ST VINCENT DE PAUL PRIMARY SCHOOL
NEWSLETTER
“As s Catholic School, St Vincent de PaulSchool is a place where an individual is part of
a caring nurturing and supportive community which continues to develop in people, the faith, qualities and values in the Gospel.”
Issue 9St Vincent de Paul Primary School
Celebrating 75 years of Catholic Education in Strathmore
14th June 2012
PARISH PRIESTFr Peter Ray
PRESBYTERY
2 The Crossway
Strathmore 3041
Telephone 9379 1488
Fax 9379 1574
PARISH SCHOOL
Woodland Street
Strathmore 3041
Telephone 9379 5723
Fax 9374 2389
SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
John Grant
EMAIL:
WEB SITE
BUILDING OUR
COMMUNITY / The Year of Grace
I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of ever kind-just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you-so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ
1Cor1:2-5
The Bishops of Australia have invited the whole Church to a ‘Year of Grace’ which commenced at Pentecost.
Grace: Divine love and protection… a blessing …a favour…...an indulgence... …..goodwill…..
A Grateful Heart: Throughout the Year of Grace we have an opportunity to start afresh - with new and renewed thinking.We are asked to try and cultivate a sense of gratefulness, taking a quiet moment each day to give thanks for the graces in your life.
Gracious God,
You have blessed this ancient land with many gifts,especially its people.
We thank you for the Year of Grace, a time to start afresh from Christ.
You invite us to contemplate the face of Jesus your Son, that we may experience a new wave of grace, and that the light of Christ may burn more brightly in our lives.
Attune our hearts and minds to the presence of your Holy Spirit, that our Church may be transformed,our relationships be healed, and our nation grow in
compassion and justice.
We make our prayer through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Dear Parents
Learning Conferences (Parent Teacher interviews) will be conducted on Monday 25th June from 1.30pm – 6.30pm and Tuesday 26th June from 3.40pm – 6.30pm. Booking for these interviews can be made on line using the instruction sheet that was sent home last week.
Please read the instruction sheet carefully when it arrives home and log on to make your booking.
We have become aware that some parents have had trouble accessing the site for booking times for the learning conferences. A company in competition with our provider has established a site with a similar address and format. However the logon the school has provided will not work on this competitor’s site. Please check that the address you have put in is Please be sure to include the ‘s’ at the end of schoolinterviewsto access the correct site.
Parents are asked to support the school by ensuring that mobile phones, ipods and other electronic games are not brought to school. Children are also reminded not to bring to school football cards, swap cards and other toys that can be lost or damaged as this will avoid upset for all concerned. If you require your child to carry a phone for safety reasons when travelling before and after school then a note must be given to the class teacher to keep on record indicating this requirement. Phones brought to school once a note has been provided remain in student’s bag and are not used during the day.
CLOSURE DATE TERM 3 WEEK 7 THURSDAY 30TH AUGUST
As part of our Buddy Week celebrations children in all grades were treated to a visit from ‘Code One’ the Victoria Police Band on Thursday 7th June. Pictured below:
Copies for sale at the school office for $20 as a fundraiser for Western Autistic School. Great children’s book to share with all your family !
PARISH NEWS
THANKSGIVING ENVELOPES
The new set of Thanksgiving Envelopes will be available later this month. If you are currently not contributing to Thanksgiving you are invited to fill in a Thanksgiving Form available in the east porch and return it to the Parish Office by mid June. If you would like to change the way you contribute to Direct Debit or Credit Card please either contact the Parish Office or fill in a new form.
GODSTART
GodStartis one way of recognising the children Baptised in St Vincent de Paul Parish by distributing Birthday cards on the 1st to the 4th Birthday of the children. OurGodStart Team is in need of more support to help deliver these cards on the child’s birthday. It is a wonderful ministry that only requires aGodStart Meeting every two months and a little of your time to deliver a few cards. If you would like to join theGodStart Team or would like to know more and ensure this very successful program continues, please contact Father Peter.
CONFIRMATION 2012
Congratulations to our newly confirmed year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation two weeks ago. The ceremony was one of reverence, peace and joy thanks to the preparation and deep understanding of this sacrament by the students, sponsors, teachers and families. We wish all those confirmed continued blessings and guidance in their lives.
The Confirmation photographs for both evenings look great and I have been notified that they will be available for distribution by the end of term.
If you would still like to order a group photo, for either night, please contact me at the school on and I will forward order details to you directly.
Maria Marcic
R.E.C.
Last year the Columban Missions and St Vincent de Paul School formed a partnership. We hope to keep the relationship going by holding several events early next term.
The Social Justice Group would like to inform you that we will be holding a Mission Fete and two school discos early next term.
Our goal is to raise money for the Columban Missions in Malates.The Mission Fete will be held on Monday the 30th of July at school.
