Our Parish Priest

Term 2 Student Planning for remote learning

07 Apr 2020

A reminder to complete your survey before 4pm Wednesday 8th of April.

Thank you for your patience and support over recent weeks. We are well aware of the extra pressure being experienced by families. Things continue to change almost on a daily basis. What hasn’t changed is the commitment of parents and teachers to children, our belief in the value of schooling, and the knowledge and faith that the current situation will pass and that we have much to be thankful for in this country.

I thank the students who have accessed and embraced the remote learning in place and for the creativity and endeavour they have shown to this point. I thank the staff who have gone the extra mile to ensure that our students have still had the opportunity to learn and progress. I also thank the parents who have had to cope with children learning remotely.  Our staff are well aware of how family life has changed and we will do all we can to ensure that school staff continue to be the teachers and educators for your child/ren and that you can still be parents. However, your help and partnership is important.  Our aim is to create a positive remote learning environment where your child is not solely reliant on you.    

We are also mindful of families who have had their economic livelihoods affected and the recent experience of this follows on from the challenges at the beginning of the year. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you need assistance with school fees.

Term 2

This week our primary staff at St Anthony’s are participating in four days of Professional Learning to review our experience to date, make necessary changes as educators and ensure we have the new Microsoft Teams Platform up and running for Term 2. This will assist us to enhance the learning for our students during remote learning.

I need to reassure you, in Term 2, a remote program of learning will continue to be offered for primary students at home or at school. Unless there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the school community or if the government directs schools to close, the school will be open which includes our ELC and OOSCA services. For example, in Week 9, we had a reasonably consistent number, and core group, of students that attended school. (Please be aware though, that some school staff have been approved to work from home and this may continue next term, so some days your child’s teacher may not be at school but they will be leading remote learning for their class from home. Other teachers and assistants will help with learning and supervision at school.)   

CE Survey

With this in mind, to assist in our planning, Catholic Education has requested the following information be provided to the school:

• To start Term 2, I plan to keep my child/ren at home to complete remote learning; or
• To start Term 2, my child/ren will be returning to school on days I am required to go to work and no alternative care is possible.  

I acknowledge that it may be difficult for you to decide what you will be doing this far in advance.  However, your response, though not binding, will assist us to plan for the start of next term. Michelle Woodward and the ELC staff will contact their families separately for information on their child/ren’s attendance next term.

Please click here to submit this information.  This needs to be completed and submitted by Wednesday 8 April, COB.

As we approach Holy Week and the Easter Triduum may we continue to be people of hope and compassion. In times of social distancing may we continue to find ways we can care for our loved ones and be kind to each other.

Warmest wishes,

Greg Walker and St Anthony’s Staff

Fete Raffle CANCELLATION

07 Apr 2020

Due to the current circumstances with COVID-19 and remote learning arrangements, a decision has been made to cancel the fete raffle.

Thank you to all families who have sold tickets and sent them in so far. Once the students are back at school, all submitted monies will be returned.

If you have any questions, please contact the fete committee at stanthonyfete@gmail.com

Thanks again for your support.

Regards,
Fete Committee 

ELC Term 2 - Student Attendance

06 Apr 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

The ELC will be remaining open unless otherwise directed to close by a Government Department or Regulatory Body.  In light of the unfolding situation with COVID-19 and the Government recommendations that children remain at home unless you are unable to care for them there, our attendance numbers have decreased substantially over the last 2 weeks. 

Moving forward we will need to create an operational plan which will include our staffing arrangements.  In order to create this plan, we will need to collect data to project our expected attendances for the beginning of Term 2.  This will allow us to ensure we have the correct staff onsite to provide high quality Preschool programs for everyone at the ELC whilst maintaining licensing ratios.

Our Early Learning Centre follows the Australian Government Department of Health – Environmental cleaning and disinfection principles for COVID-19.  Our after-hours cleaning aligns with this practice and has been extended to ensure we maintain a clean and safe environment for all children. 

We are following the Health Department’s advice that everyone can slow the spread of COVID-19 by washing our hands frequently, covering any coughs, putting tissues straight into the bin, avoiding touching our eyes, nose and mouth, cleaning regularly used objects and surfaces and ventilating our classrooms.

