Year 6 Graduation 

Year 6 Families are invited to attend the year 6 Graduation Celebrations on Wednesday 11 December at St Catherine’s. Families, friends and extended family members are invited to the Year 6 Liturgy in our Parish Church at 6:00pm.

Year 6 families are invited to attend the year 6 Graduation Dinner. Families are asked to pay for the adults and siblings attending. Siblings under 5 years old will not be charged. Parents do not need to pay for their year 6 students. Only members of the immediate family are invited to attend the dinner. Extended family are welcome to attend the Liturgy prior to the dinner.

When: Wednesday 11 December

Where: St Catherine's School Hall

Time: 7:00pm (straight after Liturgy)

On Wednesday 11 December 2019 at 7:00pm

Location:

St Catherine's School Hall

BOOK NOW!

https://www.trybooking.com/BGKUJ

Remembrance Day

This morning just before 11:00am our school gathered for Remembrance Day. The students learnt about how the tradition of Remembrance Day and prayed for those who served our country and lost their lives.

The end of hostilities in the First World War was actually agreed to at 5.00am on 11 November. However, it took another six hours before all fighting units received word that the armistice had been agreed that fighting should cease. Germany surrendered unconditionally.

It was felt that the time when all hostilities finally stopped was the more appropriate time to remember the service and sacrifice of men and women involved in World War I. This day was named Armistice Day from 1918. And so we remember at ‘The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month’.

Let us pray...  Lord, many people we know and love have served in our Armed Forces to help make the world a more peaceful place.  We lift them up to you – those who have died and those still with us.  May our prayer today help bring them and their loved ones comfort, peace and hope.  We make this prayer to You in the name of Jesus, the Lord.  Amen.  

Trip to Japan

This Friday Joyce Henderson, Michael Juliff and Cath Epstein along with 11 St Peter’s students head off on a trip to Japan for 8 days. We wish them well and  will be very excited to hear all about their learning.

There will be no Japanese classes for students on Friday 15 and 22 of November.

Year 3/4 Sacrament Celebration

All year 3/4 students will enjoy a pizza lunch at school on Wednesday 20 November to acknowledge and celebrate receiving the sacraments of reconciliation and eucharist. Information regarding this has already gone out to parents on Caremonkey.

Term 4 Electives Program

This term the staff are excited to be offering students an opportunity to explore and area of interest. Teachers have organised a sequence of learning over 3 sessions, where students across all levels will participate in an elective program.Please see the heading Term 4 Electives Program in this newsletter for information about a program we are offering students this term.

Dear families,

The Electives program this term offers students the opportunity to select an area of interest from a
variety of different learning activities and develop skills and knowledge over 3 x 1 hour sessions. These
learning experiences also provide opportunities for cross age learning and interactions with peers.
We will be offering 9 different Electives for students to select from in order of preference. Each Electives
activity has been designed by our talented Teachers to engage students in a learning area of interest.
Electives incorporate a range of curriculum areas such as: The Arts, Technology, Wellbeing, Physical
Education and Mathematics. Each child will be guaranteed 1 of their 3 choices. Below is a brief outline of
the activities and teacher that will run the sessions.

WHO:Whole school mixed year levels
WHEN:Wednesday 20th November 2:30-3:30pm
Wednesday 27th November 2:30-3:30pm
Wednesday 4th December 2:30-3:30pm
WHAT TO WEAR: Sports uniform

Elective 1 - Skipz (jump rope)
Mrs Renehan
In this activity students will be introduced to the high energy sport of jumping rope to music! The good
news is that they don’t have to have any special talent: skipping is easy to grasp in a short space of time.
Master some amazing skipping techniques and skip faster than they ever imagined possible.
Not only will students benefit from improving their fitness levels, skipping improves flexibility, coordination
and balance too!

Activities will include skipping in pairs, long rope teamwork & testing your skills with timed speed
skipping… who will be the fastest?

Elective 2 - Checkmate Chess
Mrs Donlon
Come and join your fellow chess enthusiasts and develop new skills. Beginners are also welcome.
Chess has many benefits as well as being challenging and fun.
8 Critical Thinking Skills which are developed by playing chess-
● Problem Solving. In its most simplistic form, chess is quite similar to a large puzzle. ...
● Abstract Reasoning. ...
● Calmness Under Pressure. ...
● Patience. ...
● Being a good sport ...
● Creative Thinking. ...
● Pattern Recognition. ...
● Strategic Thinking.

Elective 3 - AppleKidz Workshop
Mrs Moore
Session 1: Photo Lab for Kids: Fun Family Portraits
Learn how to set up and take portraits using iPad. Students will find interesting backgrounds, use
different light sources and direct friends for their photo shoot. They’ll use Live Photos to capture action,
and add fun art and text to their portraits.

Sessions 2 & 3: Making a movie trailer Students will learn how to make movies together. They will
brainstorm ideas, storyboard and get hands-on capturing footage with iPad. They’ll collaborate to create
an exciting movie trailer and explore editing techniques using iMovie. Each group will showcase their
trailer at the end of the session.

