Guardian Angels' Newsletter Term 1 Week 1 2025

Coming Up

WEEK 2

Monday 3 February
Uniform Shop Open, 7.30am - 10.30am

Tuesday 4 February

Wednesday 5 February
Tuckshop open, orders must be in by 7.30am

Thursday 6 February
Opening School Mass, 9am - MC Shed
Creative Kids Instrumental Demo, 2pm - MC Shed
Tuckshop open, orders must be in by 7.30am
Uniform Shop Open, 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Friday 7 February
Tuckshop open, orders must be in by 7.30am

From the Principal

A very warm welcome to the 2025 school year.  

There is certainly a fantastic ‘buzz’ around our school as we have moved through the first week of term.    We often speak of the very special spirit of community that we have at Guardian Angels, one that connects us, that offers ‘welcome’ and a sense of belonging.   A spirit that will guide us through 2025 and support us to meet any challenges along the way. 

Over the past few days, it has been wonderful to see our students reconnect with friends and teachers, share holiday stories and experience the excitement that comes from a shared enthusiasm and excitement of a love of learning.   

The first days of the school year present a great reminder of the ‘little things’ that make such a difference to our day, and all that we can achieve by working together. 

I am looking forward to another fantastic year at Guardian Angels.  As we look to the year ahead, may our loving God open our minds to know Your voice, our hands to do Your work, and our hearts to hold Your Spirit.

Staffing Arrangements
Farewell and Thanks:  Renae Haggitt (Guidance Counsellor)

I would like to congratulate Renae Haggitt on her appointment to the role of Guidance Counsellor at Our Lady of Mt Carmel School, Coorparoo commencing from the start of the 2025 school year.
Renae has been a valued member of the Inclusion Team for past three years and during this time she has worked conscientiously in support of our students, staff and families.  I know that you will join with me in wishing Renae every blessing for her new role.

I have commenced working with the BCE team to support recruitment processes for the Guidance Counsellor role at our school, and I look forward to sharing updates with you in the coming weeks.   

Farewell and Thanks:  Kathyn Bynon (Specialist Visual Arts Teacher)

We farewell Kathryn (Kath) Bynon from our teaching team for the 2025 school year as she takes a period of extended leave.    Kath has a long history with Guardian Angels and her enthusiasm for learning and creative spirit will be missed this year.    We wish Kath every blessing for the year ahead.

Specialist Lessons in 2025
As Kath commences her leave, she will be unable to continue in her role as the Visual Arts Specialist Teacher.  To support this, specialist lessons will transition to offer music from the commencement of Term 1 to students from Prep – Year 6. 

We welcome Rosanne Broedelet as the Specialist Music Teacher at our school.  Rosanne is an experienced educator having worked for Brisbane Catholic Education for many years within classroom and specialist teaching roles.  Her expertise teaching specialist areas will be a great addition to The Arts program at GA. 

In 2025, our specialist curriculum offerings will be in the areas of: 

• Drama (Prep – Year 6): Andrea Ellis-Vester
• Music (Prep – Year 6): Rosanne Broedelet
• Physical Education (Prep – Year 6): Melanie Denmead
• LOTE Italian (Years 5 and 6):  Antoinette Brustolin
• STEM (Prep – Year 6): Kirsten Lawson

A very warm welcome to our Prep students and new families for 2025.

Commonwealth Government 2025 Residential Address Collection

Each year, schools are required to provide student information to the Australian Government Department of Education.
The collection informs Australian Government school education policy to assist calculating the funding for non-government schools.

To enable us to report accurate information, please ensure your address details are correct on the Parent Portal by Friday, 7th February 2025.

Please find attached the 2025 collection notice from the Australian Government (Department of Education).

Your assistance with the data collection is greatly appreciated.

