Christ the King North Rocks Newsletter

2020, Term 3 Week 6: Friday 28th August, 2020.

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents

On Sunday week we celebrate Father’s day. As with many other celebrations this year. COVID-19 has impacted on the manner in which we celebrate such occasions. Father’s day 2020 will be no exception. No matter how you celebrate Father’s day next week remember to tell Dad you love him no matter how old you are! The best present you can give your dad is to spend some special time with him and let him know you appreciate all he does for you and your family. Several years ago I was given for Father’s day a book called “To the World’s best Dad” The book is a picture book of young primary school children’s reflections on what they appreciate about their dads. Below are several extracts from the book:

I love you because when I need help you are always there.

Thanks for being nice to me for all of my life

I love you Dad because when the big boys come out you will protect me

My dad is good fun to play games with because he lets me win

I love my dad because he gave me the nicest present in the world – the gift of love.

I love my dad not because he’s a particularly famous person, but because he is a hard worker with a big heart


Since returning to fulltime classes in late May, it has come to my attention that the expectations around hair grooming, particularly haircuts is being ignored. Students are required to wear their hair in a neat and tidy manner. Hair should be well brushed and combed and it is assumed that hair will not be in such a condition as to invite comment.

It is important to note the following expectations around boys haircoats. and grooming be observed

• Extreme styles, mullets, bleaching, colouring or dyeing of hair are not permitted.

• Gel, mousse and hair spray or other similar substances should not be used.

• There will be no undercuts or steps.

• Nothing shorter than a number 2 comb is acceptable.

• Hair should not extend below the eye brows or touch the shirt collar.

• Students who do not abide by the haircut requirements will be asked to fix the identified problem and not return to school until the issue is resolved.

• Regular hair blitzs will be conducted to enforce these expectations.

• The ultimate decision as to whether or not a hairstyle is appropriate for the school will come from myself.

Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated.

 

Parents / Teacher over the phone interviews will be conducted by teachers over the coming weeks. The variation and timing of these interviews is due to the intervention of COVID 19 in recent months. These interviews are not compulsory but are available to parents who choose to take up this opportunity to touch base with their child’s teachers.  Interviews will run for ten minutes. If you need additional time you will need to book an appointment with your child’s teachers after the interviews have finished for later on in the term. During the week each family would of received information regarding the online booking procedures.

If you are intending to make an appointment please do so ASAP. Thank you.  

Today CTK staff and students participated in our Sports fun day. The students participated in a range of activities from relays to target golf, Capture the Flag, Horse Racing through to Noodle Javelin just to name a few. The children progressed around the sports tabloid throughout the day testing their skills and ability but most importantly having fun. Thanks to Mr Debrincat for co-ordinating the event and working with teachers to prepare for the day. Thank you also to our house captains who have done a wonderful job supporting the teachers and students. 

Check out our Face book page over the coming days for many memorable captured on film of the day’s event.

Have a great weekend

Tony Hughes

Principal


 

Upcoming Events

Term 3, Week 7

Monday 31st August

  • Sports Program: All Students in Sports uniform
  • Healthy Harold
  • Cool Kids Music Club 3.00-4.30pm 

Tuesday 1st September

  • Uniform Shop 8.00am-12.30pm - via appointment only.
  • Healthy Harold
  • PE: Year 6, Kindergarten

Wednesday 2nd September

  • PE: Year 2, Year 5, Year 4 [Group 1]  
  • Chess 3.00-4.00pm

Thursday 3rd September

  • PE: Year 3, Year 1, Year 4 [Group 2] 

Friday 4th September

  • Band groups throughout the day only.

Term 3, Week 8

Monday 7th September

  • Sports Program: All Students in Sports Uniform
  • Cool Kids Music 3.00-4.30pm

Tuesday 8th September

  • Uniform Shop 8.00am-12.00pm - via appointment only.
  • PE: Year 6, Kindergarten

Wednesday 9th September

  • PE: Year 2, Year 5, Year 4 [Group 1]
  • Chess 3.00-4.00pm 

Thursday 10th September

  • PE: Year 3, Year 1, Year 4 [Group 2]

Friday 11th September

  • Band groups throughout the day only.

Advanced Notice: Mark in your diary for 2020

Friday 18th September

  • School photo day - ** SUMMER UNIFORM**

Term dates for 2020

Term 3      Monday,      20th July             to        Friday, 25th September

Term 4      Monday,      12th October     to        Wednesday 16th December


STAFF DEVELOPMENT / PUPIL FREE DAYS

Thursday 17th December

Friday 18th December

Other School News

What's Happening in Kindergarten

On Wed 26 Aug 2020, Kindergarten were lucky enough to have the farm come and visit them at school. They enjoyed holding and feeding the animals and learnt some interesting facts about animals on the farm from Farmer Will. Some of the animals they saw included - Daisy the duck, Ben the bull , Lulu the sheep, guinea pigs, a piglet, goats, rabbits and baby chicks. 

