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Dear Parents and Carers,
Alleluia to the sunshine as that is helping keep our spirits bright and demeanour hopeful as we navigate these last few weeks of Remote Learning. The children have started the term with varied levels of enthusiasm which is understandable with the seemingly endless time away from school. It is taking its toll. We need to hang on for just these next few weeks and stay the course and by the beginning of November, everyone will be back at school for face to face teaching. I am actually thankful that it is an 11 week term as we will still have 7 weeks back together. When we do come back it will be like the beginning of the school year. We will make sure that the students come back to a welcoming and support environment as we know that some of our children will be bursting with excitement to be back where as others will be a little apprehensive.
As I said last week, I will let you know what is happening as decisions are made. The Royal Life Saving Society have informed us that swimming lessons have been cancelled for the year. Therefore we won’t be having our swimming lessons this year and thus, the activity levy will be removed from the school fees for this term.
We are still working on the prospect of the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation being received but it is too early to announce how that will happen.
Next week I will update you on what measures we are taking to diminish the risk of COVID transmission in the school community once the children return to school. These requirements are designed to:
- minimise unnecessary physical interaction between students on school grounds;
- ensure that students learn and play only with those in their cohort, wherever possibleand
- enhance contact tracing.
We are also considering how pick up in the afternoon will work in regard to the already mentioned safeguards above. This includes how it will happen on rainy days which are bound to occur given the forecast for a wetter than normal spring and summer. Lots of thinking happening but we know we will come up with a workable solution. Meanwhile keep doing the exceptional job you are doing supporting Remote Learning whilst also doing your normal job. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or to me directly if we can help you in any way needed. Victoria is continuing to make her delicious meal creations for the next two weeks, so please take advantage of that (or even stock up with a few meals for later on).
So just as a reminder, the return of children to school will be staggered. This is a uniform directive across all education jurisdictions in the ACT: Government; Independent; and Catholic Schools.
- K, 1, 2 and 6 students will return from Monday 25 October.
- 3, 4 and 5 students will return from Monday 1 November.
On a completely different note, if you have driven past the school recently you will see that the builder’s fences have been erected and work has begun on the hall renovations. This is very exciting as it is the only part of the school that has not had a makeover since the school was built over 40 years ago. The renovations will not be completed until the end of Term 1 next year but it will certainly be worth the wait.
Until next week, take care and stay safe.
Yours in partnersip,
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
RE Week 1 - Who do you say I am?
Eucharist and Confirmation
Fr Praveen, Mrs Jamieson and I are currently discussing how to move forward with the sacraments. The safety of all is of paramount concern. We hope to have some options to put to you in the very near future. Confirmation packs will be ready to collect next week. They will include instructions. We ask that you begin the program with your children next week. A video will be posted into the student’s TEAMS channel which you will be required to watch in place of the usual Information Night. The progress of the Sacramental Program will be largely dependent on a commitment from all families to engage authentically in the program at home. Thank you for your continued understanding.
Community Prayer
This Term in our Community Prayer on Friday, we are going to learn about the Jesse Tree. Jesse Tree is a way of preparing for Advent by journeying through the stories on Jesus's family tree.
Just as we each have a family tree, a history of our ancestors so does Jesus. In the Advent tradition of the Jesse tree we trace Jesus’ family history and learn about the love of God for us as revealed through real-life ancestors of Jesus
Jesse was the father of King David. We decorate a Jesse tree with illustrated ornaments that represent the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus. The ornaments of the Jesse tree tell the story of God in the Old Testament, connecting the Advent season with the faithfulness of God across four thousand years of history. The Jesse Tree helps us to remember that God keeps His promises. God has a plan for each of us;
11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will let you find me, says the Lord
Penny Vanzwol
REC
Neo and I (mainly Neo!) are very excited to have students returning to the library soon! In preparation for this, next week there will be a box outside the door to the Front Office for book returns. I would greatly appreciate it if each family could make an effort to return all library books next week.
In the current social environment, books will need to be sanitised before they are returned to the shelf. This will be a considerable process. I would like to have as many books as possible back on the shelves before the students return to school as they have been a long time without them. I appreciate your cooperation with this matter.
Penny Vanzwol
Teacher Librarian
Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who will cebebrate a birthday this week
Our SRC invite you to take part in the Cupcake Challenge!
Please see the poster below for details.
Here is the link to upload your cupcake photos: