Upcoming Events

Firstly, I would like to thank our School community for your patience and understanding during these uncertain and unique times. I understand that there is a lot of varied news and information being presented about COVID-19, you can be assured that the information we provide to you is informed by the Catholic Education Office from Catholic Schools NSW and the NSW Ministry of Health. They work closely with the Australian Government to inform their decisions.

Currently all schools in our Archdiocese are asked to comply with the following directions as a precautionary approach to minimise the risk of further spread of COVID-19 at this time.

• Postpone or cancel all school excursions, retreats or camps as soon as practicable from Monday 16 March until further notice.
• Postpone or cancel all school events that involve large gatherings such as assemblies, fetes, parent/teacher nights, open days/nights, sport carnivals, community assemblies and liturgies.
• Not gather indoor as a whole school (greater than 100).

For St Mary’s the following events have been postponed or cancelled:

• Canberra Goulburn Primary Cricket Trials
• Canberra Goulburn Primary Rugby League Trials
• Canberra Goulburn Touch Football Trials
• Northern Region Cross Country 
• MacKillop Football (Soccer) Trials
• St Patrick’s Picnic 22 March
• Peter Lucas Cup – 20 March
• Crookwell High School Open Night
• Try It at Trinity Day 26 March 10am-2pm
• Year 6 Camp 31 March – 3 April
• School Athletics Carnival 7 April
• Stage 3 Showcase of Learning Assembly
• Kinder, Year One and Year 2 Liturgy

We have also been asked to:

• Contact parents and request they collect their child if they present as being unwell at school.
• Limit contact with aged-care organisations and facilities.
• Promote and teach students good hand and respiratory hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.
• Encourage all staff to take reasonable steps of social distancing, staying at home when unwell, regularly cleaning hands, avoiding touching of the face and covering coughs and sneezes.
• Promote and develop extra cleaning routines of areas that may be sites for transmission.

Please be assured that all the above measures are being implemented and taken seriously. Each student has access to hand sanitiser and is being encouraged to use this frequently. High touch areas are also being cleaned more regularly.

The advice on isolation of people returning from international travel continues to be updated. At this time all international travellers are required to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to school or work. This is in line with previous advice that includes mainland China, Japan, Iran, South Korea and Italy.

These measures mirror those being adopted by other schools. They will undoubtedly cause some disruption and inconvenience but the safety of our staff and students remains our first priority. These measures reflect a precautionary approach to support the national efforts to slow any community transmission of COVID-19. We will continue to work closely with government and health authorities to coordinate our responses.

Staff are currently preparing for being able to deliver Remote Learning options for our students, should our school need to close. This decision will be made if:

1. There is a reported case of COVID-19 
2. Operation becomes a problem due to Staff Absenteeism
3. The system is directed to close, in line with Department of Education schools

The Director of Education is informed if a school in our Archdiocese is required to close.

A survey has been sent to parents yesterday enquiring about your technology access and limitations. If you did not receive this can you please contact Belinda for a print copy. In the event of closure our staff will be working to deliver the best learning possible for your children because we believe that education is important.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or concerns.

Cross Country Carnival

A huge thank you to Mrs. Rachael Croker for her preparation and organisation of our Cross Country Carnival last Friday. We could not have asked for a nicer day! I was impressed to see the students encouragement of one another. Thank you to all our helpers that made the day possible. 

Congratulations to Aloyisus, the winning house by just four points.

CleverTouch Interactive Panels

At the last P & F meeting, it was decided that the school and P & F would contribute funds to install CleverTouch Impact Plus 65" panels into our Kinder to Year Four classrooms (five panels). Year Five and Six already have new panels. These panels will be on height-adjustable mobile stands. The panels will be installed on Friday 27 March.

We are giving away five interactive whiteboards with projectors to anyone who would like them, the only catch is you will have to remove them yourself. They would make a great addition to a man-cave! First in best dressed.

ANZAC Day Parade Cancelled

The NSW RSL announced yesterday they will not be proceeding with the ANZAC Day Parade and recognition ceremony in 2020. Students will not be required to march this year. The decision has been made to ensure the safety of the general public and to eliminate any risks for our older Australians.

Family Mass & St Patrick's Day Family Picnic - Cancelled

Thank you to the families who had RSVP'd to attended the St Patricks Day Family Picnic. Unfortunately the picnic has been cancelled. We will, however, endeavour to hold a social event for families and staff later in the year.