From the Assistant Principal Administration

Term 1 Week 1

Good afternoon lovely families …

I hope you are all travelling well … it has been so wonderful to welcome you all back to school for the 2025 school year. There is a lot of information for you to read through here. It might be one of those newsletters where you spend 10 minutes or so with a cuppa and read through all of the important information we need to share at the start of a new school year. 

I have included some key procedures and reminders in today’s newsletter.  Importantly, the expectations outlined within each area are for all children and families and we seek your support in taking the time to revisit and familiarise yourself with each:

• Before and after school supervision
• Drop off/pick up zone reminders
• Hair and uniform expectations
• Toys
• Important dates and newsletter processes

Drop Off and Pick Up Zone Information

NO STUDENTS ARE TO BE AT SCHOOL BEFORE 8:05am

(with the exception of those students PREBOOKED into OSHC)

The school has only TWO designated Drop Off and Pick Up Zones. These are located in AKONNA STREET ONLY for the Guardian Angels’ Campus and Pine Street ONLY for the Mt Carmel Campus.

These are 2- minute passenger loading zones supervised by teachers and dedicated parent volunteers and are provided as a service to parents. It is a particularly helpful service for parents or family day carers who have babies and toddlers in the car. Drivers and passengers other than the students are asked to remain in the vehicle at all times.

PLEASE NOTE: The Drop Off and Pick Up Zones are a STOP DROP/COLLECT AND GO process.

Adults should not be getting out of the vehicle to assist. If your child cannot get out of the car or buckle in themselves, it may be a little too early for them to use the zones. The helpers in the zones will NOT be buckling children into their seats. In addition, staff cannot leave the Drop Off zone to help a student to their class or area. This duty area is a supervision responsibility for our staff. If your child is still unsure of their environment and don’t know where to go, then the advice is to park and walk them in until they are feeling more familiar and comfortable.

The following guidelines have been developed to provide maximum safety for children, parents and helpers who use the zones. We require your full support when using these zones.

Morning Drop-Off

Operates 8.05am to 8.25am

• Akonna Street (GA Campus) Please approach the zone from Cedar Street ONLY; NOT from Pine Street. Cutting in means that you push in front of other drivers who are waiting in the queue.

• Year 1 and above should be able to get themselves out of the car at Drop Off (especially if they have used Drop Off in the past). It can be quite challenging in the mornings when there is only teacher on duty, so for those little ones who are able to get themselves out of the car once you reach the zone area, then please do so.

• Pine Street (MC Campus) Please approach the zone from Tingal Road direction.

• Use the zone like a quick moving taxi rank – THE ZONE/S ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR PARKING.

Please remain alert and watch for directions from the helpers. Also be mindful of traffic when pulling out of the zone.

• Move forward as a space becomes available. Please do not ‘rat run’ and pull out and in around other cars. This greatly increases the risk of an accident.

• The driver is to remain in the car AT ALL TIMES.

• The children must exit and enter ONLY from the PASSENGER/FOOTPATH side of the vehicle.

• Children’s school bags and other items need to be in the car; NOT in the boot. Teachers and helpers will not open boots, as it is extremely dangerous. Please do not ask children to get school bags out of the boot themselves. If you need to use the boot, please park legally elsewhere and walk children into school.

• The gates at Akonna Street and Pine Street are locked at 8:25 when the bell goes. Students arriving after the bell (8:25AM) must be accompanied to the relevant office by a parent to collect a Late Slip; NOT dropped at the drop off zone.

• Please display your family name on an A4 sheet (printed please) or Visor label sign on the passenger side of your windscreen or visor. Your child will then be called and be ready for collection, cutting down on waiting time. If you require a name card for your card, please call Kylie in the MC Office and she will arrange one for you.

• Leave a space for driveways when waiting in Akonna Street and on Tingal Road – please be courteous to our neighbours and never block access to their homes.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Operates 3.00pm to 3.20pm

• The afternoon pick-up has the same rules as the morning drop-off.

• Students remaining at the zones at 3.20pm will be escorted by the supervising teacher to the respective office to await collection, so please be assured they will not be left waiting anywhere unsupervised.

