Dear Parents and Carers

It is wonderful to say “Welcome Back’, to all of our families as school returns to a little normality again this week. I would like to say congratulations and thank you to our amazing parents and carers for their efforts, skill and patience in supporting their children through the ever-changing environment that remote learning has been.  I know you will join me in acknowledging the dedication and efforts of our wonderful staff as they have so quickly upskilled to present such quality remote learning programs. I’m sure the return to more settled work routines and the reopening of many businesses in our community will be a welcome relief for many families.

We have welcomed several new students to our school over the last few weeks. Our Kindergarten 2021 interviews are commencing this week, it is such a privilege to meet with children and parents as they begin the transition to Primary school. This year we will hopefully be in a position to continue with our ‘Transition to School Playgroup’ for our new Kindergarten class in Term 4. We have observed the enormous benefits of this program as our current Kinders started this year amid the fuss of the bushfires with not a single tear and lots of smiles. If you are aware of any children that are hoping to attend St Mary’s next year please encourage them to contact our Office to ensure their place. 

Our Director Peter Hill when addressing the Principals during the week, expressed that things are not back to ‘normal’ and that this is not a time for complacency but a time for us to remain vigilant to ensure that our COVID 19 systems are in place to protect our children, staff and the wider community. I understand that some parents will welcome the return to school, whilst others will have reservations and concerns at returning after such an unprecedented period of isolation and precaution. I would like to explain some of the systems we have in place to keep our children and community safe. 

Students

• Sanitising hands as they come into the classroom and leave the classroom.
• Washing in hands in the classroom with soap and water
• Whilst social distancing is not required for students, they will be encouraged to sit or stand with an additional distance between them i.e. in lines, on class mats, when eating.
• Students will use their own pencils/ pens etc.
• Bringing a drink bottle as bubblers remain out of use. 

 Staff

• Transitioning students back into the school routine
• Encouraging students to keep some distance where possible
• Assessing students to ensure the learning programs are continuous 
• Encouraging and supporting hygiene routines 
• Ensuring that a COVID Isolation room is ready should anyone in our school exhibit symptoms 

Parents / Carers

• Keeping children home who are unwell or symptomatic in any way
• Remaining outside of school grounds, dropping at the school gates, picking up at the Hall.
• Supporting children as they return to school, understanding that for children this will take quite some readjusting. 
• Contacting teachers through phone calls, email or coming to the School Office 
• If children are catching buses, supporting strong hygiene practices whilst on the bus
• Contact the school if you have concerns about school fees as we know currently many families are under severe financial strain

Additional Cleaning

• Between breaks additional cleaning of high touch surfaces: door handles, toilets, desks, fixed play equipment. 

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact the school, we are here to support you. 

Yours in partnership

Laurinda Nelson