Week 1 Term 2 2025

Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 2. We hope you had a wonderful Easter and holiday break. A new term brings fresh beginnings, new goals, and endless possibilities. We are excited for another wonderful term filled with learning, growth, and connection.

During the holidays we lost an incredible leader and beacon of light for our Catholic community. We reflect with heavy hearts on the passing of Pope Francis, a man of deep humility, boundless care for all of humanity and unwavering faith. He reminded us that kindness is a strength, forgiveness is a power and no act of love is ever wasted. May his legacy continue to inspire in us in peace, unity, understanding and care for our common home.

As we commence Term 2 we welcome the following staff, students and their families.

Carmel Johnston returns from leave. Stefanie Alahiotis has been relieving regularly as an ESO Co-educator. Stefanie is studying her teaching degree and we welcome her during Term 2 as she adds additional support and covers other ESO staff on leave during Term 2.

We welcome the following students to IHM in Term 2:

Loukas - Year 6
Anaiya and Abel - Year 3
Archie - Reception

Live Calendar

We are introducing a new live calendar for our community this term so that as events are added families can always check and remain updated as to what is happening in our school.
Please note that the calendar is subject to changes. The link to access the live calendar is: 

https://www.ihm.catholic.edu.au/news-events/school-calendar

What is PBIS?

PBIS stands for Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports. It’s a whole-school approach to promoting positive behaviour and creating a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment. At IHM, we focus on teaching and reinforcing expected behaviours, celebrating positive choices, and helping students grow socially and emotionally.

Each fortnight IHM focuses on a specific behaviour. When students demonstrate this behaviour, they earn tokens for their house team. At the end of each term, the house team with the most tokens receives a special reward. In our learning environments, we also have a fortnightly behaviour focus. Students who consistently display the focus behaviour receive a tick or tally. Once they have earned the class target they may choose a reward from a class reward chart, which has been collaboratively developed by the students.

Our school-wide behaviour focus for Week 1 and 2 is “We actively listen and participate”

We congratulate Beovich House for earning the Term 1 celebration of a visit to the park on the last day of Term 1. Well done on your positive behaviour choices.

Congratulations

We congratulate the winners of our P & F Easter Raffle – Veronica G, Ezekhial, Lucas, Jethro and Amelia.

Thank-you to our P & F for organizing this fundraiser which raised $1296.00. Fundraising is going towards new outdoor seating for students.

Term 2 Reminders

• School commences at 8.45am. Gates close at 8.50am. Please enter and sign in through the office if you arrive after this time.
• Please ensure you inform the office directly of your child’s school absence by 9.00am every morning by telephone, email or use the School Stream app. Our office staff are required to contact families each day for unexplained absences, as a duty of care.

Uniform

As we commence Term 2 hats are required until May 31^st as per SunSmart guidelines. We ask that students who feel the cold wear only the uniform items in our extensive range e.g. long sleeve tops, pants and jackets available from the office. Any under garments such as thermals etc should not be visible under the uniform. If students wish to wear tights under skorts they need to be navy. Leggings are not in the uniform guidelines.

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Building Update

Our building project is close to completion with the renovated breezeway due to be finalised by the end of May.

Regards,

Julie Hancock
PRINCIPAL

A Prayer for Pope Francis

We join with the whole Catholic Church in prayer in memory of Pope Francis.

O God of mercy, grant that your departed servant Pope Francis, whom you made successor of Peter and shepherd of your Church, may happily enjoy forever the mysteries of your grace and compassion in your presence in heaven. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He felt the call of God and was ordained a Jesuit priest on December 13, 1969. A Jesuit means that he belongs to the order known as the Society of Jesus, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Jesuits are known for traveling the world to spread the word of God and being missionaries who serve the poor and fight injustice. In Rome, Pope Francis, or Francisco, was known as il Papa, which means Father.

The pope is the Bishop of Rome and the leader of the worldwide Catholic Church. In his time as Pope, Francis shared a vision of Church that emphasized hope, mercy, and care for each other. Pope Francis was the first Jesuit pope. He became Pope on March 13, 2013, and chose the name Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, who is known for his care for the poor. Pope Francis died during the Jubilee Year 2025 - a jubilee he proclaimed as an opportunity for all God’s people to be renewed in hope.

