Dear Parents and Carers,

As a school community, we are very pleased and looking forward to all students returning to school on Monday, 25May.

We trust that all students will be pleased to be back in the classroom learning with all of the benefits of face to face teaching. During Week 5, teachers will be consolidating the learning outcomes previously delivered during remote delivery as well as delivering new content as applicable.

Students will be following their new Term 2 timetables accessible on Compass. As previously communicated, we need to limit the amount of movement around the school. Students will have three learning sessions per day and teachers will move to the students. To facilitate this, we have reduced the number of different class groupings of Years 7-10 students, and therefore they will find that some of their classes and teachers have changed.

We also have other systems in place to ensure that your children are safe at school. This includes all staff members taking disinfectant, paper towel and sanitiser supplies to classrooms so that every student has a clean desk and can sanitise their hands upon entry to every learning session. At this stage, the canteen will be open for online orders only to avoid congested lines at the canteen area.  An email has been sent to students today - please ask your child to check this so they are aware of the arrangements and expectations for Monday.

We will commence next week with a full school assembly via Zoom with students in their Homeroom classrooms with their Homeroom Teacher. Expectations for students around safety, hygiene and behaviours which are COVID-safe will be communicated to students, including the process for borrowing handballs at recess and at lunchtime. These will be disinfected after each meal break. Sports equipment is not permitted to be brought to school by students. Reminders will also be given for students to frequently wash and sanitise their hands and not to share food and drinks with others.

Last week, on their respective days at school students were reminded that all students are expected to be wear correct school uniform each day. In particular, if parents could please ensure that your child is adhering to the following school uniform regulations:

• Students are to wear plain white socks with the sports uniform
• Boys are to wear their school trousers and the school tie
• Girls are to wear the correct opaque black tights
• A plain white undergarment is permitted to be worn as an extra layer for warmth
• Blazers are to be worn to and from school every day
• One earring in each ear
• Facial piercings are not permitted
• Black socks, Converse, Vans and other canvas shoes are not permitted to be worn.

Students will be advised at the Zoom Assembly on Monday to rectify any areas of incorrect uniform by next Wednesday, 27 May, when we will recommence issuing playground withdrawals for incorrect uniform. As always, your support in ensuring that your child is correctly attired for school each day is greatly appreciated. If your child is in Years 7 or 11 and you have not yet been able to make the necessary arrangements to collect their uniform orders, if you could please contact Ms Liesle Granzien at the Uniform Shop as soon as possible on 0413441892. Please also provide a note of explanation in your child’s diary to notify their Homeroom Teacher of these circumstances.

It is great to see so many St Joseph’s students and staff participating in the Race Around Australia organised by our wonderful PDHPE Faculty. Please encourage your child to get involved in this healthy initiative.

Should you have any questions about your child’s learning progress since we have been learning remotely please encourage them to speak to their teacher and do not hesitate to contact their PALS Teacher if additional support is required.

Wishing everyone a very peaceful and restful weekend!

Mrs Jenny Bell
Assistant Principal