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St Ita’s Catholic Primary School acknowledges and pays respect to the past, present and future Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation and the continuation of cultural, spiritual and educational practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
THANKS FOR ALL YOUR KIND THOUGHTS AND WELL-WISHES
It’s nice to be back on deck after a weeklong stint being on carer’s leave for my wife and I’m pleased to say she is recovering well. Personally, I feel I did an amazing job in the role of carer and passed with flying colours.
On a serious note, thanks to all our wonderful school staff who helped and supported Mr Steve Pitt to take on the role of Acting Principal in my absence. He did an amazing job managing the school and dealing with all the day to day issues that arise with the running of a school. Kudos to you Mr Pitt on a job well done.?
FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES
A reminder to all in our school community that we are still offering ongoing support for all St Ita’s students, parents, and staff through GSCARA. Any families wanting information on what supports are offered can contact GCASA directly on 5134 3922 or 1800 806 292.
In addition to the above-mentioned supports, we remind families that we continue to have:
- Our regular school counselor, Miss Ozge Kucukvardar is on-site on Mondays and Wednesdays
- Anglicare’s, Heath Mills, available onsite Thursdays to meet with parents heath.mills@anglicarevic.org.au 5622 8600
If you wish to discuss your child’s well-being at school, parents are welcome to make appointments through school admin with a member of our Executive School Leadership Team, Andrew Osler, Stephen Pitt, or Robyn Lewry on 5623 7222.
A reminder to all families that the Victoria Police have advised where children, parents, or members of the community have specific allegations, concerns, and/or information in relation to sexual assault concerning a child or young person that contact be made with Morwell Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT) on (03) 5120 0351 or email central-gippsland-socit-response-team-oic@police.vic.gov.au
SOCIT detectives are specialists and are trained to understand the complex and diverse nature of sexual offenses.
Further information about reporting is available www.police.vic.gov.au/reporting-sexual-offences
I know through conversations with families that these support groups have been well used by our community and our commitment to all our families is that these supports will be ongoing as long as they are needed.
Listed below are some of the actions that our staff have undertaken;
- A whole staff meeting at the start of the school year, to review the Child Safe Standards, mandatory reporting procedures, and the reportable conduct scheme to ensure all staff were aware of their professional expectations.
- All teaching staff participated in a Professional Development opportunity to look at the new DOSCEL: Learning and Teaching Expert Practices Document with a focus on identifying connections to Child Safety, Student / Teacher Relationships, Cultural Backgrounds, and Inclusive Education.
- A review of staff ratios required when leaving school grounds to attend, class Masses, Sacraments, district, regional, and state sports carnivals, school liturgies, and other school events held off-site.
- School Improvement team meeting weekly with a focus on;
1) child safety within our school
2) identifying and prioritising student and staff well-being needs
• Regular check-ins with all staff related to their personal well-being
• Promoting student voice and advocacy via our daily briefings, school assemblies, newsletters, and other external school events
• Continue promoting open communication with parents and carers
As a learning community, we will continue to place a strong emphasis on child safety and student well-being to ensure that the St Ita’s Learning community is a safe and caring space for all.
BIG SHOUT OUT TO THE ST ITAS COMMUNITY
A big shout out to all St Ita’s parents who participate in school drop off and pick up at the Drouin rec reserve. Ben, site foreman from Searle Brothers Construction said to say thanks to all the parents for working with him for the concrete pour last week. “The mums and dads were fantastic and so accommodating of our needs to get the pour done. We really appreciate the support of this great community.”
The second concrete pour will be happening on Monday 18th March and we will have the same pick up/drop off procedures at the Drouin rec reserve to accommodate Ben and the team.
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BUILDING POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR CHILD
The most important relationship to a child is the one they develop with their parent or caregiver. Children learn about the world around them through a positive parent-child relationship. As they are growing and changing, children look to their parents to determine whether or not they are safe, secure, and loved. It is also the foundation from which they will build their future relationships.
