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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.
MESSAGES FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome back to all our St Ita’s families, I hope you have all had a restful break and feel rejuvenated, relaxed and recharged. Term 2 was again a very different term, as we navigated our way through a whole term without any long-term closures or shutdowns. I would like to thank all our families for the patience and support you afforded the staff and students of our great school.
St Ita’s staff did an amazing job working with your children last term and remain prepared for the possibility of any changes that arise due to Covid-19 shutdown. If, or when this happens, please remember your children are at the core of everything we do. We will make our focus their well-being and they will be kept as safe and secure as possible whilst under our care.
This term, the main focus will be on our annual school concert held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre. We have been blessed that Mrs. Jenny Adrichem has stayed on with us to create and present the 2022 school concert. Without giving away too much of the content of our play, it will include some amazing animal props with a “Rumble in the Jungle” kind of feel.
Information about ticketing and what each individual class requires will be sent out via Class Dojo and advertised in this newsletter. Stay tuned and we’ll send out more information to each classroom via Class DoJo.
ROSE’S FRIENDSHIP SEAT
I am please to announce that during the holidays, Rose McMahon’s friendship seat was set up below the old oak tree overlooking the playground. This beautiful seat is the legacy of a beautiful student who will always live on in our hearts. The friendship seat is inclusive of all and is located in the area that Rose and all her friends used to frequent at recess and lunch.
WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY THIS FRIDAY
This Friday we will conduct our whole school assembly in the school hall starting at 2.45pm. We would ask any parents attending to please wear a mask, unless of course you have an exemption. At this assembly our school leaders will present the Welcome to Country, a selected Grade will present School Prayer and a selected grade will deliver class news. Our Aussie of the Month Award will be announced as well as class awards which includes the Holy Spirit Award. We hope to see you there on Friday.
COVID UPDATE
As part of our responsibility to keep all of the St Ita’s learning community safe during Covid-19 times, we will continue to make sure all relevant Covid-19 routines and safety measures are still in place at our school.
We will continue to promote:
- Students keeping healthy and clean;
- Correct hand washing and sanitizing procedures whilst at school;
- Practicing correct social distancing to the best of our ability whilst parents and carers are at school; and
- Safe pick up and drop off procedures at St Ita’s
If your child is showing any signs of illness, please do not send them to school. If your child is displaying any flu like symptoms, our advice would be to RAT test your child, and keep them at home until a doctor gives a certificate for your child to return to school.
If we can keep Covid-19 cases low within our community, I am hopeful that we will be able to initiate the following changes in our school this term;
- Run whole school assemblies every second Friday, inviting parents of children presenting class news and school prayer, and those who are award winners.
- Run group school tours for all our new enrolments.
- Introduce the class sausage sizzle on the school site for parents to meet their children’s teachers from 11.45- 12.45pm on Fridays. The next BBQ (Date to be advised) will be for our Grade 1 students, parents and siblings
- Allow parents the opportunity to participate in Parent Helper Induction and work in a support/helper role in the classroom
- Our car line drop-off and pick-up will continue as normal at the school admin loop and the Drouin Rec Reserve.
- If parents are parking out on the Rec Reserve they must exit their car to collect their children. No children are to walk to a parked car unsupervised by a parent.
- Parents of students who walk to Civic Park must alert your child’s teacher via a class dojo or email giving your child written permission to exit the school via the Rec Reserve Gate.
- We ask that all parents adhere to a 10 km speed limit at the car loop and on the Rec Reserve.
FACE MASKS IN SCHOOLS
The Victorian Government has supplied schools with a stock of N95 masks suitable for adults and older children; surgical masks for staff and students in secondary schools; and child-size surgical masks for students in primary schools to ensure that all staff and students have access to a range of appropriate face mask options. St Ita's will ensure staff and students have ready access to these face masks.
Wearing a face mask can help protect you and those around you. Face masks stop droplets spreading when you talk, cough, sneeze and laugh, which lowers your chance of spreading or catching COVID-19.
