Christ the King North Rocks Newsletter

Dear Parents

This Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Holy Trinity. Each time we make the sign of the cross, no matter where we are, we pray to the Trinity – in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. There is One God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Other ways of referring to the Trinity are the Triune God and the Three-in-One. The Trinity is the foundational Christian belief that God is one Being who exists in three Person.” As stated above. The Holy trinity is described throughout scripture as a “mystery” However, it’s not a mystery that can – or should  be explained away. It’s a mystery the Bible teaches. A beautiful mystery. A mystery that should cause us to marvel, and wonder, and worship in the compassion and love that God has for us all!

Last Monday week we saw our students return to full time face to face classes. It has been great to see all our students return to the community catching up with their peers and teachers. Thank you to our parents who supported the teachers and their children’s on line learning over the last few months. It is greatly appreciated by the myself and the staff. Each family received a survey in the last fortnight regarding the online learning. It would be most useful if you could complete the online questionnaire. Thank you.

Teachers are currently completing their students reports for semester one. Semester one reports will be an abridged version of our usual report because of the impact of COVID -19 has had on our delivery of the teaching and learning. The report consists of a summary of each student’s study attributes and work habits as well as a brief written summary of their learning based on a combination of both face to face and online line learning this semester. Reports will be distributed on Friday 29th June Week 9. At this stage no decision has been made as to when face to face parent teacher interviews will be held.

Over the last week, the traffic congestion on Statham Ave in the afternoon has escalated to a point that is impacting on the safety of all concerned who use the pick up service and its future viability. As I have repeated on many occasions it is an offence to stop in a NO STOPPING sign posted  area and obstruct traffic waiting to turn into the driveway off Statham avenue and on North Rocks Rd. People are also turning right out of the driveway of an afternoon onto Statham at the height of the congestion. The NO RIGHT TURN protocol has been in place now for the last twelve months. Over the last week we had several complaints from motorists regarding the congestion and the lack of consideration displayed in allowing the general public to access both North Rocks road and Statham Avenue. For the pick up service to remain operational, parents need to take responsibility  for their driving behaviour each and every afternoon to ensure the road regulations are adhered to and that the safety of all concerned is at the forefront of our minds and that the public are not being inconvenienced.

I am on the verge of shutting down the drive through pick up if the behaviour and patience of our drivers does not improve immediately .

My concern is that police and /or council rangers may take the decision away from my control and shut down the drive through altogether. The drive through is a much needed component of our drop off and pick up for our school community each day. In saying this, those that utilise it need to adhere to  the expectations, road rules and safety protocols that are in place. Some users require an attitudinal change of approach to how they utilise the drive through so we can all benefit from it and maintain this most needed component of school drop off and pick up. I appeal to all users of this service to be more patient and diligent in adhering to what is required. This will be greatly be appreciated by all members of the community. Please remember the safety of all our community members- staff, parents and our students is at the forefront of this matter. Thank you in advance.

Enjoy the long weekend and the chance to get away with your families.

Tony Hughes

Principal    

Monday 8th June

• Queen's Birthday Public Holiday 

Tuesday 9th June

• Uniform Shop 8.00am-12.00pm
• PE: Year 6, Kindergarten

Wednesday 10th June

• PE: Year 5, Year 2, Year 4 [Group 1]

Thursday 11th June

• PE: Year 3, Year 1, Year 4 [Group 2]

Friday 12th June

• Band groups throughout the day only.

Monday 15th June

• All students in School Uniform

Tuesday 16th June

• Uniform Shop 8.00am-12.00pm
• PE: Year 6, Kindergarten

Wednesday 17th June

• PE: Year 5, Year 2, Year 4 [Group 1]

Thursday 18th June

• PE: Year 3, Year 1, Year 4 [Group 2]

Friday 19th June

• Band groups throughout the day only

Monday 29th June

STAFF DEVELOPMENT / PUPIL FREE DAYS

Friday 31st July

• CTK Athletics Carnival

Friday 14th August 

• CTK Athletics Carnival back-up day

Friday 18th September

• School photo day - **SUMMER UNIFORM**

Term 2      Monday,      27th April          to         Friday, 3rd July

Term 3      Monday,      20th July             to         Friday, 25th September

Term 4      Monday,      12th October     to       Wednesday 16th December

STAFF DEVELOPMENT / PUPIL FREE DAYS

Monday 29th June

Thursday 17th December

Friday 18th December

Fact Sheet for Parents and Caregivers - Explanation of Absences

Catholic Education Office Diocese of Parramatta (CEDP) promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education.

If your child is sick or absent you are required to notify their school on the first day of absence if at all possible.  All explanations to the school must be provided within 7 days from the first day of any period of absence.

Absences can be explained using one of the following methods:

Where an explanation has not been received within the 7 day timeframe or the explanation has not been accepted, the school will record the absence as unexplained or unjustified on the student’s record. The school will not be able to accept explanations which are not received within the 7 day timeframe.

Justified reasons for student absences may include:

• being sick or having an infectious disease

• having an unavoidable medical appointment

• being required to attend a recognised religious holiday

• exceptional or urgent family circumstances e.g. attending a funeral

Why do I need to notify the school if my child is absent?

Parents of children aged 6 to 17 years are legally required to ensure their children attend school every day or provide an explanation if they are absent. Notifying the school and providing an explanation for your child’s absence will fulfil this legal responsibility.

The safety and wellbeing of students are the highest priorities for schools. Parents need to know if their child isn’t at school, and schools need to know when and why a child is absent. Notifying the school of your child’s absence helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children in school.

What is your responsibility?