John 11:30–44 The Raising of Lazarus

These are the words of Pope Francis about the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. The message is clear: Jesus gives life even when it seems that all hope has gone. It happens, at times, to feel hopeless—this has happened to us all—or to meet people who have given up hope; embittered by bad experiences, the wounded heart cannot hope. Because of a painful loss, an illness, a bitter disappointment, a wrong or a betrayal suffered, a grave error committed… they have given up hope. At times we hear some say that “there is nothing more to be done!”, and they close the door to all hope. They are moments when life seems to be a sealed tomb: everything is dark, and we can see only sorrow and despair around us. Today’s miracle tells us that it is not like that, this is not the end, that in these moments we are not alone. On the contrary, it is precisely in these moments that He comes closer than ever to restore life to us. (Pope Francis, Angelus, Saint Peter’s Square, Sunday, March 26, 2023) Source: www.loyolapress.com

Laudato Si’- We will be committed to continue Pope Francis legacy in looking after our common home.

Laudato Si’ is an open letter written by Pope Francis. It was published on 18^th June 2015. He wrote about the damage being inflicted on our earth by humans. He called us to recognise that we are all connected and we need to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.

Laudato Si’ Week - 24 May to 31 May 2025 - Raising Hope - Click HERE
Video - Click HERE

Year 4 Lent Mass

Easter Mass: Wednesday 7^th May at 9am - Led by 3P - All Welcome

On Wednesday 7^th May we will come together to celebrate the risen Christ. We have walked the journey of Lent, which has led us to the triumph of Easter. As we welcome the Season of Easter may our hearts be filled with joy in our hearts be filled with hope.

The Resurrection is the ultimate sign of hope, reminding us that God is always bringing life out death and renewal out of despair. May our Mass today be an invitation for you to pray deeply and embrace generosity to become true pilgrims of hope.

Mother’s Day Liturgy and Breakfast - Friday 9^th May

All mums, grandmas and those who care like mothers are very warmly invited to share in our very special Mother’s Day Celebration to bless and thank you for all that you do and for all that you are.

Please join us for a delicious breakfast and a cuppa from 8:30am in the canteen. This will be followed by a special Mother’s Day Liturgy in the hall at 9:00am which will be led by our SRCs.

It is a way for us to honour the important role of motherhood in families, for the nurturing, care and constant love that mother’s give. I hope you always know how very special and important you are and I wish you all a very Happy Mother’s Day for the 11^th May.

Photo Reminder - you are invited to send a photo of you and your child to be displayed on the PowerPoint. Please email a photo of choice to jfenu@ihm.catholic.edu.au
Closing date for photos to be sent is Friday 2^nd May
Thank you to the families who have already sent a photo.

Sacramental Students

We keep Norah, Artie, Harley and Eva-Lee in our prayers as they begin to prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation and First Communion this term. The students will be presented at the Sacred Heart Parish Mass on Sunday 4^th May.

Saying Goodbye

A little reminder for the beginning of Term 2.

Anxiety is real … a few helpful tips! By Mark Le Messurier

1. Anxiety is triggered by feelings of risk, insecurity, and lack of control. It is usually emotionally driven and that’s why being totally rational is not the only solution. This is our call to forge a poised, logical, and loving connection.

2. Identify what’s happening and the triggers. Don’t shy away from discussing their anxiety with them. Sometimes, just getting kids talking about their worries, validating their feelings, and pulling a simple plan together is a huge step forward.

3. Create a goodbye ritual. Goodbye rituals are a beautiful way to give them comfort and a constructive start to the day. It can be a special hug, a weird handshake or crazy dance you do together. A goodbye ritual reinforces that as we disconnect, our hearts remain with each other throughout the day, and we’ll share our experiences when we reconnect later in the afternoon.

4. Transitional objects can make a difference. These include - a woven bracelet, a favourite lunchbox item, a special hair band or scrunchie, something small you’ve made together, even a photograph to keep in their backpack. It’s simply a loving reminder they carry with them over the school day. Just knowing it is their boosts feelings of security.

5. As best you can, establish a regular morning routine or schedule as this reassure children that all is going to plan and will go to plan. It boosts feelings of safety and security.

6. Be strategic in how you go about saying “goodbye”. Be kind and stick to the routine you’ve established. A short and sweet goodbye at school can be something like, "We will walk to school together, you hang your bag up, give me one hug and one kiss, then, you walk to your teacher and I walk away.”

7. Practice your language. Think through the exact language, the precise words, you’ll use. And, if your child becomes wobbly have 2 or 3 stock standard phrases you use with kindness, rather than kneeling down, hugging them and passionately overexplaining everything once again. The truth is when their emotional brains are switched on they will not hear your wise words.

8. Allow teachers to work their wonderful magic. Clever teachers know how to slow down children’s anxious brains by;

• Giving them a helping task at the start of the day. This eases their anxiety as their mind shifts to processing other things.
• Organising a friend to walk and talk with them as they ease into the day.
• Teaching them the magic of slow, deep breathing because this seriously calms discombobulated brains.
• Letting them know they are available for check-ins and chats because they ‘have their back’. They will keep them safe.
• Building a positive and trusting relationship.
• Organising a trusted school staff member to be present on arrival.
• It can be useful to have a special place for children to retreat to on arrival. It might be with a friend and is all about giving them structure, time, and dignity to regroup their emotions!

