Guardian Angels' Newsletter - Term 4 | Week 3
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Coming up @ GA
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From the Principal
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Assistant Principal - Administration
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Assistant Principal - Religious Education
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Primary Learning Leader
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Welcome Prep 2024 Families!
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School Fees
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From the Year 6 Stewardship Committee
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In other news...
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Awards
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From the Tuckshop
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From the P&F
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Enrolments
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From the Community
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Contact Us
Coming up @ GA
Week 4
Monday 23 October
Uniform Shop open 7:30am-10:30am
Tuesday 24 October
Principal's Tour - 9:00am - POSTPONED
Code Camp - 3:05pm-4:20pm
Wednesday 25 October
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Sports Aerobics - Hall - 7:30am
Moreton Bay Environmental Education Excursion - Year 2 classes
Thursday 26 October
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Class Mass and Sacred Singing - Prep and Year 5/6 - GA Church - 1:50pm
Friday 27 October
Year 1 and Year 2 Swimming Lessons
World Teachers Day
Bandanna Day
This week we continue to embed LIVE the GA Way.
Our focus is:
I - Inspire Others
I follow Jesus' way
I lead by example
Week 5
Monday 30 October
RSE Parent Evening - Year 5/6 parents
Tuesday 31 October
Prep 2024 Orientation Morning #2
Code Camp - 3:05pm-4:20pm
Wednesday 1 November
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Instrumental Music Program - brass and wind only (Creative Kidz)
P-6 Assembly (led by Prep Green) - MC Shed - 1:50pm
Thursday 2 November
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program (Creative Kidz)
Whole School Mass - All Souls' Day - MC Shed - 9:00am
Friday 3 November
Year 1 and Year 2 Swimming Lessons
From the Principal
Staffing arrangements: Term 4
This term we welcomed Lucy Hyndman (Year 4Red), Rumi Umegaki (Specialist Teacher: LOTE Japanese) and James Morris (Groundperson) to our Guardian Angels’ staff.
Kelli Griffith will be working in a part time capacity this term, supporting areas of inclusion and enhancement across Years 3 – 6.
Mary Osterio will be working in a full-time capacity this term, supporting areas of inclusion and enhancement across Prep – Year 3.
I know that you will join with me in welcoming our new and returning staff well in their roles this term and wishing them all God’s blessings.
Celebrating World Teacher’s Day: Jesus, The Best Teacher
We often celebrate the understanding that as parents, we are the first teachers of our children and that the family is the first school. At Guardian Angels, we value that parents are partners in the teaching that happens every day and recognise that many parents may not think of themselves as teacher.
As we celebrate World Teacher’s Day next Friday, 27 October, let us remember Jesus, our teacher who enlightens our hearts and minds by His presence. As we journey together, as teachers and with teachers, we ask God’s blessing upon us all; and we pray that we may be living signs of Your presence in our school communities as we reflect together:
The Best Teacher (Revised for the 21st Century)
He never taught a lesson in a classroom. He never used an interactive white board. Not once did he use PowerPoint to make His case. He did not have internet access … or a computer … or even electricity. He was not trained by a university. He never gained qualified teacher status. He never crossed the teacher pay threshold.
He never spent time photocopying and laminating resources, or putting up classroom displays. He never handed out gold stars, house points or certificates. He never wrote end of year reports.
He never referred to the Australian Curriculum or followed QCAA guidelines. He kept no records, gave no grades, and His only text was ancient and well-worn.
His lessons were socially inclusive. He taught the poor as well as the wealthy; He taught the physically disabled and the mentally ill as well as those healthy in body and mind.
His teaching method was the same with all who came to hear and learn. He opened eyes with faith, He opened ears with simple truth, and He opened hearts with love … a love born of forgiveness.
He challenged, inspired and healed those He taught. He changed individuals and transformed communities. Even so, He was never nominated for a Teacher of the Year Award or knighted for His services to education.
And yet this quiet teacher from the hills of Galilee continues to feed the needs, fulfil the hopes, and change the lives of many millions around the world, for what He teaches brings heaven to earth and reveals God's heart to all peoples everywhere.
(Source: Rupert Kaye, 2004, The House Magazine)
Every day, teachers make a difference to the lives of those around them.
Happy World Teachers Day to all those who teach; parents, teachers and educators.
