I must admit, I was so surprised by their message, I had to take this photo which will be printed off, framed and placed in our staffroom.  Every time I’m having a hard day I will now go to this photo and thank God for bringing me to this place and the children who constantly remind me of this message.

This group of four eleven year olds, has contributed to a climate of affirmation which gives a strong sense of encouragement to all our staff.  Their message has invested themselves (the boys) in our staff and recognised that each staff member has personal qualities and talents for this school.  This sense of being appreciated, allows our staff to be recognised for the people they are and encourages personal investment by the teachers in our school.

Eleven year olds have named our staff as a group NOT centred on itself.  They see the staff for the students of St Paul’s.

I don’t weep for our future like the media, I grow with excitement and anticipation for who our children will become.  

Go Gently,

Michael Reardon
Principal

Letter from Director of Schools

Please see attached letter from the Director of schools, Mr Peter Hill.

From our local school context. Listed below are some additional measures that have been put in place.

1. We ask parents to drop off their children, say goodbye and leave the school grounds immediately to minimise close contact.
2. Afternoon dismissal will be classroom pick up from 3:00pm. Please refrain from prolonging your stay, as wise practice will be to minimise the broader contact within the school community.
3. No assemblies will be conducted until further notice.
4. Due to no assemblies, as directed by the Catholic Education Office, Principal’s awards will be presented to Infants and Primary students after their first lunch breaks on Friday. Whilst parents can’t attend, we feel holding off the distribution of Principal’s awards is even more disappointing.

Hygiene and Preventative Measures

1. Students or staff showing signs of being unwell must be sent home ASAP and if unwell with respiratory illness, they must stay home until symptoms resolve and seek advice from a medical practitioner. 
2. Students/staff/parents who return from overseas from Monday, 16 March 2020 are not to attend school until their 14 day self isolation period is complete.
3. Good hygiene practice to be enforced throughout the school - including use of hand sanitiser when entering classrooms, before eating and after sneezing.
4. The bubblers will still be available but children will be encouraged to use their drink bottles. Drink bottles can be refilled at taps.

Although bubblers are disinfected, this does not remain effective for long due to frequent use, therefore we are encouraging your children to use their drink bottle first.

School Fete - Postponed

The school fete has been postponed until after the 30th June 2020. It will be reassessed leading up to this date. When details become clearer we will inform the community. This decision has been made based on the directive from the Prime Minister that any gatherings of over 500 is illegal.