Dear Parents

As we move through restrictions during COVID-19 we can be thankful being in regional Victoria to be able to at least complete some activities outside of the classroom to help engage our students. An example of this was the senior athletics carnival last week and the celebration this week with our Foundation and Grade 1 students for completing 100 Days at school. In the coming weeks during Term Three we hope to have our junior athletics carnival, First Communion, Book Week, School Photos, senior School Camp, Division Athletics and an AFL Final Parade. Fingers crossed that the majority of these events will be able to go ahead.

On Wednesday I spent some time with all of the children as teachers conducted parent and teacher interviews. We spoke about what it means to be safe at school. We have a number of posters around the building that inform everyone about what it means to be safe. Our children have excellent knowledge and regularly discuss this in class. All of our staff are obligated to complete training in regards to Child Safety. This includes completing  the Department of Education and Training’s (DET’s) eLearning module, Protecting Children: Mandatory Reporting and other Legal Obligations each year to ensure compliance with their legislative responsibilities under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005 (Vic.) and Ministerial Order 870- Child Safe Standards- Managing the Risk of Child Abuse in Schools.

If any parent or carer would like to be provided with any information on what our school is maintaining to keep our children safe please contact the office.

Well done to the children who continue to prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. Next week the second Parent and Child Workshop will be held on Thursday, 26th August. We continue to pray for these children who will soon make this important sacrament. 

Thanks to those parents who have come forward wanting to know more about the School Advisory Board. This committee gives an opportunity to contribute to future planning at St Mary’s and to be a voice for our parents. If any parents are interested but have yet to be in contact with myself please feel free to ring the office. I will be in contact with these families early next week.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Jason