“Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.”

John 18:37

(From the Gospel of the 34th Sunday in Ordinary time, Year B)

Dear families,

We have passed the halfway point of term. As the end of year approaches we can begin to feel overwhelmed by the many tasks we have to achieve. It is at these times that we should ensure we continue to take time for ourselves and be guided by our faith.

We have many events planned for the remainder of the year. On Thursday and Friday Mrs Calla-Hunstone and I will be attending a virtual conference by NSW Catholic Schools titled DISruptABILITY. This conference will address inclusive practices for students with diverse learning needs. 

We have the book parade on Thursday. It is disappointing that parents and carers cannot attend because of the restrictions. Look out for the photos and small class video clips of the book parade on facebook. 

In Week 8 we have the Year 5 and 6 Leadership Day, school photos, the Sandon Point Beach excursions, a talk by Surf Life Saving and our 2022 Kindergarten Play Transition day and zoom meeting.

In preparing for the end of the year we hope to be able to hold our end of year assembly and Mass on 10 December. Although parents and carers will not be able to attend these events in person, under the current restrictions, we plan to share them via social media. We will provide details of how you can watch it closer to the event. These events are formal events so we will ask that our students wear their full school summer uniform.

On Tuesday 14 December we will hold the Year 6 farewell mass and celebration. Parents and carers can attend this event if they are fully vaccinated. We will write to you with further details in the next week. Unfortunately we will have to turn people away if they arrive and cannot show proof of full vaccination. We thank you in advance for supporting us in following the restrictions. 

Finally as the end of the year approaches  we hope the weather will warm up. We are not able to turn the drink bubblers on at this stage. Children are required to bring their own drink bottle, with water in it as the preferred drink. Children can refill their bottles at the hand washing stations. Please ensure your child has a drink bottle on a daily basis.

God Bless

Katie Browne

Principal

Vaping

Vaping is on the increase especially amongst children. Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has created some great video resources for parents and students on the topic with facts about vapes and e-cigarettes. I encourage you to watch the video and discuss the content with your children. We will show the student video to the Year 5 and Year 6 children over the coming weeks and teachers will discuss the facts with the students. You are encouraged and welcome to view the student video with your children and have an open discussion about vaping.

For Parents and Staff:

For All Students:

eSafety Parents guide to digital technologies and mental health.

Please review the flyer about a free webinar on this topic.

Congratulations Matthew Holmes

On Friday the Diocesan Sports Awards were held. At this special zoom event Matthew Holmes was commended for his participation in sport at a school, and diocesian level.

These are Matthew’s achievements:

• School rep in athletics, cross country and swimming
• Diocesan rep in cross country and swimming
• MacKillop rep in swimming
• School athletics, swimming and cross country champion
• West region swimming age champion
• A highly respected athlete who is a great team member; always encouraging others
• Participates enthusiastically, always performing at a high standard.

Well done Matthew on a wonderful achievement.

Activate Fire - Friday 19 November 2021

On Friday 19th November, Year 6 will be apart of the Activate the Fire event hosted by the Catholic Youth Ministry Wollonong. The day is an Immersive Spiritual Experience based on the Year 6 Confirmation Unit: Celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirit. It will be held via Zoom in our school hall. Lunch will be provided. 

ILLNESS

If you child is unwell, even with mild symptoms, please do not send them to school.  If your child does have a covid test, please email through a copy of their result to the school office so that it can be uploaded to their file.  Unfortunately, at this stage, rapid antigen tests are not an acceptable alternative as we cannot be sure of their accuracy. The student will still need to have a standard COVID-19 test.

PERMISSION NOTES

Permission notes will now be issued via Compass.  To give your child permission to attend an event you will need to access the Compass browser.  If you are required to provide consent for an event, it will appear under your Tasks.  Once you have provided consent, you will no longer have any Tasks to complete.  All the information with regard to the event is available via Compass.

MEDICAL UPDATES

At the conclusion of the school year, all medication and medical plans will be sent home with the students along with a Consent to Dispense Medication Form for 2022.  Please ensure that your child’s medical plan and medication are updated for 2022 and sent to the office at the start of the school year in 2022 along with the completed form.

COMPASS ACCESS - DOWNLOAD SCHOOL REPORTS

For any families who are leaving the school at the end of the year, please download your child’s report when they are issued as you will no longer have access to Compass from 18^th December 2021.

POSITION VACANT 

PARISH SECRETARY - St Paul's Catholic Parish Moss Vale.   

Permanent Part Time – 12 hours per week.

The role provides secretarial and administrative office support services to the Parish Priest and Parish, being responsible for the smooth and effective operation of the parish office. 

For more details and to request an application form please phone the Parish Office on 4868 1931.

Applications close on

Wednesday 24th November, 2021 at 1.00pm.

Congratulations to these students who achieved a Merit Award at last week's assembly:

Congratulations to these students who received a Mission Star Award at last week's assembly:

Events Calendar (Covid Permitting) 2021