Principal's Message
Dear Parents
Today the school community came together for Ash Wednesday Mass to mark the beginning of Lent; a time to pray, fast & give. Please take the time to discuss this important season in the Church's Liturgical Cycle as we prepare ourselves over the next 40 days for the death and resurrection of Jesus, at Easter.
It was really wonderful to see the number of families take up the opportunity to meet their child's teacher last week. The teachers found it very valuable as they plan your child's learning for the weeks ahead.
Our new School and Family Counsellor, Royko Kayasu, commenced last week and is keen to connect with the children and their families. During the course of the year she will be offering individual counselling and if time allows will work with the teachers to provide group sessions to support the various emotional needs of the children. Any families wishing to access this service for their child/ren should contact me directly via phone or email for a request form. Royko will be at the school every Tuesday and every second Wednesday.
On Friday we farewell Mrs Liz Foster who is commencing maternity leave. We are all looking forward to the arrival of baby Foster in the coming weeks. Liz has been a wonderful extra staff member over the last three weeks, coordinating the Year 6 leadership day, the swimming carnival and assisting with all the Years 5 & 6 camp preparations. We will miss her enthusiasm and support but know she will love her time at home being a fabulous mum.
This year Mr Luke Donnelly is accessing every second Wednesday as a family care day to look after his youngest child. In his absence, Mrs Haley Stonhan will be Acting Assistant Principal and provide support on days when both Luke and I are not at school. Congratulations to Haley on this appointment for 2021.
This Friday morning (19 February) the Year 6 students will receive their leadership badges for 2021. The ceremony will occur in the school hall, commencing at 9.30am, with the Year 5 students attending and one parent per Year 6 student. The numbers attending is due to the current COVID restriction on the number of people attending indoor events.
The event will be streamed to the St Monica's children in Kinder to Year 4 via MS Teams.
Parents attending must
- Register via the CBR Check In app to be displayed at the entry of the hall
- All adults must ensure 1.5m physical distancing when entering, leaving and sitting in the hall
- Any parent and student who is unwell or has any flu-like symptoms must not attend this event
- All attendees are encouraged to adopt good hygiene practices while at this event
The Year 6 students are to wear their correct summer uniform for this very special occasion.
It is vital that parents ensure children are at school on time each day. Late arrivals are a distraction and delay the start of the morning session. Children arriving after 8.55am must enter via the front office to collect a pass to be given to their teacher.
WORKING WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLE Cards
Individuals working or volunteering in 'Activities or Services for Children' must hold a Working with Vulnerable People Card. All volunteers considering helping in our classrooms and around the school in any way ie our classroom helpers, canteen helpers, those coming in to help with art or craft, those parents/grandparents/carers who help out at our sports carnivals must register. All helpers should view the Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card like holding a licence to drive. All volunteers are required, under the Act, to carry their WWVP card when working with children. Have you checked your card is current?
Continue to stay safe and healthy and may God's blessings be with everyone.
Carmel Maguire
Principal