You can build a positive parent-child relationship by being in the moment with your child, spending quality time together, and creating an environment where they feel comfortable to explore. There is no secret handbook or guaranteed approach to get this relationship right, and you’ll likely find hardships along the way. However, if you keep working on improving your relationship, your child will surely blossom.
The eight positive parenting techniques listed below can help you strengthen the relationship between you and your child:
Show Your Love
Human touch and loving affection are needed at every stage of our lives for healthy emotional and neurobiological development. It is important that your child receive gentle, loving touch (i.e., hugs) from you several times throughout the day. Treat every interaction as an opportunity to connect with your child. Greet them with warm expressions, give eye contact, smile, and encourage honest interaction.
Say “I love you” often
It is often implied that we love our children, but be sure to tell them every day, no matter what age they are. Even when your child is being difficult or does something you don’t like; this can be an excellent opportunity to remind them that you love them unconditionally. A simple “I love you” can have a major impact on your long-term relationship with your child.
Set boundaries, rules, and consequences
Children need structure and guidance as they grow and learn about the world around them. Talk to your children about what you expect of them and make sure they understand. When rules are broken, make sure to have age-appropriate consequences in place and be consistent with them. To learn more about age-appropriate consequences, visit https://www.familyeducation.com/kids/an-age-by-age-guide-to-setting-discipline-consequences-for-kids.
Listen and empathize
Connection starts with listening. Acknowledge your child’s feelings, show them you understand, and reassure them that you are there to help with whatever they need. Try to see things from your child’s perspective. By listening and empathizing with your child, you will begin to foster mutual respect.
Play Together
Play is so important to a child’s development. It is the tool through which children develop language skills, express emotions, foster creativity, and learn about social skills. Additionally, it is a fun way for you to strengthen your relationship with your child. It does not matter what you play. The key is to just enjoy each other and commit to giving your child your undivided attention.
Be available and distraction-free
Setting aside just 10 minutes a day to talk to your child, without distractions, can make a big difference in establishing good communication habits. Turn off the TV, put away your electronic devices, and spend some quality time together. Your child needs to know that you believe they are a priority in your life despite the many distractions and stressors that come your way.
Eat meals together
Eating together as a family can often lead to great conversation and bonding time with your child. Encourage everyone to put their phones or other devices away and simply enjoy each other’s company. Meal time is also a great opportunity for you to teach your children the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, which also affects their overall mental health.
Create parent-child rituals
If you have more than one child, try to make a point of spending individual time with each of them. Quality, one-on-one time with your child can strengthen the parent-child bond, build up your child’s self-esteem, and let them know that they are special and valued. Some parents schedule special “date nights” with their children to create that one-on-one opportunity. Whether it’s a walk around the neighbourhood, a trip to the playground, playing a board game or just watching a movie at home – it’s important to celebrate each child individually.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
- Wednesday 27th March - last day Term 1
- Thursday 28th March - pupil free day
- Friday 29th March - Good Friday
- Monday 15th April - pupil free day
- Tuesday 16th April - Term 2 starts all students
- Thursday 25th April - Anzac Day
- Friday 26th April - pupil free day
- Monday 10th June - King's Birthday
- Tuesday 11th June - Pupil Free day
- Thursday 27th June - last day Term 2
- Friday 28th June - pupil free day
- Monday 15th July - pupil free day
- Tuesday 16th July - Term 3 starts all students
- Friday 20th Sept - last day Term 3
- Monday 7th Oct - Term 4 starts all students
- Monday 4th Nov - pupil free day
- Tuesday 5th Nov - Melbourne Cup
- Tuesday 17th Dec - last day term 4
IMPORTANT DATES
2024 EASTER RAFFLE
The St Ita’s world-famous Giant Easter Egg Raffle will be back and better than ever in 2024.
On Wednesday 20th March all children will have a free dress day at school, the cost for free dress is a minimum donation of ONE Easter Egg (you can offer more eggs if you wish). All donated eggs will then be bundled into hampers and raffled off at our final assembly of the term. The final assembly will be on Wednesday 27th March at 12 pm in the school hall after our Stations of the Cross Liturgy, which is starting at 11.30 am in the Church.