Suggestions for Staff Students and Parents
- It is strongly recommended that face masks are worn indoors (noting that exceptions to the recommendation apply to teaching circumstances when clear enunciation or visibility of the mouth is essential).
- Any students or staff members who wish to wear a face mask may do so, including those who are medically at-risk.
- Everyone aged eight (8) years or over must wear a face mask when travelling on public transport, taxis or ride share vehicles, unless a lawful exemption applies. This includes when travelling to and from school, school activities, school camps and excursions on school buses or via public transport.
Household Contacts or Household-Like Contacts
All staff and students aged eight (8) years or older who are household or household-like close contacts attending a school will be required to wear a face mask indoors while at the school and while travelling to and from the school, unless an exemption applies.
Transport of Children to School by Positive COVID-19 Cases
Parents, guardians or carers who are COVID-19 positive who leave self-isolation to transport their child (ren) to or from school via a private vehicle must wear a face mask at all times and must adhere to other additional safety requirements.
ST ITA’S SCHOOL CONCERT— “Dance With Me In Africa”
2022 SCHOOL CONCERT FAQs & ANSWERS:
St Ita’s Primary presents: DANCE WITH ME IN AFRICA
One of the biggest events on the St Ita’s social calendar is the annual concert. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions to assist families to become familiar with concert time. This year we will have a matinee performance at 12pm and an evening performance at 7pm on 28th July. at the West Gippsland Art Centre in Warragul.
If your questions haven’t been answered below, please DOJO your child’s class teacher.
Where is the concert held at and at what time/s?
The concert is held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre (WGAC) in Warragul on Thursday 28th July 2022. The first concert performance is a Matinee show at 12pm and the second concert is an evening performance which begins at 7pm. We recommend Grandparents and younger pre-school siblings attend the matinee performance.
How long is the concert?
It is estimated that each concert performance goes for approximately 90 minutes.
Do students have to attend both Concert performances?
Yes. All students are expected to attend the Concert and perform in both shows. Please discuss with your child’s teacher if you have any concerns.
Where do we get tickets and is there a limit on how many?
Tickets are now available and can be purchased through the West Gippsland Art Centre (WGAC) Warragul. You can purchase at the WGAC box office, online or by phone.
Tickets will be $15 each for adults and children per show. There is also a $10 ticket available for Pensioner Concession Card Holder’s attending the matinee performance at 12pm (please choose ‘concession’ once seats are selected. A valid pensioner card must be produced when presenting ticket for entry).
All evening tickets are the same price.
Children 2 years old and under are able to sit on a parent’s lap at no charge. Children 3 years of age and above are the same price as an adult & will require their own ticket to be purchased. There is no limit to the amount of tickets you can purchase. Visit www.wgac.com.au or phone: 5624 2456. Additional fees may apply for phone bookings. Seat maps are available on-line. (Please note you do not need to purchase tickets for St Ita’s students as they will all be backstage ready to perform & not in the auditorium).
Can younger siblings come to the concert?
Younger siblings can come to the concert. If they are 3 years of age and above, you must pay $15 for their own seat. (2 years and under are no charge but must sit on a parent’s lap). The 12pm session is recommended for younger siblings to attend if required.
Does each class do their own performance or is it all mixed together?
Each Class does their own performance/act except for the Grade 5-6’s. This year, the Grade 6 students with speaking parts will not perform in their class acts. The remaining 5-6 students will be combined in class acts. At the end of the production the children will all sing the same finale.
Do parents have to go to each session?
No, they don’t, but can if they want to. Most parents choose one (either the 12pm or 7pm) session to watch their child perform. Both performances are the same. Tickets must be purchased via the West Gippsland Arts Centre for each concert you would like to attend.
Do parents need to supply a costume?
Mrs Jenny Adrichem, our Concert Director provides some costumes & your child’s class teacher will advise if families are required to organise their own costumes. More particular details will be sent home via your child’s class teacher. Please make sure your costumes are in a clearly labelled plastic bag and are ready for the dress rehearsal at school on Friday 22nd July.
