Principal's News
'Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness.'
Anne Frank
Dear Families
This week our Preps celebrated '100 days of School - 100 Days Brighter'. What a marvellous milestone for our 2022 Prep students. It was a delight seeing them dressed brightly and celebrating the day with activities based around 100, spending time with their buddies, including a special lunch. I must say our Prep teachers sure do know how to celebrate!
The Commonwealth Games might be a regular on your screens at the moment and creating lots of discussion. Emily Whitehead, a past student of Fatima won a bronze medal a few days ago for her floor routine in gymnastics. It has been entertaining to hear a few of our teachers try to claim part of her talent to the demonstrations they may have performed. I'd like to see that! So if you didn't watch it, go check Emily's performance out - Go Australia!
A few updates...
Positive Start Camps
Over the last three week's, our Year 3-6 students have attended camp under the Positive Start Initiative. Reports from everyone is that they had incredible time and loved what the adventure camps provided.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the staff who assisted with the organisation and as well attended the camps. Camps are a big commitment and require adults to be on call 24/7, away from the comfort of their own beds and loved ones. Many thanks to Mikaela Appleford, Alicia Baker, Amy Booker, Aaron Connolly (Year 5/6 Camp Coordinator), Amy Cook, Loraine Dramis, Matthew Ferguson (Year 3/4 Camp Coordinator), Jenny Freeland, Sabine Cahill, Claire Graham, Dan Koole, Fleur Koole, Robyn McColl and Leanne Senior. As well as our Hub and Leadership Team for providing support and guidance, and as well for visiting.
Also, a big shout out to the parents and carers who have personally thanked the staff in person, by email and/or even with some lovely treats. It truly warms our hearts that you see all that we do in our profession!
CECV Child Safe Schools Commitment Statement 2022
As you may be aware Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) have released an updated Child Safe Schools Commitment Statement to reflect the requirements of new Child Safe Standards and Ministerial Order (MO) 1359. Please see below for further details.
COVID and other winter illnesses
A big thank you for keeping your child/ren at home when they are unwell and keeping the school informed. We have lots of illnesses impacting our students and staff attendance at the moment. Our collective commitment to keeping our community safe and healthy is paramount. The challenge of staff absenses is being felt and the communities support and understanding in managing these circumstances during the winter season is much appreciated.
Disabled Carpark
A friendly reminder that families are only able to park in our disabled carparks if you possess a permit. Please be mindful that we have members of our community who genuinely require these spots.
School Closure Day
Don't forget that next Friday, 12th August is a School Closure Day. This means it is a pupil free day. The extra day of rest for our students will be a much needed mid-term break.
School Disco Postponed
Our School Disco has been postponed to Friday 14th October, Week 2 of Term 4. The times will remain the same: Prep - Year 3, 5pm - 6.15pm and Year 4 - 6, 6.30pm - 8pm. The students will be able to use all their new dance moves from our Footsteps Program by that stage too!
Staffing
Amanda Heggen is taking some well deserved leave for the remainder of Term 3. Jeanine Sutherland, one of our Prep teachers, will be taking our ART classes for this period on top her usual days.
Baby announcement! Mary Lenko, our Literacy Leader, is having a baby and is due at the end of the year. We are all very excited to share this special time with her.
I'd like to sign off today sharing my gratitude for Gill Carr and the staff at Fatima. This week I have been struck down by one of the winter illnesses going around (and I'm not the only one). They have each gracefully stepped into what has been needed onsite. How lucky we are at Fatima!
Go gently
Sarah McDermott :)