Dear Parents and Carers,

A new term has commenced. The students returned yesterday ready for learning and rested after the 2 week break. I managed to visit a number of classes during the day and all students seemed settled and happy to be back. I'm hoping the two week break gave families some special time to be together. This term the school newsletter will be sent to you via compass in week 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. 

Yesterday morning at 9 a.m, the school conducted an ANZAC Day commemoration. Organised by our Defence Mentor, Natalie Hayes, the school remembered past and present service men and women and celebrated ANZAC Day through a prayerful liturgy. Commander Willett from Defence, gave an official address and Father Joseph, our Parish Priest, led the religious aspects of the commemoration. The reverence shown by all of our students was extraordinary and all present were very impressed by their participation. A special thank you to all of the families who joined us for this special occasion, including the numerous defence parents and carers.

There are many important events happening in the next few weeks including:

• The Infants Cross-Country Carnival here on the back school playground this coming Friday 29th of April, 2022. All families are welcome to join us for this carnival.
• NAPLAN for Year 3 and Year 5 commencing Tuesday 12th of May 2022

Crossing supervisor on Osborne Street

The school has been informed that the crossing supervisor on Osborne Street has resigned and will not be replaced until the position is advertised and filled. Please take the greatest care when using the Osborne St Crossing in the morning and afternoon. Parents are requested to supervise their own children. 

RAT kits

Additional RAT kits have arrived at the school this week for families to use. Each student is able to have one RAT kit which contains five individual tests. When parents drop off or pick up the children, they are very welcome to collect the one kit per student from the school office. If you would like the RAT kit to be sent home with your child, please call the office and a it will be provided to the child to bring home in their school bag.

Parent Engagement

In the recent Parents and Friends survey to parents and a similar survey that I conducted with school staff,  it is refreshingly obvious that now is going to be a perfect time to re-engage parents and caregivers in the daily life of the school. During the next two weeks, I am going to work closely with staff on a plan to invite participation within our school. The first step commenced with open invitations to attend the ANZAC commemoration yesterday and the Infants (Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2) Cross Country on the back playground tomorrow. Additionally, there will be no limit to who can attend assemblies once they resume a whole school event. The school will work closely with the Parents and Friends to re-commence social opportunities. 

Morning and Afternoon Procedures

The drop off and pick up procedures will remain in place at the moment. Dropping students at the front gate will continue whereby students will be met by a staff member. The afternoon procedure for dry weather see all students in Kindergarten to Year 6 able to be picked up when the gates open at 2.55pm. These two procedures will be reviewed mid term. If parents wish to visit the school office before or after school, this will be allowed and there will be no need to sign in or out. 

Staff Changes

• Due to the genuine teacher shortage being experienced throughout Australia at the moment,  the three Year 2 classes have been combined to create two classes of approximately 29 students in each. Thank you to Mrs Roles, Mrs Mathieson, Mr Toole and Mrs Carly Butler who will be teaching these two classes, supported by Mrs Lawrence and Mrs Bell.
• Mrs Heffernan and Mrs McKenna will be teaching in Year 4W during Mrs Warner's long service leave for the next two terms.  A special thank you is extended to Mrs Heffernan and Mrs McKenna for supporting the students for the next two terms.
• Mr Cain Holgate has been employed until the end of the year while Mrs Maree McGrath is working in a remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia. Due to the recognised  needs of students during these pandemic times, Mr Holgate will be teaching the children about positive well-being and how it can become part of their daily lives. Mr Holgate commenced yesterday. 

Best wishes for a successful term. 

Yours in Faith and Virtue,

Christopher Paton

Principal