St Ita's Primary School Drouin
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50 Victoria Street
Drouin VIC 3818
Subscribe: https://stitaspsdrouin.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 03 5623 7222

T3 W10 2020 Newsletter

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T3 W10 2020 Newsletter

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we are situated and remind you that we are gathered on Aboriginal land.

We acknowledge the Elders of this land both past and present.

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

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Due to the difficultly to predict what lies ahead in regards to the present COVID – 19 restrictions, the Sacrament Team has decided to offer preparation to all our Grade 6 Confirmation candidates this year, whether they are wishing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year or in 2021. This way, when and if restrictions are lifted we will be prepared to go ahead with the Sacrament if the opportunity presents itself.

We will commence preparation on Tuesday 13th October, 2020 via a Zoom or Google Meet; all Confirmation families will receive an email with more details this week.

Thank you for your patience in these very difficult times.

For any inquiries please contact Thérèse on 0439 306 642.

New Digital Faith platform The Well

A new online place for prayer, spiritual nourishment, stories and resources for young people, families and adults. A place to be inspired, enriched and connected with a community on mission with Jesus Christ.

Explore fresh offerings every week on topical issues that inform, entertain and challenge.

Experience the variety for families and friends of all ages, and all those seeking to serve in our church and beyond.

Children have a dedicated kids’ section featuring age-appropriate shows. They can also browse the categories for more content which is 100% kid safe.

Click here to visit: thewell.org.au/kids/

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Check out our Catholic Parishes of Warragul & Drouin Facebook presence.

    LIFTING OF COVID RESTRICTIONS –

    REGIONAL VICTORIA

    The Victorian Government has announced that regional Victoria will progress to the Third Step in reaching COVID Normal from 11.59 pm on 16 September 2020.

    As part of the Third Step, a staged return to on-site schooling for St Ita's Primary will proceed during the first two weeks of Term 4, 2020.

    In addition, all schools in the Diocese of Sale will be required to have a COVID Safe Plan in place, which is enforceable from 28 September 2020.

    Remote Learning off site will continue for the rest of this week and further information on the return of on-site learning for all students will be released by the Victorian Government in the coming days before the end of term. 

          WHY IS GOING BACK TO NORMAL CHALLENGING FOR SOME PEOPLE?

          One of the greatest challenges coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic is supporting both students and adults to “Get back to Normal” if and when that space is ever consistent.

          There are many reasons why going back to normal might be anxiety-provoking for your child. Here are some of the main concerns young people had:

          • Grief/loss over changes in lifestyle.
          • 'Normal’ won’t be the same as before COVID-19.
          • Return to pre-COVID-19 stresses, like school anxiety, social issues, bullying.
          • Life was better in isolation, e.g. more time with family, it was secure for some.
          • Feeling safe at home and unsafe/out-of-control in public spaces.
          • Fear of COVID-19 second- third-fourth-wave. (Who knows how long it goes on for?)

           

          SUPPORTING A WORRIED CHILD

          It’s very normal for children and young people to experience re-entry anxiety following a pandemic. Here are some things that can help: 

          • Be curious. Ask open questions and actively listen to understand more about your child’s thoughts and feelings.
          • Normalise and validate their feelings. This means letting them know that what they are feeling is normal, other people feel the same way and that there is nothing wrong with their feelings. For example, “It must be hard to have so many worries, but it’s normal to worry about getting sick when you go back to school.”
          • Help them limit exposure to media. If they are younger, this might include reducing their exposure to the news. If they are older, it might be helping them to critically think about media messages they are exposed to or ensuring they are accessing reputable sources.
          • Create a plan around transitioning. Planning can help alleviate some anxiety, especially fear of the unknown. Having a plan for the first day of school can help.
          • Take small steps to re-integrate into society. Some fears can be alleviated with small, controlled exposures. For instance, a great first step might be a quick trip to the supermarket, or organising for your child to meet and hangout with one friend in a park.
          • Problem-solve any concerns together. A lot of young people have let Kids Helpline know that their main fears revolve around bullying, conflict with friends, or school/study-related stress and this is contributing to their anxiety around going back to ‘normal’. Talking through strategies together (you can use Kids Helpline as a resource if needed for different topics) can help your child improve their problem-solving skills and feel more empowered.

