Term 3 Week 9 6 September 2011

Dear Parents and Caregivers How many times have you heard someone say something like, ‘No I didn’t tell anyone, I’m not a dobber.’ I know I hear students referring to ‘dobbing’ quite regularly and I like to use these occasions to discuss a few issues around the idea of telling someone in authority about the actions of another. Firstly, not all ‘telling’ is equal and not all motives for telling are well-intentioned. In fact, some young ones, if not re-educated, can spend a lot of time telling tales of ‘wrong-doing’ by classmates and siblings. They fall into this habit for a variety of reasons, such as, they have been universally rewarded with adult praise or attention, they want to promote their position above that of others or they see it as an opportunity to get back at someone. Of course, this is not desirable behaviour and sometimes the reaction to it is so strong, that the very opposite is taught, ‘Go away. I don’t want to hear your stories. No-one likes someone who’s always telling tales.’ But, as in most things, the more productive option lies in discernment of circumstances and potential consequences before speaking up or remaining silent. Examining one’s motive for speaking up is also very helpful in the application of wise decision-making. Children need to understand that there is a world of difference between ‘telling on someone’ over some inconsequential matter that has no affect on anyone or anything and speaking up when this is in the best interests of the people involved or the community as a whole. So, when to teach children to speak up? Children should learn that when wellbeing or safety is at risk then the responsible and caring thing to do is to speak to the person involved and if they do not listen, then get help from an adult, if necessary, in order to avert harm. There is no honour in silence under these conditions. It is also possible that doing nothing implicates the person in the act itself or in the perpetuation of the act. Responsibility also dictates that a person speaks up when they have information about anti-social behaviour against individuals, property or the wider community group.

The longer people are able to practise negative, anti-social behaviours, the greater the likelihood of their continuation and expansion into adulthood. Silence in the early days does not honour the person and their learning, nor does it demonstrate care for that person or others who are affected. It is in everyone’s best interest that silence is broken; the wrong-doer then gets the opportunity to change his/her ways, the victim gains justice and the community is strengthened. All of which promotes responsible group membership and active citizenship. Of course, it is a difficult thing to do, to address the issue with someone who is contemplating a thoughtless, dangerous, hurtful or criminal act. Under certain circumstances, it may even be unwise and dangerous of itself, in which case, the sensible course is to inform an adult or someone in a position to respond appropriately. There will be no shortage of opportunities, however, in the course of growing up, for young people to have a caring, courageous word with a friend who is in need of wise counsel, rather than to be a friend who tags along for the ride or who remains silent for fear of appearing ‘uncool’. Have a great week everyone. ������������������������

APRE Review Survey Griffith University has now emailed details of Judith’s review survey to a random sampling of parents. If you are one of the sample group, we invite and encourage you to complete the online survey before the closing date, close of business on Wednesday 14 September. If you have not received a survey and would like to take part, email Glenda at gmorgan@bne.catholic.edu.au and participation will be organised.

Camp Thank you to staff for a safe and successful Year 6 Camp last week and we wish Year 5 fine weather and a safe and happy camping experience this week.

New Library Furniture Why not call in to the library to see the new furniture that arrived last Friday. There’s still a little work to be done attaching new shelving end panels and some wall display panelling, but stage one is looking good. Thank you to those families who made the tax-deductible, voluntary library donation in Term One. We have been able to make this upgrade due to your generosity. Thank you!

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

As the Virtue of the Fortnight continues to be Responsibility until the end of term, I thought I would share this story I came across – quite shocking really, but one which makes one think twice about relationships, especially with those who need our help. I hope it gifts you, as it did me, with new insights into having the courage to commit to caring relationships with each other.

������������� ������������� ������������� ������������� ����A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco. “Mom and Dad, I’m coming home, but I’ve a favour to ask. I have a friend I’d like to bring home with me. “Sure,” they replied, “we’d love to meet him.”

