Principal's Chat

Good afternoon families of OLSC

The first two weeks since returning to school have gone by very quickly.  I sincerely thank the students, families and staff for the smooth return to school.  The first day was very relaxed and it felt like the students had never been away.  I congratulate all families on their commitment to remote learning and for many students some pleasing academic gains were achieved.  I thank the staff for their dedication to providing remote learning opportunities and their commitment to ensuring students remain connected to the school and their peers.  

COVID Restrictions 

We, at OLSC like all of you, eagerly await each announcement from Dan Andrews and hope restrictions will ease.  There is currently no indication when visitors to school, gatherings and assemblies will once again be permitted.  Due to the suppressed case numbers we are hopeful that some of the restrictions will ease.  Once restrictions have eased we will revise our calendar and plan for tours, assemblies and Sacraments.  

Planning Not to Return to OLSC in 2020

We currently have a waiting list for enrolment in almost all year levels for the 2021 school year.  If you are planning not to return to OLSC next year can I ask that you please notify the office.  This will also help the staff when generating class-lists for 2021.  

School Fees  

Jane has uploaded the Term 4 statement to the portal.  If you are in financial difficulty please contact me to discuss.  

Message to the Bike Riders   

The traffic is steadily starting to build up and will continue to get even congested as work returns to normal and so bike and pedestrian safety is a priority.  This week we had a very near miss with one of our students and a car at the intersection at Manor Lakes Boulevard and Armstrong Road.  The motorist called the school with safety concerns for the student involved.  Could I ask that all parents of students that ride their bike to school to remind students about the importance of road safety?  

Sacraments 

Due to COVID restrictions there has not been any Sacraments this year.  It has not been possible to plan for any of the Sacraments until restrictions have eased and there is clarity around group gatherings for worship and celebrations.  As soon as we are able to meet as parish schools with Father Albert and plan for Sacraments we will communicate all information to families.  

It is likely that the Sacrament of Confirmation for Year 6s will be held next year.  The parish primary schools will communicate all necessary information to MacKillop College and St Andrew's parish to ensure that all catholic students have the opportunity to take part in this important celebration.  

I thank everyone for their patience in regards to the Sacramental program.  

If Your Child is Unwell 

I remind families that if your child / children are unwell 

At OLSC our first priority is the health and safety of our school community.  With this in mind I remind all families that if you child / children are feeling unwell we ask parents to exercise greater caution than usual and to keep students at home.  Families share a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of the school community and assist by:

• Demonstrating a more conservative approach than usual by keeping children home if they are feeling unwell for any reason and communicate this absence with the office
• Ensuring that students with any symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat or congestion remain at home until the symptoms have subsided
• Reminding children to wash hands thoroughly using soap and water or hand sanitiser

As was the approach in Term 2, parents will be contacted to collect their children if they present as ill during the school day.   

Enjoy the long weekend ahead and the major sporting events on offer!  

Stay safe and stay well.  

Justin