Dear Parents/Carers,

What an unpreceded time we are experiencing in Australia and of course, across the world. The media and social media coverage of the COVID-19 Pandemic has been at a level that we haven't seen before. Whilst this virus is of concern, the coverage has on many occasions, been quite distressing. Children will ask questions that are hard to answer but my advice, is to be open and honest to help ease anxiety and worries. You are the most trusted person in their lives. Help them to be critical of what they hear or read and provide age appropriate facts. Allowing children to watch or listen to the news at present, should be done so with caution. It is important that parents are taking the time to discuss what is happening in Australia and around the world with their children. This is not a role that should be deferred to a teacher at school. It is much easier to talk one-on-one with a child about these bigger issues, than what it is to talk to 25 students in class, all with different levels of understanding, experiences and questions. You know your child best, so this is best to come from you in the first instance.

You may have seen the Prime Ministers address yesterday assuring the people of Australia that our schools staying open is the right thing to do. At St Thomas’ we are going along as “Business As Usual’ albeit without excursions, events or assemblies. In some ways, there is a sense of peace and calm across the school as teachers and students go about their day with teaching and learning with very few interruptions.

Whilst there are no plans to close schools across the country, we are making preparations behind the scenes in case this does happen. In the unlikely case of the school closing, we will move to a remote teaching model. How that will look is something we, in conjunction with the Catholic Education Office, are developing. Teachers are busy preparing packs to go home with activities and information as well as passwords and instructions on accessing online platforms. Information will be sent to all families once we have it very clear on all the details. You will have received a Szapp survey today regarding devices for online access. This is also in the newsletter.

As stated previously, we have many measures in place across the school to make the school environment as safe as possible. We are being hyper vigilant in terms of sending students home should they present with any cold and flu-like symptoms.

If your child is not well in the morning, please do not send them to school. We are also regularly reminding our students about good hygienic practices, especially thorough hand washing with soap and coughing/sneezing etiquette to help prevent the spread of germs. I ask parents to reinforce these messages at home and to spend time practising thorough hand washing with soap for at least 20 seconds each time and practising how to cough/sneeze to minimise the spread of germs as per the two attached posters.

Whilst we have had to cancel all of our upcoming events, please be assured that the day-to-day teaching and learning is still occurring. Awards will still be happening but will be presented to students by myself in classes. Our teachers and school staff at St Thomas the Apostle are doing a sterling job as they continue to provide a high level of care and support to your children. You can be assured that they are absolutely committed to teaching students during this time of significant community concern, public health challenges while having to implement tough policies and processes. I sincerely appreciate what they are doing and what you, our parents and carers are doing as well.

Parent Teacher Interviews

As this in an event where there are many people in the school at one time, the directive from Catholic Education is that these interviews be postponed until later in the year. If you have any concerns, please contact your child’s teacher via email to organise a phone interview. Teachers will also contact parents if they want to talk with them about their child.

Harmony Day

Even though we have postponed Grandparents Day until later in the year, we will still celebrate Harmony Day at school tomorrow. Children (and staff) are invited to wear outfits and costumes that represent their family’s country of origin. Alternatively, everyone is encouraged to wear something ‘orange’ to mark the day. Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Day. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. We can wear something orange to show support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

Good luck Mrs Pank

Today was the last day of school for Mrs Pank as she leaves us to go on maternity leave. We wish Natasha all our love and best wishes and look forward to hearing the news of when her baby is born (due in April)! Mrs Judy Egan will be teaching the class (Thursday and Friday) for the rest of the year in partnership with Mrs Tarthra Kennelly.

System Leader's Day and Principal's Retreat

In Week 5, I travelled to Bowral to attend the annual Catholic Education System Leaders’ Day, which was dedicated to improving student outcomes through the development of Catholic Educations 'Learning Agenda.' There were four areas where we were engaged in professional discussions (Curriculum, Instructional Leadership and Literacy and Numeracy in the early years). These workshops enabled me to contribute, on our school’s behalf, to the shared directions across Catholic Education in our Archdiocese.

This was followed on Thursday and Friday by the annual Archdiocesan Principals’ retreat, which was led by Professor Br David Hall. The retreat theme was ‘Beacons of hope: purpose and possibilities for Catholic schools.’ A timely topic in these uncertain times. For me personally, it provided space to reflect on the call for all Christians to be beacons of hope light in our world. We certainly are and need to be,  people of hope!

Once again, I would like to thank you for your support and consideration as we take each day, one at a time.

May God bless you and your families,

Ursula Jamieson
Principal