Term 2 Week 5 - 29th May 2020

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My sincere gratitude this week to Mrs Carly Taylor and Mr Braden Saggers for their organisation and leadership in celebrating National Reconciliation Week. National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week is held each year to acknowledge and recognise members of the Stolen Generations and to mark significant events in our shared history.

On Wednesday at lunchtime, we began with our walk at the Amphitheatre. We walked the link road around our College to acknowledge National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week. At the end of the walk all participants placed a handprint of this year’s theme; “In this Together” sign to commemorate our gathering.

Additionally, Carly and Braden in collaboration with the library staff have created a Reconciliation Week display in the library of books, artifacts, information about National Reconciliation Week and inspirational Aboriginal leaders from many fields such as sport, music, education, politics and literature.

We look forward to a barbecue fundraiser next Wednesday to conclude our celebration. Congratulations to Carly and Braden for their work in raising awareness and their tremendous organisation.

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For further information about the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, please click HERE.

Message of Gratitude from Handa Higashi High School

I would like to acknowledge Mrs Vanessa Gray, and her efforts in organising the planned visit of students from Handa Higashi High School.

Yesterday, I received the following communication from Jenny Mead, Community Events Officer, who is the coordinator of the cancelled Handa Higashi High School, Japan 2020 Educational Tour. Jenny, in turn, has passed on, Principal Inazawa's gratitude.

It was such a nice surprise present! Our principal was delighted to receive it. Now I realise again, Mrs Gray and St Joseph's Regional College's warmth. I showed your email to the principal and he appreciated the College's kindness a lot. He promised that he will take the time to enjoy the book with the students. The students will be amazed too! Also, included with the book were two small gifts. Maybe it was sent by Ms Vanessa Gray, who is a teacher at St Joseph’s Regional College and was to host two students. If you should have an opportunity to meet her, please tell her the students’ gratitude. I think they will email her soon, though.

Thank you again. Also, please pass on to the Principal of St Joseph’s Regional College our gratitude.

The book that Principal Inazawa is referring to is, 'The Illustrated Encylopedia of Ugly Animals' written and personally signed by ex-student Sami Bayly. 

Thank you, Vanessa, for your organisation, kindness and leading by example.

Social Distancing and The College Office

While we don’t require students to socially distance themselves at the College, we are obliged to maintain this expectation for adults. For this reason, I would ask that parents attend the College Office for relatively urgent matters only and ask parents to be mindful of using other forms of communication wherever possible.

If you do need to collect your child in an emergency or for an appointment, you are most welcome to call the College Office and arrangements will be made for your child to meet you outside the office. 

There is currently a limit of three people in the office foyer at any one time.

God Bless

Jim Dempsey
Principal

Principal's Message

No Pupil Free Day - Tuesday, 9th June 2020

Due to the extenuating circumstances of COVID19, Tuesday, 9th June 2020 has now been gazetted as a normal school day. It is not a pupil free day as advertised in the College diary.

From this day, all students will return to 'face-to-face' teaching and compulsory full-time attendance.

Students will follow their timetabled lessons for Day 2, Week 1.

Year 7 Immunisation - Rescheduled

North Coast Area Health Service is holding an Immunisation Day at St Joseph’s Regional College on Thursday, 4th June 2020 for Year 7 students.

Please note: Year 7 students are permitted to wear their sports uniform all day on Thursday, 4th June.

A Parent Information Kit was sent home with students earlier in the term. The kit contains information about the following vaccinations and the disease that it protects against as well as a consent form.

Immunisations offered on Thursday, 4th June 2020:

Year 7
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)- Dose 1 of 2
Boostrix (Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis) 1 Dose only

Year 8 catch-ups from 2019

NO VACCINATIONS WILL BE ADMINISTERED TO STUDENTS WITHOUT A SIGNED CONSENT FORM, VERBAL CONSENT IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

Signed consent forms are to be handed directly to the Area Health Nurse on Immunisation Day.

Please do not return completed forms prior to this day.

IF YOU REQUIRE A NEW FORM, PLEASE COLLECT ONE FROM THE COLLEGE OFFICE.

What do you need to do?

  • Read all information carefully in the Year 7 Vaccination Information Kit.
  • Complete & sign the Consent Form (make sure you sign for each vaccine your child requires).
  • Return the signed Consent Form on the day of immunisation.
  • Discuss the importance of vaccinations with your child.
  • Ensure your child has breakfast on the morning of vaccination
    More questions?

A record of vaccination will be kept by the Area Health Service and a copy will be provided to the vaccinated student for their records. Please understand that if you do not have your child immunised in the Year (eg. Year 7 – 9) that is offered by North Coast Public Area Health, you are able to access this vaccine at a later stage at your General Practitioner. The cost of the vaccine, however, will not be covered by this program.

