Week 9 Term 1 2022

Dear Families,

Small ways to change screen time habits

I recognise there are many tips out there about ‘screen time’ for children and is a topical subject that we hear about regularly. However, I came across this article not too long ago and thought it was worthwhile sharing.

We all know that too much screen time is not good for our children. We also know that it is a requirement for students; not only at school, but for many (especially as they become older) a form of social interaction.

To achieve a healthy balance, small and realistic changes in children’s habits are important. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Try making a rule to leave devices plugged in when not in use.
   One idea is to make a family rule that when devices aren’t being used at home, they have to be plugged in, or put in a set location. This means that phones and tablets aren’t allowed to be carried around at home. If it can’t go with you, there’s less temptation to check messages and open up apps, etc.
2. Grayscale the home screen
   Using ‘grayscale’ on the home screen can help curb screen addiction. By stripping away all the neuron-stimulating colours on your child’s phone or tablet, they’ll be less motivated to constantly check it for notifications or open up apps.
3. Do a family detox for 15 minutes
   Have everyone in the family choose a set time during the day that works best and schedule a ‘screen-free’ time. You can start with 15 minutes per day (or more or less, whatever works for you). Write it down each day and maybe even see how much time you can build up.
4. Turn screens off at least one hour before bed
   Put devices away at a set time, and at least an hour before bed each day.
5. Make screens off-limits during meal times
   Meal times, even on busy nights, can easily be a time for no devices. When screens are at the table, they can get in the way of connection between family members.
6. Create phone-free zones in the home
   Whether it’s bedrooms, the kitchen, or another place, you can decide as a family where you’d rather not have screens invade your space. The simplest idea to remember is that when they are not nearby, they’re not tempting.
7. Set a timer
   When you set a timer and clearly lay out the rules about the amount of time allowed for the day, children may be more receptive to the ‘screens away’ request. Further, when the children do it, parents should follow suit.
8. Make a plan for ‘before screen time’
   Before anyone goes on a screen during the day, make a plan for what should happen first. Maybe you’ll walk the dog, have breakfast, some light exercise, etc. Pick something you like to do already, and delaying screens won’t seem like such a challenge.

Parents and Friends, 2022

The next P&F Meeting is on Tuesday 5 April at 6:30pm (online). We have some new members which is great and are after more. As mentioned previously, no special skills or qualities are required to be part of the P&F – just a desire to share ideas and assist from time to time. Please join on Tuesday 5 April – if you’d like to participate, please email Ingrid Douventzidis, Ingrid@stjopayn.catholic.edu.au who will send you an online invitation.

Parking Signs along Marian Road

You may have noticed that local council has changed the parking sign times along Marian Road. Where previously, there was no parking from 3:00pm-4:00pm, this has changed, and now the signage indicates no parking from 2:30-3:30pm. This variation better reflects our parking and traffic needs. The morning signage remains the same, that is, no parking from 8:00-9:00am.

Also, please note that parking inspectors do patrol both Marian Road and Tarcoma Avenue, (in the mornings as well as the afternoons) and do issue fines if parking illegally. 

Staff News

Karina Forte: Karina has been successful in winning the OSHC Director position. As you are probably aware, Karina has been the Acting OSHC Director for quite a few months. Congratulations to Karina on winning this permanent role.

Peta Yates: Peta has won a permanent Front Office Receptionist position at Tenison Woods Catholic School Richmond, starting in Term Two. Whilst this is fabulous news for Peta, we are sad to be losing such a fine person. However, we wish Peta all the best as she moves to Tenison Woods.

End of Term One and Beginning of Term Two

As you may have seen in the letter circulated today, Term One concludes on Wednesday 13 April at the usual dismissal time of 3:00pm. Please note the first day of Term Two is Tuesday 3 May at 8:40am.

Congratulations

Lastly, I share with you the following ‘good news’ and offer my best wishes to:

• Vanessa Saccardo (staff member) and her husband, Stef, on the birth of their first child, a boy, ‘Renny Jon’.
• The Bejtic family (Leo, 2M, Siena, RM, and Aliyah, PS Koala group) on the birth of a boy, ‘Eli’. It is child number 5 for the Bejtic family!
• The Arrichiello family (Laurance, RM and Leonardo, PS Koala group) on the birth of a boy, ‘Luciano’.

Wishing you well!
Simon Mechis

Holy Week

As you know Holy Week and Easter is coming up.  This is the most significant celebration on the Church calendar.

During the next few weeks, we, as a school, will be focusing on the events that occurred during Holy Week and Easter, the symbols associated with these and the significance of the events.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday is the first day of what is known traditionally as 'Holy Week'. This year Palm Sunday falls on the 10th April. During Holy Week, we are called to enter this time with reverence and celebrate its rites with care and devotion. The Gospel readings on Palm Sunday highlight what will be celebrated in the week that lies ahead – our passage with the Lord from death to resurrection.

Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper - At the Mass of the Lord's Supper the focus is on the reading of the story of the washing of the feet from John's gospel, and on the ritual foot-washing. The main focus is on celebrating the Eucharist and remembering what happened at the Last Supper.

Good Friday - During the Good Friday service we remember the passion and death of Christ on the cross. It is usually a solemn day and when the celebration finishes with the prayer over the people, we depart in silence. Catholics should abstain from eating meat on Good Friday.

Easter Sunday - "You must not be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here- he has been raised, just as he said!" (Matthew 28:5-6)

The celebration of Easter is most significant for us as Catholics. We celebrate the saving love and the new life given to us through the resurrection of Jesus. Dates and times of Holy Week and Easter celebrations in our Parish will be advertised in the next Newsletter. 

As parents you can assist with your child’s faith development at this time by: 

• Discussing what your child is doing in class regarding Jesus’ last days of on earth
• Read and discuss the Easter Stories (use children’s bibles – depending on the age of your children) 
• Discuss family and cultural traditions around Easter 
• Perhaps share other cultural Easter traditions with your child’s class 
• Re-enacting the Passover meal at home and discuss the significance 

Sacramental Meetings

Our Parents/Child Meeting scheduled for 30th March has been cancelled due to continuing COVID restrictions. This was an opportunity for families to learn more about the upcoming Sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. 

We continue to journey together towards these celebrations in Term 2. We wish our students well as they now focus their attention towards preparing for these important moments of Grace in their life. 

Sacramental Lessons
I encourage all Sacramental families to continue to engage in the lessons that have been sent to you through the Seesaw App, until we can meet as a Group. (TBC)

A reminder to fill in the Parish Passport and the prayers learnt by the children each week.

Father Michael will be visiting the Year 4 classes this week to test them on their knowledge to date.

Blue and Yellow Casual Clothes Day - Raising money for Ukraine

The Social Justice Leaders have decided upon the Term 1 Fundraiser for 2022. Students and staff are invited to wear Ukrainian blue and yellow casual/coloured clothes on Friday 8^th April.  

We are asking for a gold coin donation which will go towards Caritas Australia’s Emergency Ukrainian War appeal. The students feel that it is very important for us to offer our support to the devastating war unfolding overseas and they wish to support Caritas Australia so ask for any donations that families can offer. Donations to be made through the QKR App. 

Prayer for Peace in Ukraine 
Peace is a precious gift which must be promoted and protected… Never has the use of violence brought peace in its wake. War begets war, violence begets violence. - Pope Francis 

God of Peace 
Our hearts ache for the people of Ukraine as their country is invaded by power and military force. 
We pray especially for the vulnerable and marginalised communities who will be most severely impacted by war. 
We pray for Caritas Ukraine as they continue to support communities with emergency relief such as shelter and food. 
We pray for Australia, that we may make a positive contribution to peacemaking in our world. We pray for ourselves and people everywhere: help us to stand shoulder to shoulder with those who suffer, raising our voices in solidarity against injustice. 
Loving God, keep alive within us the flame of hope so that, with patience and perseverance, we may always opt for dialogue not war. 
Amen 

Fourth Week of Lent - (Week beginning Monday 28th March) 
This week through Project Compassion we learn about Rosalie, who lives with her husband and seven children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Forced to join the army when she was just 15-years-old, Rosalie experienced significant trauma and hardship during her years in the military. After she was demobilised from the army, Rosalie, like other ex-combatants, was left to fend for herself in the community.  

With your generous support and through Caritas Australia's partners, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) and Caritas Bukavu, Rosalie was able to connect with other members of her community and participate in business skills training to help her to reintegrate into society. 

She joined a savings group which helped her with a loan to start her own small business selling second-hand shoes and natural remedies.  

“I can eat, dress, maintain my health and help others. My children study and manage to eat twice a day. I have learnt to work hand-in-hand with other members of the community. Really, there is more joy in sharing with others.” - Rosalie 

Watch a short film about Rosalie’s story here.
Please support Project Compassion: lent.caritas.org.au 

Fifth Week of Lent - (Week beginning Monday 4th April) 
Next week through Project Compassion we learn about Shaniella who is attending a vocational school in the Solomon Islands supported by Caritas Australia Solomon Islands (CASI). 

Not long after Shaniella started, the school was hit by a landslide, flooding, and a cyclone, all in quick succession.  

With your kind support, CASI helped install water tanks, restoring clean water access to nearby schools, health centres and the wider community. Training was held in agricultural skills to help boost the school community’s food security, as well as in environmental risk management and emergency responses. 

Now, Shaniella can complete her skills training, with enough water and food to eat, and improved sanitation. She is improving her ability to earn an income, learning skills which will expand her job opportunities. Students are also better prepared to respond when disaster strikes.  

Watch a short film about Shaniella’s story here.

Ingrid Douventzidis