Dear Parents/Carers,

Our Kindergarten students began their schooling journey yesterday full of great hope and excitement. Watching them settle into school-life reminded me of the great privilege that I and our staff have of being a part of their lives during the next seven years. I pray that their time at St John's is full of wonder, peace and joy.

COVID Safe Measures

Thank you for your support in administering these tests twice per week. The next round of tests will be provided by the end of this week. Information about their distribution will be included in this Newsletter and via Compass.

Many of our students have been choosing to wear a mask at school which is encouraged. Just a reminder that the medical masks are the preferred type as opposed to cloth masks.

Wishing you a safe and peaceful week,

Paul Moroney
Principal

THANK YOU

I’d like to thank the students, families, staff and parish of St John’s for the very warm welcome to this special community. It has made the start of my time here as Assistant Principal very enjoyable. I am looking forward to collaborating with teachers and parents to ensure the best learning and well being experiences are provided for the children.

RAT KITS- NEXT ROUND

The next round of RAT kits have been delivered today. Distribution of the kits will be different to the first round.

The CSNSW has advised schools that the two-week supply of kits can be given directly to students to take home in their bag. As a result, the RAT kits will be given to students on Thursday afternoon, 10 February. As soon as your child is picked up or arrives home please get them from your child’s bag. 

Each student will receive a box that will contain 5 tests in it. It is recommended that the test be conducted on Monday and Wednesday mornings before coming to school.

Thank you for your ongoing support of these COVID safety measures. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the school.

MORNING DROP OFF PROCEDURES

The safety of the children is of greatest concern for both parents and teachers. To ensure their safety, please watch the following clip that shows two of the ways students can be dropped off in the morning.

We have three staff members supervising the morning drop off area in the Church car park, to allow for a safe and smooth process for all. 

We would also ask that any parents taking their child(ren) through the car park, walk along the outside or perimeter to enter the school gates. For the safety of everyone we would please ask that you not cross at the morning drop off area.

We thank you in anticipation of your ongoing support for the safety of the children.

Morning drop off video

SAFER INTERNET DAY

On Tuesday, 8 February, it was Safer Internet Day. In this online world we live in, it is crucial that our students are aware of being safe when on the internet. 

This year marks the 18th year of this global event. It is now celebrated on 8 February annually in about 200 countries and territories. From cyberbullying to social networking to digital identity, each year Safer Internet Day aims to raise awareness of emerging online issues and current concerns.

We are currently in the process of engaging our local Police Liaison Officer to visit the Primary students to discuss online safety.

We strongly encourage all parents and carers to speak with their children about the importance of being safe online. Help for parents in this area can be found at https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents. 

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week and during the holidays, 6th February - 12th February

Notice of P&F Annual General Meeting

Please note that the AGM Agenda is open. Please email any agenda items to pandf@sjctdow.catholic.edu.au by Friday 11th March 5pm.

AGM Details:

Date: Tuesday 15th March 2020

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Tiered Learning Space (near Kindy and Year 1 classes)

All Executive positions will be made vacant and an election held for new office-bearers. The Nomination form and role descriptions follow. All are welcome to attend. We hope to see you there and look forward to meeting new parents of the school. Please contact us if you require any further information

If your child is away from school it is important to let the school know as soon as possible with a specific reason, e.g. what type of illness they have, If you are filling in a note on the Compass app, please add an explanation in the details/comments box .

It is really important to keep your child at home if they are unwell, this will help with the spread of illness. If a child presents with symptoms at school we will send them home.

Do not enter into compass if they are going to be late or leave early, that needs to be done from the school end.

If your child takes regular medication, has a medical condtion and/or allergy/anaphylaxis, the school will need documentation and/or an action plan from a medical professional as well as a signed consent form to administer medication/advice of medical condition (available from the office). This applies even if medication or condition are temporary.

Due to COVID restrictions parents currently have limited times they are allowed on school grounds and we also need to limit the amount of visitors that come into the office, so please only come into the office if necessary.

It is important that you let the office know as soon as possible, via email or phone, if you are picking your child up prior to dismissal (including time).  We can then arrange to have them in the office ready for you.

Please note we are unable to arrange collection of your children during break times

Please do not enter late arrivals or early departures into compass, this needs to be done by the school office.

Thank you for your assistance with this matter.