Principal's Report
Easter and Holy Week
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all St. Finbar's families a happy and safe holiday as we enter the end of Term 1 break. Easter and Holy Week will be during the second week of the holidays and as such, we will hold our annual celebrations during the first week of Term 2. The Parish Mass times for this week are:
Thursday 11th April - 11am - Anointing of the Sick Mass
Tuesday 16th April - 7pm - Penitential Service
Thursday 18th April - 7pm - Holy Thursday Mass of the Last Supper
Friday 19th April - 2:30pm - Stations of the Cross
Friday 19th April - 3pm - The Passion
Saturday 20th April - 7pm - Holy Saturday Vigil
Sunday 21st April - 9am & 11am - East Sunday Mass
Welcome
In Term 2 we are welcoming 5 new students - Brooklyn C-C, Ava C-C, Eva B, Alina B and Isabella B - to St Finbars. We wish them all a smooth transition into our school community and hope they have a wonderful time here at St Finbars. It is quite normal to have some movement of students between schools each term, as families move for employment or lifestyle reasons. For the past few years we have enjoyed ongoing interest from the community for student places across all of our year levels. Maintaining this healthy school enrolment has been integral in securing the funding we utilise to offer the diverse educational opportunities at St Finbars.
That being said, we are not looking to expand or change our classroom structures of 14 classrooms (2 classes of each year level, Prep - Year 6) nor are there any building plans scheduled for the near future. Our average classroom size across the entire school is 23 with our recommended maximum set at 26 per class (P-6). We are incredibly fortunate at St. Finbar's school to have stable enrolments and excellent facilities for all to enjoy.
Winter/Summer Uniforms
At the commencement of Term 2 students may wear either the FULL summer uniform or FULL winter uniform (please do not mix and match the uniforms) until Week 3. From Monday 6th May ALL student must be in FULL WINTER UNIFORM. This date will reviewed closer to the time in case the weather is still unseasonably warm. I would like to thanks Liesel Willcocks for her amazing work in the uniform shop this year.
Open Days
We have had 3 open days this term with our 4th coming up in the Second week of Term 2. We currently have 23+ sibling enrolments for 2020 with lots of new families also sending in their applications. We are expecting to have 2 prep classes for 2020 with around 22 - 23 students per class. Enrolment applications officially close on Friday 5th of April (Last day of Term 1).
Thanks to Miss Hill and Mrs Ferrari for their support as well as the stars of the tours - our Year 6 students!
Further school school tours for enrolments will be held by appointment only.
School Athletics and Walkathon
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Tania Thompson for her outstanding work in preparing for our school Athletics Carnival. The day was a huge success with many memorable moments. Thanks to all staff for their assistance on the day ensuring all events ran smoothly, and my sincere thanks to all of the parent helpers who also assisted. With so many dedicated people helping, our children were the beneficiaries of an amazing experience.
Tomorrow is also our whole school walkathon which is a P & F run event with the assistance of Mrs Thompson. Thanks to all of the parent helpers for this event.
School Communication Policy
I would like to thank all parents for their understanding of our new school policy regarding out of hours communication with staff members. This year we have outlined that staff will answer parental correspondence during the hours of 8am and 6pm only, Monday to Friday, with an expected 24 - 48 hour turnaround for response to emails. I am sure you all agree that is important for staff wellbeing and mental health that they are able to take a break from work during the evenings and weekends. As always, urgent matters can be communicated to me via the office with a phone call.
Coffee Van
We will be trialling a coffee van on Friday mornings before school. The van will start tomorrow and will be available weekly depending upon popularity. Children will be allowed to purchase hot chocolates as well, but must be seated on the benches on the playground whilst having the drinks. No hot drinks will be allowed in the classrooms after the bell.
Special Visitor!
How wonderful it was to have Mr Rodrigues visit us on Wednesday. The response from both Staff and Students alike was extraordinary. We wish him all the best at his new school this year.
Little Speakers Program
Our little speakers Program will continue next term. If you are interested in joining up please see the attached document for more details.
Taekwondo
FX Fitness will continue with the Taekwondo program during Term 2. Please see attached for more details.
Upcoming Events
Friday 5th April - End of Term Mass, Walkathon and End of Term 1:50pm Dismissal.
Tuesday 23rd April - Start of Term 2, Year 5 & 6 Swimming begins.
Wednesday 24th April - Start of Term Mass, Anzac Day Liturgy
Monday 29th April - Open Day #4
Friday 10th May - Mother's Day Breakfast and Stall
Monday 13th May - Seussical Day 1
Tuesday 14th May - Seussical Day 2
Interesting Read....
At the recent Principal's conference that I attended last week, we were given some interesting information about the generational changes that have happened during the past 50+ years. We were also told that the information that we currently receive via print and online resources is the fastest that it has ever been, it is also the slowest it ever will be again. Make sure you stop and enjoy every moment with your families!
P & F Thank you
Thank you to our wonderful parent community for the staff morning tea on Wednesday. It is lovely to acknowledge our hard working staff and celebrate the many learning opportunities they provide for our children.
God Bless,
Pat Berlingeri
Principal