"Love must be completely sincere.  Hate what is evil, hold on to what is good.  Love one another warmly as Christian brothers and sisters, and be eager to show respect for one another.  Serve the Lord with a heart full of devotion.  Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.  Share your belongings with needy Christians and open your homes to strangers. " (Rom 12: 8-13)

Dear Friends,

As we have spent much time over the last few months reflecting on our school Mission and Vision, particularly in preparation for our Registration panel visit next Monday, I thought I would begin our newsletter this week on a Gospel reading about love.  At Holy Trinity we endeavour to empower our students to live a good life in which they use their individual strengths and virtues to find and have abundant grace in their lives. We want them to learn with passion and curiosity. This belief is enacted through our shared values which nourish and support our school vision, culture and identity. The words of Faith, Hope and Love encapsulate what is important and the essence of our identity as a Catholic school. An explicit example of this LOVE is with our Christian Outreach Projects throughout the year , and in particular, our Global school partners project with Evaland Hekima in Kenya.  Kristy Everding and I were extremely privileged and blessed to have shared this act of love with our community in Kenya and with many other schools associated with Global School Partners.  I sincerely thank you on behalf of all of us at Holy Trinity for your generosity in enabling the school to show such immense love and care for a community desperately in need.

It is also with great pleasure that I warmly welcome to our Holy Trinity community some new families-  Sarah and Sam Brewer, Charita Modugu, Liam Pearson and Martin, Morgan and Max Keogh.  We also welcome back  for the remainder of the year Amelia Baker in Year 6. After a busy time last term interviewing new enrolments, we are now also gathering acceptances from parents re 2019 and we will have another 2 Kindergartens beginning in February which will be wonderful. 

This term has begun well with many classes participating in excursions to engage their learning with the new units of inquiry. We also look forward to sharing our School and Parish Feast day tomorrow at St Peter and Paul's with their community, and I thank all staff, especially Brigitta and Kristy, who have spent much time organising this important occasion for our two Parish school communities.

The Annual Improvement surveys are currently being constructed again and will be emailed to all staff, families and some students from Year 3-6 around August the 20th.  I encourage all parents to take part in this survey as the data collected helps in planning short and long term strategies for our school.  With the help of the School Board, we also hope to run another Annual Parent Forum in early Term 4, which again, enables parents to have input into the future planning of our school.

This term sees many events for our community to be involved in including First Holy Communion, the walkathon, Book Week, Grandparents Day, the famous school revue, BYOD Information night and the second PYP night, focussing on numeracy.  All of these events are on our school calendar which you can access via our school website or on our App. Fete preparation is also well underway this term, and I thank families who have already begun contributing items for this.

With every best wish for a holy and peace-filled week ahead with your beautiful families,

Philippa

Thank you to Kinder for helping us start Week 2 off with their thoughtful Prayer Assembly about courage on Monday afternoon. 

Tomorrow we will celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration with Sts Peter and Paul Primary. We will come together to celebrate when Jesus and his friends went up to a high mountain which became a special place, a holy place, where they experienced the presence of God. We warmly invite everyone to Mass at 12pm, Sts Peter and Paul. 

Next Tuesday 5/6 White will lead our community in a Prayer Assembly to celebrate the feast of Saint Mary Mackillop. Saint Mary Mackillop was a young women with a dream to make a difference in our world. Her dream encompassed opening simple schools where there was no class distinction, offering refuge to those neglected, and bringing practical help to families. She was a passionate women whose youthful spirit touched the ‘heart and soul’ of the Australian people. She embodied all that is best in our nation and its people. Mary Mackillop’s motto for life is “Never see a need without doing something about it”. 

Next week

Tuesday 7th August: Mary Mackillop Prayer Assembly led by 5/6 White @ Holy Trinity, 2:30pm 

Wednesday 8th August: First Eucharist Leader and Parent Information Night. 6pm @ church (leaders), 6.30pm @ Parish Centre (parents) 

Important Term Dates

Wednesday 15th August: Feast of the Assumption Mass @ Holy Trinity, 9.30am.

Saturday 25th August: First Eucharist Presentation and Parish Mass, 6pm

Thursday 13th September: First Eucharist Retreat day @ Holy Trinity

Saturday 15th September: First Eucharist Mass @ Holy Trinity, 6pm

First Reconciliation Registration commences: Week 10, Monday 24th September.

