Guardian Angels' Newsletter Term 2 Week 5 2025

Coming Up at Guardian Angels

Week 6

Monday 26th May
National Sorry Day
Uniform Shop Open, 7.30am - 10.30am
Year 1 Excursion to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Tuesday 27th May
Reconciliation Week Begins
"State of Origin" free dress day

Wednesday 28th May
School Photo Day (Please see email regarding uniform expectations)

Thursday 29th May
Year 4 Excursion to Kindilan (BUS DEPARTS 7:30AM)
Creative Kidz Instrumental Lessons
Choir Rehearsal, 7.45am - 8.25am
Uniform Shop Open, 1.00pm - 4.00pm

Friday 30th May
P-2 Dance Lessons
Primary Netball Gala Day (Select students only)
'Tell Them From Me' Survey closes today

Week 7

Monday 2nd June
Uniform Shop Open, 7.30am - 10.30am

Tuesday 3rd June

Wednesday 4th June

Thursday 5th June
Creative Kidz Instrumental Lessons
Choir Rehearsal, 7.45am - 8.25am
Book Fair Opens (MC library)
Life Education Visit

Friday 6th June
Book Fair (MC Library)
Life Education Visit
Assembly, 8.50am (MC Shed - All welcome to attend)
P-2 Dance Lessons

From the Principal

Community Consultation:  Proposed Reimagining of Play and Outdoor Facilities (Guardian Angels’ Campus – Prep – Year 2)

I am excited to share the concept for the Revitalisation of the Guardian Angels’ Play and Outdoor Facilities.   This project aims to provide a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment for students of all ages, fostering physical activity, social interaction, and creativity.

The need to revitalise the GA play space and equipment was identified as part of master planning processes, with many components of the current play equipment reaching the end of product life.   

Community Partnerships:  Supporting our student 

The spirit of our Guardian Angels’ community is evident in our partnerships.   This willingness to work together for our students has a significantly positive impact on learning and wellbeing.   The collaborative efforts on this project between our school, P&F, Brisbane Catholic Education, Parish and external consultants is enabling the creation of holistic and supportive environment for our students to thrive. 

This project has garnered strong support from our Parents and Friends Association (P&F) and is seamlessly aligned to our school’s master planning.   Supporting the revitalisation of play spaces at Guardian Angels’ has been a focus of the P&F’s activities over the past years and we are grateful for the contribution of $100 000 towards this project.   The estimated cost of the overall project is approximately $428 000.

Additionally, over the past 12 months, this proposal has included extensive planning with external consultants and BCE Building Services, and is informed by our master planning initiatives.    This project follows on from previous stage on the MC Campus (Years 3 – 6), with our students now enjoying a:

• new fixed structure play facilities
• quiet play and reflection area along the Chestnut St fence line (Bay Terrace Oval)

The MC campus project addressed significant drainage issues at the Chestnut St entrance near OHSC.  Additionally, the installation of a feature wall (Cnr Bay Tce and Chestnut St) has provided visual signage in a way that instils a sense of pride and presence for the community.

The Revitalisation of Guardian Angels’ Campus Outdoor Play Facilities (Prep – Year 2)

• is specifically designed for the Guardian Angels’ Campus to be a feature for our school.
• will include outdoor play spaces where our students can learn and play in an area that is inclusive, encourages physical fitness and imaginative play 
• features a variety of play equipment and caters to different age groups and interests
• supports students during everyday routines.  

What are the project features?

The project features as noted below:

• Replace fixed play equipment on GA Campus with a new play structure
  • New proprietary play structure to suit mixed age groups and balance rope structures on synthetic with new shade sail cover over play areas
  • New imaginative place space with bespoke play elements including a cubby house with shop frontage and timber deck, and small sandpit with cover.
• Revitalisation of current handball court area to include vibrant pavement paint
• Replace existing boulders with new concrete stairs providing two-way access to foot traffic
• Replace existing fibre glass slide and tyres with new double slide on rubber surface embankment
• Remove raised planter wall and replace with synthetic grass.

Where can I view the draft concept and provide feedback?