I extend sincere thanks and appreciation to our Guardian Angels’ staff, for their commitment and professionalism, as they inspire, challenge, and empower the students in their care each and every day.
Temporary change to learning areas for Prep Blue and Prep Green
On Wednesday afternoon, our grounds staff identified some termite activity within the Prep Green classroom on the Guardian Angels’ Campus.
Since identifying this, I have engaged our BCE Building Services Officer, Specialist Pest Control and Building Contractors to assess the area. Inspection has deemed the building structurally sound. However, to support contractor access to enable treatment and report works to occur, both the Prep Blue (Amelia Law) and Prep Green (Sheridan Arndell) classes were relocated to alternative classrooms.
The students new learning areas are outlined below:
- Prep Green (Sheridan Arndell) have transitioned to GA Room 12 (classroom space next to Year 1R)
- Prep Blue (Amelia Law) have transitioned to GA Room 6 (classroom space next to Prep R)
What works need to occur?
- At this time, it has been identified that inspection and treatment will require some minor building works to the external brick wall along Akoona St, to enable access to the subfloor.
- The planned works will not impact on the Akoona Street drop off/pick up zone or access via this gate, and the area will continue to operate as per normal routines.
- However, current advice indicates that the works and treatment in the Prep classrooms will require at least 3 – 4 weeks. With treatment planned to occur out of school hours, and over a weekend.
Our Prep Teaching Team and School Officers have worked with our Leadership team on Wednesday afternoon to support the transition.
Arrangements for materials, furniture, tidy trays etc were moved in readiness for the start of school day on Thursday.
Our Preppies are to be congratulated on the amazing way that they transitioned to their new classroom. They settled quickly into their routines, were engaged and enjoying their learning from the start of the school day.
This is one of the many times that the strength and spirit of our GA community shone brightly.
I am appreciative of the kind understanding and support of our community, as we have needed to respond to this need within a short time frame.
I extend sincere thanks to our Prep Team, staff and parents who gave so willingly of their time to make sure that our Preppies transitioned calmly and with confidence to their new classrooms.
I will provide updates as they become available.
Blessings for the week ahead
Veronica Tomerini-Smith
Assistant Principal - Administration
Good afternoon lovely families,
I hope all of our families are travelling well.
Booklists 2024
Last Friday (13 October), the students in Prep - Year Five brought home a hard copy of the required booklist for 2024.
It is our preference that families utilise the ordering options from our loyal supplier, Edsco as this ensures that all students will have all of the required items they need to begin their new school year and engage fully in the wonderful teaching and learning. You have the option to order the full list or customise the list through Edsco.
For each book pack that is ordered through Edsco, the school does receive a small commission from Edsco which is always responsibly utilised directly for the students each year. This may be to subsidise some extra classroom art supplies, purchase extra equipment for the students to play with at lunchtime etc. This is a very generous gesture from Edsco.
Parents have the option to order online (preferred) or to complete the paper order form provided. Whichever you decide, the cut off for ordering is Friday 10 November. Ordering by this time will ensure your book pack is delivered to your preferred address on or before Monday 18 December and will include delivery. It is really important that you check your order thoroughly upon delivery. Edsco are very reliable however it is always recommended that you check through the order to ensure it is accurate.
Edsco will still accept orders after Friday 10 November, however please be aware that you will incur a delivery fee in this case and delivery times cannot be guaranteed.
All instructions for ordering and information about delivery can be found on the front page of your booklist.
The classroom teachers have spent much time collaborating and discussing the booklist requirements for each year level. They work hard to ensure responsible decisions are made around these requirements and are always aware of minimising financial output wherever possible. For those parents who decide to source the items on the booklists yourselves, please be aware that the students require EVERY item on the booklist. For example, if the booklist states 8 exercise books, the student will need 8 exercise books. The teachers have been very explicit about each item (and number of items) on the list, so please be sure to replicate it if you decide to source the items elsewhere.
Of course, our current families who will have a prep student joining us next year, you may recall that you will not receive a booklist for the 2024 prep students. These booklists are compiled by the prep teachers then ordered directly through the school. They are also delivered directly to the school as these resources are shared out amongst the students. This seems to be the most efficient and effective process for prep students. Parents of 2024 Prep students will be billed directly through 2024 Term One school fees for the book packs.
