From the Principal's Desk

Health Department Alert -Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

All Catholic schools have been asked by Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) to communicate the following alert. 

Please note that we have not had any reported cases of Whooping Cough at Corpus Christi.

The Victorian Health Department recently issued a public notice in relation to an increasing number of cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Victoria, particularly among children aged 10-12. 

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life threatening infections in babies. Many babies who get pertussis catch it from older children and adults who might not even know they are infected. 

Pertussis usually begins with cold-like symptoms, such as a dry cough (occurring in bouts), characteristic 'whooping' sound when breathing in, tiredness, runny nose, and low-grade fever. 

Please speak to your doctor (GP) and seek a diagnosis if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms. Early identification and separation are crucial in preventing the spread to other children. 

Pertussis is mostly spread to other people by droplets from coughing or sneezing, so good hygiene practices and immunisations help prevent the spread. Immunisations are particularly important for infants and pregnant women. 

If pertussis is diagnosed, your GP will advise on appropriate treatments. If you have any questions, please speak to your GP. Read the full alert here: 

https://www.health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/increasing-pertussis-whooping-cough-cases-in-victoria

Positive Behaviour

At our School Closure Day on the first day of this term, the staff revisited our approach to supporting Positive Behaviour in our school community. Led by Patrice Wiseman, a Behaviour Consultant we have worked with in the past, we focused on the way we recognize and respond to student behaviour through proactive strategies designed and aimed at decreasing behaviours of concern and replacing them with pro-social skills that lead to enhanced social competence.

Keeping in mind the wellbeing of all staff, parents and students in our community it is timely that we revisit the policies we have in place to ensure that we all model the  values we uphold as a community, and as such all parents/carers of children attending Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) are asked to abide by a particular set of behaviours. This ensures a respectful learning environment that is safe, positive, and supportive for all students, staff and visitors of the School.

This MACS Code of Conduct is based on the following principles that everyone at Corpus Christi School:

• has the right to be safe 
• has the right to be treated with respect and be valued even in disagreement
• has the right to participate within a secure environment without interference, intimidation, harassment, bullying, or discrimination
• is encouraged to be respectful, polite, courteous and considerate of others 
• has the right to be supported and challenged as ongoing learners.

Hence we put forward to you our Parent/Carer Code of Conduct (see below) which we ask all parents and carers to read and sign. 

We will be sending this out via Operoo shortly, and request that you keep an eye out for the form and follow the prompts. 

During this term, we will also be revisiting the Student Code of Conduct with the children. The SRC will be working together to unpack and create presentations and posters to support the Student Code of Conduct. The SRC representatives for each community will then share this with their classes, and the students will be asked to sign the Code of Conduct.

Monthly Lunch Specials

Our monthly lunch special for August will be Sushi. An order form will be sent out tomorrow. Please make your selection and return the slip and money by Tuesday 6th of August. 

Green and Gold Olympics Dress Up Day

To acknowledge and engage our students in the Olympic Spirit, on Friday the 2nd August we are inviting all our students to come dressed in the spirit of the Olympics. This could be:

• Green and Gold colours
• As a sportsperson or an Olympian
• The colours of your school house colour
• Culture theme
• Colours of a country

Student Portfolios

Now that you have had the opportunity to read your child's Student Portfolio and celebrate their learning we ask that you return the portfolios by Friday this week so we can continue compiling samples of your child's work.

ABC Music Guitar Lessons

ABC Music has some places available for any students interested in commencing guitar lessons this term. Please see the enrolment details below.

Good News

Next Wednesday, 31st July we will welcome back Mr Anthony Hyde as he returns from recovering from his hip replacement.

God bless

Jane Wilkinson

(Acting Principal)