Dear Parents,

Students, staff and families are to be congratulated and thanked for the adjustments they have been making in their lives in response to the COVID-19. Terms such as social distancing and self isolating were not part of our regular vocabulary a few weeks ago. Numerous new procedures have been put in place at school to protect our school community from COVID-19.

As a person of hope and optimism, I believe that we will weather the current challenges and that a return to ‘normal’ life will take place in the near future. I will keep you informed of any changes to routines so that you can discuss them with your family. At this early stage of the adjustments, it is most important to keep your child at home if they are showing any symptoms such as sore throat, coughing and generally feeling unwell. Your diligence with this is most appreciated.

On Monday I shared the first round of changes to our usual school routines including:

• Hygiene and preventative measures

• Gatherings of students and staff

• Excursions, school events and travel – Cross Country and all excursions for this term have been postponed until further notice. 

In addition to this information, the school has now implemented the following adjustments: 

• New lining up procedures before school, end of recess and end of lunch

• Bus lines have been changed to allow for social distancing 
• Eating Circles have been changed.  The students now eat as an individual class group outside their classrooms. 
• Hand hygiene: Each class has learnt how to best wash their hands, based on the attached video link. 

https://www.abc.net.au/btn/classroom/handwashing/12024720

• Weekly assemblies: These will no longer occur until the virus has passed. 
• Parent Helpers: Unfortunately, we will not be able to utilise parents and carers in any capacity within the school until the virus has passed. Our school has a rich tradition of family assistance with student learning. We look forward to inviting parents and carers to re-engage with us once the virus passes. 
• Bubblers: As the bubblers are a major health risk with the Corona Virus, I request that parents send two drink containers filled with water to school each day. The bubblers will be turned off from the start of next week but taps will still be available to fill up containers if required. 
• Grade masses: The school will not attend the Friday masses in the Church until the virus has passed, including this Friday.
• Youth Group for Years 5 and 6 has been put on hold until the virus passes
• Sacramental meetings will not occur until further notice. Information regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation will be shared with parents as soon as clarification with the Bishop’s Office has occurred. The scheduled long weekend in June ceremonies have now been postponed.
• Parent / Teacher meetings will occur through a teleconference where possible. 
• Parents and Friends meetings will occur via teleconference or using Google Zoom.

I am presently having a staff briefing each day. I encourage parents to continually go to the CEO site to view any systemic updates. 

Thank you for your assistance and support. 

Yours in Faith and Virtue,

Mr Christopher Paton

It was fantastic to celebrate the sporting accomplishments of some St. Michael’s students last week. It is with regret that I have to inform you of the suspension of events due to N.S.W Government Health guidelines to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

• Thursday 19th March - Year 3 and 4 AFL Gala Day 
• Tuesday 24th March – St. Michael’s Cross Country
• Wednesday 25th March – NSWCPS Swimming Championships
• Thursday 26th March – Mark Taylor Cricket Shield
• Friday 27th March – MacKillop Football Trials
• Friday 3rd April – Year 5 and 6 AFL Paul Kelly Cup
• Monday 6th - Tuesday 7th April - NSW PSSA Swimming & Diving Championships
• Friday 1st May - Polding Football (Soccer) Selections
• Friday 1st May - Polding Rugby League Selections (U/11 & Opens)
• Friday 1st May - Polding Netball Selections
• Friday 8th May - MacKillop Rugby League Selections (U/11 & Opens)
• Friday 8th May - MacKillop Netball Selections

These events have been suspended until further notice. Longer term events leading into term 2 will be under review and advised where appropriate.

If you have any questions about sports or any events coming up, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Regards,

Mr. Allmark 

Sports Co-ordinator

Due to the absence of Mrs McGrath there will be no band lessons or choir rehearsals on Friday this week.

The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and our people is our first priority. Due to the rapidly developing situation with coronavirus, School Banking has been temporarily paused from 20 March 2020 until the start of Term 2. Please don’t bring your deposit book with your weekly banking into school and we will notify you when banking will recommence.

THANK YOU to those who attended MRSF THEATRE GALA and also to our very generous supporters who donated the supper.  We have  had a great year with $3500 from tickets and $795 from the Raffle!! A fantastic effort by all.  We are very close to having next years Scholarship payments.  SO  THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH

Regards

Denise Jones