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Dear Parents and Community,
A quick thank you to everyone for the work they are doing. I do not know about you, but I have had a real sense of 'lockdown fatigue' at the moment as we continue in this current environment. We are all missing that human contact. The "You Can Do It," program has units of work around for students around the the topic of 'working tough.' It is about teaching students about grinding it out during tough times. I think we can all take lessons from that.
I am drawn to the Prayer to St Joseph to inspire and give us hope and love.
Prayer to St Joseph.
You were receptive to God working in your life. Help us by your prayers at this time of trial. You kept Jesus and Mary under your watchful care: may your prayers assist our local Church to respond to those in need.
You taught the Christ Child your trade and prayers: help us to follow his example of love.
You were part of God’s plan for all humanity: assist us to be vigilant and responsible this day.
You spent your life in service: may we be mindful of others, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, caring for them in these difficult days.
You trusted in the clear primacy of God over all history and every situation: help us to grow in faith and pray to the Father, Thy will be done.
Amen
Further to our work from Dylan Wiliam around Feedback. I have added a video from John Hattie. John Hattie is the chair of the Australian Institute of Teaching and School Leadership (Aitsl) He is also viewed as one of the leading education researchers in the world. This clip has two sections with the second being on feedback. Interestingly, he adds that the best feedback in the classroom is not from the teacher, but from the student to the teacher, so they can understand the impact of their lesson.
We are hoping this learning will become a big part of forward planning for 2021 and beyond. Our work around Growth Mindset this year has obviously been very disrupted, however, Dylan speaks of Growth Mindset throughout his work so it works in together quite well. From what we has learnt so far, Growth Mindset, is not about posters on the wall saying, "Keep Going," it is more about setting up the conditions in the school that allow students to be able to grow.
There are two videos, on this John Hattie clip, the second one is on feedback.
Staffing News: Sherralee O'Reilly has been appointed to replace Marilyn Bunting our bursar. Sherralee will begin soon so she and Marilyn can have a handover before Marilyn goes on leave at the end of the term. Welcome Sherralee.
Congratulations also goes to our teacher, Lucy McCarthy-Hill, who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Finley May, on Friday 14th. Congratulations Lucy.
God Bless and Stay Safe
Anthony
Jesus, you healed the man born blind, you made the lepers well again and you fed the hungry crowd.
You showed you cared for people, Jesus, through what you did for others.
Please be with all the people who care for those who are sick or without homes or who are hungry at this time.
Give them all courage and strength.
Help them to know and feel that they are not alone.
AMEN
Confirmation 2020
Thank you everyone for your patience in regards to Confirmation for 2020.
As you can imagine, there are a few issues around this sacrament. As you may know our Bishop, Mark Edwards has moved to the Diocese of Wagga Wagga and a new Bishop hasn’t been appointed yet. At the moment Father Greg is waiting for permission to confirm the children himself. This will not be known until September.
If the government does allow churches to open to small groups in the near future, then a revised version of the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place. Please stay tuned for more information when it becomes available.
Way of the West
St Mary’s School and Parish community are joining forces to respond to the needs of asylum seekers in our community. During the month of September, our Way of the West campaign is urging us all to respond to this need by donating various goods outlined below.
These goods are donated to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in Footscray and dispersed to families in need from there. Due to the current Covid 19 restrictions, donationed items can be left on the presbytery porch (beginning Monday 31st August).
If you are able to help this year then below are possible suggestions for you to start stocking up on:
Week 1: Sunday 6th September - Saturday 12th September
Dried Food: healthy breakfast cereals, dried fruit, nuts, healthy snack food for lunch boxes, tea (both black & green and instant coffee).
Week 2: Sunday 13th September - Saturday 19th September
Tinned Food: Fish like sardines, tuna or salmon. Vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, peas, lentils, chickpeas, beans (not baked), tomato paste, small jars of honey, long life milk.
Week 3: Sunday 20th September - Saturday 26th September
Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, sanitary products, shaving items.
Week 4: Sunday 27th September - Saturday 3rd October
Other Household Goods: Dishwashing detergent, washing powder, nappies (especially larger sizes), gift cards (Kmart, Woolworths, Coles).
Items will then be taken to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Footscray to be distributed to families in need. Thank you for your amazing support of the past.
SMW Drawing Competition
Well done to all the children who entered the Drawing Competition. We have some very talented artists in our school! The Class Reps will look at the drawings in our meeting on Friday and will select a winner for each year level. The winners will be announced in the newsletter next week and students will receive their certificate in the mail.