When do we need our costumes by?
There will be a full-dress rehearsal at St Ita’s in the school hall on Friday 22nd July. Students are to bring their full costume to school on this day. Teachers will assist their grades in changing on the day. We ask parents not to come to the dress rehearsal as the school hall is not big enough and we don’t want to spoil the surprise of the concert for you before the event.
What is the concert practice the day prior to the Concert?
The day prior to the concert (Wednesday 27th July) the children are taken in their grades, down to the West Gippsland Art Centre by shuttle bus in the morning to have a familiarisation of the Arts Centre and to practice coming on/off the stage. All children will return to school by shuttle bus throughout the day. Generally, the younger grades by lunchtime and the senior grades in the afternoon. A permission note will be sent home in the next few weeks prior via PAM. School will finish at the normal 3.20pm finish on Wednesday 27th July. Children cannot be collected from the Arts Centre & must return to school for pick up. Please note siblings will be returning at different times throughout the day.
THURSDAY 28th JULY: MATINEE PERFORMANCE - 12PM:
Do students come to school on Concert day & what do they bring?
Yes, we will require all students to be at school on Thursday 28th July by 9am.
Students are to come to school dressed in their school or sports uniform (clearly labelled) and to bring with them their full costume, if not already at school (in a clearly labelled plastic bag) with hair/details ready for the concert.
Students are to bring a snack which will be eaten at school, prior to arriving at the Arts Centre.
Students are to bring a sandwich clearly labelled with their name, which will be eaten during the Concert at the Arts Centre and a water bottle (clearly labelled). If possible, please bring snack & a sandwich in a disposable container or wrapper, clearly labelled, and so it can be thrown out after lunch. Please do bring any messy foods, lollies or sugary soft drinks.
Students will change into their costumes at school and then will depart by bus from School to the Arts Centre to arrive by 11.30am in time for the Matinee Concert. (Parents please check with your classroom teacher if any parent helpers are required at school on the morning of the Concert, a Working with Children’s Card is required).
Parents/families are not permitted backstage before/during/after the Matinee.
After the Matinee Concert, children will depart by bus from the Arts Centre back to school to arrive by 3pm. Children will change back into their uniform at school and take their costumes home for the evening performance.
Where do parents/family go when we arrive for the 12pm show?
Parents & ticket holders make their way up to the foyer area of the Arts Centre with their tickets and wait for the theatre doors to open. Please allow time for parking & seating. Parents will not be permitted backstage before/during/after the show.
What time does School finish on concert day?
On concert day (Thursday 28th July) the children are taken down to the West Gippsland Art Centre by bus in the morning ready to perform in the Matinee show at 12pm. All children will return to school after the Matinee concert by shuttle bus between 2-3pm. Children can only be picked up from school at 3.20pm after the Matinee. School will finish at the normal 3.20pm finish time. Due to child safety & logistics all students will return to school by bus after the Matinee and can only be collected from school. No students will be dismissed from the Arts Centre after the Matinee.
Parents are then required to bring their children back to the Arts Centre at 6.30pm ready for the 7pm evening performance. Children are then collected from the Arts Centre after the evening show at approximately 8.45pm.
THURSDAY 28th JULY: EVENING PERFORMANCE - 7PM:
What time do the children need to be at the concert – evening show?
Children are required to be in the Fountain Room at the West Gippsland Art Centre Warragul by 6.30pm sharp on Thursday 28th July. The drop off point is at the Fountain room between 6.20 pm and 6.30 pm. The Fountain Room is located downstairs, to the right-hand side of the Arts Centre, off Civic Place. Students are dropped off to their teacher at the Fountain Room door and parents are not permitted to stay. At the end of the evening show the students are picked up from the entrance of the Fountain Room at 8.45pm. Please have your children dressed and ready when they are dropped off.
Can parents stay with their children when they drop them off?