Walkathon 2018 – Friday 17 August

On Tuesday afternoon we launched the Holy Trinity 2018 Walkathon. This year our walkathon is specifically targeted at raising money for Robotics. Beck Casey and Harry O demonstrated some of the amazing skills, lessons and fun that Robotics is and how it intergrates across the Curriculum through our Inquiry based learning.  All the children were enthralled and buzz started. They may come home over the next few weeks humming to “This is the greatest Show”… Or walking like robots…

This year we would like to encourage parents and carers to help us out and “Keep the Cash” and make a deposit through QKR. This speeds up our process and means that our Parent Volunteers don’t have to worry about collecting and depositing large amounts of cash, it also automates record keeping so our fabulous prizes are all worked out quickly!  Sponsorship Form should have come home in schoolbags yesterday – please keep an eye out for them.

As always, these big events rely on the wonderful parent and carer volunteer community. Please consider coming along and enjoying a few hours outdoors with the kids – we need First Aiders, Safety Monitors and plenty of enthusiasm!  

Please click here for the Roster. 

ELC Community Consultation Group 

The ELC is establishing a Community Consultation group of parents who would be invested in helping shape Centre decisions, assist in the ELC self-assessment and provide input into our continual quality improvement. It is open for all parents/carers of ELC children or Primary aged children who are in the BSC or ASC programs. The meeting, with wine and cheese, will be held on Wednesday 29 August 7-8.30pm.

Excursion to National Zoo 

The Black Cockatoo will attend an excursion to the National Zoo and Aquarium on Tuesday 14 August. The Ground Parrots and Rock Wallaby's will attend on Thursday 16 August. This excursion will be the provocation in the current Unit of Inquiry Living Things have Certain Requirements to Grow and Stay Healthy.

Stay and Play 

Every Wednesday morning from 9am-10am in the ELC Playground during school term. Pre-preschoolers and their parents, grandparents and carers all very welcome.

Wow!! What an amazing start to the Term for our ICT at Holy Trinity!

A massive thank you to our P and F and School Board for providing funding to increase our robotic resources further equipping our students with 21^st century skills. We are also very excited about the fundraising efforts from the Walkathon next week.

Over the last two years, some of our students have been learning how to code, understand the language of computer programming and engineering. These skills have helped the students understand its use in communicating, collaborating and problem solving. We believe that this is an essential skill for their future.

Vex Robot Training @ Daramalan College, Dickson

Last term we were invited to join Juliette Major (St. Clare’s College ICT Coordinator and Sam’s mum) and other schools to learn how to engineer and program VEX robots. I took a small team of students which included Harry O, Sofia W, Georgia F, Emily B and Mackennah G. They learned many different engineering tips and also how to program their robot to be autonomous. It was a fantastic day.

Next Friday, I will be taking four Year 6 students to their first official VEX robotics competition at St. Clare’s College. We will be competing against high school robotic teams with our HT Robot (named Luna).  We will let you know how we go! If you are interested in learning more about the 2018 Vex Robotics comp, please click on this link https://youtu.be/IJML1_JNCLI Next year we will be entering a 3/4 Team and a 5/6 Team thanks to the school community raising money to buy more robots.

SAVE THE DATE

ICT Parent Evening

Thursday 27th September @ 7:00pm in the library.

Topics include BYOD, security, coding, robotics and how ICT is integrated into the curriculum.

All parents welcome.

Catholic Primary Schools Netball Carnival

St Monica’s is delighted to host the 2018 Catholic Primary Schools Netball Carnival.

Venue: Tuggeranong Netball Association Courts, Were Street Calwell ACT 2905

Date:     Saturday 20 October 2018

Registration Fees

A fee of $30 per competitor is required to enter the carnival. The registration fee includes a food voucher (a sausage sandwich, a fruit drink, a piece of fruit and a bag of chips) per competitor. If your child has any dietary requirements, please ensure you let the school know on the registration form for catering purposes. Competitors will also receive information to assist them and their team in participating for the day. Payment can be made via QKR or to the front office.

Permission forms have been sent out via Schoolzine.

Bike Program

Permission forms for 5/6 students have been sent out via Schoolzine and are due back by Friday 3rd August, end of Week 2. Bike program will commence on Wednesday 8^th August. Students in 5/6 are encouraged to bring in their own bikes to use during their lessons. Yrs 3/4 will commence their bike program in Term 4.

Dance

This term all students are participating in Dance lessons provided by the talented Jan Simpson. Weeks 1-5 Kinder, Yr 2 and Yrs 5/6. Weeks 6-10 Yr 1 and Yrs 3/4. ELC will have their lessons all term. Lessons in week 2, 4, 6 and 8 will be on Tuesdays and week 3, 5, 7, 9 and 10 lessons will be on Fridays. Communication will be sent out throughout the term to remind students when their dance lesson occurs to ensure they wear their sports uniform.

