Staffing Update

We wish Mrs Minett all the best as she starts maternity leave and prepares to welcome the new addition to her family. Mrs Fraser will be replacing Mrs Minett while she is on maternity leave and will continue to job share with Mrs Long. Mrs Wheeler will step into the Aboriginal Education Teaching role while Mrs Fraser is on Kinder.

Are you interested in being a Parent Delegate?

Our Parent Engagement Group (PEG) model is a terrific way for parents to be involved in school activities. It differs from the P&F model because there are no formal positions for the committee and parents can be involved as little or as much as they are able. Our school is able to have a Parent Delegate to represent our school community at the Federation of P&F Associations.

What is the Federation of P & F Associations?

The Federation of Parents and Friends Association (Federation) is the peak diocesan parent body and links Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s schools’ local Parents & Friends Associations (P&F Associations) and Parent Engagement Groups (PEGs). Its aim is to promote and foster school parent relations and organisations. In fulfilling this vision, the Federation develops and implements many and varied activities including, for example, creating resources for parents and carers to support them in their role as the primary educator of their child; hosting presentations by known experts on a broad range of subjects; providing parent voice to the Catholic Schools Office on a range of matters including safeguarding, diverse learning, policies and engagement initiatives. The Federation of P&F Associations is bound by a Constitution, which you can read here.

What is the role of a delegate?

The role of a delegate is to provide a communication link between your school P&F/ PEG and the Federation of Parents & Friends Association for the Diocese of Maitland – Newcastle as whole. As such, the delegate will:

• attend your school P&F association/ PEG meetings (typically four meetings per year)
• represent your school’s parent body at the P&F Association for the Diocese of Maitland –Newcastle’s meetings (two to three meetings per year)
• take issues from your school’s P&F/ PEG to the Federation of P&F Associations
• report to your school’s P&F/ PEG on Federation of P&F Associations happenings
• assist in promotion and publication of upcoming events hosted by Federation, to your school community.
In addition, from time to time, a Federation delegate may be called to form part of an interview panel for a school’s leadership position e.g. principal, assistant principal or ministry co-ordinator/ religious education co-ordinator.

How often are delegates required to attend Federation meetings?

Delegates are invited to attend two to three Federation General Meetings per year, and an Annual General Meeting.

When and where are the Federation meetings held?

Federation meetings are held over Zoom, and in person at the Catholic Schools Office at 841 Hunter Street, Newcastle. Delegates are invited to attend in whichever capacity most appeals to them. The meetings typically commence at 6.30pm and go for between one to two hours.

What happens at Federation meetings?

Federation councillors host the meeting (elected at the Federation AGM), and prior to the meeting an agenda will be sent to all delegates. In most cases, there will be a guest speaker(s) from the Catholic Schools Office, informing delegates of Diocesan initiatives and inviting them to provide comment. Delegates also can provide feedback on matters relating to their school community, and to have input into Federation initiatives e.g. guest speakers program etc. Finally, on occasion, delegates will be asked to vote on matters related to Federation initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming our School Delegate, please contact the office.

Pupil Free Day

On Day 1 of Term 3 we will be having a Pupil Free Day. All staff will be attending a Regional Professional Learning Day with all Manning Catholic Schools. Our focus will be on Aboriginal Education and our staff are looking forward to continuing to learn about Aboriginal Culture and History.

NAIDOC week celebrates the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It is celebrated by all Australians and is a great opportunity to recognise and learn more about the history and culture of Indigenous communities.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Its origins can be traced back to the Aboriginal rights movement, when on Australia Day 1938, protestors marched

through the streets of Sydney to highlight the status and treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Today, it is a week-long celebration held in July that consists of range of traditional and contemporary activities.

NAIDOC Week is an important event that helps build positive relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. It enables a deeper understanding of our differences and similarities and is a great opportunity for all Australians to eliminate bias and discrimination by reflecting and reconciling the wrongs of the past to facilitate hope and build a fairer future. Families are encouraged to join in and support young people in learning the significance of NAIDOC Week.

This Special Report offers suggestions on how families can celebrate NAIDOC Week together. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your Special Report https://wingham.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-naidoc-week