Disco fever: The discos will be held
Date: Friday 3rd of August for years three, four, five and six
Time:6:30pm until 8:00pm
Venue: School Hall
Date:Friday 10th of August for years Preps, one and two.
Time:6:30pm until 8:00pm
Venue: School Hall
Cost:$7:00 - this covers entry fee, D.J’s and refreshments.
Each child will have the choice of any 2 of the following refreshments at the disco:
Packet of potato chips - mixed flavours
Super-dooper - mixed flavours
Lolly bag – mixed lollies
Juice box – mixed flavours
On the night we will also be holding a dance off and there will be other prizes to win!!!
It will mean a lot to the Columban Missions if you can support these events – so please circle these dates on your calendar now.
Thank you
~ Year Six Social Justice Leaders
……………………………………………………………………………………………………
Disco Help
[Please note - you must hold a current working with children card]
I am willing to assist at the disco on [Please tick]
Friday 3rd August Friday 10th August
Name:………………………………………………
Child’s name………………………………….Child’s grade………………………………….
Preferred Contact details:………………………………………………………………………
RECEIVING THE NEWSLETTER
If you are not receiving the school newsletter each fortnight along with other notes from the Parents Association, please contact the eldest in the families’ class teacher to make them alert to the problem. Copies are also available on the school website.
OUTSTANDING FEES AND LEVIES
A reminder that Term 2 School Fees ($455), Maintenance Levy ($150) and outstanding Fees and Levies from Term 1 were due and payable on Friday 25th May.
Please note that BPay is now another option for paying your school fees. Details will be printed on your next Statement.
If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact Mrs Julie Baglieri to arrange a payment plan.
CONGRATURLATIONS
Congratulations to the La Vita Family on the arrival of a little brother for Clara in Prep Gold.
SPORTS NEWS-CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Frankie Favata who has been successful in progressing through the various levels of inter- school trials in soccer. Frankie will now go to the final trial for the state team next Wednesday. Good Luck Frankie!
AWARDS INFORMATION
Please find listed below the names of those children receiving awards at Friday’s assembly(15th June) in the hall at 11.30am
AWARDS
PREP BLUE / Marc Overman / Nicholas Page / THREE GOLD / Patrick Rutherford / Grace HarringtonPREP GREEN / William Nettleton / Sienna Gauci / FOUR BLUE / Ryan Gherbaz / Annabelle Montgomery
PREP GOLD / Xavier Egan / Alessia Gurciullo / FOUR GOLD / Jayden Cullinane / Eliza Wilson
ONE BLUE / Luca Marino / Lauren Ryan-Green / FIVE BLUE / Thomas Swift / Tarah Mannarino
ONE GREEN / Claire Crawford / Oscar Viti / FIVE GOLD / Ava Lugli / Josh Davies
ONE GOLD / Xavier Purcell / Taylor Watson / SIX BLUE / Bridgette Ryan / Ryan Hunter
TWO BLUE / Marcus Saifert / Joseph Hollibone / SIX GOLD / Patrick Manti / Emma Files
TWO GOLD / Luca Alessio / Roman Gaston
THREE BLUE / Lucas Scerri / Rory Mc Conville
WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH!
In Year One we have become rubbish investigators. We asked every class in the whole school to collect all of their rubbish from snack and lunch. That’s when the fun started! We had to sort through all the bags of rubbish and discovered a lot of interesting things.
A lot of people don’t eat all of their sandwiches and waste their food. (Emilia)
The biggest pile of rubbish we sorted was plastic. (Alice)
Stay tuned for more news from our rubbish investigators...
PREMIERS’ READING CHALLENGE
Congratulations to the following students who have completed the challenge;
Jack Viola – One Blue
Mia Mammone – One Gold
Ellie D’Andrea – Two Blue
Sarah Ferro – Two Gold
Remember once you have finished the challenge print off your reading list and return it to the office, or send me an email to let me know you have finished so that your books can be verified.
Happy Reading
Alison Mammone
Challenge Co-ordinator
HEAD LICE
We have been informed that there has been an outbreak of head lice. Department of Human Services (Public Health Division) guidelines require we ask all parents to:
- Check your daughter’s/son’s hair
- If infected, treat her hair with the currently recommended lotion, available from chemists
- Wash all bedding, towels and hairbrushes/combs
- Make sure that no eggs remain attached to the hair before returning to school
Even if there are no obvious signs of infestation, parents may choose to treat the hair as a preventative measure. Parents should re-treat in 10 days or so, according to the instructions on the lotion.
We understand that this process is tedious and time-consuming, but Department of Human Services (Public Health Division) insists that no student attend school when affected by head lice.
We encourage all students to tie their hair back at school to reduce the risk of spreading or acquiring head lice.
