Newsletter

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesdays

School Assembly 2:15pm

Fridays to 24 March

Swimming Yrs 1 & 2

Thursday 9 March

Book Club orders close today

Monday 13 March - Friday 17 March

Year 6 Parent Teacher Conferences

Sunday 19 March

10:30am Parish Sacramental Program Parent Meeting

Monday 20 March - Wednesday 22 March

Grade 6 School Camp

Monday 20 March - Friday 24 March

Prep to Year 5 Parent Teacher Conferences

Tuesday 21 March

Harmony Day

Thursday 23 March

Ditto Show Prep—Yr 3

Friday 24 March

Zone Catholic Swimming Carnival

Wednesday 29 March

Cross Country

No Tuckshop Today Thursday 30 March

1:45pm Easter Liturgy

Friday 31 March

Prep 2018 Enrolments close today

End Term 1

Tuesday 18 April

Start Term 2

Wednesday 26-Thursday 27 April

School Photos

Sunday 6 August

GA Fete

pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au

3 March, 2017

Principal

APA

APRE

PLL

Parish Priest

Craig Acret

Dawn Morrissey

Debbie Young

Nicole Waller

Fr John Spiteri

Phone

Parish Office

OSHC

3396 4486

3393 4980

0429 428 768

From the Principal

Welcome to Autumn! Apparently, the weather experts tell us to expect cooler weather from this week. Here’s to hoping they’re right, as I am sure we could all do with some relief from the hot days we’ve been experiencing. This morning I write to you from the Gold Coast as our Leadership Team has joined with colleagues from other Catholic schools for our annual planning days. The two days are very much a time for us as a team to reflect on the feedback we have gathered from staff and parents with a view to setting directions for Guardian Angels in 2017 and beyond. In our absence, Tom Kirby and Robin McCombe will be the leadership presence on the GA and MC Campuses. As you would be aware, we came together yesterday morning with Fr. John and the students to mark the beginning of Lent, a time when we are called to reflect on our lives and become the people God calls us to be. God doesn’t see us for what we can’t do or don’t do, God sees us for the person we can be. God sees the good in us and gives us opportunities on a daily basis to become better people. I pray that you find the time during Lent to reflect on how you can be the best version of you! Last Friday I had the pleasure of joining families and staff at our welcome BBQ. It was lovely to see families make connections and for our children to be at school with their families in a fun and relaxed manner. A special thank you to our P&F for not only organising the event but also giving up their time to make the night memorable for our families.

God Bless for the week ahead Craig

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From the Assistant Principal Religious Education Lent – Caritas Australia

This week the season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday, which also marks the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion appeal. This year’s Project Compassion Appeal’s theme is

“Love Your Neighbour”. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to

2017 Term Dates

Term 1 24 Jan to 31 Mar

Term 2 18 April to 23 June

Term 3 10 July to 15 Sept

Term 4 3 Oct to 1 Dec

From the Assistant Principal Administration As mentioned in the Week 4 newsletter, Parent Teacher Conferences will be held in Term 1 this year. This allows parents, teachers and students to meet early in the year and set goals for future learning. Tomorrow all families will be emailed log in details to enable you to book your parent interviews. Teachers will set their available times and the system will be available for parents to book their preferred times from 8.30am next Wednesday 8 March. Interviews will commence on Monday 20 March for all year levels except Year 6 and 5/6 Yellow. Interviews for students in Year 6 and 5/6 Yellow will commence on Monday 13 March due to school camp the following week. It is expected that all families will attend an interview for their child.

As we approach Autumn and the weather finally begins to cool down a little, now is a great time to order items of winter uniform. Please ensure all items are labelled with your child’s name. Children regularly remove their jumper in the middle of the day whilst playing and forget to collect it again at the end of play time. When items are named we are able to return them to their owner. Also, please remember that from the commencement of Term 2, all students are required to wear predominantly white sports shoes with their sports uniform. Laces are also to be white.

Have a great week everyone. Dawn

work towards this creation of a more just and fair world for whole communities. Each class has been given a Project Compassion box for their classroom. Each family at GA is encouraged to support Caritas by bringing in any donations each week and placing it in their class project compassion box. There are also project compassion boxes in the offices of each campus. Each week during the 6 weeks of Lent the children are being introduced to different people who are benefitting from the work of Caritas Australia.

