From the Principal
Welcome Back to SFS
It seems we have had so many Welcome Backs this year. However on Wednesday 28 July we were delighted to Welcome Back our students and staff after Lockdown No 5.
Lock downs and remote learning are never easy and we have had our fair share in Victoria. However we are strong and resilient. Congratulations to all our parents, staff and students for another exceptional effort. Each time we enhance what we do and the feedback has been very positive. The Google Meets certainly helped maintain continuity and connections. Attendance at Meets was good as everyone looked forward to connecting with their group. Well done to everyone involved for your effort to keep learning going. The routines do help children flip back to onsite learning. Everyone was able to make the switch and it almost seems like we have been back at school all along.
The best sight is walking through the Learning spaces and seeing the lovely buzz of children engaged in their learning.
We pray that we can continue the rest of this term together face to face.
First Eucharist
This Sunday we have two groups of our SFS children who will Make their First Eucharist. There are unfortunately strict restrictions on numbers with just two people per family able to accompany each child.
Unfortunately these uncertain times means we need to go ahead while we can. There are not just children from our school but other groups in the parish that will be making their First Eucharist this term and Confirmation next term. In addition, to other events any delay may cause further complications later.
We totally understand that these Victorian Government restrictions presents difficulties to families. While we can not change the restrictions, we have organised to live stream the two First Eucharist Masses. Details will be emailed to families involved. We hope this helps in some way for extended family members to participate in the Mass.
Production
Unfortunately COVID has also impacted our planned productions booked for River Gum Performing Arts Centre this Term. As numbers for this venue will not be even at 50% capacity for our concert dates, we have had to cancel our booking at this venue.
The Production will go ahead! However like everything at this time we have to be flexible. We plan to hold the production as an outdoor event on our school grounds later in Term 4. Dates and times will be announced soon. As we still have costs even with holding the concert outdoors, there will need to be a ticket charge.
The children have worked hard and are doing a great job. We will ensure that we can celebrate their great work with our 2021 Production. Term 4 when the weather is better is the safest and best option. Having the event outdoors will ensure we can have the greatest audience possible.
Staff News
We are delighted to announce that we have not one, not two but three babies on the way for staff at SFS!!
Imogene is looking forward to the arrival of her second child and will be going on Maternity leave in August. We are very excited for Imogene and Aaron. When Imogene goes on Maternity leave on17 August, Rebecca who currently job shares with Imogene in Learning Space 2 Juniors in Home Group RI will move to working 4 days each week. We will also have Grace Larzabel returning to St Francis de sales. Grace is an experienced teacher who has worked with us before and took leave to care for her elderly parents. We are excited to have Grace return to SFS.
Our other exciting news is that Mavis is also looking forward to her family growing in size. Mavis is not just looking forward to one baby but is going to have twins!! Our first twins for the staff of SFS!! We are really excited for Mavis and Tim. They are excited as well after the initial surprising news. When Mavis goes on maternity leave on the 27 August, Grace will take on the additional two days in Home group AM in Learning Space 1 Seniors.
Review
On Thursday Ange and I met with our reviewer Christine Wakeling for our VRQA review. The review unfortunately took place online as visitors are not permitted into the school at this stage.This review is about compliance with Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority and Child Safety is one of a number of important aspects of this review. This was just the first day of the review process and is vital for our on-going school registration to ensure we are compliant in all areas. The next part with be held on 17 August and 19 August 2021. This will focus on our School Improvement work since our last review in 2017. It was lovely to meet with Christine and to provide her with the evidence to meet the compliance in all areas reviewed.
Christine White
Principal