Guardian Angels' Newsletter - Term 1 | Week 1
Coming up @ GA
Friday 17 February | P&F Welcome BBQ |5:00pm-7:00pm
Week 2
Monday 30 January
Uniform Shop open 7:30am-10:30am
Prep Parent Partnership Evening - 6:00pm-7:00pm
Tuesday 31 January
P&F Extraordinary P&F Meeting - 6:30pm-7:30pm
Wednesday 1 February
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
P-6 Assembly - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Thursday 2 February
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
District Boys Cricket (select students)
Friday 3 February
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
District Boys Cricket (select students)
Opening School Mass - MC Shed - 9:00am (all welcome)
Week 3
Monday 6 February
Uniform Shop open 7:30am-10:30am
Secondhand uniform shop pop up - 7:45am-8:15am
Year 2 Parent Partnership Evening - 5:30pm-6:15pm
Year 4 Parent Partnership Evening - 6:30pm-7:15pm
Tuesday 7 February
Met East Baseball (select students)
Safe Internet Day
Year 1 Parent Partnership Evening - 5:30pm-6:15pm
Year 3 Parent Partnership Evening - 6:30pm-7:15pm
Wednesday 8 February
District Girls Cricket (select students)
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am) - "Welcome Back" Meal Deal
P-6 Assembly (Year 6 Leadership Presentation) - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program (Creative Kidz)
Thursday 9 February
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Principal's Tour - 9:00am-10:00am
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program (Creative Kidz)
Friday 10 February
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
From the Principal
The beginning of the new school year always holds such excitement and promise. As I shared in the energy and enthusiasm on the first day of school this year, I was reminded of the privileged work that we do in Catholic Education. This has been reflected as I have been out and about in our school, visiting classrooms and sharing in the welcome and connections between staff, parents and students. It is a blessing and a privilege to work together with you in our Guardian Angels’ community, and the very special community spirit that we deeply value is certainly present and inspiring a sense of belonging to all.
The enthusiasm and engagement in learning, in each learning area from the first day, is in no small way due to the efforts of all in our GA community. I extend my thanks to all for the efforts in ensuring that our students were prepared and ready to learn from the very first day.
We have already had many activities and indicators in our school that are symbolic of another incredible school year ahead including:
Our professional and committed staff who have been using their expertise to plan and create learning activities and spaces to engage our students in their learning. Recently, our staff have participated in a number of professional learning days focusing on writing, and their approach to using these learnings to extend their repertoire of practice for our students is inspiring.
With the start of the new school year, I welcome back our continuing staff and new staff to Guardian Angels’. I welcome Rhiannon Cameron to our Leadership Team in the role of Assistant Principal Religious Education. Rhiannon is an experienced educator with many years of leadership experience. I also welcome Warren Kay (Year 2), who has returned from leave; and Amanda Cutlack (School Officer) to our team.
Our Parent Partnership Sessions are scheduled to commence shortly. These sessions are an invaluable way to overview the learning, routines and general housekeeping for each year level, but they are so much more.
I am lucky to be a part of each session and to be able to share key initiatives of our school’s agenda for continuous improvement for the year ahead. I look forward to sharing these points in greater detail in the weeks ahead. Each session reinforces that our school is a place where parents, teachers and students respect and care for each other, and strive to build positive relationships that support each child. These sessions also invite parents to ask general questions about organisation. Parents who have specific questions or information for their child’s year level teachers are invited to arrange an alternative time to speak to them.
All parents are warmly invited to attend the relevant sessions which are outlined in the date claimer further in this newsletter.
As Parents, you are our partners in the educational journey of your child/children and we value that you are actively involved in school life. The importance of this is well evidenced in research that highlights that having an interest in your child’s learning creates a genuine sense of belonging that supports each child in their academic and social achievements and growth.
Date Claimer: Parent OLi Boot Camp Sessions (Years 3 – 6)
Detailed communication about our School’s OLi program (One-to-One Learning iPad) has been emailed to parents of students from years 3 – 6 today (Friday 27 January 2023).
Parent boot camp sessions have been scheduled during Week 4. Parent/s are required to attend one of these OLi boot camp sessions at the commencement of the program, each year. This is to ensure that you are aware of the rights, roles and responsibilities of the school, student, and parent within our one-to-one iPad program.
