Guardian Angels' Newsletter - Term 2 | Week 9

Term Two Events

Please keep up to date with this term's activities and events by referring to the School Calendar on the Parent Portal or BCE Connect App.
https://extranet16.bne.catholic.edu.au/parent/guardianangelswynnum/Pages/default.aspx 

Don't have access to the Parent Portal or BCE Connect App? See attached instructions on how to sign up. 

Principal News

As we move towards the end of Term 2, I have been reflecting on just how quickly the term seems to have gone by. There is no doubt that schools are very busy places and this term has been no exception. Sometimes, in the busyness of life, it is easy to recognise those things that we really want to do, or those that we are putting off for another time, or maybe those that we need a little help from others to achieve, or simply those that we just couldn’t find time for at all.

However, during my first Semester at Guardian Angels, I haven’t had to look too far to see those times when I have seen below the surface and recognised how God is present in our each of us; in the little things of the everyday. Present in the:

• Warm welcome of the Guardian Angels community
• Support of our parents for their children and the activities of the GA school and parish communities
• Commitment of our staff to our students in the everyday of school
• Generosity of the many in support of our P&F and school events
• Shared wisdom provided in my leadership by our School Board.

In just these few things, we can easily see the strengths, the gifts and the talents that God has created in us. We may be good at helping out, at coaching sport, at organising events, at having initiative or at being present to others in a way that is genuine and caring. The list is long – the people are many – and as we ponder these gifts, we can sense who we are underneath all the activities that we do. Importantly, we can sense who we are as a faith community; and that is one that I am very proud to be a part of.

When we look at how communities have worked together and helped each other during the recent extreme weather events and health situation, we can see many examples of the good works of people who have used their unique talents to show leadership to support others. For it is in our concern and care for others that God’s presence among us is revealed. It is at times like these, when we remember the raw power of the earth and we remember the strength of a people gathered for the one purpose of helping others, that the grace and love of God is present in our midst.

Thank you to all our families for their support and patience as we worked together over the past months.

May God bless you and keep you all safe in his care as we move into the final week of term and as we prepare to welcome the holidays from Friday afternoon on 24 June.

May Christ light your way,
Veronica Tomerini-Smith

Assistant Principal - Administration News

Good afternoon lovely families …

Well of course … it DID NOT disappoint!!! I had been looking forward to our Prep-Year 2 Dance concert all term, and it was as wonderful as ever!!! I just love seeing the students’ enthusiasm and participation; this is one of those precious times where our beautiful children share their joy and happiness with us in turn filling our hearts with joy and happiness.

Years 3-6 will begin their dance lessons in Term 3 and we look forward to their dance concert extravaganza towards the end of Term 3 also. Of course I will communicate details around this event once the date is confirmed with Superstars.

A couple of items were found after the event (photos below). If they are yours they are being held for safekeeping in the Guardian Angels' office for collection.

Prep – Year 6 Athletics Carnival
For the first time next Wednesday, we will be enjoying our athletics carnival as a whole school (Prep – Year 6) rather than two separate ‘junior’ and ‘senior’ carnivals. It is going to be just fabulous to be all together as a school family. I know you have received information from Melanie Denmead (HPE teacher) regarding the upcoming carnival, but I would like to provide some very important and specific ‘transport-related’ information.

• Athletics Carnival: Wednesday 22 June (8:30-2:30) at Iona College, Lindum.
• Students are to be dropped off directly AT IONA at 8:30am (no earlier).
• Students are to be picked up directly FROM IONA by 2:30pm.
• For those students who are not able to be dropped off, there is provision for bus transportation to and/or from Iona.
• All students MUST wear their school hat, white sandshoes and correct sports uniform (except that they are allowed to wear a coloured shirt/ribbons representing their house team of course).
• Sunscreen to reapply and plenty of water to drink are important.

