Principal
Welcome to Term Four
Many teachers, students and no doubt parents are nervous and or anxious about the return to face to face learning, whilst others are thoroughly excited about no longer having to juggle work and remote learning!
The connectedness initiative in the last few weeks of Term Three was a wonderful success and enjoyed by all. Education Support Officers, teachers, leaders, students and parents enjoyed the opportunity to choose activities, interact with others aside from classmates.
This week and next the school has changed its focus, whilst still connectedness, teachers have been asked to provide two skills based but fun learning opportunities be it a warm up or game in both literacy and numeracy via a Google Meet.
The Specialist teaching team are complementing this initiative with a selection of activities designed for particular levels or combined levels and Education Support Officers a range of activities aimed at P-6 on Friday afternoons.
Return to face to face learning
Next week, we welcome the return of Preps on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday we look forward to seeing our Year 1 and Year 2 students return.
As you would be aware, the return to face to face learning is per the Victorian Government's Roadmap. The linked document outlines the days/ dates for each level and will assist with forward planning.
School Fee Concessions
Many in our school community continue to face financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are committed to supporting families experiencing financial challenges through our School Fee Concession programs, and encourage any parent/carer/guardian experiencing difficulties to contact us regarding fee assistance.
Please contact Margaret Lonergan to explore confidential financial support arrangements or to obtain further information. Phone 97021466 or email accounts@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
Term Four School Fees
Fee accounts for Term 4 will be issued to each family this week. We ask that fees for the Term Four be settled by Friday, 5 November, unless alternative arrangements have been discussed and made.
School Fee Credits
Credits have yet to be processed for those events that have been cancelled due to restrictions and lockdowns.
- If fees have been paid in full, credits will be applied to the 2022 fee statement where families have children enrolled in 2022.
- If fees have been paid in full, credits will be refunded if there are no children enrolled at St Catherine's in 2022.
- Alternatively, families impacted by these cancellations may choose to pay only the amount outstanding by factoring in the anticipated credits for:
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- Swimming and Water Safety Program: Years Prep, Year 2, Year 4, Year 6
- Canberra / Kookaburra Camp: Year 6
2022 School Fees
Further information about fees for the 2022 school year will be available soon.
General Matters
St Catherine's School Advisory Committee Annual General Meeting - St Catherine's School Advisory Committee Annual General Meeting will take place virtually tomorrow evening.
- We would like to acknowledge the tireless work and dedication of the Committee Members
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- Anthony Taranto
- Jeremy Shu
- Elyssa Hackett
- Melissa Musgrove
- Stacey Odwazny
- Joanne Riley (P&F Representative)
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- In particular we would like to sincerely thank departing members of the School Advisory Committee: Anthony Taranto who has supported the school in this capacity for the last four years and Jeremy Shu for the last two years. We appreciate their time and dedication and commitment to our school and community.
2021 Enrolments
- As the school undertakes the enormous process of preparations for the upcoming school year. it is important that we are aware of possible movements both in and out of the school. The final weeks of any school year can be an enormously busy time for families insofar as transfers due to work or other personal circumstances.
- 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.
Class placement request
Requests are now closed and no longer possible given the extensive work and lengthy work required to construct 2022 classes.
Students on return to face to face learning and teaching will have the opportunity once settled in, to select 'Five Friends'. The school works hard to ensure that each student at St Catherine's is placed at least one of their friends in 2022.
Parent requests received for consideration were extensive and varied. Requests with educational reason will be given the highest priority.
We had many parents who requested that their child be in a class with a teacher who is full time. The workforce is now changed and so we have many amazing part time teachers who whilst working part time due to parental leave, give full time commitment to providing the very best opportunities and learning for their students.
A recurring theme in the many many received requests for placement consideration were around separation from other students and sometimes the list was long.
A fundamental belief for Catholic schools is that each person is enfolded in God’s love and is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The values and teachings of Jesus show all people ‘the way, the truth and the life’ (John 14:6). In working with young people in Catholic schools, God’s presence and spirit are shown through words and actions.
To nurture wellbeing, the unique story, giftedness and temperament of every child must be understood and valued in a way that enables love, respect, compassion, forgiveness and hope to thrive.
This reflects the belief that every child is sacred and encompassed in God’s love and as such their inherent dignity must be preserved so that they may come into the fullness of life.
Andrea Kershaw
Acting Principal