What a busy week we have had! So much has happened in such a short time and it seems as though that will be the flavour for the remainder of the term. The Swimming Carnival last Wednesday was a resounding success. It was glorious weather, the students were enthusiastic and well behaved and everything ran according to schedule. The Information Sessions were generally well attended and our staff presented important and valuable information. We have our final Information Session for Year 10 next week and at this evening Hennessy Catholic College will speak briefly about Stage 6 (irrespective of future schools) and provide the supplies for a shared BBQ tea. Our 2020 Year 10 students attending Hennessy will also be invited along with their parents.

Today our Term One Fee statements will be sent out. Thank you to all our families who are financially committed to supporting our school so that we can continue to provide an outstanding education. If you have any queries about the fees please contact Mrs Deep at the Front Office. If at any time you need to discuss fees and/or a remission please make an appointment to see me at your earliest convenience.

Today a busy band of mothers provide invaluable assistance in preparing resources for our K-2 space and their InitiaLit program. It is so lovely to see parents back in the school and being an important part of their child’s learning. There are many different ways that you can be involved with the school. We are desperately seeking helpers at the canteen and with reading groups. Also if you can help out with the fete on 12 March then Nancy Smith and Sharon Williams would love to hear from you. We recognise the important role that parents play in the education and wellbeing of their child and we encourage parents/guardians to be involved as much as possible to support their child. We plan to reinstitute the community breakfasts in coming week and look forward to welcoming everyone back into our school space.

We continue to be informed and managed regarding current COVID protocols and despite the possibility of parents coming onto school grounds there are still expectations that students and staff take a COVID test if they display any symptoms and that parents can only transport their own child/ren to sporting or extra curricular events. If this changes I will inform the school community. We do encourage students to continue to practise positive COVID safe habits of handwashing and sanitising. Thank you again for your cooperation in this matter.

We are continuing to monitor closely attendance so that our students are given every opportunity to learn by being in the classroom. This also includes attendance at any school event like the Swimming Carnival, sport days and other activities beyond the classroom. It is a legal requirement that every absence is authorised by parents/guardians and see value in all students being physically present at whole school activities to help build community regardless of their sporting prowess or interest.

Tomorrow our Year 9 students depart for the sunny South Coast for the excursion to Tathra that was postponed due to COVID. Thank you to Ms Buchanan for her organisation and enthusiasm and Mr Mooney and Mr Alderman for joining our students. We pray that the travel, weather and behaviour will be kind to all. Looking forward to their reports in subsequent newsletter.

Yesterday our Primary swimmers travelled to West Wyalong for the Western Region Swimming Carnival. According to all reports a very successful day was had and our swimmers conducted themselves with distinction, smashing personal bests and winning ribbons. Thank you to Ms Van Kerk Oerle for her organisation and to the families who travelled to support the swimmers.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Lent with our Ash Wednesday Mass at 10am. As Father Lolesio told our students this afternoon at the Burning Branches liturgy Lent is a “time to change ourselves”. Fr Kevin used to wish us a happy Lent because it is time to reflect on all we have been given and to be grateful. Please consider joining us for Mass tomorrow.

Words of wisdom from Dr Seuss: “Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get the chance, take it! If it changes your life, let it! Nobody said it would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it!”

Nicky Trinder

Principal