Sometimes we have cars that park illegally during the designated ‘2 minute times’. This makes it inconvenient and unsafe as well as difficult to keep the flow of traffic moving quickly. We thank you in advance for your patience in these instances. Please be aware of the parking limits and times of operation when parking around the school. Please reassure your child that, although they may not be able to see your car straight away, you will be there to pick them up.

Helpers are always needed to run this vital service for the school. It is a great way to contribute, so if you and a friend can spare 30 minutes a week we would really appreciate it. If you would like to help, please call the school office.

Before and After School Supervision

Supervision of children on both campuses commences at 8:05am each morning. Children who arrive before 8:05am are expected to be enrolled in Before School Care.

After school, children are supervised at the two school Pick Up Zones until 3:20pm. Children who remain at the Pick Up Zone after 3:20pm will be brought to their respective office where they are to be collected and signed out by a carer. Children are not to be waiting for collection at any unsupervised areas.

The Church Car Park, Bay Terrace and Chestnut Street (outside MC Office or anywhere along the street) are NOT Drop Off or Pick Up Zones. Students will be directed to relevant Pick Up Zone areas if found waiting or exiting the school in these places. Please do not ask your child/ren to use these places as a drop off or a pick-up area.

No play on the play equipment is allowed after school on the school grounds. Similarly, games such as handball etc are not permitted after school whilst waiting for pick up or collection. Students and siblings are either to remain with parent or are to wait at the Pick-Up Zone for collection. This is a matter of safety as there is no supervision in these areas.

Uniform Reminders

Sports Uniform are worn on the days indicated by your child’s classroom teachers.  This will align with their sport (HPE) lesson.

We are all proud of our school at Guardian Angels. The most obvious way we can show our pride in our school is the way we wear our school uniform. When we wear our uniform correctly it instils pride in our school and in ourselves.  We are fortunate at GA to have a fine uniform and the vast majority of children and families support the proud wearing of it.  

It is important to have reminders about some aspects of our uniform to ensure that every effort is made to wear it consistently by all in our community:

Shoes and Socks 

• School shoes are to beall black leather (NOT black sandshoes).
• Sand shoes are to be worn with the sports uniform only and should be primarily white in colour.
• No coloured soles, skate style or slip-on shoes are to be worn.
• White ankle socks only. Low cut socks that are worn under the shoe line are not permitted.

Hair Reminders

• Haircuts are to be neat in appearance without excessive colours, shaving or designs (e.g. No bright colours, extensions, tracks, or rats-tails).
• Shoulder length or longer hair is to be neatly tied back.
• Hair accessories are to be simplistic and in school colours.

Hat

• School bucket hat is the only hat to be worn.

From time to time, it is recognized that children may not be in the correct school uniform.  It is important that the school is informed by either a written note/email to the class teacher if this is the case and that efforts are made to ensure that this is corrected in a timely manner.   

Toys

We strongly discourage students bringing toys to school.  We are mindful that these can be lost and/or broken, or cause disharmony within friendships. If a toy is disrupting a student’s learning, or causing conflict, it will remain on the teacher’s desk during the day and returned to the child to take home. In these cases, the toys should not be brought back to school again.

Curriculum Newsletters

Curriculum Newsletters are prepared by the classroom and specialist teachers every term. These newsletters are a valuable source of information relevant particularly to each year level. I strongly encourage you to read the relevant curriculum newsletter/s every term so that you are aware of the wonderful learning opportunities your child/ren will experience throughout the term, as well as important dates and reminders.

The Curriculum Newsletters are uploaded to the Parent Portal and emailed to our families on the Tuesday of Week 2 each term.

Student Water Bottles

• The water bubblers are in use for drinking with regular cleaning processes in place. 
• Students are encouraged to bring a filled, water bottle for personal use each school day and to refill as needed. 

