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

T1 W3 2021 Newsletter

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T1 W3 2021 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.

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WHICH PROGRAM AM I WITH?

Jews in Jesus’ time saw illness as punishment for some kind of sin or unfaithfulness. Jesus wasn’t having any of that! His message is that God doesn’t see them that way. Instead Jesus is especially devoted to the ill, marginal, unwashed and unwanted above everyone else. He came nearest to those who were seen as God’s forsaken, touching the lepers (Mark 1:40-45) whom no-one else would touch, assuring them of the Father’s boundless love and restoring their dignity.

Beyond the crippling physical effects of bodily disease, the overwhelming tragedy of these sufferers is the shame and humiliation of being shunned as dirty and repulsive. Ostracism and exclusion from normal lives and participation in community activities and events eroded their dignity. We meet such people in the streets of our towns today.

Jesus Program: Caring lovingly for the unwashed and unwanted. Catholic icons like Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Saint Mary McKillop, Pope Francis and other Christians and non-Christians have made Christ-like care their life’s work. Ambiguously Christian, Eric Blair (aka George Orwell), the profoundly influential author of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty Four, lovingly served the dirty, shunned and unwanted, those with horrendous skin conditions; cleaning and binding disgusting ulcers and wounds, restoring dignity to the ostracised. 

Anti-Jesus Program: Excluding from their love and the community’s care those who don’t fit a particular work ethic or moral code, class, ethnicity, race or gender profile. Those (including erstwhile Christians) who by act or omission, directly or indirectly, shun, ostracise, berate, deprive, neglect and humiliate the poor, unwashed, lonely, ill, frightened or fleeing are following the anti-Jesus program.

Jesus’ followers must bind and comfort where we can, support the experts who can do what is beyond us and, as citizens and taxpayers, ensure our governments wisely and compassionately spend our resources.

Deacon Mark Kelly

BOOKINGS FOR MASSES

Weekend of February 13th & 14th:

Go to https://www.trybooking.com/BOQAB

This will bring up the list of Masses.

Click on book now button and follow the prompts

Click on the Mass you wish to attend (please only choose one Mass)

Then click on the number of tickets required.

 (Please note Children over 12 months need to have a ticket booked)

Then fill in your details.

Click on purchase ticket. TICKETS ARE FREE.

Make sure that you have completed the purchase of your ticket by checking your email confirmation. If you do not get an email confirming your ticket please contact the parish office.

(You don’t need to print or bring your ticket.)

You must book in to come to a Sunday Mass, please do not just turn up.  Warragul & Drouin Masses are strictly limited to 80 people. Neerim South 50 people.

If you have any issues please call Prue at the Parish office p: 5623 1642. 

 

           

DROUIN FICIFOLIA FESTIVAL WORSHIP SERVICE

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Venue: St Ita's Catholic Church, Victoria St, Drouin.

Time: 7.00 pm.

Date: Sunday 21st February 2021.

ALL WELCOME.

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



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    TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT RACE AND RACISM

    by: Roger R. Harrison, PhD

    Race and the harmful effects of racism are common topics of conversation for some families. Other parents, though, might talk about racism and discrimination with their kids rarely, or not at all.

    But when parents stay silent, kids can get the message that racism doesn't matter or that it's someone else's problem. To help eliminate racism, we all need to take an active role, no matter who they are.

    Why is it important to talk about race and racism?

    When we teach kids early on that it's ok to talk about race, we help them to understand, respect, and appreciate the differences between people. This builds empathy and compassion for others so that kids are better able to see when things in their world seem unjust or unfair — and can do something about it.

    What's the best way to talk about race and racism?

    There's no "right" way to talk to your kids about race or racism. For each family, that conversation will be different, depending on your own race, nationality, and personal experience with racism.

     Here are some ways to get the conversation started, and keep it going:

    First, get the facts. By learning about the issues, you'll be better able to report them. Listen to a podcast, watch a show, or read up on the history of racism and civil rights so that you're prepared to talk and answer any questions.

    Clarify your family's values. Use your words, your example, and your actions to show your children what you believe in. Values to focus on can include equal treatment for all, justice, standing up for those who are suffering, and respecting all people no matter the color of their skin, the language they speak, or other differences.

    Speak in simple terms. Don't overwhelm kids with too much information. State the facts, simply and clearly. If you want to address something that's happened in the news, be honest about what happened, but don't give kids more info than they need.