No, it is important for organisational reasons that parents do not stay down in the Fountain Room. It is also important parents don’t come down to the Fountain Room during the show. The room has limited space so we ask that parents just drop off at the door so class teachers can organise their grades & prepare for the Concert to begin.
Where do parents/family go when we arrive for the show?
Parents & ticket holders make their way up to the foyer area of the Arts Centre with their tickets and wait for the theatre doors to open. Please allow time for parking & seating.
Do we need to be dressed in our costumes when we arrive at 6.30pm?
Yes, children will come to the evening concert at 6.30pm dressed in their costume ready to perform. Some bulkier items may need to be left at the venue and placed on the students just before they go on to stage, your teacher will advise if this is the case. Please bring a simple change of clothes for after the evening concert or a warm jacket– eg: dressing gown, loose pants/top/pjs. Students will not be permitted to take any school provided costumes home after the evening concert, so please make sure they have a change of clothes if required. Please make sure all personal items are clearly labelled in an easy identifiable bag.
Do students need to wear make-up?
Some of the main Grade six characters will need make up. If your child is required to wear any stage makeup your child’s class teacher will let you know within the next few weeks. Other grades do not wear make-up and it is not encouraged (especially as we need to keep costumes clean for 2 shows).
Do we have to have hair (and make-up) done before we arrive at 6.30 pm?
Yes, there will not be enough time to do hair (and make-up if required) before the performance so please make sure this is prepared before your child arrives at the Arts Centre at 6.30pm. Your child must be dressed and ready to perform on arrival.
What else do the children need to bring with them at 6.30pm?
Children will need to eat an early dinner at home before they arrive at 6.30pm. Children will need to bring a bottle of water (clearly labelled), a small “healthy” snack/piece of fruit and a change of clothes if required/warm jacket for after the concert. Please make sure any bags/items brought along are clearly labelled.
(Other food and drink is not permitted to avoid spills and litter).
Note: Please bring a simple change of clothes for after the evening concert or a warm jacket– eg: dressing gown, jacket, loose pants/top/pjs. Students will not be permitted to take any school provided costumes home after the evening concert, so please make sure they have a change of clothes if required. Please make sure all personal items are clearly labelled in an easy identifiable bag.
Do the children go back to their parents after their act or at the end of the Concert?
No. Students will remain with their class teachers until after the concert. Parents will need to pick their child up from the Fountain Room doors at 8.45pm.
What do the children do backstage?
The children will be in the Fountain room reading books, colouring in and watching a movie provided by their teacher. The emphasis is on staying calm and saving their energy for the stage.
Can parents/friends visit their children backstage?
No, there is not enough room to have parents/grandparents/family visit the Fountain Room.
Where do we pick up our children from and at what time on Thursday 28th July?
The students will be waiting in the Fountain Room for pick up at 8.45pm. Due to logistics we ask that only one/two parents come to the Fountain room door at the end of the Concert to collect children. Please have other family members wait upstairs, outside or at the car away from the exit to allow room for the students to exit. Please be patient and allow for students to change, collect their belongings and exit, only a limited number of parents will be allowed in at one time to avoid congestion.
Can parents take photos /video of the concert?
No, there is to be no flash photography or video cameras to be used in the auditorium. Professional DVDs will be available to purchase through the school a few weeks after the concert.
Is there any food/drinks to buy at the concert for parents?
The café at the Art Centre will be open for coffees / snacks for Patrons, before the show.
Will there be a DVD or photos to purchase of the concert?
DVDs will be available to purchase through the school office. Class teachers will take photos at dress rehearsal and in the Fountain room. No flash photography is permitted in the Theatre.
Will classroom teachers send out notes detailing costumes etc?
During the next few weeks, class teachers will send home letters / Dojo messages to parents detailing any costume requirements. Please give your teachers time to send this home if they have not done so already. Full costumes are required at school for Friday, 22nd July dress rehearsal & on Concert day, Thursday 28th July.
