New Circuit Breaker Actions- COVID-19- Short Lockdown

I am not sure if families were as shocked as I was, hearing the Victorian Premier’s announcement of the short lockdown last Friday. I was so hoping our Family Picnic would go ahead, given that we had planned this for early in the school term. We will reschedule and let you know shortly the new date.

Please be reassured that families and students will once again be supported during any disruptions to learning. As I have said many times throughout last year, all we can do is our best. Staff understand the pressures that are placed on families during lockdown periods. Staff are also very tuned into how to best support students transitioning back to onsite learning.  All staff prioritise students’ needs whether it be wellbeing or learning and we will continue to support continuity of learning for all students.

Any updates or communication to parents regarding COVID-19 will be sent via Operoo. In the event of this platform experiencing difficulties, information to parents will be sent via Schoolzine as a special newsletter addition. I urge all parents to ensure you have subscribed to our fortnightly newsletter. 

Enrolment Maximisation Committee

In term 3 last year our school with support from Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) formed a committee to promote our school and increase enrolments. This committee comprises myself, school parents, teachers and MACS staff. 

As part of the work we began last year we have put together a survey for parents to complete. We urge all families to complete this survey as the information we collect will greatly support the work we will do this year. We are hoping to make stronger connections with organisations in our local community. If one member from each of our school families could please complete the survey, we would be most grateful. Please click on link (to be updated shortly) below to complete a quick survey.

Go to survey

Thank you

Enrolment Maximisation Committee

Specialist Classes

All students in foundation to year 6 participate in the following specialist classes each week.

This year Sandra Renehan will be taking students for both Visual and Performing Arts lessons. In semester 1 students will focus on Visual Arts and in second semester Performing Arts. We are planning to hold an Arts Expo in term 4. Due to COVID restrictions, this will look somewhat different than what we have done previously. We will look for creative ways to showcase students' skills and talents in both performing and visual arts.

Joyce Henderson will again this year facilitate Japanese lessons for all students. A Language Other Than English (LOTE) is compulsory for students in primary school. Joyce engages students in learning about Japanese culture, food, greetings and simple conversation. In years 4-6 students begin to write in Japanese script.

Sue Pattinson leads our physical education program. Students engage in weekly physical education/movement classes, usually outdoors. Sue facialitates extra sporting activities throughout the year  for students in years 4-6 to attend. Our school belongs to HOLT district sports.This district is made up of 9 schools from the Bayside area. In this district our senior students have opportunities to compete in swimming, soccer, netball, football, athletics and cross-country. This year Laura Armour will also support Sue and our students in many of these events. Our senior students also compete in interschool sports in terms 2 and 3.

St Catherine’s Leadership Team

This year the following staff support the leadership of our school. Our leadership team meets each week. The work of leaders in our school is to support student learning. In supporting student learning, leaders work with teachers and education support staff to improve their practice which directly impacts on student learning.

“In a Catholic School, leaders foster a culture of professional learning and growth, where expertise is developed and shared, creating the best conditions for all teachers and students to flourish.”

Horizons of Hope-Leadership (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools Melbourne- MACS)

Lynda O’Donnell- Principal & Learning Leader

Carmel Donlon- Literacy, Student Diversity and Religious Education Leader

Maree Hills- Student Wellbeing

Megan Moore- Mathematics Leader

Michael Juliff- Coordinating Principal & Arrowsmith Leader

Our leadership team this year will be supported by MACS Literacy and Mathematics consultants. MACS consultants meet regularly with leaders, supporting them in delivering professional learning for staff and building their capacity as leaders.

Head Lice

Just a reminder to parents to regularly check your child’s hair for head lice. They seem to like hot, humid weather. Please see attached information on treating head lice.

School Photos

School Photos will take place on Thursday 25 February. This year all orders and payment needs to be completed online. Please see attached PDF flyer.

Elite School Photography

Login Code ESP202515

Canteen

Our canteen will be open on Friday lunchtime this term for students to purchase icy poles. We ask that students only purchase one icy pole and do not buy for or share icy poles with friends.

Our P&F parents this year will be supporting over the counter sales of limited items for students to purchase. Many thanks to Sylvia Cary who will be selling icy poles this term.

School Athletics Day

Our school Athletics Day has been postponed until Friday 5 November.

Playgroup

We were so excited to welcome 14 families to our playgroup. Our next playgroup is on 9:30am Thursday 18 February in our school hall. All Welcome. Please let friends and neighbors know. Any questions please email kath.barca@scmoorabbin.edu.au