Dear Parents

On Wednesday, 11th November we celebrated and reflected Remembrance Day. The atrocities of war and the impact on society will live forever but so too will the spirit and commitment of Australian soldiers who helped shape the country we live in today.

On the 11th November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to end the First World War. In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades.

At school we observed one minute’s silence at 11am, in memory of those who died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. Our school leaders led a prayer and silence was displayed during the playing of the Last Post. We will remember Them.

Currently our staff are working together in adapting the Diocese of Sale (DOSCEL) Behaviour Management Policies to suit the needs of our school. Our three key wide expectations- Respect, Act and Learn developed from the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support have been instrumental in formulating clear, consistent and logical consequences and expectations for all students and staff at St Mary’s Maffra. Next year when hopefully COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease our Parent Information Session will focus on a learning session for parents which is also highly relevant to our obligations for Child Safety. If any parents would like any further information given we cannot meet in the current climate please be in contact with the school and either Liz Coleman or myself would be happy to meet with individual parents for clarification on our policies and procedures for Child Safety and Behaviour Management.

With the further easing of restrictions we can move ahead with Foundation 2021 Orientation. Children will have the opportunity to come to school next Friday, 20th November and the Friday after on the 27th November. Because of COVID-19 we are only able to run sessions in small groups. Next year the teachers who will be working in the Foundation / Grade 1 will be Virginia Hellings, Kerry Barton and Serrin Stobie. It will be fantastic to see the little ones come to school as they prepare for next year.

Staffing at St Mary’s for 2021 is nearly completed and will be made available to the school community before the end of the month.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Jason