For those students catching buses to Iona from Guardian Angels’ in the morning and/or afternoon, please note the following:

• All students (Prep-Year 6) are to be dropped off at the MC CAMPUS (Pine Street gate) from 8:05am.
• Buses will leave Guardian Angels’ from 8:30am. We will be transporting our older students first so that they are at the venue for the start of the carnival.
• Guardian Angels’ Drop Off Zone will NOT be operating at all on Wednesday 22 June (morning or afternoon).
• Guardian Angel’s Campus (Prep – Year 2) will NOT be opened/accessible at all during the day.
• All students who return from Iona to Guardian Angels’ via bus in the afternoon will be dropped at the MC Campus (Shed) and are to be collected from this area (MC Pick Up Zone – Pine Street).

Please also note the following very important information:

• Any student leaving the carnival early ie before its conclusion, will be required to report to the recording tent with their parent to ensure accurate recording.
• Students will NOT BE PERMITTED to leave the carnival with any person other than those who are formally authorised to collect students from school (recorded in our system).
• If your child/ren will be collected from the carnival by someone other than those formally identified (as above), parents will need to put this information in writing to pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au before the carnival day. (The email inbox will not be checked for these requests on the day of the carnival so please do this before next Wednesday if required).

Year 2 Excursion
Last Wednesday I was privileged to join the Year 2 students and teachers as they became “aquatic scientists”. We spent the morning at Wynnum Creek learning about the health of the water, its turbidity (new word learned) and the creatures that exist there. We then headed off to the Moreton Bay Environmental Centre on Stradbroke Avenue to learn about filtering water to make it cleaner, how long it takes to break materials down and looking more closely at some of the vegetation etc found around Wynnum Creek and surrounds. The students just loved the microscope work and all of the investigations throughout the day.

I know I often say how proud I am to be a part of this wonderful school family and how your beautiful children fill our hearts every day with joy and pride; this day was certainly no different. The Year 2 students represented themselves and our school so beautifully. They were engaged, respectful, and actively participated in every learning opportunity. Many thanks to Anne-Maree Harrison and Nicole Dodds (Year Two teachers), along with Karen Flick (Year Two School Officer) and all of the incredible parents who came along with us to support our students.

I witnessed such wonderful engagement throughout the day: very special mentions to Aaron and Carter who listened so intently, offered great information/responses and asked investigative questions throughout the whole day. I'd also like to make a special mention of three young environmental warriors who have since approached me to discuss ways they (and everyone at Guardian Angels’) can make a difference to our environment. Jack, Nathan and Beau have been very enthusiastic about the types of things we can continue to do to ensure our environment is cared for. The boys will present their ideas to our Senior Leader students (in Year 6) early in Term 3. I am so very proud of them.

I know that our Year 2 students have been very busy since returning from their excursion. They have continued their scientific discussions and investigations and spent time writing about their experiences on the excursion. Our students very often share their reading and writing progress with me and I was lucky enough to read the recount of this excursion written by Charlotte. Charlotte’s writing impressed me so much that I asked her if I could share some of it with you here:

Great writing Charlotte!!! I am super proud of how much detail you included in this recount. Even if I wasn’t with you on the excursion, I would certainly know how you spent your day!

Even the adults learned so much from this experience. I was personally gobsmacked by the length of time it takes for materials to break down. It has certainly made me think about some things differently.

Thank you, Year 2, for inviting me to join you on this great learning experience.

Semester 1 Academic Reports
Semester 1 Summary of Achievement (student reports) will be uploaded to the Parent Portal on Tuesday 21 June. The upload should take place at around 5:00pm at which time your child/ren’s reports will be available for you to access. Please be aware that you will not receive a hard copy of this report. My suggestion is to download it and save it to your local files so that you can access it/print it at your leisure.

The purpose of these reports is to provide you with an overview of the student’s effort and achievement across the learning areas. As always, your teachers are always available to make appointments to talk with you and provide more detail around your child’s progress and achievements.

