From the Principal

FUN in the SUN!

This week with great excitement our Year 5 and Year 6 students went on a school camp to Camp Portsea. It was sensational that we were all able to head off together for our first excursion for the year!! They were extremely lucky to have glorious summer weather each day, just perfect for three days and two nights of adventure.

The children tackled various group and individual challenges and each achieved a personal best. Weather it was reaching for the stars on the giant swing or catching their first fish. For others it was just being away from home and being able to care for all their belongings, trying a different menu or sleeping in a dorm with school friends. There was evening swims and night walks to enjoy after a day of activities from the High Rope Course, raft and hut building to tacking the flying fox. The food was always delicious after a day's adventure and nights were also great with singing, chatting and a disco to enjoy.

The teachers were full of praise about this group of children and the way they embraced all the opportunities with a positive spirit and with great manners. The children were a great credit to their families and to our school. On the last day on the way home they had a detour to the Enchanted Maze. There were more challenges to tackle and enjoy. They worked together in partnership and displayed great teamwork and our school values. What a flying start to 2021!!

A very BIG thank you to our staff who organised and cared for our children and their every need while on camp. A big thanks to Matilda, Rozeta and Shehani our three pedagogical leaders for their co-ordination and to Sandi, Mavis, Andrea, Anthony, Patrick, Amelia, Ursula, Peacelyne, Kristy and Angela for their professionalism and care to ensure the children were safe and well cared for at all times.

"Thank you to all those who assisted at the camp this year. I know the teachers and others spend lots of time planning and time away from their own families and loved ones to make this happen. My daughter had an absolutely awesome time. Thank you" a lovely message from Margot on our SFS Facebook page.

PARENT INFORMATION EVENING

Postponed. Details in next week's newsletter.

STAGE 4 LOCK DOWN - SCHOOL CLOSED

St Francis de Sales Primary school will be closed from Monday 15 February to Wednesday 17 February

as a result of stage 4 Lockdown in Victoria.

As this is a short lock down there will be no online learning provided this time. Teachers will use the time to prepare should a further extended lock down be required.

The school will be open to cater for a small group of children.

This includes the following:

Children whose parents are considered essential workers as listed, cannot work from home and where no other supervision arrangements can be made
Vulnerable children, including children in out-of-home care, children deemed by Child Protection and/or Family Services to be at risk of harm and children identified by the school as vulnerable (including via referral from a family violence agency, homelessness or youth justice service or mental health or other health service).

If you are unable to make other arrangements and your child qualifies under the above two categories, you are asked to reply to the school via Operoo by Saturday 13 February. Please provide your essential worker permit to the school. As arrangements need to be made to staff the school it is essential we receive an immediate reply from all families.

Your quick response is essential to help us make the required preparation. Thank you in advance for your assistance and support.