We invite you to view the concept and provide feedback via accessing the link below.

https://forms.office.com/r/1ZkAiv2ARc?origin=lprLink

During the consultation process, we are looking forward to gathering feedback from all in our community; parents, staff and students. 

After this consultation phase, the feedback will inform the final application.  This application will be submitted to Brisbane Catholic for approval within Capital Project processes.   

The Guardian Angels’ Campus Revitalisation Playground Project will stand as a testament to our school’s commitment to providing a dynamic and inclusive space for our students that is community centred. Through collaboration, innovation, and dedication, this playground will become a cherished asset for years to come. 

I look forward to sharing in updates with you in the weeks ahead. 

From the Assistant Principal Administration

Good afternoon lovely families,

DANCE SUPERSTARS (Prep-Year 2)

Don’t forget to pop this very important date into your diaries … Friday 20 June @ 2:15pm. Our littlest angels in Prep – Year 2 started their dance lessons last week. On Friday 20 June we will enjoy the Superstars Dance Extravaganza (that’s what I call it). This is one of my most favourite days of the whole year … Hopefully you will be able to join us on June 20 in the Shed to witness our little dancing kings and queens.
Please note the starting time of this event (2:15pm). This time allows the concert to finish just before 3:00pm. It is an expectation and requirement that all students will return to their classrooms with their class teachers at the conclusion of the concert. This is an important safety measure and will allow the classes to finish their days with the usual end of day procedures. We ask that only those families who are taking their child out for appointments only to sign students out through the office.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

Our official school photos day is scheduled for next Wednesday 28 May.  School photos will be taken on one day only. I just want to let you all know as I know that some people make appointment plans around the photo day.

There will not be any catchup photo days at school so it would be wonderful to have as many of our beautiful students here as possible.

It is an expectation that all students wear their FULL FORMAL SCHOOL UNIFORM for School Photo day. Of course this includes correct hair ties, shoes and socks. Our Prep students will wear their sports uniform as usual.

Last week I sent home the INDIVIDUAL student ordering key information. Each student received their own unique ordering key information/flyer. These also contained ordering instructions for siblings photos, so be sure to place your orders for siblings photos if you would like for that to occur. I should receive a list of families who order siblings photos from Studio Kirby just before photo day.

Siblings photos are scheduled to take place in the parish hall (GA Campus) from 7:30-8:25am on Wednesday 28 May. It is really important that we get as many siblings photos taken at this time as we can, to ensure we are able to complete the photo schedule throughout the day. If you are able to do so, I would be ever so grateful if you could bring your children along in the morning to have their siblings photos taken before school begins. Thanks for your kind understanding.

STATE OF ORIGIN DRESS UP DAY

With the first State of Origin next Wednesday 28 May coinciding with our SCHOOL PHOTO DAY, we have decided to let our students wear their State of Origin (or maroon … haha) colours on TUESDAY 27 May. 

Please ensure they still wear their school hat, and sandshoes.

QC CUP NETBALL

Last Monday 19 May, Guardian Angels competed in the QC (Queensland Catholic) Netball Competition. This year we entered two teams: 1 Junior Team (10/11 year olds) and 1 Senior Team (11/12 year olds). We had students from across Years 4, 5 and 6, some of whom had never played netball before they began training with us. We are beyond proud of each one of them. They represented our school and themselves so beautifully … and each team played a whopping SEVEN games throughout the day; that is a huge undertaking. Needless to say, they were exhausted (and probably still are).

Our junior team placed SECOND out of the seven teams … RUNNERS UP… an amazing effort, and they played so well, losing only one game throughout the entire carnival. It is really important to note that for some of these girls, this was the very first ‘proper’ netball game they had ever played. Apart from their training with us, they had never played the game before. I don’t really even have the words to describe how incredibly proud we are of all of these ladies.

Our senior team placed FIRST (QC Cup champions), remaining undefeated throughout the entire day. This was a phenomenal effort and it was wonderful to watch and support them.

We were so proud of the girls’ commitment, energy and attitude, and are especially grateful to their wonderful parents who supported us with training and the carnival.

