Upcoming Events

End of Term

Our special thanks to all those who have worked hard this term to support and assist us where they could. I am especially appreciative of our staff who have dedicated extra hours to participate in professional development this term. They also have spent many hours planning interesting teaching and learning programs for their students.

I would also like to acknowledge our relief staff who have often dropped everything to do casual days during a term filled with illness. Their support ensures things keep running along smoothly.

Thank you also to our volunteers. We are extremely lucky to have so many generous community volunteers who assist us every week. We are blessed to have you!

Please enjoy a well-earned rest and we will see our students back to commence an exciting and action packed Term 4 on Tuesday 15 October.

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) is a project of Samaritan’s Purse. It partners with local churches in developing nations to reach out to children by providing gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need.

Each class will aim to fill a shoebox. Items can include small toys, hair accessories, hairbrush, toothbrush, skipping rope, marbles, pencils, notepads, textas, handkerchiefs etc.  Alternatively, if you are unable to send in items to place in the box, a monetary contribution to assist with the $10 postage per box would be appreciated.

Term Four Clubs

Next term the following clubs will be on offer:

Monday	11.25am	Art Area	STEM Club
Tuesday	11.25am	Library	Chess Club
	3.15pm	Star Room	Maths Club
	1.40pm	Library	Lego Club
Wednesday	11.25am	Library	Chess Club
	1.40pm	Library	Games & Cards Club
Thursday	11.25am	Peace Garden	Garden Club
	1.40pm	Library	Writing Club
Daily	8.00am	Library	Morning Club

Students will be asked to sign up to the clubs they wish to attend (excluding Morning Club) during Week One. 

Confirmation

Last Sunday 22 September many of our students and ex-students received the Sacrament of Confirmation in a beautiful ceremony. Congratulations to each of the students involved. Thank you to their families for supporting them through the program and on their journey ahead.

Thank you to Sr Rosemary and Belinda Cudaj for preparing the children for this very special Sacrament.

Good luck!

I would like to wish Bella Croker all the best for 2019 Under 13 Girls Australian Hockey Carnival to be played in Hobart, Tasmania from 1 - 8 Oct 2019. Bella was selected to play for the  New South Wales Lions. Her team is in Pool A and her first game will be played at 6pm on 1 October against Victoria Venom. We hope Bella has a wonderful experience and we can not wait to hear all about it!

Something to ponder over the next couple of weeks during the school holidays…

DESIDERATA (Definition: something that is needed or wanted)

GO PLACIDLY … amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy. By Max Ehrmann © 1927

Be at peace knowing …

you are created by God; and just as you love your child unconditionally, so God loves you – with a far greater love.

YOU were created out of love, to be loved and to love. It doesn’t matter what you do. YOU ARE LOVED every moment of every day!

Boorowa Touch Football

Who:   ALL students Year 2-6

Where: Boorowa Showground, Ballyryan Rd

When: Friday 25 October 2019

A reminder that all permission notes and medical forms for the Boorowa Touch carnival are due TOMORROW.

A note outlining team lists, team coaches and final details will be sent out in Week 1 of Term 4.

Any enquiries, please email rachael.croker@cg.catholic.edu.au

Assertive Kids

Because we can't hold their hand and stand up for them forever... we need to teach our kids to be self-advocates

In this article you will find strategies on how to:

• give your child actual words to say when they need to articulate their feelings
• teach them when it's appropriate to speak out 
• help them understand respect for others and respect for themselves

If you want to raise strong and confident kids, teaching assertiveness is key. Assertive children know how to stand up for themselves (and others) without being hurtful or mean. They can say “no,” communicate clearly, and maintain positive relationships that meet their own needs as well as those of others.

“Assertiveness works in all situations, giving kids guidelines for navigating everything from the playground to the slumber party. It helps kids have healthy relationships and a solid self-esteem.”

-Margarita Tartakovsky, psychologist

Few of us are born assertive, and the fear of seeming rude or selfish can prevent us from advocating for ourselves. Fortunately, with practice, we can help kids master this powerful ability, and gain the many benefits associated with assertive communication. 

