Newsletter 11

Dear Parents and Carers,

The Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary is celebrated every year on August 15th. This feast commemorates the death of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her assumption, body and soul, into Heaven. It is the most important Marian feast, and it is also a Holy Day of Obligation.  Our Year 1 – 6 students joined parishioners at last Friday morning’s mass.  Thank you to parents and carers who joined us.

This term, many students are involved in the Catholic Performing Arts Festival.  This is an opportunity to perform in a variety of arts, to showcase various talents and to appreciate the talents of others. A number of soloists, and dance groups have already experienced some performances, and the choir will also be performing at One Big Voice.  Thank you to Mrs D’Adamo and Mrs Chapman for their dedication to ensure the students are at their best and to the many staff and families for their support.

Wearing our school uniform correctly helps students develop the school value of Excellence – We demonstrate pride in ourselves, each other, family, and school.  The uniform policy is available on the school website. Please ensure hair styles adhere to the following elements of the policy:

• Hair longer than the collar is to be tied back, clean, brushed and kept off the face.
• Hair must be a natural colour only, with extreme hair colours and styles not acceptable. This also includes lines and patterns in hairstyles.

The Book Week dress-up parade is on this Friday. This is an exciting time for our students, but also one which can cause stress and anxiety in our busy lifestyles.  The idea of the dress-up is for children to dress as a book character so that they can emphasise joy in reading and highlight how reading is an important part of their lives.  It is not a time to purchase the best costume or to lose sleep over what your child will wear.  A simple costume that helps your child think about the enjoyment of books and reading is the best course of action. Many thanks to Mrs Gee for her efforts in promoting a love of reading at our school and for organising the book week activities.

This weekend, our Year 4 students along with other children in our parish, will be making the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. As a Catholic community, please keep these students and those who have assisted in preparing them including families, parish members and staff in your thoughts and prayers.  This is a very special moment in the faith journey of our students as they make the second sacrament of initiation.

As a school, we encourage our students to play as this significantly promotes and supports child development.  It is important, however that students are not playing on equipment or in the grounds before or after school unless participating in an organised activity.  For student safety, students must move directly to pick up areas so they can be supervised appropriately.  It may seem harmless to have a game with your child on the way out, but this can encourage other students to join who may not have a carer on site.  We appreciate your support with this.

Imagine you are building a house, and the brick layer has a day off from site every week, even worse they take two days off every week or even more…. How much longer will it now take to build your house?  This applies to student attendance… some students may be absent for one day per week which equates to an 80% attendance rate or two days per week which equates to a 60% attendance rate.  How much longer will it take these students to grasp school routines, grow and enhance their learning?  To participate fully in the school program, it is crucial that attendance is maintained at close to 100%.  We understand that if children are unwell, they will need to stay home and get well but it is unfair to expect growth from children if they are not present to further develop their skills.  Attendance reports will soon be sent to families providing your child’s percentage of attendance.  The aim is for your child’s attendance rate to be at between 90 and 100%.

Well done to the Whitty Dads for running a successful ten pin bowling afternoon last weekend.  The Fathers’ and Grandfathers’ Breakfast will be taking place on Friday 5^th September.  All dads, grandads and father figures are invited.  Please save the date.

Families are welcome to join us for the athletics carnivals that will occur next week.

Best wishes and God Bless