Filter Content
- Message from the Principal
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION / REMINDERS TO PARENTS
- Important Sport Information -Term 1
- SCHOOL FEE INFORMATION
- Term Dates, Public Holidays and School Closure Dates
- Important Dates Regarding Buses
- Term 1 Arrangements 2022
- COVID Safe Measures in Schools
- Foundation 2021 Sunflowers have sprouted!
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Sion Campus Update
- Community Notices
Our school is a place of faith and learning
Dear Parents and Families,
We are delighted to welcome all our children back to school. We especially welcome our Foundation students and the new families that have joined our school community. We look forward to a positive year and pray that our learning spaces are faith filled, happy, inquisitive and safe learning spaces for all children.
We particularly congratulate our Foundation students for the way in which they have settled into the routine of school and their new environment. We thank all our parents for their co-operation and working with us to ensure a smooth transition into the 2022 school year.
Today’s newsletter will include a number of reminders regarding some of the protocols and processes within the school. Please know that teachers have also shared their classroom bulletins informing families of events specific to their class.
COVID 19 SAFETY
You would have already received information regarding processes to reduce transmission across the school and this remains available on the PAM Daily Messages Dashboard.
We remind parents/guardians of their responsibility to notify the school of any children who have tested positive to COVID 19 or who are deemed as household contacts. We thank those families who have already done so and we will continue to notify families of any positive cases within the school.
We also remind families that rapid antigen surveillance testing should be completed twice a week. We are still waiting for the second set of supplies and they will be distributed when we receive them. Thank you! We appreciate your co-operation within this space.
Please know that we do have learning continuity plans in place for those students who are isolating at home and are well enough to engage in learning activities. These will be shared with families after the school receives a notification.
Travelling to school
We ask families to speak to their children about walking and riding to school safely and to ensure the safest and most appropriate way home. Families are asked to use the school crossings and if not available, accompany their child across the road.
If there are any changes to end of day arrangements, please contact the Office.
The school diary can also be used to communicate plans for the day. If emailing teachers, please be aware that they may not check their emails until later in the morning or day.
We ask you to remind your children of the need to make their way straight home unless other arrangements have been discussed.
The Gumnuts gate and Raglan St gate are both entry and exit paths for children. Foundation students and their families are currently using the Guthridge Admin foyer gate in the morning and afternoons. Please discuss meeting points with your child if they are being picked up by car or walking home.
We encourage you to be very mindful of council regulations and road laws around the pick up and drop off zones, together with parking and no standing zones.
You will find details further below.
With respect to school communication, messages will be posted on the PAM Daily Dashboard together with links to the weekly school newsletter. SMS messages will be sent to families if we need you to read email correspondence promptly.
The school does not currently have a facebook page. If you have any questions or need clarification of any matters pertaining to the school, please direct them to the school or to your child’s classroom teacher.
If they relate to dates, events, protocols or processes, please check the school newsletter or your class bulletin.
Information will be shared today regarding Swimming trials to be held later in February for students in Years 3-6.
We hope your children have enjoyed their return to school and catching up with their friends.
We look forward to a great year.
Anita and staff
A Student's Prayer at the Beginning of School Year
We give you praise, O God, for everything that is new and beautiful, for everything which holds promise and brings us joy.
Bless us as we start this new year with our friends and teachers
Help us to make the most of every chance we have to start afresh. May we show love to one another and to all.
May the new beginning of this school year remind us that you give us chances to start over again and again. Help us to forgive others as we receive your forgiveness. Help us to learn and to work together. Help us to listen when we should and to know the best words when we speak and when it is better not to speak.
We thank you for our friends.
Help us to be good friends this year.
Help us to be patient with ourselves and with others.
Bless our school and keep us safe. Be with us as we travel each day. Help us to be aware of your love shown to us in the people around us.
Bless all those who care for us In school and at home. Help us show our care for them and to say sorry when we need to.
Be with us Lord throughout this year.
Amen.
Anita and staff.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION / REMINDERS TO PARENTS
Children presenting unwell at school will be sent home and asked to remain home, until symptoms have resolved.
Children presenting with COVID symptoms will also be sent home and are asked to remain at home until symptoms have resolved. They need to complete a rapid antigen/PCR test. If testing positive they are to notify the school.
- Fever,
- Chills & Sweats,
- Cough,
- Sore throat,
- Shortness of breath,
- Runny nose
- Loss or change in sense of smell or taste
- Headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
MEDICATION SIGN-IN REGISTER
Any prescription medication that a child needs take during school hours must be signed in at the school office. NOTE: All medication must be prescribed by a Medical Practitioner and have the child’s name and dosage on the bottle/package.
