Dear Parents
Welcome back to term 3. I trust you all enjoyed some relaxing down time with your families during the recent holiday period. A special welcome to any new families who have joined our community in recent weeks. Unfortunately we are still governed by many restrictions still in place as a result of COVID 19, thus resulting in the cancellation of many school and parish events for this term. It is imperative to maintain the COVID -19 protocols to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members of our community during these difficult and trying times.
Our Gospel this Sunday recalls Matthew’s account of one of the more recognised miracles of Jesus when he feeds the crowd of five thousand. The actual miracle highlights the custom of Jesus 'breaking and sharing bread' which is referenced continually throughout the New Testament. Matthew is more interested in the leftovers than he is in the miracle itself. From five loaves and two fish we are told twelve baskets of scraps are left over. The twelve baskets of scraps, the remnants of the meal at which all were filled and satisfied, echo the sign of God through the twelve tribes of Israel in the Old Testament. St Matthew is reminding us that Jesus sees our need, does not turn us away, comes to where we are, as we are, and recreates and nourishes us through the abundance of his love, so we can be signs of His kingdom in the world.
Next Friday is Census Day across the educational sector. It is imperative that all students are at school [except if they are sick]. Data collected on this day determines educational funding and resourcing from the 2021 school year.
Semester One Parent Interviews will be optional for parents. Many parents have had significant contact with class teachers during the at home learning phase and since the children have returned to face to face teaching, making it highly likely that a Parent Teacher Interview following the school report, may not be necessary. Due to our efforts to adhere to Social Distancing protocols, we will not be conducting Face to Face Parent and Teacher interviews for this reporting period. For those parents who would like an interview with the class teacher, we will be using the School Interviews Online Booking site for parents to book a Phone Call Interview time in the coming weeks. More details next week.
As of this weekend mass attendance numbers on the weekend at CTK have been reduced to 100. Families intending to go to mass need to book through Eventbrite to secure a seat. https://northrockscatholicparish.eventbrite.com.au All reservations must be made before Friday 5:30pm.
Thank you to our families who have returned their children to school in their winter uniforms. There has been delays in supplies of various items of clothing due to the COVID situations. Parents who have ordered uniform items will be contacted when they become available. Please note children are to wear leather school shoes with their uniforms NOT sports shoes. Boys are to insure they are wearing the school tie with their winter uniform. This is NOT optional. Thank you for your continued support in this matter.
Over the school holidays Parramatta Council have been proactive in preparing a proposal regarding the new drop off and pick up drive through in Burradoo Close. I have had an initial meeting with representatives from the local neighbourhood. Submissions from local residents regarding the projected closed last Wednesday. I will keep the community abreast of the proposal’s development over the coming weeks
Be sure to stay abreast of school news and COVID -19 updates and protocols via our CTK Facebook page, Skoolbag and the school website.
Have a great weekend!
Cheers
Tony Hughes
Principal
