New Tool for parents and caregivers
I have learnt that as a community, St Gabriel’s is enriched by the diversity of 29 different cultures. We celebrate this diversity in many of our school events including Carnevale and Harmony Day. I am committed to our school continuing to be inclusive and so we have purchased a more accessible, easy to use version of Google Translate for school newsletters.
You will find the 'Google Translate' button at the top of the eNewsletter and any pages on our website.
Child Safety
Like most schools the pickup from school zone is a hectic space for a short time in the afternoons and as such I encourage you to be considerate of other families and particularly those with young children whose spatial awareness is not yet fully developed.
A reminder that the areas outside the school gates on Whittington Street and Barrington Avenue are intended to be a space for parents amd carers to collect their children but to not leave their car unattended. Leaving a car unattended cause significant traffic disruption for other drivers.
First Assembly
The moments that we gather as a whole school are an opportunity to celebrate our strength as a community and it was great to see the older children welcome our reception students to the school. Classes were invited to share the lovely work that they have done in the classroom. Assemblies are a great way to showcase their learning to the rest of the school comminity. This is also a time where we give out our Pillar Recognition Awards which students look forward to the most.
Parents, caregivers and familes are always welcome to come along in our Sacred Heart Gym!
NAPLAN
There are several measures of good schools and NAPLAN is one of them. We have commenced testing our procedures and equipment for the tests that will commence soon. Thank you for encouraging your children in years 3 and 5 to make the most of this opportunity to demonstrate their learning.
Kind regards,
Mark Simpson
Religious Dimensions
As we continue through Lent, we are reminded that this season is one of reflection and coming closer to God. Through prayer, giving to the poor and service. We can develop an understanding of what it is God is asking of us. Our heart felt actions to make life better for people who are struggling makes us understand God’s plan is one thing God asks of us. In doing so we are helping build the Kingdom of God here on earth. The Kingdom isn’t something ruled by a warrior, but by a Prince of Peace.
During Lent our school supports the work of Caritas through Project Compassion. This is an example of almsgiving where give generously to help communities live fair and happy lives. Caritas offers dignity and hope for communities who have suffered from injustice and poverty.
Please consider your commitment to support Project Compassion which can be offered through home money boxes distributed last week, or classroom boxes which are on prayer tables in each classroom.
SACRAMENTS
The parish Sacramental program begins this week. If you would like your child to celebrate Reconciliation, Confirmation of First Eucharist, please contact Bernie Meixner at the school or the parish office as soon as possible. It’s not too late to begin.
Contact email: bernie.meixner@sgs.catholic.edu.au
A Project Compassion Prayer
Loving God,
May we always help other people who do not have what they need, such as food, clean water and a home such as Ronita from the Philippines, Memory from Malawi, and Leiya from Samoa (see below)
Help us see what causes people to live in poverty and what we can do to make a difference.
Amen
St Patrick’s Day
The Year 6 Students will support Project Compassion this year by selling green goodies on March 17th. Wait for more information on this great event from the Year 6 students. Proceeds will go to Project Compassion.
Year 4 learn about Common Good
On Monday, Umes from St Vincent de Paul visited the Year 4 children to help us learn about the work of Vinnies. We learned there are lots of ways to help people such as meal programmes, Vinnies shops, financial assistance and visitations.
The visit will help the children complete their Religious Education assessment on the Common Good.
Harmony Day
On March 21st and 22nd our school will support Harmony Day with a simple cultural meal and shared lunch.
I have invited family members to cook a simple finger food dish from their country of origin.
We have some Chinese food, Vietnamese food, Filipino food and Indian food. If you would like to make a dish of finger food from your country for your child’s Year level, please let me know.
We are looking forward to celebrating the many cultures represented in our vibrant community.
Children are welcome to wear orange on Friday 22nd March. Examples of what can be worn include a tshirt, head band, turban, hair ribbons, socks. Be creative. School hats must be worn and shoulders need to be covered at school
The Community Group are selling donuts with orange icing on March 22nd. Orders are being taken through the QKR app.
Our chickens are settling in and starting to produce eggs daily. We have 6 chickens which are quite young but developing charming personalities. You are welcome to come and say hello to the birds.
The vegetable garden is waiting for an irrigation system and a soil top up courtesy of Bunnings Prospect. The children have been clearing out old plants and weeds, although this is taking some time as it is a hot and heavy task.
We are also encouraging the children in the school to recycle their 10c drink containers.
Unfortunately, we are finding that there is a lot of wastage of fruits boxes and milk drinks. Some are thrown in the rubbish half full, and even unopened.
A Prayer for the Earth
Loving God,
We thank you for your gift of our beautiful world and all living things.
May we always take good care of each other and the Earth now, so the future is hopeful for everyone: for us and for all future generations.
Lord hear us.
Illness
As we are aware, there are many viruses including Covid in our communities at this present time. If you or your child are suffering from any respiritory symptoms, coughing, sneezing etc. we ask that you please do not come to school until you are well. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Student Attendance
You are reminded to ring the school/leave a message or Seesaw the teacher on the day your child is not attending school - please include the reason for non-attendance.
We'd be grateful if this could be done prior to 9am. Thank you for your support in this matter.
Please be aware that on our school website, there are key documents in relation to keeping all children in our school community safe from harm; physically, mentally and emotionally.
Labelling
Please check and ensure that your child's jumper/jacket, hat, drink bottle and small plastic containers are labelled so that they can be returned to them.
Uniform
Please note that uniform will be sold at the office on MONDAYS, TUESDAYS AND WEDNESDAY. If using QKR - every day. Other days by appointment.
TERM 1 - STUDENTS ARE TO BE WEARING THE SUMMER UNIFORM
Please ensure that your child is wearing black laced up shoes with their everyday uniform.
Sneakers are not to be worn for everyday uniform and only to be worn with sport uniform
Clearview Snack Bar - Lunch Menu
Lunches can be ordered by using the Qkr! app - see below or purchasing paper bags and writing your child's name, class and order on the bag with money enclosed. These can be left at the office or given to your child's class teacher.
To view the 2024 uniform price list & policy and the 2024 lunch order menu, click the gallery below:
Important Dates
Community Group Meeting 9.15a.m. & 6.15p.m.
GOOD FRIDAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY
EASTER SUNDAY
EASTER MONDAY - PUBLIC HOLIDAY
LAST DAY OF TERM 1
FIRST DAY OF TERM 2
Upcoming Events
Year 5 Aquatics Day
Year 4 Zoo Snooze
Year 4 Zoo Snooze
World Book Day Buddy Reading
School Board Meeting
7.00p.m.
Assembly - Year 1
International Children's Book Day
Helpful Contacts/Links for families
QKR App – issue with new Android phones
There is an issue with being able to download the QKR App to new android phones.
The QKR technicians are working diligently towards a solution but don’t have a release date as yet. We will advise once resolved.
In the interim, any parents having android issues can make purchases via the QKR website below:
Qkr! by MasterCard (qkrschool.com)
Thank you for your patience.
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