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Sunday 14 February 2021 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Gospel - Mk 1:40-45
Jesus cures a leper.
Living the Gospel – Who is your leper?
There is a story of Francis of Assisi in which he encountered a horribly disfigured leper. Initially, Francis was repulsed by the man but remembered that this man too was a child of God and made in the image and likeness of God. Overcoming his fears, Francis ran forward and embraced the man. Rather than seeing the disease, Francis saw the person.
We can ask the question, Who is your leper? Who is the person in your life that you need to embrace rather than reject? Who would benefit from you viewing them with different eyes? Soft eyes! Eyes of compassion!
Jesus demonstrates that the combination of a compassionate word and a healing touch can work wonders. Jesus’ compassion leads him to
reach out to all those in need.
Mrs Vicky Davidson
Principal
Enrol now for 2022.
Applications available online, please visit our website. www.sfawdow.catholic.edu.au Email: info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au or collect an application form from the school office. Interviews will be held next term.
National Apology to the Stolen Generations
Last Friday Mrs Mansbridge and our Year 6 leaders lead us in prayer as we commemorated the 13th anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations.
In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd presented this apology in the Australian Parliament, a momentous occasion of recognition and reconciliation in our nation's history.
National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes, and commit to right the wrongs of past injustices and build a bridge of respect between all people.
CEDoW and our Catholic schools are committed to walking together with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sisters and brothers in a spirit of reconciliation.
We honour the history of this Great South Land. We remember the stories of those who have gone before us and seek to ensure the future is one of peace, reconciliation and harmony for all who walk this land.
Catholic Schools Week 2021
In 2021, celebrations for Catholic Schools Week begin on Sunday 28 February in the second week of Lent.
The CEDoW theme for Catholic Schools Week 2021 is ‘Faith in the Future’. This theme aligns with the NCEC theme for Catholic Education celebrating 200 years in Australia. This year marks the bicentenary of the first Catholic school being established in Parramatta in October 1820.
Our theme this year is ‘Faith in the future’, also reminds us to maintain our hope that God’s kingdom draws ever closer while challenging us to ensure our Catholic schools continue to be vibrant communities of faith, providing opportunities for encounter with Jesus in the midst of a world often dominated by a sense of isolation, tragedy, and despair. (Peter Hill - Director of Catholic Education Wollongong).
During this week there will be a Liturgy where our Kindergarten students will receive their Welcome Certificates. Further details around our Catholic Schools Week will be communicated via Compass.
Our whole school focus for the next two weeks will be on our concrete playground. The expectations listed below will be shared and practised in each class. Teachers on duty will be reinforcing these expectations by acknowledging children who are demonstrating safe, responsible, and respectful behaviours in the classroom.
Did you know that only around 6% of Australian children eat enough vegetables? To help our community do their bit to improve this number, our school will be taking part in The Big Vegie Crunch (part of Vegetable Week) at 10.00 am on Thursday 18 March.
Primary schools across NSW will be joining together to break t
he record for the most students crunching vegetables:
* 50,260 students crunching simultaneously (2018 record)
* 14,991 students crunching at other times over Vegetable Week (2019 record)
What can you do to help?
- Pack a container of vegetables (not fruit this time) for your child to eat on Thursday 18 March
- Remember to keep serving up the vegetables at home and in your children’s lunchboxes. Click on the link for parent resources.
Ash Wednesday
On Wednesday we gathered as a school to begin Lent with a special Ash Wednesday liturgy. Fr Damien joined us to lead the liturgy with the support of our Year 4 students. Due to COVID-19 restrictions ashes were sprinkled on the heads of each child by the teacher as instructed by the Pope.
Children and Lent
We adults sometimes think that children can’t understand spiritual concepts, but children have an innate spirituality and curiosity about God and spiritual things. To help children to understand what Lent is, you can tell them that it is a special time in the church year when we focus on spiritual things and do things that bring us closer to God.
Years ago, when children were introduced to the season of Lent, there was a big emphasis on “giving something up,” usually a favourite food or perhaps a pleasurable activity. There’s nothing wrong with suggesting that children give something up for Lent, as long as they understand why they’re doing it and do it in the right spirit. So it’s important to explain that giving something up for Lent can help us focus on God and that depriving ourselves of something we like gives us an appreciation for all we have.
It’s also a good idea to have the children do something positive related to what they’re giving up. For instance, if they’ve given up lollies or chocolate for Lent, then they could take the money they would have spent on the candy and put it in a jar to be used for Project Compassion which helps children in need. If they’ve decided to give up watching television one day a week, then they could use the time they would have spent watching TV helping someone or praying.
Lent for Adults
It's the sacred season of Lent. Recall that the three disciplines of Lent are prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
Lent is also a penitential season in which we strive to atone for our sins and purify our lives in preparation for the celebration of Christ's glorious rising from the tomb on Easter Sunday.
