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LOVING OUR CHILDREN: A BEATITUDES FOR PARENTS
Blessed are the parents who make their peace with spilled milk and with mud, for such is the kingdom of childhood.
Blessed are the parents who engage not in comparison of their children with others, for precious unto each is the rhythm of his or her own individuality and growth.
Blessed are the parents who encourage laughter, for it is the music of the child’s world.
Blessed and mature are they who without anger can say no, for comforting to the child is the security of firm decisions.
Blessed is the gift of consistency, for it is heart’s ease in childhood.
Blessed are the teachable, for knowledge brings understanding, and understanding brings love.
Blessed are the men and women who in the midst of everyday routine give love, for they bestow the greatest of all gifts, to each other, to their children and ever-widening to their fellow men and women.
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
I am really grateful to the many parents who regularly speak positively about the school and actively support the teachers by working in partnership for the benefit of the children. It is inevitable that issues will occur from time to time and I continue to encourage you to see class teachers or myself if you have any concerns regarding either your child’s progress or any aspect of school life. I would strongly discourage people from talking about other children or approaching their parents to express concern about their behaviour or social skills. The school is in the best position to address issues as they arise because it is important to understand that there are always two sides to every story.
FATHER’S DAY
It was great to see a large number of dads, pops and children attend last Friday’s Father’s Day Breakfast. It was an opportunity for the children to spend time with their family and it also allowed our visitors to connect with staff and fellow dads. Thank you to our P & F Association for organising this event, as well as the Father’s Day Stall and Raffle. The day also could not have occurred without the generosity of those who gave up their time and assisted on the day.
STAFF SPIRITUALITY DAY
On Monday our staff gathered at the Sisters of Charity Beach House in Shellharbour for our Annual Spirituality Day. The focus of the day was that we are called by God to be people of prayer and as such it is important to find regular opportunities for stillness and to live in the present moment.
PARENT EDUCATION COMMITTEE
The next session of the Parent Education Committee will be held on Monday 16 September after the morning assembly (8.45am) in the school library. Rather than having a formal agenda, I would like to make it an open forum, gaining feedback from parents on various topics such as learning and teaching, behaviour, extra curricula activities, Religious Education, excursions etc. It is open to all parents and will conclude by 9.45am.
SUMMER UNIFORM
The changeover to summer uniform officially starts on the first day of Term Four, Monday 14 October, however if the warm weather continues over the next two weeks, students can start to wear their summer uniform this term.
WORLD MISSION LAUNCH
Bishop Brian Mascord has invited students from all the schools to attend the World Mission Launch at St John’s Nowra next Wednesday 18 September. I will be accompanying our vice and school captains to the launch and we will receive material which will assist us to plan activities for Mission Month, which is in October.
CYBER SAFETY: TOO MUCH TIME ONLINE
It is important to remember that some of the time your children spend online may be related to their education. If however, their online activity appears to negatively impact on their behavior or wellbeing, it may be time to discuss the matter. Some tips in this area include:
- The longer you wait to address the issue, the more difficult it can be to overcome.
- Talk to your child about the concerns you have and monitor what games, apps and devices are bought or used by your child.
- Install a program on the device your child is using which can be adjusted to limit the amount of time an internet connection will be available on that device.
- Implement family agreements about the amount of time your child can spend online. Set boundaries regarding where and when devices can be used and keep to them.
NATIONAL SCHOOL CHAPLAINCY PROGRAM
You will have received a notification via Compass and Skoolbag regarding the National School Chaplaincy Program. I ask you to take 30 seconds to complete the survey via the link so that we can be considered to take part in the program again in 2020. Mr Grand Dodds, our current School Chaplain, has been with Stella Maris for seven years now and the children gain much benefit from the programmes he implements here at the school. To enable us to apply for his services at our school again, we urge you to complete the survey as soon as possible as it closes on 19 September
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
This Sunday’s Gospel,
Parable of the prodigal son.
All Saints Catholic Parish Shellharbour
Mass times: All Saints Church
19 College Ave, Shellharbour City
Saturday 6.00pm Vigil
Sunday 9.00am inc. Children’s Liturgy
5.00pm (6.00pm daylight saving)
Mass at Stella Maris
We would like to welcome all friends and families to the following School Masses this Term.
24th September - Kinder & Year 1 Mass 9:45am
Confirmation
On the 24 and 25 September, Year 6 students from Stella Maris will be confirmed at All Saints Church. We send our prayers to them as they strengthen and deepen their relationship with God through this sacrament.
Together we pray:
Come Holy Spirit
Fill the hearts of your faithful
And enkindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit
And we shall be created - and you will renew
The face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit
You have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Holy Spirit
Help us to desire what is right
And always to rejoice in your consolation
We ask this through Christ our Lord
Amen
Care for Creation
September has been designated the Season of Creation. It is an annual worldwide celebration of prayer and action to protect our Common Home, running from 1 September – the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation – to 4 October – the feast of St Francis of Assisi.
Pope Francis launched this season at the Vatican, saying, ‘we should be united in showing mercy to the earth as our common home and cherishing the world in which we live as a place for sharing and communion’. Now, in 2019, every member of the Christian world is called to engage in this season prayerfully and courageously. So, let us join our individual and collective efforts to protect this Common Home we love.
People of Prayer
“Listening to the still small voice of God”
1 Kings 19:11-13
On Monday 9 September, Staff at Stella Maris participated in a Formation Day on Prayer. Led by the talented Robyn Gallager and Tim Hart from the Catholic Education Office, staff were able to become truly present through an outdoor centring experience/meditation, encountering God as we listened for the small voice that speaks to us through our lives. We personally engaged with Scripture, as well as, exploring ways of praying. We look forward to sharing these amazing experiences in our daily teachings and practices.
Alicia Sanchez-Levine
Religious Education Coordinator
Congratulations to the following children who are receiving Gold Awards:
1B - Grace Griffiths, Alanah Toskoski
With the introduction of our new administration program - Compass, parents are now able to go directly into their Parent Portal and submit reasons for absence either on the day of absence or after the absence. This will hopefully eliminate the need for paper notes or emails explaining absences. Applications for leave should still be submitted via the school office as these do need to be approved by the Principal. Please do not enter an early departure, this will be done when you present at school to pick your child up.
Please click on the link below to view the Catholic Education Office's article on the MBot Challenge.
