IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE!
Under the current circumstances, and to limit disruption and maintain the focus on the continuity of the learning program as much as possible without too much interruption, the Leadership Team have changed some of the pupil free days (Professional Development Days for staff) that were originally set for this year.
The upcoming Pupil Free Days on 28 May and 29 May (Term 2, Week 5) have been cancelled and have now been moved to:
19 June (Term 2, Week 8) and
7 August (Term 3, Week 3).
Therefore school will be open on Thurs 28 and Fri 29 May (Week 5 of this term).
Dear Parents
On Sunday we celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians. Perhaps we can take some time to pray to Mary our Mother in heaven and ask her to look after our families during this troubling period we find ourselves in.
Mary, Help of Christians, watch over us with love.
Intercede for us with your Son, to bless us,
so that we can be people of peace – people who love and respect each other.
We make this prayer through Jesus, your Son.
This week the staff were delighted to finally welcome back all of our PCPS children! This included welcoming back our Pre Kindy children (Three Year olds), whom I must congratulate on the magnificent way they were dropped off at the top Kiss and Ride and went happily off to their classroom with a special balloon that Mrs Finlay and Mrs Mullen had ready for them as they got out of their car. I have also been extremely impressed with how all of our children have easily transitioned to the required drop off/pick up procedure, especially our Kindy and Pre Primary children who have been so independent in hopping out of their cars and making their way to their classrooms. It is endearing to see many older siblings helping our little ones too.
Drop-off and pick-up have been our trickiest adjustments to manage however parent cooperation has enabled us to make these transitions as quick and as safe as possible. Current arrangements will necessarily remain in place until such time as the Premier removes the restrictions currently mandated.
Students who are unwell have been advised by the Chief Medical Officer to stay at home if displaying ANY flu like systems. Please ensure that you keep your child at home if they are unwell. Children, at school, displaying flu like systems will be sent home to maintain the safety of all students and adults at school.
Just a reminder that any family travelling interstate or overseas must self-isolate before returning to school, as per health regulations. If a family member travels and then returns home and is in the same house as other family members, then the whole family is required to self-isolate. Parents are asked to please notify the front office.
I once again extend my sincere thanks and appreciation for the wonderful support and encouragement that everyone has displayed during the COVID19 pandemic. I congratulate all staff and parents on your agility and commitment to continuing to focus on our children, who are at the centre of all that we do. We treasure the relationships that we have with one another. The pandemic has certainly provided us with time to reflect upon what matters most, what is important in our lives, treasure the relationships we have with one another, appreciate one another more and how important it is for us all to slow down and ‘smell the roses’.
Enjoy the beautiful Autumn weather this weekend.
Kind regards
Mrs Margaret Williamson
Kiss and Ride
Just a reminder that there is NO RIGHT TURN from O'Leary Road into the top carpark. Cars must drive down to the end of O'Leary Road and loop back around and then TURN LEFT into the top carpark.
For parents collecting students in Years 1-6, feel free to arrive at pick up a bit later than 3:00pm - perhaps at 3:10pm to reduce the congestion and back up of cars to Gibson Road. 2:50-3:05pm is the busiest time at pick up due to the K & PP students being picked up at this time.
Your patience, courtesy to other drivers and cooperations are greatly appreciated.
Congratulations!
Mrs La Galia will commence Maternity leave from the start of Week 7 of this term. At this time we welcome Mrs Alisia Tardrew to our staff. Mrs Tardrew is an experienced teacher, who comes to us from Mary Mackillop Primary School. Please make her feel welcome as our new Year 6 teacher.
Time online - how much is too much?
How much is too much?
There is no magic figure. The right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine. It can be easy to focus only on the clock, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement, are just as important.
How to help your child manage their online time
- Stay engaged and encourage balance – keep an eye on the games, apps and devices your child uses by sharing screen time with them. Help them stay aware of their important offline activities, like hobbies and sport
- Create a plan – involve your child in creating a family plan that balances time spent sitting in front of screen, with a variety of offline activities. You may need to give them something to do instead of just saying no screen time.
- Use the available technologies – parental controls and tools to monitor online time allow you to measure and set time limits on device use or internet access. Be open and honest with your children about why you want to use these technologies.
Signs to watch for
- Less interest in social activities
- Not doing so well at school
- Tiredness, sleep disturbances, headaches, eye strain
- Changes in eating patterns
- Reduced personal hygiene
- Obsession with particular websites or games
- Extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activities
- Appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer
- Becoming withdrawn from friends and family
Further tips and advice for parents/carers on managing time online are available on esafety’s website.
Ali Fisher
Social Worker
Parish Update
There are no weekday and weekend Masses during this time. We are certainly in difficult times but we shall together with the help of God get through. Keep an eye on our parish website, archdiocesan website and of course general news outlets.
With best wishes,
Rev Fr Cyprian M Shikokoti - PP
Our Lady of the Mission, Whitford Parish
Website : www.olm.myparish.net.au
Padbury Catholic Primary School
Email: admin@padcath.wa.edu.au
Website: www.padcath.wa.edu.au
Location: O'Leary Road, Padbury WA, Australia
Phone: 94044000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PadburyCatholic