A summary of current practice: On Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and all Fridays of Lent: Everyone of age 14 and up must abstain from consuming meat. On Ash Wednesday and Good Friday: Everyone of age 18 to 59 must fast, unless exempt due to usually a medical reason.
Project Compassion
This year the Caritas Australia Lenten season is themed “Be More”.
As Saint Oscar Romero said, “Aspire not to have more, but to be more.”
Through your generosity and by aspiring to “Be More”, you are assisting some of the world’s most vulnerable people build better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
The money we collect in our classrooms this term will support Project Compassion that is organised by Caritas Australia.
On Tuesday 16 February, Mrs Davidson and our Year 5 and 6 students and their teachers participated in a national virtual Project Compassion launch, that included stories and details about projects that Caritas supports as well as an inspiring liturgy.
Please visit the Caritas website for further information website. https://lent.caritas.org.au/
Sacraments
The enrolment forms for Sacraments will be given to students in Year 3 and 6 as well as the state school children in the coming weeks.
Fr Damien is very keen to have the sacraments celebrated this year at the following times.
| Sacrament | Proposed Date |
| Confirmation | 20th July (date confirmed by the Bishop) |
| Reconciliation | 31st August TBC |
| First Communion | 20th and 21st November TBC |
At this stage, these are the proposed dates (except for Confirmation) and times and details will be subject to COVID restrictions.
When forms are sent home for Sacramental programs please return these to your child’s class teacher.
Diocesan Football Trials
On Friday 5 March, Emma (Year 6) and Julian (Year 5) will participate in the Diocesan Football Trials. From these trials, a Diocesan team will be selected to compete in the MacKillop Championships. Good luck Emma and Julian.
AFL – Paul Kelly Cup
Every year a senior team of girls and boys compete in the AFL Paul Kelly Cup. Teams will be chosen from students in Years 5 and 6 to compete at Hollymount Park, Woonona on Friday 12 March.
Rugby League and League Tag
This year we are entering a senior team of boys (Rugby League) and girls (Dragon Tag) compete in these competitions. Teams will be chosen form in Years 5 and 6 to compete at Reed Park, Dapto on 25 March.
School Cross Country
Our first whole school sporting event for 2021 will be the Cross Country. All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 will compete on the day. This carnival will be held on Thursday 11 March at Integral Energy Park, Dapto. More information will be communicated as we get closer to the date.
Mr Murphy
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School Captain My name is: Grace Favourite Subject: Creative Arts Favourite Film: Take Home Pay Favourite Song: Cool Down Kolohe Kai Leadership aspirations for 2021: To make different forms of prayer available to our community. One thing you might not know about me: I can sing in Maori.
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My name is: Nicholas Favourite Subject: Geography Favourite Film: Star Wars Favourite Song: Sorry Joel Corry Leadership aspirations for 2021: To lead the school and introduce a reward system for positive behaviour choices. One thing you might not know about me: I have played soccer for the same club for 6 years. |
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School Vice-Captain My name is: Shelby Favourite Subject: Creative Arts Favourite Film: Feel the Beat Favourite Song: Drivers License Olivia Rodrigo Leadership aspirations for 2021: To help all students be better people. One thing you might not know about me: I can do a no-handed cartwheel.
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School Vice-Captain My name is: Benjamin Favourite Subject: Mathematics Favourite Film: The Avengers Favourite Song: New Day Danny Gokey Leadership aspirations for 2021: To help students in our school our 3 school expectations of being respectful, responsible and safe in the playground and classroom. One thing you might not know about me: I love the beach and I do nippers every Sunday. |
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In Year 4G and 4B, we are learning about the Changing Earth in our Science and Technology unit of work. We looked at Uluru and how erosion is changing the shape of this rock formation. After studying photos of this natural landmark, we designed and created replicas of Uluru using plasticine. Various tools were used to show the deep valleys, caves, and pools created by water run-off and weathering.
We thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe. If you have any concerns, please email the school:info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au.
Parent Helpers are Needed
For this service to the children to be successful, we need help from parents. If you can help once a month on a Wednesday or a Friday for only 2 hours (12.00 pm - 2.00 pm). Please email the school your details and the date available to volunteer info@sfawdow.catholic.edu.au.
The children love to see their parents in the canteen and this makes them all very happy.
CLASS LIBRARY DAYS
Please find below the days the students are required to bring their library bags to school for borrowing. The class teacher will take the students to the library on these days. All students are encouraged to borrow a book/s from the library. Students will be reminded to bring their bag and return books each week. A longer book may be reborrowed if your child is still reading it.
| Monday | Year 1 Gold; Year 6 Gold |
| Tuesday | Year 4 Blue; Year 4 Gold |
| Thursday | Year 5 Blue; Year 3 Gold Year 2 Blue; Kindy Blue |
The library will also be opened at lunchtime on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Is your child experiencing back to school anxiety? There can be many anxiety-causing triggers for students at this time of year.
