Welcome back to 2025!

Yesterday we welcomed back students in Year 1 through to Year 6. They were very settled with by far the majority very happy to be back at school and re-connecting with friends. The smiles and stories from children that we receive as teachers is a blessing. We also had 8 new students joining us across these grades.

Today we welcomed 60 bright new faces into our Kindergarten classes. After a few tears from some students (& parents!), they all settled very quickly. It is such a pleasure to witness the growth & learning of these children right from the start of their educational journey. In saying that, we know there will be good and bad days ahead as the children build their stamina in building their stamina for what are quite challenging days, especially in strange clothes, uncomfortable shoes and long hot days.

When your child is picked up or arrives home, a good discussion starter is “What was the best thing you did today?” This begins a conversation on a positive note. A question like “What did you do today?” will often gain responses like “Nothing”, “I didn’t play with anyone.” A parent’s reaction to such responses can potentially foster further negative thoughts. 

Opening School Year Mass and Badge Presentation

Staffing for 2025 is as follows

Meet & Greet Sessions

Information has already been sent via Compass to book a time to meet with class teachers (Kinders open up next Wednesday afternoon). This is a good opportunity to touch base and establish a working relationship with the school.

School Counsellor

This year we welcome Mrs Emily Lewis who is employed through Catholicare to provide counselling support to students. Emily will be onsite every Tuesday and Wednesday. Having additional support was identified as a priority last year and we look forward to working closely with Emily to support the needs of our students. Parents are always consulted prior to a child accessing the counsellor. Referrals can be made by contacting either Mr Thorne or Mrs Vezinias.

School Swimming Selection Trials

These trials are being held at University of Wollongong Pool on Tuesday, 11 February. A Compass alert has already been sent for parents to register their child(ren) in the various events. 50m Freestyle events start from 8 years while all other events start from Junior which is 10 years and below. Please remember that only students competing (MUST be confident on completing 50m) will attend on this day. All other students will be at school as usual.

Absences

This year, the Catholic Education Office has released their new Attendance Policy which is in keeping with current NSW Education legislation. The goal is to have student attendance rates above 90% (fewer than 10 days absence in a year). Family holidays will be marked as an Absence. Below I have included two sections of the policy procedures which are relevant to all families:

Unexplained absences

3.2 An absence is unexplained if a parent fails to provide an explanation to the school within

seven calendar days of the first day of any period of absence. The absence will remain an

unexplained absence irrespective of whether an explanation is subsequently received. In the

event that an explanation is received after the seven day period has elapsed, a note must be

added to the student’s attendance record to reflect the communication from the parent.

Extended absence: travel

3.24 If a parent wishes their child to undertake an extended absence for the purposes of travel, the parent must attach to the Notification of Extended Absence travel documentation indicating the intended dates and locations of travel. The parent must indicate on the form the purpose of

the travel and the circumstances that make it necessary for the travel to be undertaken

outside the school holiday period.

3.25 Generally, an explanation for an extended absence for the purposes of travel should not be

accepted by a Principal, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Extended Absence

A new Attendance Policy has been released by the Catholic Education Office in keeping with updated School Attendance Legislation. Extended Leave is now referred to as Extended Absence and is for periods of leave longer than 5 days. This leave is no longer “Approved” by the Principal however the reasoning for the absence is either Accepted or Not Accepted. If the absence is not accepted and the absence still takes place, it will be recorded as an Unjustified Absence.

Minor Head Injuries

Further updates in Compass now allow for minor injuries to the head of a student be relayed to parents via SMS. These injuries are assessed as usual in the office and if deemed ‘minor’, an SMS will be sent. As usual, if deemed more significant, a parent will be contacted via a phone call. This process will free up a lot of time for office staff having to look up phone numbers and individually call parents. By minor injuries, we are looking at a soft ball bouncing on their head or lightly bumping a head on another child’s shoulder. If there is a significant bump on concrete or other hard surface, or head clash with another student, parents will always be contacted via phone.

Upcoming Teacher Professional Learning Development 

Throughout the year teachers have access to a variety of quality professional development opportunities. Casual teachers are employed to cover classes with the teacher ensuring the teaching program and routines are followed.