Principal Talk with Mrs. Lowe
Term 4 Dates
| WEEK 3 | |
|
Friday 22 October |
School Explorers Session 1 - 2pm - 3pm |
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WEEK 4 |
|
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Wednesday 27 October |
P&F Executive Meeting 2pm |
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Thursday 28 October |
Virtual Catholic Leaders Day - Mrs Lowe |
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Friday 29 October |
Virtual Archdiocesan Principals Meeting - Mrs Lowe Northern Region Principals Meeting School Explorers Session 2 - 2pm - 3pm |
Stage 3 Restrictions
We currently remain in Stage 3 Restrictions for Schools. For us this means:
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Non-essential visitors are not permitted in schools.
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Parents and carers must follow their school’s advice regarding changes to drop off and pick up. Parents should:
- remain outside of school grounds (note some exceptions may apply regarding schools for specific purposes, vulnerable students or students with disability)
- maintain physical distancing by avoiding gathering outside of school gates
- follow mask-wearing requirements and sign in using the Service NSW QR code when entering the school.
- Dance and/or drama are permitted in line with COVID-Safe practices.
- Mixing of classes is not permitted.
- Schools must make alternative arrangements for graduations, formals and school dances that support the broader guidance. Schools can plan for these events to be held on or after 3 December.
- Sanitising and temperature checking through the Old Hall each morning.
- Students who have cold or flu symptoms are required to remain at home and to get a COVID test. Negative test results are required to be sighted for staff and students before returning to school.
- Masks are to be worn by adults inside.
- Students are encouraged to wear masks inside, however, this is not compulsory.
- Canteens can operative where appropriate hygiene measures are in place.
- All staff, contractors and volunteers are required to be fully vaccinated by 8 November.
Kindergarten Orientation Programs
Our scheduled Kindergarten Orientation Program which includes The School Explorer’s sessions can go ahead with strict Level 3 COVID-Safe measures in place. This means we can welcome our 2022 starters onsite this Friday from 2pm - 3pm for our School Explorers 'Solve It' session. The children will have the opportunity to explore the fun of numbers and counting with ‘Count Me In Too’ early maths games, supported by our Year 5 students, Mrs Spackman, Mrs Walsh, Mrs Romer, Mrs O'Brien, Mrs Hewitt and me. If the weather is fine we will hold this session outside on our Top Playground. Our other School Explorers sessions are scheduled for Friday 29 October and Friday 5 November, at the same time.
Unfortunately, Level 3 restrictions do not allow parents and carers onsite so our parents and carers have been asked to drop off and pick up their children from the front of the school.
Our Orientation Days are scheduled for:
- Half days- 9 or 10 November - 9.30am - 1.00pm
- Full day- 15 November - 9.30am - 3.00pm
- Full day- 22 November - 9.30am - 3.00pm
We ask that our parents and carers of our 2022 students call Belinda to nominate which half-day they would like their child to attend. These days will cater for approximately half of the class on each day. It will be first in, best dressed for this half-day. The two full days will be for the whole class.
For those needing to purchase school uniforms, it is generally recommended to leave this towards the end of our 2021 school year in case of any growth spurts. In the coming weeks, our 2022 Kindergarten families will receive an email with dates to select for a uniform fitting. There will also be opportunities to purchase uniforms before the beginning of Term One 2022.
Thank you for your patience and understanding and please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions.
Showcase of Learning
It is with great delight that Kindergarten, Year One and Year Two will present their Showcase of Learning Assembly virtually on Friday 12 November at 12.30pm. Our Years 3-6 students and families will be provided with a link to this LIVE event, unless restrictions ease prior.
Fee Support For Families Affected By COVID-19
I am pleased to confirm that the system will continue financial support to families in Term 4 arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility for fee relief will be based on the financial hardship experienced by families due to COVID-19. If you would like to apply for this support please contact Belinda for the relevant documentation.
Baby News!
We are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of a gorgeous baby brother for Anna (Year 2) and Noah O'Brien (Kinder 2022). Both mum and bub are well. Congratulations Ange and Jono!
School Counsellor
Yesterday, Jaye Corkeron commenced her position as Student and Family Counsellor for this term, taking over from Sharyn. Jaye has had a changeover meeting with Sharyn and will have access to the current referrals.
Jaye comes with a wealth of experience. She is a psychologist who has previously worked as a school counsellor in Primary and High Schools in Canberra. She also worked in the Bushfire Counselling Program and EAP program for CatholicCare. Jaye has worked in a school as a psychologist, doing psychometric assessments.
At present, Jaye will do telehealth sessions, until restrictions ease, each Wednesday. If you, or your child, would like to make an appointment with Jaye please complete the online referral via https://catholiccare.force.com/housing/s/school-referral-form
Drop-off and Pick-up
Please be aware that you cannot drop off or pick up your children in the Bus Zone at the front of the school. The Bus Zone is effective between 8.30am - 9.30am and 3.00pm - 4.00pm. This area is often monitored by highway patrol.
After the signposted Bus Zone, near the bottom gate, there is a short area marked with a 'No Parking' sign. You must not park in this area between 8.30am - 9.30am and 3.00pm - 4.00pm, however, you can stop for less than 2 minutes if you stay within 3m of your vehicle if you are dropping off or picking up passengers or loading or unloading items.
Operation Christmas Box
Each year, St Mary's supports the Samaritan's Purse Operation Christmas Box by asking for donations to help fill shoeboxes with various items such as gifts, clothes, something for school and hygiene products to send to children overseas.
If you are able to help with donating items, please see below for a list of suggested items.
