School Newsletter Term 4, Week 4, 29th October 2021

Principals Letter

Dear St Augustine's families,
Last Friday, we welcomed all children back to school and started the day with extra play and breakky snacks. The Foundation children began the day with their camp experience of coming to school in PJ's and having breakfast at school before joining the rest of the school. This has become a time that is really enjoyed by students and adults alike all reconnecting after periods of time at home. The playground and classrooms have again been a buzz with excited children just happy to be enjoying the company of their friends. 

Increasing ventilation in classrooms and outdoor learning spaces are encouraged to align with guidelines and mitigate the spread of COVID. We have set up an outdoor learning space in between 5/6 Upton and the library and teachers are taking classes outdoors when they can. The students are enjoying the change of scenery. 

The easing of restrictions now means that a number of events can happen at a school level. Of course these will all have COVID safe guidelines attached to them and we thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation and know that these restrictions are in place to keep us all safe and mandated from the Victorian Health Department and Premiers' Office. 

Graduation mass - Wednesday 8th Dec 6pm - The Year 6 Graduation Mass will be on Wednesday 8th December at 6pm. This Mass will most likely be for Year 6 families only as density limits will apply and the requirement for all guests to be double vaccinated. More details to come as we are also looking into live streaming this Mass. 

Transition - Kinder transition days to school will take place on;

Monday 22nd November

Wednesday 1st December

Tuesday 7th December - Whole school transition day 

Year 6 Transition will also occur but more details to come.

Swimming - Foundation, Year 1 and 2 students have been swimming this week and the other year levels will be following in the coming weeks. School swimming is focussed around water safety NOT stroke technique. We encourage families to support the Learn to Swim program held at the Maryborough Leisure Centre.

Book Week - Monday 22nd Nov to Friday 26th Nov

This year we will celebrate Book Week from Monday 22nd Nov to Friday 26th Nov. 

We will hold the book parade on Thursday 25th November. Children are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book character or  a costume of their choice. Weather permitting we will have a whole school parade around the turf or gym. Unfortunately at this stage we are not able to have parents onsite for events. 

Thursday 25th Nov - STAR morning tea. Children who have received a STAR postcard will have a special morning tea to celebrate their achievments.

Excursions - To celebrate getting through home learning, all grades will go on a fun excursion funded through Government grants. With many activities being cancelled we see this as a nice way to finish the year with a positive memory. Further details will be provided via class dojo or permission notes from your child's teacher.

School Fair - Friday 26th Nov. St Augustine's holds an annual Twilight Fair that is enjoyed by all in our school community. It usually requires many months of planning and as many people helping out on the day. Due to the restrictions around visitors to school and density limits this year our Fair will be hosted by the Year 6 students for the rest of the school during the day. Show bags have been on sale via CDFPAY which will be distributed on the day. The Year 6 students will have a variety of stalls, activities and games to enjoy. *Donations to be used as prizes to assist the Year 6's are welcomed- small gifts - hair ties, stickers, stationery, small toys suitable for prizes- wrapped chocolates and lollies - beads, jewellery, coloured hair spray 
More details provided closer to the Fair.

Leadership and Graduation photos will be taken next Thursday 4th Nov. Year 6 students will need to be in their correct school uniform and graduation top.

School Advisory news - The School Advisory Council members are currently working on the Parent Handbook and making sure it is easily understood by all families and cultures.

Year 2 sleepover - Thursday 4th Nov. As part of our camping program, the Year 2 students have a sleepover at school in readiness for their first off site camp in Year 3. 

Confirmation - The last two groups of children to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Thursday 11th November and Friday 12th November. All queries to Justina.

Lost property - our lost property is overflowing with unnamed uniform!  Please take the opportunity over this long weekend to name all your childs clothing. If they have lost something encourage them to check the lost property outside the junior toilets next week please.

Congratulations to the O'Halloran family on the arrival of little Poppy. Cousin to Connor, Olivia & Emily. 

Socktober - Thank you Justina for organising this for us and to all families who donated to assist children in Thailand for Catholic Mission. Socktober is, first and foremost, a means through which schools and students can celebrate World Mission Month in October, and an important component of this celebration is to reflect on the efforts of mission partners around the world and pray for them and the communities they serve. Today we raised $334, a wonderful effort by all!

It is our responsibility as God’s people to pray for the needs of the Church and the world.  We pray for change: in ourselves and in the circumstances of those in need, particularly in Thailand.

For missionaries, that they will accompany, with compassion, those whose lives are affected by crushing poverty.
Lord, hear us.  Lord, hear our prayer.

For all refugee families, that they will find safe haven and welcome in places that show kindness to strangers. Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.

For the Church in Thailand, that it will continue to work in harmony with its culture and people.  Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.