Families are still welcome to join us for Mass at 9am on Sunday in St Mary's Church. Precautions including no hand shaking during the Sign of Peace, no wine during Communion, hand sanitation procedures for the priest and Eucharistic Minster before Communion and no Holy Water at the Church entrance have been implemented.

NAPLAN Online

The School Explorers

SZapp update

An update for SZapp has been released to accommodate for iPhones. iPhones using iOS Version 13+ were experiencing intermittent push notification issues when SZapp was running in the background.

Available from the App Store now, we advise all iPhone users to install this version to ensure notifications are received correctly.

How to talk to your children about coronavirus (COVID-19)

https://www.unicef.org.au/blog/news-and-insights/march-2020/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-coronavirus

Eight tips to help comfort and protect children.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you’re hearing about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) right now.

It’s also understandable if your children are feeling anxious, too. Children might find it difficult to understand what they are seeing online or on TV – or hearing from other people – so they can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. But having an open, supportive discussion with your children can help them understand, cope and even make a positive contribution for others.

1. Ask open questions and listen

Start by inviting your child to talk about the issue. Find out how much they already know and follow their lead. If they are particularly young and haven’t already heard about the outbreak, you may not need to raise the issue – just take the chance to remind them about good hygiene practices without introducing new fears.

Make sure you are in a safe environment and allow your child to talk freely. Drawing, stories and other activities may help to open up a discussion.

Most importantly, don’t minimize or avoid their concerns. Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them that it’s natural to feel scared about these things. Demonstrate that you’re listening by giving them your full attention, and make sure they understand that they can talk to you and their teachers whenever they like.

Children have a right to truthful information about what’s going on in the world, but adults also have a responsibility to keep them safe from distress. ©UNICEF/UNI308752/

2. Be honest: explain the truth in a child-friendly way

Children have a right to truthful information about what’s going on in the world, but adults also have a responsibility to keep them safe from distress. Use age-appropriate language, watch their reactions, and be sensitive to their level of anxiety.

If you can’t answer their questions, don’t guess. Use it as an opportunity to explore the answers together. Websites of international organisations like UNICEF and the World Health Organisation are great sources of information. Explain that some information online isn’t accurate, and that it’s best to trust the experts.

3. Show them how to protect themselves and their friends

One of the best ways to keep children safe from coronavirus and other diseases is to simply encourage regular handwashing. It doesn't need to be a scary conversation. Sing along with The Wiggles or follow this dance to make learning fun.

You can also show children how to cover a cough or a sneeze with their elbow, explain that it’s best not to get too close to people who have those symptoms, and ask them to tell you if they start to feel like they have a fever, cough or are having difficulty breathing.
 

Washing your hands frequently using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub can help avoid infection. © UNICEF/UNI304645/Ma

4. Offer reassurance 

When we’re seeing lots of troubling images on TV or online, it can sometimes feel like the crisis is all around us. Children may not distinguish between images on screen and their own personal reality, and they may believe they’re in imminent danger. You can help your children cope with the stress by making opportunities for them to play and relax, when possible. Keep regular routines and schedules as much as possible, especially before they go to sleep, or help create new ones in a new environment.

If you are experiencing an outbreak in your area, remind your children that they are not likely to catch the disease,that most people who do have coronavirus don’t get very sick, and that lots of adults are working hard to keep your family safe.

If your child does feel unwell, explain that they have to stay at home/at the hospital because it is safer for them and their friends. Reassure them that you know it is hard (maybe scary or even boring) at times, but that following the rules will help keep everyone safe.

5. Check if they are experiencing or spreading stigma

The outbreak of coronavirus has brought with it numerous reports of racial discrimination around the world, so it’s important to check that your children are neither experiencing nor contributing to bullying.

Explain that coronavirus has nothing to do with what someone looks like, where they are from or what language they speak. If they have been called names or bullied at school, they should feel comfortable telling an adult whom they trust.

Remind your children that everyone deserves to be safe at school. Bullying is always wrong and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other.

The breakout of coronavirus has spurred numerous reports of racial discrimination. Remind your children that everyone deserves to be safe at school. Bullying is always wrong and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other. © UNICEF/UNI285258/Vishwanathan

6. Look for the helpers

It’s important for children to know that people are helping each other with acts of kindness and generosity.

Share stories of health workers, scientists and young people, among others, who are working to stop the outbreak and keep the community safe. It can be a big comfort to know that compassionate people are taking action.

7. Look after yourself

You’ll be able to help your kids better if you’re coping, too. Children will pick up on your own response to the news, so it helps them to know you’re calm and in control.