CONCERT COSTUME
Our Grade 1 students are wearing pink tulle tutu skirts for their concert performance, and we are in need of 3 skirts for the performance. If any of our families have a skirt in their dress up box that we could use, we would be greatly appreciative.
ART ROOM
Robyn Leary, our Art room teacher, requires white or light coloured socks of any size and also any wool that families are able to donate for an Art project.
Students can bring them in on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and take them to the Art room or their classroom.
2023 FOUNDATION SIBLING ENROLMENTS
Our 2023 sibling enrolments for Foundation are currently open to St Ita’s families. To arrange an interview and school tour for your child, please contact Beck or Helen at admin@stidrouin.catholic.edu.au or 5623 7222.
NCCD INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARENTS
SCHOOL FEES & CONCESSIONS
Term 1 & Term 2 fees are now overdue, please ensure payment is made at your earliest convenience.
If any families would like to set up a weekly, fortnightly or monthly direct debit schedule for school fees, please complete the Direct Debit Form below and return to the school office. For any assistance regarding calculations of payments, please contact us 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, if not already done so.
Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviours (WSAPB) Celebration Day
Thank you to everyone who dressed in the colours of our WSAPB. With everyone’s donation we raised $500 and have been able to assist 5 students to access education in the Assist a Student Program. This is an education program which assists in breaking the cycle of poverty and is organised by the St Vincent de Paul Society.
The day was filled with fun and engaging mixed-age group activities which allowed the students to mingle and interact with a variety of different kids. Overall, it was a fantastic day had by all!
GEELONG ADVERTISER BOOK REVIEWS
PARISH NEWS
HELPERS IN THE KITCHEN
Of course Martha could have dealt with it a little better, rather than venting at Jesus about why he won’t make Mary help her. Nevertheless, somebody needs to get dinner ready and Martha is it, but Jesus’ responds that Mary has, “chosen the better part.”
This poses a conundrum for us. Surely someone needs to spend the day working at a desk or on the farm or workbench (or preparing meals)? That’s what makes the world go round, what enables us to eat. And, as Paul tells us, (2 Thessalonians 3:10) we all need to do our bit to ensure the community thrives.
Jesus is teaching us here though about balance and perspective. We should work to live, not live to work.
Many of us race around busily doing “important” things so we almost get into the mindset of “I am busy therefore I am,” forgetting that whatever we do here is transitory and our relationship with him is the main game.
Sure we all have work to do, but we mustn’t prioritise our work, or other activities in our lives, over sitting at Jesus feet, listening to his word and building relationship with him.
Family and other relationships too are enriched by being able to say, “Don’t worry about xyz. This is important. Be in the moment (and we’ll all help in the kitchen later).”
Deacon Mark Kelly
CONFIRMATION REMINDER
A letter of invitation for this year’s Confirmation families was sent home at the end of last term with our Grade 6 children. If you are wishing for your child to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this year and didn’t receive this letter please call Thérèse on 0439 306 642.
We will be holding a parent/child information session on Wednesday, 20th July in St Ita’s Church, Drouin at 7pm and on Thursday, 21st July in St Joseph’s Church Warragul at 7pm. This meeting is for parents and candidates. We are looking forward to seeing you on one of these nights.
COMMITMENT MASS
Our Confirmation Commitment Masses will be held on Saturday 23rd July at 7pm and Sunday 24th July at 9am at St Joseph’s Church Warragul.
And on Sunday July 24th at 10:30am and on Sunday July 31st at 10:30am at St Ita’s Church Drouin.
We ask families to please attend one of these weekend Masses to make your Commitment.
WORKSHOP
Our first workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 3rd in St Ita’s Church commencing at 7pm. Also on Thursday, August 4th in St Joseph’s Church at 4pm or 7pm.
Please bring along your completed choice of Confirmation name and sponsor’s name form.
PARISH SACRAMENT ENQUIRIES
Sacrament Enquiries: Mrs Therese Meggetto
Mobile: 0439 306 642 Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au
PUBLIC NOTICES
DRUM AND GUITAR LESSONS
