A MESSAGE FROM OUR NEW PARISH PRIEST

Our parish community is an important place in our lives. We come here to celebrate all the gifts that God gives us and to support each other in the extraordinary command that Jesus has given to us, ‘go and make disciples.’ Essential to making disciples is creating a place of prayer and worship that nourishes us and sends us out confident in proclaiming the gospel. To be affective disciples we need to remind ourselves that God is good all the time. The fruits of the spirit are sure indication of his presence in our community. Let us pray for each other as we continue building a vibrant community. We give thanks for all those who have walked this path before us.

The first Catholic Church in Warragul was opened in 1880. The first Church service in Drouin was held at the Shire Offices in July 1880 and St Ignatius Church was opened in 1905. We have much to be grateful for, however we also carry the responsibility of making disciples. Along with the leadership groups in our parishes I look forward to sharing this joy and challenge with you in the years ahead as your child/ren transitions through St Ita’s Primary school.

Father Brendan

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOURS AT ST ITAS

St Ita’s prides itself on being a child-safe, inclusive and respectful teaching and learning environment. Our Whole school approach to positive behaviours (WSAPB) is embedded across our school where the pillars of Compassion, Respect, Inclusiveness, Resilience and Teamwork are the foundation of expectation for all students, staff and parents.

Since starting back at school I’ve had lots of conversations with kids and staff about the key components of building positive, respectful relationships across our whole school.

The Respectful Behaviours within the School Community Policy outlines the shared roles of parents, carers and school staff have in creating a positive environment for learning.

When parents/carers and school staff work together as one team, our students do better. Schools want to work with parents and carers to achieve this.

The expected standards of behaviours apply to all school settings. This includes at school and events, camps, excursions, outdoor activities, school events, online learning and other places related to school.

Building a positive relationship with your school

Parents/carers and school staff have a relationship that can last many years. This is an opportunity to work together to create a positive relationship in the best interests of the child.

When this relationship is built on respect and trust, students learn better and feel like they belong in the school. The foundation of a good collaborative relationship is based on:

• open and honest communication
• trust and respect
• working together
• fair and reasonable expectations by all.

Shared responsibility of members of the school community to behave respectfully

Positive school environments are important because everyone has the right to be safe and play a shared role in being respectful. Everyone at school, particularly staff and parents/carers, play a role in making school a better place for learning and work.

Respectful behaviours are important in building strong, healthy and thriving school communities.

School staff in Victorian schools have to follow the Respectful Workplaces Policy to build and maintain a respectful workplace, including:

• treating each other with respect and consideration
• being inclusive, valuing others and accepting their differences
• recognising the efforts and achievements of others
• considering our impact on others
• calling out and addressing behaviour that can lead to bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Parents/carers can create a positive environment for learning and work by:

• modelling positive behaviour to their child/children and to the school community
• communicating politely and respectfully with all members of the school community
• working with the school to achieve the best outcomes for their child/children
• communicating constructively with the school
• making use of the expected processes and protocols when raising concerns
• following the school's processes for communication with staff and making complaints
• treating all school staff, students, and other members of the school community with respect.

By treating everyone with respect, parents/carers and schools can make sure students feel supported and cared for.

SCHOOL CROSSING / CAR PARKING AT SCHOOL

A reminder to all parents who park at the front of the school (Victoria Street) for drop off and pick up. It’s been reported that some parents are parking within the “No Parking/Standing Zone” which is in place to ensure the safety of children and families using the school crossing.  Parking in this zone obstructs the view of oncoming traffic, and I encourage all parents using the front of the school to drop off, to please adhere to signage and be mindful of safety around our school crossing.