Guardian Angels' Newsletter - Term 4 | Week 2
Coming up @ GA
Week 3
Monday 17 October
State Cricket Competition (select students) - all week
Social Justice Week: Catholic Mission
Tuesday 18 October
Prep 2023 Orientation Morning #1 - 8:45am-10:30am
Opti-MINDS - 3:15pm-4:15pm
Wednesday 19 October
P-6 Assembly - Socktober (led by Y5/6) - 1:50pm - MC Shed
Thursday 20 October
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program
Friday 21 October
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Swimming Lessons - Year 1 and Year 2
Saturday 22 October and Sunday 23 October
Opti-MINDS State Finals (select students)
Week 4
Monday 24 October
Tuesday 25 October
Wednesday 26 October
P-6 Assembly - World Teacher's Day - led by Year 1G - 1:50pm - MC Shed
P&F AGM - Mt Carmel Campus Staffroom - 6:30pm
Thursday 27 October
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Socktober (Crazy Socks Day)!
Socktober Liturgy - led by Year 5/6 - 8:45am - MC Shed (all welcome)
Friday 28 October
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
World Teacher's Day
Swimming Lessons - Year 1 and Year 2
Bandanna sales for Bandanna Day commence
Bayside Catholic Swimming Carnival (select students)
Sunday 30 October
Grandparents Day
From the Principal
Welcome back for the final school term of 2022. As we worked to finalise the Term 4 calendar over the break, we recognised that it is shaping up to be a very busy term. Certainly, we’ve had a flying start to the first couple of weeks, with our students settling quickly back into routines and engaging enthusiastically with their learning activities.
We have gathered and celebrated Grandparents Day. This was a very special day for our community as we had an opportunity to honour and celebrate the important role that Grandparents and other special people have in the lives of the students at our school. Gala Sport for Years 5/6, an excursion for Year 2 and our swimming carnival for Years 3–6, have already been highlights and we are only at the end of Week 2. With the health situation that has impacted our communities over the past years, I know that you would also share in our thankfulness that these much-loved calendar events are able to occur. We are looking forward to a term that enables opportunities for us to celebrate and enjoy the presence of all in our school community.
As I’ve been out and about at school over the past two weeks, it has been wonderful to greet our students and their families as they returned to school and shared stories from their holidays. It is always lovely to see the smiling faces filled with genuine excitement at seeing teachers and friends. This same feeling was apparent when I visited learning areas and saw students who were happy and were working together with peers and staff in a spirit of care and respect. This is supported by the commitment of our staff towards learning and teaching that inspires our students to have a go and to never give up, as they strive for success in all that they do.
I know that at the end of this second week of term, our students can return home intensely proud of the community that they are a part of; knowing that they are in a school where they are appreciated and respected for their uniqueness. Let us pray,
The Beatitudes of Unique Persons
Blessed are you who accept us for who we are and what we have to give
and do not try to take away that which makes us unique,
that which makes us who we are.
Blessed are you who support us by creating a warm, accepting atmosphere,
allowing us to grow and learn and make mistakes without condemning us.
Blessed are you who take the time to listen, who invite us to contribute,
for to be able to join in is to feel part of a community and never to feel lonely or afraid.
Blessed are you who help us with the graciousness of Christ,
who did not bruise the reed and quench the flax,
for often we need help, but, we do not know how to ask.
Blessed are you who are yourself unique, for you make the world a richer,
happier and better place to live.
Rejoice in the understanding that God made each of us unique
and special in different ways.
May we all learn how to encourage others more and loudly enough
so that we drown out all the negative voices.
We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen
(Author unknown)
Staffing Arrangements: Acting Assistant Principal Religious Education
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Morrissey as Acting Assistant Principal Religious Education (APRE) at Guardian Angels’ School commencing Monday 17 October 2022.