This week we are introduced to Dinia from the Philippines. Dinia, widowed and shy, struggled on her own to make ends meet until her community encouraged her to participate in the Socio Pastoral Action

Centre Foundation Inc. (SPACFI) program, supported by Caritas Australia. SPACFI’s Integrated Community Development Program helped her develop diverse ways to gain a sustainable livelihood, continue to send her children to school and contribute to her community. Now she inspires her neighbours through her commitment to the common good. Virtue

This fortnight each class has been looking at the virtue of Courtesy. Courtesy is being polite and having good manners. It is a gracious way of speaking and acting which gives others a feeling of being

valued and respected. It is greeting others with respect by using words such as, please, thank you, excuse me, hello, goodbye and you’re welcome. These are all courteous expressions that show people we respect them and care about them. We are practising courtesy when we: Show others that we value and respect them Remember to treat elders, parents, teachers and

children politely Think about how our actions affect others Eat, speak and move graciously Make requests instead of demands, and Greet

people with a smile.

Reflection

“At its heart, the journey of each life is a pilgrimage, through unforeseen sacred places that enlarge and enrich the soul.”

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Learning and Teaching News

Visible Learning at Guardian Angels Over the past few years, I have introduced the Guardian Angels’ community to the principles and practices associated with VISIBLE LEARNING. The underlying philosophies of Visible Learning continue to underpin the practices of teaching and learning at a system level (Brisbane Catholic Education).

The dedicated staff of Guardian Angels are incredibly consistent in their commitment to the Excellent Learning and Teaching strategy embedded across all 139 BCE schools. Visible Learning is a philosophy and program for teachers that explores how evidence can be used to create innovation in the learning environment. The staff have worked with enthusiasm and perseverance over the past three years and we are truly able to see the IMPACT of this professional effort on the teaching and learning that occurs at Guardian Angels.

Visible Learning is focussed on the internationally acclaimed research of John Hattie in Visible Learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement (2009) and his book Visible Learning for Teachers: Maximizing Impact on Learning (2012). Hattie’s outstanding (and ongoing) research now involves millions of students and represents the largest ever evidence-based research into what works best in schools to improve learning.

The overarching mission of Visible Learning is to enhance lives through quality education. The steadfast commitment of the Guardian Angels staff to this philosophy and to translate this mission into our own philosophies of education and our professional practice, has genuinely and authentically reshaped some of our teaching practices; it has certainly reshaped and strengthened my own teaching practices and beliefs. This remains a long-term commitment; rigorous and at times still, a little confronting. The teachers at Guardian Angels are passionate about student progress and success, and about the impact that we, as education professionals, have upon the lives of our students. We have made a definite progression from a school who is “doing Visible Learning” to a school where we are working to MAKE LEARNING VISIBLE and to measure the IMPACT of our teaching and how this in turn, impacts upon our learners.

In a nutshell, students’ interest in learning and their belief that they CAN learn, are critical to their success. The two underlying principles that draw the theories and practices of Visible Learning together have been summed up by Professor John Hattie: Visible Teaching/Visible Learning occurs when:

1. teachers SEE learning through the eyes of the student. 2. students SEE themselves as their own teachers.

This, in no way, minimises or negates the critical role that your child’s teacher plays in the learning journey of each student. In fact, there are certain principles that stand behind the teachers’ capacity to see learning through the eyes of their students.

The Guardian Angels’ Learning Community now works towards explicitly and consistently demonstrating classroom practices that embody Visible Learning. You have seen evidence of this process in action in the form of the Guardian Angels’ “I” Chart that directs our attention to the premise that There is an “I” in Learning. The “I” Chart firmly places every one of us “The Learners” at the centre of the learning. Some of the language and understandings that would be visible across the school include:

We have long held the belief that we, along with your beautiful children and yourselves, form a professional learning community. As such, we recognise the importance of collaborative partnerships, including EACH student and their parents/carers as integral participants in the learning journey. It is our intention then, to ensure that the professional lines of communication remain open. We want you to continue to accompany us on this journey as we, as professionals, utilise strategies and practices that have the greatest impact upon student outcomes.

This is such an exciting time to have the honour of teaching your precious children.

My blessings of peace and happiness for the week ahead…. Nicole Waller

TEACHERS … SO THAT STUDENTS…

• use clear LEARNING INTENTIONS

• use challenging SUCCESS CRITERIA

• use a range of LEARNING STRATEGIES

• KNOW when students are not progressing

• provide FEEDBACK

• understand LEARNING INTENTIONS

• are challenged by SUCCESS CRITERIA

• develop a range of LEARNING STRATEGIES

• KNOW when they are not progressing

• seek FEEDBACK

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Sports News

Guardian Angels’ Cross Country 2017 On Wednesday 29 March (Week 10 Term 1), students from Years 1-6 will be participating in our Guardian Angels’ Cross Country at George Clayton, Bandstand and Drevesen Parks on the waterfront. Students in Prep do not participate in this event. All students must wear sports uniform (including shoes and school hat), sunscreen and bring plenty of water, and their asthma puffer/other medication if applicable. Students (Years 3-6) will not be taking food to the park, so they will need to eat a substantial breakfast before coming to school. They will have lunch upon return to school after the carnival. Students in Years 1and 2 should have time for a ‘snack’ before they walk to the park. Year 1and 2 students will leave school to walk to the park at about 9.45am.

