Our whole school Mass on Friday was a lovely gathering to support those in our local community who may be experiencing some hardship and require support from the St Vincent de Paul society. Thank you so much for your generosity, because of your support  we were able to donate 1100 food items to Traralgon the  branch of St Vincent de Paul  - it was gratefully received by Barbara Mc Nulty at the Mass. The Mini Vinnies have had the opportunity at the end of last term to visit the centre and learn more about the work of the St Vincent de Paul society. It has been lovely to hear some of their reflections at assembly. As always, our choir led by Mrs Vanyai did a wonderful job in leading us in song throughout the Mass.

This Friday, we celebrate Green and Gold Day. Students may come dressed in green and gold colours to support the Australian athletes at the Paris Olympics. We ask that students bring a gold coin donation to support the Catholic Missions. Families please be advised that it is school policy that students do not use face paint or coloured hairspray on dress up days. 

 Whooping Cough

 The Department of Health, Victoria has issued a health alert, Increasing pertussis (whooping cough) cases in Victoria.

•  cases of pertussis are increasing in Victoria, mostly affecting children aged 10-12 years
• pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness known for causing a cough and can lead to life threatening infections in babies 
• symptoms of pertussis may be very similar to other respiratory infections, especially in the early stages, meaning diagnosis by a doctor as soon as possible is important.

 For diagnosed cases:

• students diagnosed with pertussis should be excluded from primary schools for a minimum period of 21 days after the onset of cough, or until they have completed five (5) days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment

 For contacts of diagnosed cases:

• The exclusion requirement only applies to contacts who meet all three (3) of the below criteria:
• aged less than 7 years;
• in the same class as the student with the diagnosed case; and
• have not received three (3) effective doses of pertussis vaccine.
• Students meeting these criteria should be excluded for 14 days after the last exposure to the infectious case, or until they have taken five (5) days of a course of effective antibiotic treatment.

 IMPORTANT DATES

• 31st July - Sacrament of Reconciliation Parent Meeting
• 2nd August - Mini Olympics Day - Green and Gold Day 
• 22nd August - School Closure Day
• 23rd August - Relax and Read PJ day 
• 9th - 10th September - grade 4 camp
• 20th September - Term 3 ends