Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

Sacraments

Last weekend many Grade 6 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. In place of the usual large celebration there were four intimate, very personal ceremonies. The children received the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel (right judgement), fortitude (courage), knowledge, piety (reverence), and wonder/awe of the Lord and we pray that these gifts will be utilised and developed as they continue to grow and face new challenges in the years ahead. 

Next weekend the Grade 3 students will be receiving the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. We pray that the faith of these young children is enriched and deepened by this very special occasion. 

We thank Father Darren Howie, Catherine Cavanagh, the parish Sacramental Coordinator, the 5/6  and 3/4 teachers, Mrs Tracy Allan, our Religious Education Leader and the parents of the students for all their work in preparing the students and making the celebrations possible.

2021 School Captains

Last week Mrs Allan, myself and the 2020 school captains had the privilege of interviewing students who had written outstanding applications for the positions of School, House and Liturgy Captains in 2021. We are extremely fortunate to have such a terrific group of students aspiring to leadership. The students' pride, appreciation and gratitude for our school shone through in their applications. As always, it was a very difficult choice to make. We commend all the students who applied for the positions and assure them that the whole Grade 6 cohort will all be leaders next year, with or without a badge and we hope the students will use many opportunities to exercise their leadership throughout the year. 

We congratulate the following students who have been appointed :

School Captains :           Ruby Morris                    Nate Pugh

School Vice Captains : Samantha Carmichael  Julia Lindsay

Liturgy Captains :            Eddie Coyne                     Lani Horrocks

                                           Harvey Richards             Eleanor Smith

Red House Captains :     Max Plenkovich              Isla Spradbury

Blue House Captains :    Jack Howell                      Finn McNally

Green House Captains :  Lulu Curtis                       Michaela Shepherd

Gold House Captains :    Brodie Magro                   Juliette Sibly

Teacher Positions and Grades for 2021 

Prep Trust Kate Egan

Prep Love Patricia Martin

1 / 2 Faith Susan Holmberg

1 / 2 Trust Christie Panozzo

1 / 2 Love Belinda O’Brien

1 / 2 Hope Courtney Brann

3 / 4 Faith Rebecca Nielson

3 / 4 Trust Loreena Keane

3 / 4 Love Leigh Granger

3 / 4 Hope Travis Newton

5 / 6 Faith Hannah Parrett

5 / 6 Trust Jennifer Lawlor

5 / 6 Love Kate Morison

Each level will have support staff working in the neighbourhood on a part time basis.

Support Staff:

Prep Kasey Heim

1 / 2 Dianne Gin

3 / 4 Julia Foster

5 / 6 Kylee Bertacco

Each level neighbourhood will also have Education Support Officers to assist in catering for the diverse learning needs of the students.

Specialist teachers:

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Nicole Buccilli

Italian Rosemary Daniel 

Physical Education Michelle Richards 

Performing Arts Grades Prep-2  (Dance, Drama and Music) Kasey Heim

Performing Arts Grades 3-6  (Dance, Drama and Music) Danielle Paulson

Positions of leadership

Michelle Richards will continue in her position as Sports Coordinator, we are most grateful for her expertise, diligence and efficiency in undertaking this role.  Kate Morison will continue to be our eLearning Leader. Kate endured a steep learning curve this year with her skills and talents being in hot demand- especially with the advent of remote Learning. She certainly delivered! We are most grateful for your knowledge and patience Kate!

The Planning Leaders for 2021 will be Ms Jennifer Lawlor, Mr Leigh Granger,  Mrs Dianne Gin and Mrs Trish Martin. These leaders undertook this new role for the latter half of this year and the school has greatly benefited from their command of the curriculum and their extensive knowledge and experience in teaching and learning. 

COVID 19 Easing of restrictions 

The easing of some restrictions will enable us to revert to our usual recess and lunch breaks (rather than staggered breaks) from this week as it is no longer required to reduce mixing amongst different year levels. The outside drinking taps will also now be able to be used.

We still are required to ensure that students and families do not congregate at the school before or after school and that all maintain 1.5 metres between each other.

With this in mind we will continue with our current pick up and drop off procedures until the end of this year.

Staff and parent feedback have indicated that the morning procedure (where students enter the school independently and go straight to their classrooms) is working extremely well. The staff report that the students have never been more settled and ready to learn in the mornings and many parents have indicated that this has been terrific for reducing student anxiety, separation issues and encouraging the development of student confidence and independence.   

We intend to continue with this morning routine next year, which is working so well, with the exception of the first day for all students and the first two weeks for Prep students. On the first day of school for 2021 (COVID 19 restrictions permitting) which will be Thursday January 28, for the students, parents may choose to accompany their children to their new classrooms. The morning carline will still be in operation for those who choose to use this option that day. From Friday January 29 all students should be using the bus, crossing or carline independently in the mornings  with the exception of the Preps. We encourage parents to continue to contact teachers via Seesaw or email when they need to communicate. 

The afternoon carlines have also become more efficient. We intend to continue this procedure as well. We do ask, however that parents not arrive too early if possible, as it causes traffic issues on Korumburra Rd. 

Hopefully from next year parents will have the option of parking in the parish carpark and entering the school to collect children in the afternoons-COVID-19 restrictions permitting. 

Canteen

We hope to reinstate the canteen on Thursdays and Fridays early in the new year. We will let you know when this will occur.

With the final day of student attendance being Monday December 14, this will be our last newsletter for this term. I want to sincerely thank you all once more for your incredible support over his year. The staff and I feel very fortunate to have such a compassionate, understanding and resilient parent body who have worked with us throughout this year. I hope everyone has a very happy Christmas and an enjoyable break!

May God bless you all, 

Joanne Coldebella

Acting Principal   

School Advisory Committee AGM

For your information please find the Principal's Report attached.