Newsletter 26 March 2019 Issue 09 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Dear Parents, Welcome to this week’s newsletter. This week is WELL-BEING Week at GA. As highlighted in the APRE News, there will be a variety of activities planned for the week, with a particular focus each day. Children received a quick demo of the Nutbush Dance on Friday’s assembly, as this was the theme for Move and Groove Monday. Congratulations to WAMBIRI on winning the School Cross Country for 2019. All of the children who ran were keen and committed, so congratulations to all of you! Thank you to Marty McGregor and the staff who ran the morning for the children. There is a squad who will now be competing in the Catholic Cross Country at St Brigid’s Nerang on May 2. Earlier in the term we held a gold coin day for the Townsville schools affected by flooding. Brisbane Catholic Education schools raised a combined tally of $129,291 of which GA contributed just over $2000. This was a great effort from all. Enrolments 2020 We are currently accepting enrolments for the 2020 school year. If you know someone who is interested in attending Guardian Angels, please let them know that it is now time to download the Application Form from the school website. For Prep 2020, children need to be born between 1 July, 2014 and 30 June, 2015. P&F Meeting Well done to the P&F on a very successful and fun Trivia Night last Saturday evening! The next P&F Meeting is on Tuesday, April 2, in the Staff Room. The meeting will begin at 7pm and all parents are warmly welcomed. The events for the rest of 2019 will be on the agenda, so come and have a look at what is planned. OSHC Parking Issue Parking bays at the front of the OSHC are reserved for families who are dropping off or picking up children from the centre. All other families should be using the drop off/pick up zone at the front of the school or the car park at the back of Prep. Thank you in anticipation. Staff News

On Wednesday, Brenton Edwards will be attending a Leadership Day. On Thursday, Cathy Ryan will begin her Long Service Leave. I wish her a great holiday – she will be back with

us on April 30. Her class will be taught by ? in her absence. On Friday, Catharina Kemp will be attending a Big Arts PD. Next Monday and Tuesday there will be half day planning for the teachers of Years 2 and 4.

We recognise the traditional owners of the land The Kombumerri people

Edmund Rice Drive ASHMORE Qld 4214: PO Box 267, Ashmore City QLD 4214 Phone: 5510 0055 Fax: 5510 0056 Email: pashmore@bne.catholic.edu.au Web: www.gaps.qld.edu.au

Attendance Matters

Hope you have a great week! Stephen Montgomery Principal

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL ADMINISTRATION

NAPLAN Online 2019 Our year 5 and 3 classes will be completing a NAPLAN Online practice test this Thursday from 9:00am finishing by 10:00am. This is a system wide test that will allow the test administrators an opportunity to try out the lockdown browser that all students will use to access the tests in May. These tests are not marked in any way and are purely for the test administrators to check the systems behind the scenes. All students have access to sunscreen in their classrooms to apply before play times but we don’t have spare hats to share, please check that your children have a hat as there are a few in the lost property area in front of the coffee shop. Bernard Kearney Assistant Principal Administration ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Qualities of Angels This week’s Quality of Angels is JUST. At Prayer Assembly this week, 3 White shared what they know about being just. They told us that being just is about being fair. If you see something happening that you know is wrong, you do something about it. Being a champion for justice takes courage. At this time of the year, when we are raising funds for Project Compassion, we all become champions for justice. Our generous donations can help to make the world a better and more equal place for all so please dig deep and support this amazing cause. Monday Morning Cuppa and Catch Up We would like to invite any parents and friends attending Prayer Assembly next Monday 1 April to join the students from 3 Maroon and Mrs Williams for light refreshments served in the Kombumerri Centre Kitchen directly after the assembly concludes. Tuesday Parish Mass Students in Year 5 attended Parish Mass this morning. Students will again join other members of our parish community to celebrate Eucharist at 9.00am mass next term, commencing with Year 3 classes on Tuesday 30 April. Parents and friends are always most welcome to attend. Stations of the Cross Each year at this time, our students pray the Stations of the Cross with their class. This display has now been set up in the building next to the pick-up area in the classroom closest to Edmund Rice Drive. Parents and friends are most welcome to visit this area to pray and to remember the journey Jesus took to his death. The display can be accessed at the following times: Monday – 8.30am-11.45am Tuesday – 8.30am-12.45pm Wednesday – 8.30am-12.45pm Thursday – 8.30am-12.45pm Friday – 8.30am-2.45pm Holy Week and Easter Assemblies Our Holy Week Assembly will be held on Wednesday 3 April and our Easter Assembly will be held on Tuesday 23 April. Both events will be held in the hall and will commence at 8.30am. All parents and friends are most welcome to join us for one or both of these special celebrations. New Arrivals Apologies to the Worrall family (Jayden L 6B) whose details were incorrect in last week’s newsletter. The family were thrilled to have welcomed their new son and little brother Cooper on Thursday 7 March. The GA community wishes the Worrall family lots of happiness and love.

