“Find

happiness in making others

happy.” Mary Mackillop -

1867

St Stephen’s Catholic School

Newsletter T E R M 2 , W E E K 7 2 5 M A Y 2 0 1 6

REMINDER:

Under 6’s Day –Friday

27th May

Bookclub orders due 6th

June

School Banking–

Thursdays

Student Protection

Resources for Parents

Legal Aid: For free

legal advice –1300

651 188

Child Safety Services:

You can make a re-

port or voice your

concerns—1300 683

390

Enrolment Applications are now being taken for classes P—6, 2017. Your word of mouth is

a vital ingredient in raising the profile of our success in the community by spreading the

word.

Children born between July 11, 2011 to June 30, 2012 are eligible for Prep 2017.

All enrolment documentation can be collected from the School Reception or simply phone

07 46931627 for a package to be sent home.

Principal’s Message

Thank you to the St Stephen’s School community for their continued support and prayers over the past fortnight.

My husband Mark was diagnosed with bowel cancer in June last year. He un-derwent surgery and no further action was deemed necessary as all the tests came back clear. However, at the end of term one, Mark was sent for further scans and over the Easter holidays the tests confirmed that the cancer had me-tastasized in his liver. Mark is home recovering from major surgery and will shortly commence a course of chemotherapy. We don’t know what the future holds for us however during the past six weeks I have been thankful for my faith. A faith that was fostered and developed during my childhood years both at home and at school. Throughout this difficult time I have found solace in prayer. ‘Trust in God’, one of Mary Mackillop’s inspirational prayers has always been my mantra. The past six weeks have been difficult for my family as we fight this difficult battle however, I ask that you continue your prayers and re-main the hope filled people that bring joy to so many in our community.

God Bless,

Janine

P A G E 2

Thomas Groome: The power of anecdotes

Both Mrs Butlin and I were privileged to attend a day with Dr Thomas Groome on Wednesday 18 May. Dr

Groome is a professor of Theology and Religious Education from Boston College in the United States and

has published a plethora of books and articles that centre on Religious Education. To meet such a legend

was both nerve racking and extremely enlightening.

But like us all, Dr Groome and his wife, who is also a Professor of Theology, face the same challenges many

of us face as parents. The Groomes are the proud parents of an adopted son Teddy who is 15 years of age.

Dr Groome is currently 67 years of age and as you would surmise, became a parent rather late in life. But

for such a learned man, it was his ability to convey his experiences through anecdotes that related to his

son that proved not only insightful, but provided an avenue to reflect of my own experiences as a parent

and navigator of my own faith development. I would like to share with you one of these anecdotes;

As we have done every day since we brought Teddy home as a baby, we say a prayer to welcome each new

day. On this day, Dr Groome together with is 15 year old son Teddy, drove his son to school. On the way Dr

Groome suggested to Teddy that they say their usual prayer. Teddy made it clear that he will not say the

prayer anymore. Quite taken aback, Dr Groome asked for an explanation as to why Teddy did not want to

say the prayer. Teddy replied in a confident manner that he has now become an atheist. Dr Groome reflect-

ed on Teddy’s response throughout the day and agreed that while it was disappointing that Teddy feels

this way, it least we can discuss our faith and beliefs. The following day during their daily pilgrimage to

school, Dr Groome nearly passed out as Teddy, with much enthusiasm and celebration said “let’s say our

prayer together Dad”.

In the words of Dr Groome, “Religion is certainly a challenge”.

Family Mass: The Feast of the Holy Trinity

I would like to acknowledge the many students, staff and parents who attended our second family Mass

for the year. It was wonderful to celebrate the Eucharist as a school and parish community. The theme of

our Mass centred on the Feast of the Holy Trinity. I thought I would enclose a brief explanation of the Holy

Trinity from Sunday’s Mass.

