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T1: Week 1 & 2

'Back to School' Edition

Gracious God, we come to you at the beginning of this academic year

with our many feelings, expectations, fears and hopes.

Help us to remember, however, we have the comforting

assurance from you:

"Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Matthew 28:20

Update from the Principal: Eileen Rice

Term 1, Week 2 (2021)

"Welcome!"

*Click on the arrow to access Eileen's update.

WELCOME!

Welcome to the 2021 school year at St Alipius.

It has been a delight to witness the excitement of children happily returning to school after the break, and to see our new families and children genuinely embraced within the St. Alipius community.

It is lovely to have the sound of happy children around the place again and to see the joy on their faces as they reconnect with friends and teachers. What a privileged role I have to share in all of that.

Yesterday 34 beaming Foundation children started school for the first time and, apart from the odd tear shed by parents and a natural wariness from some children, the transition into school life was smooth and enjoyable. We welcome Gabriel, Bhavsahib, Emme, Archie, Mia, Abhaas, Isabelle, Angelo, Paddy, Hunter, Aamber, Claire, Aubrey, Sam, Amreen, Ailbe, Fionn, Mirajane, Olivia, Frederick, Sienna, Maggie, Clara, Scarlett, James, Arlo, Flynn R, Mahli, Alkira, Hudson, Billie, Sadie, Marley, Flynn W and Jackson.

We know that you will have a fabulous year of learning with Nicole, Kate, Caitee, Helen, Jenny and Makayla and that you will each be wonderful participants in the life of St. Alipius School. We look forward to sharing in your learning journey.

Yesterday we also welcomed a number of children and their families into classes other than prep and are excited that they have joined our community. Welcome to LaTyka and Mary who have joined Ellen and Caitee’s Learning Community, Jarrah who has joined Esse’s Learning Community, Manat who has joined Kate’s Learning Community, Sophie who has joined Deb and Rachel’s Learning Community, Thomas who has joined Kathryn’s Learning Community and Kyeema who has joined Lauren and Clarie’s Learning Community.

We know that you and your families will find a warm welcome in our school and we trust that your time at St. Alipius will be a special chapter in your school life. We look forward to learning with and from you during your time with us.

WELCOME PICNIC(S)

Traditionally we would be planning for a Welcome Picnic when our school staff and families gather to build connections and enjoy each others’ company.

Current Covid restrictions limit outdoor gatherings to 100 people, including children. This presents us with some considerations and limitations on how we can manage to continue this important aspect of school life and maintain our responsibility to community safety.

We are exploring lots of options and will communicate our decision as soon as we can.

2022 FOUNDATION ENROLMENTS OPEN February 8th

It seems a little ridiculous that in the same newsletter in which we are welcoming our 2021 Foundation students we announce the opening of enrolments for our 2022 Foundation students - but that is the way of our world at the moment.

The Catholic schools in the Ballarat area have a common enrolment process. This year this process will extend to siblings of current students. If you have a child who will be ready for school in 2022 please follow the instructions outlined in the attached flyer, or call the office on 5331 1816 and Danielle will be happy to assist you.

Feature ITEM: AN ART INSTALLATION - A MESSAGE OF HOPE and TRUTH

Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him,

“If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

John 8:31-36 NRSV

Some time ago, a parent gave me a significant donation and just asked that I spend it on something that recognised the hurt that had happened in our parish and school years ago. Something that also recognised the strength of life-giving relationships that exist at St Alipius school today and that create hope for the future. Some other people added to these funds and I was able to commission Magda and Janusz Kuzbicki to create a glass window which portrays our cross, our motto, 'The Truth will set you Free’, and the colours of ribbons blowing in the breeze.

Last December, after a Covid related delay, our window was installed

It looks amazing and celebrates many aspects of our community; our history, our present reality and our future.

If you park in King St after dark - and look up at the windows of the Mercy Wing you will be able to see this beautiful art piece.

We look forward to celebrating an official blessing of our window when we can do this together.

Written by Eileen Rice

Capturing student reactions to our new window...

Student Reactions to Window

Around our Learning Communities

Foundation

We have been learning about being safe at school. This week we explored ways we can be safe at school.

1/2 Learning Community

Being able to chat to our new classmates and do the first part of our artwork made for a wonderful way to spend our Tuesday afternoon!

3/4 Learning Community

We are learning to collaborate as a team by getting to know each other's strengths and interests.

1/2 Learning Community

This week we have had a great time getting to know each other and setting up our classroom. We have also been learning about feedback and persistence. We are looking forward to a great year together!

Foundation & Year 6 Leadership Team

This morning we met our buddies. Buddies offer a wonderful opportunity for our students - both Foundation & Year 6 students. Having the opportunity to support & guide our newest members of the St Alipius community is such a great experience, one we look forward to sharing with you!

3/4 Learning Community

The 3/4 Positivity Tree.

Everyone added a personalised leaf with a word or statement relating to positivity, kindness, or gratitude. It's proudly displayed in the corridor for all to admire.

Year 5 Learning Community

The Year 5's are settling in well to their new learning environment.

We're ready to take the leap from being in Year 4 and start a whole new journey!

Year 6 Leadership Team

We are a community of learners. As learners one of our key focuses in 2021 will be to further develop and enhance our leadership skills. As the Year 6 Leadership Team, we will aim to build a community that enables us all to grow and be the best versions of ourselves.

Whole School Prayer (WSP) - What do you do with a chance?

Taking a chance is kind of like taking a ‘leap of faith’. Faith is when you have complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Taking a risk to achieve a goal requires courage to face the fear of uncertainty. No matter the outcome, either way, we grow through the process and become more resilient and confident.

Student Leadership

The piece of Scripture guiding our Year 6 Leadership Team this year is printed on the back of our Year 6 jumpers.

At St Alipius every student is a leader.

These jumpers were presented to students by Eileen and Jaci on Wednesday afternoon. See if you can spot our Year 6 leaders wearing their blue striped t-shirts and printed jumpers!