Message from our Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This is proving to be a wonderful week at St Mary’s as we hear the sounds of cheerful children in the learning spaces and see our students enjoying the company of their friends in the playground.  It brings us great joy to see our students back in the school environment.    

We are all hoping that the rest of the term will continue without interruption.  Teachers are continuing the teaching and learning program as well as beginning the testing regime.  Next Monday November 1st is a scheduled pupil free day for report writing – teachers will begin the process of analysing data and report writing.  The following day, Tuesday November 2nd is a public holiday and the school will be closed.

Thank you to our parents for all the support and encouragement that you have provided your child over the past months of remote learning.  They will continue to need your support as they settle back to school.  We are very mindful of ensuring that friendship groups are rekindled and each student is able to return to the school routine in a timely manner. 

It is wise to ensure that your child is at school well before the bell each day, so that they can connect with their friends and be ready for the day. If you or your child has any concerns, please contact either me or your child’s teacher via email. 

At this stage, parents are not able to enter the school buildings or grounds.  If you require anything, please contact the office.  If you need to collect your child from school please contact the office first, then, if you are at the school please enter via Southam St, scan the QR code and show proof of your COVID Vaccination to the office staff.  A reminder that you are not permitted on school grounds if you are not vaccinated.

 The Victorian Chief Health Officer has directed that unless an exception applies, face masks are now required for students in Year 3 to 6 while indoors on school premises. Please access coronavirus.vic.gov.au for the latest face mask requirements.

There are a number of reasons for staff or students not being able to wear a face mask, including a disability, a medical or a mental health condition. Please notify your class teacher if an exemption applies to your child. We ask that families send face masks to school with their Year 3-6 child and explain to them the correct way to wear them safely and hygienically.

We are currently seeking nominations for our School Advisory Board 2022. This is a good way to be involved in our school.  Please ask Sharon Gleeson, who is chairperson, or other SAC members, listed in this newsletter, if you would like to know more about what is involved in becoming a School Advisory Council member. 

We ask Mary MacKillop to continue to help us to understand that “God gives us strength for what is necessary’. 

God bless

Cate Fraser

Principal