We have had a wonderful few weeks in the Junior School, with many activities taking place which the students have thoroughly enjoyed. Blessed with sunshine and warmth, the energy and colour certainly bring Barbreck back to life after a period of closed classrooms and lost time together, energy relished by both the students and staff.

Sovereign Hill

After a year without camps, our Year 5s set off last week for Ballarat, travelling back in time to the life on the gold fields. Life in the 1850s is such a stark contrast to the lives our girls experience today, so there was much learning, many new experiences and great fun to be had on camp.

The highlight for the girls is getting to dress up in olden day girls’ wear and to attend classes as they would have been in during that era in time.

Study tours are a positive influence on the girls’ learning. Visiting places such as Sovereign Hill offers the girls the opportunity to immerse themselves in the experience and imagine what life would have been like for the various people in the settlement.

Once again, our girls were wonderful on camp and all of the teachers related about how proud they were of the girls. Thanks go to Miss Wootton for organising and attending the camp, along with Miss Wardlaw, Mrs Requin and Mrs De Nardis for the wonderful care they took of the girls.

Cross Country

While our Cross Country Day was cool for spectators, it was perfect for our runners. As usual, the Barbreck girls took to the course with enthusiasm and a ‘can do’ attitude, with many girls running their personal best on the day. There were cheers and applause for all runners, and much encouragement from both their fellow House and classmates. The wonderful Barbreck spirit shone through on the overcast day.

It was also wonderful to have parents in attendance at the event. It has been so long since we could send an open invitation to parents, and seeing parents there really added to the excitement on the day. The enthusiasm was also felt by many parents as they commented on how good it felt to be able to see their daughter compete and cheer her on as well as show support at the event.

We look forward to seeing more parents at upcoming Barbreck events.

PFA Twilight Picnic

This event will be our first where the entire Barbreck parent group can come together to socialise, share stories and join with other families.

It will be a time to reconnect as a community after such a long period apart. I hope that all families will be able to join with us on this afternoon, Wednesday 10 March 4.30- 7.00pm.

Entry: Gold coin donation

Sausage Sizzle: $3

Ice-creams:     $3

Soft drinks:     $2

Payment in coin would be greatly appreciated.

Online Parent Information Evening – Puberty, protective behaviours and tricky questions

Every so often we receive notification of a good presentation for parents, and so I have included the information should parents wish to attend.

Sex Education Australia are running a special Parent Information Evening – Online.

The Let’s Talk: Parent Information Evening serves as a great refresher or introductory course. During this one-hour seminar, they will explore why puberty education is so important, how this education can be protective and help keep your children safe, as well as how to answer your child’s tricky questions.

Date: Tuesday 9 March 2021 at 7.00 to 8.00pm.

More information is available at Sex Education Australia

Out of School Hours Care

St Catherine’s School offers an Out of School Hours Care program to all ELC and Junior School families. The program is implemented by our provider ‘After the Bell’, and operates within the ELC building. Parents are reminded that if you need to use the Before School Care or After School Care service, registrations need to be made in advance with ‘After the Bell’. Please allow up to five business days for your registration to be processed before your child can begin attending the program. Registration is free. All families are encouraged to register so that you can use this service in the event that you are unable to pick up your child.

Before School Care – 7.00am to 8.45am

After School Care – 3.00pm to 6.00pm

Registrations can be completed via the ‘After the Bell’ website https://afterthebell.com.au/register-now/

Please phone 9758 6744 for all enquiries.