Dear Parents,

This week we celebrate two very important events - NAIDOC Week and Remembrance Day. Both have significance to the way we live and in such challenging times as those we have experienced and continue to live in, we can find hope in solidarity, sacrifice and working together.

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since become the name of the week itself.

Celebrations are normally held across Australia in July to celebrate the history culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The move to November, occurred because of COVID.

The theme for this year is ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’ and recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years and are spiritually and culturally connected to this country.

Remembrance Day

On Remembrance Day every year, all people are asked to observe a minute's silence at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, to remember those who have died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peace operations. This year the theme is the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

We cannot gather together today as a school, nor can people gather at the Shrine to honour the memory of those whose lives ended or were forever changed as a result of war, however we invite you to honour the memory of homecoming, reunion and sacrifice.

COVID-19 Update- End of the Year Celebrations

As some restrictions begin to lift and the numbers stay low, there is a real sense of light at the end of the tunnel and the hope that restrictions will gradually ease even more so by Christmas.

To date, restrictions and plans for schools remain unchanged so we cannot celebrate the end of the year, including Graduations, and Christmas in the way we normally would. We will be able to have Graduation and Orientation in a very different way and we are currently planning for these. We are very conscious that our Year 6 students, in particular, have missed many of the events and celebrations that they have looked forward to. A more detailed letter will be sent to Year 6 families in the coming week outlining our plans.

Foundation 2021

Last night we held the Orientation Information Session for parents of students coming to St Bernard’s next year. This is usually held as the first of our on site sessions, however we have held a virtual Zoom session. It was wonderful to see so many of our new families join us in yet another new way of doing things.

Uniform- Jewellery

Our Uniform policy states that only one piece of religiously significant jewellery can be worn at school. The only earrings to be worn are sleepers or studs. We ask for your support in ensuring that rings, bracelets etc are not worn to school.

Academy Uniforms

Due to strict COVID-19 social distancing laws Academy Uniforms have allocated a week where they encourage St. Bernard's Primary School parents to attend Academy Uniforms Thomastown store to purchase their uniform for 2021.

The dates are November 30th, December 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

We ask that parents attend between 9am & 2pm. Each school is allocated different days, attending on one of your allocated days will help to minimise wait times whilst creating a safest environment possible for your family. We appreciate your help in keeping us all safe. Order online www.academyuniforms.com.au or Phone 9460 8011.

CSEF Changes for 2020

A number of new and previously announced changes have been approved to the operation of CSEF for 2020 only.

Eligibility

The final eligibility date for CSEF in 2020 has been extended from 14 April until 5 October 2020.

Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. The normal special consideration arrangements continue in addition.

Payments will be made at 50 per cent of the standard per student rates for families eligible between 15 April and 5 October 2020.

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/csefflyer.pdf

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/about/programs/health/CSEF-Application-Form-2020.docx

Important Dates

The end of year dates are on our calendar page for your information. Please check this page.

'Something to think about'

Below are 2 clips that help us learn more about NAIDOC Week and Remembrance Day.

NAIDOC Week. What is it?

Remembrance Day - The Story behind the poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’

Yours Sincerely

Joanne Doherty

Principal

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