17th October 2024
Acting Principal News
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
In the Catholic Church, October is recognised as the month of the Rosary, a traditional prayer that honours Mary, the mother of Jesus. An essential component of this prayer is the Hail Mary, written above, which is featured prominently.
I hope all our families are well and feeling refreshed after the holiday break! As we start a new term, I want to warmly welcome back all our students and staff. This term, we’re excited to welcome two new students: Eloise in KW and Ellie in 2W. They’ve been embraced by our school community and are already making new friends. Ms Murphy is currently overseas concluding her pilgrimage to Ireland. We look forward to hearing about her pilgrimage when she returns on October 28th.
A new term means new opportunities for growth, learning, and community. We’re eager to jump back into our lessons and engage in fun activities together. Remember, each day is a chance to make progress and aim for excellence.
This term promises to be busy and exciting, with lots of events and activities planned!
Transition to Kinder 2025 Visits
We look ahead to welcoming our 2025 Kinder students on the following dates:
Session 1: Tuesday 22nd October 2024 9.30-10.30am
Session 2: Tuesday 29th October 2024 9.30-10.30am
Session 3: Tuesday 5th November 2024 9.30-10.30am
Session 4: Tuesday 19th November 9.30am -11am *All children must have parent/carer at this session please
We do ask that children wear their Holy Spirit T shirt please; bring a hat and a water bottle and also some fruit for 'Crunch and Sip". We look forward to welcoming all our new students on these days! Our current kinder classes will spend time with their Year 2 buddies on each of these visit days.
Transition to Year 3 at Kurri Visits
When we finalise the transition dates for Kurri next term for our Year 2 students moving over to Year 3, we will inform you. There is always an opportunity for additional visits for your child as you feel they may need them.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is important for your child's well-being and learning. Going on one significant holiday each year can add up to a full year of missed school over time.
While it might seem cheaper to take a family holiday outside of school breaks, remember that you’ll still need to spend money on activities and entertainment for your child during those times. Often, holidays during the school year may not be as cost-effective as they seem.
Taking time off during the school year can create challenges. It can disrupt learning since lessons build on one another, and missing classes can lead to gaps in understanding. Regular attendance also helps children develop socially by keeping them connected with friends and involved in group activities. Plus, sticking to a routine is good for their focus and overall health.
In short, planning family holidays during school breaks helps children stay on track with their learning, friendships, and emotional well-being.
Positive Behaviour for Learning
During the first two weeks of this term, we have two PB4L focuses from the domain, I am Safe:
“I use safe hands, safe feet and kind words!” and “I am SunSmart!”
At Holy Spirit Infants Abermain, we prioritise positive behaviour and focus on it throughout each term. Encouraging young children to use safe actions and kind words can be challenging. In conflicts, they may instinctively respond with hurtful words or physical actions like pushing or kicking, instead of using peaceful solutions like talking it out or asking for help from an adult.
Since young children are still learning how to resolve conflicts, it’s our job as teachers to guide and support them. We help develop these skills through discussions about problem-solving and social interactions in our Personal Development and Health as well as PB4L lessons.
We encourage parents to talk with their children about constructive ways to handle conflicts, such as expressing their feelings, walking away, having a conversation, finding other activities to do, or asking a teacher or adult for help.
As the weather gets warmer, it's important to be Sun Smart. The Cancer Council of NSW warns that “Babies and children are especially at risk of sunburn and skin damage because their skin is delicate. Exposure to UV radiation during the first 15 years of life greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later on.”
At Holy Spirit Infants School, we encourage students to wear hats when they’re outside. If a student doesn't have a hat, they must play in the shaded area under the COLA. On very hot days, we remind students to drink plenty of water and give them the option to play inside in a designated classroom or in the shade.
Rebecca Kearns
Assistant Principal
The Catholic School Parents Australia body is undertaking a nation-wide survey with parents and carers on student wellbeing and learning and is seeking your valued perspective.
As part of this government-funded initiative, you are invited to share your views on existing and emerging school practices, specifically in relation to your child/children’s wellbeing and learning.
