Leadership & Management

Week 7 Term 2

Reconciliation Week 2024’s Theme is ‘Now More Than Ever’ 

Dear Parents and Carers, 

This week people of all backgrounds and communities across Australia are preparing for National Reconciliation Week. This year, the theme for the week is a call to action to continue the fight for indigenous issues  “Now More Than Ever” National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, culture and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

This week we will begin the week with a prayer for reconciliation at our Monday morning assembly and all classes will engage in learning to highlight the importance and commitment to achieving Reconciliation throughout the week. 

Thank You - Year 6 Confirmation Reflection Day 

Thank you to Annette Gasbarro (Religious Education Leader) and the Year 6 teachers for such a wonderful reflection day for the Year 6 Confirmation students last week. Thank you to Ian Vergal (a seminarian from Catholic Theological College, East Melbourne) who was also part of this day.  Annette commented on how engaged and reflective the students were. 

Students will celebrate their confirmation this Sunday June 2nd at 3pm at St. Fidelis Church. Parents, please see the Religious Education page for more details. 

Thank you to Annette and all the Year 6 staff that have assisted with the preparation for the Sacrament and please keep our students and their families in our prayers as they all prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Child Safe

The learning community of St Fidelis is committed to the wellbeing and safety  of all children.  Our interactions with all our community is founded on respect for each person. Within a catholic community this respect of each individual is rooted in the belief that each person is made in the image and likeness of God.

Child Safe Standard 7:  Processes for complaints and concerns are child focused. 

At St Fidelis Catholic Primary School there are many ways in which we as a community ensure that processes for complaints being child-focused, culturally safe and accessible to children, young people and their families, as well as staff and volunteers. 

As stated in the “Complaints handling Policy" (available on our school website), St Fidelis Catholic Primary School understand that from time to time complaints arise regarding aspects of our school’s operation of programs and activities, and that it is important that all members of the community have the opportunity to be heard. St Fidelis Catholic Primary School commits to ensuring procedural fairness is observed when dealing with complaints and grievances.

The steps for making a complaint are clearly outlined in the policy from issues relating to the school, the Principal or relevant staff member, rather than communicate complaints that may contain or discuss confidential, contentious or emotional matters by email. St Fidelis Catholic Primary School is committed to school relationships that are founded in the gospel values of justice, compassion, reconciliation and kindness. 

SunSmart

St Fidelis is a SunSmart School and our policy reflects the recommendations of the SunSmart organisation. The Bureau of Meteorology provides information about the times of day UV levels are forecast to reach 3 or higher, meaning that sun protection is recommended for all skin types. In Victoria UV levels regularly reach 3 or higher from mid – August to the end of April. As part of general SunSmart strategies, our school:

• Requires all students and staff to wear hats that protect the face, neck and ears (legionnaire, broad-brimmed or bucket style) and suitable clothing whenever they are outside (e.g. recess, lunch, sport, excursions)
• Requires children outdoors without hats to sit in a designated shaded area during play times from the beginning of September to the end of April or whenever UV levels reach three or more. NO HAT- NO PLAY.

All staff and parents are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times via the free SunSmart app, or at sunsmart.com.au or the widget on our website.

Have a lovely week,

Manuela