Elective 4 - Mindful Movement
Ms Kendall
Over 3 sessions students will be learning to move their body to build muscles, work on balance and to
relax. They will learn how to bend their legs to sit like a lotus flower, how to balance like a boat and
spread their arms wide to stand like a warrior!
Elective 5 - S.T.E.M. What’s the Problem?
Ms Potter
Over the 3 sessions students will be presented with a real life problem that needs to be solved. They will
use their critical and creative thinking to brainstorm, design, build, trial and adjust their ideas to solve this
problem. Students will work collaboratively with others while exploring Science, Technology Engineering
and Mathematics.
Elective 6 - Ho, Ho, Ho Christmas Crafts
Mrs Hills
Throughout the 3 sessions the students will create a range of Christmas items including cards and
decorations. They will use a variety of techniques such as folding and quilling using colourful paper,
stamping images using embossing powders and using a die cutting machine to add dimension to their
creations.
Elective 7 - Flowers, Leaves and Botanical Crafts
Miss Wrigley
During our 3 sessions the students will use leaves, flowers and dried floral materials to create beautiful
botanical art and craft pieces. We will learn about and work with different flowers and foliage that can be
dried and creatively used. Each student will create and take home their handmade botanical art and craft
pieces.

Elective 8 - Upcycled Trendy T-Shirt Totes (year 3-6 only)
Mrs Bruenjes
With a focus on sustainability, students will transform an old men’s large/extra large t-shirt into a
reusable bag that can be carried to the shops or the beach. Throughout the 3 sessions the students will
make an upcycled bag and then decorate it using a variety of different printing techniques including
stencilling and 3D paint to bring their creation to life. They will have an opportunity to create an additional
upcycled craft activity if time permits. This activity requires students to supply their own t-shirt (as the tote
is upcycled) and have good cutting skills so that they are able to complete this project.

Elective 9 - Japanese Hiragana Language
Ms Armour
Hiragana and Katakana are the alphabet used in the Japanese language. You will learn everything you
need to read and write the Kana (Hiragana and Katakana). Organized in easy to learn chapters with
quizzes and flashcards for review. Students will reinforce their learning from Japanese classes using
technology to progressively learn the Kana as well as their history and usage.

Each year during November, St Catherine’s students make and design Christmas cards for distribution in the local community. They go to organisations such as St Vincent de Paul, the local RSL’s and nursing homes. Cards are also given to members of the Parish. Father Clem has invited parents to volunteer to personally deliver the christmas cards on behalf of the Parish. Please attend a short meeting at St Paul’s Hall if you are available.

When- Tuesday 26th November

Where- St Paul’s Hall, Bentleigh (122 Jasper Road)

Time- 7pm

Carmel Donlon- Coordinating Leader

Many of us left school last Friday knowing a lot more about Space. What a wonderful week of learning we had! We began Science Week with a visit to the giant space dome. Taking up a huge portion of our hall and beckoning to teach us all about our world and universe, the space dome was a highlight for many. We journeyed around the solar system, investigated constellations, studied weather planets plus much more. For me though, the biggest takeaway of this experience is encapsulated in the quote by Rachel Carson, “The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”

Students continued thinking like scientists for the remainder of the week. Poetry and narratives about space were written (prizes will be awarded this week); vehicles were designed and built to protect ‘Eggnauts’ from the perils of re-entry into Earth; and rockets were built and launched in a whole school competition.

The joy of learning was seen everywhere last week!

Congratulations to the Year 5  students who raised $205 for the students in Ghana. This Social Justice Project was part of the Year 5 Religious education Curriculum. This money will be sent to the Catholic Mission for their outreach work. Thanks again to St Catherine’s community for your support and generosity.

 Carmel Donlon- Coordinatiing Leader

Dear Parents

In choosing a Catholic School for your child, you are now invited to continue the preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation.  These Sacraments are for those children baptised Catholic and are celebrated within a partnership of the Family, Parish and School. At Holy Trinity Parish, sacraments are Parent Initiated, School Supported and Parish Based.

The Federated Schools (St Catherine’s, St Paul’s & St Peter’s,) of Holy Trinity Parish are very conscious of their responsibility to support parents in all areas of faith development, with a special program being taught during sacramental preparation time. The three schools will be working together in partnership and sharing the responsibility of the Sacramental Program along with Holy Trinity Parish. Therefore each school will take turns in hosting Workshops and Reflection Days for the Sacramental Program in 2020. Families are asked to attend the Family Workshops for each of the Sacraments offered. Please see dates and venues below.

YEAR 3

The following dates are important for students in Year 3 involved in the

Reconciliation Program for 2020:

• Reconciliation Reflection Day – Monday, 2^nd March - Venue St Peter’s
•  Family Workshop - Wednesday, 18^th March @ 6.30pm - Venue St. Catherine’s Church
• Presentation of First Reconciliation Candidates to weekend Masses on 21^st and 22^nd March 2020
• Bookings for First Reconciliations begin at 10.00am Tuesday, 21^st April 2020 Week 2 Term 2 by phoning the Parish Offices.
• Final Weekend for Reconciliation will be the weekend of 26^th September and 27^th September 2020

 It’s important to note:

First Reconciliation can take place:

       1st Saturday @ St Peter’s @ 10.30am

       2nd Saturday @ St Paul’s @ 10.30am

       3rd Saturday @ St Catherine’s @ 10.30am

            Maximum of 10 at each per month

First Reconciliation can also take place half an hour before any Mass in any of the three Communities of Holy Trinity Parish.

