School Newsletter Term 1, Week 2, 8th February 2024

Principals Letter

Dear St Augustine's families,

A huge welcome to all of our new families and a special welcome back to existing families.

We had our students rewrite the Vision and Mission of our school in child friendly language so that they too were able to understand what it meant. Here is our child friendly version of St Augustine's Vision and Mission. 

Vision 

St.Augustine’s is a school where it’s important that everyone learns.

We will help every student in both happy and challenging times to do their best. 

We are the caretakers of God’s creation. 

Mission: 

We will: 

• Support all students at St. Augustine’s by helping them understand the importance of respect, the Gospel Values and the Brigidine heritage.

• Encourage learning in an inclusive and safe learning space, to become the best person they can possibly be. 

• Challenge and engage students so they can be successful. 

• Include parish, families and the wider community to help to learn. 

• Work together, to continuously improve student growth in all areas. 

Staff at St Augustine's

Principal - Mrs Sonia Turner

Parish Priest - Fr John Monanghan

Deputy Principal  - Mrs Kate Balzan

Teachers
Foundation - Miss Rebecca Pickthall, Miss Isabella Thomson

Year 1/2 - Mrs Christine Hooper, Mrs Moira McNamara, Miss Samantha PalmerYear

3/4 - Mrs Athina Johnson, Mr Euan Tait, Mr Warren Berry, Mrs Pat Grace & Mrs Anna GardinerYear

5/6 - Mrs Mackenzie Shaw, Ms Trish Foran, Mrs Cait Upton

Digital Technology - Mr Tim Hawkins

Physical Education/EBT leader - Miss Emma Ryan

Library - Miss Ebony Cain

Science - Mrs Christine Griffiths

Administration
Mrs Amber O'Kearney, Mrs Anne Mangan, Mrs Celia Jardine

Learning Support Officers
Mrs Gayle Firman, Mrs Rachael Whitnall, Mrs Vanessa Pascoe, Mrs Janette Lanfranchi, Mrs Bianca Ross, Mrs Amanda Durbridge, Mrs Rachel Santos, Mrs Deidre Polinelli, Mrs Tania Mottram, Mrs Nicole Cain, Miss Kaylah Stewart, Miss Mikaylah Quinlan

Meet and Greets Thank you to all of you who were able to make it to meet up with your child's/ren teacher this week.The partnership between school and home is vital to all children's learning journey so we encourage you to share as much as you can with your teacher. Events that happen at home can often have a direct impact at school and can be the answer to sudden changes in behaviour or ability to cope at school. Not only that but parental and family input on a child's learning has such a positive impact and studies show they perform better overall. 

School traffic and crossing supervision A Class Dojo went out to families this week in relation to parking around our school. We will have a parking inspector policing the area as it has been noted a number of vehicles are parked illegally at pickup times which increases the risk of harm to our students and families. A reminder parking within 20 metres before a designated school crossing or 10 metres after is illegal. You are not allowed to park in parking bays that have a disabled parking sign or road marking, unless you have a valid disabled parking permit.

Please do not park in the tennis court or carpark behind the church, it is too dangerous as children are entering and exiting school. 

Further information in the link attached: Safe to School Brochure for Parents

Class captains and Student Voice Next Monday 12th February, we will have an Assembly to announce and present the Term 1 Class captains and Student Voice representatives. The Year 5/6 students will be on camp so these will be presented to the Foundation to Year 4 students. Congratulations to the following students:

Canteen Menu We have some new additions to our canteen menu. Please have a closer look on CDF PAY but there is also a menu attached to the newsletter in the Canteen section. We are encouraging more healthy options.

Breakky Club This year breakky club will be on a TUESDAY morning. All children are welcome to breakky club, it doesn't matter if you have had breakky at home, come along for a second breakky or a milo or just a chat with your friends. 

Pupil Free Days for Term 1  

FRIDAY 8TH MARCH - Staff RE Day

THURSDAY 28TH MARCH - Staff Structured Literacy Day

MONDAY 15TH APRIL - Staff PD Day

FRIDAY 24TH MAY - Staff Relate PD Day 

Evacuation drill /fire drills Each term we have to exercise a drill, either on site or off site. These are in the case of an emergency to enable the children and staff to know what to do if we ever have to evacuate or lock down. Today we practised an off site drill to Phillips Gardens. This was all explained to the children before it happened however if your child comes home saying there was a fire at school you can further explain. 

Parent-School Relationships At St. Augustines Primary School we are committed to nurturing respectful relationships and active partnerships with families. We ask all our families to please read the documents below; 'Parent-School Relationships Code of Conduct', 'St Augustine's PS - Safeguarding Children & Young People - Code of Conduct' & 'DOBCEL Governance - Child Safe Policy'.

Lent, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday  Next week, Lent begins on our Catholic Liturgical calendar. Lent is the 40 days before Easter where Jesus took up a time of prayer before his Death and Resurrection. This is also a time for us when we make a sacrifice by giving up something, engage in almsgiving in thinking about others and a time for prayer.Next Tuesday, students will be making pancakes for Shrove Tuesday and learning about the historical significance of using all the treats before a period of sacrifice. They will also be writing a promise they might keep for Lent, these promises are burnt during a Liturgy then used on Ash Wednesday at Mass.

