In many ways, the start of the new school year has been a calm and happy one for the students and staff. This week’s newsletter is slightly longer than usual and includes information about our staff for 2021 as well as other important information about the Parents and Friends, grade information newsletters and other events. I am pleased to report that students have transitioned beautifully into their new classrooms. The cleaners did an amazing job during the student vacation to ensure the walkways and classrooms were cleaned thoroughly. Welcome to all of our new staff and all returning staff. We have a committed group of professionals excited to be teaching your children. Our teaching staff for 2021 include:

Principal - Christopher Paton

Assistant Principal - Carolyn Rutkowski

Religious Education Coordinator - Martine Mathieson

Middle Leader 2 - Literacy - Michelle Heffernan

Middle Leader 2 - PB4L and Wellbeing - Patrick Douglas

Middle Leader 2 - Diverse Learning - Bianca Koczka

Middle Leader 1 - ICT Support - Emma-Kate Callaghan

Middle Leader - Indigenous Education - Anne Dempsey

Good Samaritan Centre - Lee-Anne deRoo, Mel Green 

Benedictine Centre - Samantha Luxford, Mel Green

Reading Recovery - Oonagh Cameron

Gifted Education - Cathy Palmer

Kindergarten - Emma-Kate Callaghan, Sarah Sansom, Jessica Phelps, Michelle Heffernan

Year 1 - Anne-Maree Berryman, Stephanie Jakimyszyn, Amanda Mason/Naomi Brown

Year 2 - Martine Mathieson, Renee Roles, Dylan Anderson, Tara King-Gee, 

Year 3 - Sandrine Butler, Sharon Chapman, Viki Boyton

Year 4 - Maree Hamilton, Marian Crossley, Michelle Warner, Patrick Douglas, Jessica Ivers

Year 5 -, Bianca Koczka, Anne Dempsey, Amy Scurr, Carly Butler, Cathy Palmer

Year 6 -, Andrew Allmark, Nicole Lenihan, Christine Hart

PPT - PE - Ingrid Holland

PPT - Music - Maree McGrath

PPT - Library - Barbara McKenna

Tomorrow Father Leo will celebrate a liturgy with Year 6 students and staff. The students in Year 6 will receive their leadership badges blessed by Father Leo. I am pleased to report that all Year 6 teachers believe the students are accepting the challenge and displaying excellent leadership motivation at this early stage of the new school year. 

Today our new Kindergarten students for 2021 commenced. The Kindergarten teachers have worked tirelessly during the student vacation break to prepare the classrooms for the new students and all of us are excited about the learning that will occur in Kindergarten in 2021. All new Kindergarten students completed the ‘Best Start’ assessment during the last week. Welcome to these students and their families. 

I would like to congratulate parents on the way students have returned to school dressed in their full school uniform. Please teach and encourage (at the appropriate age) the students to clean their shoes on a regular basis. Our school has a strict dress code for student school uniforms which parents fully support. The Catholic Education Office also has a dress code which staff are required to follow. Last year I was asked by parents if there is a dress code for parents to follow. The short answer is no, however I do recommend that parents are encouraged to wear clothing at school that would be acceptable if they were attending a meeting with a professional such as an accountant, doctor, solicitor or even the school principal. If you wish to further clarify, please see Mrs Rutkowski or myself. 

Due to our Covid restrictions we will be unable to have the annual ‘Meet the teacher” evening. To ensure that all parents receive information about their child’s individual class, a letter from the class teacher will be sent to you through Compass. 

The first Parents and Friends meeting for 2021 will be held in the school hall foyer at 6pm on Tuesday 9 February 2021. For the first time ever, parents will be able to join the meeting from home using Zoom. I believe this is a giant leap forward and recognises that many parents are unable to physically attend night meetings but still wish to be involved. After a quiet year due to Covid restrictions, I know this important committee is keen to be an active presence in 2021. I ask all parents to consider joining the Zoom meeting as important matters will be discussed and decisions taken. I invite you to have a voice and contribute to any discussions. 

During the next week, I am going to communicate with parents about a proposed WORKING BEE  to occur shortly. The consistent rain and other factors have led to weeds taking over a number of our gardens. As working bees can be held in the open, they are now permitted to occur. We always have an amazing and loyal group of parents who join us on a designated Saturday morning from 8-11am. I will send out a detailed ‘Working Bee’ schedule shortly and invite your participation. The students are fine to attend and there is a substantial amount of work to be completed. Please consider. 

The Director of CEO Wollongong Mr Peter Hill will be visiting our school on Monday 15 February 2021. During his time at the school, Mr Hill will visit classrooms and meet with staff. It is always a great opportunity when the Director visits to showcase the great learning that is happening within the school. We look forward to Mr Hill’s visit. 

The next school newsletter will be in week 4. Have a great fortnight.