School Newsletter Term 4, Week 10, 4th December 2023

Principals Letter

Dear St Augustine's families,

We may only have two weeks of school left but there are a number of things happening (both at school and I'm sure on your own personal family calendars) so I thought I would put out an early newsletter this week to ensure everyone knew what was happening.

ADVENT - On the weekend we began Advent- the beginning of the Liturgical year for the universal church, a time of waiting and preparing to celebrate, a time of opening our hearts to see the presence of Jesus through our family, friends and actions.                                                                                                                                                 

The Advent Wreath - Each week we light a candle, the first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah. Let us awaken from our slumber! 
Let us try to ask ourselves: am I aware of what I am living, am I alert, am I awake? 
Do I try to recognize God’s presence in daily situations, or am I distracted and a little overwhelmed by things? 
- Pope Francis, Angelus 27 November 2022

HIGHVIEW YEAR 7 ORIENTATION DAY Tuesday 5th December - Year 6 students who are enrolled at Highview for Year 7 2024 will attend an orientation day tomorrow. Those Year 6 students do not come to St. Augustine's tomorrow. Parents/Guradians are to drop off/collect directly to Highview. Year 6 students who will be attending other schools in 2024 will have the option of coming to school (altered timetable) or staying at home if family circumstances allow. 

END OF YEAR MASS & GRADUATION WEDNESDAY 6th Dec 6PM - ALL WELCOME - IN THE CHURCH

This Wednesday night, all families are welcome to join us to  celebrate the end of our school year and give thanks for the year we have had together with a Mass.  At the conclusion of Mass, we will congratulate and farewell our Year 6 students as they Graduate from Primary School. Scholarships will be awarded, leaving families will be acknowledged, 2024 School Captains will be announced and the Year 6 students will perform a celebratory farewell dance. There will be an icy pole for all children after Mass. 

STAR MORNING TEA will be this Thursday 7th Dec and we will congratulate those children who have been exceptional STARS in Term 4. 

FOUNDATION - YEAR 2 SPORTS This Friday 8th December, the Foundation, Year 1 & Year 2 students will participate in their Sports Day. Children can dress up in their House colours for the day. They will participate in a range of fun activities and the House Captains will assist Miss Ryan on the day. LUNCH ORDERS WILL BE AS NORMAL.

GRADUATION DINNER for our Year 6 students will take place on Sunday 10th December, this begins a week of Graduation activities for the Year 6 students. 

UNIFORMS Uniforms can still be ordered & filled up until 9am Tuesday 12th Dec. Any orders after this date will not be filled until the beginning of the 2024 school year.

2024 TRANSITION DAY Next Tuesday, 12th December all students will 'step up' to their 2024 classes. They will learn who their teacher and classmates will be. We welcome our 2024 Foundation students to school on this day as well. This is an important step to ensure a smooth and successful transition. 

WHOLE SCHOOL FAIR WEDNESDAY 13th December  We will have our school Fair next Wednesday. Donations gratefully accepted as no money is required for the day. Each classroom has a stall for children to visit and enjoy (list below). This is a fun way to finish up the year and the last thing that our Year 6 students get to assist with.  

LAST DAY OF TERM 4 - FRIDAY 15TH Dec - All students will finish the term at 3.10/3.15pm

Congratulations to Tegan & Mitchell on the safe arrival of Fraser. Little brother to Ella in F/1 McB. Wishing all of you good health and fond memories on the arrival of the newest member of your family.

Congratulations to Miss Gould who married Jack on Saturday! Wishing Mr & Mrs Shaw a lifetime of love, health, laughter and happiness together.

Many blessings

Mrs Sonia Turner

Principal

Happy Birthday to...

   Gracie C - Year 3       Ella R - Year 1     William S - Year 5     Pippa B- Year 6

    Oscar B - Year 5      Everly N - Year 2    Angus B - Year 5

Brock L - Year 6      Ida B - Year 1

Holiday Birthdays

Izayah M - Year 5     Ivy P - Year 2      Duarte S - Year 5    Isabelle J - Year 4

Santino H - Year 2    Charlie S - Year 3    Molly A - Year 5    Oliver C - Year 4    Brody H - Year 5

Archer C - Year 2    Aryan D - Year 2    Emerald R - Year 4    Vivian T - Year 1    Harley M - Year 2

Student Fair

We will be holding a student only fair on Wednesday December 13th. There will be no money required on the day.

Each classroom will hold a stall and may require donated items as per list below. If you can help out, donations can be sent to school with your child.

Cyber Safety

Below is a link on information around screen time from esafety.gov.au

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.

Lunch box ideas

NCCD Information

2023 School Fees & Levies

REMINDER - Balance of all fees to be finalised by the 30th November 2023. Payment can be made via EFTPOS or cash at the school office, credit card over the phone or direct deposit to our account. 

Please see below the 2024 School Fee Schedule

We welcome all students and their families who share or respect our Catholic faith, values and traditions. Catholic education is supported by State and Federal funding, with families contributing the balance of the cost of educating their children. At times, some families are unable to meet their commitment to the full costs of education. As a Catholic school system, we ensure fee relief mechanisms are available to support families in time of need. We encourage these discussions on enrolment or as these needs emerge.

COVID Guidelines

It is strongly recommended that students: 

• Who test positive for COVID-19 should stay home and isolate for five days.
• Should not attend school after five days if still symptomatic.
• Who are symptomatic but have not tested positive should not attend school.