To begin this anonymous, confidential, and completely voluntary online survey please click the link below:
Your participation in the survey is greatly appreciated.
The attached flyer contains more information about the survey.
Sharing Our Faith
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen
Socktober- Mission month
October is Mission Month it provides young people in Australia with the opportunity to lead in mission, encouraging them to think not only of what they will do to help, but why they will do it. Next Thursday 24th October students are encouraged to wear crazy socks for a gold coin donation as we raise money for the people of Mongolia.
Soccer is a game that unifies people of all ages and backgrounds. Next Thursday students will participate in some soccer drills that our Mini Vinnies team enjoyed at McDonald Jones Stadium last term.
October the Month of the Rosary
The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. October includes the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7). The best way to celebrate the month is, of course, to pray the Rosary. Over the next few weeks our Year 2 students will have the opportunity to make their own set of rosary beads. Keep an eye on our next newsletter for some pictures.
Staff Faith Formation
On Tuesday our staff engaged in Faith Formation to prepare for teaching the term 4 RE units.
The RE Curriculum across the school is divided into the following units of work:
Kindergarten – Loving Like God, Year 1 – Remembering The Holy Family, Year 2 – A Celebrating Community
Vineyards Parish Mass Times
Kindergarten Oakvale Wildlife Park Excursion
Last Term, Kindergarten explored Oakvale Wildlife Park for a special excursion as part of our science unit on “Living Things.”
The children were thrilled to see so many interesting animals and learn about wildlife conservation, animal habitats and behaviours. It was a memorable day that sparked curiosity and fostered a love for nature among our young learners!
We had some very excited children get up close and personal with some awesome animals on their visit. Check out those smiles as they were able to pat a snake, feed some baby animals, and chill out with some very relaxed Kangaroos.
Below are what some children had to say, as well as some photos from the day!
Malani – I loved feeding the pony because it nibbled at my hand. I had to put my hand out flat through the fence and it got a bit wet.
Cali – My favourite part of the day was seeing the kangaroos because one of them had a cute baby Kangaroo hiding in its pouch and I learned this is called a “joey.”
Enid – I enjoyed feeding the baby goats (kids) from a bottle because it was so powerful when it drunk the milk and drank the milk super quit without stopping. It was very cute.
Ethan – I milked a cow for the first time by learning how to squeeze it’s utters.
Stevie – My favourite part was patting scaley snake because I was brave and it surprised me. I thought it was going to be sticky but then it felt bumpy and smooth and the same time.
Year 1 News
Year 1’s Term 3 Highlights
English: This term, our Year 1 students have been diving into persuasive writing and incorporating dialogue into their stories. Their persuasive skills were put to great use during our Public Speaking event, where they delivered some truly impressive speeches. In class, the students collaboratively created a text persuading us why the pigeon should neither teach the class nor walk the dog. We've also embraced digital technology by using ‘Book Creator’ to produce our very own digital books.
Mathematics: This term, we explored measurement using hands, paperclips, and other classroom tools. The students learned how to identify and create halves and quarters. They have been working on various strategies to add and subtract collections of objects and had a blast with positional language, especially when playing games like Battleship. We also focused on telling the time and had fun testing our knowledge using iPads and laptops.
Religion: In Religion, we’ve been learning about Baptism and its significance in being part of the Christian family. The students have also been discovering role models and Saints who hold special importance in God’s family.
Science: In Science, we have been exploring the changes in the sky and on the land. The students learned about the path the sun takes across the sky and what constellations are. They even created their own constellations using toothpicks and marshmallows! We have also been studying various types of weather, keeping weather diaries, and creating artwork to reflect the different weather patterns.
Geography: In Geography, we reflected on how the seasons throughout the year impact our activities and clothing choices.
Drama Showcase: Our students dedicated countless hours to rehearsing for the Drama Showcase, which featured both singing and acting. They put on a fantastic performance that I’m sure made everyone proud.
Music News
In Music, during our last week of Term 3, 2 Blue created compositions using the boomwhackers. Each group worked so well together, repeating phrases and identifying the structure of their pieces. We even had some students add lyrics!
