Welcome to Week 1 everyone

Next week is our SJV Feast Day; it seemed timely to look at a quote from St John Vianney.

“My little children, your hearts, are small, but prayer stretches them and makes them capable of loving God. Through prayer, we receive a foretaste of heaven and something of paradise comes down upon us. Prayer never leaves us without sweetness. It is honey that flows into the souls and makes all things sweet. When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.” Saint John Vianney

This quote resonates with me the importance of prayer and the role it plays in our lives.  If you have not had the opportunity to pray as a family this week, I encourage you to try this tonight perhaps before dinner?

School Goals
This year we have been focussing on three key curriculum goals for our whole school: 

1. Maths –Extra support has been occurring in all classrooms. Opportunities for further Professional Learning for teachers has been ongoing during Semester One and this will continue for Semester Two.
2. STEM – In all classrooms, there is a Draft STEM Inquiry model that is being used by teachers to highlight a ‘STEM way of doing work’. This will be evaluated at the end of the year.
3. Spelling – A whole school approach supported by the dedicated program ‘Sound Waves’ in conjunction with professional Learning continues in Semester 2. 

In addition to the above whole school goals, we have focussed on creating a more engaging curriculum.  To do this we have been developing the following areas. 

• Inquiry – A real life problem based approach to learning to make our classrooms come alive. We have seen the results of this with some of our classrooms already.
• Learning intentions –Teachers will clarify to the students what they should know by the end of the lesson.
• A focus on professional development for the Leadership Team, building capacity to help develop teacher’s goals and the school’s mission. 

From the beginning of the year, the School Community Council, working with SJV and Catholic Education have been implementing upgrades to our school building and facilities. 

1. New carpet - Completed
2. Toilet Upgrades – Work order submitted - to be finished by Term 4
3. Stage 2 of the Sensory garden - Completed
4. Artificial turf near the senior playground – Quotes submitted to SCC in Wk 3 Term 3 - Project finished by Term 4 start.
5. LED information board to communicate with parents and the greater community. – Board installed. Electrical completion by Wk. 4 Term 3
6. Investigation of a potential ELC at the school – Under investigation
7. A retaining wall around the sandpit (school only goal) - Completed
8. Hall curtains - Completed

Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent/teacher interviews have been conducted all this week before and after school.  I have met with many parents before or after their interviews this week.  It is great to see student goals being set for Semester 2.  If you are not in regular contact with your child’s teacher and you have not made a time to see your teacher this week, there is still an opportunity to make an appointment.  Please email your child’s teacher to make a suitable time.

Maths Club
I am canvasing if there students in Year 5/6 (possibly Years 3/4, depending on numbers) who may be interested in a Maths Club, every Wednesday morning from 8:30am, beginning Wk. 3 Term 3. Depending on their needs, children will be given the opportunity to complete some cool maths problems or ask general questions about some areas where they may need extra help.  If your child would like to take part in this club, please contact me on peter.rodda@cg.catholic.edu.au.   

Confirmation 2019 – Confirmation Adult Formation
I am looking forward to seeing parents at the Confirmation Adult Formation evening at St John Vianney’s Church Tuesday 30^th July and then again at our Commitment Ceremonies on the Saturday 3^rd August at St Jude’s and Sunday 4^th August at St John Vianney's Church.

Congratulations
Congratulations to the Johnson Family on the arrival of theirbab, Charles on Sat 20th July.

Have a great week. 

Peter Rodda

Principal

Welcome back to Term 3, we hope you enjoyed the holiday break.  The children who attended our holiday care program enjoyed a range of activities including catching a bus to Woden to see a movie, mini-golf, Let’s Play, Lego challenge, baking, kite flying, tie-dying and even creating a vertical garden.  A big thank you to Bunnings at Tuggeranong for providing all the supplies for the vertical garden and for coming along to help us put it together, our edible garden is coming along nicely.

Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who have been our Mystery Readers.  We will continue Mystery Readers this term.  If you can spare some time to come in and read a book or two, add your name to the term 3 roster on the classroom door – your child will love the surprise.

Thank you also to those parents and friends who joined us to celebrate mass this morning with the Kinder, Yr 1 and Yr 2 classes. I know your children feel very special when you are able to join us.  

ELC Tea Towel Fundraiser – Started your Christmas shopping yet?  The ELC will be creating a tea towel featuring self-portraits of all of the ELC children.  It will make a perfect Christmas present and a wonderful reminder of your time at the ELC.  Tea towels will be available for $15 or 3 for $40 (cash or QKR!) and order forms will be in your notes pockets next week. 

Dance concert video – If you would like a copy of the Dance Concert video, please send in a USB with your child’s name and class clearly labelled on an envelope.

Gymnastics Term 4 – Many children and parents have made comments in regards to continuing the gymnastics program. Please take the time to register your interest in a possible second program to be run over term 4.  A form is located on the sign in desk.

SJV Playgroup – St John Vianney’s hosts a play group for children aged 0-5 on Wednesdays from 9:30am to 11am. There is a fortnightly program and on the alternate weeks the room is made available for playgroup parents to organise their own social catch-up.  The Term 3 program dates and activity focus are:

24^th July: Winter

7^th August: Fine Fingers

21^st August: Music

4^th September: Cooking

18^th September: Gross motor

For more information a flyer is available in our ELC office or at SJV.

WARAMUNCHIES Canteen is open Wednesday & Friday.

Volunteers Needed!  In particular on Wednesday's and for Term 4.  Please consider giving a couple of hours to help.  Please fill in the canteen volunteer form to let us know you are able to help and when.  Thank you.

Canteen orders can be made online via Qkr!  A copy of the Menu and Qkr! instructions can be found on the Canteen Waramuchies Webpage.

Please remember to bring your WWVP card with you.

Upcoming Dates