Principal's Report

Dear parents, friends and Father Arsenio

It gives me great pleasure to welcome everyone to our school for 2021. Whether you are an existing family or staff member, new family or staff member or even just visiting, please be assured you are welcome here. The looks on the faces of students was priceless last week as they returned, able to greet friends and staff in person. I do hope that you all had a chance to get some rest and relaxation because we are keen to hit the ground running this year.

We have a number of new staff who began this year. They are:

Rachel Hamilton Smith (Deputy / Learning Diversity leader), Judy Smith (Deputy, Numeracy/ Literacy Leader), Kate Ryan (Admin Officer), Ellysa Day (LSO), Sarah Rosel (LSO) and Sherree Vulling (Performing Arts)

The following staff have returned from leave:

Diane Lewis (1/2), Beth Neason (1/2), Andrea Frixou (1/2) and Bree Batchelor (Prep)

Their pictures will be entered onto the school website shortly. Again, I wish them all well.

You may recall late last year that the State Government announced funding for tutoring. This tutoring was aimed at students who may need a little extra tuition after the events of last year. Lauren Witnish has agreed to oversee this program and alongside two past staff members (Colleen Bowman and Rosa Slaviero) will roll out the program. I am grateful to Lauren for this and it is great to still retain her services for the benefit of our school.

Given the current environment we operate in due to CoVid19, it is a relief to not only have students and staff on site but parents in the grounds as well. Please note that excursions are permitted again and staff are planning as such. It is helpful if social distancing is still practiced, masks are carried at all times when on the school grounds and hand hygiene protocols are adhered to at all times.

Assembly will take place this week. Each week in Term 1 we will be aiming to hold it on the oval. This allows for all in our community to attend. The weather forecast is not great this week so we will need to be in the hall. Unfortunately, this means that parents are unable to attend this week. I have my fingers crossed that the restrictions/guidelines will change again soon.

Have a great week

Duncan