COVID-19 Update
A lot has transpired and changed in the past few days regarding the operations of the school due to the new COVID-19 Safety Guidelines being introduced into all schools. I am truly appreciative to all families for the way you have quickly responded and adapted to the sudden changes that have occurred.
It has been very difficult to see parents not being permitted to enter the classrooms at the start of each day, particularly the early years classrooms, but the way the students have responded and the way the staff have supported this difficult situation has been amazing.
Over the course of the last few days, I have continued to receive clarification about the permittable operations and activities in the school, remaining in line with the new safety guidelines being implemented. To assist families to understand the impact of the recent changes, correspondence will be coming out to families later today to hopefully explain these clearly.
I do appreciate your ongoing support during these times and ask you to please contact me at school if you have any questions or concerns regarding the current COVID-19 safety guidelines being implemented.
Parent Information Sessions
Thank you to the Kindergarten staff and parents who attended the Information Session last Monday afternoon. I hope the session was of benefit and gave the appropriate amount of information required to understand the operations and activities occurring in the Kindergarten classroom.
Unfortunately, the rest of the Year group sessions have been postponed. We are currently working with staff to provide families all the relevant information that was to be shared at the Information Sessions, in another format. This information will be passed onto families in the coming weeks.
Assemblies
Unfortunately, whole school gatherings and performances are not permitted under the new COVID-19 safety guidelines. Due to this, assemblies will still be conducted, but in an alternative way.
Given how hard our students work and try in being their best, student awards, including St Damien’s Awards, Principal Awards and Rising Star Awards, will continue to be awarded to students. Our first assembly is scheduled for next Friday 18 February. More information regarding the format for assembly will be in next week’s blog.
Year 3-6 Swimming Trials
Swimming trials for students in Years 3 to 6 are being held next Thursday 17 February, which is exciting. Due to some changes in the COVID-19 safety guidelines, the trials will be conducted in Year Group timeslots, at the MARC. Students will be transported to and from the MARC in Year level groups by bus.
Correspondence regarding the upcoming Swimming Trials will be sent out by Miss Sanders soon. Please take the time to read this information, at your earliest convenience.
Parents are permitted to come along and spectate the trials, but are not permitted to interact with the students whilst at the pool. I ask that parents strictly adhere to this requirement for the safety and wellbeing of all students.
Confirmation
Next week our Year 6 students begin their Sacrament of Confirmation program. Being a parish-based program, the Confirmation Parent Session will be held in the St Damien’s Parish, next Tuesday 15th February, beginning at 6pm.
Correspondence regarding the upcoming Confirmation Parent Meeting will be shared by the Parish to the relevant Year 6 Confirmation Sacramental candidates families in the coming days.
Principal Awards
Over the past week some students have been sent to my office to receive a Principal’s Award for completing some exceptional work. I congratulate Finley Thomas, Zara Guyatt, Davie Howes, Taya McKay and Nellie Gilbert, from Pre-Primary Blue, for their great work in their Writing. Well done and keep up the great work!
God Bless,
Daniel Gooch
Principal
