Guardian Angels' Newsletter - Term 4 | Week 8
Coming up @ GA
Friday 25 November
Year 5/6 Green invite you to take part in our annual Minnie Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
There is a uniform free day on Friday 25 November where you can wear your favourite Christmas t-shirt, outfit or dress in Christmas colours. Remember to return your St Vincent de Paul donation envelope on Friday 25 November too.
Please help us support a wonderful charity at Christmas time.
Week 9
Monday 28 November
P-6 Assembly - Nativity Play - led by Prep Blue - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Tuesday 29 November
Academic reports available via the Parent Portal
Year 6 Excursion - Wet n Wild
Wednesday 30 November
Meet the Teacher 2023 Morning
P-6 Assembly - End of Year Farewell and Blessing - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Christmas Concert - 5:30pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Thursday 1 December
Tuckshop CLOSED
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Moving Day
Friday 2 December
Tuckshop CLOSED
Closing Mass and Christmas Carols - 9:00am-10:20am - MC Shed (all welcome)
Last day of School 2022 - school day concludes at 12:00pm
Week 1 | T1 2023
Tuesday 24 January
First day of Term 1 - 8:25am – 3:00pm
From the Principal
Staffing at Guardian Angels’
I am pleased to announce that our class structures and staffing for 2023 are finalised with details contained further in this letter.
Welcome…
I would like to welcome new staff and those moving to new roles at Guardian Angels’ in 2023:
- Rhiannon Cameron (Assistant Principal Religious Education): We welcome Rhiannon to our Leadership Team in the position of Assistant Principal Religious Education.
- Renae Haggitt (Guidance Counsellor): Renae continues in our Inclusion Team in 2023, and in a short time has contributed greatly to guiding and supporting our students and families.
- Jenny Druce (School Secretary/Enrolments): Jenny Druce will join Guardian Angels’ permanently in the position of School Secretary/Enrolments after working with us this year while Jane Rhodes was on leave.
We welcome all new staff to our Guardian Angels’ community and trust that they find their time in our school a very rewarding experience.
Farewell and thanks
Each person has an important in our school community and as we farewell members of our staff, we are given the opportunity to celebrate all that they have accomplished during their time at Guardian Angels’ and we wish them every success in their new beginnings. We farewell:
- Elizabeth Morrissey (Acting APRE/PLL): We farewell Liz for Terms 1 & 2 next year as she moves into an Acting Assistant Principal role at St Peter’s School, Rochedale.
- Jennifer Steinberg (Class Teacher): Jennifer will commence a period of parental leave next year as she prepares to welcome a new baby to her family.
- Jane Rhodes (Administration/Enrolment School Officer): Jane is ending her time at GA after a period of leave in 2022.
- Joy Barker (School Officer): Joy ends her 26 year association with Guardian Angels and moves into retirement.
- Cintia May (Guidance Counsellor): Cintia will not be returning to Guardian Angels in 2023, and we wish her well as she continues her professional journey.
As we farewell each staff member at the end of this term, we do so in recognition of the valued contributions made to our Guardian Angels’ community.
There will be opportunities to gather and to share words of personal thanks, but I would like to thank them for their service and acknowledge that we are thankful to our God for gifting us with them.
We pray for them as they farewell our school community and move into new beginnings:
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again,
May God keep you in the palm of his hand.
Staffing Arrangements and Learning Areas for 2023
Teaching Staff and allocated learning areas for 2023 are as below:
- Prep Blue - Elisha Thatcher GA 1
- Prep Green - Sheridan Arndell GA 2
- Prep Red - Lucy Zimmerlie GA 5
- 1 Blue - Clare Thorburn GA 3
- 1 Green - Vicki Lucas GA 4
- 1 Red - Danielle Carroll GA 11
- 2 Blue - Nicole Dodds GA 9
- 2 Green- Anne-Maree Harrison GA 10
- 2 Red - Karen Morshuis GA 7
- 2 Yellow - Warren Kay GA 8
- 3 Blue - Bernadette Williams & Jo Summerville MC 9
- 3 Green - Alison Hackett - MC 10
- 3 Red - Will Erwin - MC 11
- 4 Blue - Lisa Gear MC 13
- 4 Green - Kelli Griffith MC 14
- 4 Red - Mary Osterio MC 15
- 5/6 Blue - David Trimble MC 6
- 5/6 Green - Alana Prasnikar MC 5
- 5/6 Red - Melinda Paljakka MC 8
Specialist Lessons in 2022: Library, Music, PE and LOTE Japanese
In 2023, our specialist curriculum offerings will continue in the areas of:
- Music (Prep – Year 6)
- Drama (Prep – Year 6)
- Physical Education (Prep – Year 6)
- Library (Prep – Year 4)
- LOTE Japanese (Years 5 and 6)
Specialists lessons are timetabled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week, with LOTE scheduled each Thursday.
