Mary Immaculate Primary Newsletter

Two amazing things happen this week at MIPS.

This week we begin Student Led Conferences for 2021! And we extend the use of the Compass Parent Portal.

Today Year 4 host their conferences and they are just so excited share their learning achievements with their parents. The other grades will then follow before the end of the term. When we introduced Student Led Conferences, we were for most going into new grounds. I had already introduced it at my previous school and I knew how wonderful it would be for the MIPS students and parents. Being able to share with parents their learning is both a challenge and an exciting celebration for students. The students have been preparing and are looking forward to having parents again in their classrooms. Some grades as needed will supply prompting questions to stimulate the conference discussions. Teachers will of course be available for any qualifying questions parents may have. If parents still need a follow up interview, that can also be arranged for another time that is mutually suitable. Student Led Conferences have evolved from the research that identified the huge learning gains for students when they themselves have a clear understanding of their learning progress and next steps. Have wonderful Conferences everyone!

We are also extending further features available through the Compass Parent Portal. Compass will put many more features into your hands directly. We won't roll everything out at once. So you don't have to worry about being bombarded by too many new features at the same time. You will, this semester, be able to access your child's Academic Report via the portal. See below for further instructions. You will be able to print the report if needed as well. Another feature available now also is the ability to record and explain your child's absence from school. This is a feature in Skoolbag that we will be moving to in Compass. Please read below for further information about Compass.

The update on the School/Parish Carpark is that proposed plans have been developed and will be reviewed by our head office. Our apologies for the developing potholes! We have needed to wait till now in the process and will be taking steps to improve the potholes. Thanks for your patience!

With appreciation for your ongoing support, 

Stephen Dowd

Principal

Mary Immaculate Athletics Carnival for Year 3-6 (and 8 year olds in year 2 who wish to compete), has been postponed to Friday 18th June at Cornucopia Reserve, Glenwood. 

Thank you to those parents who registered their children for zone trials. A reminder that the trial registrations are now closed. 

We are seeking parent volunteers to be involved and assist with the running of the events for MIPS School and Zone Athletics Carnivals! 

If any parents are available to help,  please complete the following Google Form. 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwHnFE3gKsTnJ3vvT6mKZN96ehhPQYPEGuNSe_pko_WhhKjw/viewform 

Miss Rowena Benjamin

PDHPE Coordinator

Congratulations to the following students from MIPS who attended the NSWCPS/ NSWCCC Cross Country Championships on Tuesday 8th June.

Liam P, Ruby P, Ella C, Amelia M, Zoe P, Charlotte B 

We are extremely proud of their efforts.

Miss Rowena Benjamin

PDHPE Coordinator

Half of Year 5 went on a history excursion on Monday 31st of May and, on Tuesday the other half went on the 1st of June. Year Five went on a spectacular excursion to Camden Park Educational Environment Center. Along the way we met Mr Matthews, Mrs Toller and Louise as they guided us and taught us about the Australian Gold Rush in history.

Firstly, we arrived at school at eight o’clock, did a quick roll check and then hopped on the bus - more like we ran out with excitement. Then, it took us around one hour and a bit to get there with lots of chatter on the way. Most of us were entertained and full of excitement when we entered.

Secondly, we walked into the classroom and learnt about wool and history. After that, it was the boys v girls face off and that was for whoever rounds up the sheep first wins. On Monday, we were all saying “let's see where the boys go wrong,”and in the end they smashed us in ten seconds. On the other hand, the girls smashed the boys on Tuesday. Louise and Mr Matthews taught us how to check if the sheep are healthy and after that, we counted them jumping and surprisingly didn’t fall asleep.

Next, the bell rang which was our que to go to the bank to get our money. After that we ran to get our miners license that was one pound. Then we made groups and added our money together. Mr Matthews got into a black suit and a black shirt as he delegated his commands. There was the blacksmith, the damper and butter making, also the shop to buy the shovels, tent cloth, pans, a hammer and some already made pegs.

We set up our tents and we helped others who needed help and, in return, it came around to us. We had morning tea back at the classroom. Just like usual, when we hear the bell we run. They divided us into small groups and one group was gold panning, while the other group was on a wooden tractor tray that pulled that group near the water to search for tiny pieces of gold like specks. The other group were at the dirt patches with four wooden boundaries and the rules were no touching the dirt with your hands or if you are away from your group at any time or, don’t have your miners license at any time you’d cop a fine. Then, we switched.

LUNCH, woo-hoo!!!!! And what's even better is that we had it in our tents with our friends!!!!! It felt like camp but we just needed to stay in our tents with doors. We had to sadly pack up but, the day hadn’t ended yet, we still needed our damper and butter that we made!!!!! Mmmmm, it was delicious with maple syrup. We left with our gold and license as a souvenir to remember everything that had happened and everyone that we met.

This was one of the most memorable excursions that I’d always remember. We learnt about the gold rush and how life was like back then. I’ll always remember this gold experience and how it felt to be a gold miner.

Alexis H

Year 5 student

Students in Year 2 have been called to action as disciples of Christ. They recognised a need in the school community and wanted to go forth for the common good.

These Environmental Officers show respect for all of God's wonderful creations by volunteering their time to reduce litter around the school.

Over the coming weeks, you will see different Environmental Officers out on the playground. If you see them, go and say hello.

Well done Year 2!

Mrs Tara George

Year 2 Teacher