While this will be the last official newsletter for Term 3, the school will continue to send COVID19 updates through Compass. Today is the official RUOK? Day. During this time of uncertainty, checking in with friends and family members is particularly important. With the frantic lives that all of us are leading at the moment, I encourage each other to reach out to those we regularly encounter in our lives and ask the question, ‘Are you REALLY ok?’ The entire staff have worked extremely hard this term to continue providing meaningful learning for your child. I am fully aware of the toll that remote learning has had on families as well and hope that you are all ok. 

Today the Premier of NSW announced most schools, including those in the Shoalhaven, will remain in remote learning for the foreseeable future. There will be a letter from CEDoW Director Peter Hill and myself that all families will receive today or tomorrow explaining existing restrictions. While we are optimistic for an eventual return to school for all students, we will be fully guided by the NSW Government. 

Sacramental Programs

Following today’s ‘roadmap out of lockdown’ announcement by the NSW Premier, Mrs Mathieson, Father Joe and I will look at the possible timeline and options available for the students in Year 2 to receive the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) and for the Year 3 students to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist (First Holy Communion). The Year 2 students have been fully prepared to receive their Sacrament and the Year 3 students are concluding their preparation to receive their ‘First Holy Communion’. I appreciate your ongoing patience with factors out of our control.  

Wellbeing Friday 10 September 2021

Tomorrow, students who are participating in remote learning at home and those who have no other option than to come to school, will have a non-academic and hopefully device free day. In my communication to you earlier in the week, the wellbeing of students, parents, staff and all members of our community is very important. We have now completed four weeks of remote learning and it is time for all involved to focus on their personal wellbeing. This strategy has been actioned in many schools and all feedback from families has been positive. The activities suggested will keep the students very busy all day and will give them a well earned reprieve from remote learning. Enjoy the activities which can be accessed through the link to the ‘Wellbeing Fun Activities’:

https://sites.google.com/dow.catholic.edu.au/smnonlinelearning/well-being-week

Parents and Friends Association

Finally, I would like to thank our Parents and Friends (P&F) group for organising the ‘Fathers Day’ stall last week. The feedback from numerous families about the chocolate and facemask options was very positive. I am wearing my facemask with pride as are many of the school staff. Well done to our P&F. On another exciting note is the impending installation of the new electronic noticeboard. Installation commences tomorrow and will be operational in the next week or two, once the electrician has connected the power to it. Once trained, the office staff will be able to change and update the information using a computer or ipad. Fundraising by the P&F over the last few years has resulted in this plan coming to fruition. Thank you to all previous P&F executive members and all parents for assisting the school to have this wonderful communication resource. 

Have a well earned break when school concludes for Term 3 on Friday 17 September 2021. School resumes for Term 4 on Tuesday 5 October 2021.