You are reminded that all whole-school events, such as assemblies, liturgies and sporting events have been cancelled until we are able to have large gatherings.

Dear Parents/Carers,

We are looking forward very much to having all of the students back at school next week. The staff have missed having their class all together, and they are eager to engage with them again. Next week will certainly be a great opportunity to reconnect and I am sure that the children are excited to see their friends and teachers. 

The timing of this change for next week coincidentally matches with a significant event in the Church's calendar - the Feast of the Ascension is this Sunday. Jesus leaving the apostles to carry out his work is a message of HOPE - hope that the light of Christ will be a beacon for generations to come, and hope that he will return again one day. Hope knows no lmits, and our Catholic school community can be a sign of HOPE for all as we navigate this time of uncertainty.

Updates for next week

Tomorrow we will distribute a letter that provides some specific details about our procedures for when children return on Monday. All of our decisions are based on the following principles that have been developed for our system of schools in the Diocese of Wollongong:

• we will comply with COVID-19 hygiene protocols
• we will comply with COVID-19 social distancing protocols that are in place for adults
• we will deliver a single mode of learning i.e. face-to-face teaching

One of the most difficult impacts on our school community as we transition to having all children back at school is that we must continue to limit the gathering of adults on our school grounds. This is not our natural instinct and we look forward to the time when restrictions are eased and we can once again have parents and carers regularly joining us.

Attendance arrangements

From Monday 25 May, remote learning will no longer be provided. All children are expected to return to school. If your child needs to remain at home for medical reasons, please complete this form so that we can discuss with you options to support your child’s wellbeing and continued growth in faith and learning during this time. Please note that any unexplained absences will be followed up as per standard procedures.

God bless.

Paul Moroney
Principal

It is hard to believe that next week we will be back to having all of the children returning to school. We have been amazed by the levels of engagement from our students during remote learning and your commitment in assisting their learning at home in these past weeks. We appreciate the challenges that this may have held for many of you and acknowledge your support during this time.

We are very much looking forward to reintroducing the important routines and structures to enable the best learning experience for your children. The teachers are looking forward to having their class back with them next week.  

Next week our teachers will be taking the time to reconnect with their students and re-teaching our school rules and classroom expectations. We invite you to assist us in this transition time. The following tips may assist you to support your child to have a smooth return to school:

 -         Try to be on time in the morning as this can raise levels of anxiety in your child

-         Being organised the night before may assist your child to have a calmer morning in readiness for a full day at school

-         Ensure your child has equipment for the day eg. ipad and headphones (Y1-6), pencil case, lunch box, drink bottle and workbooks

-         Make sure your child has had a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast as this will enable them to remain focussed on their learning throughout the day

-         Remember to pack a healthy lunchbox to give your child the right fuel to get them through their day

-         Ensure your child reads every night. 

-     We will be continuing to use the PM online readers for home reading. This  term we will not be sending home paper books.

Kind Regards,

 Kylie Billett and Helen Libro

Acting Assistant Principals

Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who are celebrating their birthday this week, May25 - May 31

Please note that applications for Kindergarten 2021 are still being accepted. Interviews are curently being held so forms will need to be received as soon as possible. Please contact the school office for more information.