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- Recent School Calendar Updates
- Principal's Corner
- Teaching & Learning
- Catholic Life & Reflection
- Happy Birthday
- End of Term Award Receipients
- Brag Tag Wall of Fame
- Spanish Lessons Overview
- Year 6 Camp Payment
- St Vincent de Paul Kippax Conference - Invitation
- School Photos
- Entertainment Book
- OSHClub Holiday Program
- Parenting Ideas
- Community Notices
- Year 4 Recycling Hub excursion (Term 2, Week 2)
- Year 4 Legislative Assembly excursion (Term 2, 7)
- Prayer Assemblies (Years 1, 2, 5 & 6)
- Learning Assemblies (Kinder, Years 3 & 4)
- Class Masses (KM, KB, 1M, 1B, 2M, 2B)
- End of Term Award Ceremony (Term 2,Week 10)
Term 4 - 2021
- Boorowa Carnival (Term 4, Week2)
Please remember that the term dates are different across the ACT this year. Our first term is only 9 weeks long. The middle terms are 10 weeks long and the last term is 11 weeks long. The first day of Terms 2 and 3 (19 April and 12 July) are both pupil free days for professional learning for staff. Students do not attend school on these days. OSHClub will be available.
Please go to our school calendar on the website or SZapp for more details.
Thank you for such a wonderful term.
As we progressed through this term we recalled Term 1 last year and were very greateful to have the opportunity to continue helping every student learn and grow uninterrupted.
Thank you to those who attended the 'Take 2' Working Bee last weekend. We managed to acheive an enormous amount for the two hours and the Kitchen Garden is almost ready for planting early next term. If you are looking for a morning outing in the second week of the holidays we will have another short working bee to finish the last beds. A schoolzine alert will be sent out for this time.
Yesterday I was able to share a special moment with the students who had filled their brag tags this term. With our focus on sustainabilty we watched one of my favourite animated movies, Wall-e. I was amazed at how many students hadn't seen it before. We shared popcorn and juices.
Next term we will hold smaller Brag Tag celebrations in Weeks 5 and 10 so those who were close to filling their brag tag at the end of Term 1 have the opportunity to celebrate a little earlier.
A few minor staffing changes
Today we farewelled Mrs Lyn Griffiths who is taking Leave until the end of the year. We wish Mrs Griffith much rest and plenty of well deserved time with family and friends.
Ms Rachel Pearson will shift roles to take over all of Mrs Griffith's Term 1 responsibilities, particularly teaching each Thursday in 1 Blue.
We also welcome Mrs Lizette French who will teach Performing Arts for the remainder of this year and 6 Maroon each Friday. Mrs French will also teach in 5 Maroon on a Thursday once a fortnight.
One to one Chromebook program
Our One to One Chromebook program began in Year 4 this term. We had a few technical teething issues that casued a delay. We are now back on track and all students have been using the devices on a daily basis for their learning over the last few weeks.
At the beginning of next term we will contact all Year 4 families with details of a meeting time to inform them of the journey for the remainder of the year.
Playground Update
At the last Community Council meeting we discussed the next phase of implementing our Outdoor Learning Environment Masterplan.
I'm pleased to inform everyone that it is the Community Council's intention to have as much of the plan completed by the end of the year as possible. Details of this will be shared in Term 2.
Building Work
If you drive by school during the first week you may notice some building work happening. We're just using the break to have some repairs done on the roof sheeting above the brekout spaces. This is followup work from the hail damage last year.
Lastly I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter and I hope that you all manage to do something together as a family during that time and rest with each other.
Matthew Garton
Principal
Reminder: Pupil Free Day - Monday 19 April
Every Catholic School in the ACT is having a Pupil Free Day on Monday 19 April. This is to enable staff to continue undertaking the system wide professional learning program Catalyst.
No student is to come to school that day. Please make sure that you have arranged supervision for your child on Monday 19 April. OSHClub are open for bookings for the day and there are currently still places available.
Science of Learning
Last week, a handful of staff spent three days in professional learning developing their understanding of the ‘Science of Learning’. Over the three days, the ‘Forgetting Curve’ was discussed multiple times.
What is the ‘Forgetting Curve’?
In the late 19th Century a German psychologist, Hermann Ebbinghaus studied how quickly we forget things. The result of his investigations was the 'Forgetting Curve'. What the forgetting curve shows us is that without spaced repetition of information, information really can move in 'one ear and out of the other' and surprisingly fast!
