Dear Parents and Carers,

Congratulations to Ethan, Nace and Thomas who made their Sacrament of Reconciliation at Mass on the weekend. Fr George led them in prayers and it was a very special time for them, their families and all who were present in the Church. We enjoyed a special morning tea afterwards and also congratulated Fr George on the 10^th anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood.

Update for Families on COVID-19
St Mary’s and Catholic Education continue to take advice from health authorities in relation to COVID-19. The Catholic Education Office has a team that is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it develops, paying particular attention to local hotspots and organising support for schools where required. St Mary’s is practicing all safe hygiene practices in line with government advice. We understand that the situation is fairly fluid and we will communicate directly with you should there be any important changes in relation to our school operations in the coming weeks. We remind all families: 

• If your child is unwell, they should not attend school.
• Please ensure that anyone who presents with COVID-19 symptoms in your family is tested.
• Parents should avoid routinely entering the school where possible but can attend scheduled school events and meetings with teachers where required (physical distancing and hygiene measures still apply).

Should you have any questions in relation to our school and COVID-19, please feel free to contact our front office.

Annual Satisfaction Survey

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential and individuals can not be identified. 

The surveys will be launched via email on Friday 7 August 2020 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey this Friday please let our front office staff know.

Have a lovely week everyone

Jannine

THE SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION 

Congratulations to Ethan, Thomas and Nace who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Sunday at 8.30am at St Mary’s Parish Church. These children had been preparing for this sacrament all year with Mrs Murray. 

Blessing for our Reconciliation Children Forgiving Father, you are with these children as they begin their journey to your forgiveness. Open their ears, minds, and hearts to the teaching of your Son. Fill them with the Spirit of love, peace, joy, and kindness. Amen.

The Resilience Project 

Last week we explored the GEM principle of Gratitude. This was the focus for our GEM award at Friday's assembly. Congratulations to Phillip, Elise and Jasmine.

CONGRATULATIONS Thomas, Ethan & Nace.

Students and staff celebrated with Father George on the 10th anniversary of becoming a priest.

TERM 3 - WEEK 2

Next Tuesday 11th August CATRIONA & ANNABELLE will be our radio announcers. 

Tune in to FM96.3 on Tuesdays to hear what is happening at St Mary's.

Help your child achieve a healthy balance in their online and offline activities. Here is the link to the eSafety Commissioner website.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/big-issues/time-online

The Community Council meeting for this term will be held next MONDAY 10th August at 4.30pm.

If you would like any items put on the agenda please email the office by tomorrow WEDNESDAY.

We welcome Mrs Kathy Hamilton who has taken on the role of Chairperson.

We continue to enforce higher-level hygiene and cleaning standards at St Mary's.

Please remember:

• If your child displays any signs of illness, cold or flu like symptoms they should stay at home.
• Students are to bring their own drink bottle and fill it from the cold tap – no access to bubblers.
• Unwell students who are referred to the school office/s will have their temperature checked and you will be asked to collect them.
• Physical distancing measures are not necessary amongst pupils but will be maintained in staffrooms and common areas for school staff and other adults.
• Parents are discouraged from attending the school office/s and school common areas if possible.
• Parents are discouraged from congregating outside the school pick up area
• Increased hygiene and hand washing will be maintained – each classroom/area with anti-bacterial hand wash.
• Cleaning of environmental spaces (Equipment) and shared materials increased.
• Increased cleaning of school toilets and shared areas.

School Banking has recommenced in Term 3.

In Year 2/3 for HSIE we are learning about the First Fleet and the impact it had on indigenous people in Australia. Here we are hunting for treasure, finding out all the information about each ship.

4,5,6 were excited to open the packages and view the new books from the $5000 donation from Dymocks. They were thrilled with the new range of chapter and picture books and look forward to borrowing them soon.

Don't forget to enter your reading record by Friday August 28 for the Premier's Reading Challenge 2020.

No Hat - Play in the Shade is now in place for the whole school year after advice from the Cancer Council.

Please check that hats are St Mary’s hats and are labelled with your child’s name.