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Dear Parents and Guardians
Ash Wednesday
During Lent, Catholics focus on trying to change something about themselves in order to become better people and make space for God in their lives. For this reason, Catholics focus on fasting, praying and giving. Catholics also consider how they can impact the world around them by contributing to positive changes for others.
On Ash Wednesday every family is given a Project Compassion box from Caritas Australia. This Lenten season families are asked to support vulnerable people around the world, now and For All Future Generations.
With your support, Caritas Australia has been able to support vulnerable communities around the world to tackle poverty, food security, education, water and sanitation and disaster risk reduction. Project Compassion 2022 reminds us that the good that we do today will extend and impact the lives of generations to come to build a better future for all.
As St Pope John Paul II said,
“The future starts today, not tomorrow.”
Together, we can help vulnerable communities face their challenges today and build a better tomorrow For All Future Generations. You may like to talk with your children about how they can make a positive change during Lent and perhaps give to others, either by placing money in the Project Compassion box or giving up some time or resources for others.You may like to pray together more often in order to make more space for God in the lives of your family.
Students will be asked to return their Project Compassion boxes after Easter.
Fun Food Friday
FFF returned last week and will run until the end of the term. For the next few weeks, a white water icypole is available for purchase at lunchtime for $1. The money raised helps with the Year 6 Graduation and has a strong involvement from the Year 6s. There is no compulsion to make a purchase just an opportunity of a little treat.
Susan McLean – Cyber Safety Expert
Save the date – Wednesday 16 March. Susan McLean will be running workshops with the Year 3 – 6 students at school and will also have an online parent session that night. Further details will be available next week.
Early pickup and late arrivals
We have had a large number of students being picked up early from school or arriving late. I understand that there are some occasions where children might need to be taken to an appointment, but these ought to be rare. Picking children up early simply because of convenience means that critical learning is missed as well as planning and information about the following day. Similarly, with each late arrival, children miss, not only the connection with their peers, but also rich learning opportunities.
Parent Teacher Meetings
We are excited to announce that the latest change in regulations allow us to hold Face-to-Face Parent Teacher Meetings. Parents who attend these meetings (& enter any school buildings) must be fully vaccinated and this will be checked on arrival. We will also be offering Virutal Meetings for those who this method suits.
Tuesday 15 March - Face to Face Meetings - 3.45pm to 7pm
Wednesday 23 March - Online Virtual Meetings - 3.45pm to 7pm
Details on how to book these meetings will be provided in the coming days.
New Play Area
Following the long weekend, we will have access to the new play area and oval. In the latter part of next week, children will have a chance to play in the area in smaller groups so that they can learn about the safety protocols and experience the different area. Exciting times ahead.
Student Birthday Treats
These can now be reintroduced as an option for parents however we ask that any treat is pre-packaged and small eg: chocolate frog; lollipop; pencil. (Cakes, donuts etc cannot be accepted or shared with students – and will need to be sent home).
School Uniform
Student are expected to wear correct school uniform – including footwear. Please ensure that your child has the correct uniform and that all parts are named. In Terms 1 & 4, the school hat is compulsory. No hat – No play.
Road Safety
The safety of all within our school community is a priorty. We remind everyone to please ensure they use the pedestrian crossings both wihtin the school grounds and on the external roads. The speed of vehicles must be slow and safe to help reduce risk of accidents.
Thanks to everyone for your cooperation with the rules and procedures that had to be in place as we started the year due to COVID restrictions. It is wonderful now that some of the restrictions have started to ease. Listed below are the updated procedures;
● Camps and Excursions - Camps and Excursions are now able to proceed. Please note that it will be only school staff that attend the camps.
- Year 5 Camp - Melbourne Tuesday 26 April to Wednesday 27 April
- Year 6 Camp - Canberra Sunday 10 July to Thursday 14 July
- Year 4 Camp - Late Term 3
- Year 3 Camp - Term 4
● Student Drop Off – Parents are welcome to walk their children into the school; however, we ask that you drop your child off at the door and please do not enter the buildings.
● Carline Pick-up – This will remain the same as has been in place. With A-K and L-Z Kiss and Drop operating as they currenlty have been
● Walking Pick-up – Students will continue to be accompanied to the relevant Pedestrian Gates.
● Meetings with Teachers – Remain by appointment only and Parents will need to sign in at the Office with proof of vaccination and wear a mask when indoors.
Fun Food Friday is back with Icy Poles this Friday, 4th March, so don’t forget to send in that all important $1 with your child/ren if they would like to purchase one.
As promised, we have set up a roster for helpers for the rest of Term 1. So, if you are available to help on a Friday from 1pm until 2.15pm and have a current Working With Children then please follow this link to add your name to the roster.
Wednesday 2 March |
Ash Wednesday |
Saturday 5 March |
Open Day 10am to 12pm |
Monday 14 March |
NO SCHOOL - Public Holiday |
Tuesday 15 March |
Parent Teacher Meetings ONSITE |
Wednesday 16 March |
Susan McLean Cycbersafety Workshops |
Thursday 17 March |
St Patrick's Day |
Monday 21 March |
P&F AGM |
Wednesday 23 March |
Parent Teacher Meetings VIRTUAL |
Monday 4 April |
Cross Country for Years 3 to 6 |
Thursday 7 April |
Last Day of Term 1 |
Friday 8 April |
School Closure - NO SCHOOL for students |
Tuesday 26 April |
First Day of Term 2 |
SCHOOL FEES
Term 1 fees are now overdue. Please conatct the school to arrange payment. If you have a direct debit set up there is nothing you need to do, this will continue to process as per the agreement. If you would like to set up a direct debit please email finance@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au to request a direct debit form.
For those families who have a Pension or Health Care Card plesae ensure the school has been provided with a copy of your new card when it is received. This will ensure we can apply for the funding to help reduce your school fees.
If your circumstances have changed and you now have a Pension or Health Care Card please ensure you let the office know. We can then send you the relevant forms for completion so funding can be applied for.
PAM - Parent Access Module
Here is the link for the St Clare's Parent Access Portal (PAM)
You username is the email address that you have registered with the school. The first time you log in we ask that you use the forgotten password feature to set your own password.
ALL parents must access PAM to receive up to date information and grant necessary permissions. Students will miss out on events if permission is not granted.
MEDICAL INFORMATION - When you update your child's medical information in PAM - PLEASE ensure this is accurate. The school must have current up to date asthma, allergy, anaphylaxis or medical plans for those students identified with these conditions and any other medical conditions such as diabetes or epilepsy. This is to ensure we have relevant information to assist your child with the management of these medical conditions.
Please ensure the school has your current contact details - this includes address, email, work numbers etc. To update details please email admin@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777. Through PAM parents are able to update your child's medical details.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
To report your child's absence plesae do so via PAM, email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777