PRINCIPAL NEWS

Dear Parents,

Communication was sent out earlier today from Maria Kirkwood, the Director of Catholic Education- Diocese of Sale. This communication was regarding my ongoing appointment to the role of Principal at St Catherine’s Primary School. I look forward to continuing to work with the St. Catherine’s community moving forward.

It is hard to believe that we have arrived at Week 6 already, the term is moving along quickly.  We have been celebrating Catholic Education over the last couple of weeks. It is an opportune time for us to reflect upon the important role Catholic Schools play in our society. 

We must always remain grateful for the huge sacrifices of those that came before us in Catholic education to allow us to enjoy what we have today.  The faith, forethought, sacrifice and dedication of Catholic’s in the past provided the platform to allow the Catholic education system to now thrive.  They were not easy times initially, and we continue to be thankful for all that they did.  Over 25 years ago a plot of farming land in Berwick was purchased for the site of a new school, today we have over 650 students!

Safety Around The School Grounds

The following rules are in place for the safety of all students in the school.  We ask that parents please respect the following rules;

• Children should not be arriving at school before 8.25am as they are not supervised.
• All cars leaving the roadway must turn left into Ridgemont Drive.
• Students waiting for siblings from SFX must wait inside the school grounds near the entrance gate. They are not to wait out the front of SFX.
• Children waiting for a parent or siblings- Children waiting for a parent or siblings to meet them are to remain inside the gates until collected. The students will be taken to wait in the office after 3.35pm.

COVID/Illness Impacts

As the year is progressing we are feeling the effects as a school of illness amongst the staff.  Please be assured that returning to a Remote Learning Program is our very last resort and we have no intention at this stage.  It does mean, however, that we have to be flexible and understand that the students may not always have their normal teacher in front of their grade.  The work is planned and remains the same, however, it may be a different teacher.  We are working hard to continue to offer the students as many different opportunities as we can.

Staffing Update

Last week we announced the resignation of Mrs Kylie Hudson as she leaves us in few weeks to take up a position at Holy Family, Doveton.  We thank Kylie for her time at St Catherine’s and wish her all the very best for the future.

It is with pleasure that we can announce Mr Walter Boulton as the new 1M5 teacher.  Walter is familiar to the students at school and he is very excited to be joining the St Catherine’s community.  I am sure he will be made to feel welcome by all.

Last week our Grade One students enjoyed a wonderful excursion to the Moonlit Sanctuary and our Year Six students competed in the District Lightning Premiership.   Thanks to all of the staff for their preparation and organisation of the day,  as well as the parent helpers who assisted.

Parents and Friends Bunning BBQ

The Parents and Friends are running another Bunnings BBQ at Clyde North on Saturday the 25^th of June. If you are able to help with a shift please email Melissa  melissaknight40@hotmail.com or Jo  joanne_riley@bigpond.com

Drop Off / Pick Up

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. 

Parents need to ensure that they have appropriate arrangements organised for their children at the end of the day, particularly students that are waiting for siblings from SFX.

Working with children Checks

The Federal Government requires people who are working with children to have a Working with Children Check (WWCC).
All parents who do any type of voluntary work in the school must have a valid WWCC.

Our database shows alot of expired Working with children checks.  If you have updated your card, could you please scan and email a copy to info@stcberwick.catholic.edu.au 

COVID Procedures

Listed below are the most recent procedures;

• Camps and Excursions - Camps and Excursions are proceeding. 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 office@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.

We are now taking new enrolments for 2023.  We have already been experiencing a demand for spots. 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.