Dear parents and caregivers,
Welcome to the 2024 school year and what a start we have had! The first day of school is one of my favourite days as I get to welcome back all our students and parents. It was fabulous to be met by smiling faces! A special welcome to our new families that are joining St Elizabeth’s school community, especially our new staff.
As a school community we have begun the transition to our new school uniform, and I must say those students who arrived at school wearing the new uniform looked very smart. A reminder that this year there is no expectation to purchase the new uniform, however, next year it will be compulsory.
The beginning of the school year is a timely reminder to all about parking around the school grounds. Please be mindful of nearby residents’ driveways when parking in the streets and follow the rules outlined by the City of Wanneroo. I would also like to encourage parents of students in Year Three to Six to use the Kiss and Drive option for pickup to allow our families in the Early Years a chance to park in the carpark and collect their child from the classroom.
Additionally, we encourage parents to begin to embrace the independence of their children, particularly from Year Three. This includes carrying their own bags, unpacking bags themselves and setting up their workspaces independently in the mornings. Parents from Year Three to Six are asked not to enter the classrooms in the mornings unless absolutely necessary. If an in-depth conversation needs to be had with your child’s teacher, best practice is to make a time after school so that the teacher can give you their full attention. The beginning of the day is for the teachers to settle students and start the teaching and learning procedure for the day.
As part of the new Catholic School Teachers Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, we will be implementing a new procedure for corresponding to parents. Staff have been instructed not to respond to emails or Seesaw messages prior to 7:30am and after 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Additionally, staff need to enjoy their weekends and spend time with their own family, therefore they will not be responding over the weekends. Please allow staff to respond to any correspondence within 48 hours. Exceptions can be made if the matter is of absolute urgency. Thank you in advance for respecting the right of staff to develop a positive work/life balance.
As our first week together comes to an end, I wish to thank my staff for everything they have done to ensure things went as smoothly as possible, despite the extremely hot weather. The beginning of the school year is always challenging, but all students have transitioned well into the new year.
Wishing you all a lovely weekend.
God bless
Rebecca Clarke
Principal
