Principal's Message 

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Well, here we are again!

Thank you all for your ongoing support through this new round of lockdowns and home learning. In speaking with our classroom teachers they are reporting that, on the whole, our students are being very resilient and simply 'getting on with the job.'

As with all communities there will be families who are doing it tougher than others for a whole number of reasons. If your require support, clarity around home learning expectations or just a listening ear, please know that our staff will be here for you.

The synthetic turf laid during the holidays  has given our courtyard a real lift. We have a half basketball court marked out as well as 6 four-square courts. The surface will also be a lot friendlier on the knees as opposed to a graze on the asphalt. When you are able, we certainly welcome you to come and have a look.

In the coming weeks we hope to have new seating arrive. We are also looking into the purchase of trees and plants that may further enhance this environment.

Sacramental Program

As already mentioned we have had to postpone all of our First Eucharist celebrations. We are currently in discussions with Fr Raju about when we may be able to reschedule them. Unfortunately the restrictions placed on churches is very tight. Even after the lockdown lifts, we are unsure what the congregation numbers are going to look like. 

In regards to Confirmation; It continues to remain highly unlikely that we will be able to celebrate Confirmation next Thursday evening. In saying this we are reluctant to cancel as we have had no directive from the Archdiocese on the opening or the capacity of churches post-lockdown.

eSmart

I hope  some of our families were able to get onto the free eSafety webinars being presented by Andrew Fuller. I understand the demand was quite high. I am grateful to MACS staff for arranging another two webinars for next week.

I draw your attention to all items in this fortnight's newsletter, in particular the page relating to our school becoming an eSmart school. This details how our school will be monitoring our processes and progress in the area of student wellbeing and cyber safety.

School Fees

Thank you to those families who have made contact with the school regarding school fee payments. This communication is essential in helping us to better understand individual family situations.

2022 Prep Enrolments

Enrolments for Prep 2022 are now being accepted. If you have a child commencing school next year and you are yet to submit an enrolment form we would ask that you do so as soon as possible.

Monash Waverley Cross Country

Congratulations to Miette (3/4I), Ethan (5/6S) and Curtis (5/6F) for their recent efforts competing at  a School Sports Victoria divisional level cross country event. This event was held at a very wet and slushy Jell Park and these students are to be commended for their amazing achievements.

New Secondary Principals

Congratulations to Mr Mark Ashmore who been appointed as the new Principal at Salesian College. Mark will commence in Term 4.

Congratulations also to Dr Paul Shannon who has been appointed as Principal of Mazenod College. Paul will commence at the beginning of 2022.

Bunnings BBQ Coordinator Required

We are very grateful to Laura Petrie for coordinating our past Bunnings BBQ fundraisers. With ongoing commitments Laura is currently unable to continue in this role. We are currently after a parent who would be willing to take on this position.

It would involve communicating with Bunnings staff about potential BBQ dates, making a call-out for parent helpers on the day, coordinating the purchase of food items, ensuring there is a float of money and that the money is counted at the conclusion of the day. There is usually only one or two (if we're lucky!) BBQ's a year and they are held at Bunnings South Oakleigh.

Please contact the office if you think you may be able to assist. Thank you

Let's hope and pray that our daily COVID numbers decline over the coming week and that we will have the students back on site next Wednesday.

Take care everyone

Brendan Welsford

Principal