Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome back to you and your family for the final term of 2020. With great anticipation, I pray that our school community can use these next ten weeks to reflect on what has been a challenging year, and to take a sense of hope into next year. While there have been, and continue to be, significant changes to the way we all operate and interact with one another, I have been inspired by the way so many people throughout the world have adapted and sought ways to ensure the required physical distancing with others does not impede a spirit of generosity, care, love and forgiveness.

Excursions

As mentioned in a letter posted on Compass last Friday, the most recent changes to the COVID directives in line with NSW Health include capacity for excursions and camps to go ahead. This seems a positive step, however is proving to be incredibly difficult to organise in such a short space of time. With so many schools trying to book venues and transport, we have made the decision to focus this term on organising excursions for Year 5 and Year 6.

Therefore, if you have a child in Kindergarten-Year 4, you will receive a refund on the ‘Excursion’ component of the school fees for this year. Parents of Year 5 and Year 6 students will receive information directly about plans for those grades.

COVID Restrictions

As per the directives that appear in the Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong site (link), NSW Health is continuing to focus on limiting adults in being on school sites, limiting congregations of students in learning spaces, reducing the size of staff gatherings and maintaining good cleaning and hygiene practices. Therefore, many of the procedures that were in place in Term 3 are continuing. These include:

• Drop-off and pick-up arrangements remain the same
• Meetings with parents (including the P & F) need to be via telephone or Zoom
• A cleaner on-site every day during school hours
• Hand sanitisers provided in key areas of the school

There is also the need for all of us to attend to our own health and the health of the students. You are reminded that children should not attend school if they are unwell and you should seek medical advice.

Book Week

The Australian Book Council of Australia is holding this annual event next week. In our Newsletter you will see some information about how our school will be celebrating this, including an opportunity for the children to dress up on Friday.

Wishing you a safe and fulfilling week,

Paul Moroney
Principal