    Be age-appropriate. Topics of race and racism are big-picture issues, and this can be hard for younger kids to grasp. Here are suggestions for addressing it at a primary school level:

    • Use practical examples from everyday life to help school-age kids understand how they might feel if they're discriminated against or left out on purpose. Something like, "How would you feel if someone held on to all the swings during recess and didn't give any other kids a turn?" Or, "How would you feel if you saw a fifth-grader bullying a first-grader?" Then, connect these questions to real-life examples of groups of people who have been discriminated against. Asking questions like these helps to increase kids' empathy and spark their passion to stand up for others. 
    • Ask questions — lots of them.Help your child process thoughts and feelings by asking questions like, "What do you think about what you saw on TV?", "What have you heard?" or "What are your friends talking about?" This helps you get a sense of your child's understanding so you can fill in any gaps with facts or emphasize the values that you hold in your family.
    • Create a safe place to share feelings.Tough conversations like these bring up strong emotions, like anger, sadness, confusion, and others. Kids who have been victims of racism, or have family members who have been, might have even stronger feelings or fears around these topics. Let your child know that their feelings are important and OK. It helps to share your own feelings in a healthy way. Say something like, "I feel sad right now and that's OK. I won't always feel this way." This helps kids put things into perspective.
    • Keep the conversation going.Talking to your kids about race and racism shouldn't be a one-time thing. Encourage your child to come to you with questions and continue to talk about it.

    What If I Don't Have an Answer?

    It's OK not to have all the answers. If you don't know how to answer something, be honest and say so. Tell your child that you'll find out and share what you've learned.

    What Else Can We Do as a Family?

    Parents can do many things to raise compassionate kids who want to help others. Here are some to do together as a family: 

    • Befriend people who are different.Consider choosing a school, daycare, or club with kids from other areas and different backgrounds. This way, kids learn that they can find friends anywhere.
    • Learn about other cultures.Learn together about people from other places and cultures. Read books, watch movies, listen to music, and learn about celebrations that aren't part of your own traditions. Attend cultural fairs and museums that highlight stories, art, and the history of people who are different from you.
    • Speak up.When you see something that isn't fair, do something about it. Say something. Write a letter. Create art that supports a cause — or start one. And encourage your kids to do the same.
    • Talk often as a family and do things together to learn about and celebrate the differences between people. You'll help nurture your child's empathy for other people, and your own.





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        ST ITA’S SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM

        This year we have developed the St Ita’s School Improvement Team which is made up of several staff taking on a variety of different leadership roles with the aim of making St Ita’s an outstanding teaching and learning community.

        The structure for the School Improvement Team in 2021 will be:

        Mr. Andrew Osler:  School Principal

        Mrs. Robyn Lewry: Deputy Principal and Religious Education Leader

        Mr. Stephen Pitt: Deputy Principal and Teaching and Learning Leader

        Mrs. Rosie Van den Broek: Collectives Numeracy / Literacy Leader

        Mr. Cory Monckton: Collectives Numeracy / Literacy Leader

        Mrs. Ann Gleeson: Learning Adjustment Leader

        Mr. Tyler Attwell: WSAPB Leader (Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour)

        The above School Improvement Team will be required to attend to  leadership duties during alloted times of the week. To provide stability to students in the classroom they will be be replaced by the same Teachers each week, as follows:

        Mrs. Lewry will be in Grade 1G each Wednesday to release Mrs. Gleeson in her role.

        Mr. Pitt will be in Grade 4 Attwell and 4 Lehman on a Thursday from 8.50am-12.50pm and Foundation Movement on a Friday from 8.50am–11.00am.

        Mr. Monckton will be out of class on a Tuesday and replaced by Mrs. Rossi.

        Mrs. Van den broek will be out of class on a Tuesday and replaced by Mrs. Pitt.

        Mr. Attwell will be out of his class on a Friday and replaced by Mr. Pitt.





        STAFF CONTACT EMAILS

        Parents have access to staff via email and Class Dojo. If you have a question, need support, have concerns or need clarity please contact your child’s teacher from the email addresses listed below. The staff expectation is that they do not reply to emails on weekends or after 5.00pm. Parents please allow 24 hours for staff to have the opportunity to respond to any parent emails.