If you’re feeling anxious or upset, take time for yourself and reach out to other family, friends and trusted people in your community. Make some time to do things that help you relax and recuperate.  

8. Close conversations with care

It’s important to know that we’re not leaving children in a state of distress. As your conversation wraps up, try to gauge their level of anxiety by watching their body language, considering whether they’re using their usual tone of voice and watching their breathing.

Remind your children that they can have other difficult conversations with you at any time. Remind them that you care, you’re listening and that you’re available whenever they’re feeling worried.

Included is a child appropriate video to clearly explain the virus and how we can help each other.

https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR3uFJsf98iNv3xBRm1MINT8FKwiHR2ADPFwKVtmAttu5BUUaGpqjUUJXhk

This Sunday will be the fourth Sunday of Lent. It is known as Laetare Sunday – a day when the normal strictness of Lenten fasting and repenting is relaxed and we rejoice in the hope of Easter (when we celebrate Jesus’ new life and our faith in God’s promise to bring us one day to new life).

The Gospel reading on Sunday is about faith. Jesus heals a blind man. But it is not the physical cure that is significant. The true and deeper meaning of the miracle is the spiritual cure… the man is given spiritual sight to recognise Jesus as the Messiah. With faith he proclaims, “Lord, I believe,” and worships Jesus.

God is hidden from our physical sight, but the Holy Spirit is forever revealing God to us. Jesus is a stranger to many people today, not because he hasn’t revealed himself to them, but because they have closed the eyes of their heart and souls from recognising them.

Today more than ever, the world needs God’s healing love. Instead of adopting the mentality of ‘every man for himself’ (fuelled especially now by the Corona Virus Crisis), the world needs to remember and have faith in God’s love for every one of His children. We are called to love ourselves and our neighbour.

Pope Francis reminds us at this uncertain time in our history: "We are all children of God, and He watches over us. We should discover a new closeness, real relationships made of attentiveness and patience. Listening to one another is important because we understand one another's needs, struggles, desires. We need to rediscover the concreteness of small things, the small acts of kindness. We need to realise that our treasure lies in small things: gestures of tenderness, affection, compassion, that are nevertheless decisive, important. Sharing “a hot plate of food, a caress, a hug, a phone call... these are familiar, attentive gestures regarding everyday details that make life meaningful, and create communion and communication amongst us".

PROJECT COMPASSION

Our Mini Vinnies committee are continuing to work to raise funds for our brothers and sisters in need. Tomorrows’ Harmony Day funds will go towards this. Thank you for your continuing support.

We currently have two boxes of books on Autism, on loan from Catholic Education. Please see Mrs Spackman, if you are interested in borrowing any of these fabulous resources. There are children’s picture books as well as books for adults.

Developing short-term memory skills

Taken from SPELD SA Newsletter, Autumn 2003

Intention

• Students need to have a reason to remember
• Establish an expectation to remember

Support

• Give student time if struggling
• Provide scaffolding/cues
• Divide learning task into small, achievable steps
• Teach each step explicitly
• Make sure one step is learned before moving on to the next

Teach memory strategies

• Rehearsal/repetition; simple recitation is useful for learning facts, eg, multiplication tables, lists; items at the beginning of a list are most likely to be recalled, so have several short lists rather than one long one.
• Narrative chaining
• Relate information to a theme or make up a story incorporating the information
• Chunking
• Group information into sub-units, eg the phone number 82164532 (8 bits) might be reduced to 3 bits (821645 32); the word ending "e d" (2 bits) could be reduced to "ed" (1 bit)
• Mental visualisation; create a mental picture of the content to be remembered, eg, details of a story, a process, directions. Close your eyes. Can you see it inside your eyes? For some students this may be difficult and require guided practice.
• Mnemonics
  • Talk about the memory tricks you use, eg, to remember the spelling of stationary/stationery: cars are stationary, stationery paper
  • Make up a sentence using the letters of a word, eg, "because" - Big Elephants Can Always Understand Small Elephants
  • Make up a sentence with the order of the points of the compass - Never Eat Soggy Weet-bix
  • Rhymes, eg, Thirty Days have September, April June and November

Practice

• Students with memory difficulties may know something one day and have forgotten it the next
• Provide many opportunities for practice - consider also the value of computer programs with their immediate feedback, infinite patience, and potential for variety
• Review previous learning regularly, eg, spellings, maths concepts, routines

