Dear Parents,

Thank you for you support during the recent return to remote learning. The snap lockdown didn’t allow the school or you long to prepare for this, however we are grateful for the way that you all responded. Whilst it was only for a short period, I understand the challenges that this can have on you, your child and the rest of your family. Please know that the St Mary’s staff and wider school community are here to support you and your family. If there is anything that we can to do help, please let us know. Our fingers are crossed that this will not happen again, however if we are being realistic, we need to make sure that we are prepared for it next time.

Parent Communication

A letter was sent home with your child today requiring you to provide your preferred email address for communication with the school. Communication between the school and home is vital as it allows you to stay informed with what is happening in and around St Mary’s. It was brought to my attention that a number of you did not receive emails regarding the return to remote schooling and I apologise if this caused you or your child any stress or concern. Please complete the ‘Parent Communication Details’ form and return it to school as soon as possible so that we can rectify this issue.                                                                                                                                                     

Family Picnic Dinner

Thank you to all the families that attended the family picnic dinner on Friday night. It was great to see you and your family there to celebrate the start of another year and have a look through your child’s new classroom. I’m sure that you would all agree; the kids had a lot of fun playing and it was nice for the adults to all sit around and have a chat also. As I have mentioned many times previously, St Mary’s has got a fabulous community atmosphere that is only enhanced by events like this.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

Unfortunately, due to the state-wide lockdown, our Parent/Teacher Interviews had to be cancelled. These interviews have been rescheduled for Monday, 22^nd February. Please follow the steps outlined in this newsletter, to book an appointment. Please note, that all parents will need to make a new appointment, as time allocations will not transfer over from your previous booking. If you are not able to attend an interview on Monday, please contact the school to arrange an interview at a suitable time.

Lent

Lent is a time of spiritual preparation for the season of Easter.  The Lenten Season began this week on Ash Wednesday. Unfortunately, we were unable to celebrate the start of this important season in the Catholic church, together as a school community, however it will be a focus within our classrooms. The season of Lent lasts for 40 days and corresponds with the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness to fast, pray and endure temptations. During Lent, we are encouraged to pray more, fast from something you find difficult to go with out and show love and care for others. I encourage you all to take on this challenge!

St Mary’s Open Day

On Thursday, 4^th March, St Mary’s will have a school open day. All parents are invited to attend and join in the learning that is happening in your child’s classroom. This open day will provide you with the opportunity to see the inner workings of the classroom and further enhance your connection with St Mary’s and your child’s learning. More information regarding this will be provided in the coming weeks. Please put this date in your calendar as we would love for all of you to attend.

Kind regards,

Joel

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

TERM 1 2021

February

March

TERM 2 2021

April

May

June

SCHOOL FEES SCHEDULE 2021

2021 School fees have been posted to families this week. Fees are to be paid in full by the end of Term 3. Alternatively, you can pay in equal instalments over the remainder of 2021. 

School camps and Year 2 sleepover will be invoiced separately closer to the events. 

Family Fee Assistance Scheme

All families in which the fee payer holds an eligible health care card or pensioner concession card are eligible to apply for the Family Fee Assistance Scheme. 

This allows for a significant reduction of your school fees. Application forms are available from the school office or click on the following link: School Fees Concession Application

For more information about concessions, please contact the school.

CSEF Assistance
This is a government assistance scheme for families with an eligible Health Care Card. Applications are available at the office or click on the following link: CSEF 2021 Application Form

Conveyance Allowance
Victorian Conveyance Allowance is available for children who reside in Victoria and are more than 4.8 kilometres from the nearest free school bus service. Please call at office to complete an application form.

Terms of Payment for School Fees Accounts
Fees can be paid in one lump sum, by term, monthly, fortnightly or weekly. At the beginning of the year you are asked to nominate a payment frequency eg. Weekly, fortnightly, per term. If no payment mode is nominated it will be presumed that you will pay by the end of term 3, Friday 17^th September 2021.

There are numerous options available to pay your school fee account. Money can be received via:

• Cash, Cheque or Credit Card at school office
• Direct Credit to our account from your bank.
• Centrepay-Centrelink can deduct school fee payments prior to paying you Centrelink.

Applications forms are available at the school office or click on the following link:Centrepay Deduction Authority

We would ask that you consider all the payment options available to you and make a commitment to one of them. 

2021 SCHOOL FEES

Fees per Family (per annum)  

Family fee - $1000.00
Capital fee -$150.00

Fees per Student (per annum) 

Tuition Fee - $150.00
Swimming - $60.00
Excursion -$65.00       

Camp Fees per Student

Year 2, Sleepover  $20.00

Year 3 & 4, Phillip Island - $390  

Year 5 & 6, School Camp - to be advised of Camp destination and cost  

Additional Fees  

Sacramental Program

$25.00 per student 

This fee is for Catholic children who participate in the Sacraments.

Please contact Heather at the school office if you would like to set up a payment plan for 2021 school fees. For families who already have one in place this will continue this year. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences for all students has been rescheduled for Monday 22nd February 2021 2.00pm - 7.00pm.

Parents that do not have Internet access may call the school office on 5182 5659 and we will make a booking on your behalf. 

•  Go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and enter the event code 9ghem.
•  Or click on this link: https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code?code=9ghem
• Enter your Details
• Select the teacher you wish to see
• Select the appointment time that suits your family best
• Click finish. Your interview timetable will be emailed to you automatically. 

ST MARY'S TALENT SHOW

On Thursday 25th February St Mary's will be holding our first talent show for 2021 in the senior classroom. The judges will be your school captains Ava and Evie and you will only be preforming in front of them.  Entries can be solo or as a groups. 

1st Price - Box of chocolates

2nd prize - block of chocolate

3rd prize- bag of lollies.

Entries can be placed on the sign up sheets around the school.

GOOD LUCK!!

ICY POLES

The Year 6 students will be selling Icy poles at lunchtime on Fridays to help raise money for their Year 6 Polo Shirts.

50 cents each

The School Uniform Shop is open Mondays to Fridays 8.30am to 3.30pm

All items and sizes are in stock.

Good luck to Ava P, Gabby, Blake B, Salenah and Hudson who have qualified for the Yarram & District Swimming Carnival tomorrow. 

This week the season of Lent is the beginning of the annual Caritas Australia Project Compassion Appeal. Donations to Project Compassion allows Caritas Australia, the Catholic Agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice.

Compassion boxes are in all the classrooms if you would like to make a donation.

Saint Oscar Romero is our inspiration for Project Compassion 2021, so in his words let's

" Aspire not to have more, but to be more."