This week is an important one in any calendar as we commemorate and recognise National Reconciliation Week. On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to change the Constitution so that like all other Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples would be counted as part of the population and the Commonwealth would be able to make laws for them. A resounding 90.77 per cent said ‘Yes’ and every single state and territory had a majority result for the ‘Yes’ vote.  It was one of the most successful national campaigns in Australia’s history. As a school we acknowledge that true reconciliation is more than a word and takes action. This year our students have collectively acknowledged this significant movement for tolerance and respect and we hope they continue to aspire to be people of action and compassion.

As we approach the half-way point of the school year we are already planning for 2022. We are very excited about all the new enrolments for the coming year and are hopeful of having excellent numbers in all our classes. If you are planning to enrol children please contact the Front Office to book an appointment or lodge the online enrolment form available on our website. In our planning for 2022 we also need to be aware of any students who will/may not be returning. Again, if you could please contact me on 69422612 it would be greatly appreciated.

It is also timely to remind families about bringing nuts and nut products into the school. We do have some students who have allergies to nuts and nut products that may results in an anaphylactic reaction and require an epipen. Please be mindful that we strive to promote a nut-free school as much as possible to reduce the risk to students with allergies. If you have any queries around this issue please contact the Front Office.

Unfortunately we have also had several cases of nits in recent weeks and ask that parents are vigilant in checking their children’s hair and treating them if they do find an infestation. Typically, once the nits have been treated students are permitted to return to school but we do ask that they are isolated until you are able treat the hair. We also have a school rule that requires hair to be tied back at all times. This is both to minimise the spread of nits and for obvious safety reasons in the technology and science areas.

As part of our focus on school effectiveness, all schools in the Archdiocese will be participating in an online survey for teachers, parents and students – Tell Them From Me​^® (TTFM^®). The survey will provide us with valuable feedback on what our community think about school life, how engaged students are with school and the different ways that teachers interact with students and parents. Schools in Australia and around the world have used the Tell Them From Me survey to help them improve.

During the next few weeks all students, teachers and parents will be given the opportunity to participate in this survey. Students who agree to complete the survey will be given a random username and password to access and complete the survey online. Students’ names cannot be linked to their responses which allows it to be completely anonymous. Results will show all student, parent and teachers scores combined together as a separate collection– it is not possible to single out individual students, parents or teachers in the results.

The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The survey measures include such topics as emotional and social well-being, physical health, and behaviours and attitudes linked to student success. The survey also allows students to give their thoughts and feedback in open-ended question responses.

Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary. Your child will not take part if either you or your child do not wish to. If, during the survey, your child is uncomfortable answering any question, he/she should leave it blank and move on to the next one. Your child can stop the survey at any time.

Parents are also given the option to complete the survey in the next two weeks. Please logon to the following URL and complete the survey.
http://tellthemfromme.com/cpq7w

REMINDER: Please make note that there has been a change of date for the Annual Athletics Carnival. Due to a few extenuating circumstance the carnival has been shifted to TUESDAY 1 June at Albert Park. We will also continue with the K-10 model that was introduced last year but, unlike last year, parents are invited and encouraged to attend. We will still require all spectators to sign in upon arrival at the park and we hope it will be nice weather and a wonderful day. We are seeking parent support in assisting with the carnival. If you are able to help please contact Megan Withers or Wendy Van Kerk Oerle at school.

We are also seeking assistance in the canteen at the Athletics Carnival for any amount of time that you may be able to spare. Please contact the Front Office if this is a possibility.

We continue to push the importance of attendance to improving student outcomes and building lifelong skills. Please contact the classroom teacher/PCA if you have any issues or challenges around attendance.

Remember: If you can be anything…be kind!

Dream big! Pray bigger!

Mrs Nicky Trinder

Principal