Week 4 - St Vincent's Primary School Clear Island Waters

ST VINCENT’S NEWS
PH: (07) 5572 1688 PO BOX 6574 PARISH OFFICE OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS CARE
(07) 5572 1746 GOLD COAST PH: (07) 5572 5433 (07) 5572 3388 or
FAX: (07) 5575 4338 MAIL CENTRE 9726 FAX: (07) 5572 5262 (0428) 18 5008
EMAIL: probina@bne.catholic.edu.au web: www.stvincentsps.qld.edu.au
Dear Parents, Staff & Students,
AUGUST
S M T W T F S
31 1 2
3 4 5 6 7 8 9
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Feast Day of Mary Mackillop
Mass: 5L
Reco 7B
Premiers Reading Challenge
target for 15 books to be read
Whole School Assembly: (1GB)
Parish Parent Meetings
Confirmation & Communion
1:00pm and 7:30pm
Auskick Program … cont
P&F Meeting 7:00pm
Brisbane Show Holiday
Feast of the Assumption
Catholic Schools Athletics and
Ball Games Carnival
Reconciliation 7D 9:30am
Book Week
Parish Parent Meetings
Confirmation & Communion
6:00pm
Parish Enrolment w/end for
Confirmation & First Eucharist
Our aim in 2008 –
to reduce our
This Friday marks the feast day of Blessed Mary
MacKillop, a remarkable lady destined to become
our first Australian saint. Mary was born in
Melbourne in 1842 and died in Sydney on 8 th
August 1909. Responding to the isolation of
colonial families, she pioneered a new form of
religious life to provide education for their children.
She and her sisters shared the life of the poor and
the itinerant, offering special care to destitute
women and children. She is remembered for her
eagerness to discover God’s will in all things, for her charity in the face of calumny, and for
her abiding trust in God’s providence. Our year 5 classes will be attending and leading the
Parish mass at 9:00am this Friday in honour of this special lady. Please come along if you
are able.
The wisdom of Mary MacKillop …
WAKAKIRRI
We are very pleased and proud to announce that our Wakakirri Story-Dance entry was
successful in making it through to the next round of competition. They will be performing on
Tuesday, September 9. Congratulations & well done to all involved!
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
With the colder weather it is definitely tempting to stay in bed for a few extra minutes in the
morning. However, the implication is that many children are arriving late for school. We
remind families that classes begin at 8.40 am and children should be unpacked and ready
to begin work at that time. Therefore, it would be appropriate for children to arrive at school
between 8.20 am and 8.30am to allow sufficient time for them to get organised for their
day’s activities. Arriving at school at this time allows children to settle comfortably in the
classroom, saves unnecessary stress and pressure and ensures they are making the most
of all learning opportunities.
If your child arrives after the bell a parent must accompany him/her to the office for a ‘late
slip’ and then to the classroom. This process is to assist us in contacting parents whose
children are not present when the roll is called and to ensure your child’s safety.
WEDDING BELLS
It must be wedding season! This Saturday Zoe Marheine & Shane Parry will
exchange vows in Ballina. We are sure the whole community will take great
delight in joining with us to wish the happy couple all the very best for their
special day and a future together full of life’s blessings!
St Vincent’s strives to be a nut free zone.
Please help us keep our students safe.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Last Friday we finally held our Athletics Carnival. It was a very successful day which saw our children involved in a number of activities.
We thank Peter Brennan for his organisation in ensuring that the day ran smoothly and according to plan and the staff for their ongoing
assistance with training and the supervision of events. We also recognise the role parents played as supporters and encouragers of the
children and for the assistance provided to Lorelle. (Thanks Lorelle, for the delicious catering!) Congratulations to the children for their
teamwork and co-operation and for their dedication to improving their skills. These attributes are very much applauded at St. Vincent’s
and it gives us great pleasure to recognise such traits in our community. Thank you one and all!