GA Wellbeing Week During 2019 we will be holding a GA Wellbeing Week each term and we are very excited because our very first GA Wellbeing Week ever is being held this week. The purpose of GA Wellbeing Week is to proactively draw attention to all aspects of our health that help us to feel good and function well. Feelings of happiness, contentment, enjoyment, curiosity and engagement are characteristic of someone who has a positive experience of their life. Equally important for wellbeing is our functioning in the world. Experiencing positive relationships, having some control over one’s life and having a sense of purpose are all important attributes of wellbeing. Our Year 6 Wellbeing Committee have assisted in planning the following activities for each day this week:

MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR WACKIEST SHIRT READY TO WEAR TOMORROW! It’s sure to be a great week and it is hoped that the activities during GA Wellbeing Week will promote a sense of wellness and belonging for all. The next GA Wellbeing Week will be in Week 7 of Term 2. A Message from our Year 6 Social Justice Committee At this time of the year, during the season of Lent, we remember those who are less fortunate than we are and as a school community we try to raise some much needed funds to assist Caritas in supporting those in need. The Social Justice Committee’s first assignment this year is to organise some exciting, school-based fundraising events to support Caritas. They have decided to run to following two fundraising events, which will commence towards the end of this week and continue until Tuesday 2 April: Guess How Many Easter Eggs Competition – the student who guesses closest to the correct number of Easter eggs in a jar will win the contents of the jar – YUM YUM!!! The cost for each guess will be $1 and all money raised will go to Project Compassion. The competition winner will be announced at the conclusion of our Holy Week Assembly. Easter Colouring Competition – students pay $2 to buy an Easter themed colouring sheet. These will need to be completed and returned to school by Tuesday 2 April. There will be one winner per year level and once again the winners will be announced at the conclusion of our Holy Week Assembly. Please watch out for more information about these events and hopefully we can raise lots of money to support the work of Caritas. Third Week of Lent…and Project Compassion We have more and more Project Compassion boxes arriving at school each day and most are filled to the brim. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported the Caritas appeal to date. This week’s story from Caritas is about Peter from the Solomon Islands.

Peter goes to a boarding school in the Solomon Islands which has experienced water shortages for 60 years. Previously, students would have to walk kilometres each day in search of clean water, which was particularly challenging for Peter who is living with a disability. With Caritas Australia’s support, the school has created a new reliable water system. With more free time and fewer illnesses caused by dirty water, Peter can fulfil his hope of focusing on his studies, providing him with brighter future. You can learn more about how Caritas has assisted Peter and his community in the Solomon Islands by reading further information and watching the video at the following link: https://lent.caritas.org.au/page/week-3 Please donate to Project Compassion 2019 and help young people with disabilities gain access to clean water in the Solomon Islands, providing hope for a brighter future. Lives change when we all give 100%.You can donate through Project Compassion boxes, by visiting www.caritas.org.au/projectcompassion or phoning 1800 024 413. ANZAC Day Citizens’ March – Southport Guardian Angels students will again march on ANZAC Day (Thursday 25 April) as part of the Southport RSL Citizens’ Service. The march will start in Short Street at around 8:15am and arrive at ANZAC Park at approximately 9:00am for the commencement of the service. All students are welcome and encouraged to join the march. Students will be required to gather on the corner of Short Street and Seabank Lane from 7.45am and the service is expected to finish at about 10.00am. Parents will need to collect their child/ren from ANZAC Park no later than 10:15am. If you would like your child to march as part of the GA school group, please complete the online form via the following link or complete the form below and return it to school no later than Tuesday 23 April. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ANZAC-Day-2019 Further information will be provided on Wednesday 24 April to those who have committed to participating. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Mrs Flynn I give permission for ____________________________________________________to participate in the (print name/s and class/es of child/ren) Southport RSL Sub-branch Citizens’ March and Service to be held on Thursday 25 April. I understand that I will be responsible for delivering my child/ren to you by 7:45am and will collect them from Anzac Park at the conclusion of the ceremony (no later than 10.15am). Signed: _______________________________________ Date: _______________ Contact number (preferably a mobile) for Thursday 25 April: ________________________________ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Have a great week everyone – keep those filled Project Compassion boxes coming. Shandel Flynn sflynn@bne.catholic.edu.au IT NEWS

This Thursday from 9am-10.30am Year 3 & 5 Students will be participating in the NAPLAN Online Practice Test to test the NAPLAN Servers and our schools network capabilities. The practice test allows our teachers and students valuable experience using the NAPLAN online platform before the official tests later this year. This is the 4th year that Guardian Angels has been involved in NAPLAN online. For more information visit http://www.nap.edu.au/

