Guardian Angels' Newsletter Term 1 Week 9 2025

Coming Up at Guardian Angels

WEEK 10

Monday 31st March
Uniform Shop Open, 7.30am - 10.30am

Tuesday 1st April
Mini-pros Soccer (after school program), 3.15pm - 4.15pm

Wednesday 2nd April
Cross Country
Sports Aerobics, 7.30am - 8.15am (GA Hall)
Senior Choir Rehearsal, 7.45am (MC Music Room)

Thursday 3rd April
Celebration of Learning, 8.30am - 9.15am (All classrooms)
Creative Kidz Instrumental Lessons 
Uniform Shop Open, 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Friday 4th April
Last Day of Term 1
"Comfy Clothes Free Dress Day" (Gold coin donation for Project Compassion)
Easter Raffle Drawn

TERM 2

WEEK 1

Monday 21st April
Easter Monday 

Tuesday 22nd April
First Day of Term 2

Wednesday 23rd April
Sports Aerobics, 7.30am - 8.15am (GA Hall)
Junior Choir Rehearsal, 7.45am (MC Music Room)

Thursday 24th April
ANZAC Day Liturgy, 8.50am (All welcome to attend)
Creative Kidz Instrumental Lessons 
Uniform Shop Open, 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Friday 25th April
ANZAC Day

From the Principal

"Humility dawns when we realise that he can use our plans and intentions, even when we fail”
(Source: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, 30 Mar 2015, www.intothedesert.org.au)

Over the past week, we had an opportunity to engage in our first Parent Teacher conversations for the 2025 school year. As we prepare to bring the end of the first term to a close next Friday, this is a fantastic way to showcase the great learning that our students have enjoyed over the past term.

As I visit our learning areas, it is wonderful to see excitement and pride that the students have when sharing their learning. Thank you to our parents for sharing in this opportunity with your children, to our staff for the quality learning and teaching that you provide for our students each day, and to our students for your participation and engagement in all that you do. The images of learning that fill our learning areas, in the learning loops, anchor charts, reading and writing spaces and so much more, show a great love of learning and reflect on the amazing term that we have had at Guardian Angels.

Throughout the term, the students have proudly strived to ‘LIVE the GA Way’, inside and outside the classroom, contributing to a strong sense of community spirit. Sharing in the success of the LIVE the GA Way achievements with our students at assembly celebrated the great strength of spirit in our Guardian Angels’ School community. It shines through in our ability to work in partnership with a genuine care and thoughtfulness for each other.

In the upcoming vacation, we celebrate Holy Week and Easter by telling the story of the last days of Jesus and His resurrection through participation in Easter liturgies. These liturgies highlight the very core of Catholic belief that Jesus Christ suffered, died and was raised from the dead by God, and through this brought us eternal life.

The scenes throughout Holy Week are so familiar to us that it is easy for the meaning to pass us by. We can all identify that they represent significant events in the last days of Jesus' life and ministry, but we must also take the time to reflect on the relevance that they have for us today.

As we explore our Easter tradition, we are reminded that much of what we do in our school is about love, care and service. So, as we participate in our Easter liturgies and masses in the coming weeks, let us remember to celebrate the love and service that our Saviour has offered to us.

May God bless you and keep you all safe in His care over this coming holidays and Easter Season and I look forward to welcoming you all back next term.

(Adapted from: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, 30 Mar 2015, www.intothedesert.org.au)

From the Assistant Principal Administration

Good afternoon loveliest of families …

We have only a little over a week until a most deserved holiday break for all of our angels and staff. This term has been so busy and a little bit disrupted with the unexpected visit from ‘Alfie’. I hope everyone is able to enjoy some rest and recuperation in the coming weeks.

Parent Teacher Interviews

This week, our classroom teachers have enjoyed opportunities to sit and chat with you about the progress and wonderful achievements of our students over the past nine weeks. Thank you all for engaging so thoughtfully and respectfully in the Parent Teacher Interviews. I know that at the time of publication, they aren’t quite finished yet, however this week is always a fabulous opportunity to spend a little bit of time with your child/ren’s teacher/s. Thank you all for continuing to work in partnership with us; it’s a really privileged and lovely way for us all to support our students.

