St. Simon The Apostle

From the Principal 

 

Dear Parents and Carers

 

Mother’s Day

This week there has been a lot of excitement throughout the school about the celebration of Mothers’ Day. The students have been fully engaged in the task of buying something for their mum or significant member of their family at the Parents’ Association Mothers’ Stall.  A big thank you to our PA volunteers who support the Mother’s Day stall for which we are very grateful for their time.

 

This Friday we will be gathering as a school community with our Year 2 students leading a Mother’s Day Liturgy in the church.  Parents are welcome to join us from 2:30pm.

 

Finally, I would like to share with you a special Mother’s Day song written by the Australian band Shepherd. Three of the band members are siblings and they wrote this song for their mum to show how much she means to them.

eSmart Information for Parents - Update

In this week’s newsletter, you will find eSmart Online Safety Info Issue 2.  eSmart ambassadors Philly Tarlinton and Andrew Johnston have been working behind the scenes to collate up to date and relevant information “bite-size” information to assist parents with the challenging task of raising children in a digital connected world. Check out the eSmart newsletter section.

Office and School Administration - Update

In 2022 the school will be implementing the electronic distribution via email of school fee statements to families.  Statements will be distributed on a regular basis and will indicate the current balance of school fees owing.  

There are a variety of payment options for families which include regular payment plans, EFT, direct debit and credit card payments.

If you would like to set up any of these options, please contact the school office.

 

School families who hold a Health Care Card should contact the school office to take advantage of school fees assistance programs such as the Camps, Sports, Excursions Fund and the MACS Concessional Fee Policy.  There is a deadline for the 2022 applications for families seeking CSEF of 12th June 2022. Please contact the school office to discuss your circumstances and eligibility.

 

Families with a Year 5 student should take note of the newsletter section related to Catholic Schools Year 7 2024 enrolment.  There is important key date information that families need to be aware of if you are wanting to apply for year 7 place in a catholic secondary college.

 

Extension of the rapid antigen testing program for schools

The Victorian Government has announced that it is extending the rapid antigen test (RAT) screening program for the first four weeks of Term 2.

 

The screening recommendations will remain the same next term for students and staff:

  • primary and secondary schools – recommended to test at home twice a week
  • special schools – recommended to test five days a week due to the higher risk of severe illness for medically vulnerable children.

Labelled testing kits for students for Term 2 Weeks 3 and 4 will be sent home week beginning 2nd May.  Please keep an eye out for the testing kit in your child's school bag.  A Skoolbag notification will be sent to inform parents to check their child's school for the testing kit.

2023 Prep Enrolment and School Tours

This Term we continue to welcome prospective families for 2023 prep enrolment through regular school tours throughout the months of April, May and June.  Please encourage family and friends with pre-school aged children in your networks to visit the school website for more information and to book a tour.

 

Calling all existing families of St Simon’s: If you have a child starting Prep in 2023 please contact the school office immediately to arrange an enrolment pack.  Enrolment packs can be collected from the school office or sent home with a St Simon's student. Please email office@ssrowville.catholic.edu.au to make this arrangement.

 

God bless

 

 

 

Tom Wursthorn

Principal