SCHOOL FEES
School fees have been issued last week. If you haven’t received your account, please check your child’s bag or contact Sharon at the
office via phone or email. Thank you to those families who have paid their fees. We are most appreciative of your endeavours to pay
fees promptly. Just a reminder that the due date for fees is Friday, August 8. Families who may be experiencing difficulties with fees
are asked to contact Sharon Simmons or email her on ssimmons@bne.catholic.edu.au
BAND PHOTOS
Proof photos and order forms are now available in the office. Please call in to the office to check them out and place an order.
ST.VINCENT’S NIGHT
Our second Gazette for our magic ‘Night of Nights’ will be distributed tomorrow due to a technical difficulty at the printers. Please take
the time to read it and help where you can! Please don’t forget to support our very generous sponsors for without their support St.
Vincent’s night would not be the success it is.
TRIVIA NIGHT
What a fun night was had by all at our Trivia night last Friday night! Our sincere thanks to the P & F for organising it with the
award going to Sonia Mackay for all her organisation. Thank you so much!
PARENT FORUM
All parents are invited to the staffroom next Monday after Assembly where we will conduct a forum on the school priorities set down for
this year. We really value the input and feedback provided by our parent community and look forward to once again sharing our vision
for the school with our parents. Please come and join us in the staffroom on Monday morning (August 11).
EKKA SHOW HOLIDAY
Please don’t forget that Wednesday, August 13 is set down as a public holiday. There will be no school on this day! If you wish to avail
yourself of the After School Care facility you will need to make a booking with Dina as she will only be permitted to operate depending
on booking numbers.
CONGRATULATIONS
We congratulate the following children on their reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation last week:
Karla A, Ella A, Corey A, Zane A, Stella B, Tristan B, Elise B, Emma B, Tyler C, Marie C, Joshua C, Emily C,
Connor C, Alexander C, John C, Peter C, Rosie C, Jackson C, Sophie C, Ross D, Jason D, Isabella D, Kayla D,
Paris D’E, Max F, Lauren F, Rachel G, Marco G, Cameron G, Zane H, Olivia H, Richard H, Oskar H, Lachlan H,
Mia H, Brianna J, Taylah J, Eleanor K, Riley M, Linda M, Ava M, Jack M, Claudia M, Kayla M, Levi M, Noah, N,
Katherine N, Jett N, Jonathan N, Stephen N, Charlotte O, Joshua P, Jay P, George P, Liliana P, Brooke P,
Amelia R, Sophie R, Jayden R, Lana R, Emmett R, Sophie S, Edward S, Sophia S, Benjamin S, Joel S, Alex S,
Annabelle S, Brendan T, Amy T, David T, Brooklyn W, Cheyenne W and Abbey W
DROP OFF/PICK UP
Another incident has been reported to us re dangerous actions at peak traffic times in and around the school during the morning. Once
again we urge ALL to take care. Each and every one of our students is precious to us so we ask you all to take care and be very
vigilant as you drop off and pick up your children!
My Child Keeps Coming Into Our Room At Night
Young Patrick always has difficulty going to bed. The lights out
time has been set at 7:30pm, but at a quarter to eight, he is still
asking for a drink of water and to go to the toilet. So, Anne, his
mother, lies down beside him and promises to read a book. It is
8:15, before Pat falls asleep and Anne is able to sneak out of the
room. Most nights it is not even this easy. He usually doesn’t
even settle after half an hour of reading and just when Anne thinks
he has nodded off, he’s saying, “I’m feeling sick” or “I can’t sleep”
and she is getting more and more frustrated.
Anne knew it was too good to be true. Tonight’s bedtime calm
only lasts until midnight before she is awoken by the pitter patter of
little feet heading towards her room. Exasperated, she takes Pat
back to his room where his wide eyes, wet with tears and
combined with protests designed to break any mother’s heart, are
starting to break down Anne’s defences. She once again
reluctantly crawls into bed with him, sleeping fitfully until fully
awake an hour later, she trudges back to her bed and blissful
sleep … but not for long. Beside her bed, her sleep deprived eyes
spy a forlorn little figure and she hears little whimpers
accompanied by “my room’s making noises” and “I’m really
scared. Can I pleeeeease just sleep with you mummy …
pleeeeeeeease”
Anne, once again resigned to defeat, pulls back the covers and
her little man is right in beside her, whimpers and tears fading fast
into a dreamy sleep.
