Dear Parents/Carers,

Last week in the Newsletter, I wrote about flexibility being a key focus for all of us during this time of eased restrictions. Then, that afternoon the new State Premier announced a change to the schedule for students returning to school! How quickly things can change.

As we prepare to welcome back our Kinder and Year 1 students next Monday, and the rest of the grades on 25 October, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the support that parents and carers have shown during the lockdown. I appreciate the sacrifices you have made, the financial impact it may have had and the burden that it has given you over the last 16 weeks. As a staff we are so grateful for your patience, support and understanding.

Today you will have received a letter on Compass outlining some of our procedures that will be in place from next Monday 18 October. The main emphasis of the procedures is to reduce the amount of mingling, as per the Level 3 restrictions. Of course, we have never needed to use these procedures before, so we may need to refine them if we come across any aspect that is not practical. We will keep you updated of any adjustments as needed.

The return to school for the children may take some adjustments, so our priority will be to focus on their wellbeing as they reconnect with each other and their teachers, while adjusting to our Level 3 restrictions. Once they have settled back into routines, we will then be able to more effectively attend to their learning.

The following prayer was shared by two staff members at a meeting this morning:

"Dear Lord, 

Thank you so much for your presence in our lives. Thank you for the blessing You have given us in our children! Please bless our wonderful parents and guardians at home who need to be praised. Thank you for all of our staff here at St. John’s, please bless us as we return to school and guide the children in their journey as they may face unknown challenges. 

We pray to you God for guidance and support during this time as you have always been there for us. Please help us to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Please help us to be able to handle all the challenges being thrown at us right now, including have to do multiple jobs at the same time. 

Help us to remember that You are in our lives always, not just during the good times. You will help us get through the challenges we face right now. We pray for our St John’s community. Lord guide us in our journey back to school.  

Amen."

Paul Moroney

Principal

School Supervision Week 3

Next week face-to-face teaching resumes for students in Kindergarten and Year 1.  The school continues to provide supervision for those students in Years 2-6 who have no option to learn from home during Week 3.  Students who attend school next week will be supervised while they complete their remote learning.  

If you have a child in Years 2-6 that must attend school next week can you please complete this survey by Thursday at the latest.  We really need to stress that we need this information by Thursday to allow us adequate time to make supervision arrangements.

https://forms.gle/x38sHZpPdTHqaCSp7

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. 

Mask wearing is one of many safety processes and procedures we are implementing at our school to ensure we are COVID safe.  All teachers and staff will be wearing masks at all times.  NSW Health are strongly recommending that masks are worn by students in Primary Schools, at all times, indoors and outdoors.  Our school will be supporting students wearing masks at school as they return over the coming weeks.

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating

their birthday this week 

10th October - 16th October

Mrs Johnson, Miss Titone, Miss Pannu & Mr McGovern have been working hard putting a special video together to celebrate remote learning. We hope you enjoy it.

Please click the you tube link below

https://youtu.be/IzHtRdCWkeM

We are pleased to inform you that all school buses and normal weekday timetables will be returning from Monday 18^th October 2021.

Canteen News

Our School Canteen will re-open from Monday 18 October.  All orders, including snacks, will need to be placed online via Flexischools.  The Canteen will not be open for any over the counter sales as this is the best way to keep our students safe.

Please note that orders will now need to be placed prior to 9am each day to allow for staggered break times.

If you have not previously registered with Flexischools you can download the app from the App Store (for iOS) or the Google Play Store (for Android).  Alternatively, to register via your computer or laptop, go to www.flexischools.com.au and click the “Register” button at the top right of your screen.

If you have any further queries please contact the office.

From  5th October - 12th October

Below is some useful information to assist with student travel enquiries. 

Applications for student travel in 2022 opened on Tuesday 12 October 2021.

Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2022 can apply now