Dear Parents and Carers,
I have stepped into this term full of optimism and an energy to complete the projects that we have under way. The main project in action is the Early Years Play Space! What a weekend we just had, with busy volunteers working around the clock to bring to life a vibrant play area for the children to enjoy. While on duty this week we have noticed a calmness in the playground, the joy in the children and the conversation and and sense of awe and wonder. As a collective we have made this happen in such a short timeframe and I feel proud to have helped this come to life. There is a more detailed write up about the Busy Bee in the P&F section of the newsletter. Mrs Mavrick, also created a wonderful movie which demonstrates the acts of generosity from all involved.
CEWA STAFF BREAKFAST
Mrs Packer and I attended the Catholic Education Office Staff breakfast this morning. The breakfast is held every year to honour the winners of the QCE Awards and those who have served Catholic Education for 30 and 40 years. Miss Conny Whyte was awarded recognition for 40 years of service to Catholic education, it was an honour to be sitting with her today to celebrate this milestone. She asked us to say hello to you all!.
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK - RAISING AWARENESS in OUR COMMUNITY
Last Saturday was World Mental Health day. This week the Social Justice and Wellbeing group have organising activities centred around Mental Health. Mental Health is the way we think or feel about ourselves, the world around us and how we cope with bumps and hazards. The children, from every year group have completed gratitude cards. The cards express what they are grateful for in their life. When you are walking through the Quad area, please stop and have a read. The comments will warm your heart and fill you with joy. By giving time to such conversations we are raising awareness, we are reducing stigma, we are increasing the confidence in others to reach out if they need support. At Orana, we strive to pave the way for people to participate in wellbeing activities that help prevent mental health issues.
SWIMMING LESSONS
I am sure the Year 1-3 children will sleep well this evening after their first week of swimming lessons. They have been super stars at transitioning to and from the pool, they have one more week to go!
SAVE THE DATE - Volunteers Sundowner - Wednesday 25 November 5-6pm
In the Term calendar you may have noticed that a Volunteers morning tea is scheduled for Friday, 27 November. I have decided to change this to a sundowner which will be on Wednesday 25 November from 5 -6pm. This, hopefully will be a more suitable time for those wonderful volunteers who struggle to make it to the morning tea during the day. The staff would love to spend time with you and thank you for all your efforts during such a complex year we have had.
More details to come!
BOOK WEEK
The Week that Was has so many wonderful photos of the tremendous Book Week Parade that we held on Tuesday this week. It was absolutely fabulous welcoming the Kindy children to participate. I was blown away by the imaginative and creative costumes that so many children and staff thought up. The staff Roald Dahl themed dress up was a hit and it was another gratitude moment for me. Working and being surrounded by people who seek to engage in school activities with such zest is delightful.
ORANA AGM - SAVE THE DATE
The 2020 AGM will be held on Wednesday, 25 November at 6.30pm. Put it in your diary and save the date!
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE 2021 ORANA SCHOOL BOARD - WE NEED YOU!
The School Board is comprised of the school Principal, Parish Priest and elected members, the Parents and Friends Association representative and a representative of the Parish. Interested Parents can nominate themselves for membership before Friday, 20 November, for involvement in the 2021 Board. Board meetings are held once a month and the Annual General Meeting is held in November.
Please click the link below to complete the Expression of Interest Form.
https://bit.ly/2FmhyFl
STAFFING TERM 4
Mrs Draper will be on leave from Wee 5 until the end of the year. We are fortunate to welcome Miss Seonaid Parker to staff for the duration of this time. Miss Parker has extensive experience in the Arts and this will allow choir and band to continue without interruption. We wish Mrs Draper all the best and will welcome her back to Orana for the beginning of 2021.
TERM 4 DATES to REMEMBER
Year 1-3 Swimming Lessons 14 October - 23 October
Orana Field Events - 20 October
Grandparents Mass - 23 October
Year 4- 6 Swimming Lessons - 26 October - 6 November
Sacrament of Penance - 29 October
Junior Assembly Music theme - SPECIAL TIME 2.30pm - 30 October
Every kind act is a prayer, Blessed Mother Teresa
God bless,
Emma Bell
Short-term Principal
RESPECT - GENEROSITY - EXCELLENCE