“There’s something you should know,” the son continued, “he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting. He stepped on a land mind and lost an arm and a leg. He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.” “I’m sorry to hear that, son. Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live.” “No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us.” “Son,” said the father, “you don’t know what you’re asking. Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us. We have our own lives to live, and we can’t let something like this interfere with our lives. I think you should just come home and forget about this guy. He’ll find a way to live on his own.” At that point, the son hung up the phone. The parents heard nothing more from him. A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police. Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told. The police believed it was suicide.

The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son. They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn’t know, their son had only one arm and one leg.

Moral: The parents in this story are like many of us. We find it easy to love those who are good-looking or fun to have around, but we don’t like people who inconvenience us or make us feel uncomfortable. We would rather stay away from people who aren’t as healthy, beautiful, or smart as we are. Thankfully, there’s someone who won’t treat us that way. Someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless of how messed up we are.

Tonight, before you tuck yourself in for the night, say a little prayer that God will give you the strength you need to accept people as they are, and to help us all be more understanding of those who are different from us! (http://www.moralstories.org/a-soldiers-story/)

God bless, ������.

8th September 2011

Samuel Lawson, Charli Grattidge, Mischa McMillan, Angus Scales, Matthew Ford, Olivia Macdonald, Ronan Stuart, Lily McClure,

Carter Mayfield, Angus Rezes, Nicholas Ansell, Carter Michael, Adam Browning, Bianca Peters, William Martin, Miles Caddy, Millie Cruise, Marnie Purssell, Molly Fisher, Riley Kanigowski,

Ashton Portors, Poppy Simpson, Alex Mann, Adain Harris.

Congratulations to the SM Leopards U13 team who won the Churches

Soccer Grand Final. Congratulations also to the U12 SM Roar team who placed

runners-up in their Grand Final. Excellent co-operation between both teams!

Congratulations to Jasmin Elliott (6V) who represented Stella Maris in

the “Schools Challenge: Open Showjumping Competition” held in Nambour on the weekend, which was organised by Matthew Flinders and the Maroochy Pony Club. Jasmin and her horse “Rosie” placed

fourth in the Speed and Power event and fifth in Primary Jumping event. Well done Jasmin!

Thank you to: Jayda Murray, Lucy Verrall, Lucy Carmody, Kayla Thiele,

Greer Ruegg, Madeleine O’Donald

Play Equipment for Hunter Playground At the beginning of the school year, the P&F decided to do-nate this year’s Fair profits to the installation of play equip-ment for the middle/older year levels on Hunter Playground. Three potential designs and quotes have now arrived and these will be discussed, and a decision made, at the next meeting on Tuesday 13 September. The quotes include rubberised soft-fall under the equipment and the designs allow for expansion as further money becomes available in the future.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work as a Zoo Keeper? If you are aged between seven and twelve Australia Zoo is offering this School Holiday Program. Places are limited so call 07 5436 2025 to make a booking. Further details are available on our website http://www.australiazoo.com.au/education/zoo-keeper-for-a-day

THANK YOU A big THANK YOU to all the parents and staff for your support to the Father’s Day Stall. From the Father’s Day Team Leanne, Debbie, Loretta, Ricky, Sarah, David & Anne

Tools for school

Sunshine Coast Libraries offer a large range of databases and resources to aid with homework and assignments for any grade. Whether the student is in Year 2 or University, homework can be daunting to them and their parents. Tools for schools is our new program full of informative sessions to aid everyone in Homework success. There are three different sessions currently available. These are aimed at students from Year 4 through to university. Homework help showcases the tools available to library members and can be of use to parents as well as students. Headspace is aimed at the older student with a view to having them help themselves through maximizing brain retention.

September 7 Year 1 Liturgy in Chapel @ 9.00am September 7-9 Year 5 Camp September 9 Years 6 & 7 Interschool Sport September 13 P &F Meeting in Staffroom @ 6:15pm September 15 Instrumental Soiree 6.00pm in School Hall School Board 6.30pm September 16 Book Week Parade September 16 Last day of Term 3 October 3 First Day of Term 4 - MONDAY October 11 P & F Meeting October 17 Pupil Free Day l

MUSIC NOTES MUSIC COUNT US IN – what a fantastic morning on assembly last Thursday as the whole school joined with

half a million students around Australia to sing “We’ve Got the Music” – check out all the details at www.musiccountusin.org.au.