In the above graph, you can see that half of all information learned is forgotten within a day. The red curve also shows how quickly memories are lost and that just after 24 hours, we can only recall up to 70% and after a month this can dwindle to around 20% or less.
However, the green curves show that if we undertake repetitive revision over the month, we can retain around 70% of the information originally learnt. Refreshing, reviewing and revising is the key to beating the forgetting curve and helping our students to be the best that they can be.
The reason I am discussing the forgetting curve in the Newsletter this week is because we are moving into the holidays. This could mean two whole weeks without any refreshing, reviewing and revising. I am not recommending that students participate in hours of work during the holidays. However, if there is the opportunity, I do recommend that students read over the holidays and even participate in some activities or games at home that support practice of concepts. There are lots of fabulous online activities and games that are connected to the curriculum that can be easily accessed (children would have accessed many of these during online learning).
Some of the different online platforms you could access are:
- Wushka (Kindergarten - Year 2)
- Soundwaves
- iMaths
- Sora
- Storyline Online
- Study Ladder
- Scootle
- EdShed
- Typing Club
- K7Math
- Prodigy
Cross Country
The Cross Country Carnival will now take place on Friday 23rd April, Week 1, Term 2.
If you are able to volunteer on the day, could you please fill out the electronic form by clicking on the link below.
Rebekah Brown
Assistant Principal and Inclusion Coordinator
What are students learning about?
This week began with all classes reflecting on the importance of Palm Sunday. The joy of the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem is such an important part of the Easter story.
2M were very creative and represented the liturgical colour of the season using their school jumpers! Hand made palms added to the festive feel. Well Done Year 2!
We also celebrated the Stations of the Cross together using the beautiful artworks that are normally displayed in the chapel.
They were designed and created by Mariana Rollgejser a past parent in 2008 and they continue to inspire and delight us.
What staff are learning about
We continued to reflect on the stations of the cross this week. Each one reminding us of the simple lessons Jesus taught even as He walked to His crucifixion. To get up again when things are difficult, to accept help from those who walk alongside us, to forgive even the most hurtful of actions. Our time together as a staff each morning is precious and we are well prepared for the Easter season.
Catholic Life and Reflection
The Easter story can be overwhelming. I felt quite emotional after taking all the students through the Stations of the Cross. Such a sad and harrowing story at this point, even though we know the true outcome.
I am reminded that we must go through the difficult times to be able to experience the true joy offered by life. To rise and fall upward (to borrow from Richard Rohr) helps us towards personal growth and a deeper relationship with God. We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song. May the next few days provide some space for deep reflection and time for family.
May God continue to bless all of our students and families.
Stephanie Stewart
Religious Education Coordinator
Notices from the Parish
Happy birthday to Logan C, Faith L, Emm D and Madeleine H who all celebrated a birthday over the past week.
Please note that we ask students to not bring home made cupcakes to share with the class for their birthdays. This is a precautionary measure for health and hygiene. The Canteen offers a number of options to share with the class. Purchases can be made through the QKR app.
Congratulations to the following students who received the End of Term Awards.
