Welcome to the end of Wk 3

We have had a very settled start to our year albeit in the shadow of the pandemic over our city.  However, it has been inspiring how all members of our community are constantly willing to help each other. 

Covid 19 - 2022

The beginning of the year has been challenging for all schools in the ACT with cases in every school.  As we did last year SJV continues to follow all guidelines, unfortunately like all schools in the ACT, this has not stopped positive cases occurring in our school.

I realise that parents would like to know if specific cases appear in specific classes but this is not an option for schools due to privacy for our whole community.  This stance is also a direction from the Catholic Education Office, one that we have been asked to follow stringently.

Families as of tomorrow will have received their allocation of RAT kits for the first 4 weeks of Term 1. The ACT government announced yesterday that they will be extending the RAT kits for students and staff for a further 4 weeks. These kits will be sent out weekly as we have done in the past.

I can inform our community that families are using RAT kits to test their children if they have symptoms OR if they have a concern.  Some families doubting the voracity of the tests or how some children take the test have taken students for a subsequent PCR test to be sure. 

Virtual School Launch

Our apologies for the technical glitch that plagued our virtual launch last week.  MS Teams sometimes does not listen to anyone, even teachers!

I have therefore placed a short summery below of what occurred at the meeting.  

The evening began with Laura Matchett sharing prayer with all attendees.

I then introduced Troy McDonald who discussed the community of SJV and the hope that we would also return to a new normal soon.  Troy discussed the hope that we could participate in the social side of school of school life such as Trivia Nights, Disco's, Working Bee's and our Annual School Fete.  He also outlined some of the wonderful work the council does on behalf of the community in contributing funds for projects such as our artificial lawn, shade structures, sensory garden and car park upgrades.  

I then introduced our staff who I have listed below -

After meeting staff we discussed our Three Year Strategic Improvement Goals and how these aligned with our current Annual School Plan

Our improvement goals are:

• Develop High Expectations,
• Improve Student Engagement and
• Strengthen Well being

Some of the programs that will support our main goals are:

• IntialLit, MiniLit and MaqLit - New literacy programs sponsored by CE
• Science of Learning/Direct Instruction - Modes of teaching students based on research
• Peer Coaching through Instructional Leadership - Developing teachers potential.

New Purchases – Desk for 5/6 and ICT

Our senior students have been labouring with 20+ year old desks that are hard to adjust and quite weathered.  The school has ordered new desks for the senior areas and they will hopefully arrive ready for Term 2.  

School Communication - Compass

Soon all communications will occur through the Compass portal.  If you have not already signed up, could you please do so to ensure that you do not miss any important school information.  

Canteen

The canteen is still looking for volunteers, even if you can offer one Friday a semester this would be extremely appreciated.  Just send an email in when you can help and we will do the rest.  

Bulb Fundraiser

We have organised a 'fun fundraiser' for our families which enables you to have a great looking garden and raise some funds for the school.  Later in the newsletter you can read about our 'light bulb' idea and how to get involved.  

God bless you and your families

Peter Rodda

Principal