Head Bumps
Parents will be notified by phone if their child receives a bump to the head or injury to the eye whilst at school.
Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergies, Diabetes
Please ensure Medical Management plans are current and forwarded to the school.
Asthma puffers, epi pens and other specific medical equipment necessary for your child to have at school can be forwarded to classroom teachers or the office staff.
Wearing of masks
Children in Years 3-6 are to wear masks to school unless an exemption applies.
Student in Foundation to Year 2 are encouraged to wear masks, but not required.
All students visiting the school are required to wear masks indoors.
Sacraments
Please know that if you wish to enrol your child to receive either the sacrament of Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation this year , please contact the St Mary’s Cathedral Office or the school.
NO SMOKING
SMOKING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS IS TOTALLY PROHIBITED
FRONT OFFICE ENTRANCE
Children are asked not to enter or leave the school via the front office entrance unless accompanied by an Parent/Guardian.
VPASS SIGN IN & OUT REGISTER
All parents and visitors to the school must sign in and out using the VPASS QR Code or ipad that is located at the school office. This includes any time where you will be present in the school for a period of time.
The VPASS ipad also allows you to sign out children who will be leaving the school early (eg.dentist appointment, sickness). If the child will be returning the same day, you will also need to sign them back in using the ipad.If you are bringing your child to school after 8.55am, it is also necessary to fill in the late arrival section of the ipad. Office staff can help you if needed.
VISITORS
All Visitors, Contractors and Casual Staff entering a DOSCEL school will be also be required to sign in using the Vpass QR code or app on the ipad.
SCHOOL ABSENCES
All absences are to be entered via your PAM account. This information is required for the school attendance roll, which is a legal document. In the event of long term absences, due to illness or holidays, a note is to be sent to the principal outlining the dates and reason for the absence. The principal will then inform the classroom teacher. This process will guarantee that children are accounted for and avoid unnecessary concern.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARDS
Please ensure that the your child's Emergency Information card is up to date as soon as possible. The information card is available through PAM parent links or you can request a hard copy via email reception@sttssale.catholic.edu.au
If your child's medical needs change throughout the year, please update your PAM account and notify the school. Please also ensure that you have at least 2 emergency contacts as well as parent details. It is important that we have a person to contact in an emergency that lives locally and is not a parent. This person(s) is only contacted if we are unable to contact parents, who are obviously our first point of call.
Buses
Children travelling by Country Bus are dismissed from the classroom at 3.10pm and assemble at the front of the school at the Gumnuts gate. After being checked off the bus list, a teacher will then walk them to Sale College to board their bus.
Cars
Children being picked up by cars are to leave via the Raglan Street or Guthridge Parade exits. Guthridge Parade is a no parking zone between 8.00 – 9.30am and 2.30 – 4.00pm. The duty teachers will dismiss children as parents arrive. Children are to use the school crossings where necessary and no child is to cross the road unaccompanied by an adult.
The area along Raglan Street marked with white lines is a ‘kiss and drop’ zone only. You may stop, drop off or pick up your children and immediately leave the zone. You cannot park and leave your car. If you do so you may receive a fine. Police and Council Officers do a regular check of the area.
Please do not double park when dropping off or collecting children. This is an extremely dangerous practice, which puts children at risk of an accident. Children will be discouraged from getting into cars that are double-parked. Parents are asked to abide by the road rules to minimise the risk of danger to children.
After School Care
A form is available on the PAM parent links or you can request a hard copy from reception for parents requesting after school care. It is important that the school is kept informed of students using these services and any changes to your child’s routine. If your child is booked into after school care but is not attending, please ensure both the after school care service and the school are notified.
Walking
If children walk home, it is important that parents advise them of the safest route home. Please ensure that your child is old enough to walk home unaccompanied and is familiar with the road rules.
LUNCH BOXES
If you are sending your child to school with yogurt, meat, cheese or any food that needs to be chilled, please include an ice-pack in your child’s lunch box. No refrigeration is available.
SUPERVISION
We ask that children do not arrive at school prior to 8.30am.
Supervision begins at 8.30am. We understand there may be disruptions to morning routines at home, but we encourage families to ensure children arrive to school by 8.55am. Gates are closed at 9am.
Children are to be collected no later than 3.30pm.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Parents are encouraged to contact the principal or staff members at any time to discuss matters about their children or school. It is vital that the lines of communication are kept open between home and school. Please understand however, that staff members often have commitments before and after school, so it is advisable to make an appointment at a mutually convenient time, to ensure you receive sufficient time and attention.
