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Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back to school and to all the learning and experiences that Term 2 has to offer. With Mother's Day just around the corner, we are looking forward to welcoming our mothers and grandmothers next week for a celebration and morning tea. The Diocesan Cross Country and School and Regional Athletics Carnivals are also on the horizon. Midway through the term, the teachers of the classes who participated in the Goal Setting Conversations will provide feedback on the goals to parents via Compass Insights and this information will also be included in their child's Semester 1 Report. By the end of this term, maybe even earlier, the building project will be completed and we will turn our minds to some other projects to improve our school facilities.
Focus on Learning - Mathematics, Student Formation & Digital Technology
Following our Mathematics professional learning day last week, our staff are continuing to evaluate and make adjustments to the learning programs in mathematics so they reflect the new syllabus and the agreed practices of our school. As a staff, we are building our capacity and confidence in using instructional strategies that improve student engagement and outcomes, and looking at how the 'big ideas' of maths can be used to show the relevance of maths in the lives of students and encourage their interest and confidence. We are developing new ways of tracking learning growth to ensure we capture the information we need to adjust learning experiences and address student needs.
On June 13, our second Pupil Free Day will focus on Student Formation as per the feedback from staff, parents and students in the 2022 Tell Them From Me survey. All participants felt that more could be done in this area to connect faith with life. Our staff will work with members of the RE & Spirituality Team to develop a plan for Student Formation opportunities to bring together all the wonderful opportunities the students at Holy Name have to engage with others in making a difference in the world.
The final Pupil Free day for this year will be Monday 17th July, the first day of Term 3. This day is also in response to the feedback from staff, parents and students in the Tell Them From Me Surveys, but also because our school is now in the position to focus on the 'learning' aspect of technology. Over the last few years, we have resourced the classrooms, teachers and students to ensure a high level of access to devices and internet speeds so that we can shift to a focus on learning. Last term, the staff completed a comprehensive survey about their skills in this area and the new learning in July aims to build on these capabilities. All of this learning is for the sole purpose of improving student outcomes in accessing and using technology to be creative and innovative in presenting their work.
Good News
Last term, our P&F made the decision to investigate a 'Crossing Supervisor' for Lake Street. Even though we encourage families to use the Carawa Street entrance because of the traffic, we felt strongly enough about student safety to pursue this option. Following an online application and an assessment from the NSW Government representative, we were informed last week that we qualify for a supervisor and they are in the process of employing someone for this role. Great work P&F!
Our P&F meet every term in Week 3 and Week 7 at 5pm in the staffroom. Our next meeting is this Tuesday and you are all very welcome to attend. An online option can be provided if this is a better option for you. Please make contact with the office if you would like to be added to the email list.
Looking forward to a wonderful term ahead.
Yours sincerely,
Brooke Stephens
Welcome back to school for Term 2. I personally love this time of year with the changing of the seaons, especially the cooler nights.
PBL
Our PBL focus for the past fortnight has been "I Can Wait My Turn." The children have been learning about the importance of being patient, raising their hands to speak in class and taking turns in games. The Week 2 class awards will be given out next week due to a printing issue and I will publish the Award winners, along with any Principal Award winners in the week 4 newsletter.
SPORT
During the last week of Term 1, we held our Cross Country at Pebbly Beach. Other schools from across the Diocese often comment on the picturesque scenery that our students get to run around!
The results were:
House Points
| 8/9 Years Female | 8/9 Years Male |
| Anna Brooks | Brabham Cooper |
| Evie Barnett | Eli Te Raki Pitfield |
| Eleanor Dixon | Henley Chapman |
| Aria Tull | Jasper Waters |
| 10 Years Female | 10 Years Male |
| Sophia Whitehouse Mitto | Eli Lea |
| Mia Collines | Harrison Mills |
| Sasha Dempsey | Bryce Quillan |
| Indie Ryan | Reuben Cassar |
| 11 Years Female | 11 Years Male |
| Layla Price | Zac Te Raki Pitfield |
| Zia Singh | Charlie Dixon |
| Sophie Andrews | Chase Brooks |
| Xavie Laurie | |
| 12/13 Years Female | 12/13 Years Male |
| Sienna Cooper | Patrick Sky |
| Mackenzie Allen | Ashton Robertson |
| Lilah Gibson | Christian Botros |
| Colbie McCabe | Neil Uprety |
The following runners have qualified for the Diocesan Cross Country which will be held in Newcastle next Wednesday, May 10th.
Anna Brooks, Brabham Cooper, Eli TeRaki-Pitfield, Sphia Whitehouse-Miotto, Zac TeRaki-Pitfield, Sienna Cooper, Mackenzie Allen, Lilah Gibson, Patrick Sky, Christian Botros and Ashton Robertson.
WALK TO SCHOOL DAY
Friday, May 19th, is Walk Safely to School Day. If you have the opportunity it would be great to get a group together and walk your children to and/or from home to encourage Road Safety Awareness.
ICAS Tests
The Season of Easter in the Church
At the end of Term 1 students, staff and community reflected on the events of Holy Week ending at Good Friday. As we began our school holidays, we with the Church celebrated Easter Sunday- Jesus’s resurrection from the dead. And so began the season of 6 weeks in the Church where Fr Peter asks us to feast in the news “Christ the Lord is Risen!”.
Let us step forward from where we stand, in our Church, Homes, Places of Work, School and proclaim Christ Crucified and Risen to all we encounter. We have this mission from Jesus himself. It is a period of renewal and commitment to that same mission taken up by the early Christian communities.
For those who have been newly initiated, it is a time to reflect on their experiences and is oriented towards spiritual growth and entering more fully into the life of the community.
Colour: White (Red for Pentecost)
Duration: 50 days
Start: Easter Sunday
Finish: Pentecost
For Mission and Justice- Money Raised for Project Compassion
It is hoped that in our next newsletter we can confirm the amount Holy Name raised for Project Compassion. Congratulations to Year 5 our Mini Vinni heroes, Miss Flannery and Mrs Banham who sold zooper-dupper ice blocks over lunch breaks to booster our final total.
Newly Initiated- Congratulations Mrs Quilter
One of the delights of the Easter ceremonies was witnessing Mrs Michelle Quilter being received into the Church. For over twelve months Michelle was part of the Forster Tuncurry Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Program, deepening her knowledge of the Catholic faith, traditions, and Catholicism. At the Sunday morning Easter Mass, Michelle’s family, friends, and parish community witnessed her receive Baptism, Confirmation and then Eucharist for the first time. Holy Name staff celebrated morning tea with Michelle when we returned to school.
Any parents or carers at Holy Name who are interested in becoming a catholic and would like more information about the RCIA Program are asked to contact the Parish Office and speak with Danielle Kingdom on 0475242695 or at danielle.kingdom@mn.catholic.org.au or on the Parish website: www.forstertuncurry.org.au
The Sacrament of Baptism
At the same ceremony, Michelle’s daughters Olivia in 1N and MacKenzie in 4H were Baptised. It is not uncommon for students of Holy Name who are not catholic to choose to be baptised, because of their religious education learning experiences and immersion into our catholic culture. Families meet with the Baptismal team for one information evening and then set a date for the basptism.
If your child is asking questions to be baptised and you would like to know more, please contact the Parish Office and speak with Danielle Kingdom about the Baptismal Program on 0475242695 or at danielle.kingdom@mn.catholic.org.au or on the Parish website: www.forstertuncurry.org.au.
Religious Education Curriculum
The Religious Education curriculum is given priority at Holy Name whereby teachers from Kindergarten to Year 6 timetable the teaching of religion daily, in the middle session following Mathematics. Religion is taught for 30 minutes each day / 2 ½ hours per week / 25 hours per term.
Term 2 2023 Scope and Sequence of Units
New Units
Kindergarten: Knowing God the Son
Year 1: Belonging to God’s Family
Current Units
Year 2: Wk1-5 Forms of Prayer
Wk6-10 Celebrating the Church’s Liturgical Year
Year 3: Wk1-5 Hebrew Scriptures
Wk6-10 Sacrament of Confirmation
Year 4: Wk1-5 Christian Scriptures
Wk6-10 Sacrament of Eucharist
Year5: Wk1-5- Prayer
Wk6-10 Values
Year6: Wk1-5 Sacraments of Service
Wk6-10- Liturgy
Let’s look at the Year 3’s unit Hebrew Scriptures, the Learning Intention and its Religious Literacy that will be taught during the unit.
Learning Intention- By the end of this unit students will have a knowledge and understanding of the structure, context, and other key features of the Hebrew Scriptures so that it will assist students to read stories from the Scriptures and understand the meaning behind the story.
Religious Literacy
- I can name the two parts of the Bible.
- I can briefly summarise what each part is about.
- I can identify the similarities and differences between both parts.
- I can recall the number of books in the Hebrew Scriptures
- I can outline the Hebrew scriptures organisational features and structures.
- I can recall the names of some of the main Books found in the Hebrew Scriptures
- I can recognise the way the Hebrew Scriptures are organised into books, chapters, and verses.
