Newsletter 14 - 19 August 2021
Principal's Page
Dear Parents and Guardians,
St Lawrence's Feast Day
Last Tuesday Fr Gerard started St Lawrence's Feast Day with a special mass. Students from all year levels carried special items forward that represent our school.
- The School Flag –represents all past and present students
- The Wall hanging – represents our past and present Aboriginal students
- Students’ work – represents education
- A Shell – represents our blessed location by the sea
- The Mission Box – represents our school living our motto “Love and Serve the Lord”
- The Candle –represents the staff, both past and present
- Wildflowers – represent God’s beautiful creation we see around the city of Geraldton
- The Cross – represents our Catholic faith
At the conclusion of mass, I was able to share the sign saying 'Sr Monica Reflection Garden'. This will be displayed at the entrance way to our new garden and laser cut outs. In early spring when all the flowers are out, we will invite the Sisters of Nazareth and Father Gerard in to bless our new learning space. Even though the weather was chilly, all children enjoyed an icy pole and extended lunch.
St Lawrence's Sports Carnival
After 2 days of Jumps and Throws, tomorrow we will finish off our carnival with a full day of events starting at 9.15am and concluding at about 2.30pm. If you wish to take your child home at the conclusion of the presentations, please see their teacher on the track to sign them out.
Please do not take your child home without signing them out as this will cause confusion.
All results will be posted in the next newsletter.
St Lawrence’s School Code of Conduct - Voice of the student
Fortnightly in our school newsletter, we will explore an aspect of the Code of Conduct, so we can all gain a better understanding and how it applies to the students of St Lawrence's. This week I have interviewed our Head Girl - Aila and Head Boy - Ryan.
Code of Conduct - Statement 1
You act safely and competently.
- Student safety always comes first
- Students come to school to learn
- The teachers are always there for students
- Students are responsible for their own learning and own personal safety
- If you find yourself in trouble ask an adult at the school for help
- It is the schools responsibility to give the correct information to students and parents
- The classroom should be a fun but a safe environment for students to learn
- Students should feel safe to approach their teacher or other adults at school confidently
Weekend Hockey and Netball
Last Saturday morning, I visited the Geraldton Hockey Stadium to watch the St Lawrence's teams play their respective games. I was very impressed with the team work, skill and sportsmanship on display throughout the games. Thank you to their coaches, parents and coordinators for all you do throughout the season. (Natalie Partington, Gemma Moore, Brad Kingdon, Lyn Tapper, and Emma Bowen)
This Saturday I will be down at the Geraldton Netball Courts to watch our teams go about their business. Looking forward to see our skilful players in action.
Catholic Day
On Monday 23 August, St Lawrence's will have their annual Catholic Day which will see the school closed. This day recognises the huge amount of extra work St Lawrence's School staff put in to developing and nurturing the faith of our students throughout the year. I wish all the staff a restful and well-deserved break on Monday.
Leaders Forum
Also on that Monday 23 August, I will be travelling to Karratha for the Geraldton Diocese Leaders Forum. All Principals from the diocese will meet for 2 days with members of the CEWA Executive team. The first day will be participating in professional learning - 'Psychological health in the work place'. On Wednesday we will be presented with the official launch of Quality Catholic Schools (QCE), the Wellbeing Strategic Framework and School Improvement Plan. I will be returning to Geraldton on Thursday morning ready for our annual Book Week Parade and a weekend of Mary Poppins.
Happy Days
David Tunchon
Principal
Religious Education
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22
"What the Spirit brings is different; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against things like that, of course."
Our fruit focus for weeks five and six of this term is the fruit of "Gentleness".
Gentleness: Gentle people are really strong ‘inside’. They can wait because they are internally strong:
-being gentle can mean to be good to other people,
-being gentle means, I can care about what other people think and say; I do not have to ‘push’ all of my ideas on to others.
Confirmation
Our Year Six celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday September 7th, 6:00pm in the undercover area. The Bishop of the Diocese bestows this Sacrament on young people as the final sacrament of initiation into the catholic church. Candidates are anointed with the oil of chrism as a sign that they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. Bishop Michael Morrissey will con-celebrate Mass with Father Gerard.
