Mary Immaculate Primary Newsletter

Term 1 Week 2: Monday 3rd February 2020

Principal's Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

2020! Welcome to a whole new year at MIPS.

Over the break, I went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land. What a wonderful experience. We began on My Nebo, the biblical place where Moses looked out over the promised land. This is the perspective from which I am looking at 2020. An amazing year is ahead of us. We have journeyed together to this point and our road forward is one full of promise. I will be referring to my pilgrimage over the coming term as we lead up to Holy Week.

A pilgrimage is an experience of physical and spiritual journey through which we come closer to God. MIPS is a place of pilgrimage for us all. It is a unique place physically and spiritually as well where we seek to enable all those who journey here to encounter God. We have all been led and welcomed here. How blessed are we!

Everyone has made a great start to 2020 including our new Kinders. This Friday evening we are inviting our Kinder families for 2020 and all our other families that are new to MIPS to a welcome barbecue from 6pm to 8pm. It should be a lovely way to start our year together.

This year, we will be involved in a whole school community initiative around our Mission and Learning platform. This refers to our continuing work with Surface, Deep and Transfer Learning, also known as part of Visible Learning. Lots more to come on this.

Last year, the decision was made to do away with events such as Athons to make fundraising support to the school and the P&F easier for families. We have been able to keep the contribution to under $20 per term per child. This will mean that our tremendous P&F will be able to focus their efforts on community building occasions rather than fundraising. The fundraising to date has gone to really improving the school facilities such as the synthetic grass play areas and the MPA air-conditioning for the students, thanks to your generous support.

Can I ask that all families ensure that they have the Skoolbag app up to date on their devices with appropriate notifications turned on. We will continue to do everything we can to keep you informed and Skoolbag is a significant element of our communication platform.

Today a new 0 to 5 Playgroup began at our school - very exciting. Contact Corina for more information at corinabarnes@outlook.com

With appreciation for your ongoing support,

Stephen Dowd, Principal

Assistant Principal's Message

Welcome back to what promises to be a very busy and exciting year. A special welcome to our new families, you will notice very quickly that the Mary Immaculate family is one that embraces faith and inclusion. This year we continue the wonderful work around focussing on the learning and the children’s development in all that we do. 

Our children are exceptionally fortunate to be a part of such a special environment. Each week we will endeavour to share with you through the newsletter some of the learning our children are partaking in. This is a wonderful avenue to ensure you are included in your child’s development and education and provide you with an insight into what goes on in the learning spaces. 

The children will again be involved in goal setting allowing them the opportunity to be responsible for the direction and ownership of their learning. We look forward to working together to achieve another year of faith and great learning.

I would like to thank the community for all of the effort in collecting the Earn and Learn stickers from Woolworths last year. A special thanks to our P&F who coordinated the program spending endless hours counting and sticking on the stickers.

We were able to go on and place an order for various equipment. I am pleased to say that we received our order late last week. Below are photos of some of the wonderful items, these will be distributed amongst the grades and will allow us to begin our lunchtime groups clubs.

We look forward to participating in the program again this year and are extremely grateful for the wonderful dedication of our community in collecting  over 39,000 stickers.

Thank you for your ongoing support

Sharon Mizzi

Assistant Principal 

SPORTS UNIFORMS for 2020

Students are to wear their sports uniforms on the following days for these grades:

Kindergarten     Tuesday and Thursday

Year 1                  Tuesday and Friday

Year 2                   Tuesday and Friday

Year 3                  Thursday and Friday

Year 4                   Wednesday and Friday

Year 5                   Wednesday and Friday

Year 6                   Wednesday and Thursday

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

Supervision begins at 8:25am. Children should not be left at school before this time. A 'kiss and drop' zone operates in the morning if you do not wish to walk your child into school. Adults must stay in the car at all times if using the 'kiss and drop' zone. The children's bags must be in the car with them to ensure they can exit quickly. At no time can a car be left unattended in the 'kiss and drop' zone. If you wish to walk your child into school, please drive up the ramp to the car park. Children take their bags to the classroom and then must go straight to the playground for supervision. No one is to remain in the building before school unless they have made a formal appointment with a staff member. If this is the case, you must sign in at the office. Parents who come down onto the playround are asked to stand to the side and allow their child to socialise with the other children on the playground. The perimeter gates are locked each morning. The Barnier Drive main gate remains open during the day. 

