Dear Parents and Carers

ROAD SAFETY CONCERNS

It’s timely to remind parents and students about Road Safety particularly as the weather is cooler and wetter and more cars are around at pick up time.

Recently we have had some ‘near misses’ involving students cycling home on bikes and scooters.  While these incidents have happened well outside the school environment and where no one in particular is at fault, in the end that doesn’t really matter if someone is injured.

At school, we regularly remind students about road safety.  Similarly, if any parent is aware of unsafe behaviour of any St Clare’s student, please notify the school rather than approaching the student directly. This is in accordance with our Parent Code of Conduct.

Parents are also reminded to be extra careful and super patient when engaged in school drop off and pick-up – especially when the weather is wet.

To further enhance the safety of students:

• Next term there will be a gate next to the school driveway on the St Francis side. Cyclists will be able to enter and exit at this gate and avoid crossing over any school driveway.
• Cardinia Shire is building a shared access pathway along the Princes Hwy between Majestic Drive and Grandvue Boulevard. Construction is expected to commence early July (weather permitting) and take about a month.
• The No Right turn into the school grounds at peak times will be operational and improve the flow of traffic particularly at the end of the school day

A SPECIAL REPORT: Respectful Language

In today’s world, it is common to hear socially offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. While swearing is becoming more common and less taboo, the use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity.

It is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language they hear. Proliferating the use of swear words can sometimes normalise, glamorise and desensitise their impact for kids who may misunderstand the true meaning of some derogatory terms. Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms as a misguided attempt at belonging, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language and are not accustomed to making adjustments to suit different situations.

Although many schools enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to swearing and derogatory language, parents need to also play an important part in enforcing this approach. Parents and carers can be proactive in monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to. Discussing the use of words or the origin of some derogatory terms and gaining insight into the reason behind their child’s use of such language can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language filtering into the classroom or the school yard, which is turn helps to build more tolerant, safe and connected communities.

This Special Report offers a number of guidelines to help manage a suitable approach when discussing the importance of respectful language.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:

https://stclaresofficer.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-respectful-language

As we approach the midst of Winter we encourage all families to donate non-perishable food to St Vincent de Paul. Students can bring these donations to school and we deliver all donations to St Vincent de Paul before the holidays. This will then be distributed to families who need support this Winter. Please donate up to Wednesday 22nd June.

If every family brought in one item per student we would have 555 items to donate. Suggested items include:

• Tins of food (soups, baked beans, tuna)
• Pasta
• Cereals
• Milo/Tea/Coffee
• Sanitary supplies

Pyjama & Pizza

Friday 24th June 2022

ALL Pizza Day orders must be placed by 3pm on Thursday 16th June 2022

The cost of lunch will be $2.50 per slice of pizza (Margarita or Hawaiian)  and $1 for either an Apple Juice, Orange Juice or Water pop top.

Ordering and Payment is via CDFPay ONLY.

If you have any questions or any dietary concerns please email us at: pandf@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au

Please note the new sign installed by Council.  There is no right hand turn from Majestic Drive into the school entry gate during the specified times.

They have advised this is to assist with traffic flow along Majestic Drive at drop off and pick up times.

We ask all parnets to show patience, safety and respect as they travel around and within the school area.

CDFpay is a secure, safe and efficient method for ordering and paying for items through school.

Due to COVID limiting our events there hasn't been a lot of use of CDFpay over the last 2 years.  As activities begin again we will again be using CDFpay. Many parents who have been at the school for a few years will already have a CDFpay account.  If you have forgotten your password use the forgotten password feature to reset your password.  

Below you will find instructions for setting up your CDFpay account both if you are an existing parent "already have a CDF pay account" or a new parent.

Here is the link to head to our school CDFpay shop St Clare's CDFpay Shop

COVID update

If you child or anyone within the family tests positive to COVID please let the school know immediately by email admin@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or phone 03 5940 6777.

Current restrictions require anyone who tests positive to isolate for 7 days.  Household members do not need to isolate but they must have a negative RAT result, being showing no symptoms and are required to wear a mask if they attend school.

For further advise arround requirements please go to https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist-cases

SCHOOL FEES

Term 2 fees are now OVERDUE.  Please contact 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.

Applications must be lodged by the school by 24 June 2022

Here is the link for the St Clare's Parent Access Module (PAM)

St Clare's 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.

REPORTING AN ABSENCE

To report your child's absence plesae do so via PAM, email absent@stclaresofficer.catholic.edu.au or call 5940 6777