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Please contact the Public Health Unit on 1300 066 055 or visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation for further information and translated copies of the Year 7 Vaccination Information Kit.

FREE Webinar for Parents - Protect our Kids Online

David & Katie Kobler have been presenting to our Year 11 students for many years. This Friday, 29th May at 7:30pm, David & Katie Kobler, will be hosting this web event.  This web event is for parents who:

  • Have questions about the impact of pornography on children and young people.
  • Feel ill-equipped to talk to their child about topics such as sex, sexting and pornography.
  • They are wanting to protect their kids online without having to look over their shoulder every minute of every day.
  • They have recently found their child accessing pornography or engaging in other worrying online activities.
  • They have concerns about their child engaging in sexting.

REGISTER NOW or head to our website www.yourchoicez.com.au

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Handling of Items Delivered to Students

Encouraging your child to be packed for school and organised the night before is a good practice. This habit will also avoid parents having to drop forgotten items to school. However, if this does occur and to eliminate the chance of cross-contamination, we ask that items being dropped off to the College are delivered in a bag with the student's name clearly marked on it. Your child will then be called to collect items.

Lost Property

We have a number of unclaimed lost property items. Please ensure your child's name is written on all items of clothing, this also includes sports bags that contain sports clothes, practical equipment and lunchboxes. Clearly labelled items are easily returned when lost.

Please contact the College Office if you recognise any of the following items. 

Please note: all unclaimed items will be donated to St Vincent de Paul.

Uniform

The St Agnes' Uniform store has now resumed trade from under revised hours of operation.  The store will be open Monday to Friday from 1.00pm - 5.00pm.

Online ordering has also resumed with a click and collect and delivery available. Please visit our webpage for online orders - https://stagnesparish.org.au/st-agnes-uniform-store/

Tanya Daley
Assistant Principal - Pastoral Care and Staff Support

Assistant Principal - Pastoral

Thank you to all families who have submitted their applications for their child to attend St Joseph's Regional College in Year 7 2021. If you know of any families who still wish to be a part of this process please ask them to contact the College for an Enrolment Application Pack.

It is our intention to offer enrolment to students from our Catholic Feeder schools prior to an interview process. Letters of Offer have been sent to families this week.

Families will be contacted regarding a formal interview, welcome, and tour of the College later in the year.

Thankfully, due to recent changes in restrictions, we are now able to conduct our interviews for Non-Feeder families on Saturday, 30th May 2020, albeit a little differently to normal. The interview is an informal chat, and a great opportunity to get to know students and their families and discuss potential enrolment. 

If you have any further enquiries please contact the College office or email the Enrolment Officer pmreg-enrolments@lism.catholic.edu.au

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FREE Online HSC Subject Sessions

The University of Wollongong is offering 30 FREE subject-specific online sessions designed to help students improve their knowledge and understanding of key subject content and discover what HSC exam markers and assessors are looking for. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive tips and strategies directly from education professionals with years of experience.

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Students must REGISTER for each online session. These webinars are anticipated to go for an hour, commencing at 7:30 pm on their respective dates. Webinars are currently running with the final session (An English Writing Module) on 1st June. Visit this link for more information and to register for relevant courses.

https://www.uow.edu.au/study/events/hsc-support-series/

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Assessment Planners

All Assessment Planners for Years 7-12 are now available for students to view on Moodle. Both students and parents are able to access the planners through our College website, under the Parents tab - http://www.pmreglism.catholic.edu.au/assessment-exam-timetables/, and also via the link in the side menu of the College newsletter.

It is important that students check their planners to see when each task is due and start on each assignment as soon as possible. If you know in advance that you will be absent from school when a task is due then you should contact me as soon as possible at the College.

A further reminder that if a student misses an assessment task they need to contact the College and see me at school at 8.45am the very first day they arrive back at school to complete the task.

Ian Lutton
Leader of Curriculum

Prayer through Music

Listening to music is a powerful way to relax and manage stress. A slower tempo song can soothe the stress of the day by quieting your mind and relaxing your muscles.

If you are looking for some background music while you are studying or just relaxing at home, I encourage you to check out our focus song on Spotify

Focus Song

YOU OVERWHELM ME (WILDFIRE)

Focus Lyrics

"When I'm lost you come and find me.
When I'm broken you are here.
When I fall your love surrounds me.
Overwhelm me.”

Breakdown:

Particularly during times like we are experiencing now, many people turn to God for assurance and guidance. When we are experiencing challenging times, or are just unsure of what's happening around us, God is always there to help pick up the pieces. His love for us is incredibly overwhelming, but it's the most beautiful love we will ever experience.