Blessings for the coming week
Nicole Waller

Assistant Principal - Religious Education News

Rugby 7s Carnival
Yesterday, 9 students, their parents, Mrs Hardisty and I ventured over to Sunnybank Rugby Union Club to participate in the Brisbane Catholic Education (BCE) South Catholic Schools Rugby 7s carnival day. This year, we had one U10’s Boys team play. The team of boys and one girl have been busy training over the last couple of weeks ready for the big carnival. All the students demonstrated excellent team spirit, sportsmanship, and effort. We had some big wins of 30 to 10 (6 tries to 2) and 45 to 5 (9 tries to 1) in our pool games. We advanced to the Semi-final where we won 10 to 5 (2 tries to 1) in the dying seconds against St Joachim’s. In the grand final of the day, unfortunately we went down to Mt Carmel 10 to 5 (2 tries to 1). We are so very proud of the students for the great efforts on the day and coming second overall.

A HUGE thank you goes to Danny Day for being SUPER coach and leading the team at training and at the carnival. Thank you to all the parents for supporting our players on the day and in the lead up. Finally, thank you once again to the P&F for supplying our amazing GA rugby jerseys and socks.

We look forward to taking some more teams to the BCE South Schools Rugby 7s Carnival next year.

Parish Led Mass
This Sunday, we have our Year 3 students leading the 5:00pm Parish Mass. This is a great opportunity to further strengthen our connection with our Parish community. We look forward to celebrating Mass together on Sunday and welcome any other families to join us at this Mass.

The dates for our future School led Parish Masses are as follows:

Year 5/6 – Sunday 31^st July
Year 1 – Sunday 28^th August
Prep – Sunday 9^th October
Year 4 – Sunday 13^th November

Confirmation
Next Wednesday 22 June, over 60 students will be celebrating their Confirmation with Father Thomas and Bishop Ken Howell presiding. These students have been attending lessons for the last 4 weeks in preparation for receiving this sacrament.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation. Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely. The Sacrament of Confirmation consists of the renewal of baptismal promises and the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of Chrism. The anointing of the candidate is a sign of confirming the gift of the Spirit, and calling the candidates to use these gifts to become involved in the life and mission of the community.

We pray for these students as they receive the Holy Spirit at their confirmation next Wednesday evening.

Blessings for the week ahead,
Hannah Goodwin

In other news...

Drop off and pick up zone volunteers

Thank you to those parents who have already so generously volunteered their time in the pick up zones. We truly appreciate your help.

We would love parent helpers at both campuses from Term 2. Pick up zones operate from 8:00am – 8:25am in the morning and from 2:55pm – 3:20pm in the afternoons. It's an easy 25 mins, opening car doors, helping little people in and out of cars.

If you can spare 20-30 minutes once or twice a week please email Jenny Druce at jdruce@bne.catholic.edu.au with your preferred day, time and campus.

If I have nominated you for a shift, and it’s not suitable, please let me know. 

A friendly reminder, before commencing your role as a volunteer or other personnel at our school, you are required to complete the online volunteer training. The training can be found here: https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/students-parents/student-protection/Pages/Student-Protection-and-Code-of-Conduct-Training-for-Volunteers-and-Other-Personnel.aspx

You will need to download, print and complete your registration form, which is contained within your online training. Return it to the School Office prior to commencing your role.

Health and Wellbeing at GA

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 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 11 July.

The shop will open between 7:30am and 8:10am on the GA campus. Each item is $5. Cash only sales.

A friendly reminder regarding the process for purchasing from the second hand shop:

• only parent volunteers, managing the second hand sales, are allowed in the storeroom
  
• second hand items are washed and bagged according to size so that finding stock is quick and easy
  
• due to the demand in short opening hours please take the item as given to you by our parent volunteers. It is not possible to sift through stock; if it is unsuitable it can be returned to the Mount Carmel School Office for a refund or exchange
  
• the shop has a small float on the day but the exact change is appreciated.

Demand for second hand uniform items is usually high so our parent volunteers truly appreciate your kindness and patience as they help as many parents as possible when the shop is open.

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.

Random Acts of Kindness

According to the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation (https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/) there are six core kindness concepts: Respect, Caring, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Responsibility and Courage.