For 2023, parent sessions are as below:
**Registration for Parent ‘boot camp’ is required via the RSVP link by Thursday 9 February 2023
Our P&F are preparing to welcome new and continuing families at the upcoming ‘Welcome BBQ’ on Friday 17 February 2023. Our P&F provides a friendly forum to share ideas and to become actively involved in your child’s school community. Our P&F supports opportunities to volunteer and coordinates many exciting events for our community. I am looking forward to welcoming our continuing parents and new parents to our P&F meetings this year. Further information about how you can become involved in the P&F will be shared by the P&F Executive in the coming weeks.
All parents are members of our P&F and welcome to attend meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday 20 February 2023 at 6:30pm in the MC staff room.
I extend a very special welcome to our new families who join our GA community from Prep to Year 6 this year. You are warmly welcomed to our school.
I look forward to sharing in a fabulous year ahead that is filled with partnership in faith and quality learning and teaching.
Kind regards
Veronica Tomerini-Smith
Welcome to Prep Red!
Big smiles from Alfie, Eddy, Jasmine, Maddy and Thomas, starting in Prep this year!
Assistant Principal - Administration
Good afternoon lovely families …
I hope you are all travelling well … it has been so wonderful to welcome you all back to school for the 2023 school year.
I have included some key procedures and reminders in today’s newsletter. Importantly, the expectations outlined within each area are for all children and families and we seek your support in taking the time to revisit and familiarise yourself with each:
- Before and after school supervision
- Drop off/pick up zone reminders
- Hair and uniform expectations
- Toys and electronic devices
Drop Off and Pick Up Zone Information
NO STUDENTS ARE TO BE AT SCHOOL BEFORE 8:05am (with the exception of those students PREBOOKED into OSHC)
The school has designated AKONNA STREET ONLY for the Guardian Angels’ Campus and Pine Street ONLY for the Mt Carmel Campus as the ‘Pick-up/Drop-off Zones’. These are 2-minute passenger loading zones supervised by teachers and dedicated parent volunteers and are provided as a service to parents. The volunteers on the Junior Campus assist children to get in and out of the car with their school bags. It is a particularly helpful service for parents or family day carers who have babies and toddlers in the car. The following guidelines have been developed to provide maximum safety for children, parents and helpers who use the zones. We require your full support when using these zones.
Morning Drop-Off - Operates 8.05am to 8.25am
- Akonna Street (GA Campus) Please approach the zone from Cedar Street ONLY; NOT from Pine Street. Cutting in means that you push in front of other drivers who are waiting in the queue.
- Year 1 and above should be able to get themselves out of the car at Drop Off (especially if they have used Drop Off in the past). It can be quite challenging in the mornings when there is only teacher on duty, so for those little ones who are able to get themselves out of the car once you reach a coloured cone, then please do so.
- Pine Street (MC Campus) Please approach the zone from Tingal Road direction.
- Use the zone like a quick moving taxi rank – THE ZONE/S ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR PARKING.
Please remain alert and watch for directions from the helpers.
- Move forward as a space becomes available. Please do not ‘rat run’ and pull out and in around other cars. This greatly increases the risk of an accident.
- Unload children ONLY between the witches’ hats (the top half of the zone) or as directed by teachers or helpers.
- The driver is to remain in the car AT ALL TIMES.
- The children must exit and enter ONLY from the PASSENGER/FOOTPATH side of the vehicle.
- Children’s school bags and other items need to be in the car; NOT in the boot. Teachers and helpers will not open boots, as it is extremely dangerous (especially considering the slope of Chestnut Street). Please do not ask children to get school bags out of the boot themselves. If you need to use the boot, please park legally elsewhere and walk children into school.
- Students arriving after the bell (8:25AM) must be accompanied to the relevant office by a parent to collect a Late Slip; NOT dropped at the drop off zone.
- Please display your family name on an A4 sheet (printed please) or Visor label sign on the passenger side of your windscreen or visor. Your child will then be called and be ready for collection, cutting down on waiting time. If you require a name card for your card, please call Jenny in the MC Office and she will arrange one for you.
- Leave a space for driveways when waiting in Akonna Street and on Tingal Road – please be courteous to our neighbours.
Afternoon Pick-Up - Operates 3:00pm to 3:20pm
- The afternoon pick-up has the same rules as the morning drop-off.
