Welcome to Term 4

We warmly welcome all St Catherine’s students and families back after the two week break. It was really wonderful to meet up with all the girls upon their return and certainly, they assisted us to heartily welcome the new students who have joined us this Term. 

Arts Festival

The last week of Term 3 saw a fabulous week of opportunities to experience African drumming under an artist-in-residence, as well as a variety of engaging art and French activities. The artists-in-residence who visited us, have kindly agreed to return in Term 4. The constant and heavy rain in the final week of Term precluded the painting of the planned mural outdoors which was also part of the Arts Festival.

Barbreck was abuzz for the week with the usual timetable altered significantly to accommodate the various special sessions.

Much learning occurred and will be long remembered, but it all looked and felt much different!  Special thanks to Mrs Melissa Dods, Mrs Virginia Guest, Mr Andrew Gold and Head of Art at St Catherine’s School Mrs Brigid Weereratne.

We look forward to the much anticipated mural painting in Term 4!     

Conversations about 2017

With respect, families are asked to be cautious about conversations regarding School class placements and teachers in 2017.

Term 4 is a busy one and we earnestly want the girls to be focused on learning and to complete tasks and activities and enjoy the ‘now’. We still have much of 2016 to go and definitely much to do!

Conversations about teachers and classes can provide a distraction and a sense of anxiety for students. Staff Year level allocations are not confirmed until near the end of the year.

With regard to class placements of students, please note that Barbreck staff undertake this task. Placements are made according to many factors including an academic balance, consideration for learning behaviours and self management skills. Students will always want to be with particular peers, however there are occasions when friendships, whilst appealing, do not necessarily work well when mixed with classroom learning!

Parents are asked to leave decisions of these kinds to class teachers. Class teachers observe students on a daily basis as do the specialist staff in their sessions. 

Important Organisational Reminders and Details:

 Absence from School Absentee Line:  98283021

When a student is going to be absent on a School day, parents are asked to call the Absentee Line on 98283021 and leave a recorded message. Please do not leave the message elsewhere in the School or on another phone line. Absences are recorded in official School attendance records by 9.00am.

Barbreck email address

Please note that barbreck@stcatherines.net.au will now be available for parents to email absentees and to relay any student information or messages. This email will be accessed by the Junior School Office.

Medication Consumed at School

Please note that if students are to be administered medicine of any kind at School during the day, an email to barbeck@stcatherines.net.au needs to be sent, or a hard copy suuplied to the Junior School Office. This needs to have authorisation and clear instructions.