Let consequences do the talking

by Michael Grose

Behavioural consequences are a parent’s best friends. When consistently applied, behavioural consequences will improve kids’ behaviour and increase personal responsibility.

Too often parents will over talk or repeat themselves to get cooperation from their kids. Too much talk and most kids tune out.

Alternatively, parents who protect their kids from the consequences of poor or selfish behaviour aren’t doing them any favours as they are robbing them of terrific learning opportunities.

I love the notion of behavioural consequences as they teach kids to take responsibility for their lives and to make smarter choices. They are also a non-punitive discipline measure, enabling kids to keep their dignity and ensuring that learning is maximised.

Parents can use two types of behavioural consequences: natural and logical.

Natural consequences

A natural consequence involves no adult interference. For instance, a child who leaves an excursion note at home will miss the excursion; a child who spends all his pocket money on the first day will have nothing for the weekend and a child who oversleeps and misses the bus walks to school. In these examples, children learn from the direct consequences of their own decisions and thus they are not protected from negative outcomes by their parents.

“It’s your fault, mum!”

Some kids are experts at manipulating their parents to rescue them from experiencing the consequences of their poor choices. They’ll blame their parents for not getting them out of bed on time, or for not reminding them about their responsibilities. It’s best to stand back and let the consequences work their magic!

NOTE: you shouldn’t use natural consequences when safety is an issue. Act decisively to ensure your child is safe.

Logical consequences

A logical consequence is used more frequently in family situations as it is the type of consequence that requires some form of adult intervention. A logical consequence is used when a child’s behaviour disturbs other people, infringes on others’ rights or is unsafe. A child who makes a noise in the family room is asked to leave; children who refuse to clean up their toys lose them for a period of time; a child who comes home late from a friend’s house loses the right to go out next time.

The 3 Rs of logical consequences
Consequences often involve the withdrawal of a privilege or a right. For example, a teenager who spends more time than agreed on Facebook may lose access to technology for a day or two.

Restitution, or making up to someone for unfair treatment or for loss of a possession, is another form of consequence. A child who wilfully breaks his sister’s toy may make full or part payment for a replacement. In both these examples the consequences are related to the child’s misdemeanours, are reasonableand are respectful of their dignity.

Here are four simple tips to help make sure your consequences are effective:

Tip 1: Set consequences “like whatever?”
Much of your success with the use of consequences lies in the manner with which they are issued. Issue a consequence using sarcasm or anger and your kids will be angry at you. Issue it free from emotion and without being heavy handed and your kids are more likely to be mad at themselves.

Tip 2: When possible, negotiate consequences
If a child is going to friend’s house for the first time at night, talk about their behaviour and home time. Also discuss the likely consequences if they don’t stick to the agreement. As a rule, kids are more likely to abide by consequences when they’ve had a say in deciding them.

Tip 3: Avoid life sentences
Ban a child from a going out for a few days rather than leaving the duration open ended. Set a time frame for the consequences and remember the second of the 3 Rs – reasonable – means that parents shouldn’t go overboard with consequences.

Tip 4: Don’t acquiesce to terrorism … or guilt
If your child issues a threat saying something like, “There’s no way you can make me come home at six o’clock,” don’t rise to the bait. Deflect it by saying, “We’ll talk about this tomorrow.” Don’t give in to threats of running away or non-cooperation. “I hope you don’t run away. It’s great having you at home. I want what is best for you.” Avoid stating what you would love to say, which may be something like, “Yeah, try running away. You wouldn’t last outside two days before you are back here begging for a good feed and comfortable bed!” Bite your tongue instead, and let the consequences do the teaching!

Kids in the early stages of adolescence draw strength from each other and rarely make parental challenges individually, or at least not without some back-up. “Everyone else is going…” “Bonnie’s mum is letting her go…” are the catchcries for this age group as they battle to get into the headspace of their parents. That’s why they gang up on parents. Not only is it more effective but working together gives them false bravado.

You can attend our upcoming webinar, Win kids’ cooperation without fears, tears and cauliflower ears, at no cost!

As your school is a Parenting Ideas Schools member, you can attend our upcoming webinar Win kids’ cooperation without fears, tears and cauliflower ears with Michael Grose at no cost! Use the voucher code below to register for the webinar valued at $37 per person.

