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 W6 2021 Newsletter

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T3 W6 2021 Newsletter

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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. 

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    PRINCIPAL MESSAGE

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    AGGRESSIVE CHILDREN

    One of the greatest concerns that parents have for their child/ren is when they display aggressive or violent behaviours in social or educational settings. Fortunately, this is something we don’t see a lot of in our school and when we do, it is dealt with in a respectful, protective or restorative manner.

    One of the key tenants in our St Ita’s Whole School Approach To Positive Behaviour (WSAPB) is about helping all in our school community to build a climate of respectful inclusiveness. The key message we promote on a daily basis to all our students is, we keep our hands to ourselves and treat each other respectfully.

    As a parent, you’ve probably dealt with your fair share of tantrums, meltdowns and freak-outs. Emotional regulation is a skill we all have to learn, and some kids take longer to master self-control than others. But how do you know when your child’s aggressive or violent behaviour is not just part of their learning curve, but is getting out of hand? And what can you do to help? 

    Do most kids act out like this?

    It’s all about knowing what’s developmentally appropriate. “We generally expect toddlers to experience some aggressive behaviours,” says paediatric psychologist Emily Mudd, PhD.

    “At this stage, kids tend to resort to physical expressions of their frustration, simply because they don’t yet have the language skills to express themselves. For example, pushing a peer on the playground could be considered typical. We wouldn’t necessarily call that aggression unless it was part of a pattern.”

    How do you recognise true aggression?

    By the time a child is old enough to have the verbal skills to communicate his or her feelings — around age 7 — physical expressions of aggression should taper off, she says.

    If that’s not happening, it’s time to be concerned, especially if your child is putting himself or others in danger, or is regularly damaging property.

    Watch for warning signs that your child’s behaviour is having a negative impact:

    • Struggling academically.
    • Having difficulty relating to peers.
    • Frequently causing disruptions at home.

    “These warning signs are cause for concern and should not be ignored,” she says.

    Your child’s behaviour may have an underlying cause that needs attention. ADHDanxiety, undiagnosed learning disabilities and autism can all create problems with aggressive behaviour.

    “Whatever the cause, if aggressive behaviour impacts your child’s day-to-day functioning, it’s time to seek help,” Dr. Mudd says.

    Start by talking with your paediatrician. If necessary, he or she can refer you to a mental health professional to diagnose and treat problems that may cause aggression.

    What can parents do to help their child?

    Dr. Mudd recommends these strategies for helping your child tame his or her aggression:

    1. Stay calm. “When a child is expressing a lot of emotion, and the parents meet that with more emotion, it can increase the child’s aggression,” she says. Instead, try to model emotional regulation for your child.
    2. Don’t give in to tantrums or aggressive behaviour. For example, if your child is having a tantrum at the grocery store because she wants a particular cereal, don’t give in and buy it. This is rewarding, and reinforces the inappropriate behaviour.
    3. Catch your child being good. Reward good behaviour, even when your child isn’t doing anything out of the ordinary. If dinnertime is problem-free, say, “I really like how you acted at dinner.” Treats and prizes are not necessary. Recognition and praise are powerful all on their own.
    4. Help kids learn to express themselves by naming emotions. For example, you may say “I can tell you’re really angry right now.” This validates what your child is feeling and encourages verbal, instead of physical, expression.
    5. Know your child’s patterns and identify triggers. Do tantrums happen every morning before school? Work on structuring your morning routine. Break down tasks into simple steps, and give time warnings, such as “We’re leaving in 10 minutes.” Set goals, such as making it to school on time four days out of five. Then reward your child when he or she meets those goals.
    6. Find appropriate rewards. Don’t focus on financial or material goals. Instead, try rewards like half an hour of special time with mum or dad, choosing what the family eats for dinner, or selecting what the family watches for movie night.

    If your child is struggling with self-control, incorporating these strategies into your parenting should help you rein in those behaviours.

    If the situation seems unmanageable, remember that you are not the only one struggling with your child’s behaviour. Paediatric psychologists are adept at helping children and families solve emotional and behavioural problems. Ask your paediatrician for the names of mental health professionals in your area.

    ST ITA’S MOBILE PHONE POLICY

    Last week our school staff meeting looked at the growing number of mobile phones in our student community and how they are being used in our school community and it’s a good opportunity to outline our St Ita’s mobile phone policy. The mobile phone policy allows all students and parents to be aware of the school’s expectations of children who have a mobile device (Phone, Watch or Tablet) at school.

    Rationale for our St Ita’s Mobile Phone Policy

    • Use of telecommunications technology has become the norm rather than the exception for many of the families in the school.
    • Communication between students and people outside of the school are possible using a variety of methods.
    • We aim to ensure communications are legitimate, appropriate and do not interrupt the good order of the school.
    • The core business of our school is to promote and support teaching and learning in an environment free from unnecessary distraction or disruption.
    • The school discourages the bringing of mobile phones to school by students but we accept there are times when it might be deemed important.

