From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the last week of Term Two. Our students have worked hard this term as they progress in their own learning journeys. The school holidays provide an essential break from school routines that allow rest for students and a change in pace for families.
This week, Fr Mark Reynolds formally concludes his position as parish priest of St Jude’s and St Simon’s Parishes. On behalf of the St Simon’s School community, we thank Fr Mark for his positive impact and wish him well for the future.
Fr Jerald Mariadas has been formally appointed parish priest for St Jude’s and St Simon’s Parishes commencing 21st July. We look forward to connecting with Fr Jerald in due course and working together in Mission and Faith as a catholic school community.
Car Park and Road Safety
Safety for everyone coming and going from our school site is the highest priority. We constantly review safety practices used to maximise the safety of all people on the school site.
Of late, the following alarming behaviours related to the car park and student drop off\pick up have been observed by school staff and community members and reported to the school office.
- Double parking on Taylors Lane between Gates 4 and 3 to allow students to exit the footpath.
- Students are entering cars waiting on Taylor's Lane to turn right into Gate 4.
- Ignoring the KEEP CLEAR area near the school crossing.
- Car speeds in the car park faster than walking pace.
- Use of the Disabled Parking without the required permit.
Everyone is responsible for ensuring that we safely move to and from the school site by obeying the road rules, following carpark signage and following the directions of school staff on car park duty.
School Reports Semester One via Nforma Portal
Semester One school reportings will be distributed to families THIS THURSDAY via our digital assessment platform, Nforma. All families are asked to monitor their inboxes for emails containing the link and access instructions to the nForma portal.
Emergency Management Practice Drill
This week the students and staff will participate in a emergency management practice drill. The practice will focus on a scenario where the school is directed to Lockdown by emergency services. Regular emergency management practices help the school ensure staff and students stay calm so that in the event of a real emergency, we can respond appropriately and keep all people on the school site safe.
Please talk with your child\ren about their experience of the practice and why schools need to practice these drills from time to time proactively.
School Advisory Council - June Meeting
Last week members of the school advisory council met to discuss the range of matters related to school life. We spoke about the progress made with the implementation of the Positive Behaviour for Learning Matrix as well as some safety issues related to the school carpark. We also spoke about the fundraising opportunities coming up for the school by participating in St Simon’s Fete and Combined Catholic Parishes and School Raffle.
Staff News
Adelia Centrachhio will be commencing parental leave at the end of Week 1 Term 3 as she is expecting the birth of her first child. We wish Adelia all the best for the next chapter in her family. I am pleased to announce that Patrick Doherty has been appointed classroom teacher of 4R for the remainder of year. Patrick has already connected with St Simon’s community through casual relief teaching roles in Terms 1 and 2, and will be a great asset to the Year Four Team.
Canteen is back in Term 3
Finally, I am excited to announce that the school canteen will return in Term 3 on Fridays thanks to some generous parent volunteers. Details regarding the canteen ordering process and access to QuickCliq will be released in the first week of Term 3.
Thank you to Jinny and Jason Robe, supported by several parent volunteers, for all the work you have been doing to get to this point.
Please stay safe on the roads while travelling over the holiday break.
God bless,
Tom Wursthorn
Principal