Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Term 3 2020.  I trust that you found an opportunity for some rest and relaxation during the recent holidays.  We have returned to school with many of the restrictions from Term 2 still in place due to the current COVID pandemic.  You recently received communication from myself and Mr Peter Hill, Director of Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, outlining the safe and hygienic practices and procedures that will remain in place to guarantee the safety of all in our community.  Please be assured that we are communicating with you as soon as rules and procedures change during this time.  It has been pleasing to note that all children have returned to Term 3 happy to be at school and willing to learn.  Let us continue to pray for our world at this most unusual time that we are all experiencing.

The feast of St Joachim and St Anne is 26th July.  St Joachim and Anne are known as the grandparents of Jesus and therefore we remember and acknowledge all grandparents at this time of year.  

Joachim and Anne were the parents of Jesus’ mother, Mary. We don’t know many details about their lives because they are never mentioned in the New Testament.

We believe that they were respected members of the Jewish community and that they wanted to become parents so much that Joachim went into the desert to fast and pray that God would hear their prayer. It is said that an angel told them that they would soon have a daughter who would become famous throughout the world.

Months later, Mary, our Blessed Mother, was born. Tradition tells us that when Mary was three years old, Anne and Joachim took her to the temple in Jerusalem to consecrate her for special service to the Lord. We call this celebration the “Presentation of the Virgin Mary.” It means that Mary was to play an important part in God’s loving plan for the world.

We honour Mary’s parents, Joachim and Anne, as saints. Their love for one another and for Mary is an example to us of how God calls us to live. They also remind us to honor our own grandparents and to thank them for the blessings they have passed down to us in love.  Anne is the patron of grandmothers, among many other things, and Joachim of grandfathers and grandparents.

Adapted from: http://saintsresource.com/anne-and-joachim

At this stage our current morning and afternoon dismissal procedures remain in place.  Parents are still not allowed to enter and congregate on the school playground.  Once the rules regarding parent access have eased, you will be notified of the new changes.  Thank you again to those parents who have kept children at home who are displaying flu like symptoms and to those who have been prompt in collecting their children when they have been ill at school.  Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong have issued a Medical Clearance Letter that outlines what is to occur when your child presents unwell with COVID-19 symptoms. This letter is another way to ensure the safety of all in our community.  Please access the link which displays the letter that will be sent home with any child who is unwell.

A huge congratulations to all students for their participation and fine efforts with our Sports Day that was held on the last day of Term 2.  All students displayed fine sportsmanship and gave of their best efforts all day.  One of the highlights of the day was the Year 6 boys who supported their fellow classmates by running together at the end of the 800m.  Well done boys!  All students from Kindergarten to Year 6 participated in many activities including running races, ball games and plenty of cheering.  Thanks to Mrs Augustine for her fine organisation and to all of the staff for their efforts with such a successful day.  Parents, we missed your valued help and support on the day, however many special moments were captured in photos for you.

Sports Carnival - https://youtu.be/uWkN20VtJyE

Sports Carnival 2 - https://youtu.be/OIAkh3zdKQI

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data is a process that all schools complete each year.  This national collection of data assists governments to plan for the needs of students.  Please access the following link for more information.

If you would like to contribute to Mr Barrington’s upcoming principal’s appraisal, please access the link to complete a survey.  The survey closes on Friday 24th July.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Appraisal2020Barrington-Parent