McAuley Catholic College Tumut eNewsletter

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear McAuley Families

Welcome back to the 2021 academic year. A special welcome to our new families and staff members as they begin their McAuley journey with us. Our Kindergarten and Year 7 classes have settled immediately into the routine of school which is great news. Thank you for your support at home in getting back to ‘normal’. I’ve met a couple of parents who are very pleased to have kids back at school and out from under their feet!

COVID 19 Regulations: Whilst we are doing well we continue to experience a health crisis. You will see a table elsewhere in this Newsletter which outlines the current restrictions for Catholic Schools in our Archdiocese. It is good news that we can return to relatively normal operations, albeit with continued hygiene and physical distancing regulations in place.

In summary:

No more than 100 visitors on site at one time.
Observe the 1.5m2 rule when on site.
Please check in at Primary or Secondary Offices if you are visiting for a period of time.
Do not visit or send children to school if unwell or displaying flu like symptoms.
Observe hand washing and sanitizing reminders.

For the time being school Masses and gatherings that involve large numbers will be held in the School Hall and require an RSVP to attend. Thank you all for your cooperation. Our opening school 'Mass and Induction of Leaders' will take place next Wednesday in the Hall, commencing at 10am.

Staffing: We still are short a small amount of staffing and hope to fill those gaps in the coming days. The local Catholic Schools will soon be advertising for Relief Teaching and Classroom Support staff. Please encourage any new families to town to contact Catholic Education Recruitment for more information.

Social Media: Please be sure to “like us” on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/McAuley-Catholic-Central-School-Tumut-543337629119952/?ref=bookmarks

We aim to use this medium as a place for quick messages and updates. More important information will always be communicated through Newsletters or Email to families.

Swimming Carnival: Provided the weather is suitable we will hold the McAuley Swimming Carnival on Friday. Please watch elsewhere for further information about the day. The alternative date for our carnival will be Monday 8th Feb.

Uniform: Swans have informed us that some items of uniform are not being supplied any more. We aim to reform the Uniform Committee and make some clear plans about the McAuley Uniform making sure that it is comfortable and affordable for students and families. In the meantime please make every effort to ensure that your sons and daughters are in correct uniform as much as possible. A note to their classroom or PC teacher will help to explain any difficulties you might have.

Primary teachers have advised that K-6 children should wear their sports uniforms on the following days: Tuesdays & Fridays - Kinder, Year 1, Year 3 and Year 4. Wednesdays & Fridays - Year 2 and Year 5/6T, MT and G.

Classroom Routines: Teachers will be communicating with you about classroom routines and requirements in the coming days. We are blessed to have experienced and committed staff who build communication and relationships between our students and families. Linda Stade writes about the benefits of small schools and about the special relationships built between teachers and families… “The teachers who choose small schools love close communities and thrive on relationships. They are also more likely to stay with the school for an extended period of time. This means children are surrounded by adults who have known them for a long time and are invested in their wellbeing…” (lindastade.com)

I look forward to a productive and successful year together. As always please feel free to communicate your questions or concerns so that we can work together to enrich the education offered to our sons and daughters.

Mary Our Mother… Look After Us

Eamonn Moore