Physical Education (PE)
Physical Education will be offered by a specialist teacher, Ms Melanie Denmead, to all students from Prep to Year 6. Students will attend weekly lessons.
Swimming lessons will occur in Term 4 for students in Years 1 and 2. This is to reduce disruptions at the commencement of the school year as our students settle into their learning and teaching routines. Details will be provided upon completion of the master calendar for 2023 and shared via regular communication platforms.
Music
Music will be offered by a specialist teacher, Mrs Daniela Clever, to all students from Prep to Year 6. Students will attend weekly lessons.
Drama
Drama will be offered by a specialist teacher, Mrs Andrea Ellis-Vester, to all students from Prep to Year 6. Students will attend weekly lessons.
LOTE Japanese
LOTE Japanese will be offered by a specialist teacher, Mrs Karen Druve, for students in Years 5 and 6. Students will attend weekly lessons.
Instrumental Music Program: Creative Kidz
David and Kath Smith, of Creative Kidz, will continue to offer a user-pay instrumental music program to our Guardian Angels’ students. This is a wonderful program offered to our students and further information will be shared by the Creative Kidz team in the weeks ahead.
Meet the Teacher Morning – Wednesday 30 November 2022
Our Meet the Teacher Morning is scheduled for Wednesday 30 November 2022 (Week 9). Continuing students and new students commencing in 2023 from Prep to Year 6 will join us for this morning. We will also welcome most of our teaching staff for 2023. All new and current students will spend the morning engaged in learning and teaching activities with their 2023 teacher/s. Please note the arrangements as below:
- On arrival at school, all students are to place their bags outside the classroom of their regular 2022 learning area prior to going to normal before school supervision/play areas.
- At the start of day, students will line up as per their regular before school routines and will move with their 2022 class teacher to their normal classrooms to mark the roll.
- Current Year 6 students and all other students leaving Guardian Angels’ at the end of 2022 will spend the session with our specialist teaching team.
Notification of Class Groups/Teachers for 2023
A letter outlining your child’s Class Group and Teacher will be sent home with each student on Monday 28 November. Please check your child’s bag for this information.
Teachers will also share this information with the students prior to leaving on Monday 28 November in preparation for Meet the Teacher morning on Wednesday 30 November 2022.
Start of Year Arrangements for 2023: Day 1 at Guardian Angels’
Students will commence school with a full day on Tuesday 24 January 2023.
Details for the first day are outlined below:
Tuesday 24 January 2023:
- Full day 8:25am – 3:00pm
What to bring:
- School backpack – named with distinguishing keyring
- Munch and Crunch (fruit and/or vegetable snack), lunch and afternoon tea
- School hat and water bottle
- Your EDSCO bookpack (see below)
- Students in Years 3-6 are to bring a pencil case containing writing equipment.
What to wear:
- Full uniform including school hat.
Stationery Requirements – Years 1 to 6
- The book packs for students in Years 1 to 6 are provided by an external supplier – EDESCO.
- https://www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au/curriculum/Pages/Year-Level-Booklists.aspx
- If your book pack was pre-ordered by the cut-off date it will be delivered to your address. The book pack comes in a large rectangular box which you should use to bring all items to school on the first day.
- Please label every item in the pack, including pens, pencils, glue, with your child’s name.
- Students can bring their own pencil case however it must be able to fit inside a tidy box.
- Novelty items are not to be brought to school.
- Some of these named items, from the book pack, will be collected on Day 1 and stored for use when a student’s supplies run down.
