Dear families and friends,
This week we have been blessed with a rich array of Holy Week experiences, focusing on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper and the Stations of the Cross.
On Tuesday when we return after the extended long weekend, we will be gathering at 9.15am in the hall for an Easter Celebration Liturgy. Families, you are warmly invited to join us!
I will leave you all with an Easter Prayer…
Loving God, We thank you for the gift of each other, especially our families and friends. We thank you for the gift of a safe and comfortable home. We thank you for the gift of nature - the animals, plants, sky, earth, rain, wind and sun. We thank you for the gift of food, so we can grow strong and healthy. We thank you for the gift of loving communities that care for and support us. And … especially at Easter, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. Amen.
Please enjoy the many beautiful photos of our Stations of the Cross at St Raphael’s School.
Easter blessings to you all, Tanya
Here is the link to a parent article on how to help their child who is sad. Hopefully this will be a suitable addition to the next newsletter.
If you ask parents what they most want for their child, many will say something like this: “I just want my child to be happy”. Whilst most of us know, at a logical level, that we can’t make this happen, seeing our children frequently or deeply sad, is very confronting. (Developing Minds)
The following link has some helpful tips on how to support your child when they are experiencing regular sadness. Help, my child is always sad: tearfulness, sadness and depression in young people — Developing Minds
Kind Regards
Sarah Byrnes, School Counsellor
On Monday 25th March the Year 2 class and Mrs Hamilton’s year 5/6 class went to spread Easter cheer at St Louis Aged Care Facility in Parkside. We were welcomed by Wendy their Social Coordinator who took us to meet the centres pet chickens. Students loved hearing about the chickens, touching and holding them. We then went and visited many residents and gave them Easter cards designed by Mila and Ethan. Wendy told us a bout each resident we visited, how old they were, some were in their late 90’s and even 100 and what they did before they came to live at the residence. We had a lovely lady Jenni join us for the walk around the centre. Jenni was a teacher and loved seeing all the students and the cheer they were spreading to the other residents. Students and residents loved the interactions.
Photograph: ‘Hanging Out at Recess’ Taken by Mrs. Flynn (L-R) Anna, Reggie and Maria.
We are thrilled to share that the Ukulele Club will now be a continuous extra-curricular activity for our Year 5/6 students, as well as the musicians in Mr. Uzzell’s Years 3/4 class.
Over the past two weeks, we have happily welcomed back our returning members and greeted new students who have embarked on their musical journeys with us.
As an Arts Educator, there is nothing more fulfilling than seeing the growth, camaraderie, and talent development of our young musicians on a weekly basis. Moments that stand out include Madelyn's generosity in aiding new students with instrument tuning during Week 8 and Emily's dedication since joining us in Term 1. Emily has progressed to playing various beginner songs like 'The Itsy Bitsy Spider', 'Do You Wanna Build A Snowman?', and 'This Little Light of Mine'. These milestones bring immense joy.
Special Thank You: David Hunt
Over the last four weeks, our Year 3/4 learners have become acquainted with an assortment of first nations musical instruments and popular artists. Learning activities have included learning how to sing the celebrated Kauna Land song titled ‘Grandfather, Grandfather’ and creating short compositions with rhythm sticks.
During Week 8, students also had the opportunity to see a real didgeridoo up close, courtesy of David Hunt (Daniel Hunt's Grandfather) who kindly loaned us the instrument.
For many children, this was their first experience seeing and touching a didgeridoo up close. Some brave students were also eager to see if they could produce proper sound (after cleaning it between each use).
Moreover, I will definitely not be pursuing a career as a didgeridoo artist anytime soon (the children found my attempts quite amusing!), but I must acknowledge James in Mr Uzzell’s class (who is originally from South Korea), who impressed us all with his skilful first attempt at playing the instrument.
P&F fundraiser through Drakes
Our school has signed up to part of Drakes Community Dollars program. By scanning the barcode on the physical tag given out at last Sunday's Picnic, our school will receive 1c for every two dollars you spend. These tags are available from our front office or download the Drake's app and choose our school to scan the barcode at checkout.
P&F Whole School Playdate Invitation
Last Sunday afternoon, the community came together for a wonderful gathering. The food was being passed around, and smiles were abundant as everyone enjoyed each other's company. Thank you to everyone who made it!
Cookbook photos request
If you have any photos of you and your family eating either at the dinner table, in the kitchen, at a park, playground or the beach, please send them through for possible inclusion in the cookbook - be sure to state your family's surname with each photo please.
ALSO the submission deadline for sending in recipes for inclusion to the cookbook has been pushed to the end of this term.
Please send all materials to Katrina at ktucker@raph.catholc.edu.au
Best regards,
The Parents and Friends Committee
In the OSHC kitchen we are always cooking up an assortment of healthy snacks! Our new Corn Fritters with Salsa was an absolute hit with the children! The recipe is so simple and healthy we wanted to share it with you.
Mixture
2 x 420g Cans of Corn
2 x Tablespoons of Sweet Chilli Sauce
3 x Tablespoons of Dried Italian Herbs
4 x Cups of Plain Flour
3 x Cups of water Salt and Pepper to taste
Olive Oil Spray Oil
To add on top
1 x Jar of Plain Mild Salsa
Optional: Grated cheese (Measure with your heart)
Or even upgrade the meal with some freshly chopped avocado.
Method
1. Begin by draining the corn.
2. Combine all the ingredients together.
3. If the consistency is too runny or too thick add flour or more water till the batter is to your liking.
4. Heat frying pan to medium-high heat
5. Spoon just over a tablespoon of batter per fritter into the frying pan
6. Cook for about 2-3 mins, until golden brown underneath, then turn and cook the other side. Repeat with the spray oil and fritter mixture.
7. Serve with salsa and toppings of your choice!
Upcoming Events
Easter Celebration Liturgy at 9:15am
On Tuesday when we return after the extended long weekend, we will be gathering at 9.15am in the hall for an Easter Celebration Liturgy. Families, you are warmly invited to join us!
Book Club Playgroup 9:15am - 10:30am.
In our bright and air conditioned library we invite you to help develop your child’s love and understanding of learning each Wednesday morning.
Come and join our new, free Playgroup.
Each week we will choose a different picture book to read to the group.
Community Prayer hosted by Reception
Book Club Playgroup 9:15am - 10:30am.
In our bright and air conditioned library we invite you to help develop your child’s love and understanding of learning each Wednesday morning.
Come and join our new, free Playgroup.
Each week we will choose a different picture book to read to the group.
Community Prayer hosted by Year 1
Invitation to Contribute to the St Raphael's School Community Cookbook, submissions close 12 April
Submission deadline extended - to let the flavours develop.
We invite you to include your recipes in the St Raphael's School Community Cookbook.
Share your cultural heritage and love of food with us by submitting your favourite recipe. All proceeds from the cookbook sales will go to support our School's Parent and Friends Committee.
Our goal is to showcase the diversity of our community through the different cuisines and family recipes that make each of us unique. So, whether it's a cherished family recipe passed down through generations, a recently discovered favorite, or a contemporary twist on a classic dish, we want to hear from you!
Please submit your recipe by the end of Term 1 [Friday April 12], including your family surname and a brief description of the dish to ktucker@raph.catholic.edu.au
Pupil Free Day
An opportunity for staff to further develop our agreed approach to teaching Literacy, as well as deepening their understanding of how to support students using the Positive Behaviour strategies.
Social