Dear Parents, 

Hearing the voice and ideas of our parents is important to us. An effective and professional way of doing this is through a School Advisory Committee who meet regularly to discuss the happenings of our school. In 2024 we require three additional parents to join our committee.

The purpose and responsibilities of committee members is outlined below. If you or someone you know is interested in joining this committee, please fill in the nomination forms available at the school office and return by Wednesday 13th March. In the result that we have multiple nominations a parent vote will decide the makeup of the committee.

School Advisory Committee Purpose
The purposes of the School Advisory Committee are to: 

• act as an advisory body to the principal on matters concerning education in the school

• act as a forum for discussion on matters concerning education in the school

• provide a link between the parish priest, principal, teachers and parishioners in relation to the provision of Catholic education in the parish community 

• promote community development by fostering a strong inter-relationship between the parish, the primary school and Catholic secondary colleges.School 

School Advisory Committee Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the School Advisory Committee are to: 

• promote the Catholic ethos of the school 

• provide feedback on and review of school policies 

• plan for the future of the school and its ability to accommodate future enrolments 

• provide advice on budget planning and finance-related matters 

• provide advice on the appropriate provision of faith development and Religious Education programs 

• promote child safety in the school

Wellbeing Barometer Survey

A reminder to all parents about the Wellbeing Barometer survey outlined in our last newsletter. This survey is anonymous and provides information to our school into the state of youth mental health and wellbeing.

Participating in this year's survey, will assist in identifying areas of strength and concern, as well as pinpointing opportunities for early intervention.

This survey is part of an ongoing, longitudinal study, with the results being instrumental in tailoring support for students and their families. Participation is strongly encouraged, as it provides a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements over the past year. Its aim is to capture a comprehensive picture of young people's lives, allowing for a tailored approach to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.

Here is the link to the survey https://stangelawarragul.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-wellbeing-barometer-20

NAPLAN

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 students are held in March each year. In 2024, the NAPLAN test window is between Wednesday 13 March and Monday 25 March. 

NAPLAN tests assess student knowledge and skills in writing, reading, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The results of the tests provide information for students, parents/carers, teachers and principals and can be used to improve student achievement.

NAPLAN tests are delivered in an online format. This delivers many benefits including:

• a ‘tailored test’ design that adapts to correct and incorrect student responses providing a more precise understanding of student achievement;

• innovative use of technology, including a more engaging test design and a wider range of item types;

• an extended and more flexible test window, allowing schools greater opportunity to schedule the tests at times that suit them best and increasing student participation.

All eligible students are expected to participate in the NAPLAN tests. Catch up tests will be available for individual students who are absent on test days up to and including Monday 25 March 2024.

Support can be arranged for students with disabilities if the student regularly uses similar support for classroom assessment tasks.

Exemptions may be granted to students with significant intellectual disabilities and to students who have been learning English for less than one year. 

If your child is eligible for support due to disability or exemption, you should discuss this with their teacher prior to the tests. Parental consent is required before any support due to disability or exemption is granted.

Students may be withdrawn from NAPLAN by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by parents and carers in consultation with the principal. If, after consultation, you decide to withdraw your child, you must sign a student withdrawal form. These forms are available at the school.

For more information about the tests, please visit the VCAA website at: www.vcaa.vic.edu.au or the NAP website at: www.nap.edu.au

Our Parents & Friends invite non school age siblings to join in the fun at our Colour Run. A gold coin donation is greatly appreciated per sibling, please register your interest by filling in the attached form.

A significant number of parents indicated that they would like a Parent/Child workshop, therefore we have decided to hold one on 13th March at St. Ita’s Hall at 7pm. This workshop is not compulsory. Parents, you are your child’s primary educator, we are providing this workshop as an extra support.  At this workshop there will be time for faith sharing with your child, with the option to then share in a wider group, an activity to further assist your child for their first reconciliation, and time spent in the church, familiarising families with the ceremony and a mock reconciliation.

If you have any concerns, or need more information please contact Liz Schellekens.

Email: Warragul.sacraments@cdsale.org.au

Ph: 0497 278 540

School Leaders, C.H.A.T Leaders, Mini Vinnies Leaders and any staff wanting to participate will take part in Clean Up Australia Day within our school grounds. 

The “Vibe”

“The Castle” is probably Australia’s favourite movie. Who can forget Dennis Denuto’s “the vibe”? We all know what he meant, the underlying good intention of the law; but try that against a bunch of sophisticated, hair-splitting lawyers! 

The Ten Commandments, which God famously hands to Moses on Mount Sinai (Ex 20:1-17) are the ideals as God intended his people to live. The first four are about relationship with God and the rest relationship with each other. Simple laws; tough, fair and straightforward. Until religious elite get tinkering with them!

God centers his laws in his scheme of Creation, his love for his children and his desire for them to live well with him and each other. Of course, as God anticipates, the Israelites don’t get it. (Deut 5:28–29) Caught up on their own interpretation of legal technicalities rather than “the vibe” of God’s intentions, they abuse his commandments for division, exclusion and privilege. It seems God’s law cannot prevail without God’s divine intervention. Thus, the incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Good News of the gospel.

But Jesus has not come to do away with the Ten Commandments. He tells us that (Mt 5:18), “…until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter will pass from the law ..” Unlike the scribes and Pharisees though, he champions the “vibe” of the commandments rather than the letter. 

He views with compassion the woman caught in adultery, the marginalized, the poor and those in need on the Sabbath and he makes short shrift of the defilers of the temple in today’s gospel (Jn 2:13-25). 

People sometimes quote the Ten Commandments as though they are the last word but for Christians they are not the last word. Jesus is the last word and he kept “the vibe” of the Ten Commandments perfectly throughout His life. We should see the law through His eyes.

Deacon Mark Kelly