Everyone in our Centre must practise good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading. Practising good hygiene means that we:

• Cover coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
• Put used tissues straight into the bin.
• Wash hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces such as benchtops, desks and doorknobs.
• Clean and disinfect frequently used objects such as toys, resources etc.
• Increase the amount of fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning.

Our team of highly qualified staff feel confident that in Term 2 we will continue to provide a dynamic, inclusive, nurturing and safe environment for all our Pre-schoolers where they will be supported to learn and play. 

Please click here to complete the web form with your intentions for your child’s attendance in Term 2.   Your prompt response is required by COB 8/4/20.

Thank you for your ongoing support.  We look forward to offering continued care in Term 2.  

May the risen Christ fill your hearts with joy, bring us new hope and bless us all with peace this Easter. 

Warm regards, Michelle               

Term 2 Student Planning for remote learning

06 Apr 2020

Thank you for your patience and support over recent weeks. We are well aware of the extra pressure being experienced by families. Things continue to change almost on a daily basis. What hasn’t changed is the commitment of parents and teachers to children, our belief in the value of schooling, and the knowledge and faith that the current situation will pass and that we have much to be thankful for in this country.

I thank the students who have accessed and embraced the remote learning in place and for the creativity and endeavour they have shown to this point. I thank the staff who have gone the extra mile to ensure that our students have still had the opportunity to learn and progress. I also thank the parents who have had to cope with children learning remotely.  Our staff are well aware of how family life has changed and we will do all we can to ensure that school staff continue to be the teachers and educators for your child/ren and that you can still be parents. However, your help and partnership is important.  Our aim is to create a positive remote learning environment where your child is not solely reliant on you.    

We are also mindful of families who have had their economic livelihoods affected and the recent experience of this follows on from the challenges at the beginning of the year. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you need assistance with school fees.

Term 2

This week our primary staff at St Anthony’s are participating in four days of Professional Learning to review our experience to date, make necessary changes as educators and ensure we have the new Microsoft Teams Platform up and running for Term 2. This will assist us to enhance the learning for our students during remote learning.

I need to reassure you, in Term 2, a remote program of learning will continue to be offered for primary students at home or at school. Unless there is an outbreak of COVID-19 in the school community or if the government directs schools to close, the school will be open which includes our ELC and OOSCA services. For example, in Week 9, we had a reasonably consistent number, and core group, of students that attended school. (Please be aware though, that some school staff have been approved to work from home and this may continue next term, so some days your child’s teacher may not be at school but they will be leading remote learning for their class from home. Other teachers and assistants will help with learning and supervision at school.)   

CE Survey

With this in mind, to assist in our planning, Catholic Education has requested the following information be provided to the school:

• To start Term 2, I plan to keep my child/ren at home to complete remote learning; or
• To start Term 2, my child/ren will be returning to school on days I am required to go to work and no alternative care is possible.  

I acknowledge that it may be difficult for you to decide what you will be doing this far in advance.  However, your response, though not binding, will assist us to plan for the start of next term. Michelle Woodward and the ELC staff will contact their families separately for information on their child/ren’s attendance next term.

Please click here to submit this information.  This needs to be completed and submitted by Wednesday 8 April, COB.

As we approach Holy Week and the Easter Triduum may we continue to be people of hope and compassion. In times of social distancing may we continue to find ways we can care for our loved ones and be kind to each other.

Warmest wishes,

Greg Walker and St Anthony’s Staff

Childcare Payment Relief Package

03 Apr 2020

Dear ELC Families,

Please see your email about the latest information regarding the new Childcare Payment Relief Package for families.  More information will be emailed to families early next week.  Thank you for your ongoing patience and support during this uncertain time. 

Many thanks, Michelle

Michelle Woodward

ELC Director

02 6231 0491

Successful Learner Awards

02 Apr 2020

Congratulations to the following students who have been identified as being Successful Learners:

Week 10 Care

01 Apr 2020

The expression of interest form now allows you to select more than one day.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

Expressions of Interest - OOSCA Care Week 10

Regards,
Sarah Waller

Week 10 - Expressions of Interest for OOSCA

01 Apr 2020

As you are aware next week teachers and staff will be conducting PD to enhance their preparation for remote learning.  In week 10 St Anthony's OOSCA will be open for four days of care for those families who require it, from 7:30am-6:00pm.