Now that Pentecost Sunday has brought the Easter Festival to a close, we resume our journey through

ordinary time. But today we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity. The mystery of the Trinity can be ap-

proached like walking around a very big puzzle or as an adventure in our faith. The word of God invites us

to see the Holy Trinity as an adventure in our faith. Our symbol that represents the concept of trinity is

Rublev's icon of the Holy Trinity. No image satisfactorily portrays the relationship between Father, Son and

Spirit that preserves their distinct personhood yet expresses their unity. But the very names given to the

persons of the Trinity are themselves powerful images. Father speaks of God as source of all life, as nurtur-

er, as loving protector. The Son is the perfect image of his Father, and the Word through whom all creation

comes into being. The Spirit is the mutual love of Father and Son, communicated to us as a life-giving gift.

From the APRE’s Desk

P A G E 3

Liturgical Celebrations

Please find a summary of our Liturgical Celebrations for the next 4 weeks.

We welcome Mrs Butlin back to school this week and we send our thoughts and prayers to Mark Butlin in the hope of a

speedy recovery. Our prayers also go out to Father Thomas who is currently supporting the Toowoomba Indian Com-

munity as they deal with the tragic loss of two sisters in a recent road accident near Ipswich.

God’s Blessings

Keith Blaikie

Date Day Liturgical Celebration Year Level

25 May 9am Wednesday Mass – St Stephen’s Church Year 3

1 June 9am Wednesday Mass – St Stephen’s Church Year 1

8 June 9am Wednesday Grand Parent’s Day Prayer Celebration with a short- Year 3

15 June 9am Wednesday Mass – St Stephen’s Church Year 5/6 - Prep

24 June 9am Friday End of Term 2 Mass - Church Year 4

Teaching and learning at St Stephen’s - Images taken at 2.55pm on Tuesday 10th May 2016.

Year 4 are tracing Religious Icons. Year 3 are tie-dying their cushions

covers.

Maths rotations are the order of

the day in Year 1.

Watch the chickens hatch in Year 2. Year 6 are completing a research

task based on the Parliament of

Australia.

Mrs Porter is helping Prep students

build a town from a bird’s eye view

using weekly narrative as their stimu-

lus.

Teachers at Hawker Brownlow Conference Hawker Brownlow – Thinking and Learning Conference.

On Saturday 14th May 2016, the teaching staff attended the annual Hawker Brownlow Thinking and Learning Conference.

This is the second year the staff have been fortunate enough to attend the conference. This is part of the STBLC Project

(Student & Teacher Building Learning Communities) which is an initiative of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. The

teachers were able to choose from a wide range of workshops to reflect on their teaching.

Some of the workshops included:

Professional Learning Communities, which focuses on learning success for all.

Makerspace.

Digital Leadership.

One of the sessions that I attended was about establishing a Makerspace in the library. A Makerspace is a hands-on area

where children can design, create and experiment with a variety of materials including building kits, robotics and science

equipment. In the library this week, there were many children enjoying our first Makerspace which was a LEGO construc-

tion area. We will soon be including robotics and coding activities.

Claire Carlaw

“Motivating children to learn through independent inquiry practices is becoming the way of the future . . . ‘if you let them

build it, they will learn’. What a fabulous way forward for our children. Check out the Maker Spaces moving into the li-

brary and soon to be coming to an area in Prep!”

Kylie McMahon

With my keen interest in Technology, I attended three sessions about integrating technology into the classroom. I have

discovered some wonderful new Apps that will certainly be utilized in my classroom. Claire, Kylie and I were intrigued by

the session on the Maker Stations and were amazed by some of the items being created by students in their own time –

especially the fully functioning computer made out of a cardboard box! There are so many applications for this space here

at St Stephen’s. Year 2 have already had their own Maker Space in the classroom where they had to create a chicken

hutch out of LEGO.