In the coming days, all St Ita’s families will receive a book of 10 tickets which are sold for $1 a ticket. All the sold tickets and money will need to be returned to school by Monday 25th March at the absolute latest. If any families would like more raffle tickets please have your child pick up another booklet at the Admin Office, or contact Admin via email or phone (admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au or 5623 7222).
Good luck to all and I hope you are a winner!
Mini Vinnies - Good Friday Appeal
This year, St. Ita’s Mini Vinnies has decided to assist with raising donations for the 2024 Good Friday Appeal as part of our Lenten action of almsgiving.
Many families around Australia come to get support for their loved ones at the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital. Each year the Good Friday Appeal asks for donations to support this great service to our country’s very sick children.
For the first time ever, part of the money raised for this year’s appeal is going towards 5 regional Victorian hospitals to help families in remote areas with their sick children, without needing to travel to the city all the time. In our area, funds will be going towards the Latrobe Regional Hospital to upgrade and upskill their service for all of Gippsland to utilise.
On Monday the 25th of March, St. Ita’s students are asked to dress in either Purple or Green or alternatively a Doctor, Nurse, or Patient for a gold coin donation. This is to support the Good Friday Appeal for this year's regional hospital development and also reflect on those in our community who may have a close connection to the services offered by the Royal Children’s Hospital.
ALLERGY AWARENESS
SCHOOL FEES
School fee statements have now been forwarded to all families, fees for Term 1 were due and payable by 24th February 2024 please ensure your fee payments are up to date. All school fees must be finalised in the year that they are incurred.
A reminder that you are still able to take advantage of the discount for early payment. School fees paid in full by the 31st of March are eligible for a 5% discount on Term Fees ($54.00).
Direct debit payments can be arranged at any time, please contact Beck Bradley (03) 5623 7222 or admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au to discuss payment options.
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE
Eligibility
An application on behalf of a student may be submitted if the student is:
- a Victorian resident;
- school-aged and enrolled (3) three or more days per week at a school; and
A student who meets the above requirements may be eligible if they:
- attend their nearest appropriate non-government school/campus
- reside 4.8km or more by the shortest practicable route from the school attended
Note: Eligibility is assessed when the School completes your child’s application on the Student Conveyance Allowance System
(SCAS). If approved, the allowance payable is based on the one-way distance to make the journey to and from school.
If you are eligible and wish to apply for this allowance, please CLICK HERE for the link to the Conveyance Allowance Application Form, which must be printed and completed, and returned to the school office by Monday 4th March, 2024. Late claims cannot be accepted.
You must complete a new application even if you have applied for this allowance previously.
SIMON EVERYWHERE
ST ITA’S MEDALLION
The winners of the St Ita’s medallion this term are Grace Rushbury from Grade 5/6TM & Myenna Masterson from Grade 5/6TM.
CLASS AWARDS
The winners of this week's class awards are below.
| Foundation K | Mikayla Perera | Austin Thomson | |
| Foundation C | Lucas Grundy | Sophia Reid | |
| Foundation HN | Hannah Ferris | Grayson Upston | |
| Grade 1CW | Asher Vann | Adelyn Denehy | |
| Grade 1G | Meg Puncher | Sam Keeble | |
| Grade 1ST | Cooper Powell | William Leighton | Sophie Gaze |
| Grade 2CB | Patrick O'Brien | Lachlan Hamer | |
| Grade 2MW | Aaron Veale | Zoe Marchant | |
| Grade 2AK | Moses Yokwe | Sophie Keeble | Harvey Smethurst |
| Grade 3/4GP | Amelia McGill | Evy Smith | |
| Grade 3/4I | Harry Robinson-Kaltoi | Willow Chugg | |
| Grade 3/4JW | Cody Summerhayes | Abbey Maling | |
| Grade 3/4BW | Ned Orton | Imogen Burrage | |
| Grade 5/6 L | Mason Horton | Sophia Robinson-Kaltoi | |
| Grade 5/6B | Isabelle Thomas | Sully Clough Allen | |
| Grade 5/6LM | James Hamilton | Georgia Wassenberg |
ANGLICARE ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE ONSITE ON THURSDAY
Age appropriate conversations are important because they help children understand the world around them in a way that matches their cognitive and emotional development. By tailoring discussions to their age level, children can grasp complex concepts gradually and feel supported in their understanding. This approach also fosters trust and strengthens the parent child relationship by establishing open communication and promoting a sense of safety and security. Furthermore, it helps children develop critical thinking skills and prepares them to navigate various situations as they grow older.
