Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Just a reminder that the Parents and Friends committee are holding their Annual General meeting on Wednesday 23rd March at 5pm in the staffroom. So come and make yourself a cuppa and join us.  You will be warmly welcomed and will meet some terrific parents. After the past two years it will be lovely to have the opportunity for social activities with the school community as well as fundraise for the school. Previous years fundraising have supported the building on the new 3/4 playground, the Foundation landscaping and sandpit as well as bought technology for the school. 

TRAFFIC SAFETY AROUND THE SCHOOL

The start and end of the school day are busy times on the roads around the school. The reduction in the speed limit to 40 kmh is helping but we still all need to be mindful that the children are still learning how to navigate crossing roads safely and need the adults to be alert and obeying the road rules at all times. 

The best way for children to learn to be safe on the roads is under your guidance, in real traffic, in everyday situations. Until children are about 10 or 11 years of age they do not have the necessary skills and physical abilities to be safe on their own so providing supervised practice is important. Some points to consider:

Supervision: Children need to have their hand held in any traffic situation until they are at least 9 years.  It is also recommended that children are both dropped off and collected within the school boundaries, rather than you waiting in the car for them to meet you. 

Stop, Look, Listen, Think (SLLT) procedure: 

• Hold an adult’s hand (for younger children).
• Choose a safe place to cross – where you have a good clear view of traffic in all directions and where drivers can see you
• STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath
• LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic
• LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions
• THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped
• Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.

School Pedestrian Crossings: To promote a safe environment for all – parents and children are requested to use the School Pedestrian Crossings or the Intersection Traffic Islands as these are the safest places to cross the road.

Parking Restrictions: Please obey all parking restrictions (no double parking or parking in driveways) and note that there are No Parking areas in Kay Street. With the increased volume of traffic that your young child will experience, it is important that children are picked up from a pre-determined position, rather than finding a different position every day.

Parked Cars: Teach your child the dangers – i.e. reversing cars, moving cars, people looking for a spot to park and not concentrating on the presence of young children.  It is much safer to use the pedestrian exit points of the school.

HARMONY WEEK

This week (21st Monday - 27th Sunday) is Harmony Week, which celebrates Australian multiculturalism and our amazing diversity.

Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians,regardless of cultural or linguistic background. We are so lucky to have so many rich cultures within our school community. 

Make time to unite with Pope Francis in prayer

Catholics around the world are being encouraged to join their prayers with those of Pope Francis on March 25 when he consecrates Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

The act of consecration places the warring countries under the protection of Mary, the Mother of Christ, trusting in the power of her intercession. Such an act looks towards God, the source of all peace, and seeks God’s peace through Mary.

“Acting as the Universal Pastor of the Church, Pope Francis will renew the consecration urged at Fatima more than 100 years ago,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said. “The bishops of Australia are united with the Holy Father as he leads the faithful around the world in this act of consecration and we invite all people to join us in praying for peace in Ukraine.”

Pope Francis will perform the act of consecration in Rome at 5pm, which will be the middle of the night in Australia.

“We urge people to spend part of their day on March 25 in prayer – attending Mass, praying with family or friends, in silent prayer at a local parish or chapel or in whatever way you can,” Archbishop Coleridge said.

Archbishop Coleridge said the feast of the Annunciation, when the Church celebrates Mary’s “yes” to the call of God, is a good day for the consecration, a day when the world says “yes” to the call of peace.

“Next Friday we stop and turn to Jesus the Prince of Peace, who tells us that peace is possible in a world so badly wounded by war in Ukraine and elsewhere,” he said.

“Thousands have died, millions have fled and millions more are living in fear. We raise our hearts, our minds and our voices to God for an end to this horrific violence and destruction.”

The Australian Catholic Bishops Conference recently issued a prayer for peace in Ukraine.

Kind regards,

Jodie