Assembly

• Assembly are scheduled every second Friday (odd term weeks eg Week 1, Week 3, etc). They commence at 8:50am in the MC Shed. Parents and friends are most welcome to join us. You can enter the school grounds via the gate located on Pine Street near the tuckshop.

Newsletter

The newsletter cycle is as follows:

• Full newsletter each odd week of term (commencing Week 1 continuing each 2^nd Thursday)
• Bulletin update each even week of term (commencing Thursday Week 2)
• Newsletters will be emailed and available on the Parent Portal on Thursday afternoon, each week. 

Tuckshop

• Tuckshop commenced this week - Week 1 (i.e., Wed 29 January).  
• Tuckshop operates Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each school week.
• Refer to Parent Handbook and Parent Portal for menu and ordering procedures via Flexischools.

Uniform Shop

• Uniform shop is open each Monday morning 7:30am-10:30am and Thursday afternoon 1:00pm-4:00pm.

• Online orders are still available and managed through the UMS store located at Murarrie.

Creative Kidz Instrumental Music Program

(User Pay Program)

• Brochure and enrolment information will be emailed to all families in Years 1-6.
• Instrumental Music lessons occur each Thursday commencing Thursday 13 February (Term 1 Week 3).
• Creative Kids will email the timetable to parents of participating students.

I know this is a bit of information overload .. all very important reminders and I encourage all families to continue to connect with our school’s Facebook Page, Parent Handbook and the Parent Portal. 

I’d just like to flag some upcoming dates for your calendars:

• Friday 14 February (Week 3): 

Photos for ALL PREP STUDENTS and any student who is new to Guardian Angels'. These are NOT the official school photos which are taken in May (May 28). These earlier photos allow us to upload digital images of the students to our system for roll marking etc. There is no cost to parents for the photos in February. You will receive more timely information regarding the official school photos in Term Two.

• Wednesday 1 – Monday 24 March (Weeks 7 – 9)

NAPLAN for all students in Year 3 and 5. There will be much preparation occurring here at school. Parents will receive relevant communications as required and you can always chat with your child’s classroom teacher in the lead up to NAPLAN.

• Monday 24 -Friday 28 March (Week 9):

Parent Teacher Interviews will run throughout Week 9. We strongly encourage ALL parents to book and attend an interview with your child/ren’s teacher/s. This is one important opportunity to connect with the teachers and identify how to continue to support your child in their learning … as well as celebrating their wonderful successes. As there are no comments on the reports that are issued in Terms 2 and 4, Parent Teacher Interviews provide the invaluable opportunities to learn about your child’s progress and achievement.

You will be provided with important information around the booking of these interviews as the date draws closer.

• Wednesday 26 March (Week 9) TO BE CONFIRMED

Guardian Angels’ Cross Country (Prep – Year 6)

Parents will receive more information regarding the Cross Country as the event draws closer.

I look forward to sharing the great year of learning that is ahead of us, with you and your family.

Blessings of peace to you all for the coming week

Nicole Waller

From the Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Families,

Peace and Welcome in 2025!

A warm welcome back to each and every one of you. A special welcome to our Prep families and new families who are joining us this year at Guardian Angels’. I hope that your time with us is rewarding and you embrace being part of this special Catholic Community.

I feel very excited, blessed and humble to be joining the Guardian Angels’ Catholic School Community here in Wynnum. I want to thank you for the warm welcome I have received and look forward to working in partnership with you in 2025.

I have almost 20 year’s experience across five schools within Brisbane Catholic Education. I live in Manly West with my wife Claire and our three children; Cooper (12), Hudson (10) and Josephine (7). Cooper and Hudson attend Iona College and Josephine has also joined Guardian Angels this year in 3Red with Miss Sarah Campbell. We also have a dog named Benson, he is a cavoodle who keeps our house busy and entertaining.

I am excited to have been given the opportunity to provide religious leadership and foster the religious life of our school community, building on my recent experience as APRE at Star of the Sea Cleveland and St Clare’s, Yarrabilba.

