New Website Live to complete our Parent Engagement Platform

Last Friday the new school website went live. In our revamp of the way in which we communicate with current families and prospective families, we have created our e-Newsletter, Schoolzine App and now the new website. I thank the school board for their input to the design and content of the webpage and we would certainly appreciate any feedback as to how we can improve it. We see the eNewsletter with all the current parent information in the sidebar and the App for our existing families and the website as a first ‘port of call’ for new families.

The St Catherine’s site is  https://scmoorabbin.catholic.edu.au/

Lost Property

We seem to have collected a large amount of uniform in lost property. Parents are asked to please name uniform items so as if items go missing we can return them to students.Unamed items are stored in the laundry basket outside the sick bay.

From time to time jumpers may end up in the wrong student's bag. Please check your child’s uniform items and if you find that you have another student’s jumper please return the item to the classroom teacher or student.

Parent teacher Student Meetings

Parent Teacher Student meetings will take place on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26  June from 3:45-6:30pm in the school hall. Bookings for these meetings are now opened. Parents can click on the link below

https://scmoorabbin.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/1

OR you can access this link via the side or top menu of the Parent Engagement Platform.

 The link will prompt you to enter an email address and set up a password before you can make a booking.

Click on the link below for further information about how to make a booking.

https://scmoorabbin.schoolzineplus.com/sk-booking-guide

Students are encouraged to attend meetings with their parents. Parents who attend Program Support Group (PSG) Meetings in week 10 of this term do not need to also attend Parent Teacher Student Meetings.

Lunchtimes in the Learning Hub

This term the learning hub is open twice a week for students at recess or lunchtime. Activities in the learning hub include leggo, finger knitting, building with planks, reading and other quiet play activities. Many thanks to Kath Barca for supporting these activities and to Karen Glancy for supporting and encouraging finger knitting.

Bendigo Bank Easter Colouring Competition

Congratulations to Lucy Bartleman for winning the year 3-6 Highett Bendigo Bank Easter Colouring Competition. Lucky Lucy will be presented with a prize at our whole school assembly on Wednesday 12 June in our school hall at 9:15am. A very big thank you to Bendigo Bank as our school will also receive a cheque from Bendigo Bank for $400!!! The school will use this money to purchase more leggo for our lunchtime leggo club.

School Attendance

It is really important for students to arrive at school on time ready to begin the day. Meditation time in the morning is a great way for students to be settled before learning begins. Classrooms are opened at 8:45am ensure students have time to unpack belongings and get ready for the day.

Screen Time- Time Online

At school teachers are very aware of the amount of screen time students are exposed too during learning time. Mobile devices are used as a tool for learning. Programs, apps and the internet can engage students in their learning and support accessing information quickly, practise skills and record learning in an interactive way. Students are always monitored closely by staff when using devices. Teachers aim to get a balance with using technology and the fundamental skills of writing, making and creating, speaking and listening and mental computation.

Too much screen time on devices such as TV, phone and computer can have a negative impact on young children if it effects their sleep or face-to-face connections with family and friends. Parents can access further information on supporting thier child to  have safe and enjoyable experiences online through the esafetyComissioner https://esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/time-online

Signs that your child’s online activity may be having a negative impact on them or on your family include:

•  less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport
• not doing so well at school
• tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches, eye strain
• changes in eating patterns
• reduced personal hygiene
• obsession with particular websites or games
• extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activity
• appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
• becoming withdrawn from friends and family

Lynda O'Donnell

Principal