Filter Content
As this is my last Newsletter as I am finishing up as Co-Ordinating Principal, I would just like to reflect a little on the success of our Federated Model. For six years the three communities have worked together in a variety of ways but the connection at the Leadership level has not only enhanced each of the three school communities but also had a positive impact on student outcomes. These last two years have only highlighted the importance of individuals well-being and our model fostered that with the principals, as a trusting environment has been created that allowed each of us to be vulnerable at certain times. It is shame it will not be continuing but like all things in life we look forward knowing that St Catherine's has a fabulous Principal who over the last 6 years has modelled lifelong learning and has created a community where that is fostered.
2021 is my 41st year in Catholic Education and my 23rd as Principal and as I leave Principalship I can say that the thing I am most proud of is the implementing of the Arrowsmith Program. It truly is life changing program and to think we have been able to give many of these children a future they were never going to have. As parents we all worry about our children but if you had a child who you knew would really struggle in life that creates an anxiety for entire families. To be able to help those children and their families to know that they have a future now is an enormous gift.
This quote from one of the parents of Leo who was in our first intake: For some years I thought Leo's future was narrow.
It's difficult to look at your child and think about constructing a lifelong environment for them that is protected, thinking they will always need to be protected and they will only ever be able to manage a limited world. Now I think he has every possibility back in his own hands, the way it should be for any child. I believe Arrowsmith has given Leo the tools he needs to tackle his future.
This reflection also talks about the cognitive change that has given these parents the child they knew they had:
Hunter used to find the world all cotton wool and chewing gum- cloudy, sticky, a pebble in his shoe that threw off his balance. His tongue was tied with too much not knowing, so he began living on his back foot, slow to move, always on pause until others showed the way. He became an invisible boy. Then the Arrow was in his sights, and we took him onto the range, for three long years in the Arrowsmith Program he studied the art of knowing and visibility. Things changed. He moved out of the shadows, he laughed out loud before others, he learned to wink and smile at the same time, he was becoming the promise he always was, he embellished his friends and made his smile a prayer. Now he looks at words on paper and sees story, now he hears stories he will act out, on stage. He now falls into books, dives into artworks, shares his emotional bruises, creates a kite of his fears and watches them soar far away. He knows he is loved, he loves others, and between you and me, that ain’t half bad.
It took courage from the Federated school communities to take on this innovative program and a supportive community for it to flourish for 7 years. The work of Kelli Gibbs along with the other teachers on our journey, Sean Hanrahan, Nicole Bush and Anne Marie Kolodziej cannot be underestimated, they took a risk to come on board and I know they don’t regret it for one second.
I would like to acknowledge the outstanding work of Lynda as leader of this fabulous community. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 6 years here and I wish all in the community continued growth and success in the future.
Michael Juliff Co-Ordinating Principal
Advent
Week 2
The Candle of PEACE
Thank you
Thank you to all our families for your support throughout the year. As we draw this year to a close there have been so many fun and challenging times and it is hard to believe that the year is coming to an end. We quickly realised that although the year started off normal, we were expecting a “new normal” would emerge.
Throughout the year, we provided ongoing, transparent communication to families, explaining the latest updates, safety protocols and processes. We created flexible plans, and pivoted quickly when required. We delivered educational programs and resources that supported learning at home and successfully transitioned students back onsite to learning at school. We worked together with families, guiding learning, attending to student wellbeing and continued to strengthen student/teacher/parent relationship all during a crisis period.
Coronavirus has presented challenges for everyone over the last year, but it has also provided us with opportunities to learn and to take this learning into the upcoming academic year. As we look ahead to the new year, we will continue to focus on high impact teaching strategies, quality assessment practices that will positively impact student learning. We will support the wellbeing of students and staff, empowering them to be confident and resilient learners. We call for the support of all our families to strengthen connections within the school community and wider community. We will look at ways to engage with our Parish and how to enact the mission of the Church. We will welcome new faces and new ideas. Exciting times ahead.
I take this opportunity to wish all our families a peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Please see St Catherine’s Church Christmas Mass Times below:
https://www.holytrinityparish.org.au/documents/2021/12/z-Christmas-and-New-Years-Mass-Schedule.pdf
Staffing 2022
Congratulations to Miss Laura Armour who will be teaching at Resurrection School Keysborough in 2022.