Lisa Cavanagh

The professional learnings I received from Hawker Brownlow were once again outstanding. My second session which was

facilitated by Eric Sheninger covered the topic of Digital Leadership. The main messages I received was that as educators,

we must use the power of digital tools and social media to improve communications, increase student engagement and

grow professionally like never before. As a result of my classification as a digital dinosaur, Eric has forced me to reflect on

my own digital practice. I have subsequently used the App Flipboard which is free, to create a digital magazine linked to

my interests. I have found protocols about email construction and digital inquiry that I will use with the Year 5/6 students

and Kids Connect. I can also link Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Pinterest to my Flipboard. I have also made enquiries

in regard to the school website for teachers to be able to upload images and blogs instantaneously about the learning in

our classrooms. The Staff of St Stephen’s have a wonderful story to tell. We need to tell it!!!!

Keith Blaikie

These were some of the topics I considered for serious reflection.

One was using the five step process for developing proficiency scales. There are many considerations to make when determining the five steps to writing proficiency scales. They are to consider the topic, the language of the score, the vocabulary related to the target learning goal, and prerequisite knowledge and skills and how students might demon-strate a high score performance. Another topic was using supporting reflective practice. A model of effective instruction can be combined with goal setting, focused practice, feedback and observations and discussions to improve instructional practices. This is important for any professional in order to be able to identify personal strengths and weaknesses.

Michelle Arnold

Janine and I attended different workshop than others on the day. The technology workshop in the middle was really good,

and I have started using “nicertube”, “instagrok” and “kiddle” in class. The final lecture on behavior was really good as it

outlined how we can deal with certain behavior by breaking them down into learnable parts and by dealing with issues in

the context. (Eg., playground behavior needs to be fixed in the playground setting, behavior in assembly needs to be prac-

ticed in the place we hold assembly. The key point we got is that everyone has a part to play in the behavior of every student

in that school and should not be left up to the class teacher to deal with on their own.

Anna Lee

The opportunity to once again attend the conference was very much appreciated. The session I attended on High Reliability

schools validated all of our work so far with regards to school improvement and reiterated the value of collaboration within

our Professional Learning Communities (Discussion during Staff Meetings). I also picked up some strategies for self-

improvement within my practice through the development of growth goals. I intend to work on my questioning technique,

using an intentional sequence of higher and lower order questions to engage students in their learning. Teachers are always

learners!

Deanne Olischlager

Building on from last year’s Hawker Brownlow conference, the focus for my first session was building a guaranteed and via-

ble curriculum. A viable curriculum is a well-articulated set of knowledge and skills that every child should learn in Years

Prep – 12. Viable means that it can be taught for understanding in the time available and a guaranteed curriculum means it

is taught in every classroom in the school. If we, as teachers, want to increase the quality of students’ learning, then a guar-

anteed and viable curriculum is vital.

Each session provided practical and useful information which can be used in every classroom at every level.

Suellen Dennis

The staff came away from the conference excited and invigorated with new teaching and learning ideas.

Well done Team St Stephen’s!

On Friday evening, the staff were fortunate enough to catch up with Madonna Sleba, Madonna sends her regards to the St

Stephen’s community. Mrs Dennis and staff presented Madonna with her final gift from the school which was a superbly

bound book of photos from her time as Principal. It was an extremely thoughtful gift and one that will be treasured by

Madonna as she continues on her career as a Principal in Brisbane.

The Heart of Education – improving behaviour leads to improving academic results.

The library is a fantastic place to spend time in the lunch hour! Students this week have been busy reading, accessing computers, drawing, writing, playing games and constructing with LEGO.

Library Action!

Year 1 News Prep News

Super Spectacular Scientists

Did you know that we live on a planet and that we

are spinning right now as you read this?

The Preppies have been investigating where we are

in the solar system, our seasons and our weather.

They have been true scientists researching their

brainstormed questions of things they wanted to

know through information texts and the internet.

Every week we are lucky enough to be taught new

science facts by our very own Prep Scientists and

Meteorologists. They have been amazing presenters

using the tellagami app on the iPad to support their

presentation.

