From the Principal's Desk

Welcome Back!

Isn't it wonderful to have the children back at school? What I have noticed most is how much we missed the laughter and the smiles that our children bring to school each day.

And judging from the events of the first morning back, I don't know whose smiles were larger.... those of the children or the parents.

It wasn't too long before children re-settled into their school routine and got stuck into work. 

What we have noticed is how tired the children are so early bedtimes are a must and probably heaven for parents. 

This week has all been about reconnecting: children engaging with each other and finding their place and showing teachers what they need to learn.  As stated last week, this term is all about making sure that every student is supported in their wellbeing, learning and transition needs. 

A mountain of work has gone on 'behind the scenes' to ensure the ease of transition back to school so I would like to thank all staff for making that possible. Other than the development and constant 'tweaking' of our COVID-19 Safety Plan and Operational Guidelines, we have put into place a number of intervention programs and targeted strategies, along with additional staff to continue to meet student needs as we look towards the end of the 2020 school year and ahead to 2021. 

And... once again... thank you to all families for the time and effort (often doubling your normal weekly workload) you gave our children during the period of remote learning so as to progress our children's learning. Time to enjoy a bit of a break!

Health and safety measures.

We are continuing to monitor and adjust measures to protect the health and safety of students, staff, families and the community. 

We will continue with our staggered finishing times and restricting visitor access to school grounds until further notice. And I ask that parents continue to give particular attention to reducing the risks associated with congregating at school gates and please remember the 1.5m social distancing rule.

Funding for Tutors

Yesterday you may have heard the Victorian Government announce that more than 4,100 tutors will be deployed across Victorian government and non-government schools in 2021 to support students to thrive as they return to the classroom and ensure that students who need extra support in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic get the help they need.

The government will allocate $30m for non-government schools and Catholic schools and the funding will be distributed by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV) with exact allocations made available at a later date.

The funding is to support students to accelerate their learning in 2021 to compensate for the disruptions they have experienced this year and as such must be spent within the 2021 calendar year.

We welcome this opportunity and await the operational guidance surrounding the funds.

Year Prep 2021

Next Monday will be the first of our Year Prep 2021 Transition sessions. As COVID-19 restrictions currently prohibit schools from running transition programs and having visitors on-site, this session will be conducted online via Google Meet. As such it will be a Parent Information Session only and will include plans for student transition.

Details have been sent out to all families. If there are any questions please contact the school office. Oh... and if you haven't put in an enrolment form, now is the time to do it.

Book Week 2020

We will celebrate Book Week on Monday 19th October with our annual dress-up day.!

Please check out the ' Book Week: Curious Creatures, Wild Minds page of our Newsletter for full details.

Spoonville

Just a reminder to bring your Spoonville Spoons back to school so that we can make our display.

Outside School Hours Care: OSHClub

OSHClub is available for Before School and After School Care for families who need to use the service.

Return of Devices

It is important that all families who have borrowed devices throughout this remote learning period, return them immediately so that they can be re-distributed to classes.

Please make sure the device has been cleaned (with disinfectant wipes) and is returned with its power cord.

Important Notice!

While there has been so much effort being placed into our 'Return to School Plan' we are also well into planning preparations for 2021. So, to assist with staffing and class groupings we really need to know ASAP if there are any families who are NOT returning to Corpus Christi School next year. 

Please contact me directly if your child/ren will not be returning in 2021.

Office  Closure & Payments

A reminder to all that as we are not permitted to have visitors (other than essential services and maintenance) come on site the office will remain closed unless for emergency situations.

Therefore it would be preferred that ALL PAYMENTS  be made via direct deposit or over the phone via your credit card. If these aren't a viable option we will accept debit cards via EFTPOS. Please call the office to arrange a time.

Summer Uniform

All children should now be in full summer uniform. If you need to purchase items, these are your options:

• 'Click and Collect': Fill out the attached order form, enter your credit card details and return via email to info@cckingsville.catholic.edu.au.
• Phone order:  Call the office directly to place your order. Have your credit card details ready to pay over the phone

Once your order is packed and ready we will contact you to make a time for collection. 

AND REMEMBER NO HAT NO PLAY!

Have a wonderful week

Stay safe and God Bless

Anthony Hyde

(Principal)