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https://open.spotify.com/album/6xvdDwZoaqjZ1hTwUmkCiL?highlight=spotify:track:2Fc9e0wifBXCO2e2hff2QH

Digital Ministry

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We invite you to click on the links below to see the great resources on the SJRC Digital Ministry Blog and Instagram Page put together by our Youth Ministry Officers, Chloe Nash and Amelia Stennett.

SJRC Digital Ministry Blog https://sjrcministry.wixsite.com/digitalministry

SJRC Digital Ministry Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/sjrcdigitalministry/


Timo Gobius
Leader of Evangelisation

Evangelisation

What is ‘Literacy Enrichment’ at SJRC?

It’s opportunities in and out of SJRC that enrich students’ understanding of and experience with media, film, reading, writing and language in general. It’s excursions, festivals, writing, debating and public speaking competitions and live performance.

Check us out at - SJRC Literacy Enrichment

    SJRC Literacy Enrichment Spotlight

    2020 St Joseph's Regional College v MacKillop College Debating and Public Speaking Competition: Thursday, 27th August. Week 6 of Term Two.

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    Open to all students, the 2020 SJRC v MacKillop College Debating and Public Speaking Competition is now seeking expressions of interest from students of all year groups to train and compete as SJRC representatives. We are seeking one team per year group (four team members plus two substitutes) and individual students wishing to try their hand at public speaking.

    Students will be expected to regularly attend a one hour weekly coaching session at school starting in Week 8 (Likely to be Wednesdays 3.30-4.30pm).

    Here are five Reasons why Debating and Public Speaking are important:

    1. Gives improved critical thinking skills.
    2. You’ll gain public speaking skills for life!
    3. Increased retention of information learned.
    4. Enhanced teamwork skills and collaboration.
    5. More confidence to stand up for the truth when a discussion is promoting inaccuracies.
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    Want to know more about Debating and Public Speaking in general: https://digital.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/the-arts-unit-home/art-bites?eb2ea475_page=2

    Curious? Absolute beginners and experienced debaters and public speakers welcome. Contact Mrs McKee via email now to express your interest in the 2020 SJRC Debating and Public Speaking Team.

    Still in the Spotlight

    ABC’s Heywire and The Dorethea Mackellar Poetry Competition:

    This week we will be focussing on two openings for students who have an interest in storytelling, film, and writing. The first is the ABC’s Heywire

    1. Heywire puts young Australians at the centre of the conversations that shape their communities.

    The annual Heywire cycle begins with a storytelling competition - open to people aged 16-22, living in regional or rural Australia. Heywire encourages young people to tell stories about their life outside the major cities in text, photo, video or audio format. Over the past 17 years, more than 9,000 young Australians have taken part.
    But there’s plenty more on offer at ABC’s Heywire. Check out their site: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/about/

    2. Dorethea Mackellar Poetry Competition: In memory of the prominent Australian poet, this is a poetry writing competition for students of all ages and closes 30 June.

    Visit https://www.dorothea.com.au/The-Poetry-of-Dorothea-Mackellar for more information on how to enter.

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    What Are You Reading / Watching / Listening to?

    Here are a few more of what’s doing the rounds within SJRC staff

    Frank Johnston Reading: ‘Postwar:A History of Europe since 1945’ by Tony Judt.
    Watching: Ozark
    Listening: MMDOOM
    Deb Brown Reading: “Handle with Care” by Jodi Picoult
    Watching: Grace and Frankie on Netflix and Master Chef Australia
    Brigitte Rieger Reading: The Islamic Jesus (Mustafa Akyol)
    Listening: La Sublime Porte Voix d'Istanbul 1430-1750 (Jordi Savall); The Hour of Separation (Joseph Tawdros); Music for Films (Brian Eno)
    Braden Saggers Watching: Ozark (Netflix)
    Reading: ‘Dark Emu’ by Bruce Pascoe
    Listening:  Below the Belt podcast
    Anne Marchment Reading: ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ (Trent Dalton)
    ‘The Best Kind of Beautiful’ (Frances Whiting)
    Watching: The Last Dance (Netflix)

    ‘Black Out’ Poetry

    Please enjoy these two great samples of 'Black Out' Poetry by Jared Clout and Jake Green, Year 10 students:

    Poem 1: Jared Clout

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     Poem 2: Jake Green

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    Keep reading, writing, reflecting, composing, creating, musing and connecting.

