Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your patience and support over recent weeks. We are well aware of the extra pressure being experienced by families. Things continue to change almost on almost a daily basis. What hasn’t changed is the commitment of parents and teachers to children, our belief in the value of schooling, and the knowledge and faith that the current situation will pass and that we have much to be thankful for in this country.

You should have read our app message or received in the mail a letter stating that at this stage with restrictions in place our school will be open in Term 2. This is to support essential workers. Students from Kinder to Year 2 will have learning packs supported by instructions and activities on SEESAW for their learning and students Years 3-6 will be using Google Classrooms. Please contact the office if you do not have good access to IT.

PLEASE NOTE: Your child needs to do the work set by the school . This is how student attendance will be recorded . Term 2's work will be introducing new learning for students to cover. We ask you to help your child but keep in mind that learning does need challenge and time to work on the answer. If  your child has difficulty contact the teacher who will make contact with you or your child. Staff check students work regularly to provide feedback.

Please do not to hesitate to contact the office if you need any support. 

I thank the students who have just got on with their learning and for the creativity and courage they have shown. I also thank the staff who have gone the extra mile to ensure that our students have still had the opportunity to learn and progress. I also thank the parents who have had to cope with children learning remotely.

We are also mindful of families who have had their economic livelihoods affected and the recent experience of this follows on from the challenges at the beginning of the year. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you need assistance with school fees.

Term 2

Many parents have kept their children home over the last few weeks. Some parents have no option but to send their children to school.

In Term 2 a remote program of learning will be offered for students at home or at school. To assist in our planning, we ask that you inform the school whether you plan for your child/ren to attend school or stay home for Term 2. If you could please notify the school of your intentions ASAP by emailing the office at office.sppg@cg.catholic.edu.au

As we approach Holy Week and the Easter Triduum may we continue to be people of hope and compassion. In times of social distancing may we care for our loved ones and be kind to each other.

Good wishes,

Kathy Neely (Principal)

Information for parents regarding payment of fees

Catholic Education is committed to providing financial assistance to support families who have lost their economic livelihood as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The position of Catholic education is that no child will be denied a Catholic education because of financial circumstances.

Initial support to assist all families includes:

A refund (for amounts paid) on charges for excursions, sporting events or activities that were due to occur in Terms 1 and 2 and have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fee statements for Term 2 will be delayed to week 4 of Term 2.

Where families are experiencing financial stress due to job loss, being stood down, reduction in work hours, business downturn or closure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is available through a confidential discussion with the school:

Suspension of follow up activity on outstanding fees at the end of Term 1 until 31 July 2020.

Full or partial fee remission or deferral. You are asked to indicate the level of assistance you feel you need at this time by completing a one-page fee assistance form (COVID-19 Fee Assistance Request Form) attached. Your level of fee support will be confirmed as soon as possible.

Families may apply for immediate deferral of Term 2 fee payments by completing the COVID-19 Fee Request to Defer Fees form, also attached.

Families whose employment situation has not been affected by COVID-19 can support the school by continuing to pay school fees as they fall due. This will support our school to continue providing quality learning in a connected community that nurtures and cares for each other.

Financial assistance continues to be available for those families experiencing hardship not related to COVID-19, particularly those experiencing the effects of the bushfire season and the ongoing drought. Families are encouraged to contact me for assistance and more information.

Your family is an important part of our school community. Your financial circumstances will not compromise the place of your children at our school. If you are experiencing any difficulties, I will confidentially ensure your child is not disadvantaged at this time.

Good wishes

Kathy Neely - Principal