Newsletter Term 4 Week 5

Dear Families

At this time of the year, we screen all children in our school with similar testing to see how they are progressing.  We closely monitor literacy development due to its importance to all areas of learning.  We have a very strong approach to literacy teaching in the classroom, then with small group work and finally intensive intervention if required.  Again, these results are outstanding, and I am happy to share some of this information in the newsletter.

Please click her to view the results.

PARENTS JOIN US FOR A COFFEE

As a welcome back to parents on the school site, we would like to invite you to join us for a BARISTA made cup of coffee, thanks to the help of the Rachou Family and their coffee cart!  This will happen next Tuesday morning, November 16^th, on the green courts outside the Stella Maris Room from 8:20am.

CASUAL DAY – PRINCIPAL FOR THE DAY (AND DEPUTY AND APRIM)

Next Tuesday our Junior Leadership Team are in charge!  We welcome our Principal for a day, Nico, Deputy, Sara and Millie APRIM.  Our Junior Leadership Team met last week and they have called for a casual day and longer play time!

CATHY CLARK RETIREMENT

Today I would like to share with you that after nearly 40 years of teaching, Cathy Clark will retire at the end of the year.

Part of what Cathy wrote to the School Board, when announcing her retirement, was…

After a lengthy career, spanning almost 40 years, the majority being at Star of the Sea, I have decided to pursue different paths in life, which includes the role of grandparent and hopefully, traveller.

I feel extremely privileged and blessed to have been a part of the wonderful, caring community of Star of the Sea school for so many years. Personally, I have fulfilled a wish to teach and nurture children, which has given me enormous happiness and satisfaction.

I would like to thank the School Board and Community for the enduring love and support that you have given me over the years. Star of the Sea will always have a special place in my heart.

We thank Cathy for sharing her talents with our community and wish her all the best in the next stage of her life.

Toby Moulton has also informed the school, that he will not be returning to teach at Star of the Sea.  Toby has been on leave from our school for the last three years and we wish him all the best, with his next venture.

Liana Marafioti has been on parenting leave, for the last four years.  As her family are living in Queensland, she has resigned from Star of the Sea.  We wish her and her family, all the best for the future.

We also have two teachers that will be taking 12 months leave without pay next year, Marian Izzo and Karen Lintern.

We hope to have our staffing for 2022 concluded very soon and will publish a full list at this time.

COVID UPDATE

Not much has changed at this stage but just a reminder that:

• Adults are welcomed to come onto the school site
• If you wish to enter a school building you need to wear a mask and completed a QR code check in
• Adults may enter classrooms, but please limit this to no more than 5 adults in any classroom, at one time
• Volunteers may resume
• Please respect social distancing requirements
• As always, if you are unwell please do not come into the school

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

At our November meeting we covered a number of topics that are worth noting here, especially in regard to end of year events.

Firstly, a vote of thanks went to Natalie Canova and the P&F team for the organisation of the School Ball.  This was a fantastic community event, and everyone seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to gather as a school community.

UNIFORM

One change has been made to our uniform policy in regard to sports shoes, which from next year, these may be any colour with the exception of Fluro colours.

END OF YEAR EVENTS

The following events are being organised for the end of year, but it is important to note that these may change at any time, due to COVID restrictions.  Here is some basic information but more information will follow.

CAROLS

• Friday December 3^rd on the oval/grandstand (as usual), starting at 5:45pm
• Families may bring 4 people (excluding any students enrolled in our school as they will be with their class teacher)
• Families will be required to book tickets and QR code on entry
• Masks will be required when adults are not seated
• Reception to Year 5 classes will perform
• BYO food, to be shared only with your family (no alcohol please)
• Inclement weather plan – the event will be cancelled

END OF YEAR LITURGY/FARWELLS

• This is our whole school celebration for the end of year
• Tuesday December 7 at 9am
• Venue: Green courts – Stella Maris Room
• Whole school attends
• Parents may attend, but will be required to book tickets and QR code on entry
• Inclement weather plan – hold the event the next day at the same time

Regards
Damian Weeks