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Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,
It’s amazing at the minute how quickly things can change! After last weeks newsletter we have had notification of positive changes to what can happen here at school with the easing of restrictions by the government.
Firstly, we have been granted permission to conduct school photos, as we are a regional school and our photographer is also from a regional area. St Michael’s school photos will be on Tuesday, 17th November. Whilst they will be conducted slightly differently from previous years; it is great to know that this can go ahead. John Ansell photography have been fantastic throughout the year, changing bookings for us each time it became clear we weren’t going to be able to proceed. Whilst there will still be some restrictions with how the day will run, it will be lovely to have them completed as a memento.
We have had our Foundation Transition Safety Plan approved so we will be able to have the 2021 Foundation students visit the school twice before the end of the year, they will be able to meet each other and their teachers which will be exciting. The teachers are busy preparing videos to send home to them as a lead up to these sessions.
The Parish sacramental team also met last week to discuss the sacraments. At this stage they are waiting to hear when the Church will be open for Masses. It may be possible that preparation for Confirmation will occur this year but it will be dependent on the Church opening up. Jen Hanratty will be emailing out information to you all.
The children are looking forward to Footy Dress up day on Thursday. Again, COVID restrictions have changed how we normally celebrate it, with parents not able to come onsite. Each year level will hold their own longest kick competition throughout the day and whilst we can’t have the whole school participate in the parade the grade 6 students will still have their banners on display whilst the team song plays.
Just a reminder that when dropping off your children in the morning and when picking them up in the afternoon that masks are required and social distancing must be adhered to at all times. Thank you for your ongoing support with this.
Kind regards
Jodie
As per the fee letter sent to families on 6th April 2020, Important Message about School Fees, there will not be an automatic reduction in school fees due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
School fees are an essential portion of resources for the operation of our school and assist our leaders and staff to enhance curriculum and teaching programs. Therefore, we are asking, for those who can, to continue to support the school financially.
If you have concerns about your financial situation, please contact Maria Churton, School Administration Officer at office@stmtraralgon.catholic.edu.au so that we can explore confidential financial support arrangements to enable your child(ren)’s education at our school to continue.
Cancellation of Student Activities
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic school camps for the remainder of 2020 have been cancelled. This includes the Gr 3, 4 and 6 camps. Swimming programs (Gr 3-6) scheduled for term 3 have also been cancelled. Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited (DOSCEL) will continue to monitor the advice of the Victorian Government to ensure that the health and safety of staff and students remains the highest priority. This may mean that swimming programs and excursions remain suspended during Term 4, 2020.
Credits for camps and the Gr 3-6 swimming program have been applied to fee accounts. Further credits will be applied as activities are cancelled. If this credit results in your fee account being overpaid a refund may be requested. Such requests must be submitted in writing, via email to office@stmtraralgon.catholic.
If any family has recently become eligible for a Centrelink concession or health care card please notify the office. You may also be eligible for the CSEF payment and a fee concession. The CSEF program for 2020 has been extended until 27th November 2020.
Socktober - Sock it to Poverty
Last Friday, the children at St Michaels answered Pope Francis’s call to “Rise up from the couch - with your boots laced - and turn your hands into signs of love ….” The school community, teachers and children alike, put on their crazy socks to raise money to support the work that the Catholic Mission is doing in Cambodia.
The school was a hive of excitement and activity throughout the day. The children have watched videos of children in Cambodia and other countries that are supported by Catholic Mission. They have discussed how fortunate that we are at St Michael’s, designed crazy socks or made their own sockball from recycled materials.
Congratulations to our school community for your generosity and enthusiasm. Together we have raised $710. Fabulous effort!