Remember our formal reporting process consists of the following:

· Term One: Parent Teacher Interviews (scheduled in Week 9)
· Term Two: Summary of Achievement: Semester One (report) (Week 10)
· Term Three: Parent Teacher Interviews (scheduled in Week 9)
· Term Four: Summary of Achievement: Semester Two (report) (Week 9)

Cross Country

This time of the year is notoriously tricky for wet weather as we plan for our Cross Country Carnival. As you would be aware, our Cross Country was originally scheduled for yesterday (Wednesday 26 March) but this crazy weather caused our decision to postpone.

With luck, our Cross Country Carnival will take place next Wednesday 2 April.

So much planning and preparation has gone into this great event; especially from our own HPE master, Mrs Melanie Denmead. All details pertaining to the Cross Country remain in place for next Wednesday. Please refer to any/all previous communications for details around this. Let’s cross our fingers and toes that we have lovely weather next week.

NAPLAN

Well … the 'official' NAPLAN schedule is OVER at GA for another year. Our mate ‘Alfie’ caused a bit of disruption in this space also; however our teachers and students were exceptional as always.

I am immensely proud of our Year 3 and 5 students who have handled NAPLAN with grace and as much confidence as they could muster. They all were wonderful ... right throughout the process.

I must also thank our incredible teachers.

Ms Sarah Campbell
Mrs Alison Hackett
Mr Will Erwin
Mrs Jayne Murphy
Ms Suz Faulkner
Mr Warren Kay
Mrs Alana Prasnikar
Mrs Melinda Paljakka

These professionals were truly amazing.

They made this whole process incredibly seamless, and they supported our students just beautifully.

My thanks in this space extends beyond the actual NAPLAN testing. While the Year 3 and Year 5/6 teachers’ work IN THE LEAD UP to NAPLAN also ...it's not just about the actual RUNNING of the tests of course, but the educational preparation that occurs in the teaching and learning context of any school.

In addition to that though, to EVERY teacher who has taught these students in the years before/between NAPLAN ... The work they ALL do with our students contributes to their confidence and competence across any educational context.

And finally … to YOU also. I know that, if a student is feeling anxious around times such as this, it’s most often communicated at home in their safest of spaces. Thank you for always being the most wonderful advocates and support for your beautiful children.

A Safety Request

The safety and wellbeing of your beautiful children is always our priority. We are always very aware of our responsibilities as active supervisors of our students throughout the day.
We have staff positioned before and after school at both Drop Off/Pick Up areas as well as at the traffic lights. We are uncompromising in our expectations around student movement across the campuses. Students are never permitted to exit through the campus gates to cross Bay Terrace unless they are accompanied by a school adult or there is a school staff member on duty at the traffic lights.
We have clearly communicated with our students that ONLY the staff member who is with them or on duty is to press the button for traffic light changes. We extend this respectful request to all parents/carers also. Please do NOT press the button at the traffic lights before/after school when there is a staff member on duty. We are always surveying our surroundings whilst on duty and so are very aware of who is waiting and/or approaching the lights to cross Bay Tce. Please allow only the school staff member to press the button to cross at the traffic lights so that we know every student is ready to cross safely. Our most genuine thanks for your support in this so that we can keep our little ones safe and sound.

As we approach the Easter break, I wish you all blessings of peace and safe travels (if you are heading away) over the Easter holiday.
Easter is the ultimate symbol of hope, renewal, love and new life. Being able to spend time with those who are precious to us is another special gift of Easter, and one where we can also remember and celebrate the gift of Jesus.

“Let everything you do, be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

Remember … if your chocolate Easter treats go missing, you are certainly owed an eggsplanation.

From the Assistant Principal Religious Education

Peace and Welcome to Week 9 of Term 1.

