Principal's Report

Welcome to Term 4, the one that flies by!

As families, we start to think of Christmas activity and potential holidays.  Schools’ Leadership Teams turn their thoughts and planning to the following year, in order to bring together a smooth and quality start to a new year of learning. 

I hope that the recent two week break was restorative for wellbeing, productive around the home and provided respite from structures and routines. 

COVID LANDSCAPE

Our current COVID landscape places us under Level 3 restrictions, which create some highs and lows over the course of Term 4. 

Stage 3 Excursion to Coffs Harbour has been cancelled. At Level 2 the school will investigate other local outdoor options in our LGA, for Year 6 students. 

Kindergarten Transitions can go ahead, in a COVID style way. Cautions and restrictions are required to be in place for our transition opportunities on October 15, 22, 29 and November 5 and 12. Should restrictions permit, we are aiming for a Parent Information Session on November 12, however, should this not be permitted, information will be shared via alternative means. This information has been emailed to the parents and carers of Kindergarten 2022. 

Year 6 Transition Dates for Glen Innes High School are 8 & 9 December and will be conducted in the manner in which the restrictions of the day allow.  

Vaccinations:  Who needs to be vaccinated or be exempt via a medical contraindication certificateas of 8 November 2021? 

•  All staff who work in schools;
• All volunteers; this means all parent helpers across the board when restrictions can be eased; and 
• All contractors.  

ANNUAL SURVEY

An annual survey of parents, students (Year 4 & 6) and staff is conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to assist and inform school improvement.  Responses are confidential and individuals can not be identified. You will remember these surveys were to be launched last term, however, the CSO determined that given our then Level 4 COVID world, these would be rested. This survey should have arrived in your inbox yesterday, 11 October. If you did not receive an email, with a link to the survey, you can access and complete the survey at the following link. https://www.research.net/r/StJosephsGlenInnesPARENT2021 

Thank you in advance for taking the time to engage in the survey. We appreciate it. 

The survey closes on Wednesday 20 October 2021.  

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE 

A day of school missed is a day which is never regained. 

Every minute of the learning day has an uplevelling impact on a child’s learning. 

In accordance with NESA (NSW Education Standards Authority) requirements, regular attendance at school is essential if students are to maximise their potential. Schools, in partnership with parents, are responsible for promoting the regular attendance of students. While parents are legally responsible for the regular attendance of their children, school staff, as a part of their duty of care, monitor part or whole day absences. Where appropriate, the school reserves the right to decline days of absence as unjustified and may request doctor’s certificates to validate absence related to illness. 

END OF TERM DATES 

In our next newsletter, end of year dates, as we know them, will be published for your information.