YEAR 4

The following dates are important for students in Year 4 involved in the First Eucharist Program for 2020:

• Eucharist Reflection Day – Thursday, 4^th June -   Venue St. Catherine’s
•  Family Workshop – Tuesday, 9^th June @ 6.30pm - Venue St Paul’s Church
• Presentation of First Eucharist Candidates at weekend Masses on the Feast of Corpus Christi - Body and Blood of Christ – 13^th & 14^th of June
• Bookings for First Eucharist begin at 10.00am on Week 1 Term 3 Tuesday, 14^th July 2020 by phoning the Parish Offices 
• Final Weekend for First Eucharist will be on the weekend of the 24^th October and 25^th October 2020  

YEAR 6

The following dates are important for students in Year 6 involved in the Confirmation Program for 2020:

• Family Workshop - Tuesday, 12^th May @ 6.30pm - Venue St. Peter's Church
• Presentation of Confirmation Candidates at weekend Masses on the 23^rd and 24^th May
• Confirmation Reflection and Rehearsal Day – Wednesday, 27^th May at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Confirmation Mass – Friday, 29^th May at 7.00pm at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Please also note that there will be School celebrations for those in Years 3 and 4 to celebrate their making of Reconciliation and Eucharist on the following dates:

Wednesday, 4^th November: St Catherine’s @ 10.00am Mass

Thursday, 5^th November: St Paul’s @ 10.00am Mass

Friday, 6^th November: St Peter’s Year 3 and Year 4 @ 10.00am Mass

A letter will be sent via CareMonkey to the parents of baptised catholic children at the beginning of next year with details on how to enrol your child into the Sacramental Program for 2020, we just felt it was important to give the families dates for 2020. 

If you have any queries on this process, please do not hesitate to contact Father Jacob or Edward Dooley on email:  edooley@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au

We look forward to working with and supporting you as you lead your child more fully into their faith journey in our Parish Community.

Father Jacob                       Michael Juliff                              Edward Dooley 

Parish Priest                   Coordinating Principal                 Mission and Faith Leader

St Catherine’s and St Paul’s have engaged Cath McCallig to support parents in the area of Sex Education for children. Cath is a teacher, theatre in education presenter, and more recently, as a sexuality educator with Family Life Victoria. Cath is now branching out on her own and offering our parents the opportunity to attend a family evening at St Paul’s. 

When: Wednesday 20 November

Where: St Paul’s Hall

There are two sessions being offered, these sessions are attended by children and their adult(s) and are an opportunity to discuss the topics listed. The sessions are designed to be fun and informal.

Session 1 Families, Bodies and Babies. - is usually attended by Years 3/4 families- 6pm - 7 pm.

*Ideas of what makes a family are shared. *Similarities and differences in male and female bodies are looked at. *Body parts are named and the term ‘private parts’ discussed as a lead-in to keeping ourselves safe. *Conception, foetal development and birth are discussed. This will include a brief and basic explanation of sexual intercourse. 

Session 2 Puberty: Growing and Changing - (Puberty: Growing and Changing) is usually attended by Years 5/6 families -7:15 - 8:15 pm

*The Who ,What, When and Why of Puberty (including the pituitary gland and hormones). *A quick recap of body parts and their names for those who didn’t attend Session 1 *The physical, social and emotional changes of puberty are discussed allowing time for students to talk with their attending adult(s) about management strategies. *The gender specific changes are explained and again, students have the opportunity to discuss management with their adults. 

Cost: $20 per family for one session, $25 per family for 2 sessions. 

Please refer to the link below for bookings. I hope many families take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/BGDTR

Our learning assembly started with meditation and a prayer led by the students. During the month of October the year 1 & 2 students have been learning about Mary. The students sang a beautiful song by John Burland called Mary Our Mother to end our prayer time.

The focus of the Learning assembly this term was on Mathematics. The students shared with their parents some of the Maths activities they have been doing in class. The parents had an opportunity to go on a place value hunt using the QR code reading app on the iPads as well as following a time puzzle trail. The students showed their parents how to use open number lines to complete word problems.

Mrs Hills demonstrated one of the many strategies used to complete addition and subtraction equations called the jump strategy. The year one and two students have also been learning about the split strategy in class. 

This term we have been learning how to write recount texts. The students have been learning how to write sizzling starts to their stories to catch the reader’s attention. They shared the recounts they had written as a reflection of the school performance Mission H20 with their parents

Congratulations to the following students who received certificates for their achievements this term: Zac Forner, Rebecca Castrillon, Daraius Mendonca, Finn McGuire, Sofia Laughlin, Paige Beatie, Jenson Walters & Sophie Brown.