Principal's News
'Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness.'
Anne Frank
Dear Families
We are back! What a delight it was to welcome all of our students to their first day on Monday. It has been a wonderful start to 2023 and we look forward to all that lies ahead for us. Everyone has grown a little bit taller and are ready to launch in to learning, including Buddy!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Morning Routine
In last week's communication, I advised that our school gates open at 8.35am. If you require you child/ren to be at school any earlier please use the Camp Australia Before School Care program.
It has been wonderful to see majority of our students at school for 8.50am when 'Getting Ready to Learn' time begins. This is an important time for our students building up their independence and organisational skills and warming up their brain for a great day of learning ahead!
Year 5/6 new furniture
At the end of Term 1 our Year 5/6 learning spaces will be updated will new flexible furniture. We have once again partnered with Furnware who pride themselves on designing and building innovative school furniture so children can thrive in the most inspiring learning spaces imaginable.
Family Picnic -Save the date!
On Thursday 9th March we will be having a Family Picnic from 4-6pm. In brief, this will be a casual afternoon where our families gather to enjoy a byo picnic, have the opportunity to mingle with each other and join in some games/activities we will have set up on our school grounds.
First Aid in Schools Program
Today our students participated in St John's First Aid in Schools program. Each class enjoyed a session with a presenter learning about vital first aid knowledge. This is a free program run by St John Ambulance Australia providing basic first aid training to school students across all states and territories in Australia.
Parents and Friends Association
This year we will be relaunching our Parents and Friends Association, this will include a parent/carer representative from each class to assist with school events or happenings in the class/year level. Please keep an eye out for further information next week.
School Uniform
Most of our students have returned to school in their correct uniform - thanks for your support in following our uniform expectations. Our staff members this week have been reminding students of the expectations and advising any students who need to change an item e.g. earrings, plain school socks (no brands), complete black school shoes or complete black runners.
As of Monday, our rule is 'no hat, no play' and students who do not have/wear their school hat will be required to be under cover outside the office. If necessary, we will contact families regarding students who continue to be out of uniform. Please know this comes from a place of care for our students with UV and sunsmart protection and as well having pride in our uniform that showcases you are part of the wonderful Fatima Family.
2023 Leadership Team
Our Leadership Team this year is:
- Alicia Baker - Religious Education Leader
- Dan Koole - OHS Leader
- Fleur Koole - Literacy Leader
- Gill Carr - Deputy Principal / Learning and Teaching / Numeracy Leader
- Louise Davidge - Learning Diversity and Wellbeing Leader
- Sarah McDermott - Principal
Staffing Updates
Over the festive season and summer break we have had a couple of new appointments to the Fatima Staff. We are excited to announce and welcome:
- Angela Kostopoulos - Performing Arts Specialist Year 3-6 (TH)
- Bonnie Hope - Education Support Officer (T-TH)
- Emma Driscoll - Garden / Education Support Officer (T & TH)
- Josie Sierakowski - Classroom teacher in 3/4S (M, T, TH, F)
- Liza Grande - Music Specialist P-2 (T)
All five women have previous connections to our beautiful school and bring warmth, enthusiasm and joy. We look forward to seeing each of these staff members flourish in their roles.
Virginia Dunwoodie accepted a position at Padua Mornington commencing this year. This is such a great opportunity for Gin, where she gets to experience a new school context and spread her wings in her field. I thank her for her many years of service at our school and I know she will be an absolute asset for Padua and we wish her great success. The advantage for us is that lots of our students will get to see her when they move on to secondary school!
In concluding, I hope all of our 2022 Year 6s had a wonderful start to secondary school this week. Our thoughts and prayers have been with them as they commence this new stage of their learning and growth.
And one more thing - how smart and stylish do our Year 6s look in their 2023 bomber jackets!
Sarah McDermott
Principal