Star of the Sea School

02.07.20

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Friends,

We have again reached the end of another busy term, a term like no other. Certainly COVID-19 impacted on many of our school routines and forced us to think and act differently and caused us to cancel many of our school activities. In the last few weeks, it has been encouraging to see some things return to normal and we have been buoyed by the fact we can now have parents and grandparents enter the school. Matt Perry in his Deputy Principal section will share with you the COVID-19 plan for Term 3.

Nevertheless, COVID or no COVID the last ten weeks have just flown by and with the passing of each week much has been accomplished in the classroom with the absence of the usual interruptions and distractions.

This week I was talking to some parents in the morning on the Military Road footpath and I reminded them they were welcome in the school grounds. The parents told me that they have found the COVID-19 routine of leaving the children at the gate has taught their child to be more independent and their children have learnt new skills. It only goes to show that even in times like these we can find some positives and we discover just how adaptable our children really are.

I would like to thank all of our parents for the great job you do ensuring the children are ready for school each morning with clean uniforms, homework done; recess and lunches packed and prepared for a full day of learning and fun. At Star of the Sea we value the wonderful work you do and are appreciative of the support we receive. We look forward to having you back in the heart of the school next term.

First Semester Reports

Over the last few weeks, Matt, Stella and I have had the privilege of reading the class reports for the first semester. I would like to thank the teachers for the time and effort that has gone into each summary and comment. Writing student reports and assessing students is the professional role of teachers, however, I know and see the time and effort that goes into each child’s summary. The attention and genuineness with which they write is to be commended.

In reading the student reports, it was great to read comments that highlight each child’s strength and challenges, they also speak personally about the whole person, highlighting areas for growth.

I encourage parents to read their child’s report carefully, congratulate your child on the positives and discuss ways of supporting them in the areas they need to develop. Life is not about receiving straight ‘As’, instead it is about learning, making progress and giving our best. Well done to all students on their achievements.

A few reminders

As we head off for the holiday break I have a few reminders:

School returns on Tuesday 21st July next term. Staff will be meeting with Damian Weeks on the Monday for professional learning.
The holidays are a good time for student haircuts, cleaning of uniforms and ensuring we return to school next term looking well groomed.
Has your child lost a jumper or tracksuit top? The 'Lost Property' box is overflowing with uniform items, lunch boxes and drink bottles that do not have names. I suggest you do a uniform inventory; you will be surprised at what is missing.

Matt Perry, Stella Foley, all the staff and I wish all families a relaxing holiday break. To those families who may be travelling in country South Australia these holidays, please do so safely with care.

Have a wonderful break and best wishes for the future.

Joe De Tullio

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02.07.20

From the Deputy Principal

It seems as though this time has flown by with such speed that it’s hard to believe that we are in the final days of the term. This last week has been a rollercoaster of emotions for staff as we have begun the emotional journey of saying farewell to our beloved Mr De Tullio. Joe has had an amazing presence here at our school for the last six and a half years and it is difficult to put into words the thanks and gratitude we feel towards him. His work, vision and leadership here at Star of the Sea school has been so gratefully received by us all. We wish Joe and his beautiful wife Anna nothing but health and happiness as they move into the next exciting chapter of their lives together. May the fish always be biting and your golf game get better and better Joe!!!

Head Lice
Please be aware that we have had some cases of headlice in the school and if your child is showing any signs or symptoms of headlice, including itching or scratching around the hairline then please keep your child at home and have the headlice treated with a suitable treatment process.

Grounds and Maintenance Survey
During Week 2 of Term 3, the Grounds and Maintenance survey, seeking the satisfaction of our grounds and buildings will be sent to you and I ask that when that survey comes out, you take the time to complete the survey with your child giving us as a school an indication of the quality of works and maintenance that our community feels is needed. I thank you in advance for your cooperation in completing this survey. I also thank the Grounds and Maintenance Committee for their support and work.

Term 3 Dates
Teachers and Staff will return to school on Monday, 20 July for a Professional Development Day and I remind parents that the first day for Term 3 for students will be Tuesday, 23 July. We Look forward to seeing our families back in our school next term.

Canteen update
The school canteen will resume five days a week trading next term with QKR! being available for parents to order meals and food items for children. As always we remind parents to ensure that the QKR! order has been submitted and a receipt has been issued. The cut off for ordering is 9.15am.

COVID-19 Update
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease, we look forward to welcoming parents back onto school site and inside the school buildings next term. Next term we will see class excursions resuming, planning for year level camps continuing and parents will be welcome to take part in listening to children read in the morning. Class teachers will let parents know about reading schedules. It will be fantastic to see our community members back inside our new school buildings and exploring the wonderful learning spaces that we have at our school. We thank the school community for their support and cooperation in regards to the COVID-19 measures that we have needed to put in place this term.

Lost Property
There is a lot of lost property in our school Lost Property Box at the moment and I encourage parents to look through the box to see if there are any items belonging to your family. I also take this opportunity to remind parents to label everything that comes to school, so if items do become lost there is a much better chance of them being returned home.

I wish all of our families a happy and relaxing break and look forward to seeing everyone back at Star of the Sea school in Term 3.

Be Yourself…everyone else is taken
Oscar Wilde

Thanks and Blessings
Matt Perry