Filter Content
- From the Principal
- International Women's Day
- Our Lenten Journey
- 2023 Reconciliation Program Dates
- Stroll & Roll
- Harmony Day
- Assembly Awards
- What's On in March
- Division Swimming
- SIMON Everywhere
- Parent-Teacher Interviews - Week 7
- Book Club
- Hot Cross Buns Fundraiser
- NAPLAN Information
- Lowes March Sale
- Kurnai Information Session
- Netball
- Foster Care
Dear Families
This past week as we move into March we welcome the arrival of the season of Autumn. For some people Autumn isn't that spectacular while for those, especially those who enjoying gardening, Autumn is a most stunning time of the year as the foliage of trees transform into a kaleidoscope of colour. The old saying 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' probably rings true in this case. Everyone brings their own individual tastes, perceptions, history and attitudes to a situation.
On the weekend at Mass Fr. James shared the gospel recount of the Transfiguration story. The story tells of Jesus heading into the mountains with some of his disciples - Peter, James and John. While they were there Jesus was transfigured, with the scripture recording 'his face shone like the sun, and his clothes becoming dazzling white' (Matthew 17:1-8). The many elements of this encounter set the scene for the work and teaching of Jesus until he meets His death on Good Friday but the story also encourages us to be like the disciples and try to encounter Jesus. As a leader in a Catholic school I have so many opportunities to recognise Jesus, but also be like Jesus, in my daily life at St.Vincent's. The generous smiles and waves from our students each morning are types of encounters that remind me of the good that exists in the world. I pray that we all have the opportunity to experience the joy of the Good News of Jesus by being transfigured by those around us and through the beauty of creation.
This newsletter is loaded with information so I encourage you to scan through the content and then make time to sit down to note specific information relevant to your family. We have some important events coming up so we ask everyone to be aware of what items need your attention on PAM. Parent-Teacher Interviews are next week so we ask everyone who hasn't already done so to make a booking, as well as look at what permission notes are awaiting your approval. When completing any permissions for school events parents are prompted to make sure all medical and contact details are up to date. Please use this opportunity to check over things like mobile phone numbers that may have been updated.
Wishing everyone a lovely finish to the week and we look forward to welcoming families next week at our Parent-Teacher Interview nights.
Dave
On International Women’s Day (IWD) on Wednesday 8 March, Catholic Schools across the Diocese of Sale celebrate and recognise the achievements and contribution of women and girls in Catholic Education.
The theme this year is #EmbraceEquity. The theme encourages everyone to actively support and embrace equity within their own area of influence. The campaign highlights the difference between equality and equity.
- Equality means a person is given the same resources or opportunity.
- Equity recognises that circumstances vary from person to person and the allocation of resources and opportunities should ensure equal outcomes.
At St. Vincent's we in particular give thanks for the pioneers of our school, the Sisters of St. Joseph, and give our commitment to the #EmbraceEquity message. We also acknowledge the outstanding contributions of women currently within our school.
As we continue through the Season of Lent as a school we offer our students the chance to engage in the Project Compassion stories. These stories introduce us to real people who are impacted by the work undertaken by Caritas Australia. By engaging with the stories of Project Compassion we are living out the challenge of Lent of: [1] Fasting [2] Almsgiving and [3] Praying.
As a family we encourage you to work with your children at an age-appropriate level to discuss who you could contribute to Project Compassion through your actions. This could be by watching some of the video stories to become more grateful for what we have or maybe go without a treat and instead donate that cost to the Project Compassion fund-raising box in each classroom.
This week the Diocese of Sale encourages us to celebrate International Women's Day by engaging in the message of #EmbraceEquity. The Project compassion stories highlight so many strong, courageous women who are indeed having an impact in their communities across the globe.
As we journey towards Easter we pray that we use Lent as an opportunity to reach out to others.
St.Vincent's is proud to have partnered with Latrobe City to participate in the Stroll & Roll Program for 2023.
Some on the upcoming work will involve RACV Safety Sessions across the whole school, promoting National Ride2School Day (Friday 24th March) and developing some Active Travel Maps specific to our school.
In Latrobe, we want children and young people to feel safe and confident to walk, ride, skate or scoot in their local neighbourhood.
The aim of the Stroll & Roll program is to increase the number of children and young people actively travelling to school.
The program has been designed to address the barriers reported by students, parents and teachers that currently prevent students from actively travelling to school.
The program also looks at creating individual behaviour change, through the use of incentives, to get more students walking, riding, scooting or skating to and from school.
