Dear Parents,

This will be my last newsletter at St Catherine’s as I depart at the end of next week to take up my new role at DOSCEL. Whilst I am excited about what lies ahead, it is with a heavy heart that I leave St Catherine’s. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and it has been a wonderful community to be a part of. The students have been a pleasure to get to know and I wish them all the very best for whatever they choose to pursue in the future.

What has been very clear to me is that St Catherine’s is very blessed to have such a committed and professional staff. They have been great to work with and their students first approach is highly commendable. They are always looking for the best learning opportunities they can to offer the students.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish Anna Viney all the very best in her role as Acting Principal. It is comforting to know that the school is in such capable hands. Anna is an outstanding leader and she will do an excellent job.
I thank everybody for your support and assistance over my time at St Catherine’s and I wish you all the very best for the future.

New Playground
Our new playground is open!!! It has been a pleasure watching the students enjoy the new facility. As mentioned in the last newsletter, all children have been given a rostered-on opportunity to try out the new playground, however, during playtimes this new playground will be for Grades 3-6. This has allowed 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.

Staffing News
Congratulations to Jessica Ornsby and Rian Prestwich who have been appointed as Acting Deputy Principals until the end of the 2023 school year. There specific roles are as follows;

• Jessica Ornsby - Acting Deputy Principal Learning Adjustment / Student Support / Camps and Excursions.
• Rian Prestwich – Acting Deputy Principal School Operations / REL

They are both extremely capable leaders and I am sure that they will do an excellent job. Jess and Rian are very excited about their new roles.

We welcome Ms Alexandra Bland onto the staff in Term Four. Alexandra will replace Rian in Grade 6LA6. She will commence in Fourth Term to allow Rian to undertake his role as Deputy. Alex is an experienced teacher who is returning to Australia after teaching in London. She will work closely with Rian to ensure that the transition is as smooth as possible for the students.

We also welcome back Victoria Donlan at the commencement of Term 4 from Maternity Leave. Victoria will be teaching Grade 4S6. We look forward to having Victoria back at St Catherine’s and thank her for her willingness to step into Grade 4S6.

Congratulations to Chloe Venville who has been appointed as a Tutor commencing in Term 4 until the end of the school year. We wish her all the very best with her appointment. Any questions regarding the Tutor Program need to be directed to  Rebecca Cox, our Curriculum Learning Leader.

Next week we will also welcome back Miss Lexie Weber after her leave.

We have been informed by Melissa Junkeer that she will be on sick leave until the end of Term 3.

Book Week / Book Week Parade
This week we are celebrating Book Week at St Catherine’s. This year’s theme is ‘Read, Grow, Inspire’ The students will participate in a wide range of activities to celebrate this significant event.  As part of this celebration, the students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character on Friday 25 August 

Students will participate in a special ‘Book Week’ parade at 9am on Friday 25 August. Parents are welcome to join us to watch the parade that will take place on the basketball courts. Parents are reminded that they will need to sign into this event using the sheets provided near the chapel gates and make their way to the viewing area set up near the chapel at the end of the basketball courts. 
Please refrain from taking photographs during the parade for child safety reasons.   In the event of inclement weather, we will sadly have to cancel the parade. Families will be notified if this is the case.

We ask that if any families who know that circumstances are changing next year and do not require a place at St Catherine’s please inform us asap. We have a waiting list and that position can be offered to another family.

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

Disco
Please keep Thursday the 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. 

2024 Prep Information night
Our Prep parent information night for 2024 will be held via Google Meet on Tuesday 5 September at 7pm.  Information will be sent to you in the coming week's 

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 9 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
Thankyou to all families who participated in our recent fundraiser we raised $3376, a fantastic contribution to our new playground!  

Out of School Hours Care Program

Please see the below flyer regarding our new OSHC Program - Bookings are now open!

Groundbreaking moment at SFX Berwick Campus!!

Yesterday marked a significant chapter in SFX's journey!  Bishop Greg Bennet, Fr Jeff Kleynjans and Gary Maas MP graced SFX with their presence, joining both St Catherine's and SFX students for the ceremonial turning of the sod.

Uniform
As we are in Term 3 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.

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
Over the past five weeks the year 6's have been involved in inter-school sports against other Catholic schools in our zone. Students have competed in football, netball and newcombe. The students have learnt how to work well as a team and how to be good sports with opposition players and umpires. This Friday is our last match of the season. We congratulate all students on their participation and their sportsmanship.