Principal Post

Dear Families

I begin the final newsletter of the term, with the very sad news of the passing of  Sarah Rak's mum.  Sarah's mum had battled cancer and she died surrounded by her family last Thursday.  Our thoughts, prayers and support continue to be with Sarah and her extended family. 

Her 5/6 class were able to gather yesterday for a special prayer. It was a great sign of their support. 

Indonesian Week 

This week, from today until Sunday we celebrate Indonesian Week. We hope that you get involved. Pak Kris has sent information  to parents yesterday and to our students today via see saw. Winners of the competitions will be announced next term  Please read all about it on the following pages! 

Thank you to Pak Kris for his incredible passion and expertise, but also to our Year 6 Leaders, who have helped to organise and promote our Special Indonesian Week. Great job!! 

100 Days of Prep

What superstars we have here at St John Vianney's! Congratulations to ALL our preps on their 100 days of learning!!!

2500 days before the end of year 12! 😂

See 100 days page in the newsletter. 

End Of Term

This week brings us to the end of of Term 3 in what has been an  extraordinary year to date! With all that is happening with COVID 19 across our state and the world, there is still a degree  of uncertainty. I sincerely thank everyone: students, staff and parents for your tireless efforts and support with Remote Learning. We are aware that it has been a very challenging time both professionally and personally for everyone. 

As  we continue to navigate this turbulent time together, it is timely  and vital that  all families will be able to have a break from Remote Learning. 

The importance of self- care  remains critical to ensure we all stay well.  With this in mind it is important that we all find time to rest over this break as the demands and requirements for us all going forward will be again be challenging. 

Term 4.... next steps

Week 1 of Term 4, 5-9 October

At this stage Remote and Flexible Learning will continue for all students.

At this stage onsite supervision for children of permitted workers sand vulnerable students  will continue to be provided consistent with  existing guidelines. Both parents must have permitted worker forms. 

Monday 12 October 

Students in Prep -2 return to full-time on-site schooling. The existing remote learning program will not continue for P-2.

Dates to be confirmed, subject to health advice

All Students from Year 3 to Year 6 will continue with Remote and flexible Learning. A date for the return of these year levels to face -face learning will be subject to further  health advice. 

Term 4 priorities 

Anticipating that all students will  return by the end of October,  I wish to let you know of the school priorities for our students. We will be prioritising:  

• wellbeing 
• learning 
• transitions. 

In relation to wellbeing: 

I am anticipating that most students will be extremely glad to be back at school. We are all aware however, that for some students, coming back will present some challenges and we will respond to the needs of all our students.  Students re-connecting with one another will be vitally important. 

In relation to learning:

Literacy and Numeracy learning  will be our strong focus, adapting our  teaching and learning programs to be responsive to student needs. The staff have met to discuss  how we may support students with various  Interventions. We will continue to do our best  to ensure those who have fallen behind can catch up and to support those who require extension to stretch their learning.

In relation to transitions:

Term 4 is a critical period, particularly for the children moving from kindergarten into Prep, and from Year 6 to Year 7. A key focus of Term 4 will be to make every effort to ensure each of these end-of-year and beginning-of-year transitions occurs as successfully as possible. 

There will be further information around what is possible for Orientation and Graduation.

Sacraments 

At this point in time the information from the Archdiocese of Melbourne is that Sacramental celebrations are still postponed. We will of course keep you updated regarding any information pertaining to the celebration of Sacraments for the students.

Parent Teacher Interviews

From all reports,  the Online Interviews using Whereby have begun well and have given the opportunity for discussion around remote learning and  ways forward for Term 4 and 2021.   Parent /Teacher interviews continue this afternoon. 

I thank you all; the teachers and parents, for all your efforts in the interests of your children.  

Please note that Parent Teacher Interviews for  5/6 R  will be held in Term 4. Date to be confirmed.

Social Media Platforms

I hope that you read in last week's newsletter the  timely information provided by our ICT Leader. A reminder that it is vitally important that parents are aware of and monitoring their child's use of Social Media. I am sure you are all aware  that there are age restrictions placed on various Social media apps and platforms.

Term 4 Public Holidays

Please note the following gazetted Victorian Public Holidays  

• Friday October 23rd is a Public Holiday in Victoria (the day before Grand Final)
• Melbourne Cup Day November 3rd is also a Public Holiday.

Financial Considerations 

Once again I remind families that should you be experiencing  any Financial hardship in relation to the payment of school fees/ levies,  it is crucial that you let us know your circumstance,  so we can discuss  and plan a manageable way forward. These discussions/ meetings are confidential. As always the school  wishes to be  supportive of genuine financial hardship.  

Communicating with us is an essential part of this process.

You can contact me via email on 

amullaly@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au  

or our business manager Liz Szabo at lszabo@sjvmulgrave.catholic.edu.au

You can contact us by phone 8543 4444

2022 Year 7 Catholic Secondary School Enrolments

A reminder that 2022 Year 7 Catholic Secondary School Enrolments are due at the Catholic Secondary Colleges by October 9th 2020. Parents are asked to submit the applications directly to the College.