Liz is currently working in the role of Primary Learning Leader at our school. An accomplished educator, Liz is a respected member of our leadership team and has worked extensively in Catholic Education and in diverse educational settings over many years. Her enthusiasm and experience will be a valuable addition to our school community in the role of Acting APRE. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Science and Geography; Post Graduate Certificate in Religious Education and a Post Graduate Certificate in Innovative Education.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Hannah Goodwin over the past 5 years at our school and wish her well as she moves into the role of APRE at St Oliver Plunkett School, Cannon Hill.
I am sure that you will join with me in congratulating Liz on this appointment.
Blessings for the week ahead,
Veronica Tomerini-Smith
Assistant Principal - Administration
Good afternoon lovely families
It’s Week Two and we are already firing on all cylinders. This is a really wonderful term; so busy and so full of wonderful celebrations.
Booklists – Year 1-6
This afternoon you should have received booklist information for the 2023 school year. Guardian Angels’ preferred booklist supplier is Edsco who work closely with us to ensure quality resources, convenient processes and affordable prices. You are able to order the entire book pack or customise it to suit your needs.
Please take note that Edsco offer a free and prompt delivery service as long as the book packs are ordered by the cut off deadline date: FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER.
Edsco will arrange delivery (on or before Monday 19 December) to any nominated address so you can have it delivered to home or work, whichever is more convenient for you. These early delivery dates can only be arranged for orders placed before the 11 November cut-off date. Always be sure to check through your order once you receive it.
Online (paperless) ordering and payment is preferred, however you are still able to complete a paper order form and return to school with full payment by Friday 11 November if you prefer. Please note that school will not accept any paper order forms after Friday 11 November. The steps for online ordering are very simple, so please consider using the online ordering process if possible.
Edsco will still accept book orders after Friday 11 November, however a delivery date cannot be guaranteed and a standard delivery fee would apply in this case.
Booklists – Prep
The order for our new Prep students is handled directly between the school and Edsco. The Prep book packs are delivered in bulk to the school in the last week of this term and will be organised by the Prep teachers in preparation for the new school year, eliminating any need for families to organise book packs for the little ones. Prep families will be billed for these book packs in their Term 1 school fees.
Swimming
Our little angels in Years 1 and 2 will begin seven weeks of Learn to Swim lessons beginning this Friday 14 October (Week 2). Please ensure you have completed all relevant permissions and communicated any relevant information to your classroom teachers. Students will travel to and from Manly Pool by bus (seatbelts) and the costs for swimming will be added to the Term 4 school fees.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Teachers will be offering Parent Teacher Interviews in Week 7 of this term (Monday 14 – Friday 18 November). These interviews are a wonderful opportunity to touch base with your child/ren’s teacher/s and discuss their progress and achievements as we prepare to round off the year.
Interview opportunities will be offered through Parent Teacher Online (PTO). This is the same system we use for the Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews. The classroom teachers will soon open their available timeslots and then we will open the interview schedule to parents. You will receive information related to this via email and newsletters so please be aware of this important news. There is nothing more for you to do in this space at this time and we will communicate relevant information and instructions in the coming weeks.
Guardian Angels’ Campus Drop Off and Pick Up Information
The information below has been emailed to parents last week and included in all Prep-Year 2 Curriculum Newsletters, so if you have already read it, there’s no need to continue reading this section.
Drop Off Zone
- A gentle reminder that all students are to remain IN THEIR CARS when waiting for the GA Drop Off Zone to open at 8:05am. This includes hanging out of windows, opening car doors etc.
- Please continue to adhere to the appropriate Drop Off Zone procedures including NOT cutting in from Pine Street to the line of patiently waiting traffic along Akonna Street. Please enter Akonna Street from Cedar Street in respectful recognition of those parents who are following the correct process and waiting for their turn.
Guardian Angels’ Playground
To support and continue a calm and organised transition into the school day for our students on the Guardian Angels’ Campus, we are making a change to the morning routine. Please be aware of the following information:
- The students are to play and gather on the lower part of the GA Playground only (Quandamooka Playground area).
- From next week (Monday 10 October) all Prep – Year 2 students will be lining up on the lower playground area (Quandamooka Playground) before school and after breaks.