Pop into the Prep room at any time to check out the

amazing projects, artwork and information hanging

up around the classroom!

Using information

books to explore

the solar system.

We even have some specialist

rocket engineers in our room.

They may become future em-

ployees at NASA one day.

Reflecting on our learning

through amazing artwork.

UNDER 6’S DAY

FRIDAY 27TH of MAY 2016

9.30am-11.30am

St Stephen’s Prep Grounds

Eden’s Great Grandad told us about going to school in

the 1940's and 1950's. We found out that some things

are the same for example, we still say a pledge to the

flag in the morning; and some things are different - we

don't get the strap for punishment! We really enjoyed

Poppy Don's visit.

Our science lessons have been about how materials

change when we add heat or cold. We have tested wa-

ter, bread, marshmallows and chocolate. Some of the

changes can be reversed but some cannot. We also used

marshmallows and raw spaghetti to build towers. We had

to think about the base of our tower so that it was strong

and did not fall over. It was fun constructing the towers.

P A G E 8

Week 5 Term 2

Congratulations to: Allie, Sam, Ben, Keira and Savannah.

Remember This week’s Assembly is on Wednesday @ 2:40pm in The Mackillop Hall.

Week 6 Term 2

Congratulations to: Olivia, Cartner, Madison, Ava, Caitlyn and Harley.

Student of the Week Awards

Week 4 Term 2

Congratulations to: Enzo, Sarah, Riley, Braydan, Sophie (absent) and Amelia.

T E R M 2 , W E E K 7

Athletics Training

With our annual Inter House Athletics Carnival fast approaching, preparations are well underway. As in past

years, extra training sessions will be offered to our 8 to 12 Year old students outside of the normal HPE les-

sons with Mr Doherty. These sessions will take place on a Friday on the Parish Oval.

Mrs Lee

Sports Coordinator

Friday 2nd Lunch Mr Blaikie Mrs Lee Mrs Butlin

27 May Year 6 High Jump Year 5 Discus Year 3 Shot Put

3 June Year 3/4 High Jump Year 3-6 Discus Year 6 Shot Put

10 June Year 5/6 High Jump Year 3-6 Discuss Year 3-6 Sprints

ATHLETICS NEWS The annual St. Stephen’s Athletics Carnival is fast ap-

proaching, and the students have been busily training

with Mr Doherty in PE lessons. Students have also been

given extra athletics rotations during Friday lunchtimes.

Please keep these dates in mind for our upcoming ath-

letics events.

FRIDAY 3 June- High Jump Event (Parish oval)

TUESDAY 7 June- 800m running (Bridgeman oval)

FRIDAY 10 June- Athletics Carnival (Bridgeman oval)

Attached to the newsletter is a VOLUNTEERS form.

Please consider volunteering to help on Friday 10 June.

Parent Vs Year 6 Ball Games will be on the agenda

again this year.

Save the Date

Wednesday 22nd June @10:50.

Biggest Morning Tea.

To raise money for the Cancer Council of Australia.

Hosted by the MacKillop Club.

Multi-draw raffle - $1 a ticket, 3 tickets for $2.

Morning tea and warm Milo available for purchase.

Games organized at morning tea time by the MacKillop Club Leaders.

It gives me great pleasure to advise you that St Stephen’s School will receive flashing school zone signs on Murray Street as part of

the 2016/17 flashing school zone sing programs.

The installation of flashing school zone signs at St Stephen’s School will improve visibility of the school zone and serve as an active

reminder for motorists to slow down around children.

TUCKSHOP 1st June 2016

State of Origin Doughnut Day!

Please note, there will be NO morning tea this

day.

Big Lunch orders will be as normal.

Order forms to follow, please have these re-

turned by Monday 30th May as they are being

ordered specifically.

