Thurs, December 5th, 2013
53 Curzon Street, TOOWOOMBA Q 4350
Email: [email protected]
TEL: 07 4637 6100
FAX: 07 4632 8630
Website: www.mdpstwb.catholic.edu.au
Quick Links: From the Principal / From the APA / From the APRE / School Administration / School Admin
Reminders / Sport / Clothing Pool / Save the Date / From Our New P&F Vice-President / OSHC / Insights by
Michael Grose / Community Notices
A Christmas Blessing
DATE CLAIMERS
Graduation Mass
th
5 December
Last Day of School
th
6 December
School Office Closes
th
13 December
School Office Opens
th
20 January
Staff Inservice Days
th
20 – 25 January
Meet the Teacher
rd
23 January
1.30 – 2.30pm
Australia Day Holiday
th
27 January
First Day of the Academic Year (P – Yr 7)
th
28 January
May there be harmony in your relationships
May sharp words, envious thoughts, and hostile feelings be resolved.
May you give and receive love generously.
May this love echo in your heart
Like the joy of church bells on Christmas morning.
May each person who comes into your life be greeted as another Christ.
May the hope of this sacred season settle in your soul.
May it be a foundation of courage for you in times of distress.
May the wonder and awe that fills the eyes of children be awakened in you.
May it lead you to renewed awareness and appreciation of whatever you too
easily take for granted.
May the bonds of love for one another be strengthened as you gather your
family and friends around the table of festivity and nourishment.
May you daily open the gift of your life and be grateful for the hidden
treasures it contains.
May the coming year be one of good health for you.
May you have energy and vitality. May you care for your body, mind and
spirit.
May you keep your eye on the star within you
And trust the luminescent Presence to guide you.
May you go often to the Bethlehem of your heart and visit the one who offers
you peace.
May you bring this peace into your world.
JOYCE RUPP- OUT OF THE ORDINARY
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
The academic school year is near the end, as well as the second year of my principalship with the Mater Dei
community. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect and thank you for the great year we have had at
school in 2013.
Firstly I would like to thank the students who are at the centre of our work at Mater Dei. We are trying to
provide a place where our young people are able to grow in all dimensions – spiritual, physical, emotional
and academic. I am grateful to all the students at our school who have continued to embrace and value this
holistic development. Our children are our best guide to how we are achieving as parents and teachers, so to be a part of
this crucial development is an honour as a parent and principal.
Secondly I am very grateful to the staff at Mater Dei, who have been very accepting of the challenges and successes that
have presented in 2013. The school is full of very diverse and talented people, who are a dynamic group of professionals,
possessing many talents and excellent work ethics. In particular I would like to thank Julie Henderson, Cecily Fitzpatrick
and Fr Brian Noonan who shape the leadership dimension of our school community and have supported my role as
principal in 2013. There are many exciting future initiatives for our staff as we continue to find ways to lift student
performance and our performance as teachers and leaders.
Thirdly I express my sincere thanks to the parent body who continue to contribute to the school for selfless motives – not
for favour, reward, recognition or martyrdom. This humility is a true reflection of our Benedictine tradition. As with every
organisation, there are definite “go to” people who I am very appreciative of and endorse their commitment to the
greater good of our school community. A special mention to Tim Burgess, Jane Baulsch and Stephie Jachmann for their
great commitment and contribution to our school as part of the Parents and Friends Association. These people step down
from their key roles at the end of 2013.
There are so many exciting things I see in the future of our school that will be a privileged to be part of next year:
•
Staff consolidation of our teaching and learning principles.
•
School wide reading strategy.
•
Continued development of IT in the school.
•
Increased curriculum diversity for our middle years of primary schooling.
•
Roll out of the new Religion Curriculum.
•
Capital projects for building and facility improvement.
I look forward to celebrating the good times and learning from the not so good times that the future holds for us. I wish
you and your family a holy and merry Christmas with many blessing for the new year. Thank you for sharing the
experiences of 2013, I look forward to many more great experiences in 2014.
FROM THE APA’S DESK – JULIE HENDERSON
•
How will you close up the school year and set the scene to make next year your child’s best year ever?