Thank you for your cooperation
VISUAL ART NEWS
MURAL PAINTING TEAM
A wonderful group of students have been working on two murals for the junior yard. These students have been working every Tuesday afternoon on these colourful additions. Thankyou to Mykola Curkowskyj, Olivia Cooke, Jacob Spalviero, Sophie ten Dam (Year Six), Rebecca Thompson, Julia Scott, Charlie Fowler, (Year Five), Alexander De Nardi, Ellie Edwards and a contribution from Samuel La Bruna (Year 4).
SECOND HAND ART
On Tuesday the 8th of May all year 5 students travelled by train to the Brotherhood of St Lawrence op shop, in Moonee Ponds. It took two stops from Strathmore station to get to Moonee Ponds station. When we arrived Ms Williams escorted us into the massive factory filled with old recycled goods! There were fantastic bargains such as shirts and books for only $1, shoes for $2.50 and many more. Out of these great items we bought, we made a piece of art using the things we purchased. You will be able to view these pieces of art in the Kirinari Centre during the parent teacher interviews. If you have any further questions please feel free to ask the year 5’s.
From your awesome writers: Ava Lugli, Isabella Smith and Hannah Rutherford.
THANK YOU!
A very big thank you to Vicky Arrowsmith (mother of Alexandra in Year One) who sewed the border for our school banner. Her work sets the students hand prints off beautifully. Thank you Vicky.
Thank you to all the families who continue to send in helpful items like paper towel and containers with lids. I appreciate the donations very much.
Frances Williams (Visual Arts)
‘Buying Organic’
Q:Is buying organic better?
A: If you are able to purchase organic produce easily and for a reasonable price and quality, it is a great option because you are likely to be consuming less man-made pesticides as well as supporting sustainable agriculture. However, when it comes to the vitamin and mineral content of organic versus conventionally grown produce, there is no guarantee that organic will have more nutrition. Therefore as a first priority aim to hit the recommend targets of 2 serves of fruit and 5 serves of vegetables each day from any fruit and vegetables (which is something we know most Australians are still not doing), and then where possible try to eat more organic or home grown produce.
When it comes to meat, there is a lot of marketing around promoting “hormone free”. According to Choice Magazine, “Hormone Growth Promotants (HGPs) are supplements of naturally occurring hormones used by some producers to help cattle meet market weight at an earlier age. They’re placed under the skin on the back of the ear of the cattle, releasing low doses of hormones.” It appears that you would have to eat huge quantities of meat before it would have any effect on your own hormone levels, however if you want to minimise any risk and support a more natural way of raising farm animals, then hormone-free is the way to go.
Regarding chicken, Choice says. “The claim that chickens are fed growth hormones is a furphy — the practice has been banned since the 1960s. But chickens are routinely fed antibiotics for disease prevention”. Therefore the question here is more around the possibility of humans developing antibiotic resistance as a result of eating chickens treated with antibiotics? Although there is a remote chance, it could mean that the effectiveness of life-saving human antibiotics is reduced.
Therefore in summary, if you can buy organic fruit and vegies or get hormone-free organic meat and chicken, buy it, but don’t stress if you can’t. Eating a nutrient rich diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables should be your first priority. Alternatively try growing some of your own fruit and vegies, you don’t need a massive backyard just a small patch to get started is fine. In addition predominately eat fruit and vegetables that are in season. Stick to the appropriate serving sizes of meat which is approximately 100g or the size of a deck of cards.
Michele Pink
Good Health Nutrition & Dietetics
Accredited Practising Dietitian
CALENDAR 2012 - ST VINCENT DE PAUL
14thYear 6 Parents Dinner
15thInterschool Sports
Assembly-Year Six (11.30am)
Subway Lunch Day
16thYear Five Family Mass
17thYear Five Family Mass
20thMass-Year One
Advisory Board Meeting – 7.30pm (Staff Room)
22ndInterschool Sports
25thParent Teacher Meetings/Learning Conferences
26thParent Teacher Meetings/Learning Conferences
27thMass-Year Prep
29thEND OF TERM ONE (STUDENTS DISMISSED AT 1.30 PM)
JULY
16thTerm Three Begins
19thParent Information Night – Communion
21stCommitment Mass – Eucharist
22ndCommitment Mass – Eucharist
25thMass – Year Six
27thAssembly – Year Five (11.30am)
28thSchool Dinner Dance
30thMission Fete
AUGUST
1stMass – Year Three
2ndMath’s Information Evening- Michael Ymer
3rdAssembly – Year Four (11.30am)
Disco Year 4 – 6
6thFather Son night
8thYear 5 camp Anglesea
Mass – Year Two
Advisory Board Meeting – 7.30 (Staff Room)
10thYear 5 Camp Anglesea – return
Disco Year P-3
15thMass – Year Four
17thAssembly – Year Three (11.30am)
22ndMass – Year Five
Chris Daicos – Building Resilience in Children – 7.00pm (Hall)
29thDistrict Athletics
Mass – Year One
30thSchool Closure Day
31stFathers Day Breakfast
Assembly – Year Two