Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust that you are all well and are managing the challenges that the coronavirus is presenting on a daily basis. The pandemic of Covid-19 continues to spread panic, fear and uncertainty in all aspects of life across the globe.

I want to reassure you again that we are taking advice from the relevant authorities in order to provide the safest possible learning environment for your children. The advice that we are taking is from The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Catholic Education Office of Sale (DOSCEL). The situation regarding schools can change in just a few hours or days. We will continue to be informed and will act on the advice of the authorities in regard to school closures.

Please note that if you or a family member has returned from International travel as of midnight Sunday 15th March, you or your family member are required to self isolate. This means you or your family members are unable to drop or pick up your children at school for a period of 14 days.

Unfortunately, we have needed to make changes to our programs this week and until the end of Term 1. One of the noticeable changes has been in regards to how we are holding an assembly at the moment. Until further notice, our school assembly will be held via video conferencing. We trialed this on Monday and each class was able to 'hook in' to the assembly via video conferencing. All students could see on the screens in their classrooms each other and could hear the class presenting. It is truly amazing what technology can do!

As stated in the letter that was sent out Monday afternoon, the information will be distributed to parents regarding how we plan to implement remote schooling as soon as it is available in the event that the school needs to close. We are currently developing protocols and procedures for this to occur to minimise the disruption to the students learning. Thank you for completing the survey asking parents to inform the school if their child has access to a device and the internet. If you have not completed this please do so as soon as possible.

We have decided to bring our Easter Raffle forward so that this does not get forgotten in the ever-changing situation that we face. This means that the Easter Raffle will be drawn at 3:00pm on Wednesday! Please make sure all raffle tickets are returned by Wednesday morning.

The letter I have attached to this newsletter was sent out to all parents via CareMonkey on Monday evening. Please read this as it outlines the changes and cancellation of the excursions, incursions and camps that were scheduled for March and April.

The Open Days have been canceled and I will reschedule these for a date later in the year.

I know you can appreciate how difficult this time is for everyone however I am particularly concerned for those in our community who are most vulnerable. If you know of anyone in our school community who is struggling please let me know via email principal@sttcbourne.catholic.edu.au

The following is a link that you may like to use with your children if they are experiencing anxiety regarding coronavirus.

Today is Saint Patrick's Day and I think we can all agree that we all need the luck of the Irish! Perhaps today you may say this prayer with your family as you think about the people in our community who are sick or vulnerable.

St Patrick's Breastplate

Christ be with me, Christ within me

Christ behind me, Christ before me

Christ beside me, Christ to win me

Christ to comfort me and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger

Christ in hearts of all that love me

Christ in mouth of friend or stranger.
AMEN

St Peter's College Enrolment Dates

St Peter's College have limited places for Year Seven next year, so if you intend your child to attend in 2020, please make application as soon as possible. Please see attached time schedule for 2022 and 20223 Enrolment process.

EASTER RAFFLE is coming

The Easter Raffle is on again. Don't forget to sell your tickets and return the money by Wednesday, March 18.

The raffle will go ahead on Wednesday, March 18 at 3:00pm via video conferencing in each of the classrooms.

I hope you all have your tickets! As they say, 'You have to be in it to win it!'

Harmony Day / Say No to Bullying

On Friday, March 20 we will hold our annual Harmony / Say No to Bullying Day. On this day, the children are invited to wear their national dress or alternatively, they can wear orange - this is the colour associated with standing up and saying no to bullying.

The children will participate in activities to learn about living in harmony and being strong citizens by saying no to bullying and being inclusive of others no matter their differences. Unfortunately, the African drumming group has been canceled. Students will participate in activities in their own classrooms.

Please have a good week and stay safe. More updates to come!

God Bless,

Michelle Bruitzman

School News

St Peter's College Enrolment

nCoV update