Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to welcome everyone back to school for another busy term. Traditionally Term 2 is one of the busiest terms and this year is no different. Along with all the regular term 2 events, Mortimer Shield, school athletics carnival, NAPLAN, school reports and parent teacher interviews, we have another event on that occurs every 5 years, which is Registration and School Improvement. In week 6, 31 May to 2 June, St Mary’s will have a panel of guests come to the school and review our current policies, procedures and directions in education. The feedback from this process will form a significant part the school’s three year strategic plan, which will be construct in the second half of the year.

It was wonderful to see so many students participate in the ANZAC Day March last week. It was a special occasion to pay our respects to past and present service men and women. A huge thank you to our parents for bringing along your children who were so beautifully dressed for the occasion.

I have attached CECG's COVID Plan for your reference found here. Please note that the parent letter I sent you last week, contained information from our office, stating that close contacts are to test every 48 hours. This is incorrect. Close contacts attending school will need to adhere to the following:

• They must notify the school if they are intending to return under this provision.
• They should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result each morning before attending school for five school days.
• No student or staff member identified as a close contact will be permitted to participate in overnight excursions, including school camps.
• Any visitor to a school site who is a close contact is required to advise the school that they are a close contact before they come on site. These visitors should conduct a daily RAT and return a negative result before attending. They must also wear a mask indoors at all times. Schools should consider if the visit can be conducted virtually.

Donna Spillman, our telehealth counsellor, is offering online courses while she is working with St Mary’s. The first on-line course on offer is the Bringing up Great Kids program. This is free to parents and consists of 12 hours online in small groups, spread over the school term. Couples are encouraged to participate together to get the best outcomes for children. If you would like to participate in this course please contact Donna directly at donna.spillman@catholiccare.cg.org.au.

Regards

Mr Nielsen