Dear Parents and Carers,

This week our school received a COVID-19 update from NSW Health and Catholic Education Canberra and Goulburn that will be in place for the rest of Term 3 or until otherwise advised. The big change was any staff or student who present with flu like systems are now required to have a COVID-19 test and can’t return to school until the results confirm that it is not the virus and these results must be provided to the school.

Other changes that came with this update include:

• Activities such as choirs, chanting and the use of wind instruments in a group setting are not permitted.
• Dance activities will require risk assessments and a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• Only external providers essential to the delivery of curriculum may continue.
• Kindergarten orientation and transition to school activities remain on hold until further notice.
• No activities that result in the mixing of students from different schools and from different regions, such as sporting-related activities, drama and debating are not allowed.
• Parents should avoid routinely entering the school building where possible but can attend scheduled school events and meetings with teachers. Physical distancing and hygiene measures still apply.
• Board and P&F meetings can continue online, no social events at all are permitted.
• Professional development for staff should not be conducted face-to-face unless absolutely necessary. Staff gatherings should be minimised and, where they must occur, limited to the minimum amount of people required to achieve educational outcomes.

At St Mary’s these updates won’t have a huge impact for Term 3, however if these restrictions continue into Term 4 the school will need to make some alterations to planned activities.

Some key events in Term 4 include the 2021 Kinder orientation, 5/6 excursion, intensive swimming program, end of year performance, speech night and Year 6 graduation celebrations. More information on these events will come towards the end of this term or early next term. The school is committed to give our students every possible chance to participate in these activities, even if they need adjusting to meet COVID-19 restrictions.

On a positive note, our teachers will participate in the Western Region Elevated Learning days next week. This professional learning was postponed and we are excited to have the opportunity to gain some valuable learning in the art of teaching mathematics.

Our P&F have been hard at work organising the Cookie Dough fundraiser and the Father’s Day stall. Both events are going ahead as planned and the school is extremely grateful for all the work the P&F does for us.

Once again thank you to our entire school community for understanding the continuing changes with the COVID-19 restrictions. St Mary’s will continue to be a proud and agile school that is committed to delivering the best experiences for our students no matter what comes our way.

Phil Nielsen

Principal

LORD

Give me strength in my weakness.

Give me faith in my fear.

Give me power in my powerlessnesss.

I'm trusting You.

AMEN

Contributed by Harry Morton, 5/6 Faith

• 2021 West Wyalong High School Year 7 - Year 6 - please return the paper note to the school office regarding enrolment packs for West Wyalong High School.  If you are not interested in an enrolment pack can you please also advise the office just so we know the note was received at home.

Mrs Emma McRae our counsellor will be visiting our school next week on Wednesday the 26th of August.

 Emma will be holding her counselling sessions face to face again while maintaining the appropriate social distancing protocols.

If you would like to make a confidential appointment for your child please contact the office.

Happy Birthday to

We hope you enjoy your special day.

If you have nomiated your child to sit the ICAS tests this year please note the test dates below.  The testing started this week and all nominated children will be taken from class with the minimum disruption to complete the test.

   

St Mary's War Memorial School

School Photography Date: 21 October 2020

ONLINE ORDER CODE: 6G9 B9C 7GD

Online Order link: https://www.advancedimage.com.au/keycode/keycodefinder.aspx?keycode=6G9B9C7GD

School photography day is coming up very soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link above or by using an order envelope which is available from the school office.

Important Information:

• School photos purchased online DO NOT require envelopes returned to school*
• Don’t forget to order your sibling photos now
• Late fees/additional charges will be applied for purchases after photo day
• Photos will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
• Past years’ photographs are available at school’s advancedlife & your advancedyou photo sites (follow the link above)

*Sibling photographs must be ordered either online or by order envelope prior to the day of photography.  A photograph will not be taken without an order. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at the school.

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to St Mary's War Memorial School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at  enquiries@advancedlife.com.au.

Assembly

The following events are in next weeks calendar.

To see the school's full calender check out the SZApp or our website.