Guardian Angels' Newsletter - Term 1 | Week 5
Coming up @ GA
Week 6
Monday 27 February
Uniform Shop open 7:30am-10:30am
Tuesday 28 February
Met East Swimming (select students)
Parent Formation Session - The Transformative Power of Lent - 2:30pm (GA Parish Church)
Wednesday 1 March
Year 5/6 Camp
Sport Aerobics - Hall - 7:30am
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Thursday 2 March
Year 5/6 Camp
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program (Creative Kidz)
Friday 3 March
Year 5/6 Camp
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Sunday 5 March
Clean Up Australia Day
Week 7
Monday 6 March
Uniform Shop open 7:30am-10:30am
Second Hand Uniform Pop Up - 7:45am-8:15am
Tuesday 7 March
Principal's Tour - 9:00am
Wednesday 8 March
Sport Aerobics - Hall - 7:30am
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
P-6 Assembly - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Thursday 9 March
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program (Creative Kidz)
Friday 10 March
Sunday 12 March
Class led Parish Mass (Year 5/6) - GA Church - 5:00pm
From the Principal
On Tuesday, we shared in a Pancake Breakfast, and we thank Mrs Cameron and our staff for their efforts in preparing and serving us. Shrove or ‘Pancake’ Tuesday is a time of feasting that happens before we prepare for the traditional fasting of the Lenten Season which commenced yesterday, with Ash Wednesday. As we gathered as a community for our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, the symbol of the cross marked in ashes on our forehead symbolises the physical and spiritual connection that we share as followers of Jesus and is a powerful gesture of embracing a simple way of life. If we think about the change from feasting to fasting, from extravagance to simplicity, we are reminded of just how quickly things can change from one day to another.
Lent provides us with an opportunity for reflection, as we are encouraged to seek the changes that we need to embrace a new heart and new spirit that will deepen our relationship with God. This challenges us to come to know Jesus, rather than just know about Jesus. It means taking time from the busyness of our daily lives to discover our personal path to connecting with God.
So what are the changes that we need to make to strengthen our connection with God? For each of us, this is different, but what is the same is that we must see our Lenten practice as part of, rather than in addition to, each activity of our ordinary, often hectic day. In the well-known poem, ‘Footsteps in the Sand’, we are challenged through the words ‘it was then that I carried you’ to recognise that we must trust in God to lead the way.
During this Lenten Season, we must recognise that God is the starting point for us that will lead us to an even stronger relationship with Him. While we know that during Lent, we abstain from those things that keep us from having a right relationship with God and others, it is important to choose to abstain from those things that are spiritually motivated as we ask ourselves:
Can we fast from impatience and give thanks for the blessings of our life?
Can we fast from anger and reconcile with those who have hurt us?
Can we fast from gossip and speak words of kindness and of charity?
Can we fast from busyness and find time for prayer?
If we can do these things, then our Lenten days will be filled with God’s goodness and we will have an opportunity to renew our faith.
‘If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.’ Luke 9:23
(Sources: Finding God in Ash Wednesday, Julianne B. McCullagh; Daybreaks, Kay Murdy; We pray as one in 2015, Liturgy Brisbane)
Blessings for the week ahead.
Veronica Tomerini-Smith
Assistant Principal - Administration
Good afternoon lovely families …
Athlete’s Foot
I received an email from our friend Anthony at Athlete’s Foot Capalaba. He would like to thank the families who have popped in to organise your school shoes. The rewards program offered by Athlete’s Foot means that we will soon be able to convert those rewards points/dollars into sports equipment for our students. Any shoe purchase from Athlete’s Foot Capalaba earns Guardian Angels $5 towards this great equipment, so if you are getting ready for the upcoming sports seasons, consider popping in to Athlete’s Foot Capalaba. All you need to do is identify as a Guardian Angels’ family and any shoe purchase will earn rewards dollars.
NAPLAN (Years 3 & 5)
The joyous season of NAPLAN is upon us … much earlier than we are used to, but nevertheless, we are still working to prepare our beautiful Year 3 and 5 students for these tests. The testing of NAPLAN begins on Wednesday 15 March and will continue for at least a week beyond this date. The tests have been carefully scheduled so that your child/ren doesn’t lose other important educational experiences such as their Drama, Music, Sport and Literacy lessons. Please see the Guardian Angels’ Naplan Timetable attached to this newsletter. The schedule itself is not onerous at all. We allow for time of rest and the teachers are so wonderful at supporting the students through this process (sometimes it seems more stressful for the teachers to be honest, as they are always looking out for the welfare of their students).
NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year across Australia. While it does provide important information about the students’ literacy and numeracy skills , it also provides schools valuable information about the impact of the curriculum, teaching and learning and students’ progress against the educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.
NAPLAN consists of four individual testing experiences that will be completed in the following order: 1) Writing 2) Reading 3) Conventions of Language (spelling and grammar/punctuation) and 4) Numeracy. Most of the NAPLAN testing experience is completed in an online environment. The only exception to this is the Year 3 Writing test which is still conducted in the paper format.
The online nature and set up of NAPLAN provides precise results and opportunities for schools to identify those areas in which students are excelling or may need further support. The students also engage more enthusiastically with the online format.
The NAPLAN Public Demonstration Site is a really wonderful place for parents, students and teachers to experience NAPLAN in an online environment. I strongly encourage you to visit the site, along with your child/ren, and have a play with the demonstration tests.
You can find the site here: https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site
Teachers at Guardian Angels’ will be using this site, along with other planned experiences, to provide immersion opportunities for the students as they prepare for NAPLAN.
To further support our students we will be participating in a practice test tomorrow (Friday 24 February). All students in Years 3 and 5 will participate in an omnibus test which will provide experiences from reading, conventions of language and numeracy. These tests, while formally set up through the assessform platform (used in real NAPLAN), do NOT identify the students (they are provided with set up ids), are not marked and are not reported on in any way. It really is just a wonderful opportunity for our students and teachers to experience especially the setting up, signing in and finalising stages of the NAPLAN tests. This afternoon, I have chatted with the students to let them know a little more about the Practice Test experience scheduled for tomorrow. In a week or so, I will also take the students for an extended session where I will show them aspects of the online test (ways to answer questions, flagging questions etc). I like to do this a little closer to NAPLAN so that it is fresh in their minds. We also use this opportunity to ease their concerns and help them understand that this is a wonderful experience (often fun for the students).
I will communicate directly with the parents of Year 3 and 5 students as NAPLAN approaches.
Many thanks for your ongoing support.
Blessings of peace to you all for the coming week
Nicole Waller
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Good afternoon families,
Shrove Tuesday
On Tuesday we celebrated Shrove Tuesday. Shrove Tuesday is the day before Lent starts: the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It's a day of penitence, to clean the soul, and a day of celebration as the last chance to feast before Lent begins. Shrove Tuesday is sometimes called Pancake Day after the fried batter recipe traditionally eaten on this day. But there's more to Shrove Tuesday than pigging out on pancakes or taking part in a public pancake race. The pancakes themselves are part of an ancient custom with deeply religious roots. Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them. When a person receives absolution for their sins, they are forgiven for them and released from the guilt and pain that they have caused them.
Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren't allowed in Lent. Giving up foods: but not wasting them. During Lent there are many foods that some Christians - historically and today - would not eat: foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods. So that no food was wasted, families would have a feast on the shriving Tuesday, and eat up all the foods that wouldn't last the forty days of Lent without going off.
Ash Wednesday
Yesterday, we celebrated one of the most important days in our liturgical calendar, Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday represents the start of Lent, the 40 days that Jesus spent contemplating his life, knowing that his earthly time was going to end. During Lent we have periods of fasting, penance and reflection. We think about how we can make ourselves better people. The ashes placed on our forehead is a reminder of this. These ashes are made from blessed palms used during last year’s Palm Sunday celebrations. You will also notice the liturgical colour change to purple. Purple reminds us that we are in a time of waiting and contemplation.
Project Compassion
Thank you to everyone who helped support our Pancake Breakfast for Project Compassion; we raised $550 which is a fabulous start to our Project Compassion appeal. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
Every year during Lent, Caritas Australia launch their Project Compassion appeal. This year the theme is “For all Future Generations”. The Project Compassion appeal helps to raise money and awareness for less fortunate people throughout our world. It helps them to gain access to education, something which they may not have received previously, which in turn helps them to create an income for their own families and communities. Each week students will hear a story of how people in our world, who are fighting the odds are graced with the kindness of people like you, extraordinary things can happen. You can learn more about the amazing work of Caritas at https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion/community/
This week we share the story of Laxmi from Nepal.
