Term 4 Week 6 Monday 6th November 2023

Our Weekly Prayer

From the Principal

Key dates for the Diary

Term 4

Tuesday November 7th - St Colman's Feast Day celebrations

Friday November 10th- RE SCHOOL CLOSURE DAY

Friday November 17th - Kinder Transition Day 1

November 22-24 - Year 5/6 Camp to Melbourne 

Friday November 24th  - Kinder Transition Day 2

Sunday November 26th- Sacrament of Eucharist

Thursday November 30th- SAC AGM at Macs Hotel, 6pm

 Friday December 1st - Kinder Transition Day 3

Friday December 8th - Kinder Transition Day 4

Tuesday December 12th- Whole school "Move up Day"

                                                   - End of Year Mass and family BBQ @ 5:30pm

Wednesday December 13th- Abberlea visit and carols

Friday Decemebr 15th- Last day for students (normal finish time)

Monday December 18th- Last day for staff

2023 Meals on Wheels Roster

Week beginning;  30th October

School Closure Dates 2023

Term 4: Friday 10th November (Catholic Social Teaching) 

School Camps and Excursions 2023

Year 5/6 Camp to Melbourne November 22-24 

St Colman's Feast Day

Our School community acknowledges our Patron Saint, St Colman each year on 24th November. This year his feast day falls whilst our Year 5/6s are on camp. Therefore, we will have our celebrations for St Colman this Tuesday, November 7th. Children will be provided with a sausage in bread for lunch with gluten/dairy free options available. If your child doesn't eat sausages, they will need to provide their own lunch. Children can wear casual clothes.

An outline of the day is:

11:30am: St Colman of Cloyne colouring competition in classrooms

12:30pm: Combined Eucharist and St Colman Feast Day mass- everyone is invited

1:00pm: BBQ lunch (provided by the school)

1:45pm: Gather for activities in the afternoon organised by our Senior students

2:55pm: Students go back to their own classrooms to watch the Melbourne Cup.

School Closure Day this FRIDAY

A reminder that this Friday November 10th is a Pupil Free Day at St Colman's. Staff will be participating in Professional Learning around enhancing our Catholic School culture alongside Religious Education Consultant, Jo-Anne van der Voort.

Remembrance Day

This Saturday, November 11th is Remembrance Day. Typically, our school leaders would present a wreath on our behalf at the community Remembrance Day service. I wonder if any of our families intend to attend the service at 11am on Saturday? And if so, would they be willing to place a wreath on behalf of the St Colman's school community at the service?  Please let us know if you are going to be there.

Little Angler Kits for our Year 5 students

The State Government is keen to get more children outside and active, connecting with nature and enjoying time in the great outdoors. Fishing is a great way to do that, which is why the State Government is investing $96m to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture. 

Little Angler Kits are the perfect way for primary school aged children to try fishing. They include a rod, reel with line, tackle box, some tackle (including hooks) and information on how to use them all. Grade 5 primary school students and all students at specialist schools will be offered a free Little Angler Kit.

If you do not wish to accept the offer for any reason, the school will not provide your child with a kit. If this is the case, please notify myself or Jane by Thursday November 9th as the kits will be sent home with your Grasde 5 student on Friday November 10th. 

Below is a letter explaining the project in more detail.

Term 4 Sun Smart Policy

Children are required to wear their St Colman's school hat for all outdoor activities during Term 4. The first week was a 'grace period', but now we have implemented our No Hat No Outdoor Play policy.

Please take the time to find your child's hat and check that it is in clean and presentable condition.

Senior Health & Human Development classes

As part of our Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships program the students in the senior room will be undertaking health and human development classes. These sessions will be administered by experienced nurse, Amanda Nash with the support of Anna across three afternoons on 17th November, 1st December and 8th December. Amanda is a qualified nurse and has presented this program at St Colman's over the last three years as well as other schools in the area. During these sessions the children will learn about correct naming of male and female anatomy, changes to their bodies during puberty, life cycles, personal safety and hygiene as well as feelings and friendship. Please feel free to contact myself or Anna if you would like additional information or if you have any questions. 

