Dear Parents and Carers,

Despite the current high levels of absenteeism of staff and students due to COVID, we are travelling quite well as we come to the end of the term. Using each day's attendance, we decide on classes and organise supervision to ensure students are safe and are learning. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team of teachers and support staff who continually go above and beyond what is expected of them. Thank you parents for being so supportive in keeping sick children at home and isolating them for the required period. 

Unless advised by your doctor, do not retest your child for 28 days after their positive result as a second positive result requires a further 7 day self isolation period for them and their siblings. Only siblings who have already tested positive may return to school after a 7 day period. 

Kindergarten Parent Meeting and Morning Tea
Unfortunately I was off work sick when the Kinder Parent Welcome and morning tea occurred. It was pleasing to know that most parents were able to make it and from all accounts enjoyed learning more about what life is like at school in Kindergarten. I hope you found the information helpful. Thank you for coming along!

Thanks to Mrs Heffernan, Mrs Afflick and Ms Stephen and support staff for helping prepare for the morning. 

Whole School Awards
On Monday, we were able to host a special Whole school Assembly for all of our students and their families. It was wonderful to see so many parents join us for the assembly and picnic on the front lawns. Congratulations to our new School Leaders, House Leaders and all of all Year 6 Leaders. Watching our Year 6 and Kinder buddies was a special highlight and one that children will remember for a long time. It is so good to be able to mix students across grades now and be able to have buddy activities at school. 

Community Council - New school jumper 
Over the past two years there has been a lot of conversation about updating our school jumper. It is a very old style and the students do not like wearing them. A parent survey was held and most respondents wanted a new navy jumper. The Community Council investiagted different styles and colours and have decided to go with a good quality bomber style jumper for all students. We believe that the chosen style will look very smart, go well with the girls' dresses and suit the students’ desire to have something that can be worn as a relaxed jacket.

Over the next two years, the current jumper will be slowly phased out. We have decided that the current maroon nylon jacket will remain but not as a jumper to be worn indoors. Parents are not expected to buy the new style this year. 

K-2 Eggstravaganza Day
We are all looking forward to this wonderful day for students in Kinder - Year 2. Our fabulous K-2 teachers are planning lots of activities for the children and their families. We have also invited our preschool aged children to join us until 11.00am. If you know of young children who would like to come along with their parents, please pass on this information.

K-12 Combined Schools Mass postponed
With the increase of COVID cases in the community, a decision has been made to postpone our K-12 Mass with St Bernard’s and Carroll College planned for Week 10. Putting over 1000 students and staff from 3 different schools together indoors is not considered safe at present.   

Sunflowers for Ukraine Day
In the last week of school, Thursday 7 April, we will be hosting a very special ‘Sunflowers for Ukraine Day’ to raise much needed funds for the CARITAS Ukraine appeal. Our students will be involved in creative and educational activities about sunflowers during the day. Parents are welcome to join us at any time. More information will be coming home shortly.  

A Prayer for Ukraine

Loving God,

for all those suffering or afraid,

that you will be close to them and protect them.

We pray for world leaders,

for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.

We pray for the world

that in this moment of crisis,

we may reach out in solidarity

to our brothers and sisters in need.

May we walk in your ways

so that peace and justice

become a reality for the people of Ukraine

and for all the world.

Amen

God Bless
Noeleen O'Neill