    The SJRC Literacy Enrichment Team

    Literacy Enrichment

    Hayley Lawrence - Driving, Creativity, Conflict and Character

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    Hayley Lawrence’s debut YA novel Inside the Tiger was published by Penguin Random House in 2018 to critical acclaim, shortlisting for the Vogel Prize, longlisting for the Davitt Crime Awards, receiving two Varuna Writers’ House Residencies, and being a CBCA Notable Book in 2019. Inside the Tiger is the story of a private school girl who writes to an Australian death row prisoner in Thailand and falls for him, destroying them both. Hayley wrote the novel after spending five years writing to and visiting a death row prisoner in Thailand. Previously a lawyer, the stories of the people Hayley came into contact with continue to haunt her writing and make her ask questions about the nature of humanity. Hayley’s second YA novel Ruby Tuesday is being published by Penguin Random House in September 2020. Hayley lives in Port Macquarie and gives regular creative writing talks and workshops to local schools.

    Hayley's workshop titled 'Driving Creativity, Conflict and Character' is an interactive workshop where participants will play with powerful story driving tools. Hayley's going to unlock the creative flow in students' brains, interrogate a character of their own making, set a stage for conflict and then let that character fight. Students will learn how to tap into creative flow when they're in a funk, how to build a three-dimensional character and most importantly, have fun with that character on the page.

    Access the FREE PRE-RECORDED WORKSHOP here. It will be available from the #LitFest2444 Facebook page from 7.00pm to 9.00pm Monday, 1st June.


    To get notified about event updates mark yourself as going or interested in the event and allow our page to tell you when we are LIVE! See you there.

    Accessing Livestreamed Events in #LitFest2444 

    1. Go to the #LitFest2444 Facebook page.

    2. Click on the Presenters 2020 Tab.

    3. Scroll down the page until you see the presentation you wish to view.

    4. Accesseing_Livestream_1.jpgThe Presenter will have a Photo and an explanation of what their event is about.
      The following is an example.
    5. Click on the Pre-recorded Yellow Button. This will take you to the recording.
      (Please note, you can only watch the recorded session on or after the date stated).

      If the session you wish to watch has already occurred, you can still access the recording. If the session you wish to watch has already occurred, you can still access the recording.
    6. As above - Go to the LITFEST2444 Webpage.

    7. Click on the Presenters 2020 Tab.

    8. Scroll down the page until you see the presentation you wish to view.

    9. The Presenter will have a Photo and an explanation of what their event is about.Accesseing Livestream 2.jpg
      The following is an example.

    10. Click on the watch the Session Video Here Yellow Button.

    11. Another Internet Tab - The LitFest2444 Vimeo page will open.

    12. Accesseing_Livestream_3.JPG

      Press the triangle play button. and the recording will start.



    For further information about the presenters of the FREE online workshops, click here.

    "Inky Printy Fun" presented by Liz Anelli

    If you missed this week's dynamic session "Inky Printy Fun" presented by Liz Anelli, please take the time to watch. Liz is so very resourceful, creating beautiful pieces from mundane, everyday items.

    Upcoming Sessions

    This content will help supplement your online learning platforms and further enhance storytelling skills during this difficult time. All sessions will be available through Facebook's Watch Party so please encourage staff and students to follow our Facebook Profile to watch all the upcoming sessions.

    More sessions will be announced over the coming days and weeks.

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    Storybombing

    Currently, an exciting competition is in progress, the #LitFest2444 Storybombing Phone-It-In Competition. Details can be found here. The competition is limited to students aged 15-18 years and has an awesome prize for the eventual winner.

    We encourage those students who fall into this age bracket to take part. It’s a combination of writing, speaking, and technology, and is an ideal exercise for students at home or at school. The competition closes on May 31.

    Karen Bale
    #Litfest2444 Organiser

    This week we welcomed all our students back to our beautiful space. It has been wonderful having the opportunity to reconnect with our regulars, find out how they are, enquire about the books they have been reading, and witness their pleasure in being back in the Library.



    The Library has shared in the recognition of National Reconciliation Week. We have gathered many resources significant to indigenous story and experience and together with Mrs Taylor and Mr Saggers, have formed a beautiful display featuring a backdrop created by our students who worked with Rhonda Radley to produce it. We are proud to support the shaping of Australia’s journey towards a “more just, equitable and reconciled nation”.

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    THIS WEEK'S FREE DOWNLOAD

    The weekly free download of audiobook titles continues this week with

    "In search of us" and "Serpent & Dove".

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    Visit www.audiobooksync.com to access and download the titles, and then use your Sora app (see setup instructions below) to keep and listen. Too easy! 


    Any questions or issues, please email pmreg-lib@lism.catholic.edu.au

    What is SYNC?

