Wow, the end of week 2 already.

ANZAC Day usually marks a change in the weather and this year has been no exception. The lovely rain and colder temperatures have possibly marked the end of the balmy weather and we are making the transition to winter. This will mean that all students will be required to be in full winter school uniform next week. This does include the tie and we encourage all students to wear it correctly. If you have any questions regarding the correct items for the winter uniform please contact the front office. It is also a timely reminder about our Jewellery/Hair policy across the school.

Jewellery, Hair and Makeup

• A simple chain with a cross may be worn. Plain ring on one finger.
• A simple gold or silver bangle or bracelets. No bands including plastic or friendship bands.
• Two simple studs or sleepers per ear. Must be less than 0.5mm in diameter
• No nose piercings are allowed.
• Clear nail polish only.
• Hair neat and tidy style at all times, no unnatural or ‘extreme’ hairstyles (as determined by the Principal or Principal’s delegate).
• No unnatural hair colours or divergent colours (eg blonde streaks in dark hair).
• Hair at shoulder length must be tied back at all times with plain hair bands or hair ties/ribbons in school colours only. (Blue, red or white)
• Minimal makeup is to be worn in Secondary. 

We are very proud of our uniform and are thankful to all the students and families who represent the school with pride each and every day.

NAPLAN 2022 (WEEK 3 and 4- 10^th May-20^th May)

Once again the NAPLAN testing program will be conducted in schools over the coming weeks, with a catch up week scheduled for week 4. All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 (unless they are exempt) will complete the literacy and numeracy tests along with their nationwide peers. It essentially provides information for schools on the different literacy and numeracy skills that are demonstrated and allows schools to recognise strengths and weaknesses in the student cohort. We strive to ensure that it is as stress free as possible for the students and hope that the students endeavour to do their best in the different tests. Once again, this year, the testing will be online. Please do not book any appointments if possible, during this testing period. This testing will be conducted in a COVID safe manner. Please contact the classroom teacher/PCA  or Mr Ken Mooney if you have any questions.

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. Without regular attendance, levels of attainment suffer and opportunities are missed to obtain maximum benefit from education. Persistent absence and lateness will affect a child's achievement and progress in school

Our Year 7 students headed off to Camp Hudson, just outside Tumut, for the annual Wiradjuri Cultural immersion experience, this morning and will stay overnight and return to school Friday. This is a wonderful opportunity for our Stage 4 students to learn about and appreciate many different and fascinating skills, beliefs and experiences of the First Nations people. We thank Mrs Maher for all her organisation. Hopefully there will be photos and a report in subsequent newsletter.

Our Faith in Action program for Year 10 students has started again for Term 2. Currently our fabulous Year 10 students are involved in a range of activities to support our community in a faith-driven way. In the past the year 10 class help out at Elouera School, the Nursing Home, the Sacred Heart Parish and in our Infants classrooms. We are hopeful that the Year 10s can get back into the community as the COVID restrictions are easing somewhat.

Congratulations to our Stage 2 and 3 Rugby players who competed in Wagga today. 

We wish all the Cross-Country competitors who will compete at the Canberra/Goulburn Cross held at Stromlo Reserve, Canberra on Monday. A report will follow in next week’s newsletter.

Congratulations to Oscar Roberts who gained selection in the NSWCCC AFL team to compete in the State Championships at the end of the month. 

COVID update:

Protocols will remain in place around daily cleaning and hygiene.

There has been a change in the close contact area from NSW Health:

*close contacts may attend school and will need to adhere to the following in addition to the NSW Health guidelines.

• They must notify the school if they are intending to return under this provision.
• They should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result each morning before attending school for five school days and be symptom free.
• They must wear a mask indoors (if in a secondary school setting) except when eating or exercising. Primary school students are recommended to wear a mask indoors (except when eating or exercising).

Kind regards,

Ken Mooney

Happy Mother's Day to all the mum's and cares on Sunday.