As S Catholic School, St Vincent De Paulschool Is a Place Where an Individual Is Part Of

ST VINCENT DE PAUL PRIMARY SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

“As s Catholic School, St Vincent de PaulSchool is a place where an individual is part of

a caring nurturing and supportive community which continues to develop in people, the faith, qualities and values in the Gospel.”

Number 2St Vincent de Paul Primary School

Celebrating 75 years of Catholic Education in Strathmore

23rd February 2012

PARISH PRIEST
Fr Peter Ray
PRESBYTERY
2 The Crossway
Strathmore 3041
Telephone 9379 1488
Fax 9379 1574
PARISH SCHOOL
Woodland Street
Strathmore 3041
Telephone 9379 5723
Fax 9374 2389
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
John Grant
EMAIL:

WEB SITE


BUILDING OUR
COMMUNITY / Yesterday was Ash Wednesday. As a school community we gathered together and shared the start of Lent with a very moving Mass. We were reminded in Gospel of Matthew that Lent is a time of fasting, giving generously [alms] and praying.[Matt 6:1-6, 16-18]
It’s easy to give things up for Lent. And most times it’s also beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Nowadays though, the emphasis is not on the giving-up but on thetaking-on. And that’s much harder!!
What extra can I do to make me a transformed person?
What extra can I take on so that by Easter I am a changed person?
I can give extra to Project Compassion. I can improve my prayer life.
But the giving of time to, or for someone who asks for something - that’s hard!
Perhaps this excerpt from the writing of Christine Sine says it best: We have chosen to fast
Not with ashes but with actions
Not with sackcloth but in sharing
Not in thoughts but in deeds
We will give up our abundance
To share our food with the hungry
We will give up our comfort
To provide homes for the destitute
We will share where others hoard
We will free where others oppress
We will heal where others harm
Then God’s light will break out on us
God’s healing will quickly appear
God will guide us always

Dear Parents,

Recently our school was very fortunate to receive a community grant from the Strathmore Community Branch Bendigo Bank for $12483.00 to allow the installation of three Sound Field audio systems in the Prep classrooms. These systems are designed to enhance student learning through the use of hearing technology that allows greater sound recognition and differentiation within the background noise of a classroom. We are very grateful for the generous support provided by the Strathmore Community Branch Bendigo Bank that has allowed us to purchase this resource that will improve the quality of our prep learning environments.

Over the past 18 months the Australian Government have been conducting a significant review of school funding known as the Gonski Review . The final report of the Gonski review was released on 20th February with considerable media coverage across the country outlining the review recommendations. It contains detailed proposals on how schools could be funded in Australia.The report has recommended a new model for schools. At this time, the implications in Victoria for Catholic school funding and parent fees are unclear.We will keep you fully informed of any changes that are likely to affect our school.The review called for the injection of an additional $5 billion in school funding. The Australian Government has responded cautiously to this proposal.Prime Minster Gillard has stated that ‘indexation will be an element of any new arrangement’. We will wait to see whether this meets the Catholic education position that funding be indexed to keep pace with government school costs.The Catholic Education Commission of Victoria Ltd (CECV) will work with schools to ensure they are well represented in any government consultations.

PARISH PASTORAL REVIEW AND PLANNING

We commenced development of our parish Pastoral Plan late last year, with a number of focus group meetings facilitated by our consultant Peter Whiting. The consultation process will resume in March, and Peter will be holding focus group meetings on Monday 5 March at 10:00 am, and Tuesday 6 March at 7:30 pm in the Parish Centre. If you would like to participate in either of these sessions, please advise the Parish Secretary, Mrs Catherine Leslie on 9379 1488 or email , so we can confirm numbers. Additional sessions will be held in March if there is sufficient demand. Peter will be providing a report on his findings, following completion of the consultation process, which will form the basis for the next stage of our pastoral planning process.