CUSTODIAL ARRANGEMENTS
We ask parents to keep the school informed of custodial arrangements/intervention orders that impact their child.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS
Children should have with them all items that were outlined in the book-list. In addition they need to bring an art smock and a library bag. Parents are asked to make sure stationery requirements are updated as required.
All purchased items are to be brought to school at the beginning of the year. The teachers will store excess pencils, pens, glue sticks etc. and distribute them to the children as needed throughout the year.
All student belongings are to be clearly and permanently labelled.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Emergency evacuation and lock-in drills are carried out regularly. The assembly point for evacuations is the south west corner of the school oval. When the warning siren (or continuous ringing of hand bells) sounds, everyone must report to the oval, be accounted for,
and await further instructions. When the Lock-In siren is sounded all children and adults must return to the appropriate classroom or work area and follow the outlined instructions. This includes all parents and other visitors to the school.
School Uniform
Please know that all students are asked to wear their full summer uniform detailed below.
Sport days will be forwarded to families via classroom teachers as days will differ for classes.
UNIFORM
Boys - Summer:Grey shorts, white shirt, school jumper (navy), grey school socks with stripes, black leather shoes or elastic-sided school boots.
Girls - Summer:School summer dress, school jumper (navy), short white socks (above ankle), black leather shoes or elastic-sided school boots.
Parents are asked to ensure that their child/ren come/s to school each day in the correct uniform. Black leather shoes or elastic-sided boots only may be worn as school shoes.
The sport uniform is to be worn on designated days only. All students are to wear short, above the ankle, plain white socks with the sport uniform.
Every student must have the school hat to wear at recess and lunchtimes during the summer season. As a Sun smart school, we adhere to the guidelines set by the Anti Cancer Council. You will be notified when the period for not wearing hats will begin.
Jewellery is to be limited to one pair of studs or sleepers for boys and girls. Watches may be worn to school, but bracelets, rings and necklaces are not allowed. If there are special circumstances (eg. medical) for your child to wear an item you will need to discuss the matter with the Principal. This rule exists for safety reasons.
We particularly remind children to adhere to the rules around keeping hair tidy. All shoulder length hair is to be tied back for girls and boys. Hair ties are to be of school colours, yellow or navy. Hair dye or blonde tips are not permitted and parents are asked to respect this part of the uniform policy.
There have been some questions around the nature of school shoes. School policy outlines black leather shoes are to be worn at St Thomas’.. We prefer the formal school shoe, either lace up or velcro straps, however, we are aware there are a number of black leather shoes that retail as school shoes. Black suede skater shoes or canvas shoes are not school uniform items. Sneakers are to be worn on sports day only.
We ask you to assist us with ensuring the uniform is worn correctly. Teachers will remind children of the protocols regularly as the new school year gets underway. Children without hats will need to remain in the shaded verandas of the quadrangle.
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP
The uniform shop will be open by prior arrangement only. Please contact Anna on 0419 117 649
Important Sport Information -Term 1
Important Sport Information -term 1
Swimming
The annual swimming trials and carnival for students in grades 3-6 will be modified this year in light of current restrictions. The combined event will take place on Thursday 17th of February at the Sale Swimming Complex. Students will be attending the pool in separate year levels with their classroom teachers to complete their swimming program over the course of the day.
Competent swimmers in grades 4-6 will have the opportunity to swim in the 50m freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke events. Students in year 3 as well as students in year 4-6 who are not confident swimmers will have the opportunity to swim a 25m event. All students will participate in fun novelty events whilst at the pool. This year’s carnival will focus on fun and participation whilst still providing an opportunity for our swimmers to showcase their skills and progress to the district event. If you have any concerns about your child’s swimming ability or the swimming program please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s classroom teacher. Please ensure you take the time to read the event information that will be sent home via PAM next week.
Volunteers
A limited number of volunteers will be able to attend the swimming carnival. If you would like to assist with starting, timing, recording or water safety at our swimming carnival, please contact me via email (gduffield@sttsale.catholic.edu.au). All volunteers will need to have a current WWC card, completed the school induction and be fully vaccinated.
