Principal's News

Dear parents, families and friends,

As we began this week we were given the disappointing news of moving to tougher Stage 4 Restrictions. This also includes the extension of remote learning until the end of Term 3. I was just reflecting this week that we have not had a full, normal term of schooling this year. Terms 1 and 2 were interrupted and now term 3 will be an entire term of remote learning. At this stage I really don't know what Term 4 will look like or hold for us. Given that we are now at Stage 4, as restrictions begin to ease we need to slowly move back through the stages of restrictions with the two week period required to monitor each stage of eased restrictions. I feel so sad for our Year 6 students. This is their final year with us at St. Augustine's. I know that for many of them they have been looking forward to this year since they started in Prep. So far they have missed out on actively fulfilling their role as school leaders. They have missed out on inter-school sport, house colour sports and all other opportunities that are usually available to Year 6 students. I hope and pray that the big events that finish year; camp, Big Day Out, Graduation and Confirmation can still go ahead as planned. The staff and I will do our very best to ensure that Term 4 makes up for what they have missed out on during terms 1,2 and 3. I pray that we are all back to normal for the start of Term 4, however, at this point I may be optimistic in this.

I again take this opportunity to thank every single family and member of our community for fully supporting the school by following all restrictions and requirements that have been set by the State Government. Your decision and ability to do this has kept our students safe and healthy. It has been disappointing over the last week or so to see those individuals across Melbourne and Victoria that have made selfish decisions and posted videos for the purpose of making a name for themselves. It is because of these people that we have now moved to Stage 4. The police, Bunnings staff, medical staff, are just trying to do their job. Like us they are following and enforcing the restrictions that have been put in place by the state government. As you know, the purpose of wearing a mask and isolating is to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. The scary thing with Coronavirus is that there is that period when you can have contracted the virus and be contagious, but not have any symptoms. Like you I hope to begin seeing a reduction in the spread of Coronavirus.

Now for some fun stuff. Next week between Monday and Thursday I invite parents to take a picture of their child wearing either PJs or a onesie while doing their work and to email this to me. I will include these pics in the newsletter next week. Each week we will have a theme that I invite students, parents and other family members including pets and staff to get involved with and have some fun. Take a pic of your efforts and email them to me.

I look forward to including all the pics of our fantastic students in their colourful PJs and Onesies next week.

 BTW - Reports emailed today!!

'Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.'   

Helen Keller

Kind regards,

Matthew Stead

Principal