Fourth Week of Lent

Please read below the story of Irene who has benefited greatly from the help and generosity of Caritas Australia.

Irene lives in a remote village in the Kongolo Region in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Life hasn’t been easy for Irene. After losing her father in a war, Irene and her family were forced to flee their home. Life became even more challenging when her husband left, leaving Irene to raise her 2 children alone. Without finishing her education and with few job opportunities in her village, she struggled to provide even the basics for her family.

Things began to change when Irene joined the Youth Capacity Strengthening Program (YCSP), run by Caritas Kongolo with the support of Caritas Australia. Through the program, Irene learned sewing skills and was provided with a sewing machine and fabric. Irene also gained farming skills. Now, she grows enough food to feed her family and even shares her sewing knowledge by mentoring other women in her community.
“Before, women depended on men's income, but now, with our sewing skills, we can take care of ourselves,” Irene said.
Your support of Project Compassion helps women like Irene to create brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Will you stand in solidarity with people like Irene this Lent?

You can support Project Compassion 2025 through the donation boxes at school, or by scanning the QR code above. Thank you for standing with us, as we Unite Against Poverty this Lent.

Fund Raising for Project Compassion – Week 10

Our Year 6 Service Committee have organised two events in the final week of term to support Project Compassion.

Free Dress Day – Friday 4^th of April
Free Dress on the last day of term for Project Compassion, Friday 4^th of April.

Students are to wear sun safe clothing to school with appropriate enclosed shoes. Students will still need to wear their wide brimmed school hat.

Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation. 

Thank you for supporting Project Compassion.

Easter Raffle – Monday 31^st of March to Friday 4^th of April
From Monday 31^st March to Friday 4^th March our Year 6 Service Committee will be selling tickets for our Easter Raffle. The raffle will be drawn on the last day of Term 2.

Students can buy tickets before school on both the MC Campus (Shed) and GA Campus (Playground) from 8:05am – 8:25am.

Cost is:

• $1 for two tickets
• $2 for five tickets

Prizes: Jars of Easter Eggs, Easter Plush Toys and Easter Crafts for students on both the MC Campus and GA Campus.

Sacramental Program: Penance 1^st Rite

Congratulations to our students from Guardian Angels’ School who participated in the first rite of Penance this week.

We are delighted to congratulate our students who recently participated in the First Rite of Penance. This important milestone marks a significant step in their spiritual journey, as they experienced the grace and mercy of God's forgiveness.

By embracing the values of repentance and forgiveness, these students have demonstrated a deep commitment to their faith and personal growth.

As a Catholic Community, we are proud of each of you for taking this meaningful step. May this experience strengthen your faith and bring you closer to God.

Upcoming School Prayer Gatherings

School Parish Mass – Sunday 30^th March at 5:00pm

Our first School Parish Mass for this year will be held on Sunday 30^th March at 5:00pm in the Church, with students from our school leading the mass. All members of our school and parish community are welcome to attend.

God Bless
Nicholas Cotter

From the Primary Learning Leader

NAPLAN
A big congratulations to our Year 3 and Year 5 students who completed their NAPLAN tests last week. For our lovely Year 3 students, this was their first time undertaking NAPLAN, so an extra special congratulations to them! A big thank you to the teachers, Mrs Waller and Mrs Murphy, who helped to prepare the students in the lead up to NAPLAN and of course, during the testing period.

CELEBRATION OF LEARNING – TERM 2 – APRIL 3RD
Next Thursday, 3rd April, you are warmly invited to visit your child/rens’ classroom to celebrate their learning. Classrooms will be open from 8.30am - 9.15am, where the students will no doubt be very excited to showcase their learning with you.

MATHS GAMES
During the last few weeks, students have been engaging in maths games to increase their mathematical fluency. Maths Games are a great way to create engagement and develop this mathematical fluency. It will become a consistent practice in each classroom, as we move throughout the rest of the year. Each week the Leadership Team has been very excited to go and play maths games with the students. We are all learning a lot and having fun while we are doing it.

