Term 1 Week 4 Monday 13th February 2023

Our Prayer this Week

For Turkey and Syria 
We pray for comfort for those who have lost their loved ones and healing for people who are injured. We ask God to draw near to them in this time of grief and uncertainty. 
We pray for the provision of safe shelter, clean water, food, and warmth for the many
people who have lost their belongings, homes and livelihoods in Turkey
and Syria. We ask God to give them courage and strength to face these new challenges.

In your mercy we pray.

From the Principal

Key dates for the Diary

Term 1

Monday 20th February Years 3-6 Swimming Carnival

Tuesday 21st February Shrove Tuesday

Wednesday 22nd February Ash Wednesday service at 9am

Friday Feb 24th to March 2nd F-6 Swimming Program to be conducted at Mortlake Pool

Friday Feb 24th to March 17th Mrs O'Connor on Long Service Leave

Tuesday 28th February School Nurse visit

Thursday 2nd March Division Swimming

Friday 10th March Athletics Carnival in Terang

March 15th-March 27th NAPLAN Testing Period

Tuesday 21st March Parent Teacher Interviews

Monday 27th March Young Leaders Day, Melbourne

Tuesday 28th March School Photo Day

Wednesday 5th April Sacramental Meeting

Thursday 6th April Last day of Term 1

School Closure Dates 2023

Term 1: Monday 13th March Labor Day Public Holiday

                 Tuesday 14th March (Literacy)

Term 2: Monday 24th April (Compliance)

                  Thursday May 4th Warrnambool Cup Holiday

Term 3: Monday 14th August (Catholic Social Teaching) 

                  Tuesday 22nd August (Literacy)

Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival

As stated above, the Yr 3-6 Swimming Program is next Monday. It is our responsibility to organise the Swimming carnival and St. Thomas' organise the Athletics carnival. Therefore, we would appreciate any offers of help; big and small!

The attached list gives a breakdown of what needs to be done. If you would like to help, please contact the school!

School Advisory Council

We would like to introduce you to our SAC members for 2022-2023.  Lily Convery-Oborne (Chair), Jo Wallis, Alison Greig, Tam Camplin, Jo Dolling, Zion Palmer, Sophie and Nick Allen, Rachel Baulch, Rosie O’Connor (School rep) 

These people are the voice of the parents in the school. If you have any questions or anything that you would like raised please contact one of these people.

The SAC meets twice a term and we thank these people for agreeing to be a part of this group that provides an essential link between the school and its families.

Each week we will profile a member of our SAC and we will start with the Chair, Lily Convery- Oborne.

Hi, I’m Lily 

I am a mum to 4 children, I have two children at St Colmans, in Grade 3 and Grade 5.

I work as a kindergarten teacher in Terang and enjoy spending time with my family on weekends. 

I value St Colman's commitment to supporting the education and wellbeing of all children, staff and the local community. 

The School Advisory committee is a great opportunity to embed the spirit of partnership within the school community, representing varied bodies within. 

Staffing News

We congratulater Mikayla and James Owen who have announced they are expecting their second child later this year. Therefore, we have recently advertised a maternity leave Learning Support Officer position to commence in Term 2.

Rosie O'Connor is taking some Long Service Leave from February 24th to March 17th. Mrs Michelle Bourke will be replacing her during her leave, and Bridget Van den Broek will be in the Middle Room on a couple of Fridays that Michelle was unavailable. We hope Rosie enjoys her well-earned holiday!

Clare Jehu, our Pastoral Care Officer, is unable to commit to regular days at St. Colman's this year due to her other ongoing commitments. Clare is employed through Catholic Care Ballarat and they are responsible for the recruitment of Clare's replacement. Hopefully, this position will be filled soon.

Care for our Chickens and Ducks

In the past we have been very grateful to the families who volunteered to take care of our chickens and ducks over the weekend. We're in search of some families to continue with this job this year. Our Senior students will be rostered on during the week, so we just need someone to check on them, check their feed and water supplies and collect their eggs on Saturday and Sunday

If you are able to volunteer for a weekend please contact Janet principal@scmortlake.catholic.edu.au.

I will create a roster and share it with you. The more families we can get the better!! 

School and Parish Maintenance Role

Frank Breed, our current maintenance person, has announced his intention to retire at the end of the month and enjoy some opportunites to travel and explore our country. Frank has worked for St. Colman's for about 8 years and during that time he has taken great pride in ensuring our school and grounds have been well maintained. He will certainly be missed by us all, but especailly the children who have enjoyed their regular chats with him. 

We are now on the lookout for an enthusiastic Building and Grounds Maintenance Person who would like to join a friendly and supportive team. At St. Colman's, we are passionate about providing high quality and attractive grounds and facilities for our students and our school community. We take pride in the upkeep and maintenance of our school grounds and facilities.

This role is for a minimum of 10 hours per week and includes the maintenance of the church grounds as well. The successful applicant will be subject to a Working with Children Check and a National Police Record Check.

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in this opportunity, please contact Janet Cain at the school on 55992285 or 0490539167. Email: principal@scmortlake.catholic.edu.au

Expressions of interest close Monday February 20th

Annual School Nurse Visit

The School Nurse will be visiting our school on Tuesday 28th of February. This free service is offered to all Foundation students in their first year of school and involves screening tests on hearing and vision and addresses any other concerns that the family and school have expressed.

Parents and carers are asked to fill out the form sent home with thier child and return it to school by Monday February 20th.

St Colman's Jacket found

One of our students took two jackets home at the end of last year.

If your child is missing a size 6-8 jacket, please contact the school office.

Award Winners

Each week during our Friday assemblies, teaching staff award students who have achieved great things in the past week. This year we are inviting all parents and friends to attend these weekly assemblies which take place at approximately 2:45pm each Friday in the Undercover Area.

Registrations for Terang Junior Basketball

Click on this link to register

Terang Olympic Basketball Association

Out of School Care

A reminder that during 2023 we have access to Out of School Care, supplied by TheirCare, at Mortlake College. Registration is made via the TheirCare website. https://theircare.com.au/

Many of our students have already begun to use this program and the feedback from both parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive. Everything has run seamlessly so far, so if you are considering sending your children to Before or After Shool Care, you can be assured that this program is extremely easy to utilise.

Feel free to contact the office if you have any questions about accessing TheirCare or use the contact details at the bottom of the flyer to contact them directly.

St. Colman's School is a Child Safe Community

Child Safe Standard 1; St. Colman's School is committed to providing a culturally safe envirionment.

Child Safety Officer: Janet Cain
Phone: 55992285 or 0490539167
email: jcain@scmortlake.catholic.edu.au 

NCCD

Please read the attached information sheet for parents regarding NCCD.

Our Lady of Mercy Parish Newsletter