Guardian Angels' Newsletter - Term 1 | Week 9
Coming up @ GA
Week 10
Monday 27 March
Uniform Shop open 7:30am-10:30am
State Boys Cricket and State Swimming (select students)
Prep 2024 Interviews for current families
Tuesday 28 March
Year 5/6 Gala Sports Day
Tuckshop - this week only (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Wednesday 29 March
Sport Aerobics - Hall - 7:30am
P-6 Cross Country
P-6 Assembly - Cross Country presentation - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Thursday 30 March
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Principal's Tour - 9:00am
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program (Creative Kidz)
Friday 31 March
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
LAST DAY OF TERM 1
Week 1 | Term 2
Monday 17 April
FIRST DAY OF TERM 1
Uniform Shop open 7:30am-10:30am
Tuesday 18 April
Principal's Tour - 9:00am
District Rugby Union (select students)
Prep 2024 Enrolment Interviews
Wednesday 19 April
Sport Aerobics - Hall - 7:30am
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Prep 2024 Enrolment Interviews
Met East Rugby League (select students)
P-6 Assembly - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)
Thursday 20 April
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Met East Rugby League (select students)
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program (Creative Kidz)
Prep 2024 Enrolment Interviews
Friday 21 April
Prep 2024 Enrolment Interviews
From the Principal
"Humility dawns when we realise that he can use our plans and intentions, even when we fail”
(Source: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, 30 Mar 2015, www.intothedesert.org.au)
Over the past week, we had an opportunity to engage in our first Parent Teacher conversations for 2023. As we prepare to bring the end of the first term to a close next Friday, this is a fantastic way to showcase the great learning that our students have enjoyed over the past weeks.
As I visit our learning areas, it is wonderful to see excitement and pride that the students have when sharing their learning. Thank you to our parents for sharing in this opportunity with your children, to our staff for the quality learning and teaching that you provide for our students each day, and to our students for your participation and engagement in all that you do. The images of learning that fill our learning areas, in the learning loops, anchor charts, reading and writing spaces and so much more, show a great love of learning and reflect on the amazing term that we have had at Guardian Angels’.
In the upcoming vacation, we celebrate Holy Week and Easter by telling the story of the last days of Jesus and His resurrection through participation in Easter liturgies. These liturgies highlight the very core of Catholic belief that Jesus Christ suffered, died and was raised from the dead by God, and through this brought us eternal life.
The scenes throughout Holy Week are so familiar to us that it is easy for the meaning to pass us by. We can all identify that they represent significant events in the last days of Jesus' life and ministry, but we must also take the time to reflect on the relevance that they have for us today.
If we consider Peter and Judas; Peter who makes his promises out loud and Judas who has his plans. Peter's promises are spoken and, while they will later come back to haunt him, they are part of his road to holiness. Judas' plans are hidden away in his heart and will soon destroy him. Peter learns humility and seeks forgiveness. Judas embraces despair and fails to seek forgiveness and to reach out to the only one who could rescue him when he needed it most.
The plans and intentions of Judas and Peter should not be dismissed lightly. We all have our plans and intentions, and they are important. At the very least, they say a lot about who we are and where we stand in relation to God. However, it can be humbling to realise that the only plans and intentions that are of ultimate significance are God's and we find hope in placing our trust in Him. This doesn't mean that we can sit back and leave God to do everything. As we mentioned above, our plans and intentions are important. God can use them. Humility dawns when we realise that he can use them, even when we fail.
(Adapted from: Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, 30 Mar 2015, www.intothedesert.org.au)
As we explore our Easter tradition, we are reminded that much of what we do in our school is about love, care and service. So, as we participate in our Easter liturgies and masses in the coming weeks, let us remember to celebrate the love and service that our Saviour has offered to us.
May God bless you and keep you all safe in His care over this coming holidays and Easter Season and I look forward to welcoming you all back in Term 2.
Veronica Tomerini-Smith
Assistant Principal - Administration
Good afternoon loveliest of families …
We have only a little over a week until a most deserved holiday break for all of our angels and staff. This term has been so busy … and hot. I think sometimes, the hot weather has contributed to the tiredness I sense our students are all feeling. I hope they are all able to enjoy some rest and recuperation in the coming weeks.
Parent Teacher Interviews
This week, our classroom teachers have enjoyed opportunities to sit and chat with you about the progress and wonderful achievements of our students over the past nine weeks. Thank you all for engaging so thoughtfully and respectfully in the Parent Teacher Interviews. I know that at the time of publication, they aren’t quite finished yet, however this week is always a fabulous time to spend a little bit of time with your child/ren’s teacher/s. Thank you all for continuing to work in partnership with us; it’s a really privileged and lovely way for us all to support our students.