16-year-old Laxmi lives in one of the most remote communities in Nepal which experiences high levels of poverty. Laxmi’s chance at a better life was through education, supported by her parents. Sadly, when she was 10 years old, her father passed away and Laxmi stopped going to school. Before her father’s passing, Laxmi joined a child's club at her school that was run with the support of Caritas Nepal, through the Nepal Livelihoods and Resilience Program. Child's clubs support students to develop their speaking, writing and leadership skills through extracurricular activities. Thanks to the support of her child's club, Laxmi was encouraged to resume her education. She became an active member of her child's club, where she developed the skills and confidence to become a leader, advocating for clean water taps at her school. “If I don't get to study, then I'll experience hardship. I'll have to struggle like mother. If I don't get to study, then I'll have no knowledge,” Laxmi said. Laxmi is now excelling in her studies and working towards her dream of becoming a civil engineer. She has become a mentor to other girls in her village, encouraging them to stand up for their rights and creating lasting change For All Future Generations.
Please use the link below to view Laxmi’s story.
https://vimeo.com/showcase/8871241
The Transformation Power of Lent
We would like to warmly invite you to attend session in the gathering area at the back of the Church on Tuesday the 28 February at 2.30pm – 3:00pm. The focus of the session will be on the Season of Lent. We will share how as a school we will journey through Lent and we will also spend time reflecting on your own personal journey through the Season. Please come and join us as we celebrate the wonder of God’s relationship with you in Jesus Christ.
Important Dates:
- Wednesday 15 March - St Patrick’s Day Assembly – Shed – 1.50pm
- Tuesday 21 March – Harmony Day
I hope you have a wonderful week.
God Bless and take care,
Rhiannon Cameron
Spotlight on Learning
🦕🦕 Year 2 Green 🦕🦕
How did the dinosaur cross the road? By zipline of course! Year 2 students investigated the effect of friction when deciding whether thick string or fishing line made the best zipline for their dinosaur. Nine out of 10 dinosaurs agreed that the fishing line gave the fastest and smoothest ride (Please note: no dinosaurs were harmed during this experiment).
🧪🔬 Year 1 Street Science Incursion 🧪🔬
The students in Year 1 were mesmerised by Laura from the Street Science team who visited Guardian Angels' this week. Laura had a range of experiments that all focused on using senses to describe changes to materials. Finally, students got to make their very own bouncy balls to take home and share with their families.
School Fees
School fees for Term 1 2023 have been issued and are due for payment by 24 February. Thank you to those families who have already made payments or who have arrangements in place.
If you have not received a copy of your statement, please check your junk/spam email folder. If you require another copy of your statement, please request by emailing pwynfinance@bne.catholic.edu.au.
The Fee Calculation Worksheet is available on the School Website to assist families with calculating their annual/term school fees.
Link to School Website – School Fees https://www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au/enrolments/Pages/School-Fees.aspx
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.
Other payment options are:
- BPAY using the reference details on your statement.
- Online Payment: https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/guardianangelsschoolwynnum?BillerCode=1747880
- EFTPOS via the School Offices.
Please always feel free to contact the Finance Office should you ever have any questions.
Kind regards,
Amy Hardisty
Finance Officer
From the Library
We have brand new readers, generously purchased by our P&F, that need to be covered in contact.
If you have time to take home some books and contact to cover the readers this will help us get these wonderful resources into the classroom quickly. Contact provided and will be pre-cut for each reader.
Please contact Kim Nearhos in the Library if you are able to assist: pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au
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 March.
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.
From the Tuckshop
Tuckshop Volunteer Roster
Week 5
Wednesday 22 February - Kendell Trevisan
Thursday 23 February - Natasha Staal
Friday 24 February - Taryn Torrie
Week 6
Wednesday 1 March - Danielle Cameron
Thursday 2 March - HELPER NEEDED
Friday 3 March - Shelley Walters
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 Parish
Parent Session for Penance (for all Year 5s and above in particular)
Guardian Angels Parish Sacramental Preparation Schedule 2023 - Important Reminder:
- Sacrament of Penance (1st Rite) - This is for candidates who have already received First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- Parent Session – 23 February (Thursday) at 7:00pm at the Parish Hall
Trivia Night – Kindly refer to attached flyer for more information. Tickets via Trybooking: https://www.trybooking.com/CFYWD
Children’s Liturgy of the Word - Children’s Liturgy of the Word for children aged between Prep and Grade 4: 26 February, 12 March, 26 March, at the 5:00pm Mass.
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: https://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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