To help parents and carers support their child (and themselves) CatholicCare and CEDoW have put together some strategies which may help. Find information here to support self-care and student wellbeing as the new school year begins (insert link to flyer).
If you require further support you can contact the school or CatholicCare has a range of group programs that might be helpful. Find out more at http://www.catholiccare.dow.org.au/index.php/family-support-program-fsp
Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who celebrated their birthdays in February:
Sienna.F, Keza, Levi.N, Azalea, Sienna.M, Manuel.O, Jaeda, Cruz, Emma.C, Sofia.F, Mrs Adams, Mrs Madaschi, Mrs Davidson & Mr deVet.
The Catholic Education Office Wollongong manages the school fee accounts. Monthly fee statements are issued via email. Your school fee account can be viewed by logging into your Compass Parent Portal via the web browser, not App. A Fee Instalment form is required before the 28th February, unless you will be paying this account in full by this due date. A summary of the school fees for 2021 is attached below.
Please do not hesitate to contact the School Office if we can be of any assistance.
IMPORTANT SCHOOL FEES NOTICE
Fee Accounts are due in full by 28th February
unless a Fee Instalment Request form has been submitted.
Please ensure you have completed this form and set up your regular fee payments before the 28th February. Payments of approximately $75.00 - $100.00 per week via Compass or Bpay are required to ensure your account is paid by 30 November 2021.
Tuesday 9 February 2021 marks Safer Internet Day. This global campaign is one of the most important online safety awareness events of the year. The theme for 2021 is "Start the Chat" and the Office of the eSafety Commissioner has developed several engaging activities for students and their parents/carers in support of this important celebration.
Resources include:
- K-2: A new picture book has been released that features the eSafety Sugar Glider twins, Swoosh and Glide. A special storytime video of this book can also be accessed online. Further details and resources for young learners are available here.
- 3-6: Register to attend a live Virtual Classrooms Activity hosted by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner. The focus of this activity is Be an eSafe Kid: Fake News, real harms. Register to attend here.
- Parents: Parents and carers free webinar on Cyberbullying & Online Drama. Register to attend here.
School Counsellor
My name is Barbara Woods and I am the school counsellor at St Francis of Assisi Primary School. I am employed by CathilicCare's School Student and Family Program which aims to promote the wellbeing and development of students.
I provide counseling support to students for issues such as anxiety, peer issues, anger, grief and loss, support through family breakdown, or any other concerns you may have for your child.
At times, I may run groups to promote social and emotional wellbeing. I am also able to provide information in relation to referrals for other CatholicCare services. Referral to counseling is made through the Principal. A signed consent form from parents or carers and the initial meeting are required. If you would like to refer your child for counseling, then please contact the class teacher to discuss and obtain the appropriate referral paperwork. I am at the school every Friday and alternate Thursdays.
Pastoral Support Worker
My name is Cecilia Welch and I am the Pastoral Support Worker at St Francis of Assisi. 2021 will be my second year at the school and this term I will be working on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Part of my role is to work alongside teachers and Catholic Care’s school counsellor to help students in their development of peer relationships and positive behaviour as well as learn important skills.
I am also here to support students through the provision of pastoral care services and the promotion of strategies that support the emotional well-being of students and the broader community.
I run different Social Skill programs depending on age, gender, and needs. All the programs that I run with the students are targeting their social and emotional well being.
Family and Relationship Education
We are returning to face-to-face sessions with COVID safe measures in place. Our friendly intake staff can assist you if you have any enquiries. Please Phone 4254 9395 (lines are open Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm) or email intakeservice@catholiccare.dow.org.au
For more information please visit - Covid-19 Information for Clients
Our education & group work programs offer opportunities for children, adults & couples to:
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access a supportive environment with others who share similar life challenges
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enhance the quality of their relationships
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build resilience
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learn new communication skills
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build on parenting skills
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be better equipped to manage stress and change
Casual or permanent after school care bookings are available. This service is available in the school hall.
CatholicCare OSHC - St Francis of Assisi is staffed by a dedicated team of education professionals who are university trained early childhood teachers or TAFE trained Diploma educators who support and respect the uniqueness and individuality of children and their families. Our goal is to ensure that educators support and facilitate children’s social skills and self-confidence.
Our educators collaborate with children to provide play and leisure opportunities that are meaningful to them and that support their wellbeing, learning and personal development. Children in school-age care settings are challenged to be curious about what is of interest to them while at the same time developing self-identity and social competencies (taken from MY TIME, OUR PLACE Framework for School Age Care in Australia).
The day to day operations of St Francis of Assisi OSHC is managed by a Coordinator and supported by CatholicCare OSHC Leadership Team.
Melissa Farrell
OOSH Coordinator
0447 623 580
warrawongoosh@catholiccare.dow.org.au