Where students become symptomatic at school, they should: 

• Be collected by their parents/carers.
• Undergo testing for COVID-19. 

COVID-19 reporting requirements.

The Department of Health recommends that a person who tests positive for COVID-19 should inform those with whom they have recently been in contact, including their workplace, school and household. 

Face masks.

Staff and students who wish to wear a face mask will be supported to do so.  Face masks are available for staff, students and visitors. 

The Department of Health recommends that masks should be worn by a person who is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 when leaving home. 

Additionally, the department recommends that masks should be worn by a person who has COVID-19 for 10 days after a positive test when they need to leave home. 

Medical Information

Concussion – Important information

If your child has experienced concussion, it is important that you follow recommended medical advice. Returning to school can be a graduated approach with the aim of increasing tolerance to a full day, the same situation could occur with sport. It is always important to check with your doctor and seek medical treatment after a child sustains a concussion.

It is important to inform the school if your child has sustained a concussion outside of the school setting so we can monitor for ongoing symptoms and adapt activities if required.

This factsheet link below from the Royal Children’s Hospital is valuable to read and understand.

https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Head_injury_return_to_school_and_sport/

There is also a great evidence-based app from the Murdoch children’s research institute that walks you through what to do in the result of a concussion.

https://www.headcheck.com.au/

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.

Student Medical Information

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. 

Child Safety

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

All of our Child Safe policies and procedures are accessible on our website through the link below.

Supervision of Students Information for Parents

Uniform Shop

Final day for orders for 2024 is 9am Tuesday 12th December. All orders made after this time will be filled in the first week of Term 1, 2024.

School hats are compulsory this term and term 1 2024. No hat, no play! 

Bucket Hats available from the front office and the uniform shop for $10.

If you have any queries or items to be exchanged, please come to the school office. 

Note: There is no longer a 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 and bucket hats are to be worn in Term 1 and 4.

PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE

If you call the office and the phone is unattended or busy, please leave a message. Messages are checked regularly throughout the day. Often there is only one person in the office and they may be busy on another call or with a student or parent.  Alternatively you can email a message through to admin@samaryborough.catholic.edu.au or send a class dojo through to Ms O'Kearney.  Please try and avoid last minute end of day changes for students. We understand that things do come up and if a change needs to be urgently relayed to your child/ren, please call and speak with the office so we can make sure they get the message immediately.  

Please note with the temporary office relocation we only have one phone line in so please leave a message and we will return your call ASAP.

PAM - Parent Access Module

PLEASE LOG INTO YOUR PAM ACCOUNT AND CONFIRM/COMPLETE YOUR CHILDS MEDICAL PROFILE. THIS INFORMATION IS MANDATORY FOR ALL STUDENTS. 

We require ALL families to complete and update their child/ren’s medical details and contact information for 2023 through PAM and throughout the year 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 and to advise the school office.

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.

Canteen

All orders must be placed through CDFPay prior to 9.00am Fridays.   Please ensure you complete all orders on CDFPay and proceed through payment screen to the green receipt screen.

Please contact the office if you are having any issues with your CDFPay account. 

Parking & Road Safety

Parking behind the church & tennis courts is STAFF ONLY parking. Please do not use these areas to park or pickup your children. Vehicle movement in and out of these areas means you are driving over footpaths/walkways which both our students and Highview students are using. This creates a potential safety hazard.

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.

Follow road safety regulations, keep driveways clear, check carefully before reversing and avoid letting your children exit or enter a car whilst on the road or stopped at the crossings. Please do not double park. We all want to keep our families safe so your co-operation is appreciated.

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.

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, Heather Jennings, 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 Heather Jennings at MEC, Heather.Jennings@education.vic.gov.au. It is important that this form is completed as these details will be used in the event of an emergency.

PTV forms are now required to be updated and completed yearly. All families who currently use the bus system have been sent home a new form to complete for 2024 travel.  Please return these to the school office prior to the end of term.

Bell times

5 minutes prior to classes commencing there is music played. This signals to the children it is time to start moving to class. This is the time children need to have a drink, go to the toilet etc. so they are lined up and ready to start class when the bell goes. 

8:30am - Yard Care Supervision begins

8:40am  -  Classroom teacher in classroom - meet & greet

8:55pm - School classes begin

9am-11am - 2 hour learning session

11am-11:40am -  First break

11:40am-1:40pm - 2 hour learning session

1:40pm-2:20pm - Second break

2:20pm-3:15pm - 55 minute learning session

3:10pm - Fiscalini & Flanagan dismissal

3:15pm - Arundell & Scanlan, Bus students dismissal

Parish News

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

School Approved Scrunchies

School approved Scrunchies are for sale in the school foyer for $5 each.

$1 from each scrunchie sold goes to our Energy Breakthrough Program.

We now also have coloured scrunchies for sale. These are 'not ok to be worn on a school day'. $1 from each scrunchie sold goes to our EBT program.

Lots of different patterns and colours available so come check them out!

Advanced dates for your diary

End of Year Graduation Mass - Wednesday 6th December 2023. 

Last Day of Term 4 - Friday 15th December 2023, 3.15pm finish time

2024 Dates & Pupil Free days

First day of Term 1 - Tuesday 30th January 

Pupil Free Day - 22nd February  

Pupil Free Day - 15th April

Please see the link to the school calendar below for all other important dates.

Community Notices