- We request that parents DO NOT gather with your children on the top playground area (between admin building and hall).
- Parents who would like to stay with your child until the bell sounds at 8:25am, please do so somewhere on the lower playground area (directly in front of the Year 1 and 2 buildings).
- We also actively request that our students do not play running games before school. The large volume of people in the playground at this time means that running games can be quite dangerous. The students are very aware of this expectation.
- The students will proceed directly to their designated lining up area when the bell sounds at 8:25am.
I would also like to remind you that students are not to play after the 3:00pm bell. It’s lovely to see our beautiful parents gather to collect their child/ren, and I ask that you be aware of the following:
- Please do not direct your child to the locked gate between the church and Quandamooka Playground. If you are parking and walking in to collect your child, please do so through the main entrance gate between the church and admin building.
- Students are to be with their own parent/grandparent at this time.
- Although you are very kind in offering, the staff cannot leave students in the care/supervision of other parents if a student has not been picked up.
- In the case that a parent/carer may be running a little late for pick up and a student has not been collected from the GA playground area by 3:05pm, they will be taken to the GA Pick Up Zone to wait for collection.
- The GA Pick Up zone is supervised by staff until 3:20pm.
- Any student who has not been collected by 3:20pm from the respective pick up zones, will be taken to the appropriate office to await collection.
- In the event that you have been held up and will not be at school for pick up by 3:20pm, please phone the office to let staff know.
We ask for your support in these processes because we acknowledge how important it is that we all continue to work in partnership for our angels.
Many thanks and blessings for the coming week
Many blessings to you all for a wonderful week
Nicole Waller
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
As I move on to the next chapter of my professional life, I would like to thank you all for being part of my journey here at Guardian Angels’ over the past 5 years. I have learnt so much from the GA community in my time here and I will take all I have learnt with me. I have cherished getting to know your children and working with them. Furthermore, I enjoyed getting to know many of you and having had the privilege of working with some of you on the P&F and Board. I will miss the welcoming nature of the Guardian Angels’ community and will always remember my time here fondly.
Thank you and every blessing to you all
Hannah Goodwin
In other news...
Drop off and pick up zone volunteers
Thank you to those parents who have already so generously volunteered their time in the pick up zones. We truly appreciate your help.
We would love parent helpers at both campuses in Term 4. Pick up zones operate from 8:00am – 8:25am in the morning and from 2:55pm – 3:20pm in the afternoons. It's an easy 25 mins, opening car doors, helping little people in and out of cars.
If you can spare 20-30 minutes once or twice a week please email Jenny Druce at jdruce@bne.catholic.edu.au with your preferred day, time and campus.
If I have nominated you for a shift, and it’s not suitable, please let me know.
A friendly reminder, before commencing your role as a volunteer or other personnel at our school, you are required to complete the online volunteer training. The training 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
You will need to download, print and complete your registration form, which is contained within your online training. Return it to the School Office prior to commencing your role.
Health and Wellbeing at GA
Important Update: COVID-19 mandatory isolation periods to cease from 14 October 2022
From Friday 14 October 2022, mandatory COVID-19 isolation periods will no longer be required in Queensland. Whilst the mandate has been lifted, the risk of infection from COVID and other contagious illnesses is still present, with Brisbane Catholic Education advising the need to maintain high levels of personal hygiene and to not attend school if unwell.
Up until 14 October, the 5-day isolation period for positive COVID cases is still compulsory. Further information from the QLD government is expected and will determine if other controls will be required as isolation is lifted. This information will be disseminated as soon as it is available.
Thank you for your ongoing support and please contact me at school if you have any queries.
Please keep your child at home if they are experiencing any COVID-19, cold or flu-like symptoms, however mild. If we contact you because your child is unwell, please collect your child as soon as possible. This will help us to reduce the risk of spreading infections in our school.
Thank you for your support and understanding in these continued challenging times.
Second-hand Uniform Shop
The second hand uniform shop will be open on the first Monday of the month with the next open day on Monday 7 November.
The shop will open between 7:45am and 8:20am on the GA campus. Each item is $5. Cash only sales.