ICAS
We know our students are amazing, so we’re giving them the opportunity to showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition this year.

What is ICAS?
ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies. The competition will be run during August of this year.

Further information will be sent out shortly, via separate communication.

SPELLING AT GUARDIAN ANGELS
Next term, our Year 3 Students will be introduced to a spelling program called SpellEx, developed by MultiLit, a leading literacy provider. It builds on the InitaLit Program that is used in all Prep to 2 classes at Guardian Angels. It is based on the Australian Curriculum Version 9.

Why Spell Ex?
English spelling can be confusing at times, and it is impossible to remember every word letter by letter. This is why a program like SpellEx is so helpful. It shows students how the English spelling system works. This goes beyond just memorising a list of words each week for a test on Friday that might be forgotten by Monday! As your child moves through SpellEx, they will be taught to notice spelling patterns, apply useful strategies, and learn rules and handy hints that guide our spelling choices. Don’t be surprised if your child comes home and tells you things about spelling that you didn’t know!

All the best for a restful and relaxing weekend, as we enter our final week of term.

Mel Paljakka

Maths Game Fun!

Harmony Day - Friday 21st March

Harmony Day Activities with Buddies

Guardian Angels' Open Day - 29th April

This year, Guardian Angels will be participating in the inaugural BCE Open Week.

We are looking forward to inviting new families to our Open Day on Tuesday 29th April (8.50am - 10.00am.)  
This is a fantastic opportunity to explore our campus, meet our dedicated staff and learn more about the amazing programs and activities Guardian Angels offers.

Event Highlights:
-Campus tour with our Principal
-Meet and Greet with teachers and staff
-Open Classrooms
-Coffee Van

Why Attend?
-Discover what makes our school community unique
-Learn about our Leadership Excellence Program
-Introduction to our new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Program
-Learn about our exclusive on-site OSHC facilities
-Connect with other prospective families and current students. 

We encourage our Guardian Angels' families to spread the word - if you know someone considering Prep for their child, please invite them along!  

To register or find out more, please go to our website Guardian Angels' Wynnum Catholic Primary 

💚💙We look forward to welcoming our future Preppies to our Guardian Angels' School community 💙💚 

Cross Country - Wednesday 2nd April

On Wednesday April 2nd, 2025 (Week 10, Term 1), students from Years P-6 will be participating in the Guardian Angels’ Cross Country Carnival at George Clayton, Bandstand and Drevesen Parks on the waterfront. All students attend school at the normal school day times. Students must wear full sports uniform (including shoes and school hat), sunscreen and bring plenty of water.

 PLEASE NOTE: If your child would like to, they can wear a t-shirt in their house color.

ARLUNGA – YELLOW / BALCARA – BLUE / KATARA - GREEN

MEDICATION: All medication will  be carried to the event by the class teacher and stored at the first aid  tent on arrival. The students in the Senior and Intermediate races will do laps passing the first aid tent each lap should first aid/medication be required.  The new course keeps students closer to the start. Teachers will collect the medication for the return walk.

Students in years 2-6 will not be taking their lunch to the park, so they will need to eat a substantial breakfast before coming to school and carry a healthy snack in a small bag with their water bottle. Years 2-6 will have their full lunch upon returning to school after the carnival.

Students in Prep to year 1 should have time for a ‘snack’ before they go to the park.

Year 1 students will leave school to walk to the park at 10:00am.

Prep students will bus to and from the park at 10.45am and returned at 12.15pm.

From the Finance Office

School Fees - Reminder

Term 1 school fees were issued Friday 12 Feb and were due for payment by 21 February 2025. Thank you to those families who have already made payments or who have arrangements in place.

If you have not paid your school fees, we ask that you do so as soon as possible or contact the Finance Office to make payment arrangements.

If you haven’t received a copy of your statement, please check your junk or spam email folder.  Statements are sent exclusively to the account holder. If you need another copy, kindly email your request to pwynfinance@bne.catholic.edu.au.

