Later today a communication from our Director of Schools, Peter Hill and myself will be sent to families via Compass. This communication will summarise the latest information from the NSW Government and will provide valuable information regarding remote learning. When I wrote to parents two weeks ago, I expressed my gratitude for schools remaining open and the wonderful effort staff, students and families were making within our local area. My gratitude for these three groups of people still continues, despite our school going into remote learning two days after the school newsletter was shared! I possibly spoke too soon! 

Since going into lockdown, our school has swiftly stepped up a few gears and the remote learning is going well. Of course it can never replace a person working within a classroom setting with students, however this time round, our school and numerous others are exploring the Zoom capacity of connecting students, families and staff. Along with See Saw, Google Classroom and regular phone conversations, Zoom has the capacity to connect large, small and individual groups of students. If you need to borrow a school device to assist with remote learning, please contact the office immediately. If your child is having difficulty connecting with remote learning, the school can provide a regular conversation and support with one of our school support officers. Let your class teacher know how we can best assist. 

Late yesterday afternoon, I sent home to parents a google survey form titled ‘Remote Learning | School Supervision Schedule.’ It is necessary for parents to submit one form per child who absolutely must attend school due to no other home option. There is enormous pressure on schools from the NSW Government to ensure that only eligible students attend school. The motive behind this directive from the NSW Government is to minimise the number of people circulating within the community. Last year, the COVID-19 strand was not impacting on students at all. Their safety was basically guaranteed when they attended school. This Delta strain is highly contagious amongst children and the NSW Government directive is to keep children in the home where they can remain protected and safe. 

As a parent and grandparent, I am fully aware of the pressures experienced by families who are assisting their children at home with remote learning, but also fully aware of parents who do need to work but would prefer to be at home with their children. We are in challenging times and this pandemic will be read about in a hundred years from now. This pandemic will subside at some stage in the near future if we all continue to look after each other. Thanks for your support. 

Due to the current lockdown orders, please note the following postponements:

• Staff Development Day scheduled for Friday 3 September 2021. POSTPONED until Term 4. Friday 3 September 2021 will be a normal remote learning day
• Reconciliation for Year 2 students scheduled for Tuesday 7 September, Wednesday 8 September and Thursday 9 September - POSTPONED until Term 4
• First Holy Communion - Signs and Symbols meeting - POSTPONED with further information to be shared . 

As we enter our eighth week of Term 3, I encourage families to remain safe and close to home.

The P&F are holding a Father's Day stall. Families can purchase chocolates or face masks for $5 each item ($10 for both), you just need to complete the Google Doc by clicking the link on the attached flyer. Preferred payment is by bank transfer and needs to be made no later than 3 days prior to pick up to ensure that we receive the funds. We will still accept cash payment on the day but could you please ensure you have the correct amount. 

 

Bank transfer payments can be made to:

Account Name: P&F Catholic Development Fund

BSB: 066711

Account Number: 005768

Reference: LASTNAME

 

It is very important that you ONLY use that above agent number and your child's last name as your reference, otherwise it will make it harder for our treasurer to locate the funds.

 

If you have any questions, please email the P&F stmichaelspnf@gmail.com or call Carina 0402909157. 

 

Thank you.
St Michael's P&F