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Academic |
Consistent Effort |
Discipleship |
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Academic |
Consistent Effort |
Discipleship |
|
KB |
Frances C Thomas A |
Roger P Mariam H |
Kristiano J Summer L |
KM |
Reedhee P Pia G |
Lewys C Charlotte S |
Liam M Rubi S |
|
1B |
Lewis B Chloe L |
Tyler H Katie N |
Henry J Jackson M |
1M |
Billy S Elspeth S |
Samuel O Alexander N |
Penelope A Jessica G |
|
2B |
Xavier B James T |
Aashna A |
Hana N Leo K |
2M |
Amelia N Xavier G |
Gauri D Atharva P |
Josie A Campbell G |
|
3B |
Liliana G Leo J |
Blake W Sophe J |
Emma D Bronson D |
3M |
Olivia A Ekluvya G |
Naveliangel S William B |
Kelvin N Charlotte S |
|
4B |
Alaina S Harry M |
Jessie A Joshua W |
Indiana E Ryan L |
4M |
Olivia T Matilda M |
Mason W Nikhil S |
Jacob N Alek S |
|
5B |
Elizabeth D Lucas M |
Evan M Isabella T |
Anna G Nicholas K |
5M |
Bhoomika P Daniel S |
Emily N Cooper N |
Hayley B Nelson D |
|
6B |
Theodore P Apajok G |
Cooper W James J |
Isla B Alek A |
6M |
Briony F Emma T |
Rebecca C Nelson K |
Hudson H Samsara R |
|
KB |
Piper A |
Logan C Nathaniel G Anna T |
Frances C Austin M Oliver W |
KM | Tymon A Pia G Reedhee P |
Charlotte M Lewys C Andrew S |
Charlotte S Liam M Lachlan F |
|
1B |
Lewis B Chloe L Madison S |
Theodore C Fiesita M |
Henry J Jackson M |
1M | Penelope A Valentino M Harvey I |
Jessica G Logan M |
Ewan G William S |
|
2B |
Leo K | Henry T | 2M | Lincoln A Roman D Zain G Evie M Amelia N Allira R Ivy S Ethan z |
Sophia C Gauri D Xavier G Taylor M Atharva P Ileana R Jonah T Luca V |
Noah D Campbell G Lachlan L Thomasina N Aravindya P Alyssa S Charlie W |
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3B |
3M | Olivia A Angus G Vanessa O Magdaleina J |
Aston B Ekluvya G Charlotte S |
Alexa C Kelvin N Lilly V |
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4B |
4M | ||||||
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5B |
5M |
Mia A Claire B Francesca M Amy S |
Emily A Hayley B Emily N |
Phoebe B Emilio C Bhoomika P |
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6B |
6M |
Hola! My name is Kirsty Vera and I am the Spanish teacher at St John the Apostle Primary School. Many of you know me already, as my children have attended and currently do attend the school. I also work in the Library on Wednesdays as Admin support. I have been teaching Humanities and Languages (Spanish, Italian and ESL) for more than 15 years, from all levels of schooling - Kindergarten to year 12!
As we wrap up Term 1, I thought it would be an opportune time to talk a little about what we have been learning in Spanish this term.
All students in Grades 3-6 have attended a one hour lesson of Spanish each week in the special Spanish classroom. Here we say our school prayer in Spanish and then greet each other and the teachers in Spanish. We have learnt how to introduce ourselves and how to express our feelings. The children are all very enthusiastic during Spanish class and it’s so lovely to hear little voices call out, “Buenos días, Señora Vera” throughout the day!
Grades 3 and 4 have also looked at the Spanish festival of Carnaval, celebrated at the start of Lent and made their own mascara de carnaval or Carnaval mask. They also learnt about some of the artwork of Spain’s famous painter, Pable Picasso and had a go creating their own Picasso-inspired abstract art. You can see some of their great work below.
Grades 5 and 6 have been testing their Spanish skills through Bingo and Kaboot games and have spent some time creating their own dialogues to present to the class.
Foreign Language learning is mandatory in the Australian Curriculum, however here are 10 reasons why learning a foreign language is important:
Learning a language…
- ...improves your grasp of English
- ...enhances your confidence
- ...gives you a wider understanding of world affairs
- ...widens career/job options
- ...improves international relations and communication
- ...makes travelling easier and more enjoyable
- ...connects the world and promotes peace
- ...helps you make new friends all around the world
- ...shows you are open minded and tolerant
- ...boosts brain power
You can help your child by asking them to teach you some greetings or introductory phrases which they have learnt this term. The students will be bringing home a “Diccionario” or Dictionary which they themselves have been working on and you can discuss this with them. They should be very good at correcting your pronunciation! Ask him or her to explain to you about Carnaval or Picasso’s Blue period, or ask them to list some of the 22 countries that speak Spanish! They might even like to explain to you what a cognate is.
The Easter holidays are the perfect time to practice Spanish - you can do this via an app such as Duo Lingo or Babbel, by watching short songs or language clips (appropriate for children) on Youtube (Spanish Playground is one of my favourites), or even by borrowing Spanish language books from the public library.
Each and every one of our students can learn a language, and just as we didn’t rush their language development as babies, we have to be patient in the second language classroom. I’m looking forward to Term 2 where we will be diving into a range of topics and themes in Spanish.
¡Hasta luego!
Kirsty Vera
Spanish Teacher
A reminder that all camp payments are due and prompt payment would be appreciated.
