YULMBURRAL
As a way of honouring our First Nations people we embrace ‘Yulmburral’ – the Kuku Yalanji word for ‘WELCOME’.
A special welcome is extended to all new students and families, and especially those in the Prep class of 2021. We welcome Mrs Marijke Keller, our new counsellor to the staff and Fr Martin Kenny as our Parish Priest.
The start to the school year has been smooth and positive. Uniforms are looking great, classes are settled and school structures are in place. The school building and grounds had a significant amount of work done over the summer holidays and Saints is looking very inviting for all to attend.
Covid-19 Protocols based upon the CES Operating Procedures document are in place. A reminder all adults who enter the school grounds must check in using the QR code immediately upon entering the campus. Check out is required when you leave the school grounds. If you do not have a smart phone, signing in and out must be done manually through the Front Office. Social distancing of 1.5m is required for all non-family adults. It appears 2021 will be another year of managing the Covid-19 threat. I am certain we all look forward to the day the Pandemic is behind us.
The new ‘Drop N Go Zone’ so eagerly anticipated by many parents is now in action. A reminder cars need to approach from the Showground end of Jack Street and stop for a maximum of two minutes parallel to the kerb. In the afternoon if your child is not ready to be picked up, it may require the parent to drive around the block. Family labels for the passenger sun visor have been sent home. Check with your child if they have been provided a name label. If not please make contact with the school office to follow up on having a label made.
It was wonderful to see many parents take advantage of the Parent Teacher Information sessions on Tuesday evening. Each parent who signed in via the QR code has accumulated 2 points for each of their child/ren’s House. All parents are encouraged to make contact via email or make an appointment with their child’s classroom teacher if any follow-ups are needed.
On Monday the school community came together to celebrate the Eucharist and call on God’s blessing as we commence the new school year. The children were solemn and respectful and this generated a positive tone for a wonderful mass. Soon it will be Ash Wednesday and we will be entering the liturgical season of Lent.
Each year a call is made for parents / caregivers to consider an act of service that may be offered to the school to build community and provide support for each child. A few ways to consider helping out may include volunteering some time in the tuckshop or library. Another way is by supporting the school’s Parent & Friend’s Association. The P & F AGM is on Tuesday 16th February starting at 5:30pm and is anticipated to conclude at 6:30pm. To be consistent with Covid-19 Protocols this meeting will be a ticketed event. All are very welcome to attend. Our school community grows stronger when our P & F is strong.
It has become necessary for Mrs Hall ( APRE / Yr 5 Teacher) to take extended leave. We wish her well and look forward to her return to Saints as soon as possible. During her absence, Mrs Ottone will join the School Leadership Team by stepping into the Acting APRE role. Ms Usher will be redeployed from Yr 5 to Yr 6 to provide Mrs Ottone with her allocated APRE release each Thursday. A recruitment process is in place to appoint a new Yr 5 Teacher as swiftly as possible.
A few reminders…… the Seesaw app is a platform to celebrate curriculum experiences. Communication between parents and teachers is best done by email. Teachers are obliged to check their email once each day. Responses to emails may take longer than a 24 hour cycle. The Parent Portal provides the official and current up to date information. It is a parent’s obligation to check the portal regularly so as to stay aware of matters relating to their child’s education and school alerts. Every other avenue of communication is provided as a convenience but it is not official. Attendance at school is compulsory, please do not encourage days off unless it is absolutely necessary. Any student with any signs of illness need to be kept at home.
I wish all the very best for a positive, productive and exciting year of opportunities and learning.
Together for Saints in 2021
Mr Rayner
