The Principal's Desk

Dear parents, families and friends,

This will be the last newsletter for this term. Every term is busy, but I feel this term has been especially busy, probably because I was catching up on and implementing things that I was unable to do during my absence in term one. I have had discussions with the School Advisory Council about refreshing/revamping the school uniform. The refresh will see the replacement of some items, the repurposing of other items and the introduction of a couple of new items. On the whole, most of the core uniform items will remain the same. I have recently had discussions with Mark from Academy Uniforms. Early in Term 3 we will have options available to present to the community to allow for parent and student input into the decision making process. The implementation of the refreshed uniform will happen gradually overtime, to allow for students to outgrow their current uniform items and also the handing down of wearable items from sibling to sibling. The full refreshed uniform will be implemented at Prep from next year and for all new students at other levels. I am really excited about refreshing the uniform and look forward to your input over the coming weeks.

Another possible change I have been discussing with the School Advisory Council is a Buy Your Own Device program. As you are well aware, digital techology can be expensive and it also quickly becomes out dated and so requires regular up dating. For a school needing to replace 100 devices at a time, it becomes very expensive. I have been working with our technology preferred supplier, Learning With Technologies (LWT) to understand how this program would look and work. Again, there will be a detailed outline of the program provided, along with a demo site and a parent survey to gauge interest and gather feedback. I must stress that no decision has been made at this point. Also, whatever the direction we take, I will ensure the needs of all students and families are taken into account and supported. Staying true to the spirit of St. Mary MacKillop and the sisters of St Joseph who founded our school, no student will miss out and all students will have equal access to up to date technology to support and enhance their learning.

Painting Interior of Admin Building Reception and Corridors

Dave McIntosh has very generously donated his time to paint the interior corridors and reception area of the Admin Building. Dave is an excellent painter who paints with precision and speed. When you next enter the Admin Building you will notice the difference, the fresh coat of paint with bright colours really stands out (Pops). Over time this paint scheme will be implemented across the school. We cannot thank Dave enough for donating many work hours to doing this outstanding job for us.

Staff News

Mrs Belinda Sposato has resigned from her position here at St. Augustine’s due to personal reasons. Mrs Sposato will be replaced by Miss Olivia Jones for the remainder of the year. Olivia is currently teaching 3/4 WS this term, so there will be no disruption to the students’ learning.

We wish Belinda all the best for the future. This decision was not an easy one for her to make and she will miss the students, staff and families here at St. Augustine’s very much, just as we will miss her.

We thank Belinda for her time and contributions to St. Augustine’s.

Annual Report to the School Community 2022

As part of compliance, all schools must publish an Annual Report to their school community each year. The reports need to be located on the school website. Please feel free to read the attached Annual Report to the School Community 2022.

Jakub's Bike Fundraiser

The casual clothes day, dressing in grey and yellow to fundraise for Jakub's stolen bike was a huge success. In total $260 was raised, which works out to be $2 per student. Thank you to everyone for support this worthy cause. Jakub and has family are very overwhelmed and touched by the generosity, compassion and support from our school community.

Please read each page of the newsletter as each one contains important or interesting information and updates.

Coming up we have:

• Wednesday 21st June - Premier of Year 5/6 Documentary Film 'Through Our Lens' - A very touching and personal account of the Westgate Bridge Disaster
• Friday 23rd June - End of Term 2 - Students dismissed at 1.15pm
• School Disco - Friday 23rd June
• Pie Drive - Make your orders no
• Term 3 Commences on Monday 10th July
• Athletics Carnival - Friday 14th July
• Term 3 Ends Wednesday 13th September - Students dismissed at 3.15pm (Normal Time)
• Thursday 14th and Friday 15th September - School Closure - Staff Professional Development in Religious Education - Teaching Students to Read and Interpret Scripture

I wish all our students a happy, enjoyable, and safe winter holidays. Stay warm, stay dry and stay well!!

Kind regards,

Matthew Stead