- Students remaining at the zones at 3:20pm will be escorted by the supervising teacher to the respective office to await collection, so please be assured they will not be left waiting anywhere unsupervised.
Sometimes we have cars that park illegally during the designated ‘2 minute times’. This makes it inconvenient and unsafe as well as difficult to keep the flow of traffic moving quickly. We thank you in advance for your patience in these instances. Please be aware of the parking limits and times of operation when parking around the school. Please reassure your child that, although they may not be able to see your car straight away, you will be there to pick them up.
Helpers are always needed to run this vital service for the school. It is a great way to contribute, so if you and a friend can spare 30 minutes a week we would really appreciate it. If you would like to help, please call the school office.
Before and After School Supervision
Supervision of children on both campuses commences at 8:05am each morning. Children who arrive before 8:05am are expected to be enrolled in Before School Care.
After school, children are supervised at the two school Pick Up Zones until 3:20pm. Children who remain at the Pick Up Zone after 3:20pm will be brought to their respective office where they are to be collected and signed out by a carer. Children are not to be waiting for collection at any unsupervised areas. The Church Car Park, Bay Terrace and Chestnut Street (outside MC Office or anywhere along the street) are NOT Drop Off or Pick Up Zones. Students will be directed to relevant Pick Up Zone areas if found waiting or exiting the school in these places. Please do not ask your child/ren to use these places as a drop off or a pick-up area.
No play on the play equipment is allowed after school on the school grounds. Similarly, unless a student is enrolled in OSHC, games such as handball etc are not permitted after school whilst waiting for pick up or collection. Students and siblings are either to remain with parent or are to wait at the Pick-Up Zone for collection. This is a matter of safety as there is no supervision in these areas.
Uniform Reminders
Sports Uniform are worn on the days indicated by your child’s classroom teachers. This will align with their sport (HPE) lesson.
We are all proud of our school at Guardian Angels’. The most obvious way we can show our pride in our school is the way we wear our school uniform. When we wear our uniform correctly it instils pride in our school and in ourselves. We are fortunate at GA to have a fine uniform and most children and families support the proud wearing of it.
It is important to have reminders about some aspects of our uniform to ensure that every effort is made to wear it consistently by all in our community:
Shoes and Socks
- School shoes are to be all black leather (NOT black sandshoes).
- Sand shoes are to be worn with the sports uniform only and should be primarily white in colour.
- No coloured soles, skate style or slip-on shoes are to be worn.
- White ankle socks only. Low cut socks that are worn under the shoe line are not permitted.
Hair
- Haircuts are to be neat in appearance without excessive colours, shaving or designs (e.g. No bright colours, extensions, tracks, or rats-tails).
- Shoulder length or longer hair is to be neatly tied back.
- Hair accessories are to be simplistic and in school colours.
Hat and Sunscreen
The school bucket hat is a compulsory uniform item and must always be worn when outside. We adhere to a strict “no hat no play” rule for the sole purpose of protection from the Australian sun.
It is recommended that parents apply sunscreen to their child before they leave home each morning for further sun protection. Every classroom has its own pump bottle of sunscreen and teachers will give regular reminders to students around applying and reapplying sunscreen at school. If you wish to send your child with a specific sunscreen to use then you are welcome to do so.
From time to time, it is recognised that children may not be in the correct school uniform. It is important that the school is informed by either a written note/email to the class teacher if this is the case and that efforts are made to ensure that this is corrected in a timely manner.
We recognise that there are currently some delays in shipping that are impacting on supply. Thank you for your patience and we appreciate your communication with our office team as we work together to manage uniform requirements.
Toys
We discourage students bringing toys to school. We are mindful that these can be lost and/or broken, or cause disharmony within friendships.
Electronic Devices (including wearable technology)
Many students own valuable, portable personal electronic devices. These devices are not necessary at school and we ask that parents ensure that such items are not brought to school as they are expensive, can be easily lost or broken and distract children from learning. Mobile phones must be handed to the student’s class teacher at the commencement of the school day, and remain in your child’s school bag, before and after school.
Please be mindful when purchasing your child’s watch. Watches that can access the internet, apps, have phone capability, games and/or cameras are not to be brought to school. We encourage children to wear watches that are suitable for school use and do not distract them from their learning.