This is the question posed by Michael Grose in his article “It’s a (Christmas) Wrap!” included at the end of our
newsletter. As the school year draws to a close he suggests that it is important for parents to take the
opportunity to reflect with our children to:
• Discuss the highlights and the lowlights of the year: asking them about their best memory; favourite
subject; something new encountered
Celebrate improvement and success: identify areas where they have excelled, improved or persisted to
overcome challenges; broadening the focus beyond academic achievement to include sports, arts and social
activities
•
Show appreciation: it’s important and well-mannered to show gratitude but children also need to appreciate
that the effort of others contributes to their achievements
• Look forward: provide an opportunity to debrief about things they didn’t like or found challenging, but pointing
them towards a better future and the promise and potential that the new year brings
• Relax: set the year aside and use the holidays as a break to recharge for a fresh start
We hope that all our students, parents, staff and families have the opportunity to play together, share special meals
together and just enjoy being in each other’s company! Enjoy the anticipation of the Christmas season with your children
and may your preparations and celebrations be blessed with a generosity of spirit. For those members of our Mater Dei
community who are leaving, we thank you for your significant contribution to our learning community and we wish you
every success and happiness in your new situations.
FROM THE APRE’S DESK – CECILY FITZPATRICK
Dear Parents,
This final correspondence for the year comes with every best wish for you and your loved ones as we enter
the season of Advent and anticipate all the joys, love and peace that the season of Christmas promises. I
hope that the holiday period provides you all with the opportunity to relax and enjoy the more simple things
of life.
Just a reminder that if your child has volunteered to participate in the Christmas Eve Children’s Mass, they will need to
attend a practice on Monday 23 December at 10 am in the Parish Centre.
Peace
Cecily
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS
While the students are on school holidays our front office will be open from 9 – 13 Dec and 20 – 24 Jan. Please enable any
school business during this time so the appropriate staff can manage your requests.
PUPIL FREE DAYS
The school staff will commence free days on Monday 20 January in 2014. These training days will continue until Friday 24
January and will involve internal staff training and as well as training with other Toowoomba town schools.
REPORT CARDS
Yesterday report cards were released to the parent body. Class teachers have been diligently preparing for this reporting
cycle for the second semester. If you have any queries regarding your child’s report please contact your child’s teacher.
As part of our school rollout of the ACARA Geography, please note that it was taught as a trial unit at Mater Dei in
semester two, 2013. In semester two 2014, a full cycle of teaching, assessment and reporting will occur.
SCHOOL FEES
School fees are a critical part of our school budgeting process and part of the parent commitment to being part of our
school community. Any families wishing to discuss school fees for the 2014 period must meet with principal, Chris
Bartlett, at the commencement of the school year to re-establish payment arrangements. No contact with the school will
result in an expectation that normal payment requirements will be met.
STAFFING 2014
Please be aware that last week some of our very valuable staff members were left off the staff overview. Adjustments to
the table below have been made to accommodate:
• Learning Support Teachers: Clare Perkins (5 days) and Rebecca Logan (2 days)
• Information Services Teacher: Merry Thompson (4 days)
Position
Person
Notes
Prep Garnet
Luana Wiersma
Prep Topaz
Tabitha Lloyd-Jones
P/1 Jade
Marleisa Connors
Yr 1 Opal
Shauna Coren / TBC
2.5 days share
Yr 1 Amber
Renee Allison
Yr 2 Grevillea
Cec Fitzpatrick / Kara Wann
2.7 days / 2.3 days
Yr 2 Wattle
Jeorge Wigan
Yr 3 Flame
Angela Martlew
Yr 3 Banksia
Joanne Cavanagh
Yr 3 Jacaranda
Miranda Murray
Yr 4 Blue
Ann Dean-Pijpers
Yr 4 Gold
Karen Newton
Yr 5 Blue
Kath Golightly
Yr 5 Gold
Di Mason
Yr 6 Blue
Kev Cruice / Janelle Ramsey
4 days / 1 day
Yr 6 Gold
Heidi Robinson
Yr 7 Blue
Anthony Bowe
Prep Garnet Aide
Prep Topaz Aide
P/1 Jade Aide
Junior Years Aide
Targeted Programs Aide EY
Targeted Programs Aide EY
Targeted Program Aide
Targeted Program Aide
Targeted Program Aide
General Aide
Admin / Targeted Program Aide
Library Aide
Library Aide
Julie Hunt
Mary Neilan / Caitlyn Douglas
Glenys Ridgeway
Marg Zwolzman
Kay Bird
Angela Fredrick
Kym Murray
Katherine Parker
Jenny Ryan
Andrew Ryan
Fran Gregory
Sharon Manteit
Sharyn Quinlan
Learning Support
Learning Support
Information Services
PE and Sports Coordination
Music / Choir
Instrumental Music Coordinator
LOTE
Art
Art
Speech and Drama
Clare Perkins
Rebecca Logan
Meredith Thompson
Donna Prestridge
Mel Philp
Joseph Goodman
Leslie Mackie
Marg Dornbusch
Gilly Carroll
TBC
2 days
4 days
23.6 hrs
6 hrs
3 hrs
4 hrs
4 hrs
4 hrs
6 hrs
Admin Finance
Admin Secretary
Pauline Brennan / Nikki White
Jo-Anne Noye
4 days / 1 day
5 days
OHS
Tuckshop
Korinne Lewis
TBC
APRE
AP - Curriculum
Principal
Cecily Fitzpatrick
Julie Henderson
Chris Bartlett
1 day
2 Days
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION REMINDERS
REID CAPP FAMILY AWARD
The Reid family have had a long association with the school and have been particularly grateful for the support the
community has offered, while their son Reid has battled cancer during his time at Mater Dei. Reid has displayed
resilience, determination and an exceptionally positive attitude, despite the difficulties associated with the bone
development in his leg.