        Principal

        Main email

        principal@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Administration

        Main email

        admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Nicola

        Ablett

        nablett@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Tyler

        Attwell

        tattwell@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Joseph

        Black

        jblack@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Amanda

        Buttner

        mbuttner@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Paul

        Carroll

        pcarroll@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Christie

        Egan

        cegan@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Robyn

        Fogarty

        rfogarty@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Claire

        Garner

        cgarner@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Zoe

        Gaul

        zgaul@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Lorraine

        Gleeson

        agleeson@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Jacquelyn

        Greco

        jgreco@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Nicholas

        Gregory

        ngregory@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Chloe

        Handley

        chandley@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Caitlin

        Hatch

        chatch@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Linda

        Hookey

        lhookey@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Gabrielle

        Hopgood

        ghopgood@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Monique

        Kiezenberg

        mkiezenberg@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Ozge

        Kucukvardar

        okucukvardar@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Kiara

        Lehman

        klehman@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Robyn

        Lewry

        rlewry@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Tania

        Masut

        tmasut@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Megan

        McKellar

        mmcKellar@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Catherine

        McKenna

        cmcKenna@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Lynette

        McMahon

        lhylkema@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Therese

        Meggetto

        tmeggett@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Mackenzie

        Minichiello

        mminichiello@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Cory

        Monckton

        cmonckton@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Caitlin

        Noonan

        cnoonan@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Elise

        Nooy

        enooy@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        James

        Ollington

        jollington@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Andrew

        Osler

        aosler@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Meg

        Osler

        mosler@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Helen

        Paterson

        helenp@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Stephen

        Pitt

        spitt@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Michelle

        Pitt

        mpitt@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Breanna

        Proctor

        bproctor@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Linda

        Rice

        lrice@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Hayley

        Roberts

        hroberts@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Anastasia

        Rossi

        arossi@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Elizabeth

        Schellekens

        lschellekens@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Naomi

        Simpson

        nsimpson@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Leonie

        Treller

        ltreller@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Rosemarie

        Van Den Broek

        rvandenbroek@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        Bronwyn

        Wallace

        bwallace@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

        PARENT-TEACHER TELEPHONE INTERVIEWS

        Parent-Teacher interviews will take place by telephone on Monday 22nd February and Wednesday 24th February from 3.50pm (with the exception of Grade 3V and Foundation F A/N whom will take place on Monday 22nd and Thursday 25th February instead of the Wednesday.)

        • Please book your interview time on-line via the school interviews website: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/
        • Please use the booking code: zbuhn
        • Siblings will need to be booked at different times.
        • The teacher will call you on your mobile - please make sure your up-to-date contact details are advised on Operoo.




        MARIST-SION YEAR 7 - 2022 - INFORMATION EVENT

        All current Grade 6 students and their parents are invited to attend the Year 7 Information evening for 2022 at Marist Sion College, Warragul as per details below on Wednesday 10th March.

        • Enrolment information will be available at the event. 
        • Registration is required in the hall on arrival.
        • Masks are mandatory. Social distancing will be observed.




        SCHOOL FEES & FEE CONCESSION

        The school fee statements will be emailed to families at the beginning of next week. 

        Fees are payable annually by the end of March or per term by the 4th week of each term. BPAY details are available on the school fee statement. School fees must be paid in full by the end of the school year they are due, December 2021.

        If any families would like to pay off their fees either weekly, fortnightly or monthly, please set up a direct debit schedule by completing a Direct Debit Form and returning to the school office at your earliest convenience.  Please calculate the total fees payable by the number of weeks/payments required for your fees to be paid by December 2021. 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 with the student details listed on the card.  

        If your current Health Care concession card has expired, or is due to expire 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 to your fees. 




        CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE

        The Conveyance Allowance application is now open for term 1 for any families that qualify for the travel allowance as per the criteria below.

        You may apply to claim this Government Allowance if:

        • You live more than 4.8 kilometres by the shortest practical route from our school and we are the closest Catholic school to your place of residence.
        • You live more than 4.8 kilometres from our school and you cannot access a bus.
        • You access a bus and live more than 4.8 kilometres from the bus stop.

        You must lodge a new application each year. 

        Eligibility is assessed when the School completes your child’s application on the Government 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. No private car allowance is payable if the journey to and from school could be made using a public transport service or contract school bus. 

        Please complete the Conveyance Allowance application form and return to the school office by Friday 19th February 2021. Late claims cannot be accepted.