A few things to keep in mind;
Know their developmental stage – understand the cognitive, emotional, and social development typical for their age group. This will help gauge what topics and information they can comprehend and handle.
Use age appropriate language – tailor your language to the child’s level of understanding. Avoid using jargon or complicated terms and instead use simple, straightforward language.
Listen actively – Pay attention to their questions, concerns, and interests. This will guide you in tailoring the conversation to their needs and level of understanding.
Encourage Questions – Let your child know they can ask questions and express their feelings. Encourage an open dialogue by listening actively and responding with empathy. This can help nurture their intellectual and emotional growth.
Provide reassurance – Address any fears or worries they may have by providing comfort and support. Let them know they can come to you with any questions or concerns and that you’re there to help them navigate difficult topics. Reassure your child that they are safe and loved, even when discussing challenging topics.
Focus on the child’s perspective – Consider how the topic might impact your child and address any concerns or fears they may have. Validate their feelings and offer comfort as needed. Pay attention to their reactions and cues during the conversation. If they seem uncomfortable or disinterested, its ok to pause or revisit the topic at a later time.
Be honest, but selective – Provide truthful answers to their questions, but adapt the depth and detail of your responses to their level of comprehension. Avoid overwhelming your child with information that may be too mature for them to handle.
Follow up – Check in with your child after the conversation to see if they have further questions or need additional support. Let them know you're available to talk whenever they need.
Some topics of conversation can be a delicate process and it's okay to seek guidance or support.
If you are struggling with understanding what is age appropriate conversation for your child or how to navigate conversations in an age appropriate manner please reach out to Heath from Anglicare who is onsite each Thursday or via email at heath.mills@anglicarevic.org.au or phone 0499 007 031
CAMP AUSTRALIA
Camp Australia Co-Ordinator: Carmelina De Cesari
Contact Number: 1300 105 343
Website: www.campaustralia.com.au
PARISH NEWS
Paschal Law
Jesus reveals in this week’s gospel (John 12:20-33) nothing less than the secret to life!
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit” (John 12:24).
Pope Francis calls this: “the Paschal Law – losing life in order to receive it renewed and eternal.” (Vatican 18/3/18) And what does losing life mean? That is, what does it mean to be the grain of wheat? It means to think less about oneself, about personal interests and to know how to “see” and to meet the needs of our neighbours, especially the least of them.
The world encourages us to devote ourselves to being self-centred and selfish: to being the fastest, smartest, prettiest, strongest, wealthiest, most powerful individual we can be; at the expense of anyone in our path. Jesus’ message of self-less-ness is counter-intuitive – but deep down we know he is right. Pope Francis reminds us (Laudate Si 204) that “When people become self-centred and self-enclosed, their greed increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the more he or she needs to buy, own, and consume.”
Growing and changing, as we yearn to do, will cost. Lent flushes out the pockets where selfishness reigns. “To joyfully carry out works of charity towards those who suffer in body and spirit is the most authentic way of living the Gospel. It is the necessary foundation upon which our communities can grow in reciprocal fraternity and welcome”.
Does it hurt, this little death to myself? Sometimes. Parting with money for Project Compassion until it hurts; quietly taking on extra tasks in the parish or in the wider community; curbing our unruly tongue; skipping a favourite activity to spend quality time with an elderly neighbour. But sense the fruitfulness of new life filling your heart!
Deacon Mark Kelly
FIRST RECONCILIATION
First Reconciliation Sacrament @ St Itas Church - Thursday 21st March
Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
Ph: 03 5623 1642
PARISH SACRAMENT ENQUIRIES
Phone: (03) 5623 1642 Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