If you need to discuss a payment plan please contact our finance officer Debbie Milne via email finance.sjaps@cg.catholic.edu.au
St Vincent de Paul Kippax Conference would like to invite people interested in joining its Conference to an information evening Monday 12th April at 7.00pm in the St John the Apostle Parish Centre, Chave Street, Holt. The conference is in urgent need of volunteers to continue its support of those less fortunate in our community. For more information contact Mike Blyth on 0419 818 410 or email michael.blyth@fourscenes.com.au
Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below until Tuesday 5 April, after which late fees/additional charges will be incurred.
NEW
advancedlife now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.
2 easy ways to purchase:
- LatitudePay – Click on the link below, set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time
- Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: 21X CFH 6YT
School photography information:
- Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
- Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
- Package delivery - photographic packages will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
- Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the 'previous years or group photo' tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the 'Order School Photos Here' button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past
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BUY YOUR 12 MONTH ENTERTAINMENT BOOK BY CLICKING HERE DIGITAL MEMBERSHIP VALID FOR 12 MONTHS FROM ACTIVATION |
How to better advocate for your child on the autism spectrum
If you have a child or adolescent on the autism spectrum, advocacy is something that you may be very experienced in. However, even if you are new to this situation, being able to be effective as an advocate in meetings is essential when supporting your child at school.
Advocacy can be incredibly draining. Depending on the meeting, there may be instances where you hear about every one of your child’s challenges while on the inside you are yelling, “But you can’t see all the good things!” You may be called in to help make decisions on reduced attendance or to hear the outcome of funding news. At secondary school, the need to communicate with each teacher individually often intensifies as they may not have the same communication system as existed at primary school. This requires additional advocacy efforts.
So, what can you do to advocate well for your child or adolescent in a meeting situation?
Understand the purpose of the meeting
If it is not clear, ask the reason for the meeting at the time it is called. It can be incredibly hard to think logically and recall information when surprised or shocked. Emotions can make us feel so unsure or overwhelmed that we struggle to respond well. By knowing the purpose of a meeting in advance, you can potentially think through some ideas, plan and problem solve in advance.
Know your rights
This is a big one. It is good to be clear, before you enter a meeting, what support you can ask for or what the processes are when a major decision is made. If your adolescent has had their school hours reduced, is there a plan to reintroduce those hours and a timeline for that? Other carers who have had similar experiences may be able to assist by sharing their experiences. The education department in your state will have a document outlining their program for students with disabilities. Download, print and read this thoroughly. If you have therapists supporting your child or teen, you could ask them for advice.
Understand your value
Your voice matters, so don’t see yourself as ‘just the carer or parent’. You are not ‘just’ a parent/carer but an important part of your child’s village of support. You see the impact of positive strategies and some that need to be assessed. As the carer, you support your child in various environments and can describe approaches that may work well, are supportive and provide for sensory regulation.
Be proactive and attend with ideas
When you know the purpose of a meeting, you can come armed with ideas and strategies to discuss. Is your adolescent’s anxiety overwhelming them? Could they benefit from regular sensory or movement breaks using a discrete card so as not to draw unwanted attention? Does the work need to be broken up into sections? Does your child need support to navigate the playground or could the school look at establishing a lunch time club or activity group?Your ideas are valuable and deserve to be heard.
Take a support person
Sometimes, having a support person in a meeting can change the dynamic, especially if there are additional barriers to receiving support. This may be a partner, a supportive friend, an advocate or your therapist – anyone who could add value to the meeting.
Take notes
After the meeting you might need to think about the approach you will take to further advocacy. You may need to engage additional therapy for your child or adolescent. You may need to seek advice and support if you feel something seems a bit ‘off’ and is not in line with the responses you receive at home. Having notes to refer to at a later stage can help trigger your memory, make follow up calls and track progress.
You may have had an amazing meeting experience, or it could have rocked you to the core. Regardless of how you go in a meeting, it can emotionally drain you. There is something to be said for the therapeutic cry in the car to release emotion. Give yourself space to process and feel it all. Let it out and chat to a supportive and understanding friend. Be kind to yourself.
Kate Johnson
Kate is the Founder and Director of Spectrum Journeys Inc, a not for profit Autism service that equips and empowers families and educators as they support children on the Autism Spectrum to flourish. Kate leads an amazing team in the Outer East of Melbourne and focuses on practical Autism education as well as community projects and supporting carers. Kate is married to Joel and they have 4 beautiful children (their eldest being on the Autism Spectrum).