I would like to extend an extra special thank you and acknowledgement to Mrs Lisa Gear and Mrs Amelia Law … incredible teachers who gave their time and energy to providing their wisdom and expertise to our students as coaches. There is no way I could have supported these two teams in this competition without these incredible ladies. And to Ms Sarah Gear and Ms Charlotte Johnston… umpires extraordinaire, who came along as our two umpires for the day.

We are off to Underwood next Friday 30 May to compete in the Primary Schools Cup. This is a much bigger carnival with teams from around Queensland competing. I know with absolute certainty that our ladies will represent themselves and our school beautifully.  

LIFE EDUCATION

We are so excited to welcome our friends from Life Education back to Guardian Angels from Thursday 5 June. They will be here with us until Friday 13 June. Throughout this time, each class will enjoy one lesson with the Life Education team.

Life Education has been working with Queensland students for over 30 years; empowering our wonderful children with knowledge and skills that encourage healthy, safe lives.

In the world around us, these life skills are as important as ever. Through the Life Education programs, the students learn about key influences on health and wellbeing, including nutrition, cyber safety, bullying, substance abuse and use, emotional health and relationships. This is done in an informative, age appropriate and entertaining manner .. and the students really love to ‘chat’ with Harold the Healthy Giraffe.

Unfortunately the Life Education van will not be on site this year. The students will enjoy their visits with Healthy Harold in a classroom space.

Please find full module information for each year level below:

Prep

MY BODY MATTERS

Students learn about choices and behaviours that promote health and wellbeing as they are growing and changing. They explore personal hygiene, healthy food choices, the benefits of physical activity and sleep.

Year One

GROWING GOOD FRIENDS

Students investigate the importance of respectful friendships and the benefits they have on our wellbeing. This includes recognising the qualities of a good friend, showing care and concern for others, and practising ways to respectfully ask, give or deny consent to keep ourselves safe.

Year Two

HAROLD’S ONLINE WORLD

In this brand new 2025 module, Healthy Harold helps our Year Two students recognise the importance of being safe both online and offline. They will learn to identify trusted adults who can support them.

Year Three

THE INSIDE STORY

This fun, interactive lesson is set in a kid’s TV news program. A team of young scientists shrink Harold and place him in a tiny capsule so he can travel inside the body and report back on what he sees.

Year Four

FRINEDS AND FEELINGS

This module is presented in an engaging comic-book style with the lesson revolving around a conflict between old friends, Boots and Red. When Red runs off, upset, Boots starts to feel sick in her tummy. With help from their friendship group, they sort things out.

Year Five/Six

RELATE, RESPECT, CONNECT

In this module, students investigate the importance of respectful relationships; especially online connections. They learn to recognise, react and report disrespectful and unsafe online behaviour, as well as how to navigate friendships online.

Blessings to you all for the coming weeks

Nicole Waller

From the Assistant Principal Religious Education

Dear Families

Peace and Welcome to Week 5 of Term 2.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

The dates for National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.

Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

For National Reconciliation Week at Guardian Angels’ we will participate and show our respect through the following actions:

• Friday 23 May – Year 5/6 Students representing GA in the ‘Remembering the Empty Coolamons’ art installation in commemoration of National Sorry Day 2025. Held at the Mount Carmel Centre. 
• Monday 26 May –Sorry Day – school will be providing the opportunity for all staff and students to wear purple ribbons if they chose, to acknowledge Sorry Day.  This is optional for all staff and students.
• 3 Classroom activities(created from BCE Team) exploring the meaning of Reconciliation Week, the 2025 theme and how ‘we can take action’. 
• Daily Prayer with the focus on Reconciliation – individual year level prayers.  
• One People, One Land– Whole school song to learn during prayer time next week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiz93nNyNbU

• Story Time with Jess– National Reconciliation Week: Prep – Year 3 classes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWnd7lxjp6I

• Nomads Two Worlds– Reconciliation clip for Years 4 – 6 classes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lErghc_2j4w

• Staff Prayer - Reconciliation Week Prayer
• Sharing classroom work and activities on our school social media platforms, as well as the Week 6 school bulletin.

Remembering the Empty Coolamons

🧠 Building Stronger Minds and Kinder Hearts 🫀
Introducing Second Steps (SEL) with our LIVE the GA Way!