Find below a very approximate timetable for the morning. Please allow for the possibility of events running a little early or a little late. We do not want anyone missing a child’s race and being disappointed!!

Approximate Times Only 8.40 Begin walk to park. 9.00 Welcome 9.15 Senior boys (approx. 2km) born 2005, 2006 (combined event) 9.25 Senior girls (approx. 2km) 2005. 9.40 Senior girls (approx. 2km) 2006. 9.55 Intermediate boys (approx. 1.4km) - born 2007. 10.05 Intermediate girls – born 2007 10.15 Intermediate boys (approx. 1.4km) – born 2008. 10.30 Intermediate girls – born 2008. 10.40 Junior boys (approx. 1km) - born 2009. 10.50 Junior girls – born 2009. 11.05 Junior boys – born 2010. 11.15 Junior girls – born 2010. 11. 30 Year One (0.6km) Boys 11.40 Year One Girls

NOTE: Year One and Year Two students (born 2010/09) will walk to the park in time for their race only. Ribbons will be given to all students who complete their respective course. Year 1 students run as a group regardless of their age.

11. 50 Announcements/Clean and pack up. (NB. Presentation of medallions will occur back at school)

12.00 Walk to school 12.20 – 1.00/1:10 LUNCH 2pm approx. – Assembly/Medal Presentations

You will notice that various age groups have been combined for the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Events. This is because our cross country also acts as a selection trial for school teams (Junior, Intermediate and Senior) entered in the St Anthony’s (Alexandra Hills) Invitational Cross Country in May.

While all students in the Junior division (for instance) compete against one another for selection in the school team, they are competing against their particular year of birth only for medallions. Each race effectively provides us with two sets of information. Gold, silver and bronze medallions will be awarded to the first, second and third placegetters according to the year of birth (girls and boys). As well as this, the first five/six runners in the combined section may be invited to run for Guardian Angels’ at the St Anthony’s Invitational Cross Country.

Because of the small number of boys in the 11and 12 age group, this will be run as a combined event and these two age groups will compete for a Senior medal.

We hope many of you can join us for this school community event. We encourage the students’ whole-hearted effort, great sportsmanship, generous support of all competitors, but most of all, we want the kids to have a fun time as they do their best. Should you attend, we ask that students stay with their class in the designated student area in front of the bandstand. They will not be able to sit elsewhere with family for obvious reasons.

If you are able to help as a course official please complete the slip below and return to the school office or Mr. Luke

We look forward to sharing the morning with you. Sincerely, Steve Luke (P E Teacher)

________________________________________________________________________________________

Please return to the MC Office or contact the Office directly.

Parent Help Form to assist as an official. RSVP Wednesday 15 March Name of Helper: _________________________________ (Please print) Phone contact: __________________________ Eldest child & class: _________________________

5

Guidance News

Casserole Club 2017 A number of families in our school community continue to be affected by serious illness or death of a loved one. In response, our school will continue our Casserole Club during 2017. What this means is that school families will be asked to donate just one meal during the year to the Casserole Club.

The request for meals will be done on a class by class basis beginning with Prep. When your child’s class is asked to donate to Casserole Club, we are asking you to cook some extra food at dinner time – just some more of what you are having - and pack it in the container the school provides. Please note the name of your dish and the date on the cover – there is no need to list ingredients. Then place the container in a freezer bag and freeze it overnight. Please send the frozen meal in to school the next morning. Meals can be dropped off at the school office or given to the classroom teacher who will organise for it to be sent to the office. If you are unable to provide a meal, you may instead be able to donate some baked goods, such as slices or muffins. If you prefer to donate this type of item, can you please have each item individually wrapped and then frozen. That is if you are baking muffins, please wrap each muffin individually, place all in a freezer bag, write type of item and date of baking on the bag and then freeze. Please send all donated meals/goods to school frozen.

We are hoping that with your support, we can in a small way help those families in our school community who are currently experiencing difficulties due to serious illness or death of a loved one.

We thank you in anticipation of your support of this very worthy cause. The Seasons for Growth Program The Seasons for Growth Program is an Australian based program for children who are experiencing grief and loss in their lives. These losses can include the loss of a parent or significant other (e.g. grandparents, siblings, etc.) through death. It also includes the loss of a parent or significant other through separation or divorce. This program aims to educate children about the grief process and assist them to understand that the reactions associated with their losses are normal. It also helps children to develop skills for coping, problem solving and decision-making and for building peer support networks thus aiding the restoration of self-confidence and self-esteem. The Seasons for Growth program is a 10 week, small group program catering for children in Years 2 to 7. Unfortunately, the program is not suitable for younger children. In 2017, Guardian Angels’ will offering this program during Terms 1 and 2. If you would like your child to be involved in this program could you please fill out the permission form below and return it to the school office by Friday 10 March, 2017.