Uniform Policy

The school uniform and how we wear it is a reflection on our School. Children should wear their uniform with pride and a sense of belonging to the St Colman’s School community. It is an expectation that all children will be in the correct school uniform, including crew length navy blue socks.

We have had recurrent issues of students being out of uniform, and frequent reminders do not appear to be influencing the choices made by these students.

Therefore, we have decided that we will send daily Uniform Reminder notifications to parents if their child is out of uniform and no explanation has been provided by the parents.

Term 4 Classroom information

2024 Start of Year Arrangements

Advance notice about starting dates for the 2024 school year.

Monday 29th January: Staff return to school

Tuesday 30th January: Staff attend Structured Literacy Professional Learning (Pupil free day)

Wednesday 31st January: All students (including our Foundations) commence 2024 school year.

School-wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS)

At St Colman's we want everyone in our community to be Respectful, Responsible and Safe. Our school wants us to develop these values so that they become a part of how we live our life at school each day. This will lead to a safer, kinder and more considerate school community and will help everyone to be able to learn and grow to their full potential. 

As a Catholic School, the example of Jesus is at the heart of all that we do. This is how Jesus lived his life and we encourage everyone to be the best versions of themselves each day and contribute to our school in a positive way.  

Our school has developed a School Wide Positive Behaviour Matrix which outlines our core values of Welcome, Learn and Care and how they can be transferred into respectful, responsible & safe behaviours that we would like to see everyone doing. 

Currently we are having a few focusses or what we call blitzes from our Matrix to ensure students are following those expected behaviours.  These blitzes are focussing on the core value of WELCOME:

Wk 1-3: We welcome all visitors to our school

Wk 4-6: We treat all teachers and visitors with RESPECT

Wk 7-9: We use a respectful tone to all staff, students and visitors

When staff see these behaviours being demonstrated children will be acknowledged and receive Double Dojo points.

School Fees Reminder

Weekly Award Winners

Congratulations to all of our students for completing another week of hard work.

We especially acknowledge the students who received an award during our assembly on Friday afternoon. All parents are invited to join us for our weekly assembly from 2:50 each Friday.

Well done to who all received awards last week; Spencer, Archie, Hayley, Kira and Sienna

Playgroup at St Colman's

We have been delighted by the success of Little Colman's Playtime and we are extremely grateful to Lily Convery-Oborne for her passion and commitment in getting this little initiative up and running. Due to the popularity of this playgroup, we have decided to make this a fortnightly event, and the next session is next FRIDAY- 17th November.

The ongoing commitment to this project will require support from other members of the school community. If you are willing to help out by going on a roster to help organise Little Colman’s, please contact either the school or Lily. 

WE WILL NEED TO PURCHASE SOME GAMES AND EQUIPMENT FOR OUR PLAYGROUP. HOWEVER, WE WONDERED IF YOU HAD ANY OLD TOYS AND GAMES THAT YOUR CHILDREN HAVE GROWN OUT OF AND THAT YOU NO LONGER NEED. IF SO, WE WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE THE DONATION OF ANY PRE-SCHOOL TOYS AND GAMES, INDOOR OR OUTDOOR, THAT ARE IN EXCELLENT USED CONDITION.

Lunch Orders

LUNCH ORDERS are only available twice a week on Monday and Friday.

Menu and price list below

St. Colman's Enrolments

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday our students Sadie and Archie, and to any members of our school community who are celebrating a birthday this week.

Many blessings to you on your special day and throughout the year. 

School Advisory Council

We would like to introduce you to our SAC members for 2022-2023.  Lily Convery-Oborne (Chair), Jo Wallis, Alison Greig, Michelle Lehmann, Jo Dolling, Zion Palmer, Sophie and Nick Allen, Rachel Baulch, Rosie O’Connor (School rep), Janet Cain (Principal) and Fr. Gary Jones (Parish Rep)

These people are the voice of the parish and parents in the school. If you have any questions or anything that you would like raised please contact one of these people.

