Dear Parents,

As we approach the last week of a very unique term, I thank you for the commitment you have made to Remote Learning, as well as to the children returning to school. Your patience and understanding have made such a difference, and your faith in us and support have enabled us to create an environment at school that is inclusive, safe and consistent. We are all very happy to have the school filled with the joy and buzz of children again.  The children all seem to be happy to be back and, by the smiles on parents’ faces, there are many of you who are enjoying having your children back at school too!

As part of our commitment to providing a safe learning environment for all children, we have put several practices in place. These include:

• All classrooms have several bottles of hand sanitiser which the children use constantly throughout the day
• Children wash their hands with soap and water throughout the day
• We do not gather as a school - assemblies are pre-recorded and shared virtually so that children watch them in their individual classrooms
• Classrooms and all areas of the school are cleaned with disinfectant several times each day
• Drinking taps continue to be turned off and the children bring their own drink bottles – if children do not have a drink bottle, water bottles are provided
• Children are picked up at Kiss and Go and, unless necessary, adults are not invited into the school – visitors can only access the school through the office
• A new sign in system, using an Ipad sign in requires visitors to show their Working With Children Check and sign the Code of Conduct before they are able to visit the school
• We are very pleased with how the systems are working and they continue to evolve as the need arises.

Could all parents please ensure that the computers that were loaned during Remote Learning are returned as we need to use them for classroom use. You can either send them with your child or return them to the office.

Kiss and Go is running very smoothly, thanks to your patience and the commitment and support of our staff. Could you please make sure that you keep the church driveway clear as you wait in line for the Kiss and Go.

NCCD (National Consistent Collection of Data) is approaching and we are working diligently to ensure we are providing the evidence needed to support the children in our school.

We are very happy to be able to show prospective new Foundation parents through the school and, although we cannot have them here during the school day, the response so far has been very positive. If you know anyone who may be interested in enrolling their child at St Mary’s for next year, please encourage them to come for a tour. Our Virtual Tour, Virtual Enrolment Information Night and a range of other information is on our new Facebook page. The name of our page is Immaculate Heart of Mary – we would love for you to join!

At this stage we have been advised that school camps might go ahead in late Term 3 and Term 4, which should enable us to continue with our camp program. We will not know this for some time and as soon as we know, we will let you know.

The Parents and Friends are being creative to find ways to support our school by fundraising, even in these difficult circumstances. The first fundraiser is a Pie Drive through Out of Dough. If you are able to support this, you will find the information details on this newsletter.

Next Friday, June 26, we are finishing school for the holidays at lunchtime, 1.30pm. Buses will run and you are welcome to come through the Kiss and Go to collect your child. If your child is not going to attend on the Friday, or needs to finish earlier could you please let your child’s teacher or Sandi know.

We remember those who find life challenging, those who cannot see light through the darkness. May they know that God walks with them and, while they cannot always see God or feel God’s presence, we are never alone as it is God who carries us when we cannot walk the path ourselves.

We hope you all have a lovely, relaxing holiday with your family and we look forward to a productive and happy Term 3.

Take care of yourselves and each other.

Lisa Broeren

Principal