PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Hello

I hope everyone is getting used to the new restrictions and the quieter school calendar. It is disappointing that so many things that students have been looking forward to have had to be postponed or cancelled. I commend our students for their resilience and ability to cope with change. Let's hope and pray that we can all stay safe and well.

We are trying hard to make sure in school events can go-ahead for our students. The K-6 Lip Sync Battle is one example of providing our students with a fun activity to look forward to. The Scholastic Bookfair in the library has also created a shopping frenzy and it is great to see the students buying a book that they love.

I have also heard and seen many students talking and preparing for the Book Week Parade in Week 7. This year Secondary students can participate and get into the spirit of Book Week.

Fingers crossed that we can get our Athletics Carnival in this week. We have decided to move it to our back oval so we can avoid the closure of the complex. Last Thursday (the first sunny Thursday in about 5 weeks) both Primary and Secondary had their field events. It was lovely to watch and see the enthusiasm of the students. They displayed great sportsmanship and really supported and cheered each other on. 

I also want to say thank you to our families who are so supportive. Yesterday I had to make a number of calls to families regarding their children - every parent was open, appreciative and supportive. I am lucky to lead a school where parents work with the school to raise good people. In Marriage and Families Week I feel blessed to have great families to work with.

I hope you continue to stay safe and well. Jilly

Intensive Learning Support Program

We have employed a number of new Educational Assistants (Primary) and casual teachers (Secondary) to run an Intensive Learning Support Program over the next 14 weeks with monies given by the government to support student learning in literacy and numeracy because of the impact of COVID-19. We welcome Miss McLachlan, Miss McNeil, Miss Cooper, Mrs Mathers, Miss Dyer, Mr Pye, Mrs Hiscock and Mrs Zell. Also this week Mr Kelvin Brown will commence work at school for the remainder of the year as an Aboriginal Education Assistant.

Vinnies Winter Appeal - Pyjama Day

Next Wednesday 4 August the students are encouraged to wear their pyjamas to school and bring a gold coin donation for the Vinnies Winter Appeal. This is for all students K-10. Appropriate footwear is required. Our aim is to buy a swag that St Vincent de Paul has for people without warm bedding.

Attendance at school

When I was reading our Semester 1 reports last term I was concerned about the number of unexplained absences from school. I have been since monitoring this. It is the responsibility of the parent to inform the school of the reason a student is absent within 7 days of the absence. This can be done in a variety of ways: email to , respond to the link in the SMS sent, a note to the classroom teacher/front office or a phone call.  Regular attendance is important for the students learning progress. 

2022 Enrolments

We still have places for Kinder 2022. Please spread the word and give our school a plug as a great place to be. Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, our Kinder family meetings and transition program will look a little different and will be held later in the term and into Term 4. We will be in touch with our families who have lodged their enrolment forms in the coming weeks. Details regarding Year 7 transition will be coming out soon.

COVID-19 Update

We are still operating under Level 2 Restrictions. This includes staff and all visitors using the Service NSW QR code on entry to the school. Masks are recommended but not mandatory for staff and secondary students. Non-essential visitors are not allowed on-site and families must stay outside the school grounds at drop off and pick up time. Families are welcome to come to the Front Office (please wear a mask) to meet with school staff.

Uniform and Hair

A reminder that students are still in their winter uniform until September 1 where it becomes optional with the summer uniform. A reminder that hair, which is shoulder length or long enough should be tied back for safety reasons. Haircuts should be neat. Unacceptable styles include but not limited to: motifs cut into hair, dreadlocks, cuts under Number 2 blades, rats tails and unnatural colours. Students with unacceptable cuts/styles/colours which are not in keeping with the school image may be asked to work from home until the cut has grown, or cut or the colour removed. Hair accessories such as ribbons, scrunchies, headbands etc should be discreet and in the school colours of blue or white.

School Survey

It is that time of year again when we ask families for their feedback on how we are going as a school. In the coming weeks, you will receive an email with the survey attached to complete. I appreciate the time people take to give us feedback as it does inform our planning for improvement. Remember I am always available to meet and discuss any concerns you may have. Please call Cathy at the Front Office to make an appointment or call in or email me at jrainger@arm.catholic.edu.au