Dear Parents, Students, Staff and all associated with St Catherine’s Community

That which is Christ-like within
us shall be crucified. It shall
suffer and be broken. And that
which is Christ-like within us
will rise up. It shall love and
create.

Michael Leunig

Easter greetings to all!  As we return for the ten weeks that will be Term 2, the Church worldwide continues to celebrate the joy and wonder of the Easter season.  “Alleluia, Alleluia, Christ has risen” is the catch-cry that lies at the heart of our celebrations as we rejoice in the knowledge that Jesus has conquered death and been brought to new life, guaranteeing for each of us the promise of eternal life.  This is the core of our faith and indeed cause for much to celebrate.

Welcome
Welcome back to all families for Term 2.  Both staff and students appear to have returned from the 2-week break rejuvenated, enthused and ready to tackle the 10 weeks ahead.  Certainly noted has been the slight shift in the ‘seasons’ with the more anticipated autumn weather being experienced since breaking for the Term 1 holidays.

I wish all families, students and staff every best wish as they commence the new term.

Happenings Around the School.....

• Year 5 Camp - Earlier today, our Year 5 students departed on their 3-day/2-night trip to Sovereign Hill.  The trek to Ballarat provides a wonderful opportunity for students to explore a little more about Australia’s history.  Students will return no doubt a little more weary than when they departed, but a great experience will no doubt be had by all.  Once again, we thank staff and parents who have looked after the students, going over and above to support such initiatives and giving generously of their time.

General Information

• Footy Jumpers - Please note that the tradition of wearing footy jumpers on Monday, if supporting one of the weekend winning teams, continues and is happily supported.
  
  
• Insight SRC Annualised Surveys - Each year, schools across the Diocese are required to survey students, parents and staff as part of our annual reporting requirements. Participation by all various stakeholders with a vested interest in what we do at St Catherine’s enables a rounded perspective to be gained.

  The purpose of the survey is to provide valuable information that can be used in planning and accountability processes. It also enables a focus for reflection, evaluation and improvement and informs the development of the school’s Annual School Improvement Plans.

  This year’s survey is now open online and will close Friday, 7 May. Staff and selected students from Years 3-6 will complete the survey.  To ensure this balance of views, it is critical that parents have the opportunity to also have their say. With that in mind, we are calling for 60 parents to complete the survey, either on paper or online. 

  Parents who would be interested in completing this survey are asked to make contact with the School Office. A copy of the survey information and material can either be collected from the School or alternatively sent home with the eldest child.  Completed paper surveys are to be returned to the Office sealed in the “Confidential” envelope provided by this Friday, 7 May.

• Use of School Facilities by Outside Providers - Use of school facilities by outside providers remains unchanged as directed by DOSCEL.  Currently, requests from outside providers during the school day will be permitted where the use relates to student learning and the delivery of the Victorian Curriculum or essential services to the school such as uniform suppliers and oustide of school hours care.
  
  All other requests are considered on a case by case basis and where they can operate outside or adjacent to school hours such as Karate.
  
  
• School Fees - School fees for Term 2 will be issued to each family by this Friday. Fees for the term are required to be settled by Friday, 21 May, unless alternative arrangements have been discussed. 
  

  Families who hold an eligible Health Care Concession Card, may be eligible for CSEF (Camp, Sports and Excursion Funding).  If eligible, this would also entitle families to make an application for a fee remission, which effectively would see a significant reduction of fees to be paid. For more information, please do not hesitate to speak with Margaret Lonergan.

  The cash flow of the school’s budget is directly determined by payment of all fees within the set time frame.  However, where there are genuine cases of hardship in meeting payment of fees, I invite you to discuss fee remissions with me.  I am very much aware that these are difficult times.  Please be assured that such arrangements are made in total confidence.  It does, however, enable us to maintain a more accurate perspective of the school’s financial position in our efforts to deliver a quality Catholic Education.

  Yours in Catholic Education

                                                                                     

  Kevin Browning