2021 has been a very busy year so far and it has been wonderful to have spent most of our time on-site. The extended lockdown last year made us appreciate opportunities to hold events, to socialise and talk with people face-to-face. We commenced this year determined to return to as many events as possible. While some plans have been affected by COIVD, we endeavour to reschedule and ensure we remain connected with our wonderful School community.

Throughout the semester, the girls have continued to inspire us with their ability to adjust and adapt, taking changes in their stride. They have shown resilience and have remained a very happy school of girls. This is  evident when I see the girls arrive each day. They are very positive and happy in their outlook, keen to get into the classrooms and start the day, and will often reveal what they are looking forward to. This was apparent this week, as there were a number of activities that the girls were keen to work on including Year 4 attending Waxworks Museum, the House Gymnastics competition, Year 1 girls completing their wonderful information booklets on an animal of their choice, as well as counting to 100! It has all be so exciting!

We invite you to take a look at our ‘Barbreck, the Week That Was’ in this edition for these activities, and much more that occurred throughout the week.

We have delivered our planned program of learning and accomplished all scheduled units of work for Semester 1 despite the lockdowns. Having read all of the girls’ reports, it is encouraging to see that they are achieving well and have been working hard. Reports are scheduled for release on Monday. You will be notified when they are available.

I would like to thank the wonderful Barbreck staff for their continued dedication to the girls, our parents for their continued support of all that we do and to the girls for their work, their ‘can do’ attitude, their persistence and resilience and for inspiring us to always aim higher.

Long Service Leave

Mrs Iacuone and Mrs Schilte will be taking their well-deserved long service leave in Term 3 this year. Mrs Iacuone will be travelling to the Northern Territory where we hope she will take lots of photos of her adventures, while Mrs Schilte will be spending time with family and travelling to Queensland. I know you will join with me in wishing them a wonderful time and safe travels.

We have worked hard to find two wonderful people to take their places for Term 3. Ms Kristen Dhono Isworo will be taking Year 4I and Mrs Emma Stephens will be taking Year 3S. We welcome them both to the St Catherine’s community.

Readiness for Term 3

During this semester break, I encourage parents to:

• Prompt daughters to completely empty their school bags – they might need a clean!
• Check pencil cases to see if resources need replenishing.
• Check uniforms, especially hems.
• Check that all uniform items still fit – many girls are growing quickly.
• Encourage girls to clean out their study/work areas.

I hope that in this vacation period, families can spend some quality time together. I wish you a wonderful break and hope that you stay safe and healthy.

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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.

Please phone 9758 6744 for all enquiries.