Principal's Message...

Dear Families,

There is much happening in the world at the moment that requires our considered thoughts and prayers.

For the people of Ukraine, and those who live in war-torn regions across the globe, we extend our prayers for peace.

We pray for people suffering from war,

May they be held in your loving care and protection and given the strength to endure their suffering and hardship.

Transform the hearts and minds of those who perpetrate the violence and oppression.

Grant wisdom to world leaders in advancing efforts toward peace; may they not be compromised by self-interest and blind indifference.

May the world unite and encourage peace so that no more suffering is endured.

For the people closer to home who have lost their homes and their belongings because of floods we hope that their lives fall into place swiftly and they can soon navigate through the process of rebuilding.

We hope for the speedy provision of dry and comfortable lodgings, quick reunion of family members who have been separated.

We pray for enough money, equipment, supplies, and food and water.

We pray for protection from theft and fraud.

We pray the water will safely drain away.

We pray against disease.

We thank the police officers, firemen, and others involved in rescue efforts.

We pray for strength for emergency medical personnel as they respond to overwhelming conditions.

St Vincent de Paul have coordinated a Flood Appeal.

To donate please see the links below...

https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-flood-appeal

https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-qld/vinnies-disaster-appeal-qld-2021?preview=true

CODE CLUB

I'm happy to announce that we have commenced a partnership with 'CodeCamp'. This is another after-school learning opportunity that we are offering to our students. Sessions will be held from 3:15pm-4:30pm each Monday, commencing early in term 2.

The cost to participate is $260 per term - and includes 8 sessions (on consecutive Mondays). Participants will use the school Chromebooks - so there are no additional fees.

I will be providing enrolment forms and more information about this new initiative in the coming weeks.

SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS

Last Friday an email was sent out to all families detailing upcoming school closure days. We will be holding two school closure days on the first two days of term 2 - Tuesday April 26 and Wednesday April 27. The children will commence term two on Thursday, April 28. We thought that a two day extension of the term holidays would be the least disruptive option for families, especially given that the Monday of that week is the ANZAC day public holiday. On these closure days the staff will continue our work on the Zones of Regulation, and will be working with our consultant Erin McLindon.

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION & PARKING

The school yard is supervised from 8:30am each morning, and until 3:30pm each afternoon. Before and after school the adventure playground is 'out of bounds' as it is not an area specifically supervised by a teacher on duty. We also ask that there are no 'running games' in the morning as this can be quite problematic when we have prams, toddlers and school bags in the yard.

We ask that you be vigilant when dropping off, and especially picking up your children. The area in front of the school on James St is a ‘Kiss and Go’ area only and not a designated parking area. We ask that you do not leave your car unattended in the ‘Kiss and Go’ zone as it is a 2min ‘drop-off’ area only. Parking in this area causes congestion along James St and puts our children at risk when cars are double parked and children are moving in and out of traffic on the street. The safety of our children is paramount and we ask for your support in adhering to the existing parking restrictions.

HARMONY WEEK & National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

This week we are acknowledging Harmony Week and National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Ashlyn Keane, in her capacity as Wellbeing Leader, has organised activities to acknowledge these important days. Please see the Wellbeing section of this newsletter for more details.

SPORTS DAY

This Monday, March 28, is our school sports day. A sports day is the epitome of the adage "Many hands make light work", so thank you to the parents who have assisted to help out on the day. A note explaining the day will come home today.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Parent/Teacher Interviews for children in grades 1-6 will be held on Tuesday April 5. If you did not receive a note last week detailing how to book an interview please contact Carmel.

COVID UPDATE

We continue to ask that families test their children for Covid-19 each Monday and Thursday morning. Rapid Antigen Tests are available from the office if you require a pack, alternatively please email Carmel or myself if you would like a pack of tests sent home with your child.

We have been asked by MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) to remind families that all parents, carers and other adult visitors who enter school buildings must have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid medical exception, with the following limited exceptions:

• when attending to administer medical treatment to their own child where the treatment cannot be administered by the school

• when attending to collect their child who is unwell and cannot leave the school building unaccompanied by their parent/carer

• when attending for a momentary period that does not involve any sustained contact with staff or students, for example, to collect something from the office or pass on a quick message

Parents, carers and other adult visitors attending school sites for drop-off and pick-up who do not enter school buildings do not need to comply with vaccination requirements.

For all school settings:

Visitors to schools aged eight and above must wear a face mask in all indoor spaces, unless a lawful exception applies.
Students in Grade 3 to Grade 6 must wear a face mask indoors unless a lawful exception applies.
Students must wear face masks even if vaccinated.
Students are not required to wear masks outside.

DENTAL VAN

If you wish for your child to receive a free dental check-up please ensure that your forms are returned to the school office before Thursday March 24 (this week). For more information click HERE - if you require a registration form please contact Carmel. The Dental Van will be onsite from May 30.

PARISH NEWS