Newsletter 1 - February 2nd

Principal's Page

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Welcome Back
We welcome you all to the start of this new school year. We hope you had a joyous Christmas and welcomed in the New Year with family and friends. In talking to my staff over the last couple of weeks, I can assure you they are well rested, re-energised and ready for the challenges and many successes that will come throughout the year.

New Staff 
Please join me in welcoming our new staff to St Lawrence's: 

• Steffanie Hall – Year 6G class teacher 
• Emma Smith – Year 4T class teacher 
• Marissa Drummond - Year 1T class teacher (part time) 
• Amy Gillett – Student concerns coordinator (part time) 
• Regina Cotton  - Admin assistant (part time) 
• Claire O'Brien – Admin assistant (part time) 
• Tori Bunter – Education assistant 
• Amy Minissale – Education assistant 
• Rachael Stacey – Education assistant

Let's also welcome our 32 x 3 year olds starting next week, 90 x 4 year olds and the following Yr1-6 students who are new to St Lawrence's: 

• 1B- Noah L 
• 1T -Bailee B and Levi W 
• 2B -Evelyn M and Kalani W 
• 2T- Thea P, Tilly M  and Daisy W 
• 3B -Tyler S 
• 3G- Melissa B 
• 4B- Kiandra D and Louise W 
• 4G -Kavita  M 
• 4T -Stanley M and Mackenzie W 
• 5G -Jared and Leo L 
• 5T- Sierra VO  
• 6B- Dhyan  S and Olyvia W
• 6T- Sheldon M 

Faith, Story and Witness 
On Wednesday 24 January, Leadership spent the day with new staff sharing with them the story and history of St Lawrence's School, Bluff Point. The day also included an induction to the school and a beautiful shared lunch. The Leadership team are very fortunate to be able to share the St Lawrence's story with all of our staff. 

Commissioning Mass 
On Saturday 10 February at 6pm in the St Lawrence’s Church we will be having our annual School/Parish Commissioning Mass. Everyone is invited to this special mass where Father Gerard will bless all of our school staff, students, parents, ministry leaders, P&F, school advisory council for the coming school year. The Semester One Year 6 Student Leadership Positions and Head Boy and Girl will also receive their blessed badges.  

2024 Catholic School Improvement Plan Goals 
Each year in close consultation with all of the St Lawrence's staff we develop our Catholic School Improvement Plan (CSIP). The plan provides broad goals and success factors for the 2024 year based on the 4 pillars of Quality Catholic Education. Please find the 7 goals for 2024 listed below. 

Catholic Identity:  
Prayer - Meaningful prayer routines and practices throughout the school that reflect liturgical seasons and special days. 

Education:

• Literacy Teaching & Learning  - Embed shared understandings of St Lawrence’s Literacy Teaching & Learning beliefs, pedagogies, and practices. 
• Assessment Collection & Analysis - Refine assessment data collection and practices. 
• Early Years Goal - St Lawrence’s Early Year’s Philosophy visible in classrooms and current, contemporary language of pedagogy used. 

Community 

• Improve communication practices within the school community. 
• Improve student engagement & wellbeing.  

Stewardship 
Increased staff involvement in school improvement

Don’t Forget
Our fortnightly newsletter has very important information for our parents. Our school webpage is also regularly updated and has a wealth of information including important dates, school events and notes. Also, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Ask to join the closed parent facebook page and second-hand uniform page to stay in touch.  

• School Webpage – www.stlps.wa.edu.au 
• School Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/stlawrenceprimary 
• Parent Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1674320395969638 
• Second-hand Uniform Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/331820517339822 
• School Instagram Page - @stlawrencesprimaryschool

Or download the Schoolzine App - SZAPP (Code 2733) which is your one stop shop for: 

• Newsletter 
• Absentee Form 
• Website 
• Seesaw 
• Facebook 
• School Calendar 
• QuickCliq Canteen Ordering 
• SEQTA 

Happy Days 

David Tunchon  

Principal 

Religious Education

Fruit of the Spirit Focus:

Peace: A sense of being happy – shown by our speech, words and actions. 

Reconciliation: Term One 2024
Year Three will begin their preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation by attending a Commitment Mass at St Lawrence's Church at either of the times below: 

Reconciliation Commitment Masses: Term 1, Week 3: 

• Saturday February 17th – 6:00pm or Sunday February 18th - 9:00am 
• Reconciliation Retreat Day: Term 1, Week 4: Thursday 22nd February 
• Sacrament of Reconciliation: Term 1, Week 7: Saturday March 16th (3:00-5:30pm) 

Parents will select a time to take their child to church to receive their first confession. 

