Dear SCA Families,

Woo hoo! Warmth, energy, vitality and laughter has returned to our classrooms. It has been wonderful to have most of our students return to schooling on site. During this transition back ‘to the new normal’ in schools I have been impressed with the enthusiasm the children have shown and their willingness to engage in all school activities upon their return. For some of our children the extended time away can present some challenges in the return to the routines of the school day. While we have experienced a slightly higher level of anxiety for some students, given the nature of what all of our families have had to endure, I think we are coming through this time very well. Our teachers remain vigilant in supporting all our children and I encourage you to be in regular communication with your child’s teacher/s to ensure the best possible support structures for each and every student are in place. Please do not hesitate to call if there is something the school can do to help you in this time of transition.

With every challenge there comes learning and some positives. The requirement for parents to drop the children off each day and not enter the school has required some planning and new strategies for families. All of a sudden we are expecting our children to become more independent, manage their belongings and take on self-responsibilities that previously were left to Mum or Dad to manage. Well, I’m sure you would agree, our children have been extremely successful in taking on their self-management of tasks. We don’t know at this time how long restrictions will be in place for parents but my suggestion is that once the bans on entering the school have been lifted, don’t fall back into the mode of doing everything for your child. They can and will cope with this change and this can only lead to greater independence and build resilience for every child.

On a few occasions I have noted when the younger children are carrying their bags, how heavy they seem to be. I’m not sure why this would be the case, they really only need their food, their reader and for the older children, their device. Lugging huge numbers of books back and forth to school each day is unnecessary and there are storage places in every classroom for these items. In the self-management process I encourage you to check your child’s bag and talk to them about what they do and don’t need to carry each day. Keeping the bag light and only containing the essential items will be a much better way to help support this move to greater independence.

As you know, our calendar has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and many events have had to be cancelled or postponed. Please continue to refer to the calendar (accessible via the SZapp or webpage) for dates for school based activities.

All students return to school

For the rest of this week (Week 4) and next (Week 5), please email your child’s teacher directly if they are going to be absent on any day. If your child will be at school you do not need to inform us.

From Tuesday 2^nd June (Week 6), all children should be back at school unless sick or with a compromised immune system. Please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a suitable, alternate learning program, as remote learning will no longer be routinely provided.

Tuckshop

We are planning for the Tuckshop to re-open on Tuesday 2^nd June (Week 6) for lunch orders. Please remember that until then it will be closed.

Outside of School Hours Care

A reminder that our OSHC is open for before and after school care. Should you require a place for your child/ren, please call on 6294 8004.

Fees

Term 2 fees invoices will be sent home this week. If you will have difficulty in paying your fees this term please contact myself or Jo McCarthy as a matter of urgency.

As excursions have had to be cancelled this term, we have not invoiced families for the Enrichment Levy ($24 per child). Though this levy is also used to cover other costs (such as performances, Extravaganza etc) we hope that even a small reduction in fees eases the burden a little.

Fee relief is available for eligible families. I sincerely thank parents who are able to continue to pay the fees. Any unspent levies (eg Water Safety) will be credited at the end of the year.

School iPads

If your family borrowed a school iPad for remote learning, please send it back to school tomorrow (if you haven’t already).

2021

All enrolment forms for Catholic primary and secondary schools must be submitted by this Friday, 22^nd May.

It was once said…

“The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” –Denis Waitley

This Sunday (24^th May) is the Feast of Mary Help of Christians. You may not be aware that Mary Help of Christians is the patron saint of Australia. As Christians, we pray this week to Mary to help and guide us as a nation so that we may be a positive force for good in the world.

Blessings to you and your family. Take care and go gently.

Matt Egan-Richards

Principal