Well done everyone!
Our school has proudly entered a choir to perform in this Diocesan event called Celebrate. The rehearsal day is at the Civic Theatre in Newcastle at 11.00 am on 5th November. Parents of children in the choir have been notified to provide permission via Compass. The final performance is at 6:00pm on 5th November. Tickets need to be purchased directly through the Civic Theatre website.
Showcase Wrap
Drama Showcase Wrap-up!
Last term, we experienced an unforgettable event! The performance by all our early learners at the Weston Civic Centre was fantastic. Our production, "In the Zone," co-written by our students and the ASPIRE Team, was a true masterpiece, and I’m sure everyone in the audience felt as proud as we did. It was a joy to see our student's shine! But enough from me... here are some quotes from our students that capture their feelings about the showcase!
From KB
I liked how I got to talk on stage, it made me feel happy! -Liliana
I liked when we got share a song with everyone because it was fun. -Nathaniel
I felt excited because I was next to my friend on stage. -Oliver
I liked the showcase because I liked talking into the microphone and I enjoyed my actions. -Malani
From KW
We made a play about why it is important to follow our school agreements. My favourite part was dancing in front of everyone because the actions were fun. - Isabelle
I was a superhero, and it was fun because I tried very hard to learn my part. There were more people in the audience than I thought, and I was nervous but did it anyway. - Havana
My favourite part was doing the chicken dance because it was my idea to put it in the play and we came up with all the words. - Luka
I liked making the script with Anna and being the “naughty boy.” It was funny because I didn’t have to follow the rules. - Nixon
From 1B
I love the song because it was so fun to listen to and I liked the actions. - Zander
All of us went together at the end to dance. - Billy
I mostly like everything. I like my costume because it was beautiful. - Dani
Dancing was fun because I love to dance! - Pippa
From 1W
I loved our class song because I got to do cartwheels which was really fun! - Bobbi
I loved how we were able to demonstrate our 5-finger breathing like we use in class. - River
I loved the song that we performed because we got to do lots of actions to go with it. - Alex
From 2B
I loved looking at the audience, it was a real show! - Lexi
It was super fun. - Elora
Everyone did a great job. - Bella S
Everyone did a great job at saying their lines. - Christopher
From 2W
There was lots of people there and it was lots of fun! - Jedd
It was really good because I liked the songs! - Charlotte
I really liked how everyone tried their best especially my sister! - Victoria
I loved the Minecraft mobs in our show case! - Cooper
Office News
Hats and Library Bags
Hats and library bags are always available for purchase at the office. Hats are $14 and library bags are $12. You can also purchase these items on the QKR app.
School Fees
Prompt payment of school fees is expected and appreciated. Fees for 2024 are to be finalised by 30th November, 2024. BPAY is the preferred method of payment. If you are having difficulty meeting your school fee commitment, please contact the office so that payment options can be discussed.
Fee Clearance (for Year 3) - As students in Year 2 complete their schooling here at Holy Spirit Infants, they will require a fee clearance prior to being accepted for enrolment into Holy Spirit Primary at Kurri. This is bringing both schools in line with the Diocesan Policy that requires students who transition to another Catholic School eg Year 2 to Year 3; Yr 6 to Yr 7; Yr 10 to Yr 11 to have a fee clearance. We appreciate all that families do to honour their fee responsibilities.
If you have set up a periodic payment arrangement, we are appreciative of your ongoing commitment and ask that you please check the amount remaining and adjust your payments as needed. As always, families who are having difficulty with meeting their fee responsibilities are encouraged to make an appointment with the principal Diane Murphy as soon as possible please.
Updating your Information
If you have changed your details, address, phone etc please advise us admin@abermain.catholic.edu.au so that we can update your information on Compass.
Library News
Sami Bayly visit
Socktober
Awards
Canteen News
Canteen continues to open on Mondays and Fridays during Term 4.
Thank you to our volunteers who give generously of their time to provide this service for the children.
Dates for your Diary
Community News
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