Principal's News from Jenny Hawkins
Parish Education Board (PEB) Update
There have been several opportunities for Fr Paul and I to share our hopes and wishes for the school moving forward. A clear and united vision of gospel simplicity has emerged in the form of our new PEB Guidelines. On Wednesday night Fr Paul ratified the guidelines that have replaced the PEB Constitution ratified in July 2016. Y
ou can access these guidelines in the parent section of our Learning Community Site at this link. It is important to share some background to this change.
When both Father Paul and I started in our new roles at the school, we inherited a formal twelve page Parish Education Board Constitution. Although appreciative of the time spent in preparing the constitution, having spent many months reflecting on the document, Fr Paul and I found that it deviated away from the recommended Catholic Education Office (CEO) advisory board model.
One of the key areas of difference was the board responsibilities section. The CEO model defines 7 responsibilities for the advisory board. Our St Patrick's constitution listed 19 responsibilities for the board. As a result, the board had inadvertently moved away from an advisory body into the school management and governance responsibilities.
Another key area of difference was the number of parent representatives on the board. The CEO model defines 4 parents, our previous constitution listed 8 with a stipulation for representation across all year levels. Our new guidelines include an opportunity to welcome a parishioner who is not a parent of the school to join the PEB. There are numerous ways for parents to have a voice and be involved in the school that are not limited to the PEB. Other forums include the Parents and Friends, the Parents as Open Partners in Education, Parent Helper training sessions, Class reps, parent working parties, such as the Child Safe Team and After School Care group, including numerous surveys (student reports, camps, after school care). We welcome parent involvement and feedback at all times and this will continue to evolve and grow. Most importantly, the board is not a forum for addressing parent concerns.
Any concerns must follow the correct school procedure as indicated in the flowchart at this link.
The new 6 page PEB Guidelines includes a Board Code of Conduct that not only reflects our school Code of Conduct but remind of us of our most important role as members of the PEB. This is to ensure that we are focused on contributing to the enrichment of Catholic education for our children and that the school is an expression of the mission of the Catholic Church.
My prayer reflection shared at the board meeting also explains this most important role.
As we move forward, with a renewed focus on our guidelines, we recognise and thank all of the past board members who have contributed to the board in numerous ways.
There are two key gospel quotes Fr Paul has thoughtfully chosen for our new guidelines. These quotes are valuable for all of us to reflect on in our roles as not only board members but leaders, staff, parents and parishioners.
"I am among you as one who serves." Luke 22-27
"Put on, as God's chosen ones, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience." Colossians 3:12
MASTERPLAN PRESENTATION TO OUR COMMUNITY Tuesday 8th May 7pm
Are you interested in the future development of our school and grounds ? At the end of last term, K2LD architects presented the final iteration of the school masterplan.
You are invited to the presentation of this masterplan by the architects from K2LD this Tuesday 8th May at 7pm in our school hall.
Please email your attendance to the office@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au to help prepare the seating.
Italian Day
A
HUGE grazie to Signoura Sciulli who coordinated an exciting Italian celebration on Tuesday. Further photos from the day will be available soon. The children especially loved the delicious gelati and the performers who had us all in fits of laughter.
Fete Review News
After several years of wonderful fetes, due in particular to the tireless dedication of a wonderful team of coordinators and helpers, we have decided to offer something new, fresh and exciting to the community. This means that there won't be a fete this year.
Drawing on the ideas, energy and vision of current members of the P&F, some other plans are underway for early next year. You will hear about these plans very soon.
Fr Paul and I are very grateful for everything already happening in our community and excited about what is still to come.
School Uniform
Unfortunately it looks as if our warm spell of weather has come to an end. Children should now be in their winter uniform which also means black school shoes. An increasing number of students are wearing runners with their uniform. This is acceptable on sports days but if your child needs to wear runners for any other reason, please write a note to their teacher.
Staff Car park
We would appreciate if families did not use the back gate from the staff car park to enter or exit the school grounds. It is dangerous due to frequent vehicle movement. Please also discourage children from doing so if they are walking to school alone.
Extended Holidays
Just a reminder that if children are participating in family holidays outside of the school holiday periods, it is a requirement that I am notified in writing along with the classroom teacher. This can be done via email
jhawkins@spmurrumbeena. catholic.edu.au and cc to the classroom teacher.
Colour Run Reminder
Please return $10 donation entry fees as soon as possible so that the P&F can prepare to order the prizes. This has proven to be a great fundraiser as well as a wonderful community event. Thank you for your support.
Cross Country News from Mrs Barclay
What a great effort by our children in Years 4-6 who participated in our Cross Country yesterday. This event is used as trials for the Dendy District Cross Country (Friday May 18). It was a wonderful opportunity to achieve a personal goal and to display perseverance. We were most impressed with the support and encouragement the children provided towards each other. A huge thank you to the parent helpers who volunteered as course marshalls- your assistance is much appreciated.
Congratulations
Great news! James H of 6O has been selected in the Victorian 12 years & Under Boys State Hockey team. We wish James and the team the best of luck in the championships to be held in Newcastle in August.
Mother's and Special Friends Day
The P and F will be hosting an afternoon tea for all the mums and special friends at Rovira house next Friday afternoon from 2pm. Please come and enjoy a cup of tea and afternoon tea, everyone is welcome.
In addition the annual stall will be conducted on this day for the children to purchase a $5 gift. If you can help with the stall, please contact Felicity on 0409 177 874 or Alma on 0401 931 227
Friday Mass
Father Paul would like to invite parents to join him and the students for a cuppa after the school Level Masses on Fridays. A donation of a packet a biscuits to share would also be appreciated. Last year the call was put out to families whose surname started with A- K. This year if your surname commences with L-Z, any donation of bikkies at the school office will be gratefully accepted.
Important Term 2 dates
Masterplan Presentation Tuesday 8th May 7pm
Mother's & Special Friends Day
Stall and Morning Tea Friday 11th May
Mother's Day Sunday 13th May
Dendy Cross Country Friday 18th May
Whole school photo Monday 21st May
Grade 6 Reflection Day Wednesday 22nd May
School Closure Day Monday 28th May