Lenten Prayer for Spiritual Renewal

God, heavenly Father,
look upon me and hear my prayer
during this holy Season of Lent.
By the good works You inspire,
help me to discipline my body
and to be renewed in spirit.

Without You I can do nothing.
By Your Spirit help me to know what is right
and to be eager in doing Your will.
Send Your Spirit to make me strong
in faith and active in good works.
May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness,
open my heart to Your love,
and prepare me for the coming feast
of the Resurrection of Jesus.

Lord, during this Lenten Season,
nourish me with Your Word of life
and make me one
with You in love and prayer.
Guide me in Your gentle mercy,
for left to myself I cannot do Your Will.

Amen.

Many blessings

Mrs Sonia Turner

Principal

A message from our students

Happy Birthday to...

 Holiday Birthdays

Madison H-Year 1      Harriet B-Foundation      Willow Y-Foundation      Elizabeth B-Year 3

Eddie R-Year 3      Noah G-Year 6      Penley G-Year 2      Olive D-Year 2      Savio A-Year 5      

Anaya F-Year 6      Jakobi W-Year 6      Hazel L-Year 3      Frederick B-Year 6      Darcy M-Year 2

Amelia S-Year 4      Millee B-Foundation      Hailey D-Year 3   

Term 1, Week 1 & 2

Aisha M-Year 3      Reef M-Year4      Alexis Y-Year 2      Harley M-Year 5      

From our Specialist teachers

BOOK CLUB Issue 1

Book Club catalogues were sent home this week with students. All orders are to be placed through LOOP, instructions as attached. 

Orders are due in by Friday 16th February.

STAR Students

At St Augustine's we are a SWPBIS school (School Wide Positive Behaviour in School) and we have a STAR culture. STAR stands for:

S  - stay safe

T  - take pride

A  - act justly

R  - respond positively

Just like children are explicitly taught academics, acceptable behaviour is also explicitly taught. STAR awards are given at Assembly each fortnight, exceptional STARs are sent a postcard which qualifies them to morning tea with the Principal at the end of the term.

STAR lessons are taught around a nominated behaviour blitz. Children are taught how to be a STAR in all places they go and what the acceptable behaviour looks like. Examples of a lessons: how to stay safe in class, in the library, the toilet, at the bus stop, on the playground or when walking to the swimming pool.

Cyber Safety

Lunch box ideas

2023 School Fees & Levies

FEE STATEMENTS WILL BE SENT HOME TO FAMILIES FRIDAY 9TH FEBRUARY

ALL Resource Fees and Year 5/6 Camp fees are due before the end of February 2024.  Payment can be made via EFTPOS or cash at the school office, credit card over the phone or direct deposit to our account. 

Please see below the 2024 School Fee Schedule

We welcome all students and their families who share or respect our Catholic faith, values and traditions. Catholic education is supported by State and Federal funding, with families contributing the balance of the cost of educating their children. At times, some families are unable to meet their commitment to the full costs of education. As a Catholic school system, we ensure fee relief mechanisms are available to support families in time of need. We encourage these discussions on enrolment or as these needs emerge.

Medical Information

Concussion – Important information

If your child has experienced concussion, it is important that you follow recommended medical advice. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sport. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.

It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of the school setting so we can monitor for ongoing symptoms and adapt activities if required.

This factsheet link below from the Royal Children’s Hospital is valuable to read and understand.

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Head_injury_return_to_school_and_sport/

There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch children’s research institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.

https://www.headcheck.com.au/

Student Medical Information

If your child is unwell please keep them at home.

This includes coughs, colds, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and any other contagious illnesses.  

Coughs & Colds

Children can return to school once symptoms have eased and they are not actively coughing or blowing their nose.  

Vomitting & Diarrhoea

Children can return to school 48 hours after the last episode.

We will send children home if they present with any of these symptoms whilst at school.

Notifying Absences

All absentee notifications should be recorded either through the Parent Access Module (PAM) or directly to the school office by phone or email to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au prior to 9.30am on the day of the absence. Please do not send notes of absence through to classroom teachers on Class Dojo as they may be absent or unable to check messages prior to commencement of class.

If a student is absent and we have not received any form of notification by 9.30am, a text message will be sent to parents asking them to call the office or send a reply text. 

Child Safety

St. Augustine's Primary School Maryborough demonstrates a strong commitment to the care, safety and wellbeing of all students at our school.

All of our Child Safe policies and procedures are accessible on our website through the link below.

Uniform Shop

Uniform orders will continue to be filled and sent home with your child(ren) weekly. If you would like to enquire about secondhand uniform, please send a message to Amber on Class Dojo with your required items and sizes and we will send home what we can supply.

School hats are compulsory in Term 1. No hat, no play! 

Bucket Hats available from the front office and the uniform shop for $10.

