Learning Conversations
This year we have decided to keep the Learning Conversations for Reception and Year 1 children at the usual time of the year in Week 9 Term 1 (Monday 28 March to Friday 1 April). As children commenced face-to-face teaching from the beginning of the year, invitations have been sent out early this week.
As Years 2 to 6 began online Learning in the first 2 weeks and subsequently, their face-to-face teaching was delayed, we have decided to postpone their Learning Conversations to Term 2 Week 2 (Monday 9 May to Friday 13 May) to ensure that teachers have more information and data on their learning progress. A letter will go out to families before the end of the term to book a time.
Learning Conversations are an important part of your child’s learning process. It is important for you and your child to meet with your child’s teacher/s, and we ask 100% participation from each family. Although we are hoping for as many face-to-face meetings as possible it is important to remember that this year, we have children, parents, or class teachers who may:
- have tested COVID-19 positive
- be in quarantine as close contacts
- display symptoms or feel unwell
In these cases, these meetings will need to occur over the telephone unless people are not feeling well enough to participate.
State Election
The SA Commission for Catholic Schools (SACCS) wrote to all political parties with candidates in this election and asked them to provide a response to the 7 key issues that are of significance to our families and the Catholic education sector.
As we have State Elections this Saturday, I have provided the commitment from the parties who responded on Facebook, Skoolbag and in the link below. Catholic Schools educate 20% of children in South Australia and we are keen for you to be aware what each party is committing to students in Catholic Schools.
2022 Political Party Comparison - CLICK HERE
Registered Volunteers
At our school we are blessed with many registered volunteers who support our school in a myriad of ways. This support is very important to maximise opportunities for our children and build our school community. As you are aware registered volunteers need to have a valid Catholic Police Check and, in addition, now need to show evidence of being double vaccinated. If you have not yet done so, please visit the front office to have your certificate sighted, or email a copy to info@whitefriars.catholic.edu.au. We do not keep hard copies.
After School Sports
It is amazing that we have 139 children who are currently representing Whitefriars Catholic School in either a Netball team or a Basketball team. A huge thank you to all our parents and community members who are registered volunteers and actively coaching a team or managing a team.
As training occurs either in the mornings before school or after school, it is important that parents support coaches and team managers by being present at training or plan with other parents to be responsible for your child if an issue arises or an injury.
COVID Safe Practices
It is great that family members no longer require to complete a QR code as you enter the school, but I continue to ask all family members to avoid entering classrooms and continue to wear masks whilst on school site unless you have a medical exemption.
As a school, we continue to do what we can to keep our children and staff as safe as possible and, simultaneously, minimise disruption to learning. I thank you for your continued support in this matter.
Please remember that if your child is a close contact that OSHC is not encouraged. However, if you require to go to work and are unable to make alternative arrangements, you can still book your child into OSHC if they are not symptomatic.
Thank you for your ongoing patience during this pandemic and please continue to keep the Ukrainian community in your prayers. Each human being is made in the image of God and every life matters. I hope that peace will prevail as soon as possible, and I ask for continued prayers for peace.
Kind Regards,
Frank Congedi