Please remember also to be respectful of our neighbours in where you park around the school.

Developing Literacy Partnerships

Dear Parents,

An invitation is extended for you to take part in a programme specifically designed to assist you in helping your child/children in their literacy and language development. 

This programme called “Developing Literacy Partnerships” will be held over two days during Weeks 4 and 5. Lesson 1 will be held on Tuesday 18th February either at 9.00-11.00am or 1.00-3.00pm and Lesson 2 will be on Tuesday 25th February at the same times. Please note that you will need to attend one time slot from both Lessons 1 & 2.

This programme is designed to give you knowledge, understanding and insight into how children develop in reading, writing and spelling. The course is simple, enjoyable, skill developing and affords you the benefit of being an asset in your child’s learning.

When:    Tuesday 18th February & Tuesday 25th February

Times:    9:00 - 11.00am   OR 1.00 - 3:00pm

Where:   The HUB next to the Multi Purpose Area.

Your attendance will give you insights on the stages of learning in literacy.

Please fill in the slip that is coming home today and return to the school office by Friday 14th February. 

Thank you

Paola Dimataga and Kylie Behrens

Messsage from the Library

Welcome back to another exciting year in the library. All students will receive their library day and time shortly. Classes come to the library once a week and are able to borrow 2 books which they then return the following week on their library day. Please make sure students bring a library bag to school on their library day as we need to keep all our books safe and dry.

If students have any home readers at home, no matter how long they have had them, please send them back to the library and I will work out with teachers to get them back to their packs. We have a considerable amount of packs in the library at the moment missing one or two books and these books are expensive and sometimes difficult to replace.

Thank you and we look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

2020 Team Sport Trials

Parramatta Diocese 2020 Information for Parents of current Year 5 and Year 6 students

Parramatta Diocesan Primary students enrolled in Year 5 and 6 in 2020 are invited to participate in the Parramatta Diocesan Team Sport Trials during 2020. It is important to note that these trials are for those children who display an above average ability and/or have representative experience in their chosen sport. 

Parramatta Diocesan trials 2020 will be held in the following sports: AFL, cricket, diving, golf, hockey, rugby league, netball, soccer, rugby union, softball and touch football. Please note that if approved to attend a trial, parents/caregivers must transport their child to and from the trial. REGISTRATION for these trials close this THURSDAY 6th February.

To be eligible for selection for these trials an Online Team Registration Form must be completed.  This can be accessed via the website www.primarysportparra.catholic.edu.au  ~ Click on “REP SELECTIONS” tab and scroll down to the SPORT you wish to register for and click on the “REGISTER” button.

This online form is an EXPRESSION OF INTEREST for the 2020 Parramatta Diocesan Primary Sport Team trials. 

In order for your child to attend a nominated trial your expression of interest needs to be verified and approved by the school. In some sports only 2 students per school can be nominated. 

Further information regarding the team sport trials can be found on the Primary Sport website www.primarysportparra.catholic.edu.au  and the Primary Sport Parramatta Diocese Facebook.

Mrs Angela Ruys

CAPTIVATE PROGRAMS 2020

Primary Dance and Choir

In 2020 MIPS will once again be participating in Captivate programs in Music and Dance for students in years 4 - 6. We have registered for both the Dance and Choir ensembles for performances at the new Sydney Colosseum at Rooty Hill in Term 3 week 2 from the 26-28th July (TBC). Students will be able to nominate themselves at school with Mrs Peta Markham-Ward and Mrs Karen Cauchi for one of these ensembles by putting their name down on the expression of interest sign up sheets on the noticeboard in the MPA. 

Leading Ensembles - Dance, Choir, Drama

For those students who have a higher level of experience and training, there is the opportunity to audition for one of the Leading ensembles in Dance (year 6 students only), Choir (Voices Choir year 4-6 students) and Drama (year 6 students only) for these showcase performances. Students who elect to audition for these need to be aware that rehearsal attendance will be compulsory. These rehearsals are mostly outside of school hours and at other locations and will require Parental transportation. 

