Welcome back for Term 2. The weather was a bit up and down over the break, however, we did have some lovely days.  I hope you all had a good opportunity to spend quality time together as a family. Staff were busy planning and preparing for Remote Learning and I am very proud of and thankful for their dedication and ability to change their whole way of teaching at a moment’s notice as well as learning new technologies.

During the break we also commemorated ANZAC Day. During ANZAC Day we remember all of the Australian and New Zealand men and women who have served their country and continue to serve their country so that we can live in peace and security today. Many have suffered severe injuries or trauma from war or paid the ultimate sacrifice and given their life for their country. As today’s generation we remember them. Lest we forget.

Next Friday, Year 4 will lead the school in an ANZAC Day service. More information about how your child will access this will be forthcoming.

REMOTE LEARNING

I understand that there has been a considerable amount of information that is coming from the school regarding Remote Learning. It can at times be overwhelming. We are trying to ensure that parents are well informed and have the necessary information to assist their child with their Learning Programs. Please take the time to read this communication and make sure you are abreast of the school requirements.

This week has gone extremely well and the feedback from families has been extremely positive. Although we had a few hiccups with some of the technology, it was rather limited and we are fixing these as we go. Next week, we hope that the learning will be seamless and will be a lot easier on families.

Thank you for your patience and support during this testing times.

In terms of school life returning to normal, we have not been given any further information. I will keep you up-to-date with this information as it comes to hand. In the meantime please know that if both adult members of the family (where applicable) have to work outside the family home and no other care arrangements are available, then you are more than welcome. If this is not the case for your family then you MUST keep your child at home. Although this can be inconvenient, we need to be mindful of all members of our school community and work together to keep everyone safe. If you need your child to be at school and you do not fulfil the requirements, please contact me via email kate.markcrow@cg.catholic.edu.au and we can discuss options for your child’s schooling.

Parents MUST give 3 days’ notice of their child returning to school so we can ensure suitable supervision is available and access to technology is possible.

SCHOOL ENROLMENT PERIOD

Our school enrolment period has begun. We have sent home information to all families in the children’s Resource packs. If you have a sibling that is coming next year, please ensure that you fill in the online enrolment form.

Because we are unable to have our Open Days this year, we need your help, more than ever, in spreading the word about our school. I f you are aware of families with pre-school aged children please talk to them about the all the wonderful experiences your child has here at St Francis of Assisi Primary School. You are our best advocate for our enrolment period.

New parents are able to call at any time during the school day if they would like further information about our school.

Enrolment time for all Catholic schools occurs from Monday 27^th April until Friday 22^nd May. This includes St Mary MacKillop College, Merici College and St Clare’s College for our Year Six families. Please note that you MUST get you enrolment form in to the school of your choice during this time period. MacKillop always has a waiting list and no child, including siblings, will be guaranteed a place if you enrol outside this period. Last year 5 families missed a place due to this reason. 

A reminder our local Parish Early Learning Centre is also taking enrolment enquiries for Pre-School students in 2021. For more information please contact Holy family Early Learning Centre 6292 7932.

WINTER UNIFORMS

You are reminded that all students attending school will be required to wear winter uniforms. If your child has out grown their uniform and you have not been able to source one, please let your child to wear their sports uniform until one can be provided. Children who are learning from home will not be required to wear their uniform. Thanks for your support in this matter.

UPDATES TO OUR SCHOOL CALENDAR

Please know that all social/sports events for Term 2 have been cancelled. That includes Mother’s Day Breakfast, Cross Country Carnival and the Environment Disco. The Community Council will be investigating ways that we can connect as a community at our next meeting.  If you have any ideas please reach out to a member of the council.

I am hoping that everyone is keeping well and surviving these last few very cold days. If you have any concerns about your child’s well-being or their Remote Learning please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

Peace and Best Wishes,

Kate Markcrow

Enrolments are now open for 2021!

Head to the St Francis of Assisi Primary School website www.stfa.act.edu.au and go to For Parents/Enrolment to enrol online.

Unfortunately our open days will not be going ahead this term.  For all enrolment enquiries please call the office on 6292 4500.  

Term 2 fee statements will be emailed to all families next week.  Since no excursions will be held this term, families will not be charged the $15.00 per student excursion levy this term.

Term 2 fees are due for payment by the end of Term 2 - Friday 3 July 2020.

If you require fee assistance due to COVID-19, please apply using the forms below as soon as possible.

COVID_19_Condensed_Fee_Assistance_Form.pdf

COVID_19_Request_to_Defer_Payment_of_School_Fees.pdf

Please note for your application to be assessed the form(s) must be completed in full, with the relevant supporting evidence attached:

• Letter on employer letterhead advising of redundancy, stand down or reduction of hours;
• Evidence of receipt of Job Keeper payment from employer;
• Evidence from Centrelink of receipt of Job Seeker COVID-19 payment;
• Copy of Health Care Card.

Please email all applications and supporting documentation to susan.rowell@cg.catholic.edu.au.  Please be assured that all applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you would like to set up a direct debit to pay your school fee account in regular instalments, please let me know and I'll be happy to help with your calculations.

If you have any school fee related queries, please send me an email or give me a call in the office on 6292 4500 from Tuesday to Friday each week.

Kind regards

Susan Rowell

A reminder that the Canteen is closed until further notice.

If your child is attending school, please send them with fruit break, recess, lunch and a water bottle.

No emergency lunches or 'free fruit for kids' is available at the school during this time.

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