           “It’s ok to not have all the answers. If your child asks a question you can’t answer, or needs help with something you don’t know how to solve, be honest. It’s a great opportunity to do some research and learn something new together.” Amanda, Kids Helpline Counsellor

          What’s the difference between normal behaviour and concerning behaviour? Some changes in behaviours are normal. Here’s how to know when to get help:

          NORMAL IMPACTS

          Research into psychological impacts of health, anxiety, quarantine and isolation have found a range of short-term emotional changes are normal, including confusion, anger, anxiety and depression.

          Some short-term behaviour change is also normal. This includes insomnia, exhaustion, irritability, or avoidance, e.g. avoiding crowded places.

          Some long-term behaviour changes can also be normal, e.g. changes in hygiene practices.

           

          CONCERNING IMPACTS

          While most children will bounce back and recover in their own time, a pandemic can trigger Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms in some people.

          Trauma is a response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms your ability to cope. A trauma typically involves intense feelings of fear, helplessness or horror. A trauma can include the threat of serious harm, or death to themselves, or another person, e.g. fear for an immune-compromised sibling or witnessing the suffering of others on the news.

           

          HELPING YOUR CHILD TRANSITION BACK TO SCHOOL

          Being away from school and returning to an environment that has changed can be anxiety-provoking. Here are some ways you can support your child: 

          • Get back into routine. Routines are safe and familiar which can help reduce anxiety.
          • Focus on what you can control. It’s hard getting caught up in the unknown and ‘what-if’s'? Helping your child identify what they can control and practical things they can do can help them be more in the present moment and reduce anxiety. Practical strategies can include getting organised, making plans for the weekend, preparing their school bag, etc.
          • Revisit social distancing rules and good hygiene practices. Reviewing these can help your child feel more at ease about their safety when in public spaces.
          • Provide reassurance. Sometimes we can’t solve all our children’s problems, but they don’t always need solutions – just to feel understood and supported.
          • Explore the positives. Even if they are worried about returning to school, there may be some things they are looking forward to. It can be helpful to chat through these together if they seem open to this.
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          END OF TERM THIS FRIDAY

          This Friday 18th September is the last day of term 3 and school willl finish at 2.20pm to coincide with the Drouin school bus service. School buses will depart at 2.30pm on Friday afternoon, 1 hour earlier than normal. All students in on-site remote learning on Friday must be collected from school by 2.30pm.

          2021 SCHOOL FEES

          The 2021 school fee schedule is now available on Care Monkey.

          If any families would like to set up a weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit schedule for next year, please complete the Direct Debit Form and return to the school office at your earliest convenience or prior to 01 December. Please calculate the total fees payable by the number of weeks/payments required. For any assistance please contact the school Admin office via email on: admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

          For any families that have recently received a Government means-tested health care concession card, please forward a copy of your card to the office to check your eligibility, as a fee concession may apply. The card must be in the name of the parent/fee payer for a fee concession to apply. 

          If your current Health Care card is due to expire this year and your card is re-issued, please send a copy of your new card details to the office as soon as possible for the concession to be checked and applied for next year's fees.

          For any families impacted financially by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and have concerns about your financial situation regarding school fees, please contact Mr Andrew Osler on 5623 7222 during the hours of 9am-3pm Monday to Friday, or via email: principal@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au so that he can explore confidential financial support arrangements with you.

          SCHOOLPIX SCHOOL PHOTOS

          Due to the extension of stage 4 restrictions for Melbourne suburbs and the phased return to school learning in Term 4 declared by the Victorian Government, our annual Schoolpix School Photos have been postponed and cannot take place on Friday 16th October as previously advised. 