Integrity

At Guardian Angels' we demonstrate integrity by responding promptly to the bell and being ready to learn in the classroom, at gathering times and liturgies by participating fully and reverantly, in pick up zones when we are sitting and waiting patiently and considering others around us and in the playground by using our hands and feet appropriately. Our Year 2 students represented themselves and our school with integrity on excursion last week by being engaged, respectful, and actively participating in every learning opportunity. Well done Year 2!

Send in your favourite kindness quotes, random acts of kindness, or how you show integrity, together with your name and class, to Mrs Druce in the School Office to see them featured in the school newsletter.

From the Tuckshop

Tuckshop Volunteer Roster

Week 10

Wednesday 22 June - Athletics Carnival
Thursday 23 June - Natasha Staal
Friday 24 June - Alicia Loveday

Week 1 | Term 3

Wednesday 13 July - Stephanie Taylor
Thursday 14 July - Angela Pannakoek
Friday 15 July - HELPER NEEDED

Helpers are still needed this Term. Please contact Annalise Olm if you are able to volunteer your time in the canteen.

Before commencing your role as a volunteer or other personnel at our school, you are required to complete the annual online volunteer training. The training can be found here: https://www.bne.catholic.edu.au/students-parents/student-protection/Pages/Student-Protection-and-Code-of-Conduct-Training-for-Volunteers-and-Other-Personnel.aspx

You will need to download, print and complete your registration form, which is contained within your online training. Return it to the School Office prior to commencing your role.

Athletics Carnival Tuckshop

Reminders for tuckshop at the Sports Carnival on 22 June:

• cash only on the day of the carnival; please bring small notes and coins
• the cutoff for orders via Flexischools is 8:00am on Tuesday 21 June
• there will be a sausage sizzle and other items for parents to buy from the canteen
• most importantly, there will be a coffee van available all day!

Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received an award at Assembly: Stefan G, Sophie S, Jack W, Lexi P, Quentin M, Finn M, Carter C, Isabella N, Archer T, Arvin T, Arnav G, Rooni P, Harvey R, Finn N, Beau C, Frazer D, Charlotte T, Lachlan T, Oliva J, Mason K, Ivy K, Olivia E, Riley H, Ken Y, Beau M, Abigail R 

From the P&F

Angels on the Oval Laneway Markets
Stallholders Needed

Colour Run - 26 August

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’.

Principal's Tour
The next Principal's Tour will be held on Thursday 14 July at 9:00am. Please register by email to pwynnum@bne.catholic.edu.au or by calling enrolments on 3396 4486.

Existing Guardian Angels' Families - sibling Prep 2024 enrolments

Calling all current Guardian Angels' families with sibling enrolments for Prep 2024. Please submit your applications and supporting documentation now.

We are now accepting enrolments for Prep in 2024 and 2025. 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

Coming up @ GA

Week 10

Monday 20 June
NAIDOC (Quandamooka) Week
Athletics Carnival Tuckshop orders to be placed via Flexischools by 8:00am on 21 June

Tuesday 21 June
Firefighter Visit - Year 1

Wednesday 22 June
Tuckshop - at Athletics Carnival
P-6 Athletics Carnival - Iona College
Parish Sacramental Program - Confirmation - 5:00pm and 7:00pm

Thursday 23 June
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program
Year 1 Excursion - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
State Rugby League Competition (select students only)

Friday 24 June
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
State Rugby League Competition (select students only)
NAIDOC Prayer Service - Year 2G - 9:00am - MC Shed (all welcome)

Week 1 | Term 3

Monday 11 July
Second Hand Uniform Shop Open - 7:30am

Tuesday 12 July

Wednesday 13 July
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Assembly - 1:50pm - MC Shed (all welcome)

Thursday 14 July
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)
Uniform Shop open 1:00pm-4:00pm
Year 1-6 Instrumental Music Program
Creative Kidz Music Lessons
SuperStars Dance Lessons (3-6)

Friday 15 July
Tuckshop (orders must be in by 7:45am)

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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