Dear Parents,

It was wonderful to welcome our Foundation students back to school. The smiles on the faces of students, parents and staff was a magnificent way to start the day. The laughter on the playground at recess was also a joy to hear.

As we manage this return to school there are a number of covid safe measures we will be following.

• I can advise that all staff have met their mandate regarding vaccinations for education staff. 
• Students returning to school in Year 3-6 are mandated to wear a mask indoors. Please contact me if you wish to apply for an exemption based on medical advice.
• Parents are not permitted onsite to drop off and pick up students at this time. 
• Please call Anna if you need to come onsite for any other reason, however, you will need to be double vaccinated to enter the school. You will be required to QR code in at the office and show your vaccination status.
• Morning drop off  will be between 8.40 and 8.55am. All gates will be open as of Thursday. Afternoon pick up for A-L  will be at 3.20pm and M-Z at 3.30. 
• Staff will be operating in Year Level bubbles. The reason for this is to minimise school closure should any adult or child test covid positive after being at school. 
• We will continue to use hand sanitiser when entering and leaving rooms. 
• Learning spaces will have external doors and windows open to provide ventilation. 
• Social distancing will be in place where appropriate.

The staff and I are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that now that we are open we can stay open.

CHANGES FOLLOWING SUNDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS

As a result of the announcements made by the State Government on Sunday there is only one confirmed change to students returning to school. Our Year Five and Six students will be back at school on Friday, the 22nd of October for the day. This change has been updated in our chart in red. I have moved the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of cup week into Italics as there has been some talk of this changing. At this stage it is only talk. If this changes I will advise families.

We will advise you of sports uniform days for the week beginning Monday 25th October by Friday of this week.

UPDATE ON PLANS FOR TERM FOUR

ALREADY CONFIRMED

• Sacraments:
• Confirmation - Confirmation will be celebrated by Bishop Tony Ireland  on Saturday, 13 November at two Masses 1pm 6H and 3pm 6LA. This date has been communicated to our Year Six families - Information re numbers allowed in the church etc will be communicated a fortnight before the celebration.              

• • • First Eucharist - Monday 22 November for 4GM and Wednesday 24 November for 4C. Both Masses will begin at 6pm.  Information re numbers  allowed in the church etc will be communicated a fortnight before the celebration.

• Prep Information Night for 2022 will be online on 28 October at 7:30pm. A link will be sent out next week.

STILL TO BE CONFIRMED 

• End of Year Mass
• Prep transition for 2022
• Swimming Lessons 8-19 november P-6
• Year Six Big Day Out
• Year Six Graduation
• Carols 2 December
• Excursions that were planned for Term Four 

PLANNING FOR 2022 - FAMILIES LEAVING

As I continue to plan for 2022, I am grateful to the families who have already advised me that they will not be returning to St Paul’s in 2022. If you know that you will not be returning in 2022 I ask that you advise me via email principal@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au   as soon as possible.

ONLINE ASSEMBLY - As all year levels return to onsite learning on 5 November, the Year 6 students will host a whole school Assembly. Students will watch the Assembly from their classrooms and a link will be sent to parents to join us. The Assembly will begin at 2.45.

MACSSIS PARENT SURVEY

St Paul’s is participating in an annual school improvement survey administered by MACS. It is a process whereby schools listen to the thoughts and feelings families have about how the school can improve. One of the main goals of the family survey is to identify the strengths and areas for improvement in our school.

Families would have received an email invitation from Michael Juliff or Freda Tahtouh. In this email you would have received a link for the survey and a personal identification number (PIN). 

The survey is available online and needs to be completed by Thursday 28 October 2021. 

If you need these details to be sent again, please email Freda Tahtouh ftahtouh@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au.

Our school believes it is important to encourage families to have a voice. We appreciate your input and contribution to shaping the ongoing improvement of the school. 

School Fees

As the year draws to a close we’d appreciate all outstanding accounts to be finalised, no action is required for  families with a payment plan in place. If you need an updated statement please contact Mary mmaguire@spbentleigh.catholic.edu.au

As always if your financial situation has changed please make contact with Catherine for a confidential discussion.

Attached is a document by the Australian Psychological Society which offers advice to parents/carers on how to transition students back to school safely. Our focus for all students will be on wellbeing, safety and reconnecting with their peers and their onsite learning environment. 

My next correspondence will be Monday 25 October.

Take care,

Catherine