Lent
The Liturgical Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (Feb 14, 2024). 

Historically called the Day of Ashes, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. There are 7 Wednesdays and 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. The significance of the forty days comes from Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness before his public ministry. 

Ash Wednesday Mass
Please join us for Mass: 9:05am, Wednesday Feb 14 - School Undercover Area, led by 6G. 

Pre-Primary News

Administration News

Amended Uniform Policy - Hair:
We often get questions about our school hair policy here at St Lawrence's. We hope that the amended section will now answer all of your questions. 

Personal Grooming and Hair Accessories:

• Black or teal hair ties or scrunchies 
• Hair touching the collar is to be tied back 
• Hair should be of a natural colour 
• No extreme cuts or designs (including Bali braids, mullets, rat
• tails, mowhawks, shaved or number 1 haircut styles) 
• Hair is to be brushed or combed neatly whilst at school 

2024 Teaching Staff

Finance News

2024 Tuition Fee Statements & Payment Plans 
The School Fees for 2024 will be sent out mid to late February. Updated Fee Statements will be emailed out to all families, along with a Payment Option form - please keep an eye out for these.  ALL families must complete and return a Payment Option Form. 

Community Notices

SSSS is a strengths-based program that teaches emotional regulation and coping skills. Who cater to children  aged 8-12 years.  SSSS runs every Tuesday throughout the school term from 3:30-5pm (This term we will be starting in Week 2 – 6^th February) at Ngala’s Training Room – Located 24-28 Gregory Street, Geraldton and is a FREE program.

All registered students are also offered weekly individual support delivered during school hours, and transport to and from the program is available on request.

Limited places are available and we welcome referrals for children who may be new to town or who can self-regulate well – this helps with the group dynamic!

For more information please contact, 0429 020 235 or tChrystall@ngala.com.au

The City of Greater Geraldton has a free 8-week sports program for youth aged 11 – 16 who don’t tend to play sports.

The Game On program was designed around a grant that was received from DLGSC to get unique participants such as adolescent girls, aboriginal youth and youth living with a disability out playing a recreational sport.

In 3 Minds Psychology Services and Foster Your Mind will be facilitating a day workshop on Understanding Autism and ADHD in children and teens. This session gives an understanding of Neurodiverse brains, their strengths, common misconceptions, and ways to support.

Playgroup WA is currently seeking passionate individuals to join our Play Connect + team as Playgroup Support Workers. PlayConnect + is a supported facilitated playgroup for children aged 0-8 with disability or developmental concerns, and their families.

• Position: Play Connect + Playgroup Support Worker
• Locations: Geraldton
• Hours:  Part time, four hours per playgroup session (Each location runs one session per week)
• Fixed term contract: June 2025

About the role:
As a Playgroup Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in improving outcomes for children and families by supporting the activities of our playgroup and empowering parents and caregivers. You will contribute to strengthening parenting roles, enhancing family wellbeing, and fostering the overall development of children. Your efforts will create a positive, inclusive and nurturing playgroup where families can thrive.

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the planning of inclusive play based activities for children and implement activities and experiences during playgroup sessions.
• Welcome new families and provide information and support to all parents/caregivers to assist them in participating in play and developmentally appropriate experiences with their young children.
• Provide information about and link families to other local programs, services and activities.
• Contribute to program reporting requirements, providing accurate and timely information as needed.
• Assist in delivering an inclusive playgroup service to families participating in Playgroup WA PlayConnect 

Requirements:

• A minimum qualification level of Certificate IV or an equivalent two years relevant work experience
• Knowledge or experience in supporting the development of children with disability and developmental delay aged 0-5 years. 
• Experience in planning and delivering developmentally and appropriate activities for young children with additional needs.   
• Ability to work collaboratively with services and organisations supporting families and young children. 

To apply: To find out more about the position, please contact the PlayConnect + Project Coordinator, Melva Marshall on 0497 393 507. If you meet the requirements and are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume along with a cover letter addressing your experience, suitability and preferred location for the Play Connect + Playgroup Support Worker position to Melva.Marshall@playgroupwa.com.au.