Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to the start of Term 4. I hope that over the student holiday break you were able to enjoy some time together that didn't involve work or keeping to schedules. Maybe a picnic in a park or a walk with a friend.

As our state moves closer toward some easing of restrictions, including a return to school, I believe the key message for all of us is flexibility. Even though we have a 'roadmap' of moving out of lockdown, the last few weeks have shown us that decisions can change at the last moment. We will all need to be flexible to accept that these decisions made by governments are out of our control and so we just need to move with them, especially as they are aimed at keeping everyone safe.

At the school level, we will keep you updated about the procedures that we have in place in order to comply with the restrictions, thus keeping students, staff and families safe. As these procedures will be new and untested, they will call for flexibility as we make any necessary changes in order to solve any problems we may come across.

Also, there is still uncertainty when it comes to planning for significant events that were due to take place during Term 4, such as the Year 5 & 6 camps, our swimming carnival and end-of-year celebrations. All of these remain on hold and will, once again, require flexibility and understanding when final decisions can be made once we know of any changes to restrictions. 

This prayer may help us all as we look for flexibility and patience:

"Lord, the World as we knew it is gone, and for what feels like such a long time we have experienced so much hardship during this lockdown. As we prepare to walk into the future we pray for the "new normal" to come. May our hearts be unified in You more than ever. May the tender moments of seeing someone again in person be all the more rich and treasured. May the reunions, interactions, and moments ahead be held with more meaning and may we turn to You in sincere gratitude. Help us to come out of this lockdown better, not bitter. Help us to become more considerate and patient of others, more mindful of how we can help one another, and how we can serve You. We thank You that no matter how dark the night may get, there is the hope of the dawn to come. Amen."

Paul Moroney

Principal

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating

their birthday this week and over the school holidays

19th September - 9th October

TERM 3 WEEK 10

REMOTE LEARNING ENGAGEMENT AWARD

REMOTE LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Students Needing to Attend School Next Week.

While the staggered return to school will begin for students in Kindergarten and Year 1 from 18 October, we are aware that with the reopening of many businesses there may be some families who will need to send their child/ren to school next week for supervision.  Please remember, any student who returns before their official return date will be supervised as they complete remote learning at school. Students will not participate in face-to-face learning until their staged return date.

We are asking that you complete the following Google Form, either using the link or QR Code, for next week if one of the three following reasons applies to you:

1. All adults in your household are essential workers that must physically attend a workplace.
2. Your family has extenuating circumstances that you have discussed with Mr Moroney (Principal)  or

3. You may need to send your child/ren to school next week pending confirmation of your own work commitments.

If in doubt we would prefer you to select the third option to give us an indication of numbers.  This will allow us to ensure an appropriate level of supervision of students.  We ask that you complete one form per child as soon as possible, before midday on Friday to allow us adequate planning time.

If your child will be learning from home, you do not need to complete the form.

https://forms.gle/ECM1kSariekjbKQx8

Uniforms

Children are reminded that when they return to school this term, they are asked to wear their full Summer uniform. 

As the hairdresser reopen next week we know you will be keen to have your child’s hair cut!  We just remind you that when getting your child’s hair cut,

please refer to our uniform policy.  The policy states:

• Hair should be styled in a manner that attracts positive comments only, with an emphasis on a neat and tidy appearance. No extreme haircuts or styles. 
• Minimal products (e.g. hairspray, gel) may be used to tame or control hair, but not to style (e.g. spike) hair. 
• Hair must not be bleached or dyed in any way, this includes the addition of hair extensions, hair pieces or coloured braids. 
• Hair, including fringes, must not fall on a child’s face, covering their eyes. 
• Students’ hair cannot be unevenly shaved, including having any lines shaved into their head. Hair should not be shaved less than a number 3. 
• Hair that is collar length or longer must be tied back. 
• Girls may use school coloured hair accessories (red, navy/royal blue, golden yellow). Hair accessories can include: ribbons, scrunchies, thin headbands or plain clips to hold hair back. 
• Hair should be cut in an evenly cut manner. Hair should not have an extreme difference in length, but rather be of a blended appearance. 

From 15th September - 5th October

We are happy to share that our Online Alpha Series was a great success! Our guests enjoyed the video content as well as the new friendships they made through the course. It was fantastic to see everyone stay for the entire series, as it is completely optional to choose how many weeks you decide to come. We also had an online day retreat on the 11th of September which was a first for many of us! Many of our guests expressed how much they enjoyed themselves and how welcomed they felt in Alpha! We hope that you are able to join us next year, especially those of you who would of preferred the face-to-face option and were unable to join us online this time. We want to thank St John’s for welcoming us and their support throughout the series!!! If you want to find out more information about Alpha, please feel free to contact Sandra at: sandra.e.busuttil@gmail.com