Strings Ensemble – It was terrific to have so many parents present at the Junior Strings Ensemble Rehearsal last Thursday. Well done strings to these students from year 1, 2 & 3 who are obviously having a lot of fun & progressing well with their new teacher Mrs Salmon. Commitment and Focus – as we head into the last couple of weeks of the term it is important to reiterate to students about their commitment to tuition and ensemble rehearsals. Attendance at lessons and rehearsals is very important to ensure continuity of learning and to ensure good preparation and outcomes. Many students will be involved with performances and examinations over the next term and commitment and focus in addition to hard work is essential. Remember also to be prepared for your lesson each week by having your music books and lesson diary. Adjustments to Instrumental Music Enrolment – all changes to enrolment in instrumental, singing and speech lessons for next term should have been advised to Mr Wynyard in writing by now to avoid additional fees. Please contact Mr Wynyard to discuss further. Term 4 Tuition will commence on Monday 3 October (the first day back next term). Timetables will be emailed to families in the week prior to school starting so please be sure to check your emails and print a copy of the timetable. If your email address has changed please advise by email to StellaMarisMusic@bne.catholic.edu.au. Performance date Claimers: Tuesday 13 September – Drum / Percussion Soiree - 6pm in the Music Room Thursday 15 September – Instrumental Soiree (with Mr Wynyard) – 6pm in the School Hall Thursday 6 October – Choirs in the Community (SM Singers and Stella Fellas) – more info soon! Wednesday 19 October – Queensland Symphony Orchestra Concert (optional for yr4-7 students) – more info coming soon! Wednesday 19 October – Singing Lunchtime Concert (with Ms Bond) – 10.45am in the Music Room Thursday 27 October – STELLABRATION – All ensembles – School Hall Tuesday 1 November – Piano Soiree (with Mrs Wordsworth) – 6pm in the School Hall Wednesday 9 November – Singing Soiree (with Ms Bond) – 6pm in the School Hall Thursday 10 November – Guitar Soiree (with Mr Clarke) – 6pm in the School Hall Monday 14 November – String Soiree (with Mrs Salmon) – 6pm in the School Hall Thursday 17 November – Piano Soiree (with Miss Worthy) – 6pm in the School Hall Music in the Community – Sunday 11 September – Music in the Garden with the Sunshine Coast Concert Band – Maroochy Botanic Gardens from 2pm ($15 entry at the gate in aid of Bloomhill Cancer Help Inc.) Friday 16 September - Baroque Brilliance – Cello Dreaming Concert at Eudlo Hall from 6pm (Pink Note donation at the door) Sunday 18 September – Handel….with Care by the Sunshine Coast Choral at Buderim Memorial Hall from 2.30pm (visit www.suncoastchoral.org.au for tickets)

jalanksey@bne.catholic.edu.au - Classroom Music / Choral Program twynyard@bne.catholic.edu.au - Instrumental Music (including singing, speech, drama)

Wed 07/09 Thurs 08/09 Fri 09/09 Mon 1209 Tues 13/09

A Schofield D Strazzari

H Cruise D Kerridge

H Person M Wyatt

Week Ending September 09 A Corboy, J Ellery, T Di Pietra, M Champron, T Northey, L Wiseman, F Coombes, K Sullivan, R Miller, V Flower, M Austin, T Maas, S Seignior, S Murray, E Peters, S McGahan, K Elder, C Thiele, N Parkinson-Hubbard, K Loe, A Roser,

Stella Maris Soccer Club end of year presentation. Saturday 10th September 9am at the outdoor stage.

Please bring back kit bags and shirts. Many thanks Fiona 0415575318

P& F Meeting September 13 @ 6.15pm in the Staffroom.

All welcome.

Book Week news. Years 1 - 7 students had a great time last week with author/illustrator Peter Carnavas. Next week is our 50 cent 2nd hand book sale in the library. On the last day of term is the dress-up parade at 9am in the hall. All books are to be returned before the holidays. Come and have a look at our new furniture.

������������� �������������������������������