Dear Families

Update for Families on COVID-19

St Francis of Assisi Primary School and Catholic Education continue to take advice from health authorities in relation to COVID-19. The Catholic Education Office has a team that is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it develops, paying particular attention to local hotspots and organising support for schools where required. Here at St Francis we are practicing all safe hygiene practices in line with government advice. We understand that the situation is fairly fluid and we will communicate directly with you should there be any important changes in relation to our school operations in the coming weeks. We remind all families: 

• If your child is unwell, they should not attend school.
• Please ensure that anyone who presents with COVID-19 symptoms in your family is tested.
• Should you have any questions in relation to our school and COVID-19, please feel free to contact our office.

The Feast of the Assumption

15 August celebrates the Assumption of Mary into heaven. The Assumption has been celebrated in the East since about 600 AD, in the West since the end of the 7th century.  Next week, we will remember this day with each class participating in a liturgy. We see in Mary a woman of faith: she put her whole life on the line for God who asked her to be the mother of his Son.  She is also a woman who made a very strong choice for god in her life, whose vocation like ours was to bring Christ to the world.  She is the one who now lives with God as we one-day hope to, fully alive in the love and in the life of eternity.

We are asking children who have Rosary beads at home to bring them to school next week as we will pray a decade of the Rosary at this liturgy.

Hats Back on this Week!

Just a reminder that ACT SunSmart guidelines state that all ACT school students must wear hats from August to the end of May. It is time to dig out that hat which has been at the bottom of the bag or under the bed at home. Thanks for your support with this. A copy of our Sun-Smart Policy is available on our website.

Swimming

We have been advised by Aquatic Achievers at Calwell that swimming lessons for schools will not proceed this year due to their Coivd-19 restrictions. Unfortunately they are unable to provide enough staff within the pool space to accommodate school groups.

Swimming fees will not be charged in Term 3 and 4, and credit notes have been processed for swimming fees charged in Term 1 and Term 2.  Please take the time to look over your school fee statement when they are emailed today, and contact Susan Rowell with any queries: susan.rowell@cg.catholic.edu.au. 

I understand that this is another disappointment for the children and hope that things will return to normal as soon as possible. 

Science Week

On a more positive note, we will be celebrating Science week in Week 5 of this term. Mr Collins has been working very hard behind the scenes to make it as fun-filled and as enjoyable as possible. He has organised a Science show for our junior classes and is getting the children in our older classes to participate in the World’s Biggest Selfie. There will also be activities for the children to do at home. Look out for further correspondence closer to the day.

School Satisfaction Survey

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential and individuals can not be identified.

The surveys will be launched via email on Friday 7 August 2020 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, you can access and complete the survey at the following link:

https://www.research.net/r/stfrancisofassisiparent2020

Peace and Best Wishes

Kate Markcrow