How many parents have had similar experiences with their little
darlings Of course, the next morning after enduring the last
restless couple of hours with a tossing, turning and wriggling little
body, complete loss of privacy or maybe even wet sheets, we
determinably insist that that was the last time!!!!
Some Tips:
• Establish a bedtime ritual that suits your family. This
might mean a prescribed time to prepare for bed, clean
teeth, go to the toilet, reading, a prayer and then lights

out. Ensure that you and your child stick to the routines
each and every night.
• Stipulate the rule that Pat will now sleep in his own bed
and allow no exceptions. Allow him to decorate his room,
add a night light if necessary and choose a teddy, doll or
special pillow as a sleep companion.
• Avoid lying down with your child so that she doesn’t need
mum or dad beside her to get to sleep.
• Do not weaken to all Pat’s little manipulations. If you do,
he wins and the behaviour will definitely continue no
matter how convincing he sounds when he says this is the
last night he needs you! Tell Pat quite definitely that you
will ignore any requests after lights out and you will not
come in for any further kisses, hugs, begging or pleading.
If Pat gets up to leave the room, simply redirect him to his
bed, tactically ignoring all protests. Give as little attention
as you can using a repeated one-liner such as “The rule is
that you sleep in your own bed”.
• If a little visitor appears during the night, no matter how
tired you are and how tempting it is to give in, get up and
walk your child back to her room either without comment
or repeat the one-liner, “The rule is that you sleep in your
own bed”.
• This might take 3-5 ‘rough’ nights before the habit is
broken, so plan for that many disrupted nights for a future
of ‘sleep through’ nights. Mums and dads can support
each other and share the redirects … it will be worth it in
the long run!
• Descriptively reinforce any successes “Pat, you went to
bed on time and stuck to the rule of staying in your own
bed, good on you!”
If you maintain consistency and stick fast to the rules, you and your
child will both enjoy a good night’s sleep … eventually!
Have a great week
Tony (aposhea@bne.catholic.edu.au)
TUCKSHOP ROSTER
Wed Aug 6 Sally Cluff, Kristen Fitzgerald,
Deb Thompson, Brooke Pennisi
Thurs Aug 7 Tina Ross, Michelle Poirrier
Fri Aug 8 Tanya Albertsen, Anouk Smith, Trish Rose
Mon Aug 11 Bernadette Parzatka, Gabi Ross
Tues Aug 12 Nicole Hickey, Sharon Wright
Wed Aug 13 BRISBANE SHOW HOLIDAY
Thurs Aug 14 Julie Watson, Fiona Lynch,
Simone McDonald
Fri Aug 15 Jocelyn Mansbridge, Nicole Clarke
A huge thankyou to all my many helpers for the Athletics Carnival
last Friday. Your assistance is always very much appreciated.
Thankyou … Lorelle … Convenor
WAKAKIRRI
As was reported in last week’s newsletter, 58 boys
and girls travelled to Brisbane recently to perform
in the National Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival. The
children performed with distinction and it is my
pleasure to announce that they have advanced to
the State Finals of the Festival. The children will
now perform on the evening of Tuesday, September 9 at Logan
Entertainment Centre. This is a great achievement considering it is
St Vincent’s first attempt at the Wakakirri Festival. Congratulations
boys and girls and all of the staff and school community members
who helped to make this production such a success.
Thank you …. Daniel Bloxsidge
SPORT NEWS
ATHLETICS
District Championship this Friday
Last Thursday, July 31, a squad of 45 competitors competed at the
District ‘B’ Track & Field Carnival, finishing an excellent 3 rd place
on the day. We also had three age champions on the day: Loren
L, Markell R and Sam S. Congratulations to all students as
everyone gave their best effort and were outstanding
representatives for St Vincent’s. This Friday the following children
will compete at the District Championship: Markell R, Chevy P,
Loren L, Ivan R, Sam S, Jade M, Tom S and Scott C. A note will
have gone home today with the squad.