If you have any queries or items to be exchanged, please contact the school office. 

Note: There is no longer a designated period for summer or winter uniform. Students can choose what they would like to wear in any season. The only exception is that sports uniform must be worn on designated sports days and bucket hats are to be worn in Term 1 and 4.

PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE

If you call the office and the phone is unattended or busy, please leave a message. Messages are checked regularly throughout the day. Often there is only one person in the office and they may be busy on another call or with a student or parent.  Alternatively you can email a message through to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au or send a class dojo through to Ms O'Kearney.  Please try and avoid last minute end of day changes for students. We understand that things do come up and if a change needs to be urgently relayed to your child/ren, please call and speak with the office so we can make sure they get the message immediately.  

Please note with the temporary office relocation we only have one phone line in so please leave a message and we will return your call ASAP.

PAM - Parent Access Module

PLEASE LOG INTO YOUR PAM ACCOUNT AND CONFIRM/COMPLETE YOUR CHILDS MEDICAL PROFILE. THIS INFORMATION IS MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS. 

We require ALL families to complete and update their child/ren’s medical details and contact information for 2023 through PAM and throughout the year as changes occur. 

This information is mandatory and vital in the case of an emergency.   It is important that if you have any change to your contact numbers, including work place, mobile, home number, that these be updated through PAM and to advise the school office.

To complete your child/rens medical profile including contact information, go to PAM, click on your child/rens name, go to 'Medical Profile' and click 'Edit Details'. Complete details then click in the box at the bottom of the page to confirm the details are correct and click ‘Update Details’.

If you have any questions or require your login details, please contact the school office.

Canteen

All orders must be placed through CDFPay prior to 9.00am Fridays.   Please ensure you complete all orders on CDFPay and proceed through payment screen to the green receipt screen.

Please contact the office if you are having any issues with your CDFPay account. 

Parking & Road Safety

Parking behind the church & tennis courts is STAFF ONLY parking. Please do not use these areas to park or pickup your children. Vehicle movement in and out of these areas means you are driving over footpaths/walkways which both our students and Highview students are using. This creates a potential safety hazard.

Follow road safety regulations, keep driveways clear, check carefully before reversing and avoid letting your children exit or enter a car whilst on the road or stopped at the crossings. Please do not double park. We all want to keep our families safe so your co-operation is appreciated.

Please observe road rules around our school for the safety of all of our children.

* Schools have 40km zone.

* Parking behind the church & tennis courts is STAFF ONLY parking.

* Please use the children's crossing on Burns, Kars St and Burke St.

* For safety purposes, please avoid letting your children exit or enter a car whilst on the road or stopped at the crossings. Please do not double park. 

Thank you for your co-operation.

Bus Travel

Bus travel on the country buses is available for students at St Augustine’s School and arrangements are made through the bus co-ordinator, Heather Jennings, at the Maryborough Education Centre on 5461 7900.  Parents of the student/s must organise the pass through MEC at least two days prior to travel. Students cannot travel on the country buses without a pass. The town bus does not require a pass but costs 50cents a trip, payable on the day of travel.  Please advise the office if your child will be travelling on any of the buses so we can update our bus rolls.

IMPORTANT

All bus travel requires parents/guardians to complete a Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Application for Permission to Travel form prior to any bus travel. This form can be emailed direct to Heather Jennings at MEC, Heather.Jennings@education.vic.gov.au. It is important that this form is completed as these details will be used in the event of an emergency.

PTV forms are now required to be updated and completed yearly. All families who currently use the bus system have been sent home a new form to complete for 2024 travel.  Please return these to the school office prior to the end of term.

Bell times

5 minutes prior to classes commencing there is music played. This signals to the children it is time to start moving to class. This is the time children need to have a drink, go to the toilet etc. so they are lined up and ready to start class when the bell goes. 

8:30am - Yard Care Supervision begins

8:40am  -  Classroom teacher in classroom - meet & greet

8:55pm - School classes begin

9am-11am - 2 hour learning session

11am-11:40am -  First break

11:40am-1:40pm - 2 hour learning session

1:40pm-2:20pm - Second break

2:20pm-3:15pm - 55 minute learning session

3:10pm - Fiscalini & Flanagan dismissal

3:15pm - Arundell & Scanlan, Bus students dismissal

Parish News

Please see link below for the latest Parish Bulletin & readings.

School Approved Scrunchies

School approved Scrunchies are for sale in the school foyer for $5 each.

$1 from each scrunchie sold goes to our Energy Breakthrough Program.

We now also have coloured scrunchies for sale. These are 'not ok to be worn on a school day'. $1 from each scrunchie sold goes to our EBT program.

Lots of different patterns and colours available so come check them out!

Advanced dates for your diary

Pupil Free days - Students do not come to school on these days.

FRIDAY 8TH MARCH - Staff RE Day

THURSDAY 28TH MARCH - Staff Structured Literacy Day

MONDAY 15TH APRIL - Staff PD Day

FRIDAY 24TH MAY - Staff Relate PD Day 

Please see the link to the school calendar below for all other important dates.

Community Notices