At our last SAC meeting our current Chair, Lily Convery-Oborne, advised us that her term was up and we would need to replace her. At our AGM which will take place on Thursday November 30th we will be filling the vacancy of Lily. If you are intersted in joining this vital part of our school community please see the information below. We are grateful for Lily's dedication and service on the SAC and for her level headed contributions to all discussions held and decisions made. 

The SAC meets twice a term and we thank these people for agreeing to be a part of this group that provides an essential link between the school and its families.

Term 4 Meeting Dates:

Thursday 30th November AGM Dinner Meeting  @6pm (Macs Hotel)

School Advisory Council (SAC) Vacancy

We are now inviting parents within our community to be nominated to fill the vacancy on our SAC. The successful nominee will commence their tenure at our next AGM, Thursday November 30th.

If you are interested in becoming part of a vital forum for parent and community voice, please complete the  nomination form below, or pop into our school office to collect a nomination form.

Below is an explanation of the role which is taken from our school’s SAC guidelines;

Role of School Advisory Council (SAC)

School Advisory Councils provide a forum for discussion and discernment, where the parent/guardian voice and perspective are available to inform and support the decisions made by the principal for the good of the school. It is important that School Advisory Council members understand that their primary role is to provide support and advice on important school matters to support the principal in the context of the DOBCEL governance arrangements.

School Advisory Councils do not have a legal identity and do not become involved in the day-to-day management of the school. The School Advisory Council must act within the parameters of these Terms of Reference.

The following are some ways School Advisory Councils support the school and the principal:

• supporting the enactment of the DOBCEL Strategic Intent and Directions • articulating and enacting the school's vision and mission

• endorsing the school's Catholic ethos and culture

• provide input into and support for the school improvement/strategic plan development and delivery

• actively supporting and promoting child safety practices within the school, including the National Safeguarding Principles for Child Safe Organisations and Ministerial Order 1359

• supporting the processes of school improvement and school review

• supporting the principal in meeting responsibilities and accountabilities for educational outcomes, effective stewardship of resources, master planning and annual reporting

• supporting the principal in the encouragement of family engagement

• supporting the ongoing sustainability of the School Advisory Council and its membership in its succession and learning

• enriching faith formation and development

• implementing school policies as required

While a vital forum for parent and community voice, the School Advisory Council is not a forum for individual parent advocacy or special interest representation and does not become involved in the day-today management of the school. 

SAC Members are required to:

• ensure they understand and can articulate the school’s vision and mission
• be an ambassador for the school through promoting the school and encouraging the school community to engage in student learning
• make decisions that always have the welfare of the students as their primary basis and are in keeping with the school’s vision and mission
• be truly representative of what is best for the whole school community
• respect the function and responsibilities of the principal and staff of the schoolgive the necessary time, thought and attention to the work of the SAC 
• respect matters of confidentiality and the recommendations of the SAC
• work with fellow SAC members in a spirit of harmony, cooperation and honestysupport the decisions of the SAC regardless of personal opiniononly act on behalf of the SAC when specifically authorised to do so by the SAC
• refer to the appropriate person any issues or concerns that are not the concern of the SAC
• provide a current Working With Children’s Check to the principal
• attend at least 4 SAC meetings (unless exceptional circumstances).

Our Lady of Mercy Parish Newsletter

St. Colman's School is a Child Safe Community

Child Safety Officers

Janet Cain and Rosie O'Connor are our Child Safety Officers.

Contact them on:

Phone: 55992285 or 0490539167

Email: jcain@scmortlake.catholic.edu.au or roconnor@scmortlake.catholic.edu.au

Child Safe Standards (eleven in total) came into effect in July 2022 and are a vital part of what we do here at St Colman’s. But what do these standards look like in practice? Each week, we will look at a standard in closer detail

Standard 8 - Staff and volunteers are equipped with the knowledge, skills and awareness to keep children and young people safe through ongoing education and training.