Please feel free to contact me if you wish to know more about this program. I am at school every Monday and Thursday.

Thank you, Cintia May, Guidance Counsellor _________________________________________________________________________________________

PERMISSION FORM FOR THE SEASONS FOR GROWTH PROGRAM - Please return to School Office by 10 March

Child’s Name: _____________________________ Year Level: ______ I give permission for my child to attend the Seasons for Growth Program Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________ Print Name: _____________________________ Reason for enrolling in program: (please circle one): Death / Separation / Divorce

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Aim High and Fly

Congratulations to Joel Thomas who swam at the Met East swimming trials on Tuesday. Joel swam really well and has made the Met East Team in all his 4 events: 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m butterfly. Fantastic effort Joel!

Weekend Mass Times

• Guardian Angels' Church Saturday 6pm Sunday 7am, 9am, 6pm • St Joseph the Worker Church Sunday 8am

• Nazareth House Chapel Sunday 9.30am • Iona College Chapel Sunday 7.30am

Library News

Easter holidays will be here before you know it! What to do with the little ones? How about a visit to the State Library of Queensland. Click on the link to see what's on!

Book Club

Orders due Thursday 9 March. To order please follow instructions below.

Parish News

Guardian Angels Parish Sacramental Program 2017

An information meeting for parents who are seeking enrolment of their child/children in this year’s Parish Sacramental Program, will be held on Sunday 19 March 2017, commencing at 10.30am in the Parish Hall at 198 Bay Terrace. Children do not have to attend this meeting. Please note the requirements to participate in the Parish Sacramental Program are:

1. Children have been baptised in the Catholic Church. (Bring a photocopy of the child’s Baptismal Certificate to the information meeting.)

2. Children are in Year 3 or above.

3. At least one parent is a parishioner of Guardian Angels Parish.

4. At least one parent must be able to accompany the child to the weekly lesson on Sunday mornings.

5. Children and parents are required to attend Sunday Mass.

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Prep Green

Oliver Bishop Aviana Law

Prep Red

Stefan Gore-Brown

1 Red

Lachlan Hunwick

1 Yellow

Finn Coglan

2 Blue

Lucian Watts

2 Green

Lorelle Sword

2 Red

Annika Atkins

2 Yellow

Grace Garside

3 Blue

Paige Evans

3 Green

Laura Preston

3 Red

Jemma Fomiatti

4 Blue

Zach Holley

4 Green

Addison Richards

4 Red

Haydn McShane

4 Yellow

Jessie Haller

5/6 Yellow

Ella O’Grady

5 Red

Molly Cunningham

5 Blue

Nash Jones

6 Blue

Rebekah Westerman

6 Red

Brody Brown

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P&F NEWS

Afternoon Pick Up Zone Roster

DA

Y

GA PUZ MC PUZ

M Tracie Porter Bridget Wright

T Tracie Porter Natalie O’Grady

W Tracie Porter Natalie O’Grady

T Nathalie Pallandre

Hanna Miley

Help Needed

Please

F Help Needed

Please Tracy Allom

Uniform Shop

New Uniforms UMS Pty Ltd 2/205 Queensport Road Nth Murarrie. Ph. 3535 9500

For online orders: http://umspl.com.au/shop Password for our school is gap2015

Tuckshop Roster

Tues 7 Mar

Thurs 9 Mar

Fri 10 Mar

Laurice Jones

Martina Alford

Treena Neve

Tanya Milburn

Leah Webb

No Tuckshop on

Cross Country

Day Wednesday

29th March

P&F Welcome BBQ

Thank you to our wonderful

volunteers who helped in the

preparation of the BBQ and on

the night. Special thanks to:

Karen, Warren and Quinn

Finnegan, Trent Lucas, Michael

Nisbet, Alan Kucurs, Colleen

Joseph-Bird, Sam Hinds, Karyn

Searles, Caroline Hadfield, Shura

Cunningham, Melissa Dunn, Kara

Vallins, Justin O’Flaherty, and

Cathy, Ian and Lachlan Jamieson

Thanks also to Mr Acret who

helped out wherever he was

needed on the night.

2nd Hand Uniform Shop

will only be open

Mondays 8-8:30am until

new volunteers are found.

9

Community News

Fort Lytton is running a holiday program called Holding the Fort! It is a “Go Back in Time” programs that aims to teach as well as entertain.

Holding the Fort! 10am to 12.30pm 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 April 2017. Cost: $8.75 per child. Venue: Fort Lytton National Park. Bookings essential 3393 4647