Confirmation is a very special Sacrament and as such we ask that children dress appropriately for a special occasion, each candidate will be allocated a row of five seats. These will be for the Year 6 Candidate/Sponsor/Parents and one other person. If candidates have more than this number of family members they are most welcome to attend but will not have designated seats. Year six students not making their Confirmation are most welcome to attend as members of the choir. A reminder to please sanitise your hands at the sanistising station on the way in to the undercover area, the sign of peace is just an acknowledging nod saying peace be with you (not shaking hands) and there will be a monetary collection at this Mass. A professional photographer has been organised for this event.
Athletics Carnival News
We have had perfect weather so far this week for our Pre Carnival Events. A special congratulations must go out to our Year 6's. They showed fantastic sportsmanship throughout their events - cheering and encouraging each other. It was terrific to see our school leaders setting such a good example to others.
On Friday we see the conclusion of our carnival week with an action packed timetable. Just in case you haven't been checking Dojo over the past few weeks we are including the timetable and Mud Map in today's newsletter. The students have all been notified in their classes of their individual events and team relays. Please check with them so you don't miss a moment.
Please note that all times on the Carnival Program are approximate, we will do our best to keep to these. We encourage all children to remain at the carnival until the conclusion of presentations. If you wish to take your child home after the presentations, please see their teacher on the track to sign them out. Please do not take your child home without signing them out as this will cause confusion.
All the best to all of our students who have been training very hard over the past five weeks. No matter how many ribbons they win on the day, Mr Gaby and I are very proud of each and every one of them.
School Uniform Committee
Thank you to everyone who answered our recent Uniform Survey – we had a terrific response with 524 respondents in total (276 students, 270 parents and 41 staff). The Uniform Committee met last Tuesday, 10 August, to discuss and analyse the results which are shown below.
Following the overwhelmingly positive response to the question 'Would you prefer one semi formal uniform that can be worn everyday?' the Uniform Committee proposes:
- Soft shell jacket
- Rugby jumper
- Polo shirt
- Plain black shorts with STLPS in teal
- Skort the same with STLPS in teal
- Black socks with teal stripe
- Matching tracksuit pants
The design consultation process will follow with more information to come soon.
Year 2 History Excursion
Administration News
Science Week
This week is National Science Week. National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and thousands of individuals – from students, to scientists to chefs and musicians – get involved, taking part in science events across the nation.
Science Week is designed for everyone. It provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of Australian scientists’ to the world of knowledge. It also aims to encourage an interest in science pursuits among the general public, and to encourage younger people to become fascinated by the world we live in.
Keep an eye out on our Facebook page and Dojo for images of Science Week happening in our school.
Book Week Parade
Our Book Week Parade takes place on Thursday 26th August, in the Undercover Area, beginning at 9am. The theme this year is 'Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds'. Family members are welcome to join us.
Mary Poppins Rehearsal and Performance
The finishing touches are being added to the Production of Mary Poppins Jnr. Information has been sent to all families involved in relation to the Dress Rehearsal on Friday 27th August, at the QPT.
A reminder that tickets are selling fast and can be purchased via the following link:
https://au.patronbase.com/.../Productions/21MP/Performances
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following students who will be celebrating
their Birthday soon:
Carmen A, James D, Ky S, Scarlett B, Lacee K, Yshanella V, Koa M, Blake W, Logan C, Violet C, Nevaeh S, Samantha T, Brendyn D, Layla G, Levi M, Eloise T, Cody H, Riley H, Gracie S, Georgia H, Gunner M, Brooklyn V and Kohen W.
After School Pick Up (Grenville Street)
It has come to our attention that some children are waiting for their parents on the grassed area near the Lighthouse Memorial, off Grenville Street. Please be reminded that students are to wait at the Kiss and Drop until parents arrive at the Cross Walk, where children are then asked to cross. Thank you for your assistance with this, the safety of our children is always paramount.
School Uniform during Winter
Parents and carers, please encourage your children to wear their jumpers to school daily as the days are getting cold now we are officially into the winter months.
Don’t forget to clearly label these jumpers and check the lost property for jumpers misplaced by students.
Before School
A reminder that Before School Supervision begins at 8:15am.
Year 1 & 2 students remain in the Undercover Area
Year 3 & 4 students are asked to move to outside the Year 3 Rooms
Year 5 & 6 are asked to move to outside Year 5/6 Rooms
Davis Street Carpark
Just a reminder that the Davis Street Carpark is extremely busy on a Wednesday. Can we remind parents please to use this car park only if you are dropping and picking children up from Kindy and Preprimary.