Parent Handbook
Our 2023 Parent Handbook will be available soon. You will find it on the Guardian Angels’ website and a copy will come home with your child before the end of term.
By working together as parents and educators, we can build a foundation for life-long learning. We welcome your participation and support during the school year and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of your child with you.
I take this opportunity to wish all Guardian Angels' families a restful break from school routines over the summer holidays. May you have the gift of faith, the blessing of hope and the peace of His love this festive season.
Veronica Tomerini-Smith
Assistant Principal - Administration
Good afternoon lovely families
GA End of Year Disco – Friday 25 November
It’s time to get your dancing shoes on as we prepare for the P&F End of Year Disco this Friday afternoon/evening (25 November). The students are so excited to come along and dance the night away and it’s always wonderful to see the happiness on their faces at events such as this. You would have received a flyer outlining the Disco times and Meal Deal information. There are also sausages, soft drink, beer and wine available to purchase on the night (cash only).
Be sure to RSVP your intention to come along and enjoy all of the disco fun. Our super P&F have been working so hard to prepare for this event and I am certain it will be lots and lots of fun.
PLEASE NOTE: Friday evenings are quite busy with our Parish friends. On Friday 25 November, there will be a number of Parish events running and so there is NO PARKING FOR THE SCHOOL DISCO in the CHURCH CAR PARK.
Please do not park in the Church Car Park if you are attending the Disco, but rather find a street park nearby.
Disco details:
- Friday 25 November (in the MC Shed)
- Entry through the PINE STREET GATE ONLY please.
- Prep – Year 2: 4:30-5:45pm
- Years 3 – 6: 6:00 – 7:30pm
- Bring along some chairs or picnic rugs … and don’t forget your dancing shoes!
Parent Teacher Interviews
Thank you to all parents and carers who were able to take advantage of the Parent Teacher Interviews offered by classroom teachers last week. It was wonderful to hear from the teachers that they had fabulous conversations regarding the progress and achievement of their beautiful students, and that many parents took the opportunity to personally thank their child/ren’s teachers for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. It’s really lovely for a teacher to receive that affirmation from you. This is a privileged responsibility we have as educators and it means so much when you let the teachers know how grateful you are for their work with your child/ren.
Semester 2 Reports
As well as preparing for their Parent Teacher Interviews, our fabulous teaching staff have been finalising the Semester 2 Summary of Achievement (reports) for each student. These reports are a culmination of the achievements and efforts of our students over the past two terms and will provide valuable information as the end of this school year draws to a close.
The Semester 2 Summary of Achievement will be uploaded to the Parent Portal next Tuesday 29 November at approximately 5:00pm. Parents will have access to their child/ren’s reports at this time through the Parent Portal. Remember to download and/or print off a copy for yourself in case you need it for school interviews moving forward; once your child/ren leave Guardian Angels, you will no longer have access to the Parent Portal, so it’s important to download, save and/or print off copies.
GA Christmas Concert
Next Wednesday 30 November we will gather together as a school community for our GA Christmas Concert. While this is a whole school event, we would love for our students to come dressed up in their Christmas best as we sing along and spread our Christmas cheer. The concert will run from 5:30pm-7:30pm in the MC Shed and we would love for every family to come along and join together for the final time this school year. Under the guidance of Mrs Daniela Clever (Music Teacher) and Mrs Andrea Ellis-Vester (Drama Teacher), the students have been learning their Christmas songs, getting ready for this wonderful Christmas event.
Christmas Concert details:
- Wednesday 30 November (in the MC Shed)
- Entry through PINE STREET GATE ONLY please.
- 5:30-7:30pm
- This is a WHOLE-SCHOOL EVENT.
- Bring along some chairs (maybe some snacks) and your finest Christmas Carol voices!
As this is the final full newsletter of the year, may I take this opportunity to extend my most genuine appreciation to all of you as we have travelled in partnership throughout this past year. I have said it often … my job is a privilege and a blessing. I am able to spend my days working alongside your beautiful children and also have many opportunities to work with many of you throughout the year. Thank you for all you do to support this incredible school.
