PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are into day two of what was originally slated as a three day remote learning period. Hopefully the days are progressing smoothly in your house and your child is engaging in the learning experiences provided by the teachers. We eagerly await announcements from the State Government about what will be happening from Wednesday night and as a school we are preparing for a number of possible scenarios. Our staff are confident that we can mobilise a solid online remote learning program if required, as we were able to do last year, but we remain hopeful that it will not be required at this point. Once the announcements are made, we will respond accordingly to the situation and do everything we reasonably can, as soon as we can, to support your child.

Ash Wednesday

Today, Shrove Tuesday, is the day we prepare for the beginning of Lent, which commences tomorrow with Ash Wednesday. In normal circumstances, we would have come together as a school to begin Lent as a community with an Ash Wednesday Paraliturgy. During Lent we come closer to God through prayer, fasting, almsgiving and making sacrifices. Lent is also a time for us to remember that Jesus suffered and died for our sins. He rose again from the dead on Easter Sunday. The season of Lent is our opportunity to take time to prepare for the most significant celebration in the Church’s year - Easter. During this time, we are called to make a special effort to listen and talk to God through prayer. Lent is also the time in the Church’s year when we fast, which for us as Catholics means we usually refrain from eating food that we like but do not need. Lent is also a time of giving and thinking about other people and their needs. Giving to those in need is often called almsgiving. It doesn’t have to be money, it might just mean being kind to someone. I encourage all families to spend some time talking with your children about the beginning of Lent and some of the actions your child and household may take during this time.

Year 6 Leadership Positions

On Monday 8th February, the Year Six students delivered speeches to the Year 3-6 students as part of their application for the leadership roles in the school. The speeches were well written and delivered to a very high standard. I am very proud of the Year Sixes, as I know their teachers and parents are. All students from Year 3-6 voted for School Captains and House Captains and the teachers allocated the remaining positions based on the Year Six preferences. We would like to congratulate all of our 2020 Year Six Leaders and we are excited about what they can bring to their roles in this year. 

Our two School Captains for 2020 are Jorge V and Deanna C.

Education Advisory Board Meeting

The first Education Advisory Board (EAB) meeting will be held tonight, commencing at 7.30pm and will be facilitated using Google Meet. The parent representatives on the EAB are Anton Duddy (Chair, Year 2 & 3 parent), Charlene Vien (Secretary, Year 3 & 6 parent), Sally Forbes (P&F Committee Representative, Year 3 & 6 parent), Carly Monahan (Prep & Year 2 parent), Rob Stewart (Year 5 parent) and Carly Crough (Year 6 parent). The EAB is an advisory body who support the Principal on matters relating to the education of the students at St Agnes'. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Family Faith Night

The Sacrament of Reconciliation Family Faith Night was due to take place this Thursday 18th February in the school Hall. In light of the current circumstances, this will now be a live online experience facilitated using Google Meet at 7.30pm on Thursday night. Student activity booklets will be sent home to families to assist with the evening. It is expected that all children who are receiving the sacrament will be online for the session with at least one parent. The link for the meeting will be sent directly via Operoo.

Whole School Welcome Picnic

At this stage it is unclear if the Whole School Welcome Picnic will go ahead on Friday night. We await further advice regarding gathering limits, but at this stage it seems unlikely to proceed.

Year 5/6 Canberra Camp

The school continues to prepare as though Canberra Camp will be going ahead for the Year 5 and 6 students next week, but this hinges on the restrictions being lifted. We will communicate with families once we know more.

School Fees

Invoices for 2021 School Fees will be sent out via email by the end of this week. Please be on the lookout for these invoices and ensure payment is made promptly to avoid late payment fees. Please see Naomi (nfield@sahighett.catholic.edu.au) in the office if you would like to set up a payment plan or arrange direct debits through the school.

Sibling Enrolments for 2022

We are asking current families to complete the enrolment process by the end of this month, for any siblings who will join our school in Prep 2022. Forms can be downloaded from our website or you can pick one up from the office.

New iPads

The School has recently purchased 30 new iPads to supplement learning in the Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms. This is in addition to the 120+ Chromebooks we have in the school for Year 3-6 students. With the arrival of these iPads, we have further enhanced school resources in the area of Technology, which is quite valuable at this time.

Locinda Street - Pick up and Drop off

In recent weeks there have been a number of parents parking in and driving through the Staff/Parish Car Park on Locinda Street. For the safety of the children, I would like to remind all parents that this is not a parent car park, nor is it a drive through zone at pick up and drop off.

A Story of Success - Past St Agnes’ Students

With the recent appointment of our Year Six Leaders, it is timely to share some success stories of past St Agnes’ students. Recently I was made aware that two of our past students have gone on to be elected Vice Captains of St Bede’s College; James Vakis and Elijah McEvoy. For two of our past students to be elected into these roles in a large school such as St Bede’s, is a great compliment to the families of these students and also to the past and present staff in our school. Congratulations to James and Elijah and we look forward to hearing more about the successes of our former students in future endeavours.

School Canteen - Start date postponed

Salute Catering was due to commence the School Canteen on Friday 19th February. With current restrictions, this start date has been postponed to Friday 26th February. More information to follow.

Assembly

Assembly will take place at 2.40pm on a Wednesday afternoon in the Hall. At assembly, there will be presentations from classes, student awards, birthday acknowledgements and special announcements. Parents are welcome to attend. 

Please note there has been a change to assembly dates, as Year 4 missed out this week.

Wed 15th Feb - No Assembly

Wed 22nd Feb - No Assembly

Wed 3rd March - Year 3

Wed 10th March - Year 2

Wed 17th March - Year 1

Wed 24th March - Prep

Wed 31st March - Year 4

Enjoy the rest of the week and we’ll be in touch if there are any updates.

Kind regards,

Lachie