          TERM 4 UNIFORM

          The wearing of the St Ita's Summer Uniform commences in Term 4.

          Due to the unpredictable weather conditions during October & due to the shortage of some uniform supplies from Beleza, either the full Summer or full Winter uniform is permitted to be worn during Term 4. (please do not mix and match).

          Please make sure all students are wearing black school shoes daily (with no visible/colourful logos) except for your child's class PE day, when the Sport Uniform with white socks and runners are to be worn instead. 

          All students must wear a school hat with logo to/from school and during outside activities, no matter which uniform is worn, during term 4. All students with long hair must tie their hair neatly back using our school colours: red, white, blue or black.

          If your child is to be out of uniform, please send a note or dojo to the class teacher advising a reason why. 

          The school office does have some second-hand uniform items for sale. Please enquire via email. admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

          Girls Summer Uniform Girls Winter Uniform

          Red and white gingham dress

          Blue tartan tunic 

          (optional navy blue school pants)

          White socks - long or ankle

          (not low cut socks)

          Royal blue polo shirt with school logo

          Royal blue jumper with school logo

          Navy blue tights or navy blue long socks

          Black lace-up or buckle, leather shoes

          (no visible/colourful logos)

          Royal blue jumper with school logo

          Long hair neatly tied back using school colours: red, white, blue or black

          Black lace-up or buckle, leather shoes

          (no visible/colourful logos)

          Royal blue hat with school logo  Long hair neatly tied back using school colours: red, white, blue or black
          Grade 6 only - Navy blue bomber jacket with school logo  Grade 6 only - Navy blue bomber jacket with school logo 
          Boys Uniform Sport Uniform
          Dark grey trousers or dark grey shorts

          Red sport polo shirt with school logo

          Royal blue polo shirt with school logo

          Royal blue: shorts, skort, netball skirt or tracksuit pants

          Grey socks (not low cut)

          White ankle socks (not low cut) 

          Royal blue jumper with school logo Royal blue jumper with school logo

          Black lace-up or buckle, leather shoes or boots (no visible/colourful logos)

          Sports shoes/runners (any colour)
          Long hair neatly tied back using school colours: red, white, blue or black Long hair neatly tied back using school colours: red, white, blue or black

          Royal blue hat with school logo (Term 1 & 4)

          Royal blue hat with school logo (Term 1 & 4)

          Grade 6 only - Navy blue bomber jacket with school logo  Grade 6 only - Navy blue bomber jacket with school logo 





          NUT ALLERGY AWARENESS

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          A reminder to all parents that St Ita’s is a nut free environment. We have several students in our school with a severe food allergy including anaphylaxis to nuts. This is a medical condition that causes a severe / even fatal reaction to specific foods. These reactions can be triggered by contact, ingestion or inhalation.

          We ask all parents to refrain from sending nuts or nut products in their children’s lunch and snack. This includes Nutella, peanut butter and nuts contained in cakes or snack bars. We thank you for supporting us as we look to keep all children in our school safe, healthy and well.




          SCHOOL BUSES 2021

          A reminder to parents that will require the Drouin school bus services next year, in 2021, if you haven't already registered your interest or applied to travel on the school bus, to please do so this week. This is for new bus travellers only and not existing bus travellers. 

          Please register your intentions directly with Elisa Fitzsimmons, the Transport Officer at Drouin Secondary College via email or telephone. p: 5625 -1002 ext 383 or email Elisa.Fitzsimmons@education.vic.gov.au.

          by Cath McKenna

          Book Week

          We will be celebrating Book Week on Monday October 19th.

          On this day we ask your child to come to school dressed up as a book character or to the theme Curious Creatures, Wild Minds. You can check some ideas here.

          This year we won’t be having a Book Week assembly or parade, but rather activities in the classroom.

           

          The Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week will be celebrated from October 17th- 23rd. We have been exploring the Shortlisted books in Library lessons and during Book Week the book award winners will be announced!

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