Here are the 5 ways to get started:

1. Talk About It

Tell kids there are 3 basic styles of communication. Each time we speak or interact with other people, we choose one of these methods: passive, aggressive, or assertive. 

We can figure out our communication style by looking for clues in our words and actions:

For young kids, try using animals to represent each style. Let them brainstorm different creatures associated with the 3 types: passive (a turtle in his shell or a mouse that runs and hides), aggressive (a tiger who attacks or bear that roars), and assertive (a wise owl or calm family dog who barks at danger).

Also:

• Praise kids for using their assertive or “owl” communication when handling a tricky situation (“I like how you spoke up!”)
• Read “The Mouse, the Monster, and Me: Assertiveness For Young People” by Pat Palmer
• Point out passive, aggressive and assertive behavior in their favorite movies and TV shows (Officer Judy Hopps in Zootopiaor Frozen’s Anna are great examples of assertiveness). Note how the characters around them react to each type

Finally, think of communication as a spectrum, with passivity at one end and aggression at the other--assertiveness is the “sweet spot” in between. Remind kids that regardless of which style they currently use the most, they can learn to be assertive!

2. Define Boundaries

Discuss how there are boundaries in the world, or lines that should not be crossed. These exist on a physical level, like stop signs or even “personal bubbles” (the space around our bodies) as well as emotional boundaries (things that hurt our feelings). 

One way to respect these boundaries is by discussing the power of “no.” Whether it’s an unwanted hug from grandma or a bossy friend on the playground, kids need to hear that assertively saying no is not only acceptable--it’s their right. 

“If we want our kids to learn to listen to their guts and be comfortable expressing their own limits, and standing up for them, we need to let them practice that skill from a young age.”

-Sue Lively, teacher and parenting writer

Consider these ideas:

• Explain that setting boundaries (saying “no,” “stop” or “I don’t like that”) keeps our bodies and minds safe and healthy
• Support kids in saying “no” over negotiable issues (not wanting to wear certain clothing, hug someone or read a particular book are good places to start)
• Review the “Circle of Control” poster and discuss how we can only be in charge of our ownfeelings and behavior, not the behavior or reactions of others
• Read “Listening to My Body” by Gabi Garcia to stay connected to the important sensations and emotional cues our bodies send us

Assertive communication means considering the needs of others, but never at our own expense. I often say to my daughter, “If it’s not kind to you, then it’s not kind at all.” 

3. Teach “I” Messages

Of all the conflict resolution strategies that exist, the “I” message is my all-time favorite. It’s easy to use, and resolves problems like no other.

Here’s the simple formula: “I feel (insert feeling) when you (insert behavior). I would like you to (insert request).”

When my daughter experienced a situation at the playground (other girls said she couldn’t play with them), we practiced my suggestion:

“I feel angry when you tell me I can’t play. I would like you to let me join in.

Then my daughter came up with her own:

“I feel hurt when you leave me out. I’d like you to stop saying I can’t play.”

Know that “I” messages work because they are non-judgmental. They neither blame nor criticize, and keep the listener from feeling attacked or defensive.

You might also try:

• Practicing similar assertive phrases: ”I need more space”/”I don’t like it when…”/”I think…”
• Using a mirror to practice (check for eye contact and confident posture)
• Sharing the positive impact of “I” messages: “I loved how you used that ‘I’ message to tell me what you wanted. It made me feel like I wanted to help you.”

4. Build Friendship Skills

Assertiveness skills are not just necessary for dealing with the playground bully. It’s often our closest friendships that require making our needs and feelings known.

Start by talking with your child about the qualities she wants in a friend. What kinds of things make a good friend? How do friends act? 

Share the characteristics YOU look for, and be sure to say that you work hard to be the kind of friend you want.

Next, discuss how friendship conflicts are normal sometimes and are actually opportunities to grow your assertiveness skills. Identify some common sources of disagreement, and make a list together. This might include:

• Not enjoying the same activities at recess
• Feeling left out when your friend plays or talks to someone else
• A friend who brags frequently
• Being excluded from a birthday party

Try to identify 1-2 solutions for each of these scenarios, and role-play how to handle them (using an ‘I’ message is a great start). While a “perfect friendship” does not exist, all relationships benefit from the openness and honesty that assertiveness allows. 