As a result of Reid’s journey, the family have donated an award to acknowledge any student who displays similar
resilience, determination and positiveness despite difficulties while at school. This annual award is called the Reid Capp
Family award and was announced at the final assembly today. We congratulate Caleb Lindsay, who received the award
today and thank the Capp family for the donation that illuminates the possibilities of students at our school who reach
their goals via a harder journey than most students at Mater Dei.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC CONCERT
Last night the P & F Instrumental Music Program celebrated the end of the year by holding the annual concert. Over 60
performances occurred across a number of instruments, with the night culminating in awards of excellence and diligence
to individual students.
Congratulations to all the students who performed on the night, the parents for supporting the program and the music
teachers for their work throughout the year. A special vote of thanks was held to acknowledge the great work of our
parent volunteers, Sara Ryan and Leanne Butler, who will be stepping down from the co-ordinators role this year.
CLASSROOM ALLOCATIONS
Classroom allocations for 2014 are indicated on area maps listed on the home page of the website. These maps will show
where each class is located for next year.
• Holy Angels Early Years Centre
Preparatory and Year 1
• P.J. Doyle Area
Year 2, 3 and 4
• Good Samaritan Area
Year 5, 6 and 7
CLASS PLACEMENTS
Staff have been developing class lists for 2014. Your child’s placement and class teacher has been communicated to you
via a letter, at the start of this week. This process is lengthy and requires consideration of many factors. The initial release
of details is for the parents who agree to enrol students at Mater Dei, not a public announcement to the school. On
Thursday 28 Nov class lists will be posted outside the Admin building until the afternoon of Friday 29 Nov.
Parents are to be aware that despite every effort, the school works within staffing parameters that will not satisfy
every need of every person in the school. Initial student and parent disappointment about class placement in 2013
does not mean 2014 will be a failure. Likewise initial satisfaction does not always lead to long term satisfaction.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
The school dates for next year are posted in the 2014 calendar on the home page of our school website. These will be
updated as more events are formalised into the new year. Please refer to this calendar to note holiday dates and pupil
free days for next year.
MEET YOUR TEACHER 2014
• Parents and children are invited to Mater Dei on Thursday 23 January anytime between 1.30pm and 2.30 pm to
meet your child’s teacher for the 2014 school year.
• Please bring all books and requisites so they can be organized and your child can see their classroom, in readiness
for ‘the first day’ of school.
• Main purpose of this session is to provide the opportunity to establish a relationship between the class teacher
and the student’s family
• Parents and children familiarise themselves with the new classroom setting: which classroom they will be in,
where their belongings will be stored, the location of bag racks, eating areas and toilets.
• Opportunity for children and parents who may not have seen each other over the holidays to reconnect for a
short time.
• This is not the occasion for teachers to be explaining their teaching approach or outlining curriculum content for
the year.
• Establishing where children have to be for their first day reduces the anxiety, stress and rush of the first morning
for all concerned.
•
Attending the ‘Meet Your Teacher’ session = a smoother beginning for your child’s ‘first day’ of the new school
year.
• We look forward to seeing you on Thursday 23 January between 1.30-2.30pm.
**Commencement of classes 2014:
**First term will commence for all students from Prep-7 on Tuesday 28 January 2014**
SPORT BY DONNA PRESTRIDGE
FOOTBALL JERSEYS
Our new sports jerseys have arrived! Special thanks to the Coonan and Sheppard families for their generous sponsorship
which enabled us to purchase the jerseys. These jerseys will be used for Rugby League & Touch and any other
opportunities that arise throughout the year. Please support these businesses when possible.
CLOTHING POOL
Clothing Pool will finish this year on the last Wednesday 4th December 2013 and will open again on the first Wednesday of
the School Year 2014.
As clothing pool is run on donations only, if you have any uniforms that children have grown out of or that are no longer
needed please feel free to drop them into the office at any time.
We do have last terms lost property so come and have a look if you are missing something.