    Students Expectations

    • Mobile phones are brought to school at entirely the owner’s risk. The school will not be involved in disputes and/or investigations over damage, loss or theft.
    • Phones must be kept in school bag during the school day and do not go out on the yard at recess or lunch.
    • Due to privacy considerations, phone cameras cannot be used whilst at school.
    • We ask that phones are not to be taken on excursions or camps.
    • As phones are to be turned off at school, they cannot be used on wet weather inside play as music or game devices on wet days or inside lunch and recess.
    • Students breaching the policy will be subject to the normal student behaviour management consequences. The student will be instructed to pass the phone to a member of the schools leadership team for the rest of the day and can be collected once the bell has gone to end the day.
    • If procedures continue to not be followed, the phone will be collected from the student and the parent will be asked to collect the phone from either the Principal or Deputy.

    Parents

    • Reinforce that phones are to be kept secure and turned off at all times during the school day.
    • Instruct students to keep their telephone out of sight.
    • Ensure inappropriate material is not stored on the phone.
    • Parents are not to contact students during the school day by mobile phone. If parents need to urgently contact a student they should follow normal procedure and contact the school via admin on (03) 5623 7222. Students will then be contacted and supported as necessary.

    Staff

    • Personal mobile phones are brought to school at the owner’s risk.
    • Personal mobile phones are to be switched to mute during class teaching and learning periods and during scheduled school meetings.
    • All mobile phones to be switched to mute when in public areas, including interviews, meetings and classrooms.

    Parents, visitors and contractors

    • All users are to switch their phones to mute when in public areas, including meetings, interviews and classrooms.
    • All parents and visitors are to take and make mobile calls outside of teaching and learning areas.

    PARENT ACCESS MODULE (PAM)

    We have had very good feedback from families regarding accessing school reports through the new parent portal, and are now working to use this portal for more of our correspondence with families.  This will including seeking permission for excursions, trips to the sick bay (which can be communicated to parents via email notifications in real time), and monitoring any students with medical conditions. 

    We continue to encourage all parents to please access the portal via the link below and ensure all students details, including medical details are up to date. Please contact the school if you still have not been able to do this or please follow the instructions on the school website.

    This portal is accessible via https://pam.stidrouin.catholic.edu.au/

    MEDICAL ALERT!

    We have had reports of students in our school being diagnosed with hand, foot & mouth disease.

    Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused by a virus. It causes blisters on the hands and feet, in the mouth and often in the ‘nappy’ area. It is generally only a mild disease that lasts seven to ten days.

    HFMD occurs mainly in children under ten years of age, but can also affect older children and adults. This infection is spread by direct contact with fluid from the skin blisters, nose and throat discharges (including saliva, sputum or nasal mucus), droplets (sneezing, coughing) and faeces (stools). Good personal hygiene is important to prevent spread of the infection to others.

    The skin blisters of HFMD are infectious until they become crusty and there is no fluid in the blisters. Diagnosis is made by a local doctor, and there is no specific treatment.

    Children with HFMD should be excluded from school and childcare centres until all of the blisters have dried. To assist in prevention of spread, parents should report the illness to the director of the childcare centre or school principal.

    CONCERT

    Just a reminder that the school concert has now been postponed to 10th November 2021. There will be a rehearsal at the Warragul Arts Centre on the 9th November 2021. With the current restriction in place we would not be able to offer all families a chance to attend. We will have more information later this term or early next term on how families can purchase tickets. 

    SCHOOL FEES & FEE CONCESSION

    Term 1 & 2 School Fees are now overdue & Term 3 School Fees are due by Friday 6th August. BPay details are available on your school fee statement. School fees are due by the 4th week of each term and 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 and have not already advised the school office, 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.  A CSEF (Camp, Sport & Excursion Fund) form must also be completed. Application forms must be completed each year.

    If your current Health Care Concession Card has expired, or is due to expire and your card is re-issued or any details have changed, 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. 

    2022 ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN

    Enrolments are now open and we are now taking bookings for enrolment interviews and school tours. (COVID-19 Dependent).

    If you require an interview and school tour with your child, please contact our school Admin on 5623 7222 as soon as possible to book a time.

    All parents will be required to complete a student questionnaire prior to the commencement of your interview (this takes a couple of minutes and you will receive it on arrival). You will also receive an enrolment pack with an enrolment form enclosed.

    We strongly advise you to book your interview and return your application form promptly to guarantee enrolment for next year.

    BUS FREE DAYS

    School buses will not be operating in the Drouin network on the following days in Term 3. All bus travellers will need to make alternative arrangements to/from school on these days.

    Term 3 - Wednesday 25th August 2021

    LIBRARY NEWS

    by Mrs Catherine McKenna, Library Teacher

    Email: cmckenna@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au

    In library classes we have been reading and discussing the CBCA shortlisted book for 2021. The students are always so engaged in reading and talking about books and I wanted to share it with you so I took a few photos today. It’s wonderful to see so many students choosing books to borrow for home too.

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    ST ITA'S BOOK WEEK DRESS UP

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    Book week is organised by the Children’s Book Council of Australia. This is the week that libraries, bookshops and schools around Australia celebrate Australian books, authors and illustrators. Book week officially runs from 21st August to the 27th August, however at St Ita’s we will be celebrating during Week 8 this term.

