Dear Parents and Carers,

Once again we begin a new term with a certain level of uncertainty and an acknowledgement of the unknown ahead of us. I recently read a reflection by the nuns from the Jamberoo Abbey that resonated with me as I myself reflected on what this term may bring. It was centered around the gentle breeze of the Holy Spirit and by allowing the Holy Spirit to be in our minds, thoughts, concerns and fears we are able to approach whatever comes our way with a sense of clam and peace.

I sincerely hope that you were able to spend some valuable time with your family and friends and even possibly have a small getaway. I know speaking to the children this week they have loved sharing their holiday stories with me. There certainly have been some exciting adventures had.

We all look forward to when we can have you as parents join us on the school site to celebrate together and pray together. Coming together is such an important part of our school life and journey. As this is not possible for the foreseeable future please continue to engage and enjoy the sharing of your child’s learning journey through SeeSaw, the newsletter and via our school face book page.

Below is the reflection from Jamberoo Abbey, I hope it speaks to you as much as it did to me.

Softly whispering Spirit, blow gently into our lives.

Blow softly into our minds and bring peace

Blow softly into our thoughts and bring understanding

Blow softly into our concerns and bring calm

Blow softly into our fears and bring courage

Blow softly into our hearts and bring love

Life-giving Spirit breathe your life into our lives each day.

Elizabeth Mills. 

God Bless

Vinnies COVID-19 

Winter Appeal 

Vinnies St Michel Thirroul is now undertaking its annual winter appeal and seeking your financial contribution to assist those in need within our community 

This year as a result of COVID-19, many more are suffering from economic hardship, social isolation, homelessness and mental health issues. 

Please help Vinnies to provide support to those in our community by donating via the below link: 

St Michael Thirroul Vinnies Winter Appeal in Fundraise your way

All donations over $2 are tax deductible and your receipt will be automatically processed and sent via email.

Thank you for your support! 

KNIT4NEED 

Thank you Katrina Linton and Tye and Summer Fitzgeralds’s Grandmother for knitting scarfs & beanies for those living rough this winter. The Catholic Education Office is extending the challenge for those who are interested to make (knit/crochet) a garment for a marginalised person in our community. The idea is that you would knit a scarf, beanie, gloves or whatever you can and wrap it up with a personalised note from the creator. The LAST DAY FOR THESE DONATIONS IS TUESDAY July 28. 

Baptisms in our Parish

If you want your child baptized in our Parish, please contact the Parish Office so that a suitable time can be organized for the celebration – currently baptisms will not be held during the weekend Masses.

ATTENTION - Sacrament of Confirmation 2020

If you want your son/daughter in Year 6 to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, you need to enrol them ASAP – check the Parish website

Miss Emma Groves - Religious Education Coordinator (REC)

Students Who are Unwell

In this unprecedented time of new guidelines and restrictions there have been a heightened awareness of keeping everyone safe and healthy. In line with this if your child is unwell and stays home OR is sent home from school unwell, parents are required to obtain a medical certificate that specifically states that your child is fit to return to school. Please note this is not necessarily connected to Covid, this is not about being Covid negative it is clearance that your child is no longer exhibiting flu like symptoms. We understand this presents complexities and challenges for all families, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

School Attendance

It is important that all students are attending school when fit and well. It is a legislative and moral obligation that children attend school. Please refrain from keeping children home for birthdays and avoid medical appointments during the school day.

It is expected that children arrive to school on time, as we begin to get back into morning routines there are a number of students arriving late. Please ensure that you allow time in the mornings to have children ready and at school before 9am.

School Communication

If at any time you need to or would like to contact your child’s teacher please contact them via the school office email address or by phoning the school. All communication will be passed on to the most appropriate teacher so that they can return your inquiry. 

ICAS 2020

We have had confirmation from UNSW Global that the ICAS Assessments will be taking place this year in Term 3 for students in Grades 3-6.  Please use the new online system to register for the tests. The dates for the 2020 ICAS assessments are outlined in the table below.

PUPIL FREE DAY

Our Staff Development Day will be on Monday, 31 August.

Celebrations and Sharing of Food

In light of the current environment that we are living in I ask that you please do not send in birthday cakes or food to share with the class. I understand that this is something that the children enjoy however we need to maintain controlled safety and hygiene procedures in the school. If you would like to send in something to acknowledge and celebrate your child’s birthday you are able to send in packaged goods only (eg, packets of maltesers, small wrapped chocolate bars etc). We will notify you when these restrictions are lifted.

Library News – Term 3 Borrowing

We will begin library borrowing in Week 2.  During the current situation with Covid19, the following procedures will be followed:

• Week 1 will be given overdue notices to students.
• Tuesday will be the Returning Day for all students
• Wednesday will be the Borrowing Day. Students will be borrowing only one book at the time.  If students are in Years 3-6 and are still reading their novel/chapter books then they will return it on Tuesday after they have finished that book.
• Classes will be borrowing once a fortnight on a 30 minutes block. Kinder, Yr1, Yr2 and Yr3 will be borrowing on Even weeks (2-4-6-8-10) starting on week 2.  Yr4, Yr5 and Yr6 will be borrowing on Odd weeks (3-5-7-9).   This is to assist in us trying to follow safe practices in giving the books time to sit, be returned through the library system, cleaned and returned to shelves for further borrowing.

 Mrs Medina – Library SSO

COVID-19 Catholic Education Information Centre

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.

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

Mrs Belinda Hughes - Principal

Sports News

Due to the current circumstances the following sporting events have been cancelled:

• Soccer Gala Day - 31st of July
• South Coast Athletics Carnival - 6th of August 

Mr Jason Novak - Sports Coordinator