Dear Parents

This week we celebrated Catholic Schools Week.  We have created a special video for you to celebrate all that it means to be a Catholic School, and I know I’m biased, but we definitely have one of the best!

This week we held our Ash Wednesday Mass (Years 1-6) and Liturgy (Kindergarten).  Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent.  Lent is the time of preparation for the Easter Season.  Lent is a time for praying, fasting and almsgiving.  I encourage you to think about how you as a family model this at home.  It may be by attendance at Mass, abstaining from meat on a Friday or giving to Caritas Australia through Project Compassion.  While we will teach and focus on all these things at school, your child’s faith and understanding will be strengthened if you also focus on them at home.

I’d like to express my thanks to Kelly Pucillo, our P&F President for her organisation and flexibility this week with organising (then reorganising) our lunch deal this week.  While we would love to have a fully functioning canteen, I am very grateful for the generosity of Ms Briony Start, Mrs Robyn Reiher and Mrs Renae Batur who were able to help with today’s pasta lunch.  Our first P&F meeting is next Tuesday 8 March, 6.30pm via Zoom.  I encourage you all to join us at this meeting. Together we can create great things!

School Photos

Our school photos will be held next Thursday 10 March.  All children will be wearing their full summer uniform on this day.  I continue to be impressed with the very high standard of uniform and pride the students display each day, and I know that particularly on school photo day you will want your child to look their best.  Can I gently remind you that these are school photos and not glamour shots.  While we would expect that your child may have their hair styled to look nice, they still need to comply with our uniform policy.  Hair below the collar should be tied back and only simple studs and sleepers may be worn.  Please make contact with the school prior to the day if you require any further information or clarification.

Uniform Policy

We have begun the process of updating our school Uniform Policy.  Please read the draft policy below.  While there are no changes to the current uniform, we hope this updated version provides greater clarity for you.

We are also considering looking at a new school hat, introducing an option for the girls to wear pants in Winter and a new school bag.  Before we begin investigating these options, I would like to gain your thoughts on these initiatives.  Please complete the Google Form below to share your thoughts on both the updated Uniform Policy and the possible introduction of a new school hat, bag and pants for girls during Winter.

DRAFT Policy:

https://forms.gle/HQsABVA8x4i6xgyD7

Student Attendance - Extended Leave and Exemption from School

Student Attendance is not only an essential element of your child’s learning journey, it is also a legal requirement for them to attend school.  Family holidays during the school term are discouraged, however, if you plan on taking your child on a trip that requires them to be absent from school for more than three consecutive days, you must apply for an Application for Extended Leave.  Without a Certificate for Extended Leave you may be questioned by authorities and potentially fined.

If your child has an ongoing need to be absent from school, (e.g. involved in elite sport or ongoing medical appointments) you also need to apply for an Exemption from School.   Applications must be made in advance and may not be granted.  Each case must be considered and approved by the principal.

Both application forms are available from the school office.  This process can take some time to complete so we appreciate you providing as much notice as possible. 

Kindergarten Enrolments 2023

We are currently accepting enrolments for Kindergarten 2023. Applications are available from the school office.

Ms Gabi Tobin - Principal