- I can recognise examples of abbreviations and numbers from various Books in the Hebrew Scriptures.
- I can name and give examples of different text types found in the Hebrew Scriptures.
- I can outline ways that the Hebrew Scriptures are unique or different from other types of books.
Assessment of Religious Education
At the end of each unit, teachers will have assessed the students understanding of the concepts outlined in the unit. Over 5 weeks there could be 3 or 4 assessments given to students. At the end of the unit, teachers then use the religious literacy statements to help them create a religious education comment for student semester reports. For example, a semester religious comment may be Julie can confidently name the two parts of the bible and share the similarities and differences between both parts. She is learning to name some of the main books found in the Hebrew Scriptures.
Mother’s Day
This is an invitation to all mothers, grandmothers, mother figures to Holy Name’s Mother’s Day Liturgy on Thursday 11 May. Year 3 will be leading our annual Mother’s Day Liturgy at 10:15am in the hall followed by a morning tea. The Year 6 SRC will be serving scones with jam and cream along with tea and coffee from the hall kitchen. All children are welcome to bring their packed morning tea to the hall and join their mums/carers during the first lunch break.
Bon Voyage Fr Peter
Fr Peter has taken leave to attend the Coronation of our King this weekend, then to Rome to visit our Holy Father, Pope Francis. We wish Fr Peter a safe and happy vacation and hope he can recharge his batteries after the busyness of the Easter Season. Fr Peter will return in June.
Sacramental Program Fallow Year 2023
Fr Peter has decided to have a fallow year in 2023 for the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and Eucharist) and Reconciliation for children in the Parish of Forster/Tuncurry. This decision has been taken due to various unforeseen circumstances, as well as the appointment of our new Bishop and his busy schedule ahead. This fallow year will give parish the opportunity to review the Sacramental Program and make necessary changes to the facilitation of the program. It is hoped to provide families with a redeveloped program in 2024 that will suit more busy families. If you would like to be involved in the Sacramental Program for children in 2024, please contact Fr Peter or Danielle in the parish office.
Kind regards,
Genevieve Williamson
Religious Education Coordinator.
It was been wonderful to see how calm and refreshed our students looked after their two week holiday. Term 2 is always a busy one with lots of exciting events so it’s good news that our students are engerised and ready to make this term a great one!
Great Learning Happening in Year Five!
Each fortnight we like to put a spotlight on the great learning happening in a particular grade in our school. In this report the spotlight is on 5F.
In English, Year Five are focussing on reading persuasive texts and watching videos of speeches given by people of influence such as Malala Yousafzai and discussing the author’s perspective and purpose. As a class 5F have been breaking apart texts to see how these texts are effective in persuading their audience. The students have been learning to identify the language features of persuasive texts such as the use of metaphors and similes. It has been pleasing to hear that students are able to make connections from the texts to their own lives. This has made for engaging and passionate class discussions and has provided an effective stepping stone to their writing.
During writing, Year 5 students have been prompted to give both sides of an argument on a range of topics when completing persuasive writing activities. Students have been learning to use synonyms, rhetorical questions and high modality words such as certainly, definitely, must etc to enhance their writing samples. Feedback is critical part of these introductory mini lessons before the class start our independent research based persuasive write. In 5F they regularly use self, peer and teacher feedback to improve their writing skills and check their understanding of language features and structure.
In Maths, Year Five are focusing on Data this term. The big idea for investigations is, What is the data telling us? and What are the limits of the data? To introduce the unit Year 5 have been helping Miss Flannery choose a sports team to barrack for, based on past performance within a specific code. Students had to present the data of their chosen sport in a dot plot form. This task really tweaked the student's interest and made the mathematical learning relevant for them. Miss Flannery is still undecided on what team and code she will be supporting as the different angles of data that was presented by students was very convincing! Check the graphs below to see for yourself!
Did you know that in 1974 humans sent a message to aliens? When sending this message they chose to use binary code as it is a universal language. Interesting stuff, right? 5F definitely think so, they discovered this information during their Technology lesson this week, and were challenged with the task deciphering and practising coding using the Binary Code themselves. Students were also so engaged and motivated to investigate how pictures can be formed by code.
In Sport, Year Five have been developing Athletics skills with the rest of stage 3. They have been practising the correct techniques for shot put, long jump and sprinting! We look forward to seeing these skills in action at the Athletics Carnival in week 4.
Well done Year Five students and Miss Flannery, keep up the awesome work!
Mrs Suzie Monks
Primary Coordinator