Remember our formal reporting process consists of the following:
- Term One: Parent Teacher Interviews (scheduled)
- Term Two: Summary of Achievement: Semester One (report)
- Term Three: Parent Teacher Interviews (scheduled)
- Term Four: Summary of Achievement: Semester Two (report)
NAPLAN
Well … the 'official' NAPLAN schedule is OVER at GA for another year, although the NAPLAN window will remain open until Monday 27 March.
I still have a few Catch Up tests to run, however the large group tests (Writing, Reading. Conventions of Language and Numeracy) for Years 3 and 5 are all done.
I am immensely proud of our Year 3 and 5 students who have handled NAPLAN with grace and as much confidence as they could muster. They all were wonderful ... right throughout the process.
I must also thank our incredible teachers.
Firstly:
Mrs Bernadette Williams
Mrs Jo Summerville
Mrs Alison Hackett
Mr Will Erwin
Mrs Jayne Murphy
Mr David Trimble
Mrs Alana Prasnikar
Mrs Melinda Paljakka
These professionals were truly amazing.
They, along with the support of incredible School Officers Mrs Amanda Cutlack and Mrs Julie-Anne Taylor, made this whole process incredibly seamless, and they supported our students just beautifully.
My thanks in this space extends beyond the actual NAPLAN testing, but the Year 3 and Year 5/6 teachers’ work in the lead up to NAPLAN also ...it's not just about the actual running of the tests of course, but the educational preparation that occurs in the teaching and learning context of any school.
In addition to that though, to EVERY teacher who has taught these students in the years before/between NAPLAN ... The work they ALL do with our students contributes to their confidence and competence across any educational context.
And finally … to YOU also. I know that, if a student is feeling anxious around times such as this, it’s most often communicated at home in their safest of spaces. Thank you for always being the most wonderful advocates and support for your beautiful children.
Parish Car Parking
We have always been very blessed that our Parish friends have allowed school access to the Church Car Park to make drop off and pick up as easy as possible for many families.
This extends to the car park on Chestnut Street that is located BEHIND the main School Administration building.
Many people may not be aware that part of the School Administration building is owned by the Parish and hence, the car park also. Again, our friends in the Parish have always been kind and accommodating to our school community. We are able to utilise this car park however it is strictly limited to the car parks located ALONG THE WOODEN FENCE only. To allow access to our parishioners at any time, the car parks that run closest to the school/parish building are to be left clear of any school or OHSC traffic at all times please. If you do use this car park, please only park along the wooden fence area.
Pick up/Drop Off Reminders
A friendly reminder that the following areas are NOT to be used for drop off and pick up. Please do not ask your child to enter or exit a vehicle in these areas. If we see students waiting to get into a vehicle unaccompanied we will always redirect them to the appropriate MC or GA pick up zone.
- The GA Church car park
- Chestnut Street (outside or near the MC Office)
- Parish/School carpark (behind the MC admin building) in Chestnut Street
- The traffic lights at Bay Terrace. This is not only an incredibly dangerous place to allow a child to exit a vehicle but it is illegal:
- to park or stop on a children’s crossing or within 20m before, or 10m after, a children’s crossing (unless there are signs telling you different).
- to park or stop within 10m before the traffic lights of a marked foot crossing that is not at an intersection—or 3m after the crossing (unless there are signs telling you different).
We appreciate your help in keeping our students and staff safe.
To those who I may get a chance to see over the next week, I wish you all blessings of peace and safe travels (if you are heading away) over the Easter holiday. Remember … Easter is the only time when it’s perfectly safe to put all your eggs into one basket (haha).
But what is it truly … of course, Easter is the ultimate symbol of hope, renewal, love and new life. Being able to spend time with those who are precious to us is another special gift of Easter, and one where we can also remember and celebrate the gift of Jesus.
“Let everything you do, be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14
Nicole Waller
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
Term 1 has certainly gone by quickly and what a fantastic term we have had! A lot has been achieved! By building strong relationships that encompass safety, respect and responsibility we have come together to finish another successful term at Guardian Angels’!
