St Andrew's Primary Marayong Newsletter

This week I sent out a letter outlining all the events from now until the end of the term that have been cancelled. I have copied this information below so all parents can access this information. 

Over the weekend the Morrison Government has implemented further restrictions to hopefully restrict the spread of COVID-19. 

 As  a community, and especially at this important time of the Liturgical year, we had planned to hold many celebrations.  Unfortunately due to advice from NSW Health, the following events have been cancelled or postponed.

Cancelled: 

Harmony Day as per advertised. – INSTEAD - Children are invited to attend school in their cultural outfits or in the color orange. The children will experience activities in class to promote the spirit of Harmony Day.

Kindergarten Parents Welcoming Afternoon Tea 3rd April

Whole school Stations of the Cross 9th April

School Discos in Week 10

Grade Mass/ Reconciliation

Changes:

Our Monday morning assemblies will be organised differently.

As of next Monday, all children will line as per usual , except the children who have been selected as student of the week. They will come to the office area.  Parents are invited to stay in the COLA area as our assembly will be broadcast over the PA system.  Students of the week will announce what they received their award for over the main PA system.  Parents then have an opportunity to take photos with the Principal.  

Afternoon pick up: Parents can collect children from their classroom. This will be the same as wet / extreme weather once the bell rings.

Friday Whole School Assembly, 27th March

This will also be cancelled. We will hold a short assembly similar to our Monday morning assembly  at 2.30 pm, where the children will have their name called over the school PA to celebrate their achievements.  Parents of children receiving awards are asked to wait in the COLA area where photos can be taken.

Postponed:

Open Days on the 19th and 26th of March

Cross Country trials

Sick  children:  If possible, we ask that children who present with a cold or cold like symptoms, especially a fever, stay at home until they feel well.  This is just good infection control procedures.

Holiday break adventures:  We ask parents to please follow guidelines set by NSW Health regarding overseas  travel. If parents and families intend to travel during the break then the expectation is that you self isolate for the 14 day period on your return.  Please inform the Principal if this is the case.

Parish Masses:  Children attending daily Parish Mass are cancelled until further notice.

Holy Week events in the Parish: These events are currently under review.  Further information will be forwarded to you in the coming days.

SayWat- youth program in the parish- this also has been cancelled until further notice.

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I thank parents for understanding the stresses that all schools and communities are under at the moment.  We are working solidly to ensure all advice is actioned ASAP and that we make changes to the way we work when needed. Most changes can be managed very quickly, however some require more thought to ensure the safety of all community members.  I thank you in advance for your support in allowing us to make the right changes for our students and families. 

There has been a lot of talk about schools closing and what this means for our students. 

The staff have been strategically thinking about how we can still continue the learning in a virtual way to try and minimise the disruption to the learning cycle for our children.  I am confident that the learning would not be as rigorous as what they would receive face to face but considering the situation, we will attempt to support the children as best we can.  Now in saying that, St Andrew’s Primary School is open and we continue to engage the children in their learning and enjoy our community and the gifts they bring each day to make this a very rich place of learning.  The decision to close the school will be directed by the Chief Medical Officer if needed. My message to the community is that we are working on trying to maintain the learning for the children if they are at home but until that occurs the learning and safety of all members of our community is our priority. 

If you are not already I encourage all parents to please sign up to the Skool Bag app. 

App Store (iOS) for Apple Iphone and Ipad

Play Store for Andriod 

Any urgent communication will be delivered via this platform. 

The children have been very diligent  in continuing good hygiene practices. I thank the parents who have kept their children at home if they have felt unwell. This will support the safety of all community members.  

I sincerely wish to thank all our community for the support and understanding during this time.  Our goal has always been to build a loving and Christ centered community and it is times like this ,  the community works together to ensure that we continue to flourish.