Welcome to the end of the second week of the school year.  Time does fly by when you are keeping busy. 

As a school staff as part of our four-year review cycle we developed a document called our Design Principles - in essence a set of 'to-die-for' statements about how we go about operating.  The key mantra is every teacher makes every minute count for every child. In the busy-ness of life it is so important we take advantage of every moment and not get caught in the many distractions that can consume both our physical and emotional energy.  As educators and parents we have to balance the see-saw of knowing when to push our children hard or to put in more support.   Unfortunately it seems no one has written a fool-safe 'Dummies Guide to Child Rearing' book.

Next week on Ash Wednesday our faith story welcomes the season of Lent, the period of time when we prepare for Easter.  As Australians we sometimes get confused with the celebration of Ash Wednesday in the Catholic Church because we relate it to the horrific bush-fires also called Ash Wednesday.  As a Year 3 student back in 1983 I experienced the trauma of the day when this natural disaster interrupted our Ash Wednesday church service, hence the nickname given to that fire event.  In this newsletter I've also included some information for parents to read which explains the link between Pancake Tuesday and Ash Wednesday.

This week we highlighted Safer Internet Day on Tuesday and I hope parents took advantage of some the resources available to feel a little more educated on the topic.  We know that our online world has both positives and negatives, however the risks associated with our children interacting in that space are significant.  As a principal I cannot stress enough how critical it is that parents, particularly of primary aged students, are extremely conscious of what our children our doing, saying and are experiencing online.  My door is always open to parents if they had any concerns or questions about this growing issue in society.

Last week's newsletter contained information about our learning enrichment programs including each classroom's timetable, providing the information which included what day students would wear their sports uniform.  Can I thank families for their swift attention to this and the increased compliance around unfirom.  It has been pleasing to see families organising those additional items or replacements for items that are worn and are in poor condition (eg.hats).  The uniform shop has a good range of new and used items, including shoes.  If you require assistance or support please reach out to the school, especially Mrs.Campbell.  If you are having issues with your child around compliance please see me and I can have a gentle conversation with them!

On behalf of the staff we thank you for your continued support.

Enjoy your weekend, Dave

As we celebrate our Catholic Faith story we at times must be wonder about where some of our traditions come from.  This week is a perfect example of opportunities of things happening that are worth learning more about.

Pancake Tuesday, or Shrove Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday which signals the start of the Church season of Lent.  The early believers spent Shrove Tuesday consuming food supplies as they prepared to live and eat more simply during Lent.  This year we came together as a school community to celebrate by having a shared family breakfast, while in Italian classes Signora Colaciello taught the students about Martedi Grosso (Fat Tuesday) as they cooked up biscotti which aligns with the pancake tradition.

Ash Wednesday is the day on the Christian calendar that marks the season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter Sunday ..... but grab a calendar and count that up.  What's happening there?  Another complication that creates confusion in our local context were the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.  By coincidence this traumatic event actually took place on the Church's Ash Wednesday, therefore adopting the same name.

This Lent we will be working as a community to live the message of Lent, reflecting on how we can live a life in tune with the message of Jesus in the Gospels.  At Lumen Christi that is to be the 'Light of Christ' as we build the Kingdom right here in Churchill.

The following Youtube clip provides some further information about Lent.

On Wednesday some students represented the school at the 2021 District Swimming Carnival at the Churchill Leisure Centre.  Every student tried their best and we are waiting for the final results to see which race results and times have qualified them for the next level of competition.

We thank Mr.Watson for coordinating the team as well; as Mrs.Dosen, Mrs.Alesi and Mr.Stewart who were the supervising teachers.

Congratulations to Eddie, Klancey, Jack F, Kai, Blake B, Tyson, Hannah, Ellie, Shayla for being a part of the squad.

by Camryn Masters (School Captain)

##Footnote## Congratulations to Camryn and Kai on being successful in qualifying for the next stage of competition.

This week we have spent some time talking about Internet Safer.

Here are a few reminders to think about:

• Never use your personal details on games or websites without checking with your parents
• Do not post picture or videos of yourself without permission
• Know the age restrictions for your apps and discuss it with your parents
• Don't be afraid to ask for help from your trusted adults ..... even if you think you will get in trouble!
• Don't make negative or nasty comments that would effect other people
• Always use the same language online that you would use to someone's face
• Always think before you type!

by Cooper Rohde (School Captain)

Please take note of these dates for your family calendar

Preps continue to have Wednesdays as rest days until Wednesday 10th March 

5th March: Lumen Christi Athletics and Family BBQ (Back-Up date 12/3)

12th March: School Photos Day

16th March: (Proposed) Whole School Trip to Morwell Art Gallery

25th March: District Athletics (All students) at Yinnar (Back-up date 31/3)

Just a reminder that the student leaders will have icy-poles on sale most days (weather dependant).  The cost continues to be 50 cents and it may be worthwhile to have a fifty cent coin in your child's bag as back up for those hot days.

2021 School Fee Statements will be emailed out by the end of next week. Please do not hesitate to contact the office if you wish to put in place a direct debit arrangement finance@churchill.catholic.edu.au

Reminder: if you are current Health Card Concession holder please ensure to provide the office with a copy of your card and return your Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) Form and Application form for our School Fees Concession Program that were distributed late last year.

At Lumen Christi we strive to provide a diverse curriculum to all our students.  Literacy and Numeracy are the obvious key drivers, however we know studies have proven the benefits of students learning another language and participating in art and music, while being active has positive life-long outcomes.  We are really proud of the fact we are able to provide one of the most comprehensive learning enrichment programs available locally.

Our class timetable for Semester 1 (with a few tweaks to accommodate the Preps having rest days)

Students will wear their Sports Uniform on their 'Sport' specialist day as well as an additional day as selected by their classroom teacher to suit their weekly curriculum program.

The mental health benefits of having children actively involved in their local community are well known, as well as added health advantages of being involved in physical activity.  

We are extremely fortunate in Churchill with the collaboration of the different sport and recreation groups to operate under the banner of Active Kids Churchill.  If I had a magical wand it would be to do a magical swish to have every family involved in at least one of these groups, if not multiple connections.

I have personally experienced and interacted with many of these groups and clubs and cannot speak more highly of them.  If you would like further information please reach out to me or follow 'Active Kids Churchill' on Facebook as they regularly post updates and information from all the great clubs in Churchill.

Do your children a tremendous favour and get them involved and active ..... and I'm sure the parents and extended families would enjoy the social engagement that happens along the way.

Be a Blue Devil, Brave, Cobra, Cougar, Ram, Tennis or Hockey star this year!