P A G E 1 0

From today, we commence the School Run 4 Fun Fundraising Program which is as a major fundraiser this term so we do ask for your support. The event will take place on Friday 24 June. Funds raised will be donated to Cancer Research. Students have now received a poster size Superhero Sponsorship Form with a great selection of toy brands including Apple, GoPro, Razor, Star Wars, Monster High, Nerf just to name a few. This form will assist with collecting sponsorship donations on behalf of the school. Students who raise as little as $10 or more will receive an incentive prize for their efforts. The great-er amount of sponsorship donations you receive the better prizes you can choose. Inside the Sponsorship Form you will find helpful tips on how to raise money for the school as well as other benefits such as the chance to win a family holiday staying at Sea World Resort & Water Park on the Gold Coast including entry to the major theme parks and the choice of either $1,000 spending money or a $1,000 Virgin Australia Gift Voucher. STUDENT PROFILE PAGE Create your student profile page today at www.australianfundraising.com.au/profile You can record your fundraising goal and your preferred prize and keep track of the prizes you are entitled to based on the amount of sponsorship donations you receive. Once the fundraiser is complete, please ensure to fill out the prize request section on the back of the Sponsorship Form and return to the School Office along with your money inside an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name and class. The incentive prizes will be delivered shortly after. We would also like to welcome parents and family members to attend the event day to help cheer on the students. Thank you in advance for your participation. Happy fundraising! James Doherty

P A G E 1 1

“PITTSWORTH PURPLE PRIVATE POLICE”

KIDS BIBLE HOLIDAY PROGRAM

THIS HOLIDAYS – 27th June to 1st July

VENUE: Uniting Church Pittsworth

COST FOR THE WEEK: $30.00/child or $50.00 for 2, or $60.00 for 3 or more children (from same family)

PROGRAM: Mon – Fri 8.45am – 12.30pm

Sports, games, craft, Bible stories

For children in primary school

Apply early – limited places

Register online at www.kidsgamesqld.com.au

or contact Karen on 46933202

St Mary’s College – Open Day – Sunday 29th May 2016 We would like to extend an invitation to all families to attend the St Mary’s College Open Day on Sun-day the 29th May 2016 from 10am to 1pm. We would welcome your interest in the College and are currently taking final enrolments for 2017 and 2018. As St Mary's College is presently full in a number of grades we strongly encourage all families from the Diocese of Toowoomba Catholic Schools to enrol their sons as soon as possible for an imme-diate interview to secure a position for the coming years. Visit our website www.stmaryscollege.com for more information or drop in on the day. You are most welcome!

PO Box 285,

Pittsworth

QLD

4356

Tel: 0746931627

Fax: 07 46932156

Email:pittsworth@twb.catholic.edu.au St Stephen’s Catholic School

Date Activity

MAY

27 Under 6’s Day

31 ICAS Science Test

JUNE

1 State of Origin Doughnut Day –No Morning Tea for Tuckshop

8 Grandparents Day

10 School Athletics Carnival

22 Biggest Morning Tea—10.50am

24 Last day of Term 2. End of Term Mass, 9.00am and Fun Run.

What’s On

Tuck shop Roster

DATE ORDER COLLECTION SERVING CAKE DONATION 01/06 Sharon Denning

Anita Mahon

Kerri Sullivan Karen Miller

08/06 Belinda Saal Michelle Cross

Ria Coffin Kirsty Ostwald

15/06 Leah Moore Nadine Blanch

Carol Hicks Jodie Frost

22/06 Pizza Day

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Reminder : St Josephs Millmerran Horse

Sports Day, entries close 27th May 2016.

If you are interested and would like any more infor-

mation on uniforms or other details regarding the day,

please contact Margaret Smith on 0438 933 032.

NOTICE OF MEETING

of

St Stephen's School

P & F Association

to be held on

9th June 2016

at 7.00 pm

in the library

Please forward agenda items to the school office by 2nd June, 2016.

pittsworth@twb.catholic.edu.au