Dear Parents and Carers,

The first three weeks of term have passed very quickly. The students have settled into the term and are taking every opportunity to learn, grow and interact with their peers. Providing a nurturing and child-focused environment underpins our core educational purpose. Our primary focus will be on the well-being and holistic development of the children in our care. Let us all work together to ensure each child and staff member feels valued, supported and encouraged to explore their talents and abilities.

Catholic Identity Pillar

MacKillop House Mass

The MacKillop House Mass was celebrated last Friday in the school hall. Father John commented on the students' reverence. Thank you to Mrs Alp, Mrs Tormay, Ms Mouttet, Ms Draper, the choir, and musicians for preparing and participating in the prayerful celebration. MacKillop students enjoyed a treat to celebrate their House Day.

Confirmation Faith Formation Session

We hosted the Confirmation parent faith formation session last week at Orana. Thank-you to the parents who attended to listen to Father Greg Donovan.

Leave

Father John is on leave starting this week. He will commence his sabbatical leave and will return in December. The word sabbatical comes from the Greek word 'sabatikos', which means "of the Sabbath," the day of rest. We also welcome Father CJ back from his holiday.

Education Pillar

Catholic Performing Arts Festival

The Catholic Performing Arts Festival continues this week. Congratulations to all students who have participated in the various events. I had the pleasure of attending the guitar ensemble section and was amazed by their outstanding talent and commitment. Congratulations to Yvonne in Year 6 for her outstanding award in the Bible Reading section. Thank-you to Ms Sarah Draper for her dedication to our music students and for her time in hosting several sections of the festival at Orana this week.

Religious Education Assessment

The Year 3 and 5 students completed the standardised Religious Education Assessment yesterday. Our staff analyse the overall results to inform our teaching of the Religious Education Curriculum.

Angelico Art Exhibition 2024

Orana has entered the Angelico Art Competition for the first time in many years. There are both individual and group submissions. Thank-you to Miss Purio for coordinating and preparing the entries. See below for information on times to view the exhibition.

Community Pillar

Cultural Awareness Week

This week at Orana, we celebrated our cultural diversity and differences. Many thanks to Ms Deeble, the Year 5 students and our Cultural Diversity team for coordinating several engaging and fun activities to unite us. Today is Green and Gold Day, which highlights the opportunities we embrace to be united in sport and proud of Australia's sporting achievements. The students are enjoying learning about Olympic events and following the results.

Book Club

Last Tuesday, the first Book Club session was held in the library before school. A group of eager readers gathered to form the Book Club and have their say in establishing how it will run. Thank-you to Miss Rich for coordinating this club to promote the love of reading for pleasure.

Stewardship Pillar

Staffing News

Mrs Tormay will be retiring at the end of this year. She has served the Orana community for 27 years and Catholic Education for 36 years. Sue is a passionate teacher and leader, who authentically supports both her colleagues and students in her class. Sue will be greatly missed by students, staff and family members.

Last week, we welcomed Sophie Jones to our staff team. Sophie is an Education Assistant and is also studying teaching. She will work on Tuesdays in Year 5.

Professional Development

Mrs Goodwin has completed the Work Health and Safety Representative Training this week. We thank her for her enthusiasm for ensuring our school is a safe learning environment and workplace. Mrs Goodwin leads the Work Health and Safety Committee.

God bless and take care.

Kind regards,

Dee Johnston

We are thrilled to announce that we are starting a book club at Orana in Week 2, Term 3! This initiative aims to encourage a love for reading and provide our students with a fun and engaging way to explore new books, share their thoughts and build a sense of community.

The book club will be open to students in Years 3 to 6, and meetings will be held every Tuesday morning at 8am in the school library. During these sessions, students will have time to silently read and then discuss books.

We believe that a book club can offer numerous benefits, including enhancing reading skills, fostering critical thinking and creating lasting friendships. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect over shared stories and learn from one another.

The numbers are limited, if you are interested in having your child participate, please complete the form below by Tuesday, 16 July.

Please Join in Our Liturgical Celebrations!

At Orana, we celebrate our faith in many different ways. Please remember that family members are always welcome to come to year level celebrations and our whole school celebrations. Our children love to see you there too!

Feast of the Assumption 15 August

Please join us for the Feast of the Assumption Mass in our hall.

The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son.