Memory aids

• Encourage the use of the following tools:
  • Diaries
  • Illustrations
  • Charts
  • Calendars
  • Graphs
  • Cue cards
  • Concept maps
  • Notes
  • Flash cards
  • Summaries
  • Post-it stickers with reminders
  • Copies of daily/weekly timetables
  • Checklists of tasks to complete
  • Calculators
  • Multiplication tables
  • Cards with correct letter formation
  • Indexed book with frequently mis-spelt words
  • Business cards with address, important telephone numbers, etc

Metamemory

• Knowing how to remember
• Ask student: how are you going to remember this information?
• Model strategies they might use, relate it to their own experiences
• Student chooses their preferred strategy and talks themselves through the task
• Give constructive feedback
• Picture/written cue cards can be used until the student can perform the task automatically

Cross Country Carnival Program

Peter Lucas Rugby Union

Unfortunately due to the current COVID-19 situation, the Peter Lucas Rugby Union day has been cancelled. At this stage here is no date set in the near future.

School Athletics Carnival

As per previous communication this week, due to the current COVID-19 situation, we have had to cancel the school Athletics Carnival that was set for Week 11 of this term.

Latest Rep Sport Trial Update

CSNSW Sport have suspended all CSNSW Sport sanctioned events for the first 3 weeks of Term 2. These events include but are not limited to:     

1. Canberra Goulburn Primary Cricket Trials
2. Canberra Goulburn Touch Football Trials
3. NSWCPS (MacKillop) Swimming Championships
4. MacKillop Football (Soccer) Trials
5. MacKillop AFL Trials
6. MacKillop Winter Trials (Hockey, Netball & Rugby League) 

This situation will be regularly reviewed and updates provided. We thank you for your understanding during this time.

We cannot at the moment answer questions in regards to refunds, or Canberra Goulburn merchandise availability.

Details will be forwarded as they come to hand.

Cross Country

In light of the above we must inform you that there will be no further pathways being held after our School Cross Country Carnival (Regional, Archdiocesan or MacKillop ). All these events have been cancelled.

Trial Registrations

(we will keep track of these in the hope that they may be run later in Term 2)

The following registrations have been approved as of Wednesday 18 March.

 Sport Trials 2020

PLEASE CLICK ON THE BELOW LINK FOR INFORMATION FOR YOU TO READ ON REGISTRATION PROCESS 

Registration Instructions for Parents 2020

For more information on Primary Sports visit the Canberra Goulburn Sport Page - https://sport.cg.catholic.edu.au/nominations and click on the information link.

Registration for ALL Canberra Goulburn, MacKillop and NSWCCC is through the new CSNSW website: https://csnsw.sport/help/help-guide-for-parents

There are closing dates so if you are planning of trial please complete the registration process ASAP!

If you have any queries please email Sherree Bush at sherree.bush@cg.catholic.edu.au

Parent SETTING UP AN ACCOUNT If you had an account on the previous website (www.csss.nsw.edu.au), you would have received an email requesting you to go to the new portal to update your details. If you have NOT previously had account, you will need to set one up so you can register your child. 

Additional detailed information can be read from the Registrations page.

Please find information from the Commonwealth Bank regarding the School Banking Program:

Notice from CommBank School Banking

The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and our people is our first priority. Due to the rapidly developing situation with coronavirus, School Banking has been temporarily paused from 20 March 2020 until the start of Term 2. Please don’t bring your deposit book with your weekly banking into school and we will notify you when banking will recommence.

Year 4 – Toby Charnock and Caitlyn Hogan

Year 5 - Reece Allport and Bridie Croker

Year 6 -Dylan Greenwood and Regan Picker

Awards are presented at our Monday morning Assembly at 9.05am. All are welcome.

Sacramental Program 2020

For all students Catholic/Public Schools

The program is run through the PARISH

All questions and enquiries are to go the sacramental team.  

EMAIL-  mqa.sacramental@gmail.com

• Reconciliation has commenced
• First Holy Communion commences after  Easter- is your child enrolled at the parish?  office/online  org.au/Crookwell/home.aspx   (under the tab Application Forms.)

Altar Roster

MARCH

22 March: Nathaniel Waters and Abigail Gray

29 March: Nathaniel Waters and Abigail Gray

APRIL

5 April: Phoebe Selmes and Oliver Gray

12 April: Regan Picker and Seth Grove

19 April: Nathaniel Waters and Abigail Gray

26 April: Oliver Gray and Skyelah Gray

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.

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)

Wind Landcare School Holiday Workshop

Upper Lachlan Shire Library Service