Dear McAuley Families

I made a vow not to watch reality TV this year.  This declaration was short-lived as 7 weeks away from family in Canberra travel restrictions meant I quickly became a fan of “The Block” (ready for a Hampton’s style reno!?) and recently the “reality” parenting program which has raised a few eyebrows (and caused a few texts from my son and daughter about our parenting “fails!”) It has made me realise that as teachers and parents we all want the same things for our kids but how we help get them there differs hugely from family to family. Michael Grose wrote recently that old fashioned advice our parents gave might not be so bad after all. (Refer:www.parentingideas.com). 

He writes that many so called ‘wellbeing strategies’ are actually based on good neuroscience research:

1. Go outside and play: time in natural environments reduces stress, anxiety and promotes relaxation.
2. Eat your greens: good gut health assists good mental health.
3. Don’t sleep all day: regular routines of sleep and activity in sunlight are proven to be beneficial.
4. Take a breath: science tells us that a deep breath activates the para-sympathetic nervous system and promotes calm.
5. Everything in moderation: as we get used to digital devices being part of life be sure to make time to be “offline” away from work, drink, food and electronics.

Thanks again for your efforts to keep our community safe as we progress quickly through Term 4.  Rest assured we are doing as much as we can at school to provide as many opportunities for our students as restrictions allow.  This sometimes means last minute changes to plans or alterations to arrangements.  Please bear with us as we negotiate the constant communications from Catholic Education and NSW Health.

In summary (as at 08 November 2021):

• All volunteers and those helping or working at school must show proof of vaccination.
• Masks must be worn indoors by all staff and students in Year 7 and above.
• Masks must be worn correctly covering nose and mouth.
• Teachers will enforce correct mask wearing in all classes and activities held indoors.
• Masks are strongly recommended for Primary students – but not enforced.
• We continue to have the students separated in cohorts as best we can and encourage good hand hygiene and physical distancing where we need to.
• Please continue to supply your child/ren with a drink bottle each day to avoid the need to use bubblers and taps. 
• It is still not possible to hold assemblies or presentations with parents in attendance. 

Counselling:  Best wishes to our counsellor Mel who has been unwell.  We have access to other Catholic Care counsellors and will have someone on site in the next few weeks.  Please be sure to refer your sons or daughters (or yourselves) to our counsellors for emotional advice or family support which is much needed at the current time.  Our staff are here to support you and the hallmark of our school is the care and concern we show for one another.

Day Excursions:  We are able to arrange day excursions and are trying to get bookings and transport for a “Big Day Out” for Year 5/6 and our Year 10 Graduation Class. Please watch your Compass app for emails and announcements.

Community Council:  Our final 2021 Community Council meeting was held via Teams last Thursday evening. Restrictions have made it difficult for our Council to achieve a great deal in terms of fundraising, working bees and other support for our school.  However, we have made excellent progress in terms of uniform requirements and future planning.  I thank the keen Community Council members, led by Natalie Bartlett, for their tremendous support and advice.  We look forward to a productive future with many opportunities for parent engagement. (Please see elsewhere communication from the Assistant Principal with some refinements to uniform).

Building Project: We continue with Stage 2 of our building project.  So far so smooth as we await a wet weekend.  Thank you to our staff and students for their flexibility in moving to different spaces and coping with changes so late in the year.  All the disruption will be worth it as we await our new spaces and learning areas being opened up.  Seeing our 5/6 classes enjoying their new spaces is a joy!

I really look forward to being able to show off these areas to our community into the future.

Compass App:  Compass is the main means of communication being used by the school now. 

End of year reports will be released through Compass and families need to be able to access their accounts.

There are a number of families who have not yet installed the Compass app on their devices. 

When installing please be sure to search for “McAuley Catholic Central School – Tumut” so you are directed to the correct school.  Please contact the school office if you encounter any difficulty or contact the CE helpdesk on 1300 232 448.

Kinder/Year 7 2022 Orientation Day/s: Kinder and Year 7, 2022 Orientations are able to be held at school but without parents being on school grounds.  Details have been advertised locally and information sent to families.  Please do not hesitate to contact the school should you have questions or concerns.

Please note (due to our Swimming Program) there is a change to our Year 7 Orientation Day which will now be held on 26 November.  More detail will be sent to families.

Stage 5 Elective Choices: Information has been sent to Year 8 students and families about Stage 5 Elective Choices for 2022.  Please follow the link in the item in this Newsletter or contact the school if you have any issues.

Mary our Mother… Look after us.

Eamonn Moore

Principal