5. Model Confidence

We know that kids watch what we do more than what we say. If we hope to raise confident kids, it’s crucial to communicate assertively in our own lives. Not always the easiest thing!

You might start by:

• Speaking up when you need to, and letting your child see you say (and stick to) “no” 
• Discussing the times assertiveness is difficult for you, and how you overcome it by practicing  
• Using a calm, confident voicewhen stating your views
• Praise (and even reward) yourself when you do well 

Another way to model assertiveness is through active listening. During a conflict, simply restate what the other person has said before you respond. This is especially impactful when the disagreement is with your child: “You’re saying ‘no’ to the blue dress today. I hear you” or “You really want to watch the fireworks. It seems like the other kids all get to stay up late.”

“There is no better way to teach your child to be assertive than to show him how to do it.”

-Deidre Parsons, parenting writer

Assertiveness takes practice for all of us. But modelling assertive communication allows both us and our kiddos to reap its powerful benefits, including confidence, high self-esteem and positive relationships.

Buy One Get One Free Book Fair

To show our appreciation to parents for supporting the Scholastic Book Fair earlier this year we would like to offer parents an exclusive event called the Buy One Get One Free Book Fair!

This is solely for parents. It may provide an opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping and what better gift to give than a book.

At a Buy One Get One Free Book Fair, every book purchased enables parents to select another book of equal or lesser value for FREE!

This book Fair will be on Thursday 24 October from 8.30am – 5.00pm in School Library.

National Zoo and Aquarium Excursion Reports

Kindergarten

Year One

On Friday we went to the Zoo. We saw heaps of animals. We saw a leopard in the Zoo. In the aquarium I saw heaps of sharks and snakes. My favourite one was the giraffe because it was tall and it had a long neck. We fed the deers and emu. It was a great day!

Written by Jaydan Costello.

Year Two

Good day to go to the Zoo. What? We are going to the National Zoo and Aquarium today.

When we arrived we had a snack. We got to pat a snake. Mrs Branson was so brave. She held the snake, yay for Mrs Branson.

We split up into four groups. We saw the otters first. They were quite cute. An hour later, we saw the penguins. They swam around and did somersaults. The penguins were funny.

In the aquarium, we saw fish, lobsters, sea horses, snakes, sharks and lots more. We were able to touch one of the ponds and we were not allowed to take anything from the pond.

Next, looking through the window a big long yellow and brown snake slithered past us.

Did you know that the Poisonous Dart Frog's skin is layered with poison and that's how it gets its name.

After that, we exited the Zoo and we all stood for a photo. Tallest at the back and littlest at the front. We said "cheese" and we took a photo.

Written by Addin Grove

Peer Support- Moving Forward

Week 7 of Program

This week we further develop the range of strategies we can use in challenging situations.This session focuses on step 3 of the model, Proceed. In order to learn from situations and move forward children need to go beyond thinking of strategies and action them. Children recognise despite the use of a range of strategies, sometimes they cannot change the situation.At these times, it is important to accept the situation and move forward with a positive outlook.

Encourage your child to follow through with strategies they have discussed and planned to use. It is important to then help them evaluate if this has worked or if they need to try a different strategy.

Term 4 will see students in the summer uniform.

All of these items are available from the Uniform Shop. A price list can also be downloaded here:

PLEASE ensure all items are named clearly so it assists us with returning any misplaced items.

This is also a good time to ensure the items you have at home belong to your family and haven't been accidentally collected from another family.

In the case of inclement weather, the students may wear their winter uniform, in entirety, for two weeks into Term Four. 

As we head to the end of term, there is a growing pile of items in lost property. Please see the photo attached to see if any are missing from your house.

Items not collected by end of term will be discarded.