About the webinar
Let’s face it, many discipline measures of the past just don’t cut it anymore. That doesn’t mean that raising respectful, well-behaved and cooperative kids isn’t important. In this era of digital distraction, shifting society norms and changing attitudes toward authority, discipline has just become a whole lot harder. In this webinar, experienced parenting educator Michael Grose will share the best of his tried and true techniques to help you get more cooperation and better behaviour from even the most challenging kids.

In this webinar you’ll learn:

• the parenting style that’s best suited to raising cooperative, well-behaved and successful kids in the 21st Century
• the most important question to ask yourself when kids repeatedly misbehave, that will lead to behavioural improvement
• an easy-to-apply approach to help you get more cooperation from kids without repeating yourself, raising your voice or bringing kids to tears
• a practical definition of misbehaviour that you can use in any situation
• two types of consequences to use to get more responsible behaviour and the secret to making them stick
• when kids need to be listened to and when their behaviour needs managing.

When
Tuesday 14 August 2018 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM AEST
Catch up available: If you can’t make the scheduled webinar time, you don’t have to miss out — simply register for it and a recording will be made available for you to catch up anytime. This recording will be available to everyone who registers, which also means those who attend can listen to it more than once.

Price
This webinar is $37 per person to attend, and is free of charge to families at schools that have a Parenting Ideas membership.

How to use the voucher
1. Go to www.parentingideas.com.au/product/win-kids-cooperation-without-fears-tears-cauliflower-ears/
2. Click ‘Add to cart’ and proceed to the cart when you are ready.
3. Enter the coupon code and click ‘Apply’. Your discount of $37 will be applied to the order.

Source: Parentingideas.com.au

The beginning of August means it is time to resume wearing hats during outdoor play. From next week all children from the ELC through to Year 6 will be required to have and wear a hat when outside.

Fete Update!

ENTERTAINMENT

Would you like to perform at the Holy Trinity Fete? If you have an act or performance, please sign up to a timeslot that suits you. If you have a short 5 minute act, please band together with other performers or let us know so that we can group short acts together. If you would like a longer timeslot, simply sign up for two in a row. Thankyou! We look forward to seeing your wonderful talents! Contact Christie for more information: christie.hartfiel@gmail.com

Signing up is easy…just follow the link… https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090848afa62fa5ff2-fete

GARDEN STALL

Acacia hadn’t noticed it is time to start thinking about this years garden stall. If you pine for something to make your garden look great then maple we can help you out. This years garden stall will be selling a range of succulent arrangement jars, seedlings for the spring veggie patch and a variety of different species of plants that will put a smile on the face of any Mum, dad, orchid and spruce up any Canberra garden.

We would love to hear from anyone willing to donate some potted plants to put some money in the banksia for the school and our kids. Alternatively, if you’re wondering ‘wattle I do to help’, it would be great to have some volunteers to assist in making the succulent arrangements.

Please contact Lucy Mossop (lucymossop@gmail.com) if you are able to donate anything to the garden stall.

 **REMINDER NEXT WEEK IS 2ND HAND CLOTHES, BOOKS, DVDS, ACCESSORIES

It is that time of year...time to Spring Clean! For a good cause...

We want your good quality, clean, second hand clothes, accessories, books, dvd’s and puzzles for the second hand stall at the Fete. A great excuse to declutter and donate those items that are no longer needed but someone else may love! Please drop your donations for the second hand clothes/book stall into the school hall.

(Clothes, accessories, books, dvd’s and puzzles only please).

 ART AND CRAFT EVENING - PARENTS SESSION

Calling all parents with an interest in craft! No experience necessary – just enthusiasm!

Our first craft session will be held next Thursday 9^th August, 7.30-9pm in the school library. We promise the craft is easy and fun to do.

(Follow up sessions will be held on Thursday 23^rd August and Thursday 13^th September: 7.30-9pm)

If you can join us, please RSVP to Jo Hamilton (johamilton2007@gmail.com)

WE NEED MARQUEES!

HELP!!! We need marquees. Marquees are very expensive to hire and we need several for fete day. If you have a marquee (any size or shape!) that you can lend us for Saturday 3^rd November please contact Lisa: lisajbauer40@gmail.com

THANK YOU HOLY TRINITY COMMUNITY FOR ALL YOUR ASSISTANCE AND DONATIONS

TERM 3, WEEK 3 - WED 8 AUG

Team Leader: Justine Irvine, Jason Van Ballegooyen, Nick Williams, Loretta Pabian, Tim Graham