Dear Parents and Caregivers
It is difficult to believe that we are nearing the end of Term 3. So many things have happened and so much learning has been experienced by students.
I would like to congratulate the Year 5 and 6 Debating Teams for their participation in the Debating SA competition. The students represented our school with pride and put in a lot of time preparing for their debates.
Just a reminder to all that hats must be worn during play breaks now. Children not wearing a hat, will need to play in the shade.
Class Groupings 2022
Over the next few weeks the class placement process for 2022 will commence. This is a complex jig-saw as we work to develop the right mix of students and the best possible fit in terms of both class size and class structure. Our teachers aim to keep abreast of the needs of every child through the course of the year and in their discussions with parents. Please understand that we take into consideration a range of factors including learning styles, academic achievement, gender, previous class history, friendship groups, social and emotional issues, siblings/relatives and so on. However, there is no doubt that some families will feel the need to write to me regarding placement. If you feel you must write, please base your request on educational issues that you feel we do not currently hold and that is crucial to a successful placement occurring. This is not about ‘selecting a teacher’, but is an opportunity for you to provide information that will help us with the process. I must stress that letters of requests for certain teachers will not be considered. Please ensure all requests are forwarded to me no later than this Friday.
Parents on School Grounds
I thank all parents for your support and cooperation ‘limiting the numbers of parents on school sites’. I have received further clarification through CESA referring to Department for Education guidelines.
The clarification has been sought as there are comparisons being made between schools in the Catholic sector and even schools in other sectors. All schools differ in their size, layout and complexity. At SJMS, we have limited indoor space and for this reason, we still need to limit parent access on our sites however, if parents have a prearranged meeting with their child’s teacher, provide COVID protocols are followed, these meetings can happen.
Unfortunately, this means that parents are unable to attend Assemblies or Class Liturgies of the Word.
Our School Sports Day will be held off site and provided we follow protocols and physical distancing, attendance at this event should not be a problem. Further information will be available early next term. parents wear masks, COVID check in etc. we will be able to have
Principals have a degree of discretion on what might be reasonable for their local context, so long as the general health guidelines are being applied.
Of course, if an outbreak were to occur in SA, then we can expect that there will be a rapid tightening of freedoms across the entire community, including schools.
I thank you all for your support in this matter.
Child Protection Week
This week is Child Protection Week. The theme for the 2021 National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) Child Protection Week campaign is ‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go.’
In Child Protection Week we are asked to be someone who listens to children, someone who will start a conversation with children and if needed, be that someone whom children will turn to when in need. The Commission is committed to the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children and young people from harm. This includes supporting the rights of the child and child safe environments by working together with key partner agencies towards care and protection of children within our community.
Volunteers at SJMS
Just a reminder that if you would like to volunteer at SJMS you will need to have the following documentation:
Please note that if the following information is not up to date, you will not be able to volunteer at SJMS until these requirements are met.
Please keep in your prayers...
I would like to offer my condolences on behalf of our community to Matt Harrison and his extended family on the loss of their beloved mum, grandmother, sister and aunty. Catherine Harrison was known at SJMS as she volunteered her time to support our school community. I know she will be sadly missed. Please keep Catherine and her family in your prayers.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Yours sincerely
Grace Vassallo-Wakefield
Photos:
Top of Newsletter - William St Performing Arts Studio build update.
Top of Article - Preschool students during exploration.
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