Dear Parents

I welcome you to Term Four. It is great to have all of the children and staff back on site at St Mary’s. It has been a challenging time for everyone both in learning and with those we love. What has come to be very clear though is the determination, support and hard work we all showed has enabled us to keep smiling and try our best in whatever we do. So, a big thank you to families and staff for looking out for one another during this time of COVID-19.

As we all return to school we have ensured that safety measures have been taken to maintain high cleaning standards and communicate with children regularly about washing hands, keeping distance from others and to let us know if they are unwell. Temperature checks will continue until further notice and staff will keep wearing masks both inside and outside where required.

As already communicated 'Stobies Land and Surf' have taken over the responsibility of supplying the school uniform from this term. We ask you to be patient as they wait for some of the items to arrive in stock. Parents wanting to purchase any second hand uniform are asked to be in contact with the office and we may be able to assist.

Our building refurbishment continues to progress. It is pleasing to see that the children are so happy in their new environment. By the end of October we anticipate that the third POD will be open to Grade 2, 3 and 4. I have had many questions as to when parents can have a look inside the building. Hopefully, when approval is given an open afternoon will be organised to facilitate this.

We have some school closure days coming up at St Mary’s. Please note the following;

Friday, 23rd October - Grand Final Eve Public Holiday - school closed

Monday, 2nd November - Report Writing Day - school closed

Tuesday, 3rd November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday - school closed

Next week it is the 2020 Book Week celebration. This year the theme is ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’. As we are having a football colours day next Thursday, 22nd October, we will have a Book Week celebration and dress up on Thursday, 29th October. Children can come to school in a costume from a favourite book or movie and at the start of the day participate in a parade. A note outlining the requirements will be sent home early next week.

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend.

Jason

A letter was sent out earlier in the week to all parents with children preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Confirmation this year.  At this stage, all sacraments are on hold pending further announcements from DOSCEL and the Diocesan Office. I will endeavour to keep families informed as soon as any further information is made available.

Di Austin

Country Bus Applications for 2021 have been sent home this week.  A reminder that applications need to be returned to Maffra Secondary College by Thursday 29th October 2020 to have a position for next year.

Information for the Primary School Nursing Program has been sent home this week.  Please return this to the school office by Thursday 22nd October.

To celebrate this year’s AFL Grand Final, everyone is invited to wear their        

favourite footy team’s colours on Thursday, 22nd October. 

The day will include footy activities and games, which have been organised by the Grade 5/6 classes.  

We look forward to seeing everyone supporting their favourite team and ready for a day of fun!

Next week is 2020 Book Week celebration. 'Curious Creatures, Wild Minds' is the theme for this years Book Week.  As we are having footy colours day next week, we will have our Book Week dress up on Thursday 29th October.  Children can come to school in costume from a favourite book or movie.  At the beginning of the day they will participate in a parade.  A note outlining the requirements will be sent home early next week.

This year only, DET has expanded CSEF to allow for application against student curriculum levies where the levy has been used towards the purchase of books, stationery and other learning materials by the school on behalf of the student.

If your child would like to enter the Christmas Card competition they will need to complete their drawing on the entry form. The entry form can be collected from the main office.

Reminders-

- the artwork needs to be your own

- you can look at artwork that other people have done, but then you need to create an original work of your own

- no writing or text on the design

- entries should be religious images, not Santa, presents, Christmas trees etc.

- the artwork theme is based on the following quote:

And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

(Luke 2:7-8)

Entries are due Thursday 22nd October.

As Covid-19 pandemic and its restrictions continue to accompany us, a small window of opportunity for religious communities to worship outdoors.

WEEKEND MASSES

Heyfield:

Saturday    6:00pm

Maffra:

Saturday    9:00am

                 4:30pm

Newry & Cowwarr:

on their designated Sundays    11:00am

BOOKINGS FOR ALL MASSES ARE ESSENTIALS

TERM 1 - Thursday 28th January - Thursday 1st April

TERM 2 - Monday 19th April - Friday 25th June

TERM 3 - Monday 12th July - Friday 17th September

TERM 4 - Monday 4th October - Friday 17th December

Greetings from ParentZone Gippsland!

We are excited to present to you our thirteenth  edition of the ParentZone@Home Newsletter!

We hope you enjoy the activities and find the resources helpful.

Please let us know what you think, what you would like to see, and any tips you would like to share with others.

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We hope you stay safe.

From the Gippsland Parentzone Team