Stay tuned for a gallery of photos to be uploaded to the webpage next week.

What's Happening in Year 4

This week, Year 4 have been learning how to create unique art with Miss Chand. 

First they used oil pastels to create a colourful pattern. Then they painted over their pattern in black. Once the paint was dry, they scratched away the black layer to create a colourful image.


Voice of Youth Finalists


Congratulations to the year 6 finalists of the CTK Voice of Youth competition. As we were restricted from competing with other schools, our 13 finalists competed against each other in the hall on Thursday. Mr Hughes supplied trophies and medals for our champion, runners up and social justice award. The recipients were Winner Brinleigh Grosvenor for her speech on Non Fatal Drowning, Runner ups were Eden Hosking for her speech on The Holocaust, and Claire Scanlon who spoke about her love of Ice Cream, and Isabelle Brimicombe who was awarded the Social Justice award for her speech on Peer Pressure. 

A special congratulations to all year 6 students and finalists, who made it hard for the teachers who judged the The speeches. They were very well presented.

The 4 award winners will have their speeches uploaded to facebook over the next few days

Captain's Chat

This term, CTK have missed out on a lot of fun and exciting events. Considering that our school has a great amount of passion for sports, Mr Debrincat and the Colour house captains have decided to have a fun day for us today. As we said before, the reason we are making this for our students is because we didn’t get to participate in our cross country since COVID-19 restrictions have broken our chances of having this opportunity this year. 

Voice of Youth (VOY) has been something on year 6’s mind for a long while now. We have done our first round of speeches where the whole grade had to present them and now. The teachers have picked the top 13 from our class to do it again. This time it is in front of the principal and assistant principal as well as the whole grade again. From there the teachers will pick the top 3 which will get certificates, and the winner will get medals as well as a social justice award. 

This term, Christ The King has missed out on many Events. With the rising of COVID-19 cases near us, for the time being, assemblies have been interrupted by new COVID restrictions. We are also taking no time out of the day. Term 3 has been upside down and twisty turny, but the teachers of CTK are getting us back on track. I can guarantee that all students are really excited for term 4 to come.

Sincerely CTK school captains Jack and Laura.

Semester 1 Learning Summary Parent / Teacher Meetings.

This year, Semester One Parent/Teacher meetings will be optional for parents.

Many parents have had significant contact with class teachers during the 'at home' learning phase and in the period since the children have returned to 'face to face' teaching. This makes it highly likely that, following receiving your child's Semester 1 Learning Summary, a Parent teacher meeting may not be necessary. However, You are welcome to take the opportunity to share in your children's learning experiences or perhaps to ask the questions that you wish to have answered regarding your child's learning and well-being.

Instructions on how to book an online phone appointment using the school interview booking site are below:

Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and follow the instructions.

Enter the School Event code: SPDN3, click Go and follow the 3 steps

Enter your details

Choose teachers

Choose times and click finish.

Your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically - check your junk mail folder if you do not receive your email immediately.


SCHOOL PHOTO DAY: Friday 18th September - **Summer Uniform**

ORDER NOW -  go to www.advancedlife.com.au and enter the code:  FYK 386 HDG

or request a Student Photo / Family Photo order envelope from the School Office (envelopes will only be sent home upon request)

ONLINE ORDERS ARE THE PREFERRED METHOD.

 

Please note: if you placed your order earlier this year, you do not need to order again. 

If you are unsure if you placed an online order earlier in the year, you would have received a receipt via email.

Please check your junk mail / spam mail if you can't find it in your normal inbox.

 

If you are still unsure, please contact the Advanced Life enquiries team on www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

CHESS!!

Learn to be a chess champion! Coaching for students at Christ the King Primary School is held on:

Beginner/Rookie: Wednesday from 3.00pm to 4.00pm.

                                                                                                 Intermedicate: Wednesdays from 3.00pm to 4.00pm.

Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment. Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard, puzzle solving and fun practice games.

Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positive qualities, which all good chess players strive to develop.

If your child is interested in taking part, you can collect an enrolment form from the school office, or email enrol@sydneyacademyofchess.com.au for a copy. For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of chess on (02) 9745 1170.

SCHOOL FEES STATEMENTS - TERM 3, 2020

Term 3 School Fees statements were mailed out to families in Week 3.

Thank you to those parents who have made payment arrangements and to those who have paid their accounts. 

