From The Principal Week 2
Dear Families,
A small, but grateful group of parents from our school, as well as St Francis of Assisi and Holy Family, had the privilege of hearing from Dr Lorraine Hammond last night in our school hall. Dr Hammond is an internationally regarded expert on the science of learning, and reading especially.
Lorraine shared with those present ways in which we can help our children become readers, using strategies proven by years of research. Lorraine also spent Monday working with our teachers on their classroom strategies, coaching us to use effective, explicit techniques to benefit all students.
If you would like further information, please speak with your child’s teacher, or feel free to contact our Literacy Coordinator, Mrs Jo Thomson. Thanks to Mrs Jo Reed for organising Tuesday evening’s presentation.
Community Council Open Meeting and Resilience Information Session
Join us for part of, or all of our double-header next Tuesday evening:
Our Counsellor, Ima, and Chaplain, Karen Snowball, are presenting an information session to help parents build and maintain our children’s resilience. Following this, all parents are invited to stay for the Community Council meeting. At this meeting, we will discuss, among other items, the school’s new strategic plan, our new playground equipment, enrolments and the 2023 Fete.
Cross Country
It was a little damp underfoot, but we were so blessed with a beautiful autumn day for our annual cross country carnival. Congratulations to all the students who tried so hard, and more importantly, encouraged and supported their fellow runners. Thanks also to the many parent helpers who helped to ensure the event ran smoothly and safely. Well done to our staff team, led by Rachel Kennedy, for a smoothly planned event.
Ribbons will be presented during the morning assembly tomorrow, Thursday 4 May (weather permitting).
Netball Courts
If you park on the top bitumen area (near OSHC) of an afternoon, please remember that this area is required by After School Care and often used for after school netball training. Please remove your car from this area by 3.20pm.
School Uniform
All students should now be in correct school uniform. This means correct shoes, ties, etc. A reminder note will be sent home for students who are continually disregarding school policy.
Scarves, Coats & Beanies
The cooler weather recently has seen the welcome emergence of scarves, coats and beanies. Please remember that these items should be navy blue. Please ensure these items are clearly marked with your child’s name.
Community Council Secretary
We are seeking nominations from the community for a new Council member who is willing to serve as the Council Secretary. According to our constitution, the role of the Secretary is:
The Secretary will record accurately the minutes of the meeting, filing one (1) copy with the school and one (1) on the Council file. The Secretary, in collaboration with the Chair and the Principal, will prepare a brief report of each meeting for the school newsletter. The Secretary assists the Chair and the Principal in the preparation of the agenda and ensures that agenda items are advertised prior to the meeting. The Secretary will handle all correspondence as directed by the meeting.
Persons interested are asked to email their expression of interest to sca@cg.catholic.edu.au by Friday 5 May. For further information about the role, please contact me at school
2023 Key Improvement Goals
Early this year I shared our three Key Priorities for school improvement for 2023:
- That every student is a competent reader.
- High impact teaching practice is visible in every classroom.
- Creating a religiously literate school.
Our staff have worked in various ways on these three improvement goals, and will continue to do so. I hope you have noticed our work in these areas, and, as always, would love to hear your feedback at any stage. In the next three weeks I will share with you, specifically, some of the things we have done to improve in each of the areas.
Enrolments – Close on 31st May
We have a great school, with wonderful kids, dedicated staff and supportive families. Please spread the word amongst family and friends, reminding those with pre-schoolers that enrolments close on Friday 31st May.
Mothers Day Celebrations
All mums, grandmums and mother figures are invited to join us for breakfast and a social gathering, next Friday, 12th May, between 7.30am and 8.30am in the school Hall.
It was once said…
Blessings to you and your family.
Matt Egan-Richards
Principal