Josh Smith - IT Manager Jsmith32@bne.catholic.edu.au

CURRICULUM CORNER

Angels Challenges: Time is running out for Angels Challenges this term. students in P-2 have until the end of term to show evidence of their 5 challenges of the term to be able to receive their Angels Challenge badge in Term 4. All students wanting to receive their badge in Term 4 should be underway with their challenges by this point in the term. Further information can be found by using the Angels Challenges link at the bottom of the GA webpage. All students who have begun Angels Challenges will receive a certificate acknowledging their participation in Term 1. Academic Competitions -ICAS & Australian Mathematics Competition:

Parents who would like their children to participate in the 2019 Academic Competitions should look out for more information about entry fees in next week’s newsletter. Here are the dates for your diaries. The cost this year set by ICAS and AMT is $93.50 to sit all 7 tests. Payment will be via Flexischools is although it is not open yet. Opening April 23rd and closes May 27th. Learning Powers Awards:

A ustra lian Mathemat ics Comp: W ednesday 31st July

I CA S Digita l Technologies Tuesday 27th A ugust

I CA S Science W ednesday 28th A ugust

I CA S W rit ing Tuesday 3rd September

I CA S Spelling Bee Thursday 5th September

I CA S English Tuesday 17th September

I CA S Mathemat ics Thursda y 19th September

Jo Ma kin jma kin@bne.ca tholic.edu.au

Contact :

2019 ACADEM I C

COM PET I T I ON S

I C A S & A USTR A LI A N M A TH S C O M PETI TI O N

Dates for your dia ry:

Plea se note , if students are a bsent on the sit tng date ,

they w ill ha ve one make-up date on the nex t school day.

At Week 10 assembly we will be awarding Learning Powers to particular students in each year level who have demonstrated exceptional use of persistence, independence, collaboration, creativity and resilience in their learning. If your child is receiving the Term 1 award for their year level, you will be notified by the class teacher so that you can be at the assembly if possible. If you can’t be there, we will be taking photos. If your child is going to receive an award, please don’t tell them so the surprise factor will add to the enjoyment of the occasion. You can learn more about the GA Learning Powers at http://www.gaps.qld.edu.au/LearningandTeaching/Pages/Learning-Powers.aspx Teachers have recently completed Term 1 assessments and will be using this information to guide their English planning in Term 2. Happy days! Jo Makin Primary Learning Leader GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR NEWS

From the Acting Guidance Counsellor: My name is Tony O’Shea and I am replacing Cilla Stent for the last two weeks of the term. I believe strongly that children are able to learn to manage their own behavior and will be working with classes in some group games activities during this time. Parenting for Positive Behaviours: Parents who adopt a consistent, positive approach to managing their children’s behaviour tend to have fewer discipline problems than those who either adopt a very permissive attitude, or those who are too authoritarian. You cannot expect that your child will never engage in naughty or unacceptable behaviour, but here are some suggestions which you might try to help reduce this type of behaviour: Help build your child’s self-esteem by letting her do things on her own, such as getting dressed, packing her bag, walking into school without you … extend the independence in gradual, safe stages and give her appropriate acknowledgement for these achievements. Always adopt a problem-solving orientation when your child raises problems or concerns rather than take over or rescue. Pose the question, ‘what do you want to do about this?’ or ‘let’s look at some ideas/options’. Acknowledge the child’s feelings (of anxiety, fear, disappointment, inadequacy etc), but communicate your trust that he has the power to deal with the problem. Reassure your child that you love him even when the behaviour has been unacceptable. Use descriptive acknowledgement to encourage more of the behaviour you want to see (eg ‘you have put all your clothes in the basket, good on you; you have thought through that problem carefully and come up with a workable solution; you have been able to concentrate on your homework for a full ten minutes and have managed to get lots completed, good on you’). Focus on the positive improvements much more than ‘nagging’ about inappropriate behaviours to get better outcomes. Be consistent in the way in which you manage your child’s behaviour. Set clear limits and stick to them so that she knows what you expect. Communicate that you expect compliance. No matter how busy you are, try to spend time with your child playing or doing things together. A child who is not getting enough attention from his parents often misbehaves to get noticed. Children copy the behaviour of their parents. So always try to lead by example. For instance, if you want your child to have good manners, make sure she sees you being polite to others. If you want your child to read, make sure he sees you making time to read. Plan, plan and plan … if you are having an ongoing difficulty with your child’s behaviour, you usually know what to expect next time … be prepared and have a plan ready to deal with or minimise the problem. Don’t just wait until it happens again. Be flexible and change if what you are trying is ineffective … seek help if necessary … if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got! There is no such thing as a perfect parent (or the perfect child). It will save you a lot of emotional turmoil if you can learn to accept that you are going to make mistakes and that you find some areas of parenting harder than others. Don’t be too hard on yourself … learn to forgive yourself for your mistakes, seek help from professionals when it all gets too hard and persevere. Have a great week Tony CLOTHING SHOP NEWS

WINTER IS COMING!! Although it might not seem possible with the weather of late, the cooler days will be upon us soon. So that you are ready for this why not get organised and purchase your winter uniform now. Come in or purchase online. Sheridan Kovalik Manager Uniform Shop P & F NEWS

What a fantastic night it was on Saturday for our first Trivia Night, and I’m sure it will not be the last. Everyone made an effort to dress up in their table theme. Thank you to everyone who helped with setup, and cleanup. Platter boxes from “A Little Bit on the Side” by Jodie Mackay were a hit and just yummy. Trivia master Stewy was great. Thank you also to Stephen & Shandel for doing our raffles, Suz & Katrina and of course Rach, Prue, and Louise who worked so tirelessly, to make it happen. I hope everyone had a wonderful night. Our next P & F meeting is Tuesday 2nd April in the staff room, everyone is welcome. Banking on Wednesday P&F Executive Committee MUSIC NEWS

Community Singing Please note that there will be no community singing this week or next week. We will recommence in Term 2 with our new song, “Coming Home”. Senior Choir Our Senior Choir will be singing two songs on Assembly next week in week 10. Jazz Band Our Jazz Band will be performing on Assembly this week. We look forward to their stellar performance. The time for the Broadbeach Blues Festival performance on the 17th of May is 9am. Assembly Timetable Term 1

Week 9 Jazz Band. Feature item, “Crazy Train” Week 10 Senior Choir singing “Rhythm of Life” and “We Will Rock You.”

Senior Band Year 3 Musicians We are concerned about the lack of practice in our Year 3 group. There are a number of students who are not returning signed practice sheets where they record their weekly practice in 10 minute allotments. These sheets are our way of tracking progress with the children. Please note the expectation of practice is for 20 mins, 3 times a week. This consistency develops tone and musical understanding. Please be persistent and commit time to developing our musical skills. Kind regards, Catharina Kemp - Music Teacher SPORT NEWS

Cross Country Congratulations to Wambiri for winning the Carnival. And a big thank you to All staff and students for their help on the day Cross Country – First Place Winter sport Winter sports training will be on after second break this Friday for all year 4,5 and 6 students. Runners Club Will be on this Friday at 7:30am! Marty McGregor mmcgregor@bne.catholic.edu.au STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Age Boys House Girls House 12 Matthew K W Jade K W 11 Chris K W Alexia A W 10 Kobe B J Hope B J 9 Rhys N J Ally Mc W 8 Mackenzie B K Sarah K W

Every student is important at Guardian Angels. To recognise this, the school presents a Student of the Week Award to children from each class each week. It is a special honour, with the recipients receiving their awards from the Principal or Parish Priest at a full school assembly. Isabella S 6B, Shelby Mc / Joel K 6M, Matthew K 6W, Jacob K 6G Maddison K 5B, Sienna P 5G, Cooper B 5W Lilly L 4G, Lilly J 4M, Sammy W 4W Indiana C 3B, Sebastian C 3G, Angel R 3W Ruby M 2G, Hidaka K 2M, Emily D 2W Gracie C 1B, Sophia M 1G, Mikaela P 1W Wynter G PB, Evie B PG, Sonny W PM, TUCKSHOP NEWS

Group 2 – Week starting Monday April 1st 2019 Monday Carol Oshyer, Christina Quig Tuesday Kim Litchfield Wednesday Nicole Taylor Thursday Sheryl Broadhurst, Alison Holcombe Friday Louise Hutchins, Rachel Blauensteiner, Heidi Pinson Baking Alison Holcombe, Elaine Withers Sushi Elaine Withers, Tracey Parker Help is always needed in the Tuckshop. If you can volunteer please contact Rachel. rnowlan@bne.catholic.edu.au 55100006/0410565393 All outstanding monies owing for childrens lunches must be paid this week. Reminder letters will be sent home again. WHAT’S ON

April 03 Apr Holy Week Liturgy 05 Apr Last Day of Term 19 Apr Good Friday 22 Apr Easter Monday 23 Apr School Resumes

Easter Liturgy 24 Apr ANZAC Day Liturgy 25 Apr ANZAC Day Holiday ANZAC Day March – Southport

(all students welcome to participate) 26 Apr Yrs 5 & 6 HOTA 30 Apr Yr 3 Parish Mass Music Camp – Senior Band Yr 1 Firetruck visit MAY 02 May Catholic Cross Country 06 May Labrour Day