Dear Parents and Carers,

Remote Learning

Schools will not return to face-to-face teaching and learning for the remainder of Term 3. As such, we will continue with remote learning. This was expected and so the staff are planned and prepared for another two weeks. Our intention is that we return to school for the beginning of Term 4. The only thing that might change that is an extension of the lockdown. Thank you again for your continued support during this time.

Fee Relief

Catholic Education will again support families who have been financially impacted as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Term 3. The position of Catholic Education is that no child will be denied a Catholic education because of financial circumstances.

Where your family is experiencing financial stress due to job loss, being stood down, reduction in work hours, business downturn or closure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, full or partial fee relief is available for Term 3. To apply for fee relief, please contact me or Julie Ogden in the front office.

NAPLAN Results

For Yr. 3 and Yr. 5 parents: We are now expecting reports on Monday, next week. We will post the envelopes to your home address.

Happy Father’s Day

I hope all our dads have a great day on Sunday. We are disappointed not to be hosting our Father’s Day breakfast this year. Hopefully you have a lovely day with your family.

Julie Wiley
Principal

Thank you for supporting your children to access reading material whilst at home. I’m so pleased that the Online Library has been a great source of discovery for many students and families. I am delighted to hear that younger siblings have been enjoying the content on there too! We are so lucky to have a temporary membership to Story Box Library during this time. It is a treasure trove of stories to enjoy.

You can access the Online Library via your child’s Microsoft Teams page in the top toolbar of the GENERAL tab. Make sure you select ‘present slideshow’ before you begin!

Did you know?

• Research shows that reading to kids and discussing the books with them is one of the best ways to boost their intelligence.
• Reading 10 minutes a day exposes your child to more than 600,000 words in one year.
• Reading 20 minutes a day exposes your child to more than 1,800,000 words a year!!

Book Week

*postponed to Term 4 – date to be advised*

It is so unfortunate that we were not able to celebrate Book Week during the official week this year, but as we did last year, we will postpone it until what will most likely be a week in Term 4 so that we can hold our parade and cake and bake stall at school.

It was lovely to hear that some of our students held their very own Snuggle Up and Read evening with their family at home. So, if you would like some screen-free time with your family, grab some popcorn and hot chocolate, snuggle up in your best oodie, light the night with torches or fairy lights and escape to other places only books can take us to right now!

Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge Certificates

I have certificates ready to hand out to students when we return to school. I am also holding off on the raffle draw for winners of $20 book voucher until we’re back together.

Congratulations to students who completed the challenge this year!

Digital e-books

Story Box Library

We are currently trialing a schoolwide membership package. Login via the Online Library or search ‘Story Box Library’.

Username: STMstories

Password Stm123

Sora

Access digital e-books via SORA. Login via the Online Library or search for ‘SORA’. Our school isn’t listed, so select the ACENmember collection and use your child’s school login and password.

On the ‘Explore’ page, scroll down to see what’s currently on offer. There really is a treasure trove of books and a few for us adults too! SORA’s content is updating constantly.

Scholastic Book Club

Visit the Scholastic Book Club website. Issue 6 is available now. This might be the perfect opportunity to receive an exciting home delivery. Please change your delivery options to have the books posted directly to your home.

Madeleine Reid
Librarian

Hi Parents!

Helping your child stay connected while at home…

Lockdown is a good opportunity to better connect with the people you live with. And while friends are important to children, lockdowns are a great time to strengthen family ties. Enjoy some family connection with meals around the table, play some games, chat, get active together, have fun! Young people are reporting they do value the extra family time.

Many children are reporting missing their school friends right now. Support your child in connecting with their friends via virtual spaces. At school children would connect socially with their friends during lunch and recess. Online technology can help replace these lost daily connections. More ideas for family wellbeing and staying connected can be found on https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/coronavirus-covid-19-guide/lockdown-family-wellbeing

Lockdown may be a good opportunity to remind children about how to use technology in a responsible way. For information on online safety see https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources

Start planning for social events for when restrictions ease…

Sarah Foley
School Counsellor