St Vincent’s Athletics Carnival
Congratulations Vincent House!! The weather was near perfect
last Friday and in a fantastic finish to the day Vincent house (1545)
just pipped Shannon (1470), with MacKillop 3 rd (1214) and Mercy
4 th (810). Congratulations to all competitors on the day, and many
thanks to all those who made it such a great day.
Age Champions:
8yrs Girls Boys
1st place Kirra G Nelson M
2nd place Sopie S Zane H
3rd place Tenika B Joe K
9yrs
1st place Amy C Zac B
2nd place Paris D’E Josh F
3rd place Lara S Steven Z
10yrs
1st place Amber S Mitchell M
2nd place Kianna M Joel B
Rachel E Quinn L
3rd place Paige T Jack T
11yrs
12yrs
13yrs
1st place Loren L Markell R
2nd place Amelia H Billy J
3rd place Ashleigh D Fletcher W
1st place Jade M Sam S
2nd place Michaela W Ivan R
3rd place Frances N Tyson M
1st place Brittany B Tom S
2nd place Charlie M Jake H
3rd place Julia P Travis P
Catholic Schools Athletics and Ball Games
On Friday, August 15 the Catholic Schools’ Athletics Carnival (Yrs
3-7) will be held at the Griffith University track and the annual Ball
Games Carnival (Yrs 1-7) is to be held at St Brigid’s Primary,
Nerang. A large number of students are involved in these
carnivals and a note with full details will go home on Thursday.
INTERSCHOOL SOCCER
At this stage we are awaiting the next stage of the SEQ Finals
series for the Year 7 team. If St Vincent’s get through to the Finals
they will compete on Friday, August 22 at Mitchelton in Brisbane.
SPORTS UNIFORMS
There are still some Sports uniforms that have not been returned
from winter sport, Cross Country and Athletics. With Summer sport
to start soon all uniforms are due. Any uniforms not returned will
incur a replacement fee of $50.
BAND NEWS
There is at present a vacancy for a keyboard player in the School
Senior Band. Applications should be in writing and handed into
the office. Permission forms for the Catholic Bands competition
need to be signed and returned ASAP as without a signed form we
cannot take students to the competition. All junior students band
uniforms need to be returned clean and in good condition NOW.
Thankyou Col Hoy … Band Director
OSHC
Wednesday, August 13 is the Brisbane Show Holiday …..
WE ONLY OPEN ON THIS DAY IF NUMBERS ARE
SUFFICIENT , SO PLEASE BOOK ASAP
I am most disappointed by all the cancellations and no shows at
Vacation Care recently and now would be a good time to remind
all parents of our booking and cancellation policy.

After School Care Policy
A permanent booking is one which is booked at least two weeks in
advance and as long as you cancel by 9:00am on the day of the
booking you will not be charged. Any time after this we will
access your absent day and you be liable for the Gap fee.
Vacation Care
There is no cancellation at all for Vacation Care. Once I have
organised staff for the two week period there is no changing their
roster. You are given up to the day before school finishes to
organise and submit your booking and once booked this is seen as a
commitment to us. If we do not adhere to these policies our money
loss will be substantial and our fees will have to increase. The
above will be strictly enforced from this term.
Many thanks … Dina Radotic … Co-ordinator
Happy hello to all our families and friends!
A record 180 people had a fantastic time at our
annual Trivia Night on Friday. Amongst others, we
had our tables of ABBA, hippies, Sheik’s wives, our
Intensive Trivia Unit and ER in full scrubs, top hats
and tails heightening the tone of the evening and,
what would the night be without our Noisy Pirates.