9. It’s critical to radiate a strong, trusting relationship with your child’s teacher. Children quickly pick up on your trust in their teacher.

10. Finally, why not make a 5 part ‘anxiety/separation plan’ to replace frightened thinking with realistic thinking …

1. Ask your child to RATE how high this anxiety feels for them (1 to 5 continuum).

2. Get them to ask someone they love or trust (mum, dad, teacher, grandparent) to RATE how anxious they should be on the same 1 to 5 continuum. There are no right or wrong answers here. This is simply offering a reference point and an opportunity for discussion.

3. Challenge the anxious thinking by doing a simple ‘RISK ASSESSMENT’ –

‘What usually happens?’
‘What’s most likely to happen?’
‘What’s the worst that can happen?’
‘What plans can we make together to help?’
‘What’s the plan if the very worst happens?’

4. Teach kids to accept the worried thought, let it sit with them, discuss it and talk about solutions. Then replace it with a happy thought, an activity or just getting on with the day!

5. Record HOW and WHEN you will say goodbye.

Jhovana Fenu
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

At IHM Primary School, we value high-potential enrichment learning programs and are committed to supporting enrichment opportunities that foster creativity, critical thinking, and academic growth in our students.

Several of our high potential students were selected to take part in the Term 1 Eureka G.A.T.E.WAYS program: Plot Twist! held at St Joseph’s Memorial School last week of last term. This unique and exciting learning experience is designed for students who demonstrated exceptional ability in literacy, creative thinking, and who have a passion for storytelling. Here is some feedback from the students that attended:

LOTTIE

What I enjoyed about G.A.T.E.ways was the poem writing workshop. We had to think of three animal and write about one in a poem.  We had to give the animal a personality like our own using descriptive and unusual words to interest the reader. Mine was about a poodle. I wrote about how it liked to sleep and play because that’s what I like doing. It was lots of fun and exciting – we did fun things.  I’ve learnt about new ways to write, and I enjoyed the jokes workshop too.

AVA

I like the comedy workshop because we got to draw in ridiculous ways to activate our creative thinking and write poems. My poem was about a dolphin:

Dolphin

There is a dolphin in me…
A smooth silver dolphin…
I jump over pouring waves…
Catching little fish and playing in the sand…
Breathing… Eating… Sleeping…
I keep the dolphin because the sea says so…

We also looked at pictures and had to guess what each animal in each picture could be saying and then write a commercial for the picture. G.A.T.E.ways has shown me different ways to activate my thinking so I can simply write.

JACOB T

I talked to a student form St Joseph’s and chatted about sport and other things we had in common.  I really liked G.A.T.E.ways’ second activity based on comedy. It was fun to test my brain in different ways for example through brainteasers and the use of magic tricks we had to try and figure out.  I liked seeing all the jokes and creating my own jokes came naturally during the activity. I really enjoyed my experience, and I think that now I can write better having learned new ways to be creative.

JULIET

Overall, I had a lot of fun because we learned new tricks to help us write.  We also learned how to write poetry.  We wrote poems about our favourite animal but first we had to imagine and feel like we were our favourite animal to be able to write the poem.  I wrote about my Bombay cat, and I enjoyed sharing my poem with the other students at the workshop.

LUCA T

We wrote poems and jokes.  We were shown poems by famous poets and then were asked to try and create a poem using the same structure as the famous poet and we had to use our favourite animal as the subject. I chose a cat.  We lay on the floor and imagined a setting to help get ideas about how to start writing the poem. That was the first workshop.

The second workshop was about creating jokes.  We had to draw a face with three things we liked on the face and create jokes from there. We watched videos about comedians as a strategy to help us along with learning about delivery and the use of past experiences to write.  So we learned new strategies to help us write. The other students from other school were nice.

Help Wanted

A reminder that this Saturday 3rd May, IHM will be a Polling Place for the Federal Election and the P & F will be running a Sausage Sizzle and Cake Stall.

Are you able to spare an hour of your time to help out on either of the stalls between 7am to 6pm? If so, please contact either Alyssa on 0412 767 879 or Erika on 0459 045 018.

You may wish to bake something to be sold at the Cake Stall, if so:
- please label each package with ingredients
- it is best if cream fillings or icing are not used as they do not last as long
- Please deliver goods to the school office on Friday 2nd May between 8:30am - 12:00pm

We are also taking donations to purchase ingredients so others can bake goods for the day. Donations cans be made via Qkr! (under Election Donation).

Thanking you in advance.

Alyssa & Erika
P & F CO-CHAIRS