The chains are locked for this carpark at 3.30pm.
P & F News
P&F News - Special General Meeting – Monday 20th September 2021
The St Lawrence’s Parents & Friends Association would like to formally give notice that there will be a Special General Meeting held on Monday 20th September at 4.30pm in the staff room. The purpose of this meeting is to pass a (special) resolution to adopt a New Constitution for the St Lawrence’s Parents and Friends Association.
Should you wish to view the Constitution please contact stlpstreasurer@gmail.com and a copy will be emailed to you.
The scheduled P&F Meeting will commence immediately after the Special General Meeting.
Outdoor Family Movie Night
We hope you have saved the date and made plans to head out to the movies at the end of Week 9 this term. As mentioned in the Week 3 newsletter our Outdoor Family Movie Night is to be held at the end of Week 9, Saturday September 18th. We can now confirm more details about the evening.
The movie to be screened will be Peter Rabbit 2.
Gates will open at the revised time of 5pm and movie to screen at 6.15pm. The ‘theatre’ will be on the northern side of school outside the OSH building.
Tickets to be purchased through Eventbrite - $5 per person. A link will be posted for bookings on social media – parent information page and class dojo over the next two weeks.
Bring your own beanbags, blankets, chairs and come early to enjoy the food and candy bar available prior to screening. There will be hotdogs, a candy bar, water and cool drinks for sale on arrival. Hot food will be available from Lazy Susan’s Kitchen by pre order only. All orders will need to be placed directly to the Lazy Susan’s Kitchen Events Facebook Page – a link to order from the menu for the evening will be provided on social media and class dojo closer to the event.
We are really excited to organise this event for our school community and hoping to see everyone there ready to relax, share some family time and celebrate the end of term 3.
Stay tuned for updates.
Catholic School Parents WA Awards Evening and Conference Update
The 2021 CSPWA Conference, Dinner and Awards of Excellence took place on Friday 6th August and Saturday the 7th August. Melissa Smith, Dee Watts and I travelled down to Perth and attended both the dinner and awards of excellence at the Astral Crown, and the state conference held at Mercedes College the next day.
At the awards evening, the St Lawrence’s Parents and Friends members were nominee finalists in the Parent Group category. Awards of excellence were presented in four other categories during the course of the evening.
Dr Debra Sayce opened the evening with her address, and was supported by the Minister for Education Sue Ellery. Laura Allison the Team Leader of the Psychology, Safety and Wellbeing from CEWA was one of the keynote speakers. Also on the evening they outlined the plan for the introduction of Wellbeing Education into Catholic Schools.
The conference keynote speakers were Linda Stade and Claire Eaton. Linda Stade spoke about navigating friendships and the role of parents in this. She directed us to her website for further support materials and a set of very helpful resources that were parent friendly. Linda’s website and blogs on various topics via Facebook are refreshing, inspiring and positive. Claire Eaton is an author writing about parents and relationships with your teenager. If anyone is interested in learning more about the topics above, please contact one of us.
Next P&F Meeting 20th September
As mentioned above our normal meeting is scheduled for 20th September and will commence after the special general meeting at 4.30pm in the staffroom. Everyone is welcome. Come along and give us some ideas of how you would like to see your money spent for the benefit of our children. See you there.
Kind regards,
Julie O’Malley
President
Community Notices
Saint Patricks College Reunion
There is to be a reunion of former students of Saint Patrick’s College, Geraldton, for following years:
- 1969 Junior Certificate
- 1970 Sub Leaving, and
- 1971 Leaving Certificate
The reunion will be held in Perth WA on the first or second weekend of October 2021.
If you are interested in attending please contact Terry Pass (Ph. O401 610 158 or terry.pass2@bigpond.com) or Laurie Cream (Ph. 0420 525 780 or lacream@optusnet.com.au)
Bluff Point Dental
The Bluff Point DTC had an internal water leak during the Christmas break and consequently the clinic is closed until cupboards/bench tops can be replaced.
If you have an appointment, they will contact you to reschedule. In the case of emergency only, please contact the Allendale DTC 9921 4218 or the Rangeway DTC on 9921 4373.