Information on the different Leading ensembles available for students (Including the Dance after school ensemble which is another program available, different to those mentioned above) and links for registration are below. 

To audition for Showcase Leading Ensembles please fill out this google form - https://forms.gle/93u72zMpqP7bLqm26 

To register for Dance After School Ensemble please follow this link - https://forms.gle/dDHb2SWmnfo1znhi7 

For more information on Captivate, please click on this link - https://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/Learning/CAPTIVATE/CAPTIVATE-Programs

Feel free to contact either Mrs Peta Markham-Ward or Mrs Karen Cauchi if you have any questions around any of these programs.

STUDENT BANKING

Student banking with the Commonwealth Bank will commence Friday 7th February.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE FOLLOWING STUDENTS CELEBRATING THEIR BIRTHDAY JANUARY 2020

Eva Rose A, Benedict A, Sarohee A, Reigan A, Lucia A, Sofia B, Ella B, Mishka B, Logan B, Abbey B, Zoe B, Ella C, Ezekiel D, Dominic D, Aaliyah D, Gurekum D, Andrew D, Gabriel D, Levi F, Kurukulasuriya F, Clarise H, Joshua J, Lachlan J, Parnavi J, Aarya K, Jackson L, Maddison L, Cholhok M, Kiera M, Brayden M, Siobhan M, Stephanie M, Matteo N, Isavella N, Trinity O, Noah P, Jiszel P, Liam P, Nevin P, Lincoln R, Tejasvir S, Rafael S, Abhita S, Atticus S, Christian S, Avana S, Jujhar S, Lalita S, Kayla S, Ethan S, Myeesha S, Anishka T and Gabriella V.

School Uniform Trading Hours

Tuesdays and  Fridays - 8:30am to 10:00am

Orders are to be placed on the QKR App by 4:00pm Monday and Thursday and delivery will be every Tuesday and Friday mornings during the school Term. 

For further information please contact Elle on 0421 216 414 or via email elle@ozfashions.com.au.

Community News

St John Paul II Opens Enrolments for Year 7 - 2021

St John Paul II is open for and accepting enrolments for Year 7 2021. The closing date for Year 7 2021 applications 1st round offers is Wednesday, 25 March 2020.

Parents/Caregivers and students are invited to attend our Open Enrolment Afternoon Evening on Monday 9 March from 4.00pm to 6.30pm. Group tours run by our students are available and will give you the opportunity to view the school grounds and facilities, visit the classrooms and meet our students and teachers.

Enrolment applications are available from the website under Enrol Now or you can contact Mrs Fay Lovett on 92087200 to enquire further.

We look forward to having you join our community!

Catherine McAuley Westmead Enrolments for Year 7 2021

Catherine McAuley Westmead is now accepting enrolments for Year 7 2021. The closing date for Year 7 2021 applications 1st round offers is Friday, 27th March 2020.

For those seeking enrolment for Year 7 2021 an Open Afternoon/Evening will be held at the school on Wednesday, 4th March 2020 between 4.00pm - 7.00pm. This evening will provide an opportunity for you to tour the school, meet other parents and staff, and to ask any questions you may have about the enrolment process. In addition, the school will hold two school tours each year for those interested in touring the school on a normal school day.

MIPS CHEER

MIPS CHEER is ready to start on Wednesday 5th February 3.30-4.30pm - we hope you are all excited. If you have not registered we ONLY HAVE SPACES FOR YEAR 4-6 left - get in quick as we will cut off new enrolments very soon.


Please head to https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=583612& to register.


Just a friendly reminder that all registered students must return Medical Forms and Expectations before commencing. If you did not receive the email please contact peta@inspiredancefitness.com.au to request.


Thank you

Peta Markham-Ward

Download the SkoolBag App

https://moqproducts.com.au/skoolbag/installation-instructions/
At Mary Immaculate we communicate with parents via our free Skoolbag app that is available from both the App Store and Google Play Store. Downloading our app means you immediately receive updates and reminders to your mobile phone. How good is that!

Mary Immaculate Primary Quakers Hill