We are excited to share that our school is launching the Second Step Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum this term! 

Second Step is a research-based program designed to help students build essential life skills such as:

• Empathy and kindness
• Emotional Management
• Problem Solving
• Responsible Decision Making

Through engaging lessons, interactive activities, and real-life scenarios, students will learn how to navigate their emotions, build positive relationships, and make thoughtful choices – skills that support both academic success and personal growth and which closely aligns with our LIVE the GA Way at Guardian Angels’.

This program is part of our commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive school environment where every student can thrive. It is aimed to be a fun and friendly way for students to learn important life skills. Second steps lessons aim to help children feel more confident, connected and ready to learn.

We will be sharing classroom activities, tips and resources in upcoming newsletters, assemblies and our social media platforms to help families reinforce these skills beyond the classroom and school setting.

You might hear your child talking about ‘belly breathing’ or ‘empathy’ at home – these are just some of the great tools they will be learning!

Let’s take this Second Step together as we strive to LIVE the GA Way!

‘LIVE the GA Way’ Theme – Welcoming Place

This month, our schoolwide theme is that our school is a welcoming place where every student feels like he or she belongs. In our morning announcements and school assembly, we’ll be reminding students to welcome others and act and speak in safe, respectful, and responsible ways. In addition we’ll be reminding students of our school expectations in Living the GA Way.

We’ll also begin teaching the Second Step program, which includes lessons that support these behaviours. Please continue to support your child at home in welcoming others and acting and speaking in safe, respectful, and responsible ways.

Please see a photo of Year 1 Green with their Second Step ‘snail’ 🐌 teaching character puppet.

God Bless

Nicholas Cotter

From the Primary Learning Leader

National Simultaneous Story Time

Yesterday, Guardian Angels participated in the National Simultaneous Story Time (NSST) event.  The book selected this year was called The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel. 

Students had the opportunity to listen and watch a read-aloud with their class groups and to participate in a variety of activities to support the text.  Year 4 had fun drawing Tinka the Cat and making Truck origami.  While Year 1 completed activities in their reading groups. 

Mrs Lawer created a beautiful display in the library for our students to enjoy. Thanks, Mrs Lawer!!

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Earlier this week, an email containing information regarding the Premier’s Reading Challenge was sent to all parents. Each student has (or will) receive a Student Reading Form to record the books they have read.  Students can begin reading from now until the 22nd of August. 

To successfully complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge, students must read or experience the specified number of books indicated below:

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books. The aim for the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read. Last year saw more than 216,000 children from around the state participate.

Students are to bring their completed reading record form back to school by the 26^th of August.  Students who complete the challenge will receive a certificate in October. 

Please encourage your child/ren to participate in this very worthwhile reading experience.

Maths Games

Every class at Guardian Angels has been incorporating maths games into their maths routines.  Through Maths games students are building their mathematical fluency skills and developing a growth mindset.  Students use the Learning Walls in their classrooms to support the learning and playing of mathematical games, which are directly linked to the curriculum.  We are very pleased with the level of engagement from all students. 

Maths Games

I look forward to keeping you updated on our school’s maths journey in 2025.

Melinda Paljakka

From the Finance Office

School Fees

Term 2 school fees were issued last Tuesday 6 May and are due for payment by 20 May 2025. Thank you to those families who have already made payments or who have arrangements in place.

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

National Volunteer Week

A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers! 
This week we celebrate National Volunteer Week. We are beyond grateful for the kindness, hard work and passion our volunteers bring to our school community.
Every moment you spend helping in our classrooms, supporting fundraising events or a morning in the tuckshop helps shape a better experience for our students and staff.
From the bottom of our hearts – Thank you!

From the P&F

From the Parish

Tell Them From Me: Parent Survey

Dear Parents and Carers,

We are inviting students, teachers, and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.

We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them from Me® (TTFM®) Partners in Learning survey.  As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community, we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at Guardian Angels’ School.

The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.   

The survey is open until Friday 30 May 2025.

Please contact the school via pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au if you have any queries.

You can access your survey on your computer or mobile device by using this URL below: 

From the Tuckshop

A reminder that our tuckshop is currently CLOSED for maintenance.

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.