Leadership & Management

Week 6  Term 4

Dear Parents,

Thank you and congratulations to all parents and students….

It has been almost 3 months since our students left for a snap lockdown. That short sharp lockdown was extended and extended and the challenge was once again back on parents and teachers. This lockdown seemed more challenging than last year and we acknowledge the responsibility and challenges Remote Learning placed on parents and students as you juggled your own work commitments, making time, creating learning spaces and support for your children. Thank you once again from all the staff at St Fidelis. 

It is very exciting to have the whole student community back together at our school, and it is most pleasing to also have the staff back working onsite once again. Students, families and staff have warmly welcomed these first days back at school as a whole community.

It was wonderful to gather as a school for our Whole School Prayer Assembly last Friday. It was a lovely sunny morning to gather outside and give thanks to The Lord.  Mr Troy’s class led the school with a wonderful prayer followed by announcements, Students of the Week, Italian and Numeracy awards, news of upcoming events and the singing of the National Anthem. It was so nice to hold an assembly in front students rather than a camera. Welcome Back Everyone! 

One Minute's Silence

Each year on this day, Australians observe one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those men and women who have died or suffered in all wars, conflicts and peace operations. 

Although Remembrance Day is different this year, the Australian War Memorial’s website   https://www.awm.gov.au/ includes different ways to help us commemorate wherever we are – at home, school or work.

At St Fidelis, the children will participate in prayer over the PA and observe the one-minute silence. The students will also listen to some stories that explain the significance of this day and participate in making of red poppies.

Events for the Remainder of Term 4 2021

We are currently in the process of organising several events and activities to ensure we all reconnect successfully and effectively to finish off the year. Our aim will be to hold some events where we can, in a COVID safe and responsible way. We do not want to place our school community at any increased risk so we are cautiously planning to minimise the chances of closures and any further disruption. 

Any event held at school inside the buildings, must comply with the strict COVID safety measures density and vaccination. As such for some events / activities, Vaccination Certificates must be shown or in some cases a copy given. These are directives that we must operate under and your support, understanding & cooperation is such appreciated.

Below you will find a table outlining events planned for the remainder of the year. If there are any changes, we will notify you as soon as possible.

School Advisory Council Meeting October 26 –Summary Report

Our School Advisory Council meeting was held October 26 via zoom.

Items Discussed included:

• Success of the Online Foundation 2022 transition program
• Opportunities for grounds and maintenance when we are able onsite
• Progress on the upgrade works and the transition into these spaces in coming months
• NAPLAN report by Learning and Teaching Literacy and Numeracy and the success of our Year 3 and Year 5 data. Where to next for school improvement
• Michael Jennings OH&S and Child Safety Leaders reported on the ever-changing COVID regulations and the inclusion of a COVID dedicated page in the newsletter for parents to reference. Michael has also attended training and is the schools dedicated Vaccination Champion, please email Michael for COVID related matters
• Increase in School Fees was discussed and approved by the School Advisory Board (More information regarding fees in next week's newsletter)
• Class sizes 2022 average of 19 student per class.
• Manuela has split the Year 1/2 classes into three instead of two to ensure smaller classes for all the students given the interruption of learning over the past two years
• The meeting was well attended with constructive contributions provided by all.

Updates related to specific outcomes generated from this meeting will be published in the school newsletter. 

The next School Advisory Council meeting is to be held 30 November at 7:00pm

Have a lovely week

Manuela