From the Principal 

Dear Families,

I have been lucky enough to spend the last week in Tasmania with my mum and sisters.  It was a trip that was planned early last year after our overseas trip was cancelled due to Covid. We had resigned ourselves to the fact we would not get to Tassie either,  but the window for Victorians to travel to Tasmania opened for 5 days allowing us to go.  It was a wonderful holiday in a state that doesn't wear masks anywhere and has only just introduced 'checking in'.  At times I felt guilty for forgetting my mask!  At the end of our trip we were delayed by two days as the airline kept cancelling our flights home due to no-one flying.  We have become very skilled at being able to work remotely as I was able to do this for the last two days of our holiday.  Like the children we are living in a very different world than what we were 18 months ago and have skills that we didn't think we would ever need!

Last Monday we postponed the planned pupil free day  due to going back into remote learning at very short notice.  This day involved all staff and was essential preparation for the School Review scheduled for Term 4.  All Catholic schools in the Diocese of Melbourne are reviewed every 4 years, part of the Review process is around compliance for the Victorian Registration and Compliance Authority.  This is a process of ensuring we have the correct processes, policies and procedures in place to be a registered school.  There is a great deal of work involved in Review around curriculum and compliance and is designed to be a consultative process.  We hope to reschedule the day soon to allow us to have the time to prepare for the Reviewers first visit at the end of this term.  I will consult with Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools (MACS) as to the best way forward for us.

Over the last weeks we have had to postpone and  cancel a number of events at school. One event that will go ahead is the  Bookweek Parade.  Have the children get their thinking caps on and decide what character they would like to dress up as.  It is always an exciting time and brings the children and staff a great deal of pleasure.  The Parade is scheduled for Friday 27th August and this year's Book Week them is ' Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds'.  

I would like to commend the students on their continued resilience and growing independence, and our staff and families for their dedication, in particular for navigating these uncertain times in supporting the children.   Teachers are working to try and establish a balanced approach between academic and wellbeing needs, all the while acknowledging the pressing demands of your families.  These are uncertain times and we understand the importance of ensuring the wellbeing of yourselves as parents and for the children.  If you feel your child would benefit from a day with no screen time please let their teacher know and do what you feel is best for them and for you. 

I really hope next week I can finish the newsletter by saying 'I look forward to seeing everyone back at school tomorrow!!'. 

Until next week, look after yourselves

Therese 

Want to help research for the BBC Documentary - 

Planet Earth III?

The BBC will be filming a nature documentary here in Eltham later this year. They are interested in finding out if there are any Tawny Frogmouths who are nesting in the local area. Do you have a Frogmouth in your front or backyard? If so, please email frogmouthpe3@bbc.co.uk to report your sightings.