'Welcome
Welcome back to term 2 for the school year. I hope all families had an enjoyable holiday break and it is great to see all of the students settled back into school and engaging in the rigours of the school routines so quickly and easily.
I am excited for the term ahead, as we continue to build on the hard work and efforts from term 1 and also continue to return to normal routines and operations, over time.
At the end of last term, Interim Reports were made accessible to families, summarising the work ethic and behaviours of the students in the school. Please make contact with your child’s classroom teacher if you would like to discuss the outcome of the Interim Report, or any other matters pertaining to your child’s learning at school.
ANZAC Day
On Monday, as Australians we honoured all of the men and women who have participated in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations around the world, including the ANZACs who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I, as part of the ANZAC Day celebrations.
Through dawn services and commemoration events throughout Australia and the world, we remember and give thanks to all the fallen who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and peace we experience today.
We had our Head Girl and Head Boy represented the school by laying a wreath on our behalf, at the community ‘Dawn Service’ which was held at the Dawesville Memorial. We also held a memorial service (online) at school on Tuesday to acknowledge this significant event.
COVID Update
The Minister for Health, Hon Amber Jade-Sanderson announced that effective 12.01am, Friday 29 April 2022 (tomorrow), public health measures in Western Australia will be eased to what is now being called ‘baseline settings’. This has a direct impact on operations and restrictions currently in place in the school as the COVID-19 safe protocols are eased. The main changes are the easing of mask wearing requirements and the close contact mandate.
Mask Wearing:
Please note that while masks are no longer mandatory for students or staff, the wearing of masks will remain permitted and optional throughout the school, for staff and students wishing to do so.
Close Contacts:
Close contacts with no symptoms are not required to isolate for 7 days, but must:
· undertake a daily Rapid Antigen Test prior to attending school.
· wear a mask when leaving the house, where applicable.
· avoid high-risk settings, including hospitals, healthcare settings, disability and aged care facilities, and correctional facilities.
· avoid non-essential gatherings and contact with people at risk of severe illness.
· They should also notify their school of their close contact status.
· Close contacts with symptoms must continue to isolate until symptoms resolve and get tested as per existing protocols.
· If a close contact tests positive, they must isolate for a further 7 days as per arrangements for positive COVID-19 cases.
CEWA is currently working with the Department of Health and the Department of Education to determine the full implication for school operations, going forward. The updated School Operating Guidelines will be provided to St Damien’s CPS in the coming days and will come into effect in CEWA schools from Monday, 2 May 2022. Information regarding the impact of the new operational guidelines will be corresponded to families, once known.
Further information regarding the Minster for Health’s most recent announcement can be accessed on the following link:
2023 Enrolments
The enrolment period has begun for students beginning in 4-Year-Old Kindergarten for 2023. If you have a child who is eligible to begin 4-Year-Old Kindergarten next year, please ensure you complete and submit an enrolment form to the school office as soon as possible.
Siblings of currently enrolled students need to compete and submit an enrolment form, as well as all 3-Year-Old Kindergarten students wishing to attend St Damien’s CPS next year.
If you have any questions regarding the enrolment process of the school, please contact the office on 9583 2500.
NAPLAN
The NAPLAN assessments occur this term, with students in Years 3 and 5 sitting them from Tuesday May 10 to Friday May 20. All of the assessments, except Year 3 Writing, will be completed online.
If you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming NAPLAN assessments for your child/children in Year 3 or 5, please contact your classroom teacher.
Winter Uniform
With school starting back this term, the first two weeks of the term will be used as a period for students in Years 3 to 6 to transition into wearing the full school winter uniform by Tuesday 10th May 2021. Students in Kindy to Year 2 will continue to wear their Sports Uniform as part their uniform requirements throughout the year.
Please contact the office if you have any questions regarding the purchasing of the School Winter Uniform in readiness for term 2.
God Bless,
Daniel Gooch
Principal
