Newsletter 1 - 4 February 2021

Principal's Page

Welcome Back
Happy New Year and welcome back to the start of another wonderful year at St Lawrence’s. I hope you and your families had a wonderful break over the Christmas and New Year period and are ready for an eventful four terms ahead of us.
New Staff
We welcome Ciarra Ryan (6R) and Mikala Thomas (3T) to St Lawrence’s as our new teachers. Both Ciarra and Mikala are past students of St Lawrence’s and are very excited to return to the place of education that gave them so many opportunities as a child. We also welcome Jayde Regan who will be working in Larmenier 1. You will find a full list of all the 2021 teachers in this weeks newsletter.
Father Gerard
We have wonderful news to announce the return of Father Gerard. Father Gerard left Geraldton 12 months ago for 6 months of study in Italy. Father Gerard had been trying to return to Australia since July. We are so blessed to have him return to us safely and we are looking forward to have him at our Liturgies, Sacraments and many other school functions throughout the year.
Kindy Changes
What an exciting time in our Kindy this week with all three groups having three full days. Wednesday was a very busy day with all groups at school at the same time. Thank goodness we have the use of Fitzgerald Hall to accommodate all our students. Thank you to all of our Kindy teachers for your preparation in order to make the start of school so smooth.
3-Year-Old Program
Our 3-Year-Old Program will commence next Thursday 11 and Friday 12 February. If you have a child who is 3 or turning 3 in the first half of the year, then they are most welcome to join the program. Please call or drop into the office for more details.
Year 5/6 Leadership
Year 5 and 6 students will be involved in a special two-day leadership program before they vote for our Head boy, Head girl and Ministry/Faction Leaders. They will spend Tuesday 9 February down at the foreshore and Wednesday 10 February at school listening to community leaders, working on the student code of conduct before listening to the speeches of all those who have nominated. We wish them all the best with new school leaders being announced on Friday 12 February.
Holiday Work and School Improvement
It was a wonderful sight to come back to school and know and see the scope of work that has been going on whilst most of us relax. Thank you to our Groundsman Grant and Office Manager Sharon for coordination of these works which included the installation of 2 huge TV screens in the undercover area, the removal of outdated interactive whiteboards, the installation of 28 new TV’s into every classroom as well as the many other small and important jobs around the school to keep our grounds looking so good.
COVID Restrictions
As we continue to enter another year of COVID restrictions, please remember we are still in Phase 4. We have been advised by CEWA to follow their School Operations Guidelines. Please note that these restrictions and regulations may change at any time.
For St Lawrence’s this may include:
Student Attendance
*It is compulsory for all other students to attend school.
*Students may continue to learn at home if a member of their family is immune compromised or medically vulnerable.                                                                                                                                                 
School Canteen and Library
 *Must abide by the 2 metre square rule.
 *Good hygiene practices are in place.
School Activities
*Must abide by the 2 metre square rule.
*In term swimming classes are permitted.
*Excursions and camps are permitted.
*Parents will be able to attend school assemblies if their child is performing or receiving a merit certificate. Assemblies will still be recorded and published.
*Visitors or volunteers to the school are required to sign in via the school office during school hours.
*Parent meetings before school are to be held in the school office meeting rooms.
*Regular cleaning of school facilities will happen throughout the day.
Don’t forget:
Our fortnightly newsletter has very important information for our parents. Our school webpage is also regularly updated and has a wealth of information including important dates, school events and notes. Also, you can follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Ask to join the closed parent facebook page and second-hand uniform page to stay in touch.

Happy Days

David Tunchon

Principal

SZapp - Schoolzine App

SZapp is a mobile app that’s free for parents to download and is a great way to keep up to date with all of our latest news and information. You will find tiles for the latest newsletter, Class Dojo, SEQTA, links to the absentee form and more.  Click the link below to find out how to set up the app.

Religious Education

Fruit of the Spirit
St Lawrence’s Primary School has a historical tradition of implementing the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ Program, based on Galatians 5:22:
“ What the Spirit brings is different; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
We encourage all in our school community to weave these ‘fruit’ into daily life. These simple, clear values assist and enrich the lives of all. They help us become better people.
Year Three Reconciliation
Our year three students are beginning their preparation to receive the ‘Sacrament of Reconciliation’ this term.
This will start with a retreat day held at school on Thursday February 11.
The children may wear practical sun smart free dress for this day and bring their morning tea  and lunch as normal.
All the year classes will join together and spend a day working in groups on activities designed to introduce them to Reconciliation and what it is all about, as well as spend some time gathering in prayer and reflecting.
Sacramental Preparation Letter
In week three Year Three families will receive a Sacramental Letter about the Sacrament of Reconciliation from Father Gerard instead of having to attend a parent/child meeting.
This letter will also be published in the school newsletter.
Commitment Masses
There will not be a requirement to attend commitment masses for the Sacrament of Reconciliation as Father Gerard will instead hold a commitment service at school for our year three classes.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Saturday March 27^th, 3:00-5:30pm at St Lawrence’s Church.
A timetable will be sent out later in the term for this event. Parents will attend the church at their designated time and students will make their first reconciliation with Father and receive their certificate when they have finished.

