Dear Parents,

Welcome back to another term. It was great to see the children and hear about their holidays. I hope the school break was also a break for families and students are recharged for another term of learning and school opportunities.

 Term 3 Events and Covid Concerns

The calendar for this term is clearing quickly with Catholic Education cancelling many extra-curricular activities. (Please see the Compass post earlier today which included letters from our Director, Ross Fox). The priority is on teaching and learning and looking after staff and students during the expected third wave of Covid. Whilst NSW Government mandates have eased our system is taking a risk adverse approach in the interest of staff and student wellbeing. Staff and students who have cold/flu like symptoms are to remain at home and please notify class teachers if your child tests positive to Covid. The isolation period remains at 7 days.

 Attendance

On that note I want to add a quick word on attendance. Success at school relies on many factors but one of the most important factors is regular attendance. It plays a huge part in establishing work habits and social connections aside from building knowledge and developing skills in key learning areas. Attendance is a parent responsibility that is closely monitored by principals. But with cold/flu absences expected to be higher than normal this term wellbeing of our school community is our priority.

I ask parents to submit an explanation for why your child is absent. This can be done via the Compass Parent Portal, phoning or emailing the front office.  Please note the reasons for absences are:

• illness or infectious condition
• medical appointment
• exceptional family circumstances

Otherwise, students should be at school.

Breakfast Top Up goes Five Days per Week!

After successfully running this program for 2 years, we are aiming to provide a 'top up' each and every morning, Monday to Friday. We know many students regularly have breakfast at home each morning but for many different reasons this may not always occur. Our Breakfast Top Up is simply a slice of toast or Weet bix  available through the support of staff. It starts at 8:35 and runs to 9:00am It’s easy! To offset costs we are hoping that students may give a 50 cent donation, but only if they can. Otherwise, we want children who need it to have breakfast and start their learning day on a positive note.

Have a lovely week everyone.

Jannine