At St Colman’s we can see this standard in action in a variety of ways. At the beginning of each year, staff are taken through an induction process, which involves our Child Safety policies and procedures. Our staff also complete annual Mandatory Reporting training. Both Tania and Shannon conduct inductions for new CRT’s and /or contractors that come onsite - to ensure they are aware of and agree to our code of conduct when it comes to Child Safety. Child Safety is a standing item on all Staff, Leadership and School Advisory Council meeting agendas. All of these actions help to keep Child Safety at the very front of our minds!

More information about these standards can be found by clicking on the link below.

Out of School Care

A reminder that during 2023 we have access to Out of School Care, supplied by TheirCare, at Mortlake College. Registration is made via the TheirCare website. https://theircare.com.au/

Search for Mortlake College P-12

Their Care is offering this option for care this Friday as it is a School Closure Day for St Colman's

COMMUNITY NEWS

Mortlake Rose Show

The historical Mortlake Rose Show is celebrating a milestone 125th year this year and we are very proud to support this community event being held on November 11th and 12th.

They have a new addition this year of a free Kids activity corner! This will be manned by one of our students and her siblings, so we're hoping to see some familiar faces come along! 

St Colman's will also be operating a cake stall at the show. We will have more information about how you can help support this cake stall next week.

St Joseph’s Church Caramut

Final Mass & Closure Celebration Sunday 12th November @ 11.00am

Luncheon to follow at 12.00pm @ Caramut Hotel RSVP: by 1st November to the Parish Office on 5592 1195 for Mass &/or Luncheon

CONTENTS OF CHURCH

The contents of the Caramut Church are for sale. We have had a lot of interest in the Pews. All contents of the Church will be removed after the final Mass & those who have purchased items will be contacted to arrange a time & date to pick up their goods from our storage area. All contents have been documented/photographed & are not to be removed without permission

AngliCare Energy Assistance

As part of Anglicare Victoria’s FREE Energy Assistance Program, they provide assistance with energy bills to support Victorians to:

• Talk to their energy retailer and get help with debt
• Access extra financial support
• Check they are receiving eligible concessions on their bill
• Find and move to an affordable energy plan
• Understand bills and fix any possible errors
• Support your child's education with free internet at home

They can provide immediate assistance for clients who are struggling to pay for their gas or electricity bills to prevent disconnection to their property!

The follower two flyers provide further details.

MRC Car Raffle is back for 2023!

1st Prize is a Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport (demo) and 9 more fantastic prizes!

Tickets are $10 each (6 for $50, 13 for $100) and are available online from https://shop.mercy.vic.edu.au/ 
Paper raffle tickets are also at many local shops and events.

MRC 50th Jubilee Celebrations

Mercy Regional College is celebrating 50 years of Catholic education in our community. If you are a past student you may wish to attend one of the events they have planned.

Jubilee Day

We would love our past students, families and staff to join us in this celebration on Saturday 25 November from 11:30 to 3:30 in Camperdown. School tours, roll calls and displays for each decade, food trucks and music, tree planting, free family portraits, afternoon tea and more. This event is free.

Jubilee Dinner 

On Saturday evening (25 November) we will gather for dinner and the presentation of the inaugural Spirit of Mercy Awards, and the Annual Car Raffle. Then you are invited to kick up your heels to the lively music of The People’s Poets. 

Click on the link below for more information and to secure your spot!

Cricket Blast

Cricket Blast

NCCD

Please read the attached information sheet for parents regarding NCCD.

Covid Information

As we have had quite a few reported cases of Covid 19 within our community, it is timely to remind ourselves of COVID Safe arrangements. We will be encouraging greater vigilance with our hand washing procedures at school.

Although there are no mandated isolation arrangements, the following is strongly recommended:

It is strongly recommended that students:

●  Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.

●  Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.

●  Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.

Where students become symptomatic at school, they should:

●  Be collected by their parents/carers.

●  Undergo testing for COVID-19.

It is strongly recommended that staff:

●  Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.

●  Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.

●  Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.

If families require RAT kits, please contact the school office.

COVID-19 reporting requirements.

The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, school and household.

Schools no longer have to alert their school community of positive cases, however we will continue to do this informally.

Face masks.

Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask should be supported to do so, and schools should continue to make face masks available for staff, students and visitors.

The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home.

Additionally, the department recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home.