Dear Families,

As you are aware Covid-19 is creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. As a school we are doing many things to ensure that the students, parents and staff within our community are safe. This week we have introduced a few extra safety measures against the spread of the virus.

• We have taken away bubblers and replaced them with taps. This gives children access to more hand washing stations. If a child is without a water bottle we have spares that they can access and refill from these stations.
• Visitors/Volunteers to the school – We still welcome visitors, we ask that you sign in at the office, wash your hands thoroughly and only attend the area that you have volunteered for. We ask that only volunteers enter classroom/corridor spaces. If you are to collect a child, we ask that you do this from the front office. Unless you have a visitor sticker you will be asked to leave the classroom space immediately.
• Birthday treats – At this stage we are suspending all home baked birthday treats. If you would like to provide your child’s class with a treat these can be ordered for the canteen. Birthday cakes, lolly bags etc. that have been brought in from home will be returned that afternoon.
• Library books/Readers will be sent home in bulk and will remain at home until the end of the school holidays.
• Our before and after school pickup has changed suddenly, and I thank all parents for assisting in the smooth transition.

As advised on Monday, we have cancelled all Term 1 events. This has now extended to Term 2. As such, in consultation with the Community Council, we will no longer have our annual Mother’s Day Breakfast, environment disco, and Open Days.  Other events such as Cross Country and assemblies will be going ahead but in a revised format.

• Unfortunately, Story Time and Playgroup has been suspended until further notice.
• All Sacraments, Confirmation, First Eucharist and Reconciliation have been suspended until further notice.
• Saturday netball season has been delayed till at least May, which will be revised. Registrations are still being taken.

In terms of school closures there is a lot we don’t know. It is not a certainty that schools will close. It is however, necessary that we prepare for the event that our school might close for a period of time. At this stage the teachers are looking at options for remote learning that includes digital platforms. I would like to get an indication from families as to whether this is a viable option. Could you please email me at kate.markcrow@cg.catholic.edu.au if your child does not have access to the internet or if there is no computer/iPad within the family home?  ONLY THESE FAMILIES ARE TO RESPOND.

For children who have to stay at home for a period of time, we are looking at ways that we can keep your child engaged in learning. In the meantime, students can log into Maths Online, Sunshine Online (Yrs K – 2) or use their Google Classroom to continue working on class assignments. Students can also continue reading books and other suitable material, story and journal write and engage in mathematical activities as they occur within everyday life.

Below is a link to an excellent video that should prove helpful to parents in discussing the current health situation and addressing childhood anxiety in relation to COVID-19:

With growing confusion and overwhelming media reports on the COVID-19 outbreak, SchoolTV has produced a short, fact based video for school communities. SchoolTV’s special video report on how parents, carers and teachers can help children and young people deal with any anxiety they may be experiencing as a result of media coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak is clear.

SchoolTV has advised APPA that since its release on Monday the video has had over 20,000 views and continues to rise. In association with APPA, this important video from Dr Michael Carr-Gregg is now available via the link below:

https://schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-coronavirus

Sick Children

Thank you for your support in keeping home children who are sick. We understand that this can be problematic for some families but appreciate the extra effort parents are making in keeping sick children at home. We ask that all children who have coughs, cold and fevers do not come to school. We will continue to enforce this and all children who present with these symptoms will be sent home.  Staff have been asked to stay home if they are unwell.

Although we have had to make adjustments to the school, classroom routines are continuing and children are still participating in all learning opportunities.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need any support during these uncertain times.

Year 5 Harmony Day Assembly

The Year 5 children have been busy preparing for their Harmony Day assembly. The main message of this assembly is celebrating multiculturalism and that everyone belongs.  This week the assembly will be presented via video. All parents are able to view the assembly from 2pm by logging in to Facebook. All students in the school will be watching this assembly in their classrooms at 2pm.

Colour Fun Day

The fun must go on. Although our Colour Run has been suspended for the time being, we are still encouraging all families to fundraise. The money raised this year will go towards to sensory playground that we are creating outside, near the hardtop. To help purchase the colour powder, all children can come to school next Thursday 26 March dressed in their favourite colour and bring a gold coin donation. See the flyer in this newsletter for further details.

Down Syndrome Awareness

A big thank you to Leanne Perryman and Nip who came to school yesterday and talked to our Year 3 students about Down Syndrome. The children were actively interested and asked lots of questions. It was heart-warming to see this group of children want to learn more about their class mate. 

Peace and Best Wishes

Kate Markcrow

Principal

Sacraments 2020 update

We have just been informed that due to the possible transmission of the COVID 19 virus there will be no sacramental celebrations this year. The safety and health of the community is paramount and the Archdiocese of Canberra Goulburn is committed to ensuring safe protocols at this uncertain time.

