Dear Parents,

Parents would have received communication this morning from the Director of DOSCEL, Mr Paul Velten, that I have been appointed to the position of School Leadership Consultant at DOSCEL. Whilst I am very excited about taking on this new role, I will leave St Catherine’s with a heavy heart.  It has been a wonderful school to be involved with and a privilege to be the Principal.  My decision was made much easier however, knowing that Anna Viney will be the Acting Principal.  Anna is an exceptional school leader and she will do an excellent job.  The school is lucky to have her.  The staff here are tremendous and are always looking for ways to make St Catherine’s the best school it can be.  They have been great to work with.

Again, I remind parents of the changes that have been put in place to accommodate the work that is taking place in the Senior Learning / Administration building.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. The students have quickly settled back in at school and the Grade 5/6 students are enjoying their new learning spaces.  The following arrangements are in place;

• As reported in previous communication, although we have made good progress with the investigations to the Senior Learning / Administration Building it will remain closed for the time being and there will continue to be no access permitted for staff, students and parents.
• The Administration has been relocated to the old administration building down near the Chapel. Parents will see an open gate in the fence that will allow you to enter.
• Student access to the Administration is through a separate door to parents/visitors for student safety.
• Grade 5/6 classrooms have been relocated to the portables.
• Specialist lessons are in the following areas; STEM – Community Room, Performing Arts – Discovery Centre, Art – Art Room, Junior Arts – classrooms, Japanese – Classrooms, PE – Multi-purpose Room/Oval.
• Drop off and pick up remain unaffected and parents can travel through the school as per normal. A reminder that gates open at 8.30am.
• Access to before and after school care is as per normal.
• We have obtained an extra storage container that has been placed down between the basketball courts and the portables. This is an out of bounds area for the children.

Family Learning Conversations FLC’s

Our Family Learning Conversations were held last night and again tonight. These are a crucial component of our home / school partnership and I strongly encourage all families to book a time.  Due to the cold weather these FLC’s are being held in an online format.

Please note the dates for FLC’s for the following grades due to staff leave;

• 4S6 – Bookings can be made through the Office.
• 5LA4 – To be advised
• 4S4 – 8 and 9 August.
• 3S7 – 6 and 7 September.

If parents of grades 4S6, 4S4,5LA4 and 3S7 would like a conversation about your child urgently this can be arranged by calling the Office and booking a time with Jess Ornsby (Learning Adjustment/Student Support) and Rebecca Cox (Curriculum Leader).

Reconciliation

Reconciliation has been confirmed for the 5 and 6 September.  Our Religious Education Leader, Anna Viney, will forward further details to families.

Disco

Please keep Thursday 7 September free in your diary as we have a school disco planned.  Details will be sent out to families over the next few weeks.

Cookie Dough Fundraiser

Cookie Dough order forms will be sent home today.  This is an exciting as well as yummy fundraiser, raising money to go towards our new playground!  Please help us by supporting the school to provide a great space for our kids to play!  Please see the attached information contained in this newsletter.

Uniform

As we are in Term Three it remains winter uniform for the students, however, short sleeve or long sleeve tops are fine.

Staffing Update

It is with pleasure that we can welcome Miss Bridie Kniese onto the staff.  Bridie will be undertaking the Tutor position for the rest of the year. She is very exited about her new role and I am sure that she will be made to feel welcome by all.

A big congratulations to Jasmine Bentley who has announced that she is pregnant.  We wish her and her family all the very best during this most special time.

Playground

The construction of the new playground is underway.  This is very exciting for our children and I again thank the Parents and Friends Committee for their financial contribution.

Morning Routine

Classroom doors are now open from 8.30am and when children arrive at school they are instructed to head straight into their classrooms.  Lessons commence at 8.50am. 

SFX Students

SFX students are not to enter St Catherine’s at the end of the day unless they are collecting siblings.  This is in place for child safety reasons.

Carpark

Carpark rules are in place purely and simply to make it as safe as we possibly can for our children. I ask that parents please respect the rules, following the signs and ensuring that pedestrians cross at the allocated areas so they are predictable to the traffic.

2024 Enrolments

Our 2024 Prep enrolments are exceptionally close to being full.  If any existing parents have not yet completed enrolment forms for a 2024 prep you need to do so asap or we will not be able to provide a place.

School Gate Opening Time 2023

As mentioned in the last newsletter to allow us to cater for the new EBA that Catholic teachers in the Diocese of Sale have entered into for 2023 we will be opening the school gates at 8.30am this year.  Children arriving before 8.30am must be enrolled in before school care.

Bike Shed

The bike shed has been relocated next to the northern portables.  Fencing has been installed to make this a permanent feature

Inter-School Sport

Inter-school sport have commenced we are in week 2. Please refer to the Timetable.

RECONCILIATION AND COMMUNION

Reconciliation and Communion Enrolments - St Michael's Parish Support Centre - 121-123 High Street Berwick

Reconciliation and Communion Workshops                           

• A parent & child required to attend one Workshop

Blessing Mass Ceremonies                          

Reconciliation: 5 & 6 September - (Class time slots yet to be confirmed) - This will be held in the Chapel

Communion: During October, weekends, 7/8, 14/15, 21/22 & 28/29

Kindest regards,

Anna Viney
Deputy Principal
Leader of Learning and Teaching, RE and School Operations.

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Our Canteen runs from Tuesday - Friday. To register please follow the following link Quickcliq registration,  then once registered you can login to Quickcliq.  When registering if your child is in Prep you will need to click foundation.  Your UID (student ID) number can be found on the home page of your Simon App. For further information please see the attached flyer.  Ordering cut off times will be the day before at 8pm, to receive your child's order the very Our next day, any orders placed after 8pm will automatically be placed with orders placed the following day, this allows for time to purchase any extra items needed on the day.  For those children with dietary requirements there will be a folder placed in the school office outlining ingredients of certain items. Please see the attached Menu, which will also be available when ordering through Quickcliq.