A friendly reminder regarding the process for purchasing from the second hand shop:
- only parent volunteers, managing the second hand sales, are allowed in the storeroom
- second hand items are washed and bagged according to size so that finding stock is quick and easy
- due to the demand in short opening hours please take the item as given to you by our parent volunteers. It is not possible to sift through stock; if it is unsuitable it can be returned to the Mount Carmel School Office for a refund or exchange
- the shop has a small float on the day but the exact change is appreciated.
Demand for second hand uniform items is usually high so our parent volunteers truly appreciate your kindness and patience as they help as many parents as possible when the shop is open.
Need items outside of shop open times? Please email pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au with what you need and one of our amazing parent volunteers will fill this order for you.
Lost Property
The two hats pictured below fell out of a car at GA drop off his morning. They can be collected from GA Reception or we can send them home with your child. Please contact the School Office.
Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received an award at Assembly:
Week 1: Kanwarsher S, Kharon S, Marli G, Cedar M, Rocky B, Cohen V
Week 2: Isabella T, Harrison B, Estella L, Emerson O, Madison V, Thomas V, Piata T, Georgina M, Harry S, Luke L, Mila P, Nathan M, Theodore W, Julia A, Emily B, Chloe C
From the Tuckshop
Tuckshop Volunteer Roster
Week 3
Wednesday 19 October - Stephanie Taylor
Thursday 20 October - Simone Winsch
Friday 21 October - Karen Slater
Week 4
Wednesday 26 October - HELPER NEEDED
Thursday 27 October - Natasha Staal
Friday 28 October - Angela Pannakoek
Helpers are still needed this Term. Please contact Annalise Olm if you are able to volunteer your time in the canteen.
Before commencing your role as a volunteer or other personnel at our school, you are required to complete the annual online volunteer training. The training 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
You will need to download, print and complete your registration form, which is contained within your online training. Return it to the School Office prior to commencing your role.
From the P&F
Don’t delay purchasing your tickets for the Casino Night! No need to book with a group as it is a cocktail style event. So book your ticket now using this link: https://www.trybooking.com/CDFEU
On Saturday 5 November the Guardian Angels' P&F Association are hosting an adults only Casino Night.
We are looking for businesses in the community that would like to sponsor or part sponsor a gaming table for the night. This sponsorship of the gaming entertainment means that we are able to use the money raised through ticket sales to fund school projects.
If you are interested in sponsoring a gaming table or would like more information please email pwynnumpandf@bne.catholic.edu.au Alternatively, if you know a local business that may be interested please pass on the details.
Thank you for your support!
From the Parish
CHILDREN'S LITURGY | 5:00pm Sunday Mass | 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month
All families welcome. Make sure to let others know too.
*** * *** * ***
Enrolments
At Guardian Angels' we place particular importance in acknowledging the various gifts and talents each community member is blessed with, as we strive to unite under the theme, ‘We Are One’.
2023 Enrolments
Currently a very small number of places remain available for Prep 2023. We are also managing waitlists for Year 3 and Year 5/6 2023.
We encourage families with children turning 5 before 30 June 2023 to apply online as soon as possible:
http://www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au/enrolments/Pages/Enrolment-Information.aspx
Prep 2024 enrolments
Enrolments for Prep 2024 are now open. Interviews for current families with children eligible for Prep in 2024 will take place early in Term 1 2023. Any existing families with children eligible for Prep in 2024, if you haven't already done so, are strongly encouraged to submit their applications and supporting documents now.
All enrolment applications are submitted online via our website:
http://www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au/enrolments/Pages/Enrolment-Information.aspx
For further information or interest in upcoming tours please contact Jenny Druce on 3396 4486 (ext 4) | or by email at pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au
From the Community...
Contact Us
Guardian Angels offers a broad-based inclusive curriculum with a range of opportunities and experiences that foster the growth of the whole student. We pride ourselves on the spirit that can be found in our students, staff and parents.
Visit us on the web at www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaswynnum
For all enquiries please email us at pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au
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