Next year plans are afoot to move them starboard a nautical mile or
two. Huge thanks to Committee Member Sonia Mackay, who
worked so hard to make this night a great success for our
community, to Chris Clurey for all the technical set up, Chris McLeish
and Vicki Johannes for a fearless job in adjudication, Peter Guest for
helping set up the hall, and to our Golden Tonsils duo comparing for
the evening, Kerry Rowlands and Tony Lenan, who also wrote all the
questions.
Thanks to everyone in our community who supported
our Rosies appeal. We gathered a wonderful supply of
goodies and blankets to pass on to those in our
homeless community. Thanks to Vicki Johannes for all
her help, and to our parent Paul Gorrie who volunteers
for Rosies, and will deliver and distribute our donations
to the homeless with the Rosies team. “We make a living by what
we get, we make a life by what we give.” Churchill.
All is hotting up for our night of nights, the fair! Take
time to read over the Gazette – Year 2 parents will
notice it is their chance to donate sporting goods this
week. Thanks to all our wonderful parents who are
working quietly away in the background making
everything happen for the fair, and particular thanks to
Madonna Quinn, Kerry Rowlands, Paddy Hanson,
Jane Thompson and Chris Stevenson. Don’t miss the chance to
give these girls a pat on the back.
General Meeting next Tuesday night – everyone in
our community always very warmly welcome to
attend. Agenda accompanies today’s newsletter.
Our Principal Kerry Rowlands always gives an in
depth report on the night pertaining to
developments at school, often providing very important information
and background for our families. Whilst this report is later included
on the website, much can be lost by not being part of the discussion
that also takes place. Please come along and join in!
Date Claimer: Friday, September 5, Father’s Day
Breakfast for Dads/Grandads and Kids. Details to come
soon. (Please note, arrangements will be made with
male staff chaperones for any families in need of
assistance, see Kerry Rowlands.)
Thought for the Week:
“When you are courting a nice girl, an hour seems like a second.
When you sit on a red hot cinder, a second seems like an hour.
That’s relativity.” Albert Einstein
And one for the kids
Who was the worst runner at the Olympics
The one who lost his strides.
Happy week to all from the P&F Committee.
Julianne Young, President, 0409786804,tuska@bigpond.net.au
Our Committee’s pledge is to:
“Treat all parents and friends of the school with courtesy
and respect, and to deal with all matters coming before
us impartially and in the best interests of the majority.
P&F Events Semester 2 2008
Tues Aug 12 7:00 pm
General Meeting (Staff Room)
Mon Sept 1 8.30 am
Father’s Day Stall Wrap (Staff Room Annexe)
Wed/Thur Sept 3/4 am
Father’s Day Stall
Fri Sept 5 7.30 am
Father’s Day Breakfast
Tues Sept 9 7:00 pm
General P&F Meeting
Thurs Sept 18 5:00 pm
St Vincent’s Night (Yay!)
Sun Nov 16 9:00 am
School Mass & 60th Anniversary Family
Celebration/Sausage Sizzle
PARISH NEWS
The Parish are collecting for Kokoda Town - Hospital and Parish
in PNG. Peter Linnell in charge of SES on the Gold Coast and
one of our parishioners, has been assisting the community of
Kokoda Town in PNG. Our parishioners have been knitting
winter baby jumpers and beanies which Pete will be sending to
PNG. To assist the Parish would like to send summer clothing or
children’s clothing with him. Donations of fabric to make hospital
curtains would be greatly appreciated too. If you can help in
any way, please contact Angela at the Parish office.
SCHOOL BANKING
Every time student banking deposits are processed between
June 2 and September 30, 2008, the school will receive one
entry into the draw to win an Acer Aspire laptop. For full
competition terms and conditions please visit commbank.com.au/
supersavers.
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Big excitement this Friday night – hope all our families enjoy the
momentous occasion of the opening of the Olympics (more
bloodshot eyes for mums and dads in the mornings as we stay
awake to cheer Australia on late at night, and we’ve only just got
over the Tour, the Open and Wimbledon! It’s exhausting!!)