Laura has been working at St Catherine’s for 8 years and we wish her all the best for the future.
I am currently in the process of interviewing applicants and finalising teacher placements for 2022.
Students and parents will be informed next Monday 13 December regarding class teachers and classes for 2022.
Swimming
There have been so many excited and smiley students as they headed off to swimming lessons at Aquastar this morning.
Thank you to all our families who donated money and vouchers to the St Vincent de Paul Moorabbin/Bentleigh conference. Our school is passing on over $400 to Loretta Bowd from St Vincent de Paul. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will make a difference during this Christmas season to some families.
Event Reminders
This Week-( week 10)
F-4 Swimming Monday 6- Friday 10 December
Year 6 Big Day Out- Wednesday 8 December
Year 5-6 Beach Program- Thursday 9 & Friday 10 December
Arrowsmith PSG Meetings Thursday 9 & Friday 10 December
Next Week ( week 11)
Year 6 Graduation Liturgy & Family Picnic- Monday 13 December @ 6:00pm
Student Reports go home- Monday 13 December
Meet and Greet 2022 class and teacher- Monday 13 December
Year 6 Big Day In- Tuesday 14 December
Arrowsmith- Fun Day- Tuesday 14 December
Foundation Nativity & End of Year Mass- Wednesday 15 December @ 10:00am
End of term for students- Wednesday 15 December @ 3:30pm
Christmas Eve Children’s Mass- 6pm 24th December
This year I’m assisting Sheelagh in the Parish to organise a Nativity/Pageant at the 6pm Christmas Eve Children’s Mass at St Catherine's Church.
- If you would like your child/children to be involved please look out for an Operoo that will come out tomorrow.
- You will need to come to a rehearsal at St Catherine’s Church at 5pm on Tuesday, 21st December. At this rehearsal we will allocate roles & organise costumes (These will be provided for all the children) This rehearsal should take about an hour and we ask parents to stay for the whole time. Children involved need to be school age.
- You will need to bring your child/children to church at 5.00pm on Friday, 24th December to have a final rehearsal and get fitted into their costumes.
Please let me know if you are able to help at either the rehearsal or on Christmas Eve.
Carmel Donlon (Religious education Leader)
Ironman / Ironwoman 2021
Susan Pattinson
PE and Sport Coordinator
Athletics Carnival
The Athletics carnival this year was lots of fun as this year I was the sports captain of the red team with Darcy. We helped get the kids ready for their races, line them up and teach them how to do the event with Ms Patto. It was so fun racing all of my friends to see who is the fastest. It was just as fun to lose as win - at the end of the day it is not about winning, it is about having fun!
Congratulations Blue team for winning the 2021
St Catherines Athletics Carnival
You did well
by Cohen
Sports Day Re-cap
It was the day of the athletics carnival. We hadn't done it in a year and we were not prepared at all. Giddy with excitement as Miss Patto said the opening speech. Race after race everyone did an amazing job, cheering on everyone and showing good sportsmanship.
All of the races were done at this point, there was only the championship relay left, all the people running in the relay started getting in their spots and Ms Patto was getting ready to start the race. With a blow of her whistle the race was on at this point my heart sank down to my stomach and just as each person passed the baton on I was feeling more and more nervous.
Finally the baton was in my hand and I was sprinting as fast as I could to the finish line thinking the person behind me was going to catch up but just as I knew it I had passed the finish line taking first place. I'm really happy that the blue team won. Everyone that day had done a great job running and helping their teammates. Overall the day was a big success and I can't wait to see which house wins next year.
by Chiara and Lucy.
My Experince with Athletics
The day of athletics had started and everyone was nervous, especially the sports captains.
The classes were arriving then the first race had started, we were already losing our voice from cheering on our team mates loudly and singing the Gold house anthem.
Then came the grade races, every race was as close as the last, the points were neck and neck, sadly 2 of our best runner’s had injured themselves during a race, however Ms Patto was giving out loads of bonus points so we were being super good and quiet unless we were cheering. Our team was trying our best and doing an amazing job as teammates and competitors.
Unfortunately with one of our runners injured for our championship relay we missed out on 20 points that would’ve led us to victory, and blue house won, but everyone was doing their best and that's what matters.
by Ramy and Sophia
Hartrick Property Christmas Colouring-In Competition
