Dear Parents,

Our playground will open within the next few days.  The children have been extremely excited watching the construction over the last few weeks.  All children will be given a rostered-on opportunity to try out the new playground over the next week or so, however, during playtimes this new playground will be for Grades 3-6 which will allow our existing playground to be only for P-2.   Again, I sincerely thank the Parents and Friends Committee and by extension, all families, for the financial contribution you have made to allow this playground to be built.

Congratulations Anna Viney

Congratulations to Anna Viney who has been appointed Acting Principal. She commences on the 4th of September until the end of the year.  Anna is an outstanding Catholic Leader and I know she will be a huge asset for St Catherine’s as leader of the school.  I wish her well and I am sure she will have the support of the whole community. 

Prayer Afternoon

We invited all parents into the school this afternoon at 2.50pm to join their child’s class in prayer.  Thank you to the parents who were able to attend.

100 days of School

Tomorrow our preps will celebrate 100 days of school by coming to school dressed as something related to 100.  A parade will be held in the courtyard at 9.00am which parents are welcome to attend.

Family Learning Conversations FLC’s

Thanks to all families who have attended our Family Learning Conversations, these are an important aspect of our home/school partnerships and as a staff we value the opportunity to meet.  Please note that you are welcome to make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher at any stage should you ever have any questions or concerns. 

Reconciliation

Reconciliation has been confirmed for the 5th and 6th of September.  Please see further information within this newsletter from our Religious Education Leader, Anna Viney, regarding the Sacraments. 

Disco

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

2024 Planning 

The process of planning for 2024 has begun.  Any parents who have any special requests will need to put them in writing and email to info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au by Monday the 9th of October.  

Please note that requests from any other previous year will not be considered as circumstances change.  We are blessed at St Catherine’s to have a very professional and committed staff that plan together to ensure that the same learning opportunities are afforded to the students regardless of what class they are in, so please do not request individual teachers. All requests will be given the appropriate consideration, however, it is not a guarantee.

Cookie Dough Fundraiser

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.

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

2023 School Closure Days / Return to School for Students Term 4

The following School Closure days are planned for 2023;

Friday 15th September – School Closure Day

Monday October 2nd – School Closure Day – RE

Monday November 6th – Cup Weekend School Closure

Tuesday November 7th – Cup Day 

Friday 15th December – Students Last Day

Monday 18th December – School Closure Day 2024 Planning

Tuesday 19th December – School Closure Day 2024 Planning

Inter-School Sport

Inter-school sport have commenced we are in week 4. 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 first Communion Workshops

Reconciliation and First Communion Workshops are being run at the Parish Centre at St. Michael’s Church in Berwick.

These will run from 7.00pm -8.00pm on

Mon 14^th of August – Thursday 17^th of August.

and

Mon 21st of August – Thursday 24^th of August.

You will need to have booked a place to attend these prior but all students participated should attend one of the workshops with one parent.

Reconciliation celebrations will be happening at the Chapel in four sessions across two days. These will be held on

Tuesday the 5^th and Wednesday 6^th of September.  9.30am  and 11.30am

Please look for more communication that will come out  regarding this.

First Communion Masses.

Blessing Masses will be held on

Saturday the 9^th and Sunday 10^th of September at all Masses at St. Michael’s Church

The First communion Masses are held over four weekends from the

7^th of October till the 28^th of October.

You may have received emails regarding these . You must book a date and time for candidates as spaces are limited for each Mass.  Please ring the Parish and do so as soon as possible.

Anna Viney

Deputy Principal/Religious Education Leader

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.

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