Confirmation Preparation - Year Six

Please make note of the following important dates:

• Confirmation Retreat – 14th August at the parish | parents drop off and pick up from the parish 8.50-2.30pm.
• Parent/Child Workshop – 14th August at the parish | 4.30-5.30pm OR 5.45-6.45pm.
• Confirmation Rehearsal – 29th August at the church | Saturday celebration 5.30-6.15pm or Sunday celebration 6.15-7pm.
• Sacrament of Confirmation – 7th September 5.30pm OR 8th September 10.30am
• Thanksgiving Mass with Cake and Certificates - 14th September 5.30pm OR 15th September 10.30am

For the first time, Orana has entered artwork to be displayed at the Angelico Art Exhibition. We have 19 students whose artworks will be on display at Forrest Centre (221 St George's Terrace, Perth). The exhibition will run from August 5th to August 23rd and will be open from 9am-5pm weekdays with a special viewing session on Saturday, August 17th from 1:30pm-3pm. We congratulate the selected students on this wonderful achievement.

We are very excited in Pre-Primary, Year One and Year Two!!! The P&F has contributed to the purchase of some wonderful new decodable reading books for us! These are fantastic books for sounding out words, improving reading fluency, and reading comprehension. The books also have bright illustrations and gripping storylines. They are empowering our young students to read.

Earlier this year we requested and were successful in obtaining a set of fiction and non-fiction texts suitable for our students in Years 4-6. These books were advertised as high interest readers. I wanted to let you know how amazing these books have been for our students who have loved reading these books. There is often a heated discussion on whose turn it is to choose the next text. As advertised, the books truly have a high interest for our students and even though there are some words that are challenging, the high interest ensures they are completely engaged in the reading of the text. Thank you for your assistance in ensuring reading is an enjoyable experience for our students.

Thank-you

Mrs Godsall

The new Uniform and Dress Guidelines are being drafted and shared with the Uniform Subcommittee, members of the Advisory Council and staff. Please note the significant change below:

• Early Years (Kindergarten – Year 2) students will wear sports uniform daily for comfort and active learning.
• Please note that the current Year 1 and 2 students can either continue to wear formal uniforms in Term 4, 2024 or transition to wearing sports uniforms daily. Early notice is given on this transition guideline so Year 1 and 2 parents know there is no need to purchase additional formal summer uniforms for Term 4, this year.

Please note: The colours on the photo board differ slightly from the actual uniforms.

Save the Date: Fathers' Day Breakfast - Friday 30th August at 7.30 am. If you can volunteer to assist please contact oranapandf@gmail.com

Adult Faith Formation Seminar - Created in the Image of God: An Introduction to Christian Anthropology

Wednesdays - 14 August to 4 September 7.30-8.30pm (4 sessions)

With Ms Natalie Thomas

At Bateman Parish - 100 Dean Rd Bateman

Suggested donation - $20

This set of talks will offer a Catholic perspective on what it means to be human. Utilising Scripture and St Pope John Paul II's Theology of the Body. It will delve into what it means to be made in the image and likeness of the Holy Trinity and his forms the basis of our identity and human dignity. Participants will learn the meaning of being redeemed and healed in Christ.

Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults - Willetton Catholic Parish

There will be a six -week Period of Enquiry on Tuesdays from the 23rd July to 27th August. All meetings will be at the Parish Centre from 7.00-8.00pm. During this time, we invite everyone who wants to know more about the Catholic faith, especially those who want to be baptised and who want to receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist, Confirmation and Reconciliation. After the Period of Enquiry, new candidates and catechumens and their sponsors will begin an eight-month program to prepare them for their sacraments at Easter next year. A list of weekly topics are on posters around the Church and they will also published below. For all enquiries, please contact John Richards at livecompany10@gmail.com or call 0417933470. You can also contact Fr John Daly or Fr CJ Millen via the Parish Office.

Term 3 - Tuesday 16th July - Friday 20th September

Term 4 - Monday 7th October - Friday 6th December

Pupil Free Day (Catholic Day) - 26th August

Pupil Free Day - 7 October

2024 - Term 3 - Week 4 and 5

• Catholic Performing Arts Festival - Continues
• Year 1 Phonic Check Commences
• Monday 5th Aug - Young Engineers Club - 3.30pm
• Tuesday 6th Aug - Interschool Lightning Carnival ML - Year 6
• Wednesday 7th Aug- Lockdown Drill
• Wednesday 7th Aug- CEWA STEM Showcase Chisholm College - Senior STEM Students
• Wednesday 7th Aug- CPAF Vocal Solos/Duets Newman College
• Thursday 8th Aug- CPAF Brass and Woodwind Solos and Duets - Aquinas College
• Thursday 8th Aug - Advisory Council Meeting 6pm
• Thursday 8th Aug - LifeLink Liturgy St Mary's Cathedral
• Friday 9th Aug- CPAF Brass and Woodwind Solos and Duets - Aquinas College
• Friday 9th Aug- Year 1 Liturgy 9.30pm
  
• Friday 9th Aug- Junior Assembly 2.30pm
  
• National Science Week from 12th August
• Monday 12th Aug - RAC Little Legends Incursion (PP - Year 6)
• Monday 12th Aug - Young Engineers Club - 3.30pm
• Monday 12th Aug - CPAF Concert Band Corpus Christi College - Evening Session
  