Holy Week
Next week we mark Holy Week. Classes will be invited to spend time completing a reflection of the significant days leading to the Resurrection of Jesus. During this reflection we remember the betrayal that Jesus felt during his last week of his life. As he broke bread with his disciples, he uttered the words “do this in memory of me”. He knew that his life was drawing to a close but he remained full of faith. I encourage you to take the time over the Easter weekend to reflect on the events of Jesus’ life.
When we return to school, we will be having a whole school Resurrection Mass, where we will celebrate the rising of the son. It will be held on Thursday 20 April at 9:00am in the Shed, all are welcome.
Project Compassion
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 when 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/.
Fourth Sunday of Lent 18th and 19th March
Thu lives in Vietnam. When Thu was 12 years old, he stepped on an unexploded land mine and lost his leg.
Living with a disability in rural Vietnam presented many challenges for Thu, who worked mainly as a rice farmer. Thu also took on the role of caring for his wife, Linh, after she suffered a stroke.
Determined to turn their lives around, Thu and Linh joined the Empowerment of People with Disabilities program, run by Caritas Australia’s local partner in Vietnam, the Centre for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD).
For Thu, the greatest impact the program has had is enabling the change in Linh’s physical and mental wellbeing. With the support of a physiotherapist, Linh can now walk short distances with the aid of a walking stick.
Please use the link below to view Thu’s story.
https://vimeo.com/showcase/8871241
Term 2 Mass
Next term we will introduce class masses on Thursday afternoons. Mass will follow Sacred Singing. Sacred Singing is a time for our students to engage in liturgical season formation and singing through prayer. We invite you to join in this celebration with us. Please note the following dates in your diary:
- Year 3 and Year 4 - 11 May
- Year 1 and Year 2 - 25 May
- Prep and Year 5/6 - 8 June
As we draw an end to the term, it is important to take time to reflect. I would like to share the following prayer with you.
Let us pray…..
almighty and all merciful God,
lover of the human race, leader of all our wounds,
in whom there is no shadow of death,
save us in this time of crisis;
grant wisdom and courage to our leaders;
watch over all
as they continue to work to spread the Good News;
stir in us a sense of solidarity beyond all isolation;
if your eyes are closed, let our hearts be open.
By the power of your love, let hope never die,
and the light of Easter, the triumph of life,
shine upon us and the whole world.
Through Jesus Christ, the Lord risen
who lives and reigns for ever and ever,
Amen.
May you all have a wonderful, faith filled Easter break and I look forward to seeing you all return safe and happy for Term 2.
God bless and take care,
Rhiannon Cameron
Spotlight on Learning
To be sure, to be sure!
Preps and Yr5/6 worked together to create a beautiful dancing leprechaun, and a colourful rainbow.
I’m just wondering if they found a pot of gold at the end?
Always let your conscience be your guide
Year 5 have been investigating stories from the Bible that provide insight into making the right moral choice.They each became experts in their texts and taught each other how it provides meaning for our contemporary school community.
Year 4 Excursion to Ngutana Lui
Year 4 students enjoyed their excursion this week to Ngutana Lui learning traditions and cultures of First Nation Australians.
Harmony Week
On Tuesday 21 March we acknowledged Harmony Day.
Students participated in class liturgies and activities to help celebrate the day! We are proud to have an inclusive and diverse community where EVERYONE BELONGS!
Year 1 Literacy and Design Thinking
Oh no! The witch’s broomstick has snapped in two! Now we need a magnificent new broomstick 🤔
After unpacking some of the vocabulary and rhyming words in the story "Room on a Broom" by Julia Donaldson, students from Year 1 were set a design challenge by the witch: create a new broomstick for the witch and two friends to sit on 🧙♀️🧹
In other news...
Too sick for school?
Please keep your child at home if they are experiencing any COVID-19, cold or flu-like symptoms, however mild.
If your child vomits or has diarrhoea at home we ask for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea before your child returns to school.
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 keeping our school community well.
Lost Property
These children's glasses were found on the deck of the hall near the main stairs. If they belong to your child they can be collected from the GA Campus School Office.
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.
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 8 May.
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 10
Tuesday 28 March - Lee-Ann Paten and Armay Jenkins
Thursday 30 March - HELPER NEEDED
Friday 31 March - Gabrielle Soler and Allison Collins
Week 1 | Term 2
Wednesday 19 April - Kylie Culwick
Thursday 20 April - HELPER NEEDED
Friday 21 April - Karen Slater
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.
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’.
2024 Enrolments
Currently a very small number of places remain available for Prep 2024.
We encourage families interested in a place at Guardian Angels' in 2024 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 2024 to be eligible for Prep next year.
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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