Our preferred method of payment is by Direct Debit. Direct debit forms are available on the School website or please email me at pwynfinance@bne.catholic.edu.au to request a copy.

Payment Options:

We offer several methods to pay your fees:

1. DIRECT DEBIT – Direct Debit Form (preferred method)
2. CREDIT CARD – Credit Card Direct Debit Form (for regular debited payments)
3. BPAY – Refer to your fee statement for the BPAY reference
4. BPOINT – Online credit card payments (MasterCard and Visa) – BPoint Payment Link  or visit the school website under “Quick Links”
5. EFTPOS – Available at the Mount Carmel campus

Please always feel free to contact the Finance Office should you ever have any questions.

Kind Regards
Amy Hardisty – Finance Officer

From the Parish

Awards

The following students were the recipients of the Term 1 LIVE the GA Way awards, along with a $50 Scholastic Book Club Voucher:

Hayley M, Sophie W, Olivia R, Mila E, Zoe L, Fletcher H, Timothy T, Remy S, Stephanie F, Violet V, Colm K, Sophie B, Higo R, Harrison H, Jordan T, Amulya I, Arianne P, Ella B, Arya C.

A very big thank you to our Guardian Angels' P&F for sponsoring these awards.

Guardian Angels' Choir

Choir rehearsals will be held on Wednesday mornings (7.45am - 8.15am) in the Mount Carmel Music Room.

Rehearsal Schedule:
(Term 1)
Week 10 (2/4) -  Senior Choir

(Term 2)
Week 1 (23/4) -  Junior Choir
Week 2 (30/4) -  Senior Choir
Week 3 (7/5)   -  Junior Choir
Week 4 (14/5) -  Senior Choir
Week 5 (21/5) -  Junior Choir
Week 6 (28/5) -  Senior Choir
Week 7 (4/6)   -  Junior Choir
Week 8 (11/6) -  Senior Choir
Week 9 (18/6) -  Junior Choir
Week 10 (26/6) - Senior Choir

From the P&F

Arriving Late and Leaving Early (ALLE) Procedures

Early Dismissal
Our primary goal is the focus on student learning time. Unfortunately, when students are removed from class and wait for collection, this impacts their learning experience.

We deeply appreciate the effort that parents put into planning ahead, and we recognise that unpredictable external factors can sometimes cause delays. To help minimise multiple interruptions to classes as plans change, we kindly ask that you allow a few extra minutes upon arrival to process your child’s departure. Please note that a phone call to the class will be made once a guardian or carer has arrived in person and verified at the office. 

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth, focused learning environment for all students.  We are always committed to working closely with families who may need additional assistance in these circumstances.

BCE Connect App
Use the app to submit the early departure, late arrival, or appointment.

Communication with Teacher
If the timeframe permits, inform the teacher of early pickups via their preferred communication method (e.g. email).

Allow extra time for students to pack up
Please allow extra time for your child to called and to pack up their belongings.

How do I notify the school of changes to going home at 3pm?
Please call us promptly to advise of any changes to the going home arrangements for the day. It is vital that these messages are received in person to ensure clarity.  Please do not email.

If you require any assistance with the BCE App please do not hesitate to contact us.

From the Tuckshop

A reminder that our tuckshop is currently CLOSED for maintenance.

We will advise of the reopening date as soon as possible.

Community Notices

BCE Connect App

Did you know…..

Student academic reports, absences, appointments, media permissions and much more can all be found on the BCE Connect App.

How to log an absence, late arrival, or appointment

If you're having trouble accessing the BCE Connect App or Parent Portal:

• Contact the office: If you're unable to log in or have any access issues, don't hesitate to reach out to the school office for support.   It is essential the parents can always access this resource and save their own copy of the student academic reports securely.
• Check your email: The email address linked to your account held at school is what grants you access.    If you've recently changed your email address, make sure the school has the updated one on file. You can contact the office to update it if necessary.

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.

Uniform Shop

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

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

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.