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

Now in Week 6 of the term, and just over the halfway mark, it is hard to believe that we find ourselves already in the second round of lockdown since our return for Semester 2. Sadly, it seems that the routine of stepping in and out of the remote schooling landscape is becoming a regular part of what we do.  The never ending roller coaster of uncertainty is most definitely frustrating, disruptive and incredibly problematic, making forward planning and communication to families of what we can and can’t do somewhat difficult.

Once again, as a school we find ourselves in somewhat of a holding pattern.  Various initiatives that were coming back on track like interschool sports for our Year 6 students, onsite access to the Uniform Shop, and even the Blessing and Opening of the school's new and refurbished facilities have been placed into a position of pause. It also places into uncertainty scheduled events such as swimming programs, celebration of 100 days of school for our Preps,  as well as planning of any incursions and excursions by various year levels.

General Information

• 2022 Enrolments - As the school undertakes the enormous process of preparation for the upcoming school year, it is important that we are aware of possible movements both in and out of the school community.  The final weeks of any school year can be an enormously busy time for many families insofar as transfers due to work or other personal circumstances. With position vacancies basically unavailable across most areas of the school and with waiting lists already resulting, it is essential that we are made aware as soon as is practicable of either families who may be transferring or of families who may be wishing to secure an enrolment position.
  
  
• 2022 Classes - Although only halfway through Term 3, the process of developing class lists will soon commence.  If your child has a particular need or there is some information that we should be aware of when considering class placement, parents are required to put this in writing and submit it to the School Office.  Please do not assume that information from previous years will be on file.  It is important this is submitted each year. Obviously, we cannot (and will not) accommodate requests for particular teachers; we can only look at the needs of the child.  All is to be submitted in writing by Friday, 17 September 2021 and emailed to principal@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au. 
  
  It is important to note that once classes are established for the year, no alterations to allocations will be made.
  

…..AND A FINAL WORD

In the blink of an eye, almost six years as Principal have passed.  There can be no question that I depart with a deep sense of sadness and a very real sense of knowing that what I am leaving behind is a school and community which is truly great.  Despite various challenges along the way - flooding at the end 2017, fire in April 2019 and then of course the past couple of years managing a new landscape with COVID-19, my association with St Catherine’s has indeed been one that has enabled me to grow and hopefully lead with hope, heart and vision.  I thank parents, students and staff sincerely for the support, the hospitality and the friendship that has been extended throughout my years as Principal.

In a particular way, I would just like to take the opportunity to thank all parents and carers who have been (and continue to be) a constant support of this school community.  You, the parents and carers, are an absolutely vital ingredient in the success of this school, contributing richly to the quality of what students experience here and supporting their efforts to grow and learn.  

I would also like to thank all the staff for their tireless work and their committedness to the learning and wellbeing of all students.  The phrase “going the extra mile” is often used but never more fittingly than when applied to the staff of St Catherine’s School.

In leaving St Catherine’s, I have every confidence that what I leave is a wonderful school which I pray will continue to embrace change and indeed the contribution of all those who follow.  May this beautiful school community continue to flourish with the seeds that have been planted as well as with the seeds that are yet to come and know that whatever achievements lie ahead will always be the work and the effort of all as you continue to grow in the love of God and the love of each other.

God bless you all as you continue to work in partnership with one another in continuing the admirable and sacred task of bringing Catholic Education to some of the many families within the Parish of St Michael’s Berwick.

Yours in Catholic Education

Kevin Browning
Principal