    In library class during Week 1 we learned about the theme for the CBCA Book Week: Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds. During this term we will be reading the shortlisted books and we’ll also attend a performance by Perform Education in Week 8 based on these books.

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    Book week dress up day is a celebration of books.

    Students are invited to dress up to the theme or their favourite book character.

    Dress up day will be Monday, 30th August.

    BOOK CLUB

    Book Club orders have been sent home. Thank you to the families who purchased from this issue.

    Link to the BookClub Issue 6. Orders close Monday 30th August for free delivery back to school.

    After this date Parents will be presented with a home delivery option for an additional fee of $7.50.

    2020 MINI OLYMPICS

    FOUNDATION & GRADE 1

    Last Monday the Foundation and Grade 1 students participated in a Fun/Novelty Mini Olympics morning in the school hall.  These activities included a number of team events including balloon between the knee relay, backwards running relay, birdie feather relay, egg and spoon relay etc.  The morning commenced with the teams marching around the school hall. When not competing, students were very passionate supporters, encouraging, cheering and waving flags.  

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    CLEANING UP OUR SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT

    On Tuesday afternoon Grade 5/6B filled four Coles bags full with rubbish and food packaging that was all sadly found on the St Ita’s playgrounds. Last week in Mia Greco’s persuasive speech we learned the shocking statistic that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish if we do not start taking more care of our planet.

    We hope everyone at St Ita’s takes more care with their rubbish and puts it in the bin! 

    Thanks for your time!

    From 5/6B

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    MOVE OVER CRUSTY DEMONS

    Kobi and Kai Aitken love to get out on their bikes on weekends on family camping trips to get some serious air. Even their little sister is on a pee wee 50!!!!

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    PARISH NEWS

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    WHERE TO?

    “Lord, who shall we go to? You have the words of eternal life.” (Jn 6:68)

    John’s gospel (John 6:60-69) speaks to us at the times we are frustrated over the clay feet of the Church or might even question the tenets of religion. With Peter we reflect, “Where would I go?” and, like Peter, we return to our core with Peter’s declaration, “You have the words of eternal life.” Disappointments, hesitations, concerns or doubts might swirl around us at times but Jesus’ words of eternal life, the Good News, is our constant.  St Paul reminds us to, “Never let yourself drift away from the hope promised by the Good News …. “ (Col 1:23).

    “Religion,” says Jesuit, Guy Consolmagno, the Vatican astronomer, “is supposed to serve as a guide, a pointer, a help to God. When it becomes the source or goal of our entire universe, it usurps the role of God.”(Consolmagno, God’s Mechanics   p77). Seeking guidance in our religion and our Church, Catholics centre our hope on the simple Good News of God’s Kingdom, the Kingdom which was pretty much all Jesus ever taught about. Not a harsh and exclusive Kingdom but an infinitely accepting, forgiving and welcoming one.

    Providentially, “what God cares about is not religion, but a more human and friendly world. What he seeks is a more abundant, healthy and happy life for all, beginning with the last. Jesus said that in many different ways: if our religion goes against life, either it is a false religion or we have misunderstood it. What makes God happy is to see us happy, now and forever. That is the Good News revealed to us in Jesus Christ: God gives himself to us just as he is, as Love.” (Pagola, Jesus: An Historical Approximation p447). Proclaiming that Good News, our Christian religion and Catholic Church are channels to the Kingdom. 

    Deacon Mark Kelly

    SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION 2021

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    We are in the final stages of preparation for our Confirmation Candidates receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. We ask that you keep these families in your prayers.

    This year the bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sale, Bishop Greg Bennet, will visit our parish to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. This is an exciting occasion for our parish and parish families. We ask that you keep these families in your prayers.

    RECONCILIATION IN PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION

    On Wednesday, 25th of August at 7pm in St Ita’s Church Drouin and Thursday, 26th of August at 7pm in St Joseph’s Church, Warragul, we will have the Sacrament of Reconciliation for our Confirmation families. Please note there is an expectation for our Confirmation Candidates that they receive this Sacrament before the day of their Confirmation. Family members are warmly invited to take this opportunity to go to Reconciliation on either night if they wish.

    Please remember to bring completed Saints posters on this night so they can be displayed in Marist Sion College Hall on your Confirmation day. Also please remember to bring any late forms on the Reconciliation night too.

    CONFIRMATION DAY REMINDER

    This year Confirmation will be celebrated in Marist Sion College Hall on Saturday, 28th of August at 7pm and on Sunday, 29th of August at 9am and 3pm. Please arrive 20 minutes early for sign in, and to allow time for organising the children.

    We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our Confirmation families for their patience and cooperation over the preparation time. COVID restrictions has certainly been challenging. Please know we will always keep your families in our prayers.

    For further enquiries please contact Thérèse on 0499 116 428

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

    PUBLIC NOTICES

    CAMP AUSTRALIA

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    DRUM AND GUITAR LESSONS

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    COMMUNITY NEWS

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