Term 1 Week 3

Once again, thank you for your support and cooperation in these challenging times. The following extract is taken from a memo to all Catholic Principals from our Executive Director, Dr Debra Sayce. Her statement clearly identifies why, as schools, we need to follow government directions.

As we continue to navigate living with COVID-19 in High Caseload settings, our schools should feel encouraged that the measures being implemented have been effective in facilitating as little interruption to our teaching and learning programs, as possible.

I am aware of the significant burdens and complexities involved with applying the recent COVID-19 operating guidelines to your individual school settings. I am also aware of the inconsistencies related to what is being required of students and staff within the school environment and those conditions which apply in the wider community. While at times, difficult to reconcile, it is important to reflect upon the intent of the directions implemented.

The intent of the guidelines is to minimise the chances of cross-infection within a school, and subsequently limit the potential number of close contacts, to ensure that teaching and learning continues for our students. If contact between students, within and across year levels is minimised, in the event of a positive case in your school, the number of identified close contacts will be limited. This will hopefully prevent a school-wide closure and mean that a reduced number of students will be deemed as close contacts.

In light of this, here at SOTS, the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff is our highest priority and as WA is now considered to be in a high caseload setting we need to remain vigilant and monitor for symptoms. If your child is unwell they should not attend school and if anyone in your household displays any of the COVID-19 symptoms they should seek testing immediately, notify us and isolate until a negative result is received. Please notify us immediately of a positive test result and note any communications which result will maintain identity confidentiality. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to keeping our community safe.

Thank you
Mauricio Da Silva
Principal

This year we will be using Seesaw as our main communication platform to parents. Please make sure you have set up your account so you can receive all communication from the school and not miss anything important. If you have not set up your account please contact the classroom teacher for your personalised QR code.

Today some Year 6 students went to Inspire Community Radio. They were interviewed about Themselves and our school. It was a great experience and was a great success. They are so keen to do it again!

The ELC have had a very busy fortnight. We now have full days in the week and a growing waiting list. With so many of our children coming to care for the first time at the tender age of 3, we understand that adjusting can be difficult. For this reason, ELC is focusing on emotions and the ability to express. We have had time to talk about sharing space, toys, educators and even our feelings.

One of the main areas that ELC prides itself in is ‘Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Community’. In light of this, we will be seeking feedback from all our families in various areas. A survey link will be sent within the next few weeks to all our families. The responses will help to guide us through this year ahead as we develop our relationships.

What an exciting time the OSHC has had in the last week. We are currently working on adding children’s art and learning pieces to our OSHC space and working with them on how they might like the new room to be set up. We have had a lot of interest in a construction, STEM imaginative play corner. We are currently awaiting our new room furniture however they are doing everything in their power to try and get our furniture to us as soon as possible.

One of the main areas that OSHC prides itself in is ‘Collaborative Partnerships with Families and Community’. In light of this, we will be seeking feedback from all our families in various areas. A survey link will be sent within the next few weeks to all our families. The responses will help to guide us through this year ahead as we develop our relationships.

Hello! Fr. Pier here.

I pray you are well.

Every year we have parents of our Catholic schools students who choose to revive or explore their Catholic journey.

In the past we offered the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), which helps to understand the contents of our faith.

Something was missing: a space where people could deepen their personal relationship with Jesus and our community.

This space is essential: with a living relationship with Jesus, the Catholic journey is a joy. Without it, it is a chore.

People will gauge with their leaders when they are ready to move towards RCIA, which is more like headspace.

This year we started from this space of experience, which we called Gateway.

We have just started.

If you wish to deepen your journey or start it altogether, you are welcome – come with your personal story.

I hope to see you there!

Sunday
7:30am, 9:30am & 6:00pm

Monday – Saturday
7:30am

Friday
8:00am – 9:00am Holy Hour

Saturday
8:00am Intercessory Rosary
6:00pm (Vigil)

When: Fortnightly Tuesday’s 3-4pm

Term 1: 8th Feb, 22nd Feb, 8th March, 22nd March, 5th April

Where: The Garden Centre

Who: Students (Year 1-6), Parents

Please note: Pick up is from the front of the school at 4pm