Why is active travel important?
Encouraging children to walk, ride, scoot or skate to school helps them build physical activity into their day. However, the health benefit is not limited to just a child’s physical health, it also supports overall wellbeing and the creation of lifelong healthy habits.
Other wellbeing benefits include:
- Building confidence: children learn important skills such as road safety and awareness of their surroundings. This can help promote independence and resilience.
- Boosts energy levels: increasing children’s activity levels can help generate positive learning outcomes such as improved concentration in the classroom.
- Being social: active travel is a great opportunity for children to have fun and to socialise with other children or their family.
- Connecting with the neighbourhood: by exploring local routes to school, children become familiar with their local neighbourhood and can connect with the world around them.
Live too far away from the school to actively travel? Remember part of the way is ok!
Common feedback from both students and parents in Latrobe was that families live too far away from the school to actively travel the whole distance. Why not drive part of the way, park the car and allow your children to walk or ride the remaining way to school?
Keep an eye out for Park and Walk zones that are being developed around Latrobe. These Park and Walk zones are clearly signed and allow a safe place for you to park the car and walk or ride safely to school.
Week 4
Principal's Award for Positive Behaviour Class Award Prep 1C Eleanor Emmanuel Prep 1M Alissa Jaxon 1/2M Amelia Jordan 1/2S Ryder Jordan 3/4F Asiah Jason 3/4H Orlando Evie 3/4P Chris Aeshna 5/6D Riley Will 5/6G Christian Maximus 5/6SV Tahlia Liam Week 5
Principal's Award for Positive Behaviour Class Award Prep 1C Chiara Nikola Prep 1M Luca Ava 1/2M Holly Harry 1/2S Leny Marley 3/4F Angela Liam 3/4H Isabella Lila 3/4P Phoenix Ruby 5/6D Hunter Arianna 5/6G Celeste Christian 5/6SV Aria Gabby
Mascots VINCENT 5/6D 5/6G POPPY P/1M 5/6SV PHIL 3/4F 3/4H
It looks like a busy month ahead as we make our way to the Easter holidays. These dates are already on our PAM Calendar.
WEEK 6
Wed 8th March - The last REST DAY for the Foundation students
Wed 8th March - DIVISION SWIMMING for those students who qualified at the District Swimming held in February
WEEK 7
Mon 13th March - PUBLIC HOLIDAY. No School
Tues 14th March - PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS. Please book an appointment via PAM
Wed 15th March - PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS. Please book an appointment via PAM
Wed 15th March to Thu 23rd March - NAPLAN sessions at St.Vincent's for Year 3 and Year 5
Thu 16th March - REGION SWIMMING for those students who qualified at Division Swimming
WEEK 8
Mon 20th March - RACV Stroll & Roll Safety Sessions (Years 3-6)
Wed 22nd March - Whole School Mass 9.15am
Fri 24th March - NATIONAL RIDE TO SCHOOL DAY
Fri 24th March - EASTER RAFFLE DONATION DAY. Casual clothes and bring a raffle donation
WEEK 9
Tue 28th March - AFL PLAY SESSIONS. Wear your Sports Uniform, feel free to slip your AFL jumper/top over your polo.
Tue 28th March - COMMUNITY BBQ from 5pm
Thu 30th March - PARISH RECONCILIATION NIGHT
Fri 31st March - NETTA NETBALL
Fri 31st March - YEAR 1 PICNIC
WEEK 10
Mon 3rd April - EASTER ASSEMBLY (Raffle and Hot Cross Bun collection)
Tue 4th April- SCHOOL ATHLETICS. Permission and details on PAM.
Wed 5th April - Student Leaders attend SHRINE ANZAC SERVICE in Melbourne
Thu 6th April - STATIONS OF THE CROSS 10am
Thu 6th April - END OF TERM DISMISSAL 12.30pm
A key component of our ASSESSMENT & REPORTING TO PARENTS plan involves bi-annual Parent/Teacher Interviews. Our Interviews take place during Terms 1 and 3, with written reports provided in Term 2 and 4.
We encourage all families to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with your child's teacher/s.
Bookings can be made via PAM - Please reach out to the school if you need assistance.
Please note that Mrs.Calafiore PREP/1C is on leave on Tuesday 14th March, so we have opened Tuesday 21st March as a replacement day.
The most recent Book Club has been distributed.
Please take a look and try to find something to add to your family's book collection. Not only are you promoting good reading habits in your home but you are also supporting the school by generating credits for school resources.
