From the Principal

Dear Families

On Friday we celebrate the feast of the Sacred Heart. Cardinal Tagle from the Philippines describes this feast as a ‘God who knows the heart of the people and who loves us with great tenderness.’ There are many examples of Jesus showing his compassion by helping the marginalised. The Feast of The Sacred heart reminds us to support those in need and we will be looking at doing this during our Justice units in Religious Education next term. Our children will be attending mass on Friday to celebrate this significant feast in our Church calendar.

This Friday we farewell Year 6 teacher Kerry Champness, who after 12 years of service to the St Anne's School Community is leaving us to take up a position at OLMC. During her time at St Anne's, Kerry has shown herself to be a teacher who gently pushes her students to do and be their best. Her ability to connect with students and build authentic trusting relationships has been a hallmark of Kerry's teaching style. She has also pursued her passion for developing young leaders in her role mentoring students in our SRC. We will miss Kerry's passion for learning and her ability to help both students and colleagues keep their eye on the bigger picture. All the best Kerry!

Last Friday you received your child’s first semester report. I hope you were able to spend the time together celebrating your child’s achievements and discussing goals for the rest of the year. The parent child and teacher conversations are an opportunity for you to discuss your child’s reports and progress in detail. Our Wellbeing section of this newsletter gives you some ideas on how to prepare for these discussions. 

Thank you to our mums who attended the Mothers Night Out last Thursday. It was a great success and an opportunity for our mums to meet or catch up with one another. Thank you to Sarah Magro who organised this event on behalf of the PFTA. 

Term Two ends on Friday and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our children on the way they have been adaptable and resilient with the way they have responded positively to have various teachers when their class teacher has been away due to illness or their friends have not been at school as they too, have been unwell. Although it has been a short term, we have had many disruptions. Yet, our children have had wonderful learning experiences, and have made progress with their learning. 

Let’s hope that during Term Three we have less sickness throughout our school so our children can continue on their learning journeys with more consistency. 

I hope that you all have a safe and restful holiday. If you are travelling, stay safe. I look forward to seeing you all again on Monday July 11.

School Advisory Board (SAC)

Our SAC met last week and the members had the opportunity to review our Behaviour Management Map. Our Wellbeing team presented the map and will make the suggested changes. Once this is complete we will send home the map for your feedback.

The congested traffic before school was discussed at our previous meeting. A letter has been sent to Hume Council and we have had contact from them that our concerns are being reviewed. 

The closure of Gap Rd at the railway is causing traffic issues which I am sure you are fully aware of. School traffic is always busy so we do understand that on some days you may be late dropping off or collecting your children. In the morning our yard and surrounding areas are supervised from 8.30am. If you are late parents are expected to sign their children in at the Office. After school our teachers are on duty until 3.35pm. If you are caught up in traffic please call the Office so we can let your children know you are on your way to collect them. This will save your children stressing and wondering if they will be picked up! 

COVID Update

A reminder that your child can attend school if they are deemed to be a close family contact. They are required to wear a mask if they are over 8 years of age as well as completing a RAT test five times within the 7 day period. You are also asked to contact the school to let us know.

Children only need to be tested if they are showing symptoms. You have received RAT test kits last week. 

God Bless

Ms Noelene Hussey