For all those who are affected by the coronavirus pandemic, that they may find relief and recovery.
Lord, hear us. Lord, hear our prayer.

For Pope Francis, that he will continue to lead the world towards, mercy, tenderness, and healing.
Lord, hear us.   Lord, hear our prayer.

God of all people, fill our hearts with your Holy Spirit that we will act justly to rid our world of all that harms our brothers and sisters.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.

                      AMEN.

Don't forget Monday is a student free day and Tuesday is the Melbourne Cup public holiday so we will see students back to school on Wednesday.

Wishing all our families a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

Many blessings,

Mrs Sonia Turner

Principal

Socktober

Social Play Experience

It has been wonderful to all be back at school together.  The children have been loving our Social Play opportunities at playtime to reconnect with friends and just have a fun time.  This week children have enjoyed playing with our new wooden dominoes, the animals, cars and of course lego.  Stay tuned for more updates on our social play fun.

My New Gallery

BOOKCLUB

Students with underlying conditions

Recent and most up to date information for children in schools:

Students with underlying conditions (such as hay fever or asthma)

If a student has persistent symptoms due to an underlying condition such as hay fever or asthma, the student should still be tested for COVID-19 if they develop symptoms that are different to or worse than their usual symptoms. Students whose symptoms are clearly typical for their underlying condition can continue to attend school.

Parents/carers should also consider getting a medical certificate from the child’s treating GP to confirm that it is safe for them to attend school with persistent symptoms that may overlap with some of the symptoms of COVID-19 such as cough or runny nose.

Young children with persistent mild symptoms

For younger children (in Prep to Year 2) who have had a negative COVID-19 test that was taken after they developed symptoms, the decision about return to school should be made in conjunction with the child’s treating GP. If the GP is satisfied the child has recovered from their acute illness, is otherwise well and does not need a repeat COVID-19 test, the child can return even if they are not completely free of symptoms. Any worsening of symptoms will require review and repeat COVID-19 testing, if considered appropriate by the doctor.

Students with a negative COVID-19 test whose symptoms have completely resolved do not need a medical certificate to return to school.

Happy Birthday to...

Maddox S- Year 3      Banjo T - Foundation       Emily O - Year 1    

Brodie L - Year 1      Thomas J - Year 5      Bella C - Foundation      Cody J - Year 4

Lilah R - Year 1    Stella H - Year 5    Keegan H - Year 5    Taiya K - Year 2     

COVID Guidelines

Parents and Friends

Updates of events to be provided during Term 4.

Cyber Safety

Each fortnight we will post helpful eSafety Information for Students and Families here. 

eSafety Guide for parents & carers.

Child Safety

St. Augustine's Primary School Maryborough demonstrates a strong commitment to the care, safety and wellbeing of all students at our school.

Each fortnight we will be sharing information around child safety and the obligations that we have as a school, staff and community.  All of our Child Safe policies and procedures are accessible on our website at samaryborough.catholic.edu.au.

Supervision of Students Information for Parents

ENROLMENT

If your family is not returning to St. Augustine's next year please advise us via email to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au.

Likewise, if you have another child or know of someone who has a school age child for 2022, please contact the school asap.

An 'Application for Enrolment' form, as per link below, needs to be completed and emailed to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au.

Alternatively, forms are also available in the school office.

STAR Students

At St Augustine's we are a SWPBIS school (School Wide Positive Behaviour in School) and we have a STAR culture. STAR stands for:

S  - stay safe

T  - take pride

A  - act justly

R  - respond positively

Just like children are explicitly taught academics, acceptable behaviour is also explicitly taught. STAR awards are given at Assembly each fortnight, exceptional STARs are sent a postcard which qualifies them to morning tea with the Principal at the end of the term.

STAR lessons are taught around a nominated behaviour blitz. Children are taught how to be a STAR in all places they go and what the acceptable behaviour looks like. Examples of a lessons: how to stay safe in class, in the library, the toilet, at the bus stop, on the playground or when walking to the swimming pool.

Canteen

 Canteen will continue to run on Friday this term.  All volunteers will to the school will need to have a Working With Childrens check and show evidence of full COVID Vaccination.

Lunch Box Ideas

Parish News

Please see link below for the latest Parish Bulletin & readings.

School Fees and Payment Information

A final fee statement for 2021 school fees has been sent to all families. 

It is anticipated that the children will be able to participate in the school swimming program this term and planning for class excursions/incursions is proceeding. Parents will be advised full details when these activities are finalised. 

Fees can be paid via direct credit into the school bank account or at the school office.

St. Augustine's Primary School

BSB: 083-532        ACC: 754337515    

Reference: Your surname and/or account number

As per school policy and enrolment agreements school fees are to be paid in full by the end of November 2021 or unless other arrangements have been made.