• Tuesday 13th Aug - CPAF Choir Singing - St Benedict's Applecross
• Tuesday 13th Aug - P & F Meeting 6pm (change of date)
• Wednesday 14th Aug - Year 6 Confirmation Retreat at the Parish
• Wednesday 14th Aug - Year 6 Confirmation Parent/Child Workshop at the Parish
  
• Thursday 15th August - Assumption Mass in the Hall 9.30am
• Friday 16th August - CPAF - Classical Guitar Soloists/Duets Newman College
• Friday 16th August - Year 3 Liturgy 9.30am - all welcome
• Friday 16th August - Senior Assembly 2.30pm
  

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children/anxiety/strategies-to-support-anxious-children

When kids have anxious thoughts or feelings, a common response from the adults in their lives is to step in and solve the problem.

If they’re terrified of dogs, it’s pretty reasonable to keep them away from the pitbull next door….right?

Well, not really. By helping children avoid scary situations, you’re reinforcing and fuelling their anxiety. They’re also missing out on opportunities to develop coping skills and prove to themselves they can deal with the anxious thought or feeling next time it comes up.

The best thing you can do for your child is to help them learn how to cope with anxiety.

10 strategies to try

1. Start by slowing down

Encourage your child to take some slow, deep breaths to calm the physical effects of anxiety. Practice together by breathing in for three seconds, holding for three seconds, then out for three. Once they're feeling a bit calmer, you can talk through what's worrying them.

2. Make time to worry

Setting aside some designated time to deal with worries can stop anxious thoughts from taking over. Try creating a daily ritual called ‘worry time’ and encourage children to draw or write down whatever’s bothering them. You can make the activity a bit more fun by decorating a ‘worry box’ or building a ‘worry wall’ out of post-its. When the time is up – after 10 to 15 minutes – shut the worries up in the box or tear them off the wall and say goodbye to them for the day.

3. Climb that ladder

Instead of skirting the scary situation, you could try a technique called ‘laddering’ – breaking down worries into manageable chunks and gradually working towards a goal.

Let’s say your child is afraid of water and swimming. Instead of avoiding the pool, create some mini-goals to build their confidence. Start out by just sitting and watching other kids swimming. As they feel more comfortable get them to try dangling their legs in the water, then standing in the shallow end, and so on.

4. Encourage positive thinking

Kids with anxiety often get stuck on the worst-case scenario or 'what ifs' in any situation. You can help them shift these thinking patterns by:

· reminding them of times they've dealt with similar issues in the past and how things worked out OK.

· helping them to challenge the scary thought with facts and evidence. For example, we know that crocodiles can't survive under our bed.

· make a plan for how they'll respond if things don't go as they'd like.

5. Have a go

· Anxious kids often worry about making mistakes or not having things perfect. This can lead to them avoiding situations or activities – they’d rather sit out than get it wrong. Emphasise giving new things a try and having fun over whether something’s a success or failure.

6. Model helpful coping

· Don’t just tell your child how to overcome emotions – show them. When you get anxious or stressed, verbalise how you’re coping with the situation: “This looks a bit scary, but I’ll give it a go.” And hey, you might even knock off one of your own fears.

7. Help your child take charge

· Think about what you can do to make your child feel like they have some control over the scary situation. For example, if your child gets anxious about intruders, make shutting and locking their bedroom window part of their night-time responsibilities.

8. Be upfront about scary stuff

· Lots of kids have worries about death, war, terrorism or things they see on the news. This is all really normal. Talk through their fears and answer any questions truthfully. Don’t sugar-coat the facts – try and explain what’s happening in a way that puts their fears in perspective.

9. Be BRAVE

· Check out BRAVE – a free online program to help kids cope with worries and anxiety. There’s a tailored version for younger kids (eight-12), one for teens (12-17) and an accompanying program for parents.

10. And finally, check your own behaviour

Kids pick up all sorts of signals from the adults in their lives, so have a think about the messages you’re sending. Over-protective family members can inadvertently reinforce children’s fears that the world is a dangerous place where everything can hurt you. Similarly, parents who ‘over-help’ are subconsciously telling their kids that they can’t do anything without adult support.

If you’re prone to ‘helicoptering’, try taking a step back and waiting next time before you jump in. It can be hard seeing your child distressed but figuring things out for themselves is an important step in building resilience.

Remember, the goal for most kids isn't to eliminate anxiety completely. It's really about giving them the skills to manage anxiety so it doesn't get in the way of enjoying life.

Kath Warburton

Social Worker

Kathryn.warburton@cewa.edu.au

Ph: 9376 8300

Available: Tuesday - Thursday

Smoking and Vaping is not permitted on school premises; including in private vehicles in the drive through lines or carparks. Thank-you for your cooperation.