Dear Parents and Carers

It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome you back tomorrow to onsite learning. The current guidelines for returning are yet to come in and I will forward an update once they are available, which may not be until tomorrow. For now we ask you continue to use the “kiss and drop approach,” ensure mask wearing inside and outside, scanning QR codes and sanitising, should you need to access the building for essential reasons. If you do need to access the classroom spaces particularly because of anxiety in your child and concerns about their wellbeing, please email your classroom teacher regarding your worries  prior.  Click here also for a CoronaVirus document with supportive strategies around Supporting Children’s Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Managing Big Feelings.

New Guidelines for returning: As stated, we are yet to receive our updated guidelines and this could be later tonight. When I receive them I will work through the information and send you an update tomorrow.

In regards to Tree Planting day tomorrow, it will go ahead for Year Prep- Year 6. The few  parents who volunteered for this will remain outdoors, wear your masks and ensure distancing. Your teacher will be in contact.

The School Disco on Friday night will be confirmed tomorrow if it can go ahead.

First Eucharist Year 4: We are still awaiting to hear if this can go ahead on Sunday. We will let you know as soon as it is confirmed.

On behalf of all the staff, we cannot thank you enough for your great support of your child's continued learning over the last 10 days. 

World Day for Grandparents and Elderly: On January 31, 2021, Pope Francis announced a new celebration in honour of all grandparents and the elderly, who are so important to our communities and our Church. This new World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly will be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday in July. This year it was Sunday 25 July.

The theme chosen by Pope Francis for this inaugural commemoration is “I am with you always” (Mt 28:20).

This Celebration Day coincides with the feasts of the Blessed Virgin Mary's parents and Jesus' grandparents, Sts. Joachim and Anne. Today’s Prayer reflects this special day. Click here for Pope Francis’ message. Our students have participated in a class prayer and action to reach out to their grandparents or the elderly in support of this day.

Outdoor areas and grounds improvements:

Over the holidays and while we have been remote learning, we have continued to improve our grounds and here are some photos of additional seating, outdoor learning spaces and even a half court area in the junior playground awaiting the basketball ring to be installed. The barbecue enclosure and outdoor classroom continue to progress.

First Aid: All of our staff are currently completing their CPR training modules and Level 2 First Aid accreditation. It is extremely important to us that we are trained in First Aid to ensure we prioritise  the care, safety  and welfare of our students.  Please click here for our First Aid Guidelines.

Camps: Sincerest thanks to all our staff, parents and students, Year 3 -6 , involved in our recent camps. It was both amazing and wonderful to get all our camps in during Week 1 of the term and to see our students have not only the opportunity this year but also an amazing time. We know how beneficial these camps are to the spiritual, emotional, physical and intellectual development of all our students. So proud and grateful to all involved for enabling this to happen.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools – School Improvement Surveys (MACSSIS): 30 August – 17 September 2021: MACSIS is the largest, evidence-based, valid and reliable tool to gather perception data from all members of your school communities. Please be aware that these surveys will be shared shortly and more information will come in the next newsletter. The information gathered from these short surveys are so critical and valuable to inform our School Improvement Plan and further actions in our Annual Action Plan.

Warmest wishes to you all for the fortnight ahead

Kerryn