An appointment can be made with Sonia Turner if required by contacting the school office.

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is currently closed until further notice. Orders can continue to be placed through CDFPay and filled once a week.

As per the announcement in the previous newsletter,  there will be no designated period for summer or winter uniform. Students can choose what they would like to wear in any season. The only exception is that sports uniform must be worn on designated sports days.

PAM - Parent Access Module

We require families to complete and update their child/ren’s medical details and contact information through PAM as changes occur.  This information is mandatory and vital in the case of an emergency.   It is important that if you have any change to your contact numbers, including work place, mobile, home number, that these be updated through PAM.

To complete your child/rens medical profile including contact information, go to PAM, click on your child/rens name, go to 'Medical Profile' and click 'Edit Details'. Complete details then click in the box at the bottom of the page to confirm the details are correct and click ‘Update Details’.

If you have any questions or require your login details, please contact the school office.

Parking & Road Safety

There are three minute parking bays in Burke Street outside the school entrance.  Your co-operation in only parking in this area for the specified time would be appreciated.  These parking bays are for quick pick up and drop off for students leaving early due to appointments and illness.

Likewise we also ask parents to respect the parking restriction on the disabled parking area. 

Please observe road rules around our school for the safety of all of our children.

* Schools have 40km zone.

* Parking behind the church & tennis courts is STAFF ONLY parking.

* Please use the children's crossing on Burns, Kars St and Burke St.

* For safety purposes, please avoid letting your children exit or enter a car whilst on the road or stopped at the crossings. Please do not double park. 

 Thank you for your co-operation.

Student Illness & Absence

If your child is unwell please keep them at home.

This includes coughs, colds, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea and any other contagious illnesses.  

Coughs & Colds

Children can return to school once symptoms have eased and they are not actively coughing or blowing their nose.  

Vomitting & Diarrhoea

Children can return to school 48 hours after the last episode.

We will send children home if they present with any of these symptoms whilst at school.

Notifying Absences

All absentee notifications should be recorded either through the Parent Access Module (PAM) or directly to the school office by phone or email to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au prior to 9.30am on the day of the absence. Please do not send notes of absence through to classroom teachers on Class Dojo as they may be absent or unable to check messages prior to commencement of class.

If a student is absent and we have not received any form of notification by 9.30am, a text message will be sent to parents asking them to call the office or send a reply text. 

Bus Travel

Bus travel on the country buses is available for students at St Augustine’s School and arrangements are made through the bus co-ordinator, Stephen Broad, at the Maryborough Education Centre on 5461 7900.  Parents of the student/s must organise the pass through MEC at least two days prior to travel. Students cannot travel on the country buses without a pass. The town bus does not require a pass but costs 50cents a trip, payable on the day of travel.  Please advise the office if your child will be travelling on any of the buses so we can update our bus rolls.

IMPORTANT

All bus travel requires parents/guardians to complete a Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Application for Permission to Travel form prior to any bus travel. This form can be emailed direct to Stephen Broad at MEC, Stephen.Broad@education.vic.edu.au. It is important that this form is completed as these details will be used in the event of an emergency.

Bushfire Season

As we head toward the summer months it is important that we plan and prepare for the possibility of bushfires. Follow the link below for helpful information on how to stay safe.

Advanced dates for your diary

2021 School Closure Day

Monday 1st November - Staff Report Writing Day, STUDENTS DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL.

Tuesday 2nd November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday, STUDENTS DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL.

Wed 17th November - Literacy, Staff Personal Development Day, STUDENTS DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL.

Thursday 16th December - Last Day of Term 4 for Students 

2022  Dates - Term 1 

Friday Jan 28th – Staff Day. STUDENTS DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL.

Mon Jan 31st - School Closure Day – Staff PD, Visible Learning. STUDENTS DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL.

Tuesday Feb 1st - Classes commence for all students 

Wednesday Feb 2nd - Foundation rest day

Wednesday Feb 9th - Foundation rest day

Wednesday Feb 16th - Foundation rest day

Wednesday Feb 23rd - Foundation rest day

Wednesday March 2nd - Foundation rest day

Wednesday March 9th - Foundation rest day

Monday  March 14th - Labour Day Public Holiday. STUDENTS DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL.

WEDNESDAY 16^TH MARCH - NO REST DAY DUE TO THE HOLIDAY FOR LABOUR DAY. All students attend school.

Wednesday March 23rd - Foundation rest day

Wednesday March 30th - Foundation rest day

Wednesday April 6th - Foundation rest day

Friday 8^th April – Last day of Term 1, 2.30pm finish

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Supported Playgroup Information