●     Ensure your child attends school every day

●     Notify the school immediately if your child is absent

●     Provide an explanation for any absences within 7 days

●     Make sure the school has your correct contact details so that you can receive attendance information about your child

School Fees statements have been issued for Term 2.

Thank you to those parents who have made payment arrangements and to those who have paid their accounts. 

You will note that there is no due date on this statement.  We are endeavouring to assist families who may be experiencing financial difficulties due to the economic downturn caused by COVID19.  As noted in the comment box of your account - Please pay 'What you can - When you can'.

CEDP has initiated a COVID Relief Application form for those whose financial situation has been directly impacted by COVID Restrictions.  Information about this relief was included with your Term 2 Statement.  You are able to apply online directly through CEDP or contact me at the school for a hard copy of the application. Susan Ritchie: Phone 8846 2700

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any information or further assistance you may require.

Thank you,  

Susan Ritchie

Senior Finance 

WEEKDAY MASSES

Wednesday to Saturday Mass at 9:00 am (note Friday Mass starts at 9:15 am)  

SUNDAY MASSES

Saturday         5:30 pm Vigil

Sunday            8:00 am & 10:00 am

There is a limit of 50 people at each Mass, excluding the celebrants and assistants. All Masses are on a trial basis and we will evaluate the scheduling of these and any future Masses based on attendance. We have designated the Sunday 8am Mass for the Seniors of our parish but of course anyone may attend.

CONFESSION

Saturday after Mass (9:30am - 10am) or by appointment.

Do I need to make a reservation for Mass?

WEEKDAY MASSES

As the limit is now 50, the reservation procedure for weekday Masses has been suspended so there is no need to book for Mass Wednesday to Saturday. This will be on a first-come-first-served basis so if we do reach 50, others will have to remain outside the church. Parishioners attending will be required to complete their details on the registration form provided in the church foyer.

SUNDAY MASSES (including Saturday Vigil)

We have implemented the EventBrite online booking system accessible at the link below.  You will be able to select your Mass time and then the date.

https://northrockscatholicparish.eventbrite.com.au/

IMPORTANT:

·                     Please follow the instructions when making your booking

•                    You need to separately book each person in your family and bring your ticket or mobile phone with your e-ticket to Mass.

•                    This system will be on a trial basis as we assess the numbers. Please consider others when making your reservations as we need to give everyone a chance to attend Mass.

If you or someone you know does not have computer access or require assistance, please call Claudine, our Parish Secretary, on 02 9871 8710, Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm and she will be able to book for you.

Volunteers will be required for the Readings, please call Claudine, our Parish Secretary, on 02 9871 8710 after reserving a place at your selected Mass.

For the first two weeks, music will be pre-recorded and a volunteer will be required to assist in operating the music PowerPoint, please call Claudine, our Parish Secretary, on 02 9871 8710 after reserving a place at your selected Mass.

ARRIVING AT CHURCH

•             We strongly urge everyone to sign on to the COVID-Safe app

For Apple iPhone users: https://apps.apple.com/au/app/covidsafe/id1509242894

For Android phone users: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.health.covidsafe

•          Wash your hands with soap and water before leaving home.

•          If you are not well DO NOT come to church.

•          Entry and exit is via the front Double Doors only.

•          Provide social space in entering the building, at least 1.5m apart.

•          For weekday Masses sign in on the registration sheet provided.

•          Use the sanitiser after signing in. Your temperature may be checked on arrival.

•          Go directly to pews that are not taped off where positions are allocated by signage.

•          There is a limit of one individual or family unit at each position.

MASS PROCEDURES

•          We will continue to webcast the Sunday Mass for the next 2 weeks.

•          The Sunday Mass dispensation continues.

COMMUNION PROCEDURES

•          Communion, only under the form of the host, will only be offered in the hand.

•          Remember to keep your distance, watching the markings on the floor.

•          There will be two Communion stations, in the centre. Walk up the centre of the aisle, divide at the

front. Follow the signs on the floor.

MASS DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

•          Volunteers are required to assist before leaving Mass in cleaning used areas with disinfectant. Directions will be given at Mass.

•       Exit is via the front and side doors only.

•          We encourage everyone to contribute financially as you leave or enter by placing your donation in the identified buckets in the foyer of the Church or with a credit card online via BPoint https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/ChristTheKingParishNorthRocks or direct debit:

BSB: 067-950Account Number: 00000479Account Name: North Rocks Catholic Church

If you would like to contribute towards the support of the priests (First Collection), via direct debit:please use the following details:BSB: 067-950Account No: 00004265Account Name: Parramatta Diocesan ClergyReference Number: 6027

•          There will be no hospitality after any Mass. Please do not stop and visit others. Once in the carpark and maintaining the distance of a car width between you, you may visit with friends and others. Just because we are being cautious does not mean people cannot be friendly.

•          Ministers will practice social distancing, however know we truly care about you and offer you our greeting.

PASTORAL NEEDS

If you have any pastoral need such as a visit from a priest, please contact the Parish Office on 9871.8710 or send an email to: northrocks@parracatholic.org

We wish you a Blessed week ahead.

Stay strong and safe,

Fr Ian McGinnity

Parish office hours are Mondays - Fridays 9am - 4pm.

Our current contact details are phone: 9871 8710 and email: northrocks@parracatholic.org

WEEKDAY MASSES

Wednesday to Saturday Mass at 9:00 am

(note Friday Mass starts at 9:15 am)  

SUNDAY MASSES

Saturday         5:30 pm Vigil

Sunday            8:00 am & 10:00 am

CONFESSION

Saturday after Mass (9:30am - 10am) or by appointment