St Brendan's School
Newsletter #3 - Thursday 9 February 2023
Dear Parents and Carers,
Last Tuesday saw the Australia’s central bank increased interest rates, extending the record run of increases to nine meetings in a row as it tries to cut inflation. The prediction that there are more to come is of great concern to all, especially as some are indicating that there are “further increases” to come. This increase will see some households facing greater financial stress, especially those with large mortgages and those who are vulnerable low income earners.
A little further afield, rescuers continue to race to save people from beneath the rubble of crumpled buildings, working in freezing temperatures. Monday’s 7.8 magnitude quake has resulted in 15,865 deaths with Turkey’s toll rising to 12,873 while Syria’s stands at 2,992.
Sadly, the number of fatalities will continue to rise as the likelihood of finding survivors diminishes.
In response, and in discussion with our senior students, next Friday 17 February will be a House Colours Day. Students are encouraged to wear their house colours and bring along a gold coin or note donation to help support the providing relief and aid to the victims to meet their survival needs of food, warm clothing, blankets and hygiene kits.
For our new families, we will confirm your child’s house and colour early next week. Our colours are Blue, Green, Red and Yellow. There is NO need or expectation to go out and purchase clothing. Your child may wear clothing that has some or all of their house colour present.
3-Way Conferences
Next Wednesday, 15 February, 3-Way Conferences will take place at school. The conference will be between:
- child
- parent/s or carers
- class teacher/s.
The conference will help build a relationship between yourself and the class teacher and an opportunity for you to discuss any goals you have for your child for 2023.
The Conferences will commence at:
11.30 am
- Year 3/4 (Platypuses)
- Year 5/6 (Koalas)
2:00 pm
- Year 2 (Wombats)
- Prep/One (Echidnas).
and conclude with the 6:45 pm interview.
Parents and Carers have the opportunity to book their conference through the School Interviews Booking system that was emailed earlier today through on Smore.
School Fees 2023
Staffing 2023
On a personal note, I thank you for your expressions of condolences with the passing of my father. I have shared these messages with my mother and family. They also appreciate your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Best wishes,
Peter
COVIDSafe Measures
Schools are required to continue to implement important practices to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
St Brendan’s will continue to ensure:
air purifiers are used,
external ventilation is maximised,
good personal hygiene is encouraged,
make available face masks for staff, students and visitors who wish to wear them.
Actions Required
For the safety and wellbeing of yourself, family and our school community It is recommended that rapid antigen tests (RATs) are used by students and staff if they:
- have symptoms of COVID-19 infection, no matter how mild
- are a household or close contact of someone who has COVID-19
- are a social contact of someone who has COVID-19.
The Department of Health recommends that all Victorians report their positive RAT result via the online form or by calling 1800 675 398.
RATs are available for all Victorians from council sites. Individuals can obtain two free packs (10 tests) for themselves and two free packs (10 tests) for each of their household members.
Further information can be found on the Coronavirus Victoria website. https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/about-rapid-antigen-tests
New Enterprise Bargaining Agreement
Last Tuesday afternoon’s briefing was very informative and was followed by many questions seeking clarification from individual contexts. While it has yet to be finalised, we left with the understanding that both parties are near to in-principle deal enabling the EBA to go before the Fair Work Commission for ratification.
The new agreement will see a number of changes to the way Catholic Schools operate. The introduction of the 38-hour week, in response to the growth in teacher workloads, will see the introduction of time in lieu for the additional time worked by teachers.
Time In lieu will accrue for activities and events including:
- 3-Way Conferences
- School Camp
- Weekend Sacraments e.g. Communion & Confirmation
- After hour meetings
Where a teacher works overtime, additional hours, they will be given those hours as time in lieu, i.e. 2 additional hours worked = 2 hours as time off. In the teacher’s absence, a replacement teacher will take their place and deliver the planned lessons.
Our staff at St Brendan’s have always been very generous with this time and the new agreement will ensure that they are fairly supported and compensated in their work.
Sausage Sizzle
We have been extremely fortunate to have been added to the Bunnings sausage sizzle roster. Planning for our allocated day, Saturday 4 March, is well underway. The next step is to fill the roster with volunteers to cook and serve the sausages and drinks. There are a number of operational procedures to be aware of however two of the more significant ones are:
- No persons under the age of 18 are permitted to cook or operate any equipment.
- A minimum of three people are required each shift to conduct a BBQ. Each shift is required to have a Cook, Order and Collect person.
- No children under the age of 15 are permitted at the BBQ.
FYI.
St Brendan’s has been provided with a $1.4 million grant to refurbish the:
- Art Room
- Internal toilet facility
- Drainage infrastructure upgrades.
The refurbishment will see the closing of the lower yard, junior playground, for 6 - 8 months. The works are expected to commence in Term 3 and the funds raised will go towards the purchase of additional playground resources for our students.
IMPORTANT DATES
2023
Term 1
Week 2
10 February
- Prayer Assembly
Platypuses (Yr 3/4)
2:20 pm in the Gym.
Week 3
Wednesday 15 February
- 3-Way Conferences
17 February
- Prayer Assembly
House Captains
2:20 pm in the Gym.
Week 4
Wednesday 22 February
- Ash Wednesday
- Year 4/5 & 6 Camp
Thursday 23 February
- Year 4/5 & 6 Camp
Friday 24 February
- Year 4/5 & 6 Camp
- Prayer Assembly
Wombats (Year 2)
2:20 pm in the Gym.
Week 5
Monday 27 February
- District Swimming Sports
School Squad
Wednesday 1 March
- School Athletics Sports
Aberfeldie Athletics Track
Thursday 2 March
- Welcome Mass
Student Leaders Commissioning
Friday 3 March
- Prayer Assembly
Social Justice Leaders
2:20 pm in the Gym.
Prayer to St Brendan
Help me to journey beyond the familiar
and into the unknown.
Give me the faith to leave old ways
and break fresh ground with You.
Christ of the mysteries, I trust You
to be stronger than each storm within me.
I will trust in the darkness and know
that my times, even now, are in Your hand.
Tune my spirit to the music of heaven,
and somehow, make my obedience count for You.
AMEN.’
Keep in contact with us
I may be contacted on principal@sbflemington.catholic.edu.au
Best wishes,
Peter
St Brendan's Parish
Administration Office
103 Wellington Street
Flemington 3031
03 9412 8495
Parish Bulletin
St Brendan's School
Email: principal@sbflemington.catholic.edu.au
Website: www.sbflemington.catholic.edu.au
Location: 103 Wellington St, Flemington VIC, Australia
Phone: 9376 0249
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St-Brendans-Primary-School-Flemington-100786834840693/
Twitter: @sbflemington
The Whole school will be attending the Christmas Melodies at Hamer Hall on Monday 12 December. Host Gorgi Coghlan and friends will lead us in a warm festive sing-a-long with a big band and choir.