Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 3!

This Friday, is the Feast Day of Saint Mary Magdalene. Saint Mary is often known as the Apostle to the Apostles, and is remembered for her ongoing faith and commitment to Jesus and his mother, particularly through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tomorrow, may we reflect on Saint Mary’s faith and commitment, and what this may mean for us as individuals in our lives today.

Firstly, to our St Joseph’s school community, thank you! It has certainly been a privilege getting to know everyone over the past week and I’d like to share my appreciation for the welcome I have received. I certainly feel this is a positive reflection of school culture and the great work that has been happening prior to Term Three.

Term 3 Staff Development Days

This term, the Catholic Education Office has made a system-wide decision to grant staff two professional development days. For St Joseph’s, these days will be Wednesday 17th August (Week 5) and Monday 12th September (Week 9).  

I understand that these days require families to make arrangements for their children and I would like to thank parents and guardians for their support with this.  

If families have significant concerns about these dates and organisation of their children, please contact me. I am confident that the impact of this professional learning will positively impact staff in best supporting students in the learning spaces.

Covid Practices

As families are aware, CE Director Ross Fox sent communication out to families regarding the potential impact of Covid-19 on schools this term. We are certainly hoping to continue many of our school activities, while also taking measures to minimise the impact of Covid-19 (and the common flu) spreading through our school community. With this in mind, I would like to remind families of a few measures/procedures to minimise this risk:

• If we can continue to remind students of practices that will minimise their chance of spreading and picking up germs (using tissues and disposing of them correctly, washing hands and sanitising where appropriate).
• If your child is unwell or experiencing Covid symptoms, for parents/guardians to keep them at home and ensure they utilise the RAT tests went home to families on Tuesday. If your family didn’t receive these kits or need more, please contact the office.
• If your child tests positive, it is important that this is registered with NSW Health and the school is informed.
• It is recommended that close contacts stay at home where it is practical to do so.​ If students who are close contacts intend on going to school, it is important they complete a daily RAT each morning to minimise health risks to other members of the school community.

I hope that families have settled back into ‘school routine’ and enjoyed a positive start to Week One. I look forward to seeing those that can make it at our School Working Bee this Saturday at 2pm.