If you have not utilised OOSCA before you will need to complete an enrolment form which can be emailed to you upon request.

To register an expression of interest please click on the form below. 

Click here to register

Vacation Care bookings are also still open and bookings are welcome.

In regards to Term 2 unless otherwise advised by the Government St Anthony's will be open to provide care for students who require it and remote learning will be available for all students.

Regards,
Greg Walker
Principal

COVID-19 School Fees Update

01 Apr 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

School Fees and COVID-19

I am aware that the COVID-19 pandemic is and will be having an unprecedented and negative impact on many of our families at St Anthony’s and upon those at other Catholic Schools within our Archdiocese and around the country.

Consistent with our enrolment policy “no child is to be denied Catholic schooling simply because of an inability (as opposed to an unwillingness) of a parent/guardian, to meet financial requirements”

My commitment is to provide for the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and their families, the provision of high quality teaching and learning via Remote Learning and in doing so to consider an equitable approach to the burden of school fees in this financial crisis.  Catholic Education shares this determination.

Effective immediately are the following fee relief measures for Term 1 fees

• Excursion credits, $25 refunded onto all family school accounts for cancelled excursion or unable to be held in term 1.
• Fee concessions will be available on outstanding fees at the end of Term 1 for families eligible for Government COVID-19 Supplement Payments
• Fee concessions will be available Term 2 fees for families eligible for Government COVID-19 Supplement Payments
• We anticipates delayed Fee Statements for Term 2 for all families until there is greater clarity around the duration of the pandemic

If you have been financially impacted by COVID-19 or have any concerns around fees, please contact our Finance officer, Katie Akers katie.akers@cg.catholic.edu.au

God Bless

Greg Walker

Principal

Letter from Mr Ross Fox, Director of Catholic Education

31 Mar 2020

Dear Parents and Carers,

Below is a link to access a on a formal letter from CE Director Mr Ross Fox addressed to all parents of students in our systemic archdiocesan schools. It outlined new arrangements for school next week (Week 10) that will enable staff to undertake essential professional learning required to be ready to roll out remote learning at the start of Term 2.

What this essentially means is that there will not be any remote learning or class work provided for any students next week (Week 10).  All staff will be preparing to deliver work through various means of remote learning for students to re-commence work at the start of Term 2, scheduled to start on Tuesday 27 April 2020.

My current understanding is that our Early Learning Centre will be open as normal next week for the students who wish to attend the full program or part of the program. Our OOSCA program is expected to be offered as normal for before and after school care sessions next week and also for the upcoming holiday care program.  I am waiting for clarification from CE and licensing whether any form of OOSCA care in school hours can be provided for students that still require care next week.    

Part of our urgent training for staff next week is to move away from using the Zoom communication platform which we have trialled recently.  Whilst the sessions have been effective, we are moving to using MICROSOFT TEAMS.  I am assured this is a much safer and secure platform for us to proceed with online conversations, sessions and lessons in Term 2.  I commend everyone in the school community for the way in which you are supporting each other and engaging with new technology and new forms of teaching and learning.  I am confident that our staff will make a smooth transition to the new platform and that class teachers will provide you with more specific information relevant to your child’s learning along the journey.

Mr Fox has asked you to contact the school if you will have difficulty finding alternative care for your child/ren next week.  He said contact me, but it will be easier if you email our school office staff at office.stanthonyswanniassa@cg.catholic.edu.au and this information will be collated and presented to me for consideration.

I understand that we continue to live and work in an unpredictable environment and that restrictions on many practices and normal every day activities are becoming tighter.  We all hope that these measures will keep us, our loved ones and the wider community safe and well in the coming weeks and months.  

Thank you for your support, encouragement and spirit of goodwill in which you continue to engage with St Anthony’s School staff and each other.

Letter from Mr Ross Fox

God Bless.

Regards,
Greg Walker
Principal