You will note that there is no due date on this statement.  We are endeavouring to assist families who may be experiencing financial difficulties due to the economic downturn caused by COVID19.  As noted in the comment box of your account - Please pay 'What you can - When you can'.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any information, to make a payment arrangement or for any further assistance you may require.

Thank you,  

Susan Ritchie

Senior Finance 

Parish News

Masks are now highly recommended to be worn at all Masses

NSW Health, supported by the Premier of NSW is highly recommending everyone in NSW to wear masks in any situation with the potential for COVID-19 transmission.

Therefore it is officially recommended all worshippers in the Diocese of Parramatta wear a mask to Mass. This would be as people arrive on parish grounds, during Mass or the service and afterwards as they leave. During Communion, the mask may be removed, but it should be in place at all other times.

We understand the inconvenience that masks may pose, but the health of our parishioners and the wider community is our highest concern.  We sincerely thank you for understanding, and for playing your part in keeping our community safe.

Sacrament of First Reconciliation 2020

Due to the extraordinary situation of the coronavirus we have had to postpone the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation until next year. Normally, the process of initiation for children into the parish Catholic community of the faithful is celebrated in three sacramental moments: Baptism, first reception of the Eucharist (Holy Communion) and Confirmation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a prerequisite for First Eucharist (for children in Year 3 and above) and will begin with a Parent Information Evening to be held this year via Zoom (for safety reasons) on Wednesday, 16th September, commencing at 7.30pm.The enrolment procedure, along with the program, will be explained and any questions answered at this meeting. All children (whether they attend Catholic or State schools) in our parish, prepare for the sacraments of First Reconciliation (Year 3 and above), First Eucharist (Year 4 and above) and Confirmation (Year 5/6 and above) in a program that is parish based (not school based) and family centred. We want to assist you, as the first and best teachers of your children, to continue your commitment made at your child’s baptism to bring them up in the practice of their faith. This is a significant step in your child’s journey of faith. It is important for parents/guardians to participate in this Zoom meeting. Children are not required for this initial Zoom meeting. If you wish to participate in this Zoom meeting please contact the parish office via email northrocks@parracatholic.org prior to the 15th of September to receive the link for this Zoom gathering.

Weekend Masses Recommencing Details

This weekend, we will be allowed to have a maximum of 120 persons attending each Mass.

WEEKDAY MASSES

Parishioners attending all weekday Masses are required to complete their details on the registration form provided in the church foyer.

Wednesday to Saturday Mass at 9:00 am (note Friday Mass starts at 9:15 am)

SUNDAY MASSES

Saturday         5:30 pm Vigil

Sunday            8:00 am & 10:00 am

Do I need to make a reservation for weekend Mass? Yes

There is a limit of 100 people at each Mass. excluding the celebrant and assistants. All Masses are regularly evaluated and updated accordingly. We have designated the Sunday 8am Mass for Seniors of our Parish but of course anyone may attend. It is still a government requirement to register all attendees to assist in contact tracing should it be required. Therefore the Eventbrite website from this weekend, will allow 100 parishioners to register to attend their chosen Mass.

 https://northrockscatholicparish.eventbrite.com.au/

 All reservations are to be made before Friday 5:30pm.

Volunteers are required for the Readings and to assist in operating the music PowerPoint. Please email the parish office: northrocks@parracatholic.org or phone 9871 8710 after reserving a place at your selected Mass.

Thank you for your assistance.

IMPORTANT:

Please follow the instructions when making your booking. You need to separately book each person in your family and bring your ticket or mobile phone with your e-ticket to Mass. Please contact the parish office on 9871.8710 or via email: northrocks@parracatholic.org should you encounter any technical issues registering. Thank you. 

We wish you a Blessed week ahead.

Stay strong and safe,

Fr Ian McGinnity

Parish Office Information, Parish Mass Times, Reconciliation and Rosary

Parish office hours are Mondays - Fridays 9am - 4pm.

Our current contact details are phone: 9871 8710 and email: northrocks@parracatholic.org

WEEKDAY MASSES

Wednesday to Saturday Mass at 9:00 am

(note Friday Mass starts at 9:15 am)  


SUNDAY MASSES

Saturday         5:30 pm Vigil

Sunday            8:00 am & 10:00 am


CONFESSION

Saturday after Mass (9:30am - 10am) or by appointment

Community News

Enrolling now for 2022

School Notes

Parent Volunteers at CTK should visit the Parent Involvement page and complete the ‘Volunteer Form’ to be able to assist in any capacity as a volunteer within the school.
Parent Volunteers at CTK should visit the Parent Involvement page and complete the ‘Child Protection Training Module’ to be able to assist in any capacity as a volunteer within the school.
Click on title, go to Administration, print and complete the ‘Application for Extended Leave’ form to apply for student leave other than illness