Electronic versions of the Book Lists can be found on the Parent Portal or our website here: https://www.guardianangelswynnum.qld.edu.au/curriculum/Pages/Year-Level-Booklists.aspx
My most genuine thanks to you all for your wonderful support of our school.
World Teachers' Day - Friday 27 October
Friday 27 October is a very special day. This is the day set aside to recognise and acknowledge the incredible job our teachers do to support our students, families and colleagues. It is WORLD TEACHERS' DAY.
We are blessed here at Guardian Angels with a professional community of incredible teachers and staff; people who work incredibly hard every single day to provide support, care and exceptional teaching and learning opportunities for our students.
It is always lovely to be able to recognise and show appreciation to those people who are truly impactful in our children's (and families') lives.
You will find below, a QR code that will take you to a virtual message board where you are able to leave a special message of thanks and appreciation to those staff members who, as educators, make a difference in the lives of our students every single day. If you would like to leave a message for any staff member, please use the QR code provided. There will also be a hard copy of this poster in each of our office areas.
I thank YOU all so much also; we value the opportunity at Guardian Angels to work in partnership with you to support your beautiful children. It is our true privilege ... and we thank you for entrusting your precious children to our care.
In a spirit of gratitude, I'd like to share a special prayer for all of our amazing educators working together with students and families in our communities across the globe. We would like to let our teachers and staff, our education heroes, know how thankful we are to have them! You are all a blessing for our children, our schools, parishes and the families we serve.
Lord, bless the teachers who give their heart to teaching.
Thank you for the special gifts that You have given them and also for giving them a spirit of grace, understanding, and compassion.
May they have strength and endurance to perform their many tasks, and may they know and feel the deep gratitude of those they teach and those they serve.
Amen.
Blessings to you all for the coming weeks,
Nicole Waller
Assistant Principal - Religious Education
October – Month of the Rosary
October is the month dedicated to the Rosary. The Rosary (in its fullness) is a prayer of devotion to Mary. The Rosary is composed of different Marian prayers with the main one being the Hail Mary. It also consists of recognition of 20 mysteries put into four different categories: the Glorious Mysteries, Sorrowful mysteries, Joyful mysteries and Luminous mysteries. I encourage to have a look at the link below to read more about this most beautiful and important prayer.
http://www.catholicity.com/prayer/rosary.html
LIVE the GA Way
This term our staff continued the learning and teaching of LIVE the GA Way to help build our student’s awareness and understanding.
The learning and teaching sequence provides learning moments for each of the LIVE the GA Ways to be unpacked and connected to our Franciscan Charism through keys words of wisdom shared by St Francis.
The learning and teaching sequence will be used at key times throughout the year to help our students embed LIVE the GA Way in all they do and say. We have seen some amazing assemblies this term showing us how to LIVE the GA Way.
Parent Formation Session
We would like to warmly invite you to this term’s Parent Formation Session in the Church on Tuesday the 14th of November at 2.30pm. The focus of the session will be on the Last 4 Things. Please come and join us as we celebrate the wonder of God’s relationship with you in Jesus Christ.
Class Mass Timetable – Term 4
This term we are excited to continue our class masses. We will be combining our class masses with sacred singing and over the remainder of the year and all classes will have a chance to host Mass in our beautiful church.
Below are the dates, time of mass and hosting classes, we hope to see you there.
Important Dates
Please save the date for these upcoming school events. We look forward to sharing these wonderful occasions with you.
- All Souls’ Day Mass - 2 November – 9:00am – Shed
- SVDP Christmas Appeal Launch – at whole school assembly
- Remembrance Day – Friday 10 November – 10:00am – Memorial Garden
- Volunteer Celebration – Friday 17 November - 8:00am
- Year 6 Graduation – Thursday 23 November
- Nativity Play – led by Prep Blue – 2:00pm – Shed
- End of Year Celebration – Friday 1 December - 9:00am - Shed
God bless and take care,
Rhiannon Cameron
Primary Learning Leader
This week our teachers have been working within their year level team with myself and our STIEs to engage in professional dialogue about our student’s strengths and areas for growth that we see in the evidence we gather.