SSV State team selection trials
School Sport Victoria (SSV) State Team trial registrations are currently open for the following sports; netball, basketball, soccer, AFL and cricket. These trials are not a ‘come and try’ but for talented individuals who are currently playing high level representative sport. In order to attend a regional trial, students must be endorsed by the school and complete the online registration process. Parents are responsible for transporting their child to the event and paying the $25 registration fee to SSV. If you would like your child to be considered for these trials please collect and complete an expression of interest form from Mrs Duffield. Nominations close on the 1st of March. To be eligible students must be 12 years and under as of the 31st of December 2022.
SSV Job vacancy - Wellington Division Sport Coordinator
School Sport Victoria is currently seeking to fulfill the role of Wellington Division Sport Coordinator. The role entails coordinating and running the Wellington Division sporting events (swimming, cross country, athletics carnivals etc) with the support of SSV. It is a paid position and does not require a teaching qualification. Without this position being filled our students will be unable to participate and progress beyond district events. If this position interests you, please contact myself (gduffield@sttsale.catholic.edu.au) or Ben Chivers (benjamin.chivers@education.vic.gov.au)
Cross Country
The whole school cross country event will be held at the end of term (date TBC). Over the coming weeks students will be engaging in fitness training and running practice to prepare for this event.
Covid Safety REminder
Please note that all school events will be subject to the current health guidelines at the time, available staffing and to the safety and well being of our students. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
FEES 2022
Family Fee 1 Child |
$1870 + $235 Capital Fee |
$2105 |
Family Fee 2 Child |
$2070 + $235 Capital Fee |
$2305 |
Family Fee 3 Child |
$2270+ $235 Capital Fee |
$2505 |
Family Fee 4 Child |
$2270 + $235 Capital Fee |
$2505 |
Per Student Levies - in addition to Family Fee listed above |
|||||||
|
Prep |
Yr.1 |
Yr.2 |
Yr.3 |
Yr.4 |
Yr.5 |
Yr.6 |
Curriculum |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
Activity |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$155 |
Camp |
|
|
|
$140 |
$140 |
$350 |
$530 |
Total Year Level Levy |
$315 |
$315 |
$315 |
$455 |
$445 |
$655 |
$855 |
You will receive your 2021 Annual Fees & Levies account via Email this week.
There are many payment options available – Direct Debit, BPay, Credit Card, Cash/Chq.
If you don’t have an on-going Direct Debit arrangement in place already, and you wish to use the payment option, please Email apiasente@sttsale.catholic.edu.au or cjohnson@sttsale.catholic.edu.au to commence payments.
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
If you applied for the CSEF at this school in 2021, you do not need to complete and Application Form in 2022. If any changes have occurred during 2021, and you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact cjohnson@sttsale.catholic.edu.au
Application forms are available from the Office.
Concession is available for CSEF recipients.
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE If you travel by private car, more than 4.8km (one way) to school, or the nearest designated bus stop that services the school of the denomination of your choice, you may be eligible for Conveyance Allowance. Please contact the Office for information |
Term Dates, Public Holidays and School Closure Dates
2022 SCHOOL TERM DATES
TERM 1 - Wednesday 2nd February - Friday 8th April
TERM 2 - Tuesday 26th April - Friday 24th June
TERM 3 - Monday 11th July - Friday 16th September
TERM 4 - Monday 3rd October - Tuesday 20th December
SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS 2022
Tuesday 26th April | Student Free day |
Friday 24th June | Student Free day |
Monday 31st October | Student Free day |
Tuesday 20th December | Student Free day |
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Monday 14th March | Labour Day |
Monday 25th April | ANZAC Day |
Monday 13th June | Queens Birthday |
Tuesday 1st November | Melbourne Cup |
Important Dates Regarding Buses
IMPORTANT DATES FOR BUSES
BUSES 2022
Buses will not run on the following days in 2022
Friday 10th June 2022
Monday 11th July 2022
Friday 25th November 2022
Foundation 2021 Sunflowers have sprouted!
In Foundation last year, we grew sunflower seeds in our classroom. They sprouted and grew into small seedlings. After watering them and making sure they had enough sunlight for several weeks we transplanted them to the garden beds outside. The seedlings took awhile to grow but eventually most grew into tall sunflower plants with flowers over the holidays. The full cycle of the sunflower seeds is almost complete with the flower heads dying and releasing the seeds back into the soil. The cockatoos have recently been seen at school feasting on the sunflower seeds. We will watch and see if the seeds grow into new seedlings.
Free parent webinar
To coincide with Safer Internet Day, eSafety is running a free webinar for parents, carers, and anyone with young people in their lives who want tips and tools on how to help them thrive online.
Book in now and share the details with three people you know. We all have a part to play in making the internet a safer, more positive place for young people.