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Dear Parents
The season of Advent has begun. The word Advent means ‘coming’. But what are we coming to or waiting to come to us? Simply put we are waiting for the coming of Jesus or the light unto us. To receive the warmth and love of this light we are called to action. For in this action we are answering the call of God to be more to each other. In doing so we are the light of Jesus in the world today. We can learn, act and pray during this time for a more just and fair world that is full of hope, peace, joy and love - four themes for each week leading up to Christmas.
At the moment we are busy catching up with people we have not seen in a long time. We are doing things again outside of the family home. For some this brings enjoyment and for others some angst with being ‘busy’ again. Mixed emotions can cause stress or heightened behaviour. We are seeing this at school as we move back into everyday routines and expectations.
So we ask you to be more to each other this Advent. Be mindful that people may be feeling anxious; especially our children. The world is still topsy turvy to them and there is much talk about vaccinations and being allowed to ‘do’ things. We remain consistent in our expectations but remember to be reassuring and validate their and our own feelings. Speak openly and remember that prayer can be powerful. Take some time to be still and be grateful for each other. Be grateful for our new found freedom out of lockdown but go easy on yourselves and our children as we head into sports, visits and other activities. Be still and know that through your words and actions you can be more for those around you in the simplest of these. In essence then being the light of Christ that should be present during Advent and then shine brightly at Christmas.
Treasa Barwick
Deputy Principal Learning and Teaching
Damascus Mass
‘May your joy be complete’ was the theme of the Mass celebrated on Wednesday this week with the Damascus Community. Fr Denis helped the students with the understanding that if we follow Jesus’ message that this ultimately leads to true happiness.
There is a lot of study in the area of human happiness. Everyone is looking for happiness – sometimes in the wrong places. But what we are really talking about here is joy. How often do we recognise joy in our lives? Whatever the answer is, I bet most of you would say, “I’d like to experience joy a lot more!” Essentially, joy is when you experience your true calling - like when a mother or father sees their newborn child’s face for the first time. That is when you have experienced your calling. Christians believe that we are all made in the image of God – so God knows when we are living out a life that he designed. Jesus gives us the roadmap of how we can live out our true selves. If we follow this roadmap, we will truly be happy! Note: following this roadmap isn’t supported by Siri so we have to turn to the bible instead.
First Communion
Our Term 3 First Communion candidates are celebrating their long-awaited sacrament this Saturday and Sunday. Let us all pray for these people and their families this weekend.
Shalom World
A free Internet based channel that offers Catholic faith-based movies, documentaries and series. Check it out for some very wholesome and inspiring material.
COVID Case Management Update
WHAT IF A STUDENT IS IDENTIFIED AS A CONTACT?
If you are contacted by the school (via email OR phone) and advised you or your child is a contact, the contacts will be required to get an immediate standard (PCR) test. If the test returns a negative result, the student can return to school, with evidence of the negative result provided to the school. Please email your result to: principal@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au
The student will be strongly recommended to undertake a rapid antigen test each day before school, until they have used up the five tests provided to them. This is to ensure our school remains safe and that likely positive COVID-19 cases are identified as early as possible.
In exceptional circumstances the Department of Health may determine close contacts in significant school outbreaks are still required to quarantine for seven days. In this scenario, close contacts will be notified directly of any additional quarantine arrangements.
From Monday 22 November, testing kits will be available from testing centres and will be given to students after their standard PCR test.
Financial assistance is available
If your child is required to be tested, you may be able to access the $450 COVID-19 Test Isolation Payment.
For more information go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Further information for languages other than English
- For school information in languages other than English, call TIS National on 131 450.
- Please ask them to call the DET COVID-19 hotline on 1800 338 663 and they will help interpret.
- For health advice in languages other than English, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/translated-information-about-coronavirus-covid-19
General advice and support
For general advice and support please call the Department of Education and Training COVID-19 hotline.
The number is 1800 338 663.
It is available 8.30am to 5pm Monday through Friday, and 10am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
If you are concerned you have COVID-19 you can call the DH COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Early Pickup
Dear Parents,
If you wish to pick your child up early , you must do so before 1:30pm or between 2:30pm -3:00pm.
Students will not be released during the lunch hour period (1:30pm -2:20pm) or after 3pm.
After School Pickup
Please note that the gate to Denis Lane opens at 2:40pm. Please park in the car park if you arrive early to avoid congestion of traffic on Fiorelli Boulevard.
A reminder that the Council continues to check parking around the school area at drop off/ pickup times. Please adhere to all road rules to avoid fines.
Thank you for your support.
Village OSHC - Outside School Hours Care Program
Outside School Hours Care Program
It takes a village to raise a child and we are yours! VillageOSHC partners with schools Australia-wide to keep children safe and happy outside school hours as parents work or study. In our care, children make new friends, build on old friendships, get exercise, eat healthy food, embrace their imagination, and have loads of fun in a safe and respectful environment.
Operating Hours and Fees
Before School Care:
6:45am - 8:30am
Session fee:$18.95*
After School Care:
3:15pm - 6:15pm
Session fee: $29.95*
Vacation Care:
6:45am - 6:15pm
Session fee: $69.95*
Visit villageoshc.com.au to enrol and book via LookedAfter, the VillageOSHC booking platform. LookedAfter is Government approved, highly secure and user-friendly. Create an account for your family for free by clicking the Book Now button.
Book early! Book 24 hours or more in advance to pay the lowest rate! *Fees listed above are per child per session before CCS is applied. For a full list of fees and charges including late notice and walk-ins, see Terms and Conditions at villageoshc.com.au
For more information visit our website at villageoshc.com.au
For all enquiries contact VillageOSHC on 1300 366 437 or email support@villageoshc.com.au.
November | |
Saturday 27th | First Communion Mass |
Sunday 28th | First Communion Mass |
December | |
Wednesday 1st |
Whole School Excursion- Moonlit Sanctuary |
Thursday 9th |
Yr 6 Graduation Mass Yr 6 Graduation Ceremony (info to follow)
|
Tuesday 14th | Last Day of School Term 2021 |