Project Compassion

Thank you to all those who have generously donated with your children placing money in the Project Compassion boxes on the prayer table in the classrooms. Mini Vinnies collect these each Tuesday.

You can view the project story videos here: https://lent.caritas.org.au/#blank

4 Dhaura Mass Reflections

When 4 Dhaura went to Mass, Father James told us if we want to follow Jesus, sometimes it can be tough. We try to follow God, but we forget. Elissa

Jesus is always there for us, no matter what. Mackenzie

We have to try to not fight with our brothers and sisters. Mia

Treat others the way you want to be treated. Smile! Ella

Father James wore purple because it is the season of Lent. Aimee

I wonder why the colour of royalty is the colour of Lent. Lily

Everyone is connected by God, so one person smiles, then another, then another. Daksh

Following Jesus can be tough, but that doesn’t mean we give up altogether. Dylan

Father James said the three important things about Lent are giving, fasting and praying. Justin

The lit candles reminded me of the fire of love in Jesus’ heart. Edith

I’ll give money to the people who need it more- and I’m talking about the poor. Sam

With warm regards

Lisa Conroy

Religious Education Coordinator

We wish to advise that our school telephone lines are still down and Telstra are working to fix the problem.

We have temporary phones to accept calls at the front office however we are unable to transfer calls within the school.  If you would like to speak with a teacher we will be happy to take a message or please send an email if possible.

If we need to call you from the temporary school phone, you will not see the school number as the call will come from a 'private number'.

We will notify all parents when are phones are once again operational.  Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Thank you to all the families who have returned their updated student information sheets, that were given to families at the Parent Information Night at the beginning of this term.

If you still haven't returned your sheet with any updates, please send it in as soon as possible.  This will ensure we have the most up-to-date information in our database.

A reminder that parents and students will not be able to attend the Year 5 Harmony Day assembly tomorrow.

Instead the assmbly will be videoed and posted online at 2.00pm (this is not a live stream).

We are in desperate need of volunteers especially on a Friday, if any parent/carer or any family member with a WWVP card is available to help even just to pack the lunch orders your help would be most appreciated.

Thanks. Sue and Jo. Canteen Managers. PH: 62927477.

Helper's roster week 8  

Monday 23 March

AM Help please

PM Help please

Wednesday 25 March

AM Help please

PM Help please

Thursday 26 March

AM Help please

PM Help please

Friday 27 March

AM Lisa Hyland

PM Help please

Week 9

Monday 30 March

AM Help please

PM Help please

Wednesday 1 April

AM Help please

PM Help please

Thursday 2 April

AM Help please

PM Help please

Friday 3 April

AM Help please

PM Help please

Please see the attached information sheet with answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

School_Community_FAQs_Novel_Coronavirus_CECG.pdf

Term 1 School Fees

A reminder to all families that Term 1 fees are due for payment this Friday 20 March, unless paying by regular instalments.  If you require more time to pay, please let me know.

Our EFTPOS machine has been unavailable while our telephone lines are under repair.  I apologise to those families who have been unable to pay their fees by EFTPOS over the counter.  The alternative is to pay with your credit card by using the QKR App - once you log into St Francis of Assisi Primary School go to the 'School Payents' menu, select the 'School Fees' item and then enter the amount you would like to pay.  I will receive notification that you have paid through QKR.

Alternatively we accept cash and cheque at the front office, you can pay by BPay through your own internet banking (Biller Code and Reference Number are on your fee statement) or we can set up a direct debit.

Refunds for Cancelled Events - Year 5 Camp, Year 6 Camp, Netball Gala Day

I have sent emails to all families who had already paid for the Year 5 Camp, Year 6 Camp and the Netball Gala Day. 

If you have not already done so, please reply to me with your preferred refund method.  I will action all refunds as soon as possible.  Thank you for your patience with this.

If you have any school fee related queries, please give me a call on 6292 4500 or email susan.rowell@cg.catholic.edu.au from Tuesday to Friday each week.

Kind regards

Susan Rowell

All children have been very excited this week with the news that they can borrow up to 6 books.  They have been told to choose a selection like chapter books, craft, cooking, puzzle, Lego making, magic etc.  These books are to stay home until after the Easter holidays.  No borrowing will happen after Friday this week. All children will have access to an e-book platform called SORA.  More information about this app and login details will be available next week.

Thank you 

 Debbie Cossettini

Teacher Librarian

Please like and follow St Francis of Assisi Primary School on Facebook and Instagram to receive updates, reminders and much more.