Leadership & Management

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Week 2, Term 4, 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

As mentioned at Whole School Prayer on Friday, a school is only bricks and mortar without the laughter, voices and fun of the children and staff.  This morning we welcomed back our F - 2 students and tomorrow we look forward to welcoming the rest of the students.

It was terrific greeting all the families once again most children were excited to be back, some a little apprehensive and a couple with tears. However, during my morning round of classroom visits the children had so much to tell me and their friends, it was a joy seeing this interaction. 

As is quoted in Thessalonian (2:8) 

So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God but also our own selves because you have become very dear to us”

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, we have planned for a return to school strategy that has three main priorities:

• Wellbeing of Health and Mind - which at St Fidelis this means: reconnecting and re-engaging students and families where needed, encouraging and sustaining motivation for learning, supporting the social and emotional learning of the children alongside some of our programs such as You Can Do it regular exercise and activity just to name a few.
• Learning and Excellence - which at St Fidelis means that Literacy and Numeracy will remain a focus with support given to ensure the best learning opportunities for all students. We will respond to where the children are at and move them along the learning progression.
• Transition - which at St Fidelis means that we will make every effort to ensure that the beginning of Term 4 return to school, end of year and beginning of year transitions for 2021, occur as successfully and smoothly as possible. (more information to follow)

IMPORTANT DATES:

Many Whole School and Year level learning opportunities have been planned for this term so please keep an eye on the DATES TO REMEMBER section of the newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on what is happening. 

SACRAMENT UPDATE:

Please see details Education in Faith Page

SUNSMART: 

A reminder that our SunSmart policy begins today. St Fidelis students will be required to wear a hat that protects their face, neck and ears (legionnaire, broad-brimmed or bucket hats preferred), whenever they are outside. Peak caps and visors are not considered a suitable alternative.  Please ensure your child has his/her hat at school on and after this date for the remainder of the year.  All staff and parents are encouraged to access the daily local sun protection times via the free SunSmart app, or at sunsmart.com.au or the widget on our website.

BOOK WEEK 2020: 

"CURIOUS CREATURES, WILD MINDS"

On my morning classroom visits, I sensed the excitement as children (and teachers!!!!) were discussing their dress-up costume for our BOOK WEEK PARADE on THURSDAY  22ND OCTOBER. Due to COVID, the Book Week Parade will have to be done differently this year. Unfortunately, we are not permitted to have large assemblies of children and parents as in the past, but we will still believe in this wonderful literacy event so...  

• Each Year level will have their own Book Parade outside and enjoy each other’s costumes  (we expect all children to dress up)
• Teachers will take photos to ensure that the parents can see their child and school friends and these will be available in our newsletter
• Each child will receive a Zooper Dooper icy pole
• The best costume for each class will receive a Book Week Prize

In addition, the children will have two different author experiences:

• October 19th - musical production with original songs and puppetry created and performed by "Tony Bones" Appleby B.Ed, 2020 CBCA Short-Listed "Picture Book of the Year" show virtual, adapted from HELLO LIGHTHOUSE CBCA shortlisted picture book 2020, written & illustrated by Sophie Blackall.

• Michael Wagner - author of many many well-loved children's books: October 26 Year F-2; ​October 28th Year 3-4; October 29th Year 5-6

Stay well,

Manuela