Welcome to Barbreck in Term 3, 2018 

An absolutely wonderful commencement to Term 3, 2018, is the reality of moving in on the first day of the term to the new Barbreck building! A long-term and much-discussed plan and dream has now become a reality. 

In the history of the St Catherine’s School, which spans more than 122 years, the brand new Barbreck building will bring the school into the educational future and the many learners who will benefit for another long, exciting time. To all the people involved in so many ways, who strove towards effecting the completion and the reality of a new Junior School facility, we express our deepest appreciation. 

A warm welcome back to all our existing students after what we hope has been a very refreshing and relaxing vacation mid-year. This term, we also welcome a number of new students in various year levels and trust that they will settle quickly in what is always known as a warm and embracing community. Thank you to all staff and students for the outstanding assistance offered at the end of Term 2, 2018. 

It is evident that the move from one well-established learning environment, to a totally new one, whilst maintaining rigorous adherence to academic and co-curricular commitments, timetables, duties, meetings, professional development and end of semester report preparation, creates an exhaustive schedule and requires total commitment from all staff involved. 

All of the above, from the office, to the classrooms to the specialty subject areas, did certainly occur! 

We applaud and deeply thank all the Barbreck staff. Determination, perseverance, integrity and energy, as well as humour and collegiality, were totally required. All evident at all times and indeed a professional privilege to observe. Students certainly assisted in any way they could and responded to all requests and tasks at age-appropriate levels, with sheer enthusiasm and excitement. The joy of watching students explore the new Barbreck on Thursday 21 June, for the first experience was amazing. Moments and comments of endorsement and wide smiles will be long treasured by us all. 

Welcome back to Ms Lisa Barker 

This term, we happily welcome Ms Lisa Barker back to St Catherine’s School as the teacher of Year 2I. Ms Barker will teach and care for the 2I students during the absence of Mrs Loretta Iacuone who is enjoying a well deserved Long Service Leave break. We are all excited to have Ms Barker back with us for some weeks to come. 

Year 6 are off to study Canberra

From Tuesday 31 July to Friday 3 August, the Year 6 will spend a very busy time in Canberra. The highly interesting itinerary and comprehensive study of Australian capital highlights and our government system as well as a well balanced schedule of recreational activities and fun, will see our students immersed in learning and enjoyment. Albeit in cold weather, the students and staff will be very busy and so many memories will be made. With accommodation secured at the Australian Institute of Sport, there is a balanced program of education and personal activities. 

Parent Teacher Interviews Thursday 26 July 

For all parents, with the exception of those with children in Year 2I, who wish to attend a Parent Teacher Interview, a reminder that the scheduled date is Thursday 26 July as previously advised, between 1.30pm and 7.30pm. Phone calls can also be scheduled with class teachers and/or specialist staff. 

Again, a reminder to parents that we can always arrange a time for parents to seek times with staff if there are some questions or concerns at any time throughout the school year. Please do not wait for a gazetted interview date if an earlier conversation is required. 

Interviews for Year 2I will be held on Thursday 6 September upon the return of Mrs Loretta Iacuone after her Long Service Leave. 

Pedestrian safety

We ask all drivers to be extremely mindful of the essential need, as always to drive safely and carefully and especially in areas where children cross roads. Parents are urged to encourage your children to use the pedestrian crossing in Heyington Place. Concerns are many and voiced purely for the safety of children. 

Drivers picking up children are urged to refrain from calling children to cross the road to get into the family car. Children are both tired and excited after school and inclined to dart across a road without thought. 

In anticipation, we thank all families for assisting us in this critical matter.