St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully Newsletter

Letter from the Principal

Tuesday June 9th 2020

Dear Families

Today life at St John the Baptist feels almost back to normal. Our Year 3-6 teachers have been counting down for the past two weeks since our juniors arrived onsite to welcome back their children. This morning had an air of excitement as the Preps saw their big buddies after all this time. The positive interactions that happen between all year levels in our school is a real strength of our community. Today there was just so much to share. Whilst hugging is off the agenda at the moment due to social distancing there certainly were plenty of big smiles to let each other know how glad we were to be back together again. Now we just have to count down to the day when we can have our wonderful parents and carers also sharing in our learning spaces. I have included in this week's newsletter some photos that show you how inviting your children's classrooms are. I know it is not quite the same as seeing them in person but hopefully the photos give you some insight into the engaging and welcoming learning environments your children are fortunate to be part of each day.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

As reported in earlier newsletters our Parent/Teacher Interviews will take place in the last week of Term 2 on Tuesday 23rd June and Wednesday 24th June from 3.30pm-6.30pm. These interviews will take place online. Parent Teacher Interviews can be booked via SOBS, our online booking system, from Wednesday June 10th 2020 from 9.00am using the following URL.

https://sobs.com.au/pt3/parent.php?schoolid=655
 
We would appreciate all families booking an interview time. It is vital for positive learning outcomes for your child that we have strong communication between home and school regarding their achievement as learners. It will be a great conversation this year with parents having great insight into their children as learners given the remote learning that has taken place. Reports will come home to families on Friday 19th June. Our mid year reports will be modified this year due to remote learning. A letter explaining the changes will be emailed with your child’s school report. The end of year report (December) will provide a more comprehensive view of the year’s learning across all usual curriculum areas.


If you are having difficulties booking an interview via the above link, please click below for instructions.

https://sobs.com.au/docs/sobs-pt3-parents.pdf 

Unwell Staff or Students

Our staff are aware that if they are unwell they need to remain at home. We also ask that families keep any children who are feeling unwell or presenting with cold or flu like symptoms at home. Please seek medical advice to get clearance for your child to return to school. 

Drop-Off & Pick-Up Zones

Just a reminder that it will be important that we don’t gather before or after school as is our usual practice. Thankyou for your patience and support with our new drop off and pick up procedures. 

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zone A:

Bottom Carpark Forest Road Entrance

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zone B:

Bottom Carpark Selman Avenue Entrance

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zone C:

Top Basketball Courts: Drive past staff carpark & park in designated spots outside the classrooms.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zone D:

Along Selman Avenue. Running the length of the school building.

Uniform Update

All children on their return to school are required to be wearing their correct winter school uniform. If you require winter uniform items you can order them on Flexischools. All items will be sent home with your child (P-6).  Fleur will continue to run the uniform shop on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.

Canteen Update

At this stage we have decided not to operate the canteen for the remainder of the Term. The canteen is very ably run by Tracey Walker and relies on parent volunteers. As we are working towards keeping adults in the school to a minimum we believe this is a necessary decision. We will keep you informed when we move to opening our canteen once more. 

Please note, when Canteen does return ALL orders must be placed via Flexischools to alleviate the health implications of handling cash.  Please ensure you have set up an account prior to ordering from the canteen.


Important dates for your diary

Friday 19th June:

Mid-Year Student Reports home to Parents and Carers

Tuesday 23rd June & Wednesday 24th June

Online Parent/Teacher Interviews: 3.30pm-6.30pm

Please note that all interviews will be conducted online. There will be no face to face interviews (where possible) to keep us inline with social distancing requirements.

SSV Virtual Cross Country

School Sport Victoria has launched the Virtual Cross Country inviting students from Foundation-Year 12 to participate and keep fit via the SSV website. The EMR Virtual Cross Country will be jumping on board with the SSV initiative to make it easier for families and teachers to get students involved plus enabling students to be part of both the SSV and specific EMR Virtual Cross Country.   

Please check out the link below regarding the EMR Primary Virtual Cross Country for any students interested in taking part and how to join. 

https://www.ssv.vic.edu.au/Pages/VirtualCrossCountry.aspx  

Remember: To ensure you select Eastern Metropolitan Primary on the form and that the EMR event will close on Friday 26th June but the SSV Virtual Cross Country may continue after this date.   

Camp Australia

Winter Holiday Club

P&F Sponsors

St John the Baptist Ferntree Gully