Dear Parents and Friends,

We have had a wonderful start to the school year. All classes are very settled and working so well and have quickly established their classroom routine. I have been particularly impressed at how well the students have remembered and been following our school rules.

St Fidelis' School Rules

Every member of our school community has a right to fully participate in a Catholic learning environment that is safe, supportive and inclusive. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. We believe students learn best when they feel safe and happy in a caring, supportive and engaging environment. We foster positive, tolerant and respectful relationships.

Follow Directions
Keep Hands, Feet and Objects to Yourself
Listen to the Speaker
Speak Appropriately
Move Safely
Treat Property with Care

Parent-Teacher Conversations

Parent-Teacher Conversations will be held this Thursday 22nd February between 1.30 - 6.30 p.m. These conversations are an opportunity for parents/caregivers to meet with your child’s new teacher for 2018 and to pass on relevant information within the allocated 10 minutes. Teachers won't be reporting on students' academic progress at this time. Interviews will take place in your child's classroom. Please note that these conversations are OPTIONAL as we understand that some families may already know the teacher and do not have any further information to pass or in some cases the teacher may have taught your child before. Of course even in these cases you are more than welcomed to meet with the teacher but it is not an expectation of the school. Please note that school will finish at 1:00 p.m. on this day. After School Care will be provided from 1:00 p.m.

Please do not leave your children unattended in the yard. We will be offering child minding in the library from 1:30 p.m. while you attend the interveiw.

All appointments can be made online so you can now book interviews at times that suits your family best. Information on how to book was sent home two weeks ago. Please contact the office if you require any assistance.

School Photos

Please remember that school photos will be taken next Tuesday February 27. Your child needs to wear their full summer uniform for photos. Students do not need to wear the school jumper or hat for the photos. Envelopes have been sent home, which contain the required information to order. To pre-order online, use your personal ID Number found on your order form and go to www.schoolpix.com.au

SUMMER UNIFORM

GIRLS

school green and white check dress

school jumper

white socks

black shoes

school hat

green or red hair ties or scrunchies in the same material as the summer dress

BOYS

grey gaberdine shorts

short-sleeve green polo shirt with logo

school jumper

grey socks

black shoes

school hat

Parents and Teachers working together to support student learning

Classroom Morning Teas

It has been terrific to see so many parents attend our class morning teas which have been an opportunity for both parents and teachers to meet informally. Tomorrow is our final morning tea for Prep parents.

Homework

Thank you to the parents who attended our recent information sessions where we outlined our revised homework policy and it's rationale. It was wonderful to see approximately 40 parents attended. Our revised policy can be accessed below.

Parent Curriculum Workshops - All parents are encouraged to attend

Please keep Tuesday March 6 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. free. Come and learn about some of our great approaches to learning. Parents will rotate through the following three workshops:

Workshop 1 - Literacy

Spelling/Word Study - Words Their Way

Learn about the students hands on opportunities to manipulate word features and why it is important.

Workshop 2 - Mathematics

Mental Computation

Learn about the importance of teaching the skills and strategies associated with mental computation.

Workshop 3 - Inquiry

An approach to Learning and Teaching

Learn about the purposes and benefits of this approach.

2019 Prep Enrolments

2019 Prep Enrolments open Tuesday March 13, 2018. School Tours are available at 9:30am on the following dates:

Wednesday March 14
Thursday March 15

Existing families are welcome to collect an enrolment form from the office.

School Fees

School fees were sent home last week. I encourage families to pay your fees upfront. If you are paying instalments over three terms, please note that the curriculum levy and Term One fees are now due. School fees must be paid in full by the end of Term Three.

Playground After School

The end of the day is very busy with parents picking up students. I ask that students do not play on the adventure playgrounds after school, as it is difficult to supervise due to the amount of people in the yard. I thank you for your support with this matter and ensuring the safety of our students and toddlers.

Assembly

Please join us this Friday for assembly which will be led by 1/2JF. Our 2018 school leaders will also be presented at this assembly. Please click on the link below to learn about our student leaders.

Student Absence

As part of the new government requirements, parents must advise the school of their child/ren’s absence on the day of the absence. Please notify the school via the skoolbag app prior to 9:15 a.m.

We know that email is an efficient and effective way to communicate with your child's teacher. Included in today's newsletter is a list of staff email addresses and our protocols for using emails. I ask that all parents read and adhere to this agreement.

As always, if you have any feedback, queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher, members of our leadership team or myself at anytime.

I hope you have a great week.

Kevin Gleeson.

Skoolbag App

St Fidelis School App - eForms

Do you know that you can notify us via the app if your child is absent? You can also update your contact information.