Principal
PRINCIPAL NEWS
Dear Parents,
Unfortunately, we are feeling the impact of COVID across the school with our staffing. We have several staff out of the school due to COVID protocols, and given there are similar situations playing out across all school's over Melbourne, Casual Relief Teachers are very hard to find. Occasionally we have had to split classes across other grades because we have been unable to source teachers. We thank parents for your cooperation when this has to occur, it is not our preferred option but at times it is essential. We thank families for your understanding.
Choice Theory / Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support
We have commenced the process of using Choice Theory as our preferred approach when dealing with the students. This marries together with the Diocesan strategy of the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour (WSPBS). Jess Ornsby (Learning Adjustment Leader / Student Support) will be providing regular updates in the newsletter about Choice Theory and the WSPBS strategy.
Please be aware that if you have any issues or concerns regarding your child please feel welcome to contact Jess at any time.
Code of Conduct
Just below is the parent Code of Conduct. I would encourage all families to read it carefully. The education of your child is at its most successful when the school and family work in partnership. To ensure that this occurs we need strong lines of communication and for our interactions to be respectful at all times.
COVID Procedures
Listed below are the most recent procedures;
- Camps and Excursions - Camps and Excursions are now able to proceed. Information will be forwarded to parents as the dates become closer. Please note that it will be only school staff that attend the camps.
- Student Drop Off – Parents are welcome to walk their children into the school; however, we ask that you drop your child off at the door and please do not enter the buildings.
- Carline Pick-up – This remains the same as has been in place. Parents collecting children in cars need to enter the driveway and follow around through the basketball courts. The line will then split into an A-k line and an L-Z line that you enter according to your surname. The children will be waiting for you.
- School Office – The Office is open, however, if it is not essential to come onsite then please email info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au or phone 9702-1466. All adults coming indoors must wear a mask.
- Walking Pick-up – Parents walking to pick up their children are asked to remain at the rebound wall area and the students will come up to you for the safety of all. I remind parents to cross the road and collect your child, please do not call them across from the other side.
- Meetings with Teachers – Remain by appointment only and parents will need to sign in at the Office with proof of vaccination and wear a mask when indoors.
Families remain encouraged to test their children twice weekly with the RA tests provided. If your child tests positive please inform the school and they must isolate for seven days. Alerts will be sent to families via email if there is a positive case within the school. If your child is a household close contact they are required to isolate for seven days. Work is available for those children that are isolating and can be accessed via your child’s teacher. I remind families that this is work that they can complete at home but it is not a remote learning program.
Enrolments
We are now taking new enrolments for 2023. We have already been experiencing a demand for spots and we did ask that all existing families had their 2023 enrolment forms in by 4th of March. If you are an existing family and have not yet completed your 2023 enrolment form please do so asap in order to confirm a place. Enrolments are now open to all. If you know of anyone wanting to enrol at St Catherine’s please encourage them to contact the Office and book a tour.
Important 2023 Prep Enrolment Dates for Your Diary
| Tuesday 6th September - 7.00pm |
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Orientation sessions
| Tuesday 22nd November |
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| Wednesday 30th November |
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| Thursday 8th December |
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Easter Raffle
The Parents and Friends Committee are running an Easter Raffle this year. Please see below the timeline of events.
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Drop Off
A reminder that classes commence at 8.50am. Gates will be locked at 8.50am and children arriving after this time will need to come through the Office to be signed in.
School Closure Dates
Listed below are the 2022 School Closure Dates for your diary;
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Friday 1 April |
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Friday 24th June |
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Monday 3rd October |
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Monday 31st October |
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Monday 19th December |
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Tuesday 20th December |
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School Photos
FRIDAY 25 MARCH SCHOOL PHOTO DAY: Sibling/Graduation/Student
If you would like a sibling photo please contact the school on 97021466 or alternatively info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
| Friday 25th March |
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School Fees
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 the year. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Margaret Lonergan in the Office.
For any queries, either ring Margaret Lonergan on 9702 1466 or email accounts@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
Contact Address
If you have changed your address recently, could you please contact the school office on 97021466 or alternatively info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au
Kind Regards
Simon