Week 7 Term 3

Dear Families,

We were very lucky today, as students and teachers from Years 1, 2 & 5 got to celebrate Mass together with special thoughts of our dads in mind, leading up to Father's Day.

We thank Fr Michael and our wonderful students for making it such a beautiful Mass. 

We wish a very Happy Fathers' Day to all fathers, grandfathers and those who have a fatherly role in the lives of others this Sunday.

We hope you have an amazing day with lots of love, cuddles and wonderful surprises from your very grateful children.

Parent Forum:

We would like to have a Parent Forum Zoom in the next 2 weeks. At this stage, we are looking at Monday 14 September 2020 (Week 9). A google form is being sent to all parents to nominate a preferred time for the zoom if you are considering participating.

SRC Fundraiser

The Student Representative Council met this week and have nominated Friday 25th September (the last day of the term) as their fundraiser day.  Farrah Carpenter and Bradley Felsch, the SRC Presidents asked that the following information be forwarded to parents: 

• The students are able to wear appropriate casual clothes on the day.
• Students are asked to bring a gold coin donation.
• The free time will happen between lunch and recess.
• The activities will include a movie and outside game time.
• The money will be donated to a cause decided by the students. 

COVID 19 Practices Term 3 

• Staff and students exhibiting even mild COVID-19 symptoms are to be sent home and required to produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test before returning to school. 
• Non-essential adults are not be permitted to enter the school grounds. We ask that no parents enter the school past the front office. All inquiries to the front office, please. 
• Pick up and drop off will continue out the front of the school. 
• We have resumed our Canteen and will continue to offer this if we are able to get parent volunteers to assist.  The Parent helpers will be advised of the mandatory hygiene practices at the front office. PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE ON 66822468 IF YOU ARE ABLE TO GO ON TO THE CANTEEN ROSTER FOR TERM 3.  
• It is paramount in these times, in particular,  that any child who is unwell is kept at home. We appreciate your understanding and consideration for the safety of the other students and the staff.
• Our bubblers will still not to be used and therefore the children require a water bottle.
• Our stringent hygiene practices for our new normal continue with: the washing of hands regularly; sanitiser after eating, no food or drinks to be shared; coughing and sneezing into elbows, tissues discarded immediately, cleaning of the desks between lunch and recess breaks and extra cleaning of the school by our cleaners.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Sunday Gospel Reading: 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Matthew 18:15-20

Jesus teaches his disciples how to settle disputes.

In this Sunday's Gospel, we read about Jesus telling his disciples what they should do when there is conflict within a family or their community. Jesus stressed the need to listen carefully to others,  and respond with empathy. It is in his teaching that the message of hope is found.  Jesus is present with the community and will guide the community in its relations, and if decisions are taken in prayer, then the community can continue to live with love and respect.

R U OK DAY 2020 -

#Lismmeditates Project

On Thursday 10th September our school will acknowledge the RUOK Day, a national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you ok?” and support those struggling with life and its ups and downs. R U OK Day provides the perfect opportunity for us to reflect on the stigma of mental health and through Christian Meditation, pray for those whose lives are touched by Mental Health.

Bishop Greg has encouraged the practice of Christian Meditation in Catholic schools within the Lismore Diocese. Meditation in the Christian tradition is often called the prayer of the heart. Students of all ages embrace this form of prayer, it is the teaching of stillness and silence within each person. There are many benefits to Christian meditation. It’s a wonderful way to renew your mind, quiet your soul and be refreshed and inspired by the presence of God.

The #Lismmeditates project has been crafted to raise awareness towards mental health not only in our school but within the wider diocese. We want this to be a powerful symbol of solidarity - a unified demonstration of support for all people affected by Mental Health.

Father Michael has updated the St Joseph's Coraki Parish Website and Parish Bulletin. You are now able to access this and other important Parish information by clicking on the link below.

Helping Your Child Navigate Tricky Friendships

If you’ve ever had a look at Michael Grose’s Parenting Ideas website, you’ll know it is full of wonderful information. I was reading an article from the blog titled ‘Helping Your Child Navigate Tricky Friendships’ which was written by Sharon Witt. I’ve included an excerpt from it that I thought was interesting. If you’d like to read the whole article, I’ve included the link.

Hurt Feelings

Feelings will often be hurt during our friendships- that is the nature of living in relationship and part of a community. However, it is how we deal with hurt feelings – that is most important. When your child experiences hurt feelings, try and use this as a teachable moment!

Recently my daughter came home from school feeling down. A girl in her class had distributed her birthday party invitations in front of a gathered group of friends – however, she did not invite my daughter.

My daughter was clearly stunned as she relayed the story to me.

‘Why would someone DO THAT?!’ she questioned. ‘It is just SO mean!’

It became a great teachable moment for her. We talked about how this girl must be feeling about herself and her position amongst the girls if she has to be noticeable, in front of everyone, NOT invite a well-liked, popular girl in the group. It was all about this girl’s feelings of power or lack of. I talked to my daughter about how she was feeling at that moment and explained to her that there will always be people who deliberately (in this case) or accidentally hurt our feelings. What my daughter could learn from this is how NOT to treat others – whether they are your closest friend or just a part of your social group at school. Be mindful of others feelings.

When it came time for my daughter to plan her own birthday party, and she had a limited number of guests allowed, she made it a point to hand out her invitations in private and at a time that would not cause upset to others.

We cannot possibly protect our children from having their feelings hurt or having to deal with difficult people – but we can teach them how to respond and learn valuable life skills about navigating tricky friendships.

Congratulations

CANTEEN ROSTER

Could you please give Gayl a call on 66822468 if you

are able to help out in the canteen during Term 3.

THANK YOU LADIES!