Administration News

Important dates in 2021

Term dates:
Term 1-Monday  1 February (First day for students) to Thursday 1 April
Term 2-Monday 19 April  to Friday 2 July 
Term 3-Monday 19 July to Friday 24 September 
Term 4-Tuesday 12 October (Monday 11 October  is a Pupil Free Day) to Friday 12 December 

CATHOLIC DAY: Monday 23 August 

Pupil Free Days:
*Friday 26 February 
*Friday 4 June
*Friday 24 September 
*Monday 11 October 

Correct and Updated details 
It is very important that you inform the school office at the very earliest of any changes that would assist us in helping your child in case of an emergency.

• Current residential address (street address in addition to PO Box address, if applicable)
• Current mobile number
• Current email address
• Parent/Guardian Contact details
• Emergency contact details
• Medical information-allergies or other medical conditions and health care plans
• Any new/recent assessments and/or follow up information Educational, hearing, sight, OT, etc
  

Parking at School
Parents and Carers, we request your support in keeping our students safe…
Side Oval Pick up – children are not allowed to walk across the road on their own – parents/carers must walk across to the gate to collect children.
Kiss and Drop at Mary – Vehicles are no longer allowed to make a right turn to school if driving from the south along Chapman Road. A chain is placed at the entry to allow for vehicles that need to leave the school before school pick up. This chain is taken down as staff arrive at Kiss and Drop.
Parents who have not picked their children up by 3.25pm, will need to make their way to the school office, where thay can collect their children.
Parking behind the church — there is no parking available behind the church. That area is reserved for staff parking only.
Uniforms and haircuts 
It was great to see most students return to school with the correct summer uniforms. Our Uniform Policy is as follows:
BOYS - Summer
School grey shirt with school emblem on pocket and grey shorts. Plain all black school shoes/sandshoes or brown sandals. School hat.

GIRLS - Summer
School dress with emblem. Plain all black school shoes/sandshoes with white school socks or brown sandals. School hat.

SPORTS UNIFORM - Summer
School sports top and sports shorts. Plain all black sandshoes with white school socks. School hat. (old or new sports shirt acceptable)

HAIR: Gold, white or dark green scrunchies. Hair touching the shoulder is to be tied back. Hair should be of a natural colour. No extreme cuts or designs.

Parents and carers, if you have any concerns or queries regarding your child’s uniform, please feel free to contact your child’s class teacher.
Excursion Consent Forms
You will always be notified of excursions and incursions in advance. A written note will include enough information for you to prepare your child and inform their teacher of any issues relevant to their safe and full participation. But you will not receive a permission slip prior to each incursion or excursion.
Please bear in mind that it is your obligation to inform the school of any changes to your emergency contact and your child’s allergy information.

School Fees
If you are the current holder of a Concession Card, please supply the school with documentation of your benefit prior to Tuesday 10 February 2021.   If you have any queries, please contact the office 9968 2000.

2021 Class Teachers

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following children who have recently celebrated birthdays: Samson G, Ruben C, Evie A,  Mabel T, Miriam F, Daimon D, Tyde F, Aj G, Dominic Q, Prada P, Eamon C, Oscar H, Henley F, Charlotte E, Lyla-Rose M, Flynn L, Alexandra T, Miley K, Josephine M, Ashanti C, Koven H, Blake R, Max I, Lylah W, Danielle Marie E, Lucy H, Memphis W, Parker R, Jax H, Hugh L, Jorja R, Myla H, Hudson C, Elainey T, Alijah A, Cruz M, Miley C, Cassidy M, Tessa S, Charlie J, Abigail M, Will H, Max S, Harper R, Livinia H, Tessa C, Chloe W, Ella-Sandra M, Esmae O, Revis CD, Tess A, Danielle M  and Paige H. 

Merit Certificate receipients

News from Pre Primary

Community Notices

St Lawrence Netball team are in need of two volunteers to fill the co-ordinator role for season 2021.  We would like to nominate to Geraldton Netball Association in 3 weeks time and if we can't find a co-ordinator we will be unable to submit any team.
The role is busy at the commencement of the season but once teams are organised and coaches found, there is only approximately two meetings to attend and fees to collect.
Please consider taking on this position if your daughter enjoys netball.  
There will be a handover period with the current co-ordinator and all forms etc are done and equipment is stores at school.
Please contact the school office 9968 2000 if this is something you would be interested in.

BLUFF POINT DENTAL
The Bluff Point DTC had an internal water leak during the Christmas break and consequently the clinic is closed until cupboards/bench tops can be replaced. 
The Bluff Point DTC is closed until further notice. If you have an appointment, we will contact you to reschedule. In the case of emergency only, please contact the Allendale DTC 99214218 or the Rangeway DTC on 99214373.