Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 4, I hope you all enjoyed a relaxing holiday having a break from online learning. We were blessed with some good weather and it was great to be able to get out in the parks and gardens to enjoy the sunshine.

The staff have asked that I pass on their sincere gratitude and appreciation for your amazing efforts throughout home learning. What was to be a short circuit breaker turned into a very long and challenging lockdown. It has not been an easy time for many, trying to manage your own work as well as your children's learning but your commitment to assisting your child/children has been fantastic. The children have continued to grow in their learning and our teachers are looking forward to them returning onsite so they can consolidate what they have learnt while at home. We are also looking forward to reconnecting with friends and enjoying each other's company in person.

School Fees and Levies 2022

Included in this newsletter is the schedule for fees and levies for 2022. The family school fee has been increased by $50. All school levies remain the same but it is important to note that these are prices that are based on 2021 camp/swimming/excursion costs. If these businesses increase the cost of these services in 2022 there may need to be some increases made accordingly.

In letters sent home recently on Operoo I have explained the plan for the return to school for each year level. It is important you read that letter and if you have any queries please contact the office for clarification.

Here is a quick reminder of the Victorian Government's requirements that the school has to follow:

Parents/Carers on School Grounds

Parents and Carers are able to enter the school grounds to drop off or pick up children but are asked not to stay in the area for longer than required. I ask that you drop off & pick up as quickly as you can and if you have older children, I suggest you organise a place away from the school entry point where they can meet you. If you wish to chat with friends I ask that you do this away from the school grounds and gates.

Vaccinations

All members of school staff are required to have their first vaccination by the 25th October and be doubled vaccinated before the 29th November. I am pleased to be able to say that almost all our school staff are already doubled vaccinated. All people entering the school building while children are onsite need to meet the same requirements.

School Events

Unfortunately, we are unable to hold school events such as assemblies, excursions or incursions. Camps are not permitted. Incursions can occur online. Swimming has been tentatively booked for December but at this stage, it is not permitted.

Face Masks

All adults are required to wear face masks both inside and outside. Children in Year 3-6 are required to wear masks inside. Children in Prep-Year 1 are not required to wear face masks but are encouraged to do so.

Ventilation

The school is required to provide adequate ventilation so as to provide free airflow. Windows and doors will be open in each learning space and we are awaiting the delivery of air purifiers from the Victorian Government which will assists with this process.

School Uniform

The children are required to wear their summer uniforms and school hats. On cool days it might be wise to send your child with warmer clothes as the windows and doors will remain open at all times.

Devices

Children who borrowed a school device will need to bring them to school on the days they are onsite and take them home again for the days they are doing online learning.

Devices need to be carried in a protected secure bag. Devices need to be carefully cleaned and fully charged prior to bringing them to school.

Online Learning

When your child's class is scheduled onsite, online learning will not be provided. When all classes return onsite on the 5th November all online learning will cease.

Being nervous about your child returning to school with others is understandable but it is important you know that the school is following all guidelines as set out by the Victorian Government to ensure a safe environment is provided for all.

St Michael's families are a very special group, showing consideration and kindness and putting the good of others first. I, therefore, ask for your continued support and consideration as we go forward this term.

I leave with a quote from a very wise man who passed away this week at the age of 101. Eddie Jaku was a holocaust survivor and has experienced and seen horror and tragedy that few of us could imagine. I believe if we listen to his words and be kind and patient with each other we will continue to get through this.

"Your efforts today will affect people you will never know. It is your choice whether that effect is positive or negative. You can choose every day, every minute, to act in a way that may uplift a stranger, or else drag them down. The choice is easy. And it is yours to make."

Australian Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku, in his book. 'The Happiest Man on Earth'.

Jaku died 12th October aged 101.

Denise Hussey

(Principal)

'The most simple thing I can do is to be good today but better tomorrow'

Catherine McAuley - Mercy Sisters Foundress

All students attending St Michael's Primary School have the right to feel safe. The care, safety and wellbeing of children and young people is a fundamental responsibility of all within our school.

Prayer

October - Month of the Holy Rosary