Kevin McCartney, Chair, Parish Planning Committee

CHILDREN’S LITURGY

Children’s Liturgy will be commencing on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Our first Children’s Liturgy will take place on Sunday 11th March at the 10:30 am Mass.

We would love to have the support of one or two parents at these Liturgies. If you are interested please contact Maria Marcic at the school or Fr. Peter at the Parish Office.

PREP ENROLMENT FOR 2013

Preparation is now underway for enrolment for Prep in 2013. It is very important for existing families that they collect the enrolment package NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE and return with all necessary documentation byFRIDAY 16TH MARCH.

UPDATE CONTACTS

As part of our school’s duty of care, it is imperative that all student records are accurate and up to date. However, if over the holidays there have been any changes to any contact details i.e. work or mobile numbers, change to address, student details, etc. Please contact Julie/Annie immediately so that any necessary amendments can be made ASAP…….

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE ASTHMA

Asthma is a condition that can be serious and may require emergency treatment while at school. It is important therefore, to have up to date information about the management of your child’s asthma. Please help us to responsibly care for your child while at school by completing and returning the plan as soon as possible.

EDUCATIONAL MAINTENANCE ALLOWANCE

Guardians of a primary or secondary school student up to the age of 16 can be an eligible beneficiary of a Centrelink Pension Allowance or benefit within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004 or be a Veteran Affairs Pensioner or be a Foster Parent and submit your application to school prior to the due date – WEDNESDAY 29TH FEBRUARY 2012. The eligibility criteria must be met as at the first day of Term One for the first installment and the first of Term Three for the second installment.

Application Forms are now available from Annie or Julie at the school office. PLEASE NOTE: ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE DUE DATE AS LATE APPLICATIONS CANNOT BE PROCESSED.

THE WALKING SCHOOL BUS

The Walking School Bus™ is a fun, safe and active way for children to travel to and from school.

St Vincent de Paul’s has two routes, which are safety audited by Moonee Valley Council.

1. From Loeman Street playground on Tuesday mornings
2. From Napier Park playground (no set day at this stage)

Both routes are currently in need of parent helpers to continue operating. At least two volunteers are required for each route and volunteers will undergo a short safety training session with Moonee Valley Council.

One less car at the school gate is better for everyone’s health and safer for all children entering and leaving school.

So, if you would like to avoid the traffic and have your child join us in walking to school or if you can spare a morning to volunteer we would like to hear from you! Contact Julie Stanley on 0424 496 712.

KEYBOARD AND GUITAR

Keyboard places are available. The program is for Year 1 to 6. The Guitar program has places available as well but is only for the Year 4 to 6 children. Once availability is gone, then your child will be placed on a waiting list. My contact details are Home 9379 4009 and Mobile 0410 533 804. Laura O’Connell.

NEW ARRIVALS

Anthony Borg and partner Courtney, father of Charlie Borg in Year 4 Gold, announce the arrival of a baby girl - India Jordan Borg born on Sunday 12th February.

SWIMMING SPORTS

Congratulations to all students for their enthusiasm and participation in the swimming Sports on Monday. Due to the wet weather the final results and winning team will be announced at Friday’s Assembly. A big thank you to many parents who helped with jobs in and out of the pool.

SWIMMING SQUAD

Good luck to our swimming squad (30 students from Yr 4 – Yr 6) who are competing in the District Swimming Sports on 1stMarch at Queens Park Pool.

DISTRICT TENNIS

Congratulations to Ella Cervetto and Oliver Sullivan who competed in the District Tennis Competition on Monday. Well done.

A message from the School Counsellor

Many people don’t seek professional help because they have misconceptions about what counselling is. Counselling is a safe and a non-judgemental space that facilitates positive outcomes. When the child is ready the counsellor is invited into the child’s internal world to journey with them. Counselling is a journey which provides a breathing space for the child to feel in control of their environment and begin to heal or resolve the emotional, behavioural or interpersonal difficulties that may be affecting their development and wellbeing.