Our School Board has developed a policy regarding mobile phone and wearable technology for our School community. This policy will be overviewed at the upcoming Parent Partnership evenings and shared with our community.
Curriculum Newsletters
Curriculum Newsletters are prepared by the classroom and specialist teachers every term. These newsletters are a valuable source of information relevant particularly to each year level. I strongly encourage you to read the relevant curriculum newsletter/s every term so that you are aware of the wonderful learning opportunities your child/ren will experience throughout the term, as well as important dates and reminders.
The Curriculum Newsletters are uploaded to the Parent Portal and emailed to our families on the Tuesday of Week 2 each term.
Student Water Bottles
- The water bubblers are in use for drinking with regular cleaning processes in place.
- Students are encouraged to bring a filled, water bottle for personal use each school day and to refill as needed.
Assembly
- Assembly is scheduled every Wednesday (with special exceptions throughout the year). They commence at 1:50pm in the MC Shed. Parents and friends are most welcome to join us. You can enter the school grounds via the MC Office or the gate located on Pine Street near the tuckshop.
Newsletter
The newsletter cycle is as follows:
- Full newsletter each odd week of term (commencing Week 1 continuing each second Thursday)
- Bulletin update each even week of term (commencing Thursday Week 2)
- Newsletters will be emailed and available on the Parent Portal on Thursday afternoon, each week.
Parent Handbook
The Parent Handbook has been printed and will come home with the eldest child in your family today. It is also available on our website here: https://www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au/our-school/Pages/default.aspx Please take time to read through the Handbook to familiarise yourself with school processes and procedures.
Tuckshop
- Tuckshop commences Week 2 (i.e., Wednesday 1 February).
- Tuckshop operates Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each school week.
- Refer to Parent Handbook and Parent Portal for menu and ordering procedures via Flexischools.
Uniform Shop
- Uniform shop is open each Monday morning 7:30am-10:30am and Thursday afternoon 1:00pm-4:00pm.
- Online orders are still available and managed through the UMS store located at Murarrie.
Creative Kidz Instrumental Music Program (User Pay Program)
- Brochure and enrolment information will be emailed to all families in Years 1-6.
- Instrumental Music lessons occur each Thursday commencing Thursday 9 February (Term 1 Week 3).
- Creative Kids will email the timetable to parents of participating students.
Dates for your diaries
I would also like to flag some upcoming dates for your calendars:
- Friday 17 March (Week 8):
Photos for ALL PREP STUDENTS and any student who is new to Guardian Angels'. These are NOT the official school photos which are taken in May. These earlier photos allow us to upload digital images of the students to our system for roll marking etc. There is no cost to parents for the photos in March. You will receive more timely information regarding the official school photos in Term Two.
- Wednesday 15 – Monday 27 March (Weeks 8 – 10)
NAPLAN for all students in Year 3 and 5. This is the first year that NAPLAN will occur in Term 1 and so there will be much preparation occurring here at school. Parents will receive relevant communications as required and you can always chat with your child’s classroom teacher in the lead up to NAPLAN.
- Monday 20 - Friday 24 March (Week 9):
Parent Teacher Interviews will run throughout Week 9. We strongly encourage ALL parents to book and attend an interview with your child/ren’s teacher/s. This is one important opportunity to connect with the teachers and identify how to continue to support your child in their learning … as well as celebrating their wonderful successes. You will be provided with important information around the booking of these interviews as the date draws closer.
- Wednesday 29 March (Week 10)
Guardian Angels’ Cross Country (Prep – Year 6)
Parents will receive more information regarding the Cross Country as the event draws closer.
I know this is a bit of information overload .. all very important reminders and I encourage all families to continue to connect with our school’s Facebook Page, Parent Handbook and the Parent Portal.
I look forward to sharing the great year of learning that is ahead of us, with you and your family.
Blessings of peace to you all for the coming week
Nicole Waller
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Welcome to the start of the 2023 school year! The children have started the year with great enthusiasm and it is very pleasing to see all of them return to school looking so refreshed and happy!
