Dear Parents,

A very warm welcome back toTerm 4, Remote and Flexible Learning. I hope all the students were excited to see their friends and teachers this morning after a two week break from the screens. The sun is out and we are optimistic about a term where all students can return safely to learning in classrooms with their friends and teachers.

In today’s Newsletter I would like to provide you with information that we have currently, knowing that any  information may change as the Term progresses.

The table below, issued by the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria, provides an overview of the staged return to school for all primary aged students in Metropolitan Victoria.  All dates below are subject to health advice. 

Required vaccinations for school staff

The Victorian Chief Health Officer has determined that COVID-19 vaccination will be mandatory for staff who work in schools. This includes principals, teachers, administration and education support staff, including casual relief teachers (CRTs) and pre-service teachers. All staff who work in schools will be required to have a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by 18 October 2021 or be able to produce evidence of a vaccination booking within that week. All staff are required to be fully vaccinated by 29 November 2021 unless a medical exemption applies.

Ventilation

Schools are required to increase fresh air flow into indoor spaces whenever possible and to maximise the use of outdoor learning areas or environments.The following precautions will also be taken:

• Keep all windows, doors and vents open as much as possible.
•  Keep these openings clear of any obstruction to air flow.
•  Aim to open windows and vents that are higher or towards the ceiling during poor or windy weather. 
• The use of mechanical ventilation (such as air conditioning units and heaters) with opened windows, doors and vents will be used to maintain a comfortable temperature and increase ventilation

 The Victorian Government is delivering air purifier units to most Catholic schools.

Sacramental Programs

New dates have been set for First Eucharist and Confirmation later in Term 4. The current restrictions do not allow gatherings for Liturgies, however, we are hopeful that an easing of restrictions will occur before the scheduled Sacraments.

Confirmation - 13 November 1pm and 3pm

First Eucharist - 22 November and 24 November at 6pm.

School Calendar

The school Calendar will be emailed by the end of the week. Many events will be confirmed when we have further information from the state government re restrictions.

Class Newsletters

Your child’s teacher will send out a class newsletter next Monday.

Stay Home when Unwell and Get Tested 

The most important action school communities can take to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19, is to ensure that any unwell staff and students remain at home and get tested, even with the mildest of symptoms. Everyone should consider their health before they start work or attend school and ensure that they are free from coronavirus symptoms and have not had contact in the past 14 days with a person confirmed to have coronavirus or a person suspected to have coronavirus.

My next correspondence will be on 18 October with further information.

Take care,

Catherine

October is the month of Praying the Rosary. This month the children will be learning about and remembering how important Mary was in Jesus’ life.

By tradition, the Catholic Church dedicates each month of the year to certain devotion. The month of October is dedicated to the holy Rosary, one of the best known of all Catholic devotions. October includes the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (October 7). The best way to celebrate the month is, of course, to pray the Rosary. 

It would be wonderful if you could find time to pray the Hail Mary and/or the Rosary as a family. 

Click on the link.

https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=YYDuiNEoxQI

Marg Mitchell

Religious Education Leader