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        COVID DROP OFF AND PICK UP FOR ALL ST ITA’S STUDENTS AND FAMILIES

        To keep all in our community safe, the following Covid-19 drop off and pick up procedures will apply for 2021:

        Could all St Ita's families please follow the procedures set out below.
        • There is no parking in the Drouin Rec Reserve or in the St Ita’s School Admin car-park areas
        • Please follow the car line loops for drop off and pick up of children. Teachers will be there to assist children to enter and exit cars. Please do not exit your vehicles in car line.
        Family surnames A-G can be dropped off between 8.30am and 8.50am and picked up at the front of School Admin car-line from 3.20pm -3.45pm.
        Family surnames H-Z can be dropped off between 8.30am and 8.50am and picked up at the Drouin Rec Reserve car loop from 3.20pm -3.45pm.
        • If you are a Foundation parent and you wish to walk your child to the main gate at Admin, you will need to park your car along Victoria St or reverse park in the church car park and walk up to the main admin gate. (Please do not park your car at Drouin Rec Reserve or in the Admin car park and you must exit your car with your children to walk to the school entry.) Please note the no-parking signs in front of the school.
        • Any parents wishing to enter the school to meet with your child’s class teacher or Principal must ring admin first on 5623-7222 and make an appointment, making sure that they sign in on-arrival.
        • Any parents entering the school are required to wear a mask when on site.

        We thank you for your continued support during these challenging times.


        SENIOR HOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL TOMORROW

        Please don't forget the Grade 3-6 students have the senior house swimming carnival tomorrow, Thursday 11th February. All students that are participating are required to be at school by 8.50am. The bus will depart school at 9am and return by 2.30pm.  

        Students should apply sunscreen before arriving at school, be wearing their bathers underneath their house colours or sports uniform and bring along a hat, water bottle, sunscreen, snack, lunch, towel and a change of clothes. Please label all items.

        Students need to ensure they wear their school hat, apply sunscreen and remain in the shade provided when they are not competing. It is important they have a drink bottle and stay hydrated during the Carnival. 

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        GRADE 3 RECONCILIATION PARENT INFORMATION SESSION

        Grade 3 parent reminder that a Parent Information session is being held tomorrow night, Thursday 11th February at 7pm at St Josephs Church Warragul.

        If your child is baptised and is currently in Grade 3, or above, and you are considering the Sacrament of Reconciliation for your child in 2021 please attend this meeting.

        For more information please call or text Thérèse Meggetto on 0499 116 428





        ASH WEDNESDAY MASS

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        Our Grade 6 students and teachers will attend the Ash Wednesday Mass in St Ita's Church on Wednesday 17th February at 11.40am. All other students will participate in a special Liturgy in their classrooms.



        HAIR

        Any students with shoulder length hair or longer must tie their hair neatly back using school colours: red, blue, white or black.

         

        HEAD LICE

        We have had several cases of head lice confirmed at school this week. If lice are found, students are permitted to attend school once the hair has been treated. We recommend a further treatment after 7 days to ensure any juvenile lice have all been detected. 

        Click here for more information on Head Lice




        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.




        LUNCH ORDERS

        Lunch & snack orders are available from our school canteen every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the school term. Orders are placed via Flexischools.

        Click here to visit the Flexischools website.




        BOOK CLUB

        Book club catalogues will be sent home this week. Orders are placed on-line via the Scholastic bookclub website - LOOP. We do not accept cash/manual orders. For every order placed the school receives reward points to purchase new books for our library.  Click here to visit Book Club on-line

        Orders are due by Wednesday 17th February for this issue to be delivered free to school. 

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        PIANO LESSONS

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        by Mrs Catherine McKenna, Library Teacher

        Email: cmckenna@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

         

        Book club orders due on-line by Wednesday 17th February.

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        If you would like more information on Before and After School Care at St Ita's - please visit the Camp Australia website:

        Camp Australia Contact Details:
        Phone: 1300 105 343
        Contact: info@campaustralia.com.au

        Drouin Dragons Free pre-season MiniRoos program.

        Click here to Register now for the free Mini Roos program commencing 20th February

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        DROUIN HAWKS JUNIOR NETBALL CLINIC - 14th & 27th Feb




        DROUIN JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB - REGISTRATION DAY  

        - 14th Feb

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        MARIST YEAR 7 - 2022 - INFORMATION EVENT - 10th March

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        Book your free movie tickets on-line now.

        For more details visit: Drouin Ficifolia Festival