Welcome to Week 7.

In these uncertain times, I think the power of prayer is important.  As such, you will find in Mrs. De Rosa’s section, a prayer from the Archbishop.  It would be wonderful if our whole community could get behind this, as I believe it is better to focus on the things that can bring us together at times like this.

 Covid-19

As everyone in our community is aware, there have been major changes to the way that schools provide education given the current health crisis.  Cancelling assemblies and excursions, deep cleaning of school premises and social distancing are the new normal.  SJV, with the help of Catholic Education, are constantly looking to keep abreast of the issue and use this information to provide the highest standard of care for the SJV community. 

During this week, I have sent home a list of measures that the school has already undertaken to ensure the students are safe and discussions points for parents to use when talking with their children. 

I realise that many people have discussed what would happen if schools were closed in the ACT.  This is something that has been discussed at a CE and school level.  SJV is committed to provide the best possible learning for your child either at school or remotely.

Tomorrow I will send a brief newsletter home as to how remote learning could function, what you would need to have in place to make this work and how the school could offer assistance. 

I ask for patience from all our families during this trying time.  As new facts become known, I will make sure that our community receives that information as soon as possible. 

If you have any concerns or worries, please don’t hesitate to call me to see how the school is handling this constantly changing issue.

Community Consultation – the Provision of Catholic Education for Molonglo and Weston Creek Parent Meeting Wednesday 11 March 2020

Please find below a letter from Angus Tulley, Deputy Director CE

Dear Parents,

Firstly on behalf of the Working Group I would like to thank those that were able to come along to the community meeting held last Wednesday night. The meeting was well attended with over 180 people from both school communities and the Parish and from the conversation on the night there is definitely passion for the provision of Catholic Education in your communities and the Molonglo and Weston Creek corridor. I hope this meeting together with the surveys has provided enough opportunities to provide input.  I committed to providing this communique to you and the following outlines the next steps currently being undertaking for consideration of the long term schooling provision.

Urbis is currently collating the feedback from the evening in addition to the staff engagement sessions and surveys.  This will inform the Engagement Report currently being prepared by Urbis. There have been 210 responses to the survey and the percentage of responses from each school reflect the student populations at each school. Parents from each school are proud of what their schools provide and wanted that to be known.  It is important to note that the volume of surveys is not critical. The process was designed to understand all issues, challenges and ideas.

The next steps will include the completion of the draft Engagement Report that will completed by the end of this month. This will then be shared with the school and parish communities for feedback. Please note the purpose of the report is to bring together the key engagement findings to support the Catholic Education Commission discernment. The final report is due to go to the Catholic Education Commission Executive by the end of April so that if there are changes to Priority Enrolments Areas or school contexts, decisions can be made prior to the 2021 enrolment period. It is also possible that there are recommendations made to address immediate, medium term and long term needs.  The Working Group acknowledges the interest of the communities in continued engagement as the work progresses through the decision making process.

We are committed to supporting your school communities as we plan for the future of Catholic education.

Angus Tulley Deputy Director Catholic Education Office

Dominic Braybon Performance Improvement Leader Catholic Education Office

Julie Saunders Urbis Consulting

Michael Avery Educational Consultant, former Director of Catholic Education, Northern Territory

CE Consultation Group

You will have noted in last week’s Newsletter that I asked our community if there was a person from each class to form part of a consultative committee.  The purpose of this committee would be to hear from parents and make sure that CE are hearing the voice of the community in regards to future direction.  Currently I have representation from three classes; Year 2, Kindergarten and 5/6 St Joseph.  It would be wonderful if I could be contacted by interested parents from our Year 1, two 3/4's and 5/6 St Paul to be on this committee. 

SJC Playgroup Postponed

Unfortunately, we have made the hard decision to close our Wednesday Playgroup at SJV.  We feel that for the safety of the children, parents and carers and our own community this is the wisest decision.  When the health crisis is over, we will reopen our playgroup and welcome everyone back. 

Disco

A big thank you to Josie Lopez and the Year 3/4 classes who put together a great ‘Sunshine Disco’.  The kids looked fantastic and had lots of fun.  I believe I even saw Mrs Mullamphy and Mrs Stilling cutting a few moves.  Great job everyone.

Homework Policy

Tomorrow the schools Homework Policy will be emailed out to all families for your reference.  It is an expectation that homework is completed at SJV unless otherwise negotiated with your classroom teacher. 

I am sure that this policy will make clear the expectations of the school and the role that both parents and teachers play in developing the children’s learning. 

Chickens – Holiday Care

Mrs Stilling is wondering who may be interested in looking after our two chickens over the upcoming holiday period.  This usually means coming through the external side gate of the Environment Centre to make sure they are well fed and watered and of course collecting the free eggs to enjoy over the holiday period.  If this is something that you are interested in, please contact the front office.

School Community Council Treasurer 

Where are all the accountants?  Honestly, you do not need qualifications, just an interest in school finance and a willingness to work on the council, please apply. 

Year 6 Leaders and Yr 5 Heart Space Leaders Ceremony

I wanted to thank all the parents and carers who were able to attend our Leadership Ceremony last week.  It was wonderful to see the children step up and take on these roles with enthusiasm.  The children are very aware that this is a way they can give back to the school.

We were also fortunate to have our local MLA Guila Jones attend to talk to the students about what leadership means to her and how that relates to everyone. 

God bless you and your families

Peter Rodda

Principal

The story of the man born blind is a perfect choice for the Lenten season. During this season we are invited once again to open our eyes to Jesus; to step out of darkness and into the light; to look towards the future with hope and not despair. When we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at the Easter vigil, we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World into our lives. This annual call to turn away from darkness and walk in the light is a powerful call to focus our lives on the way of Jesus.

Sacramental Program

As per my email earlier this week, due to the recommendations and restrictions by the Government and Catholic Education on preventive measures of the spread of Covid 19 virus in our schools and worshipping community, the Archdiocese has suspended all Sacramental programs until further notice. The Faith and Life Centre will still conduct lessons as these are seen like a 'school' and as we are still 'business as usual' they will also continue. The Children's Sacramental formation that was already happening during school time will, of course, continue. 

Project Compassion 2020

A reminder that the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal is now on. Donations to Project Compassion allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

Have a great week!