Preparing your child for counselling

-Tell your child that they will come for a Play Session (or to see someone) to help them feel better, less sad, less angry etc.

-Tell your child they will come to a room with toys

-Tell your child sometimes they may play or talk during Play Session.

-Tell your child that this Play Session is not “a test”

-Tell your child they are not expected to do anything they don’t want to

-The counsellor, most of the time, will try not tell other people (including mummy and daddy) about what you do or talk about during play session.

-Sometimes the counsellor will have to tell other grown-ups if they are really worried about you and need to keep you safe - but the counsellor will always try to talk to you first before telling other grown-ups about this.

If parents or students have any specific questions or topics they would like see addressedin the school newsletter email me at

ST BERNARD’S SCHOOL TOURS

Parents are invited to contact John Nocci (College Registrar) at St Bernard’s College on 9289 1103 or email to make a booking. Booking are essential and prospective students are also encouraged to attend the school tour.

Parking is available within the College grounds on the day of the tour. Assembly point is in the foyer of the school auditorium at 9.20am. Tour commences at 9.3am and concludes at 10.40am.

Dates are as follows:- February 27th March 5th and 19th

-April 23rd May 7th and 21st

-June 4th and 18th July 30th

-August 13th and 27th September 3rd and 10th

AVE MARIA COLLEGE ENROLMENT APPLICATION 2013

Applications for Enrolment for Year 7 2013 are currently being accepted by the College.

All families, including families with another daughter currently enrolled at the College, must submit

an Application for Enrolment. All applications are considered according to the criteria listed in the

College Enrolment Policy.

Applications for Year 7 2013 close on 2 March 2012. Late applications are considered in order of receipt

To organise a copy of the College Prospectus or for further information, please contact the College Registrar, Mrs Sandra Macriyiannis on 9337 1666.

ST AIDAN’S PRESCHOOL CENTRE – 3 YEAR OLD KINDERGARTEN 2012

There are vacancies for the 2012 three year old program which runs on a Tuesday and Thursday for a total of 4 ½ hours per week. Please contact Mary on 9379 2081 (after hours) or email

WORKING BEE

Our first working bee for 2012 will be held on Saturday 3rd March at 9.00am. We have a long list of important jobs that need to be completed, so a strong turnout of helpers would be greatly appreciated. If you can give a few hours to help out please fill in the reply slip on today’s newsletter and return to the office ASAP.

REPLY SLIP – WORKING BEE 3rd MARCH

Family Name:______

Contact No:______

Carnevale in Carlton

Carnevale in Carlton on Sunday 26th February 2012, midday to 5pm at 199 Faraday St. Carlton. Come & join the celebration of Carnevale – celebrated with Italian, Latin America & African influences.

Free activities for all, including puppet making, children’s parade and stalls, as well as music on the La Mama Theatre forecourt stage and a Commedia dell’Arte performance in the theatre. Also visit the photographic exhibition “Carnevale in Italy” at the Museo Italiano.

To find out about the program go to:

Maths Puzzles

Welcome back to Term 1! Have a go at testing your Maths muscle by solving one or more of the puzzles! Place your answer in the ‘Maths Puzzle’ box in the main entrance. Don’t forget to write your name and grade on your entry! The solutions will appear in the next newsletter. All entries receive a prize and you will go in a draw for a mystery prize too! Good luck!

Miss Pringle

Grades Prep to 2 – Colourful Jerseys

In a class there are 20 children. They are wearing jerseys of 3 different colours – blue, green, and red. The class was lined up in a way that the pattern of jerseys was:

blue, blue, green, green, red, blue, blue, green, green, red...

• What colour jersey is the last child wearing?

o How many children are wearing a red jersey?

TIP: Use coloured counters to help you.

Grades 3 to 6 – Shaking Hands

Six business people meet for lunch and shake hands with each other.