This year I am very blessed to join the Guardian Angels’ community. I would like to share a little about myself. This is my 20th year of teaching. I am passionate about working within a community that embraces the journey of coming to know God and nurturing the spiritual well-being of all I encounter. The Franciscan tradition has been a strong influence in my faith journey as an educator. I strive to live the Franciscan call, through my daily interactions, if God is within everything, then everything is respected. One of my greatest passions as an educator, is catering for the diverse needs of children through a supportive and caring environment, to ensure each child reaches their full potential and I look forward to fulfilling this at Guardian Angels’ in 2023.
As we begin the year, I look forward to meeting you all, please come and say hello 😊 my door is always open!
The Presentation of the Lord
On 2 February the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord which occurs forty days after the birth of Jesus and is also known as Candlemas day, since the blessing and procession of candles is included in today's liturgy.
According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is referred to as the "Purification of Mary." This is known as a "Christmas feast" since it points back to the Solemnity of Christmas. Many Catholics practice the tradition of keeping out the Nativity creche or other Christmas decorations until this feast.
On this day, we also reflect on the gift of consecrated life. While the momentary satisfaction of selfish living ultimately leads to emptiness, living a life of holiness, dedicated to God’s service, will give true contentment and peace.
As Pope Francis has expressed:
Consecrated life is born and reborn of an encounter with Jesus as he is: poor, chaste and obedient… And while worldly life soon leaves our hands and hearts empty, life in Jesus fills us with peace to the very end, as in the Gospel, where Simeon and Anna come happily to the sunset of their lives with the Lord in their arms and joy in their hearts.
Important Dates:
- Friday 3 February - Whole School Welcome Mass – Shed – 9:00am
- Wednesday 8 February - Senior Leaders Commissioning – Shed – 1:50pm
- Wednesday 15 February – Project Compassion Launch Assembly – Shed – 1:50pm
- Tuesday 21 February – Shrove Tuesday
- Ash Wednesday – 22 February – Whole School Mass – Shed – 8:45am
- Wednesday 15 St Patrick’s Day Assembly – Shed – 1:50pm
- Tuesday 21 March – Harmony Day – Whole School Prayer Celebration – Shed – 9:00am
I look forward to the journey through 2023 with all our families. I wish upon us a year filled with happiness and love. I leave you with a blessing and every best wish for 2023.
May you trust your highest power that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance.
It is there for each and every one of you.
Amen.
Wishing you all a wonderful term.
God bless and take care,
Rhiannon Cameron
In other news...
Drop off and pick up zone volunteers
We would love parent helpers in pick up zones this 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.
I have had a few parents contact me about shifts and I will update the roster and publish in next Thursday's bulletin. 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. This training needs to be renewed annually and can be found here: https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/students-parents/student-protection/Pages/Student-Protection-and-Code-of-Conduct-Training-for-Volunteers-and-Other-Personnel.aspx
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.
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.
Speaking of parent volunteers, one of our amazing parents has managed the collection, washing and bagging of second hand uniform for the last 3 years. She would love some help with the collection of uniform donations, as well as the shop itself (which is only open once a month). The extra pair of hands will make all the difference. If you can spare some time, once or twice a month, to help, please contact Jenny Druce in the school office.
From the Tuckshop
Tuckshop Volunteer Roster
Week 2
Wednesday 1 February - HELPER NEEDED
Thursday 2 February - HELPER NEEDED
Friday 3 February - HELPER NEEDED
Week 3
Wednesday 8 February - HELPER NEEDED
Thursday 9 February - HELPER NEEDED
Friday 10 February - Karli Keals-Smith
Please contact Annalise Olm - aolm@bne.catholic.edu.au - 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. This training needs to be renewed annually and can be found here: https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/students-parents/student-protection/Pages/Student-Protection-and-Code-of-Conduct-Training-for-Volunteers-and-Other-Personnel.aspx
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 | MC Campus Staffroom | 6:30pm
From the Parish
CHILDREN'S LITURGY | 5:00pm Sunday Mass | 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month
At Children’s Liturgy of the Word, children aged Prep to Year 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.
Children’s Liturgy of the Word will resume for 2023 on Sunday 12 February.
Dates for Term 1 are:
- 12 February
- 26 February
- 12 March
- 26 March
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’.
Prep 2024 enrolments
It's not too late to apply for Prep 2024. Enrolments are open until 30 March.
Existing Guardian Angels' Families - sibling Prep 2024 enrolments
Interviews for current families with children eligible for Prep in 2024 will take place at the end of 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 so that we can include you in the first round of interviews.
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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