Newsletter November 17th, 2020
Last Friday November 13th was actually World Kindness Day. In a time when life has been challenging on so many levels, taking the time to “Be Kind” has become somewhat of a catch phrase. While I believe we would all like to hope that we are being kind to each other all of the time, World Kindness Day is a very good reminder to us all - it is not hard to show a little kindness to others.
What is world Kindness Day?
World Kindness Day is an internationally-observed day of kindness that was started in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement. It is held on 13th November every year and has been a part of Australia's Federal School Calendar since 2012.
World Kindness Day is all about acceptance, diversity and love. This is done by taking opportunities to perform acts of kindness towards others. These acts may include:
- Complimenting someone on their outfit or hairstyle
- Buying somebody a snack or a hot drink
- Giving somebody a card with a lovely message written inside
- Calling or sending a message to a friend or family member you have not spoken to in a while
- Taking care of a chore or tidying a room for your housemate
What acts have you or can you show?
Take care, Gabe
We have some very BIG AND WONDERFUL NEWS - our outdoor project is finally ready to commence. This week Nick from Shape Landscape will be putting up protective fencing and installing their work shed in preparation for the project to begin. The entry point for all of the works will be via the car park at the side of the church. This means that we will not have access to our multi-purpose room during this time. The first major task to be completed will be the removal of the trees which should commence in the week beginning Monday 23rd November.
During the project much of our playground will be cordoned off and out of bounds for everyone. The students will still be able to access the oval area and the front of the school. The staff have spent considerable time discussing and planning the best and safest way for us to accommodate our play and lunch times during the project. It is envisaged that the workmen will stop work during our ‘outside times’ which lessen the impact of dust and noise.
We acknowledge that there may be challenging times as we work through all of the developments and changes that are taking place, but also believe that it will be ‘short term pain for long term gain’. It is certainly an exciting time for our school and do keep an eye out for updates and photos on our facebook page.
We are still to make a final decision on the design and colour on the new adventure playground which will be installed as the final stage of the project. Attached to the newsletter today is the most recent plan we have been developing with one of the companies we have been working with. All of the classes have been given an opportunity to contribute to what they believe should be included in the playground. We invite you all to take a look at the latest plan and your feedback is most important. Additionally, what colours do you believe our playground should be - Let us know so that your suggestions can be considered. Email us at principal@sbballan.catholic.edu.au with your ideas.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were Australia’s first explorers, first navigators, first engineers, first farmers, first botanists, first scientists, first diplomats, first astronomers and first artists.
Australia has the world’s oldest oral stories. The First Peoples engraved the world’s first maps, made the earliest paintings of ceremony and invented unique technologies.
There were big smiles for the camera today as our 2020 school photos were finally undertaken. If you have not yet ordered and would like to, online ordering is available until 1st December 2020 via www.msp.com.au/parents using the individual shoot keys that were sent home with students last week. All families have had a family photo taken today. If you did not return your family photo envelope and would like to order these, family photos can be ordered by contacting the MSP Photography office on 5333 5577.
Several parents have asked about what they should do if their child is unwell. The advice is quite clear:
• If a child is unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms, they must stay at home. If a child becomes unwell during the day, they must be collected from school as soon as possible.
• If a child has any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) outlined below, however mild, they should get tested and they must remain at home until they receive their results:
- fever
- chills or sweats
- cough
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- runny nose
- loss of sense of smell or taste
In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered symptoms.
• A child must stay at home until they are symptom free, even if their coronavirus (COVID-19) test is negative. If a person has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) they must isolate until they receive clearance from the Department of Health and Human Services.
• Children do NOT need a medical certificate before returning to school. Once symptoms have cleared, there is no requirement to have a medical certificate before they return to school.
Thank you for your support in following these steps, together we can all stay safe.
Bookclub Issue 8 is available for online LOOP orders. If you are interested in ordering online, please do so by Friday 27th November via scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the scholastic app. The catalogue can be viewed in the link below.
When orders arrive at school you will be notified by SMS to collect books from the administration foyer.
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION
The Moorabool Shire CASI’s Local Support Network including Neighbours Place, BM Rotary, local community groups and charity organisations are collecting donations which will be distributed to Moorabool residents in need this Christmas.
Donations of non perishable food items, Christmas items such as Christmas cake or plum pudding, Christmas crackers, lollies and chips as well as toiletries and essential items would be much appreciated.
You can donate at:
- Moorabool Libraries Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and donations will be accepted by the Mobile Library
- Neighbours Place 77 Main St, Bacchus Marsh
- Foodworks Bacchus Marsh (donation bin for Neighbours Pl)
- Bendigo Community Bank Bacchus Marsh - 2/137A Main St Bacchus Marsh 3340
- Ballan and District Community Bank – 135 Inglis Street Ballan.
Financial donations can be made also, please call Neighbours Place (03) 5367 6222 if you need their bank details to make a direct deposit.
COVID-19 is causing financial hardship for many, if you need any support or need some extra help in preparation for the Christmas season please contact the CASI Community Connector at Moorabool Shire on 0437 704 397.
Indoor Religious Gatherings are now allowed for up to 20 people, plus one faith leader. Strict requirements to be contained in a COVID Safe Plan (please note this is slightly different from the last round of restrictions we operated under). If you would like to be one of the 20 attendees this week, you need to register your name with the parish secretary on 0492 903 409 to book your place. These are small steps as we progress forward and hopefully if all goes well this will lead to larger groups into the future. We trust and pray that you are keeping safe and well and staying connected to family members, friends and those you love.
Cemetery Visits:
November is the month when we particularly remember All Souls. Fr Sajan will visit Gordon Cemetery this Sunday afternoon Nov 15 at 3pm and Ballan Cemetery next Sunday Nov 22 at 3pm. Please spread the word. As we are allowed up to 50 people outdoors this will be a wonderful opportunity to gather and remember our deceased family members.