• How many handshakes are there?
• CHALLENGE: How many handshakes are there at the meeting if people come in pairs and shake hands with everyone except their own partners.

TIP: Act it out!

Brainteaser

The day before yesterday, George was 12 years old. Next year, he’ll turn 15. How is this possible?

AWARDS INFORMATION

Please find listed below the names of those children receiving awards at Friday’s assembly.

AWARDS

PREP BLUE / NATHAN MORGAN / EMMA ARTIGAS / THREE BLUE / BEN MASTROMANNO / KIARA SPALVIERO
PREP GREEN / LUCAS GUZZARDI / RACHEL WOODEN / THREE GOLD / MATTHEW EGAN / KAYLA VITALE
PREP GOLD / JOSHUA HANNAN / CHARLOTTE DAVIES / FOUR BLUE / JACOB PAXMAN / SARAH GALVIN
ONE BLUE / JULIAN MARINO / AVA CURRAN / FOUR GOLD / DYLAN JOHNSTONE / ANABEL ROBINSON
ONE GREEN / DEAN COOKE / ALICE HENGEL / FIVE BLUE / JORDAN WERDEN / MILLA WATSON
ONE GOLD / HAYDEN PINK / KATE TAYLOR / FIVE GOLD / ADRIAN SARDO / JULIA SCOTT
TWO BLUE / JAMES WHITE / SIENNA ZOCCALI / SIX BLUE / OLIVER SULLIVAN / RUBY RIO
TWO GOLD / MATTHEW FOLEY / ISABEL RAWSON / SIX GOLD / THOMAS MAZZEI / RUBY GASTON

Get the kids to eat more vegies!

We know that eating more vegies is good for us, however,most Australian families are typically not eating the recommended intake of 2 fruit and 5 vegetables each day. Since vegetable flavours are very different to the sweet flavoursyoung children enjoy, it’s common that vegetables are not immediately accepted when first offered. Like all new foods this takes time, however putting in the effort whilst the children are young will pay huge dividends in the long run!

We know that it is normal for children to go through stages of food refusal,and vegies are the most common food to refuse It is important to remember that children won’t willingly starve themselves and that fussy eating is unlikely to lead to long-term growth or nutritional problems. It is common for children to reject a new food when first offered, this is not usually because they don’t like it, but because it is different to anything they have experienced in the past. It is important to keep trying! Studies show that it can take 10 or more attempts before a new food is accepted, however 53 per cent of Australian parents with fussy eaters will give up offering a new food if the child has not accepted it after only 2 or 3 attempts.

Here are some quick tips on getting the kids to eat more vegies;

Pair new foods with old favourites

Serve vegetable sticks with a favourite dip or let them add some tomato sauce. Alternatively add some new vegies to a favourite recipe

Keep emotions under wraps

If you appear not to care when a food is refused, then often there is nothing for a child to gain by being fussy!

Resist the urge to cave in

Teaching a child that you will eventually give up and feed them what they want will only keep the fussy eating continuing. Missing a meal occasionally will not harm a child and is more likely to teach them better eating habits for the future.

Grow a vegetable garden

This continues to amaze me. Not only can they be more nutritious, but get kids to help grow and tender a home vegie garden, and just watch them devour the produce.

Be a good role model

If your child sees you eating a wide variety of fruit and vegetables every day, they are more likely to do the same. “I’m having a salad for lunch today Dad, just like you do” was the recent proclamation made by our eldest son.

Over the summer school holidays our family decided to eat more plant based food, so we set out to sample some new vegetarian based recipes. Here is a top recipes that the kids loved.

Corn, carrot and zucchini fritters

Ingredients

• 1 cup white self-raising flour
• ½ cup wholemeal self-raising flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 300g can corn kernels, drained
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 1 medium zucchini, grated
• ½ cup reduced-fat grated cheese
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup Sanitarium So Good soymilk or dairy milk
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Method