Regards
Anne and Naomi
SAVE THE DATE
FROM OUR NEW P&F VICE-PRESIDENT
Hi Everyone,
My name is Bliss Bierhoff and I am extremely excited to be the P&F Vice President for 2014. For those that don’t know me
I have three sons with two currently attending Mater Dei. Gus is currently in grade 3 and Phin is in prep. So at drop off and
pick up you can find me in both Early and Junior Years next year.
2013 has been an extremely exciting time for the P&F. After four years of fundraising construction has finally begun on our
multi-purpose courts. The trial program has begun on our Online Tuckshop Facility which will enable up to two hours
saved in administration duty each tuckshop day. We have also had time together as a community with our Welcome BBQ,
school fair and Mill Street Tavern Pig Races. I hope you all had as much fun as I did at these events!
Our wonderful community spirit will be brought to life again when we start 2014 off with our Welcome BBQ on February
1. Finishing off the year will be our amazing Race Day on October 25.
We have also worked in conjunction with the school to bring about a new school hat for 2014. The hat is reversible with
your child’s house colour on the reverse crown. It will be available for purchase from ‘Meet The Teacher’ day next year.
On this day it will only be available from the school office; however during the year it will be available from the office and
the Clothing Pool. The hat will sell for $15 (please keep in mind that only cash or cheque is able to be used).
As we farewell the 2013 school year (seriously where has it gone?!) may I take this opportunity, on behalf of the P&F, to
wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
Sincerely,
Bliss Bierhoff
OSHC - EXTEND
Our Weekly recap
As the weeks pass quickly, it is time to remind ourselves that Vacation Care is on the horizon,
don't forget to book your children in, we have a great deal of exciting activities and games
planned for the summer break!!
Here at Extend, we've had a great deal of fun and games throughout the past week. We would
like to take this opportunity to thank all our wonderful parents and friends for all the fun and
laughter we have each week.
As the year draws to a close we are finding the children discussing food and nutrition more and
more and the ways in which we can recycle and make the world a better place. It is great to hear
children beginning these discussions with such knowledge and passion.
If you happen to have any spare boxes, wrapping paper, ribbons or scrap fabric, can you please donate these to Extend.
We love creating things from recycling.
Have a safe and happy holidays and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
Our Extend Superstar this week is Bronson. Bronson has been an asset, has listened well, and been a great help to his
peers and to the Extend staff. He has been polite and well mannered. Well done Bronson!! Keep it up!!
We would also like to announce our Extend Superstar of the Year! Who has gone above and beyond in every way?
Nothing is too much trouble or drama, he has always asked if he could help the staff with anything and loves to run
errands. No matter how hard his day was he always came to Extend with a huge smile on his face.
The trophy for Extend Superstar of the Year goes to Rowan! Congratulations Rowan!
Next week’s activities: Homework Helpers
Monday 2 December: AASC basketball, Origami Animals & Line tiggy / stuck in the mud
Tuesday 3 December: AASC cricket, Ultimate Frisbee & Group games
Wednesday 4 December: Nature rubbings & Plaster mouldings
Thursday 5 December: Recycle Skyscrapers & Musical Games
Friday 6 December: Children's choice
Small gestures make a BIG difference
Have you seen the Extend-a-hand movie yet? Visit Extend.com.au to watch. Well done to everyone who took part!
Summer School Holiday Program bookings NOW OPEN!
Monday 9 December to Friday 20 December* and Monday 6 January to Friday 24 January*
We have heaps of jam-packed activities and excursions ranging from Arts & Crafts, Cooking, plenty of games and sports
and lots of Festive, Summer activities! Visit the Extend website at Extend.com.au for program timetables, booking forms,
and activity descriptions.
December bookings close Friday 29 November and January bookings close Monday 16 December – book now to avoid
disappointment.
ONLINE BOOKINGS: extend.com.au
CALL OUR OFFICE: 1300 366 437
INSIGHTS BY MICHAEL GROSE
COMMUNITY NOTICES
Our office staff have created a new page on our website to post notices that appear at the end of our newsletter. To view
these notices parents are encouraged to follow the link:
http://www.mdpstwb.catholic.edu.au/documents/communitynoticeboard.html
These notices can now reach a broader audience as they are not restricted to our parent portal.
All notices are to be related to activities that benefit Mater Dei Students, support Catholic schools and are suitable for our
Catholic school ethos.
CURRENT NOTICES
•
•
•
•
Holiday Tai Chi for Kids
Be Active Eat Well Survey
Snapchat
Festival of Small Halls Tours
•
•
•
•
Missionary Sisters of Service
Cobb & Co
Ask.fm
Supercamp – Basketball & Soccer