Principal's Chat

Good Afternoon Families of OLSC

The last term has flown by and we are now in the final week of school.  This edition of the newsletter has some important dates that I ask all community members to be aware of.  Please look at the 'important dates' tab.  

Planning Not to Return to OLSC in 2020

As you are aware the class-lists have now been completed and your child/ children met their teacher and classmates for 2021 yesterday. Please contact the school office if you are planning to move on from OLSC in 2021.  We currently have a waiting list for enrolment in almost all year levels for next year.  If you are planning not to return to OLSC next year can I ask that you please notify the office so the families on our waiting list can be notified. 

COVID Restrictions 

I congratulate the OLSC community for the sensible and respectful way the COVID 19 restrictions were managed.  Although there are still limitations on visitors to the school and parents are still asked not to enter through the school gates.  This is due to the expectation that all visitors must be signed in and answer the COVID relation declaration questions.  This is to allow contact tracing should there be a need for this to occur.  

Once restrictions have eased further we will revise our calendar and plan for tours, assemblies and parent information sessions.    

Teaching Staff 2021 

We welcome some new staff in 2021.  We look forward to working with John who will be the Learning Centre Leader in LC4 and is looking forward to working with the 5/6 students and staff.  We have appointed a number of enrichment teachers to work with teams to provide greater flexibility, support and targeted teaching for our students.  Our enrichment teachers are Tasmin (LC4), Chelsea (LC 3), Klaire (LC 1&3), Imogen (LC 1&3) and Emma (LC 1).  

We have also appointed Elisabetta as our performing arts teacher.  

Sacraments 

As restrictions have eased we have been able to organise the Sacrament of Confirmation that is being celebrated tomorrow.  We have been fortunate enough to celebrate this milestone with one family member or sponsor and our candidates at St Andrew's parish church.  This will be live-streamed for the families.  

On Friday 4th December the students from Year 3 and some students throughout the school celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation in the Sports Centre.  The students conducted themselves exceptionally well and I commend the staff for their preparation of the students.  

Due to COVID restrictions and the inability for masses with large numbers of people we have not had the opportunity for the Year 4 students to celebrate their first Eucharist.  This will be done in 2021 for both Year 4 and Year 5 students and more information regarding dates will follow.  

I thank everyone for their patience in regards to the Sacramental program this year and I'm sure you all share my relief that we were able to celebrate Confirmation and Reconciliation.  

Acknowledgement of Departing Staff

I wish to formally acknowledge the contributions of Paul McDowell and Nathan Downie to the Our Lady of the Southern Cross School Community.  

Paul has been part of the OLSC community for ten years and began teaching here at the beginning of 2010 when the school was in its second year.  Paul has occupied many roles during his time and most notably he has been the Religious Education Leader since he began.  He has taught across the school and has been a highly effective Learning Centre Leader and mentor for many staff.  Paul has worked closely with many families and his departure will be felt by all.  It is impossible to acknowledge Paul's contribution to the school in a few words and even though I have only had the privilege to work with him this year, I have been impressed by his dedication to students, parents, staff and the wider parish.  On behalf of you all I wish Paul well in his appointment as Principal at St Patrick's Gordon.  

Nathan joined our staff in 2019 in a full-time capacity after completing short term roles at OLSC.  Last year Nathan answered the call and took over a class half way through the year as another teacher moved on.  He has taught in the 3/4 area this year and his dedication to reaching each of the students during remote learning was impressive.  I thank Nathan for his contribution to the OLSC school community and wish him well in his future teaching endeavours.   

Traffic Reminder  

I want to remind all of our community about safety and traffic flow before and after school. The increased congestion has been noticed by us all since abandoning staggered dismissals due to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. I understand that school traffic is extremely frustrating and ask parents to remember the road rules and the need to be safe and courteous on the roads and in the school car park.  I am attempting to work with the council to establish processes to reduce the congestion in the afternoons.  Numerous attempts with limited success have been made prior to this term to work towards a solution.  I urge you to contact the council to voice your concerns.  

Some suggestions to help ease congestion:

• please fill the school carparks before queuing
• park off site and walk part of the way 
• utilise the back gate as well 
• avoid blocking lanes on Howqua Way in an attempt to access the pick area in the carpark
• avoid double parking and blocking traffic in Academy Way  
• obey the 'no u-turn' signs on Academy Way 

These reminders and suggestions are aimed at keeping the community, in particular the students safe as they arrive and depart school.  

Enjoy the final few days of the school year!  

Stay safe and stay well.  

Justin