Parish Office

For Parish and Sacramental matters please forward your enquiries to Parish Secretary, Janet Haynes or Pastoral Associate Sr Rosemary via email or call into the Parish Office at the Old Convent Building on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Email: Crookwell@cg.org.au

Website: http://cg.org.au/crookwell/Home.aspx 

Phone: 48321 633 

Address: 55 Wade Street (the Old Convent Building)

Altar Roster

29 September- Nathaniel Waters

6 October- Regan Picker and Olivia Anderson

13 October- Phoebe Selmes and Oliver Gray

20 October- Regan Picker and Nathaniel Waters

27 October- Oliver Gray, Skyelah Gray and Abagail Gray

Please arrive 15 minutes before Mass to help Father prepare.

It is important that you contact another server to arrange a swap if you are unable to make it on your rostered day.

We would love it if some more children could join our Altar Serving team. Please contact the Parish Office if your child is interested. Training is provided and new children are rostered on with experienced servers.

The Show White Flower

by Adelaide Halse - Year 6

A frost hit the night before. A snowy sort of frost, the ones where ice and sleet are swaying around in the winter air. That frost is soon melted and the ground gets the cold water, trickling down through the rock hard soil. The soil then lightens and becomes mushy dirt in the spring. Flowers bloom and the air lightens, getting warmer after the winter chill made nothing possibly grow. But alone, standing out of the crowd a small, white, delicate, simple petalled flower with a bottle green stem stood above the frosty ground. Every year this flower grows, only to be pushed down by the bigger flowers. The small, white flower was there night and day, all through the winter, all through Autumn and Summer but Spring is the one who kills it. The snow white flower just stands until it’s shrivelled. 

~Just Stands~

The flowers don’t speak but whisper through the trees, streams or the wind howling, the lake rippling in the wind is always a sign, a message being passed on. The flowers can’t stop the growth, the natural way of life, the way things used to be and always will be...

~Or Can They~

The flowers know that they push and shove to the sunlight after winter, they need that sun laser, the warmth or the rain and moisture. The white flower doesn’t grow higher to the sun, the moon or the stars at night. He just sits patiently, waiting for his time to grow, to die or for his time above the other flowers. Toward the clouds…

~His time~

A tree, strong and tall, once a small sapling, once a seed trying to grow, once that sunlight wanting plant, now a pleasant, tall and great tree. The tree knows of white flower at her roots, she knows what the streams and rivers want when they call. The smaller trees know when the great, big trees time is over. Then they too climb up to her height only to be replaced by another jungle tree. “Do not fear,” she whispers to him, the small white flower. “You will find your forever balance of life, among others,”  she whispers once more. The wind whistles around him and draws him from side to side. She lifts off his delicate petals and the wind carries them away. “That is for the better,” she destroys his roots and kills him, only for him to be reborn among the grass, in a wood surrounded fence. “Thank you.” For the first time in forever, he felt warm arms embrace him. Pulling him closer. The great tree of time left his spot in the ground and planted another white flower in his spot and made sure his space was clear and safe for another snow white flower to came again, their time in the Great Circle of Life.     

Kids on Keyboard

On Monday Charlie, Bryce and Reegan performed their Kids on Keyboard pieces for family members. Well done on obtaining your certificates!

Congratulations to Quinn Haynes on the special occasion of her Baptism on Sunday 22 September! 

Music Camp

NAIDOC Family Eventv in Goulburn

NAIDOC_2019.pdf

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Crookwell Vacation Care

Small Business Expo in Crookwell

Small_Business_Expo_Flyer.pdf

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Crookwell Library News

Looking for some single beds?

Maureen Lucock has two single white wrought-iron beds that she is looking to give away. Please contact Maureen on 0477 436 326 if interested

Old Comic Books

If anyone has any old comic books they no longer require, Sharron Waters would love to take them off your hands! Please drop them to the school office if you have any. Thank you!

Auskick in Crookwell

The students were excited to meet James who told them all about the fun of Auskick which will happen in Crookwell. Details below

SKM_C454e19091112220.pdf

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Rugby League Holiday Clinic

Healthy Waterways

Landcare are running a school holiday program on Thursday 10 October. Please see below for more information.

Healthy_Waterways_flyer_FINAL.pdf

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Taralga Fun Run

As part of the Taste of Taralga Festival, there will be a fun run held on Saturday 5 October. Go and be a part of the festivities!