From Prep-6 we have seen growth from all our learners with their reading development. Having structured literacy blocks with a guided reading focus has allowed our teachers to work on whole class, small group and individual reading goals with their students. Focus areas for many of our year levels continues to be around developing fluency and monitoring for meaning (stopping when meaning breaks down.) Encouraging your child to read regularly at home greatly assists with their reading development.
As part of the school’s EIA (Explicit Improvement Agenda) our teachers have again commenced the first phase of the moderation process – the planning phase. During this phase our teachers have come together to work collaboratively to review their planning and ensure they have a thorough understanding of the targeted aspect of the achievement standard being assessed to ensure consistency. Teachers are using the third teacher to strengthen consistency in their writing practice and have co-constructed engaging learning walls with the students to support the writing process.
Welcome Prep 2024 Families!
We were so excited to welcome our Prep 2024 students to Guardian Angels on Tuesday for the first of their 3 orientation mornings. Lots of fun getting to know each other and some big smiles coming through the gate. A big thank you to our P&F for generously providing the coffee cart for our Prep 24 families
We look forward to doing it all again on 31 October!
School Fees
School fees for Term 4 2023 were issued on Tuesday and are due for payment by 27 October. 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
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 Year 6 Stewardship Committee
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.
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 is open on the first Monday of the month with the next open day on Monday 6 November. 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 a LIVE the GA Way Award at assembly. These students demonstrate they LIVE the GA Way in all they do and say:
Olivia T, Sophie B, Killian S, Rory C, Natalie K, Killian N, Oliver S, Ariana M, Alexander C, Darcey J, Timothy T, Hendrix F, Ivy H, Camila S, James D, Claire R, Everly W, Harsimran K, Ante K, Bobby C, Kayla G, Eloise N, Hartley B, Spencer S, Bertie H, Piata T, Jacob P, Brooke F, Hayden B, Paige M, Anastasia O, Mia P, Stella M, Addison R, Amelia B, Eugenie S, Peyton J, Harry C, Lucy W, Eli B, Louise I, Ruben M, Oliver V, Paige J, Dominik C, Sofia P, Aviana L, George H, Addison G, Memphis W, Charlotte R
From the Tuckshop
Tuckshop Volunteer Roster
Week 4
Wednesday 25 October - Kendall Trevisan
Thursday 26 October - Natasha Anne Staal
Friday 27 October - HELPER NEEDED
Week 5
Wednesday 1 November - Kylie Culwick
Thursday 2 November - Kylie Culwick
Friday 3 November - Allison Collins
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
Get your family and friends together for our annual parent and family event on Saturday November 4! 90's Trivia at the Manly-Lota RSL hall, located on Melville Terrace in Manly.
🕡 Doors open at 6:30 PM
🧠 Trivia begins at 7:00 PM
Join us for a blast from the past as we test your '90s knowledge! Tickets are priced at $25 per person, and we encourage you to team up with friends (up to 10 per table). Get creative with your team name, and infuse it with that iconic '90s vibe!
Please note, attendees do not have to be a GA parent - you can book your seat as an individual or a group booking of no more than 10 seats. We have capped each table at 10, so you can have fewer than this if you wish.
Have 5 friends? Great! Need to add a few more seats? No, problem!
Please bring your own food / snacks or platter to savor during the event - there will be no food provided at this event. We will have a fully stocked bar on site, offering a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available to purchase.
Don't miss out on the chance to win prizes! Dress up in your best '90s attire for a chance to win the 'Best '90s Dress-Up' award. We'll also have Raffle Tickets available for purchase and a lucky door prize that could be yours!
Mark your calendars for a night of '90s nostalgia and fun at the Manly-Lota RSL hall. We can't wait to see you there!"
BUY TICKETS - https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ga-90s-trivia-night-tickets-732490638217?aff=oddtdtcreator
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’.
Existing Guardian Angels' Families - sibling Prep 2025 enrolments
Calling all current Guardian Angels' families with sibling enrolments for Prep 2025. Please submit your applications and supporting documentation now.
Unfortunately we have had to postpone our upcoming Principal's Tour on 24 October. A new date, before the end of Term 4, will be announced shortly.
We are currently full across all year levels and maintaining a waitlist for Prep 2024.
Applications for Prep 2025 will close 1 April 2024. We are now accepting enrolments for Prep in 2025 and 2026. 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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