Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues

It has been an eventful fortnight with the relaxation of COVID restrictions, a class restructure and a sereve weather event that saw the school closed on Monday and Tuesday and then only open on Friday for children of essential workers. 

It has been a challenge to keep up, and I have greatly appreciated the lengths that everyone has gone to in order to successfully solve these challenges.  I would also like to extend our prayers, thoughts and best wishes to everyone affected by the flooding.  

Class restructure

The restructure finally took affect on Wednesday (as Monday & Tuesday saw schools closed).  It was very smooth thanks largely to the wonderful work of staff and the support of parents.  Well done to everyone involved.

Covid restrictions have changed

Last week, the Premier announced the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Queensland, including the statewide mask mandate.  These restrictions take affect from 6:00 pm tonight (Friday 4 March).  

Face masks

From 6:00 pm tonight, face masks will no longer be required to be worn in schools for students, parents and staff.

* Face masks will still be required on public transport, and in hospitals, disability care, prisons, aged care, airports and planes.  

Staff, student, parent and volunteer restrictions

Excursions, assemblies, camps and visitors to schools

Our school can also resume activities such as assemblies, indoor group activities, excursions and school camps. 

For further details will be available soon on the Queensland Government COVID-19 website.

COVID cases at school

There are still cases of COVID reported to me that affect our school and community.  

Uniform blitz starts this Monday

As I indicated last issue, we will begin to enforce the student dress code at school.  Your children need to be in full and correct uniform each day.  Students who do not meet the code will receive sanctions.  Nobody wishes for this to be implemented so please ensure that your children are in correct school uniform.  If there is a problem on any given day, please contact your child's teacher for an exemption for that day. 

While the responsibility for providing uniforms for children remains with parents, the school will do all we can to help and support our families.  If you are experiencing difficulty with supplying uniforms for your child, please contact the ladies in the school office.  We have some stocks that we can provide to your children.  You just need to request them.  

If your child receives detention for incorrect uniform, it is the parent's decision to not comply that places them in this situation.  

Shoes for school

You will recall from enrolment induction that your children will need two different pairs of shoes for school - one formal set and one sports set.  Both sets of shoes need to be all black.  This is not new information to anyone at our school.  Once again, if you are experiencing difficulties providing these, please contact us.  

Tutu day was last Tuesday

With the once in a lifetime date occurring last Tuesday - 22.02.2022 - we decided to celebrate.  So we wore tutus to recognise all of the 2s in the date.  Thank you to everyone (staff and students) who joined in.

Wet weather

We have just experienced a week of incredible rainfall.  This has led to flooding and dangerous conditions in our community.  And at school, while the rain may have stopped, the condition of the grounds will take a few days to recover.  

At school, wet weather also means that we have what we call 'Wet Lunch Breaks'.  This means that full outside play opportunities are not available to children due to the conditions.  In some instances, it is possible for there to be no outdoor play whatsoever.  It can become a challenge to be inside the one room with 25 children for an extended period of time.  My sincere thanks to our staff who managed this across the past fortnight and to the students who endured these restrictions so well.

                    

Kind regards

Vic