29 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents / Guardians

At St Cuthbert’s we take the teaching of Literacy very seriously for a number of reasons:

1. Literacy is among the major antidotes for poverty.
2. Literacy makes your life better.
3. Literate people have more choices in their work and personal lives, leading to greater freedom.
4. Literacy soon becomes the currency of other learning.

One of the key components of being literate is having the ability to read and comprehend the written word. With “Book Week” fresh in our minds I have included the following article highlighting the importance of early and frequent reading practice.

Parents and caregivers have an important role to play in children’s literacy development both before and after they start school. The foundations of literacy – phonological awareness, vocabulary and oral language – begin to develop in the early years of life, before children begin formal reading instruction at school.

A child’s experiences and home environment during their early years of life have a strong and measurable effect on their literacy skills before they reach the classroom.

Many studies indicate that children’s emergent literacy skills significantly predict reading test scores in later years, reinforcing the importance of home environments on early literacy development and reading achievement.

Engaging children in play-based literacy activities encourages the development of phonological awareness, vocabulary and oral language, as well as other knowledge essential for learning to read.

For example, by playing word games, using rhymes to explore the sound structure of the English language, and teaching them about the alphabet, letter-sounds and print concepts through directed, play-based activities.
Parents can also enhance their children’s vocabulary and oral language through informal activities, such as providing access to books and educational toys, reading books together, and trips to the library or museums.

One of the most effective things parents can do is TALKING with children, listening, and answering their questions.

Once children start school, parents continue to foster reading development by maintaining shared reading activities, ensuring children have reading material at the appropriate levels and following their progress.

Five from Five

Children’s Book Week

There is always great excitement at school during “Book Week” with this year being no exception. Thank you to all of our students and staff for getting into the spirit of “Book Week”, by getting dressed up and joining in the fun and in the process promoting and celebrating the joy of reading! Thank you also to our parents and guardians for your support in enabling all of our children to participate in this event.

Father Peter

Our long serving Parish Priest, Father Peter O’Loughlan has announced he will be retiring from the Bellerive / Lindisfarne Parish at the end of January 2019. Father Peter has made an outstanding contribution to our Parish and to our school community for the past 20 years. We will have an opportunity to formally thank and farewell Father Peter over the course of the remainder of the year.

An announcement regarding the replacement of Father Peter will be made in the near future.

Parents and Friends Father’s Day Stall

The Parents & Friends will be running their annual Father’s Day Stall this Thursday. Students are asked to bring $5 to spend. If you do not wish for your child to purchase anything at the stall, please let us know before Thursday.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day - Save the Date

As part of our 80th Birthday celebration we will be celebrating Grandparent’s Day On Wednesday, October 24. Details of the day are to follow.

Parking / Drop Off-Pick Up

We have had a serious issue with people parking incorrectly in Moirunna Road. Driveways and No Standing Zones must be kept clear at all times. Access needs to be maintained for students with disabilities. Drivers risk receiving an infringement notice if they continue to park illegally.

At the end of last week, you may have noticed the police presence at Drop Off and Pick-up time. The major concern from the police is that traffic continues to flow along Corinna Road at these times. To assist with this, parents and guardians are asked to only pull into the drop-off / pick-up area if there is sufficient room. If this is not the case, we ask that you continue along Corinna Road and around the block.

School Grievance Policy

From time to time, parents, students and staff may have an issue or complaint that requires investigation and resolution. To outline the process please access the School Grievance Policy on the Tasmanian Catholic Education Office Website at:

St Cuthbert’s Catholic School Facebook

A reminder that the St Cuthbert’s Catholic School Facebook page is regularly updated with celebrations of student learning and reminders of upcoming events.

Pupil Free Day 2018

Please note as per previous years the day after Show Day, Friday October 26 will remain a student free day.

Marcus Donnelly
PRINCIPAL
St Cuthbert’s Catholic School

Principal Awards

PBS News

All the students receiving Wristbands for managing to achieve 3 Principal’s awards – amazing efforts!

Our New PBS Signs

Rom Fabrizio
Teacher / Wellbeing Coordinator
romeo.fabrizio@catholic.tas.edu.au

Penguins for Antarctic Festival

Last term students in Grade Two creatively painted plywood penguins to be placed in “rookeries” which were on display at the Australian Antarctic Festival. Students loved using their imaginations with painting and decorating the penguins and they looked fabulous. Thank you to our P & F for providing the money to purchase the penguin templates and to Louise Wright for delivering them to the festival site.

Fundraising for Lombok Earthquake Appeal

A big thank you to our school community for generously donating money to the Lombok earthquake appeal. We raised over $500, which has been sent to Caritas.

Lachlan Marsh/Loretta Osborn

Mass Times

Uniform Shop

TERM 3:
Tuesday 8.45-9.30am

WWVP Card Update

A number of WWVP Cards expire in 2018. Could those who have cards registered at the Office, please update them asap if they have expired. Thank you.

Important Dates