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Dear Parents
As we continue with lockdown and remote learning, I know we can be stuck thinking about where we are now and what we hoped would be happening. We are aware the children at home and those onsite are tired, feeling flat and not as excited about learning. Our teachers have worked to try and continue to engage the students. We look forward to a holiday and rest and wishing for a return to Term 4 onsite.
Closure Day - Friday
On Friday the staff will be having a professional learning day so there are NO students onsite.
Our agenda will cover:
Catholic Mission, Catholic Social teaching and Socktober - looking at how we make explicit links between Catholic scripture and tradition and the actions we take to work to improve the outcomes for all people.
Review of Nationally Consistent Collection of Data from St Thomas', which students are part of this collection, what processes are in place and which need further explanation or embedding to ensure that students are supported to achieve their best.
Data for Learning where staff use data sets which have been explored during meetings for the past few weeks to plan learning at the point of need for all children in their class and community. This opportunity for collaborative planning is critical at this point to ensure the best use of time when we return to onsite schooling for rich experiences focused on the foundational skills required for further learning.
Structure
Our school structure will be slightly different in 2022 in order to best meet the needs of our students.
In listening to parents, students and staff it became clear that while our composite communities had been somewhat successful, our students are still missing out on important social relationships with their peers as we shift and change through composite levels each year.
In consultation with staff we have developed a proposal which has been shared with and supported by the School Advisory Committee.
We will move in 2022 to a single level structure.
Each year group will be together and have a community of teachers lead by one of the class teachers who will be released for two days a week to support the whole team in their learning, planning and teaching.
Staffing
We are beginning the processes of appointing our leadership team for 2022.
Mrs Sarah Chappell has been appointed to the role of Professional Learning Leader for F to 2. Mrs Kathy Zandona has been appointed to the role of Professional Learning Leader for 3 to 6.
Swimming
We will be expanding our swimming program in 2022 so that grades Foundation, 2, 4 and 6 will participate in an intensive swimming program each year.
Kate
Mass
The Damascus Community celebrated their Mass on Wednesday. It landed on the Nativity of Mary feast day, 8th September, so we recognise Mary’s birthday on this day. There are three birthdays that we celebrate in the Church calendar. Everyone knows we celebrate Jesus’ birthday on 25th December! The other birthday we celebrate is John the Baptist, on the 24th June.
First Communion Update
Term 3 Program (Year 5)
Sister Julie facilitated a mini-workshop for the Year 5 First Communion candidates today. We realise that it is not always possible to attend a Google Meet for various reasons. If any students missed the session today, please contact the parish to arrange for learning materials to be sent out. The email address for the sacramental team is parishofstthomasap@gmail.com .
Term 4 Program (Year 4)
Many thanks to all the families that responded to the First Communion Term 4 Program enrolment. Just a reminder that this program is mainly for the Year 4 students. The enrolment form is open until tomorrow, 10th September. It is important to note that it is uncertain as to whether we will be able to celebrate the sacrament this year, but the focus is on the preparation.
Weekly Parish Mass
Parish Mass can be viewed every Sunday via the following link.
Please click on the facebook link to stream mass
Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.
To treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.
National Child Protection Week (5-11 September 2021)
National Child Protection Week (5-11 September) is an annual event starting on the first Sunday of September. This year’s theme ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’ aims to spread the message that to treat all of Australia’s children fairly, we need to make sure every family and community has what kids need to thrive and be healthy.
Bishop Greg Bennet has released a video for Child Safety Week which is available to view on You Tube. Please click on the link to view video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWTqj_ANcfU
Over the last few weeks leading up to R U Ok? week, our students have been learning and identifying their emotions through art using colours, shapes and lines to express their emotions they feel through the day.
Here are some of their wonderful pieces of art that reflect their emotions.
Parenting for Resilience , Confidence & Independence
We are doing it again! Are you registered? The line up of speakers is AMAZING!!
The Parenting for Resilience, Confidence & Independence Online Summit is FREE and being held Online on Friday 8th -10th October 2021
2022 Intentions form
As advised recently in the Spear, we are already preparing for 2022!
To help us prepare for class structures next year we are asking families to advise their intentions if your child/ren are moving schools next year.
If you know already that your child/ren are going to be attending Year 1 to Grade 6 at a different school for 2022, could you please click on the link below and complete the information.
https://forms.gle/4916NNyS1sH8a7gMA
Please DO NOT complete the form if your child is currently in Year 6 now and going to Secondary college next year.
Kind regards
Rebekah Lucas
Administration Officer
School Fee Concession
Dear Families
Many in our school community continue to face financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are committed to supporting families experiencing financial challenges through our School Fee Concession programs, and encourage any parent/carer/guardian experiencing difficulties to contact us regarding fee assistance.
Please contact Nicola Saunders on finance@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au to explore confidential financial support arrangements or to obtain further information.
Thank you
Nicola Saunders
Administration Officer
Afternoon School Pick Up
Dear Parents
We have been looking at how we can improve the pick up situation in the afternoons. We are going to allow parents to park in the first row of bays closest to Fiorelli Drive.
Please see the attached car park diagram.
All cars will enter via Gate 1 (closest to Ferrari drive) and either turn right to park or continue with the car pick up loop.
Parents parking will use the pedestrian crossing to collect children from the basketball court.
Parked cars will exit out Gate 2 (closest to Berwick Cranbourne Rd). There will be staff members to assist but I know that our lovely parents will work to take turns and let everyone through.
For those with children onsite for remote learning you can use this parking from today.
Everyone else, we'll look forward to seeing you all when lockdown lifts.
Uniform Reminders
NO HAT, NO PLAY
As we head into spring, and as per our Sun Protection Policy the No Hat, No Play rule will begin from 2nd September 2021.
Students will be required to wear hats when outside (e.g recess, play breaks, lunch, sport and excursions). If a child is not wearing a hat they will be required to stay in an undercover area during these times.
Hats can be purchased from PSW located in Hampton Park
NB: We have a number of unnamed items in lost property. Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be returned to your child if handed to lost property.
Parent Notified Absences (PAM)/ Attendance (Remote Learning)
Parents are required to log their child’s absence/ attendance (remote learning) by 9:30 am. This can be done via PAM or alternatively by contacting the school on 5998 9293.
Please note any unexplained absences will be recorded as an absence against your child’s attendance record.
If you are experiencing any problems logging into PAM, please contact the school for assistance.
Illness
Dear Parents
If your child is unwell, has a fever or has been vomiting or have had gastroenteritis, they must stay at home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. If they are not completely symptom free eg: runny nose, cough they will need a medical certificate to confirm they have recovered and are not contagious in order to attend school.
Change of Clothing (Foundation – Junior students)
Accidents happen, from muddy puddles to tummy troubles; there may come a time when your child needs a change of clothes. Please ensure your child has a spare set of clothing in their bags at all times in the event they are needed.
COMPETITION
NAME THE CHICKEN !!!!
Dear students
Can you please think of a great name (or names) for this chicken and use this link here - https://forms.gle/
CALENDAR - TERM 3 IMPORTANT DATES
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September | |
Wednesday Sept 15 |
Bethany Community Mass - 9:15am |
Thursday Sept 16 |
Footy Sports Teams Day Last Day of Term 3 |
Friday Sept 17 | School Closure Day |
October 4 | TERM 4 Begins |