Dear Parents and Carers,

St Mary’s has hit the ground running to begin Term 3 with the big focus being our school uniform.  One of the benefits of having a new staff member join the school is having a fresh set of eyes and a new perspective to see areas of improvement.  Mr Collins has been very impressed with St Mary’s, however he could see that the way our students wear their uniform could be improved and improve they have.

Through the introduction of a uniform award and positive reinforcement during assembly, St Mary’s students have made a big effort to wear their uniform correctly.  Everyone looks absolutely amazing, wearing their uniform with pride.  A student noticed the change and recently gave a St Mary’s Shout Out saying "normally we finish the term strong but I’d like to give a shout for everyone starting the term strong with our uniforms".  I would also like to thank our parents for supporting our school with this initiative.  Please see the article later in the newsletter with more detail on the correct winter and sport uniforms.

COVID Update

Ross Fox the Director of Catholic Education Canberra & Goulburn has provided a letter detailing the impact of COVID 19 on schools in term 3 and it can be found here. The NSW CECG COVID-19 Management Plan can be found here, the major points of this plan are:

• Household Contacts – Students who are deemed a household close contact must have their parents notify the school to advise they are a household contacts. Students stay at home where it is practical to do so. Where a student needs to attend school they must undertake a COVID test each morning for 5 school days and may only attend school if negative and they have no symptoms.
• Staff, students and visitors must not attend school if they are unwell and will be sent home if they any have symptoms of COVID-19.  All staff, visitors and students should at all times maintain appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene.
• Essential visitors are permitted to attend school sites. Essential visitors are considered to be anyone who provides a critical service to a student or staff member, including allied health. Student placements are also allowed.
• Parents and carers can attend outdoor areas of the school site for drop off and pick up, or when attending a permitted activity that is not whole school.

Your cooperation in the management of COVID 19 is greatly appreciated and if you have any questions please contact the school for further information.

Kind Regards,

Phil Nielsen