School Uniform Expectations - Focus on Hair

After a prolonged period of time in social isolation there have been many children who have returned to school with inappropriate hairstyles, coloured hair or long hair that is not tied back. A reminder that a students hair is a part of the school uniform and it is expected that all students follow the school policy. This means no coloured hair, no inappropriate hairstyles and if boys or girls have hair that is to their shoulders OR falling in front of their face it must be tied back. Following our school’s expectations demonstrates pride in the St Michael’s name and respect for the school rules. Thank you to all the families who follow the school rules and expectations.

Merit Awards

The PB4L team have been exploring ways that the school can incorporate merit awards into this remote learning environment. The staff will be awarding merit awards each fortnight on a Friday in their good morning message to the class. This is a great way to acknowledge the work the students have been doing and their commitment to what is a very different way of schooling. We will continue to monitor the accumulation of awards and also present Principal awards in the same way.

Remote Learning

Thank you to all our families, you have all juggled the demands of your own work and supported your children to access remote learning from home. One of the highlights for the students has been the good morning messages from their teachers. Over the coming weeks we will share some short compilations of some of the videos across the school via our Facebook page. Keep an eye out for the creative ways our teachers have welcomed your children to the school day.

It was great to see the children back in our school this week, all children that attended on their scheduled day had a great day catching up with their teachers and their friends.

Wellbeing Scavenger Hunt

Thank you for taking part in our wellbeing scavenger hunt this week. Some families are sending in their entries each day and some are sending in one entry on Friday. I have enjoyed seeing all the different responses and it has given us a great discussion point when seeing the children on Tuesday and Wednesday. A wonderful way to ease back into school and rebuild connection with your wonderful children.

TERM 2 UNIFORM

The official date for students to change to winter uniform this term is Monday 18 May (Week 4). If the weather becomes cooler students may wear their full winter uniform before this date.

Uniforms are now available from Lowes Wollongong and Online.

https://www.lowes.com.au/schools-online/st-michael-s-catholic-parish-thirroul

Parent Support Transitioning Back to School

Last week we sent out a link to a video interview between Mrs Hughes and Ms Kerrie Paul the school counsellor. The video has some practical advice and strategies to assist you as parents but also the children to return back to school.

Information Updates

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has launched a new COVID-19 Information Centre on its website. It is the best place to find the latest information about CEDoW's systemic response to COVID-19.

Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong continues to receive advice from NSW Health, the Department of Education, Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW), and other agencies to ensure our processes and plans are in line with best practice and the latest expert advice.

At this stage, there has been no direction from government or CSNSW to close any schools, except in response to a positive COVID-19 diagnosis in a student or staff member. All CEDoW schools, including ours, continue to operate as normal, subject to the directives outlined on the COVID-19 Information Centre webpage.

We will continue to provide you with updates if the situation changes and as soon as new information becomes available.

CatholicCare Support

Kinder enrolment interviews began this week, I thoroughly enjoy meeting all the smiling faces, new and existing families. It is an exciting time as we already begin to prepare for the next chapter of our St Michael’s community.

2021 Kindergarten Enrolment Forms are still available from the school office if you need one. You may also access the forms from our school website. We look forward to welcoming siblings and new families to our wonderful community.

The enrolment package is available from our school or online at www.dow.catholic.edu.au