Blessings of Christmas joy and peace to you all. May the gifts of love and hope that Jesus’ birth signifies fill your hearts and your lives over this blessed season.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Nicole Waller
Assistant Principal - Religious Education (Acting)
Good afternoon Parents and Carers
St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal
Last week each family would have received an envelope for the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal. This is an annual appeal that raises money to help less fortunate families at this time special time of year. Tomorrow, Friday 25 November, the children are welcome to wear Christmas themed clothes. Remember to return the giving envelopes sent home tomorrow too. All donations will be received with much appreciation.
Nativity Play
I would like to invite all families and friends to our annual Nativity Play. The Nativity Play will be held on Monday 28 November beginning at 2:00pm in the MC Shed. The Nativity play will be presented by Mrs Prasnikar and the students of Prep Blue. It will be a wonderful way to start our Christmas celebrations this year.
Blessings for the week ahead,
Liz Morrissey
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 next year. 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 COVID19 Update (21 Nov 2022): Change to Traffic Light Response to COVID
From Friday 11 November, the Queensland Government and our Chief Health Officer announced that Queensland has entered its fourth wave of COVID-19. There has consequently been a change in the traffic light system guiding the state’s COVID-19 response, from green to amber.
Amber (Tier 1) means there are moderate rates of community transmission. When the traffic light is amber, you should follow the advice for the green traffic light, and:
- wear a mask
- in healthcare settings
- indoors, if you can't socially distance
- on public transport
- if you are older or medically at risk
- if you're around people who are vulnerable to COVID-19
- take a rapid test (RAT) every 2 days if someone in your household has COVID-19.
People who are older or have medical conditions can be more vulnerable to serious illness if they get COVID-19. The Chief Health Officer urged all Queenslanders to stay at home if they are sick, to undertake RAT testing and record positive results with Queensland Health and for close contact household members to monitor for symptoms and undertake RAT testing.
More information from Queensland Health can be accessed here: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/ health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/health-advice/traffic-light-advice
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 6 February.
The shop will open between 7:45am and 8:20am on the GA campus. Each item is $5. Cash only sales.
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.
Awards
Congratulations to the following students who received an award at Assembly:
Cooper L-S
From the Tuckshop
Tuckshop Volunteer Roster
Week 9
Wednesday 30 November - HELPER NEEDED
Thursday 1 December - TUCKSHOP CLOSED
Friday 2 December - TUCKSHOP CLOSED
Please contact Annalise Olm if you are able to volunteer your time in the canteen in 2023.
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
Next P&F Meeting | 20 February 2023 | 6:30pm
From the Parish
CHILDREN'S LITURGY | 5:00pm Sunday Mass | 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month
At Children’s Liturgy, children aged Prep to Year 3-4 are invited over to the Hall to break open the Word of God at their level with an activity before re-joining us in the church as they bring up the gifts to the altar.
Next Children's Liturgy:
27 November - followed by sausage sizzle and Christmas Carols in the Courtyard
11 December
*** * *** * ***
Carols in the Courtyard and Sausage Sizzle - Sunday 27 November | 6:00pm
Join us for Christmas Carols and a Sausage Sizzle.
As the parish prepares for Christmas all parishioners are invited to come along and join in our celebration of the 5:00pm Mass which will include Children’s liturgy. This will be followed by Christmas Carols in the Courtyard outside the Parish Hall with a Sausage Sizzle provided by the KSC. BYO drinks.
A small group from our Renewal groups is busily preparing to help make this night a truly memorable and family friendly occasion. Come along and get to know other parishioners who you might only see from time to time but not really have a chance to meet in a social setting. We are trying to build our parish into a friendly and welcoming community.
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 4 and Year 5/6 2023.
We encourage families interested in a place at Guardian Angels' in 2023 to apply online as soon as possible:
http://www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au/enrolments/Pages/Enrolment-Information.aspx
Your child should be turning 5 before 30 June 2023 to be eligible for Prep next year.
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
Bayside United Football Club is excited to announce an opportunity for junior girls and boys to attend free soccer trials for the upcoming 2023 season. The club would be delighted if you could share the attached flier in your school newsletter or Facebook page with the associated links below:
Form for expression of interest
https://forms.gle/eH2Ln5SqTdSEozew6
Please forward all enquiries to
seniormens@baysideunited.com.au
Yours sincerely
Lee Walker - Club Technical Director
Teo Atomii - Girls Technical Director
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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