    SYNC is a free summer audiobook program for teens. SYNC will give away two complete audiobooks per week - pairs of high-interest titles, based on weekly themes. Sign up for email or text alerts and be first to know when new titles are available to download at www.audiobooksync.com.

    The process to register, access and download titles are outlined below:

    First register for SYNC 2020 on our homepage. Then set up Sora.

    How do I set up Sora?

    1. Download Sora from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
      Open Sora and tap I have a setup code (at the bottom of the screen).
    2. Enter this setup code: audiobooksync.
    3. Enter the email address you used to sign up for SYNC.
    4. Tap Explore (at the bottom of the screen) to see the week’s featured titles [SYNC 2020 starts April 30]
    5. I already use Sora for school. How do I add SYNC titles?

    If you already use Sora, you’ll need to add the SYNC program’s library. Here are the steps:

    In Sora, open the menu (in the top-right corner).

    1. Select Add a public library.
    2. Search for audiobooksync and select the library from the results.
    3. St Joseph's Regional College Library

    St Joseph's Regional College Library
    Karen Bale (Mon-Thu)
    Tracie Hartley (Fri)
    @sjrcexchange

    Word of the week:

    REPOSE

    Meaning: A state of calm, peace and free from worry.

    Read a book or do something that makes you happy.

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    Weekly Lunch Specials are Back

    Week 7 Lunch Specials
    Monday Public Holiday
    Tuesday Cheese and Spinach Ravioli
    Wednesday Fried Rice and Honey Soy Chicken Wings
    Thursday Chicken Parmi Burgers
    Friday Gourmet Hotdogs

    The canteen opens at 8.00am every school day.



    EFTPOST_available.pngThe Canteen's everyday menu can be found on our College website at the following link.

    Volunteering in our Canteen

    We cannot run the canteen without you; as the saying goes:
    "Many Hands Make Light Work".

    If you are able to spare an hour or so of your time, we would love for you to join us.
    Please contact Donna Hamlin through the College Office on 5525 4100.

    Ms Donna Hamlin
    Food Services Manager

    Ensembles Rehearsals Times

    All school-based ensembles have now returned to rehearsals and will continue as per the normal scheduled practices.

    JAZZ BAND Monday at 7.45am
    SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE Monday from 3.15pm - 4.00pm
    JUNIOR CONCERT BAND Thursday at 8.00am
    SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE Thursday at 3.30pm
    SENIOR CONCERT BAND Friday at 7.45am


    The SAPSS Marching Band rehearsals will commence in Week 7 on Wednesday after school at MacKillop College.

    Private Tuitions will commence in Week 7

    Sharon Green
    Leader of Co-Curricular Music

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    We thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.  As new information is coming to hand, our College community is being informed. Please find below a link to the latest Parent Correspondence relating to COVID-19.

    Federal Government’s COVIDSafe App

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    As we return to College, I would like to refer you to the COVIDSafe app, which has been developed to minimise further spread of COVID-19 through early notification of possible exposure to the virus. St Joseph’s Regional College has recognised that the app could play a vital role in slowing down the pace of a potential outbreak. As such the Leadership Team is encouraging all families and staff to download the app. The app can be downloaded by clicking here.

    Upcoming FREE Webinars

    June 3rd at 7.00pm - Andrew Kinch, Game Aware

    June 9th at 7.00pm - Jocelyn Brewer, Untangling your Tween & Teens from Technology

    June 22nd at 7.00pm - Maggie Dent, From Sandpit to Adulthood: Helping Children to Thrive

    August 6th at 7.00pm - Michelle Mitchell, Resilience & Mental Health

    GameAware

    The Lismore Diocese, Catholic School Parents and Carers Assembly are hosting a FREE webinar, empowering parents with insight into culture and psychology surrounding video games.

    Please click here to register for the webinar.


    Register via Stickytickets

    Peta Rourke | Parent Assembly Cluster Coordinator
    Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Lismore

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    Seek God with All Your Heart

    Journey into the Catholic Faith for Teens

    Youth aged 13-18 years who are seeking baptism or reception into the Catholic Church are required to complete a period of preparation before the Sacraments of initiation are administered.
    Journey into the Catholic Faith for Teens is a 17 session program that aims to help young people think critically, use philosophy and discover the answers to faith questions through a lived relationship with God.

    If it is your desire to become a baptised Catholic and you are willing to commit to participating in the Journey for Teens program, please contact:
    Vanessa Denham, M: 0447 992 986 E: Vanessa.Denham@stagnesparish.org.au
    Please note the program runs weekly during Terms 2 and 3 on Tuesdays 3.45-5.00pm via Zoom until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
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