Dear Parents,
Covid Restrictions
The big news this week is that restrictions are finally easing and we can start to return to normal routines at long last. Masks are still mandatory for one more week for staff and visitors and highly recommended for our primary students, Year 3-6.
Parents are now permitted onsite regardless of vaccination status. Rapid Antigen Test kits were distributed to families last week so that parents may administer as needed over the next 4 weeks. If a student tests positive they will need to isolate for 7 days. Please report any positive cases to NSW Health and myself if this occurs.
When I look at our students in Year 2, who started school in 2020, I note that they have not known school life where their parents could easily walk onto our playground and celebrate together with a large gathering. We have used Facebook to share in our special days and regular classroom events but it is not the same as having that exchange between parents, teachers and students on site. It will seem strange to ‘restart’ for all of us but we are so looking forward to being our St Mary’s school community again. Hand hygiene practices will continue and cleaning of high touch areas will remain. We will delay the start of Home Cooking etc until next term.
So, I ask parents to walk onto our playground again when collecting your children in the afternoon. Please access shade under the shelter, or on the church verandah. You are most welcome.
In the meantime, Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday in the church at 10:30am and parents are most welcome to be with us for the blessing and distribution of ashes.
Parent Teacher Meetings
Phone interviews to parents are happening this week. Please access the Compass portal to make a booking if you haven’t done so already. Teachers will call parents to check in on how well the school year has started for your child/ren.
Director’s Visit
Mr Ross Fox will be visiting our school this Friday 4 March. He will meet with myself, staff and our Year 6 leaders to see how we have started our school year and especially, how we have faired since the bushfires and through Covid restrictions. The director’s last visit was just after the fires and this is his first chance to be back on site with us.
Have a lovely week everyone
Jannine