We have a very busy start to the school year, with significant Liturgical events that our Church celebrates during Term One. Our first Whole School Mass and Liturgy information is below.

· Opening School Mass

We begin with our Opening School Mass on Thursday 6th of February (Week 2) at 9:00am. All members of the school and parish community are welcome to attend.

· Senior Leaders Commissioning Liturgy

Our Senior Leaders Commissioning Liturgy is on Friday 21st of February (Week 4) at 9:00am. All members of the school community are welcome to attend.

I look forward to continuing to meet and getting to know all members of our school community and forging positive partnerships and relationships.

Please feel free to introduce yourself to me when you see me either around the school grounds, at our student pick up gates or at the school crossing before and after school.

God Bless

Nicholas Cotter

From the Primary Learning Leader

Welcome back to another very exciting year of teaching and learning at Guardian Angels. I am very excited to be acting in the role of Primary Learning Leader this year. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to you all.

My name is Melinda Paljakka and this is my 29th year working as a teacher for BCE. I have been at Guardian Angels since 2009, and I have taught across several year levels. For the last few years, I have been a teacher in 5/6.

During the pupil free days last week, the teachers were busy engaging in Professional Development around extending and deepening their understanding of Assessment Practices, BCE Monitoring Tools and Classroom Setup to promote Active Engagement. It was a busy few days of learning!!

I look forward to working with the teachers to support learning and teaching at GA in 2025.

From the Finance Office

Please be advised that the School Finance Office is now located in the Mt Carmel Office on Chestnut Street.

Volunteering at Guardian Angels

Volunteers are very welcome at Guardian Angels’ and play an important role in enriching students’ experiences.   
When parents and community members can get involved in activities like reading, excursions, P&F and events, it fosters a sense of connection and support.

Before commencing as a volunteer, you are required to complete online volunteer training at the start of each calendar year.  This takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.  This training ensures that all our adults who come into contact with our students will be fully informed of their roles and responsibilities when working with students.    

Please follow the steps below:

1. Click this link to complete online Student Protection Training Start training here
2. Complete the ‘Volunteer Registration and Declaration Form’ (this can be accessed at the end of the online training) 
3. Print and complete the ‘Volunteer Registration and Declaration Form’ and email to pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au
4. You will receive acknowledgement of your completed training and volunteer number for 2025.

From the Tuckshop

Please do not forget to update your child's class details in Flexischools.

Wednesday 5^th February - Kirsty J
Thursday 6^th February - Angie B (Helper needed as backup)
Friday 7^th February - Naomi B

Wednesday 12^th February - Helper Needed
Thursday 13^th February - Helper Needed
Friday 14^th February - Naomi B

Please contact Kendell Trevisan - ktrevisan@bne.catholic.edu.au - if you are able to volunteer your time in the canteen in 2025.

Before commencing your role as a volunteer or other personnel at our school, you are required to complete the online volunteer training. This training needs to be renewed annually and can be found here: https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/students-parents/student-protection/Pages/Student-Protection-and-Code-of-Conduct-Training-for-Volunteers-and-Other-Personnel.aspx

Student Medication

Please contact the office if you have any questions about the new procedures for administering medications at school in 2025.

Uniform Shop

The uniform shop is open Mondays 7.30am-10.30am and Thursdays 1.00pm-4.00pm.

All dates are available to book for fittings via this link: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17372204&appointmentType=11926367

Online orders are also available anytime – password to access this page is guardianangels2023

Mini-Pros Football

To register, please follow this link:

https://minipros.com.au/event/guardian-angels-catholic-primary-school-wynumm/

Community Notices

Disclaimer

Copyright in some materials appearing in this newsletter are owned by third parties and should not be used or reproduced without the authority of the third party.  The links to websites or webpages are for information purposes only.  To the extent that such third party materials are not owned by BCE, we accept no responsibility for such content.