A Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Reports

It is lovely to spend time reading the students' reports as we prepare to share with parents the progress made in Semester One. This year we have changed the format of the reports to include clear and concise statements about what the students are able to do and what areas of the curriculum they are working on. The reports reflect the changes in curriculum for 2024. We include, below, support resources from Sydney Catholic Schools to assist you to understand the changes in reporting. The teachers spend many hours assessing the students and constructing the report comments. I hope that you will spend time reading the reports and discussing them with your children. 

Refugee Week

The Year 4 students led a lovely prayer at this week's assembly to raise awareness and understanding of the plight of refugees. We are blessed to live in a peaceful country with access to many resources. We must remember to be thankful for the many blessings we enjoy and be willing to share this country with those who need a safe place to live. Refugee week is also a perfect opportunity to celebrate the gifts of those in our community who came to Australia seeking refuge. If you have not had an opportunity to read Ahn Do's book "The Happiest Refugee", I highly recommend it.

P&F Cadbury Chocolate/Lolly Drive

Many thanks to the parents who are organising the Cadbury fundraiser. Many boxes have been ordered already. Funds raised will help us to upgrade resources and furniture. Please see the letter below for information on how to order. Chocolates and lollies will be distributed in Week 10. Please contact the P&F if you would like to assist with distribution.

Winter Respiratory Illness

Parents are reminded that when children are sick, it is advisable that they stay home and get better. Vaccination against major respiratory illness is highly recommended. The Department of Health has provided a range of resources to help us to inform parents about the best ways to deal with the current respiratory illnesses. We have had a lot of children coming to school with cold and flu symptoms. Please help us to keep everyone safe.

Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter

The 2024 flu vaccine is available now. Influenza (flu) is serious, but your yearly flu vaccine offers the best protection against getting really sick - so you can keep doing the things you love. Getting a flu vaccine is quick, easy and recommended for everyone aged 6 months, and is free for:

• Children aged 6 months to under 5 years

• Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy

• Aboriginal people aged 6 months and over

• Anyone aged 65+

• People with serious health conditions, including heart disease, chronic lung conditions (including severe asthma), kidney, liver disease and diabetes.

Book your flu vaccine today with your doctor, local pharmacy or Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS) throughhealthdirect.gov.au/nswfluvaccine. Everyone aged 5 years and older can get vaccinated at their local pharmacy. For more information, visit health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory .

Road Safety and Respect

We encourage our students to follow our expectations to be responsible, safe and respectful at school. It is imperative that parents demonstrate these principles at drop off and pick up times. Parking across other people's driveways or pulling into the Parish presbytery driveway may prevent a neighbour or our Parish staff being able to leave when they have an urgent matter to attend to. Crossing roads should be done at the provided pedestrian crossings. Our children look to our example and if we model unsafe behaviour, they will put themselves at risk. A student was recently observed crossing Homebush Road outside the council chambers between the lights and the Oxford Street crossing. A car had to break sharply to avoid hitting the child. Please encourage your children to always use the crossings provided. We have also observed parents double parking outside the school at drop off time and students entering and exiting cars on the road side of the car. This is terribly dangerous and we would be devastated if a child was injured. Many thanks to those parents who consistently park in a safe location, walk to the school and model safe and considerate driving. Your cooperation is essential to avoid potential injuries.

Welcoming all new babies! 

If you have had an addition to your family this year and would like to share the happy news, please send a photo and details of birth month and name to be part of our special "St Martha's Babies" newsletter item. Please send to the office before Tuesday 2nd July.

Peace and best wishes,

Carolyn Parsell