Principals Message

Dear Families

Welcome to Term 3! I hope that you all had a relaxing and restful holiday with your children,  albeit a little different this time.  I know that some were impacted due to the restrictions and some last-minute changes and cancellations had to happen. Generally speaking, though we are very lucky to live in this beautiful region.  Our thoughts continue to be with all of the people currently impacted due to lockdowns and those ill with the virus. 

A reminder to all of our families, if you have visited a Covid hot spot during the holidays you need to have been tested before returning to school. If you are not sure about where these hotspots are please refer to the NSW Health Website.

• As mentioned in the email sent through Compass earlier this week, all visitors must sign in to both Service NSW COVID Safe Check-In and WOL (Who’s on Location). This allows us to meet child protection and emergency management legal requirements, AND the Service NSW COVID tracking QR system.

• Unfortunately, under the current guidelines parents are not permitted to visit classrooms or attend sporting events or assemblies. All group gatherings have been cancelled including parent-teacher interviews. Face masks are essential when entering the Office.   
• Unwell students, staff and visitors:
  If your child has cold or flu symptoms, please follow the health advice, get tested and stay at home while unwell. Students who are unwell and attend school will be sent home with the request to get tested. Visitors who have cold or flu symptoms will not be permitted to enter the school.

With the current guidelines in place, we are reluctantly postponing our Parent-Teacher interviews that were planned for Week 3. As soon as they permitted,  we still intend to hold those interviews. In the meantime, if you have any concerns in relation to your child's School Report or their learning, please contact the office to organise for your child's teacher to contact you.  Thank you for your understanding. 

The 2021 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) will be held again this year at St Joseph's for students Year 2 - 6 in  English, Mathematics, Science, Digital Technologies, Writing and Spelling.  Information relating to these has been forwarded to parents via Compass. 

WELCOME RAMA

Last Tuesday we welcomed Rama Cullen, a new student to Year 4.  Rama is settling in well. We also welcome his parents Sean and Anni to the St Joseph's Community. 

IN  WEEK 1 WE ARE TRULY GRATEFUL FOR:

• Our wonderful students being back at school for Term 3.
• Our students for adapting so readily to our changes due to the current guidelines.
• To our amazing Mini Vinnies students and Mrs Boyd who are busily organising comfort packs to help those in the community who are experiencing hardship. 
• The wonderful holiday that we have had and our treasured time of rest and family. 
• Our Staff Development Day to further enhance teacher and student learning. 
• Our parents for your understanding and adherence to the current guidelines.
• For all at the Catholic Schools Office for keeping us up to date with the changing conditions and guidelines and ensuring the ongoing safety of our students, staff and families  

Have a wonderful weekend.  Stay safe and well.   

Regards