I am very pleased to report that the vast majority of children have made an excellent transition back to school following the extended time of home based remote learning. Children are presenting happily at school and everyone is engaged with their learning. I do acknowledge that for some children it has been challenging to return to school. I want to reassure parents/carers of children that are finding it harder to return to school that the Nazareth staff are available to assist and support you and your child.  

All newly introduced procedures at Nazareth are in place and working well, however I am continuously evaluating and refining all procedures as required. I am particularly pleased with the new morning drop off and afternoon pick up arrangements. The morning drop off and the utilisation of the car park with 4 staff assisting children out of cars is running smoothly. Please be aware that if you are using the drop off area on Glider Ave (signage indicates No Parking) that the driver of the vehicle will be required to assist children out of the car. A staff member will be supervising children from the small gate as they enter the school. If you choose to park elsewhere on Glider Ave you may walk with your child(ren) to either gate on Glider Ave and say good bye to them at the gate. Please use the pedestrian crossing if crossing Glider Ave and remember the Bus Bay is not a drop off area (heavy fines apply from Council Rangers and/or Police).

The afternoon pick up arrangement is now operating very well. I thank everyone for your cooperation and patience. I observed yesterday that the traffic disruption on College Ave and Benson Ave has reduced significantly. The refinements of asking everyone to arrive only in your allocated time, adjusting the surname break down (2:20pm A-J, 2:40pm K-Z), no parking of vehicles and loading 5 vehicles at the pickup point, have all contributed to the efficient flow of vehicles. As stated in previous correspondence it is much safer to approach the car park entrance from the north along College Ave (as if driving from Stockland shops). School buses are still operating as per normal times and routes.

The new arrangement of continuous cleaning in the school throughout the day is going very well. Cleaning staff continually clean with appropriate detergent / disinfectant products high touch surfaces, door knobs and toilets. The normal scheduled cleaning still occurs after school hours. 

I am pleased to announce that our school canteen will be reopening next Monday. A new business, ‘Fresh Start Canteens’ will be operating the canteen. Please refer to additional information in the newsletter including opening times and menu. I wish to thank the previous provider of this service, Made Fresh.

During these challenging times it is easy overlook other important dates and events. This week is National Reconciliation Week and children in each class will be acknowledging this in a variety of ways. ‘Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation. At the heart of this journey are relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’ I encourage you to refer to the following link so as to gain a deeper understanding about the significance of this week.

National Reconciliation Week

Please remember in your prayers the many people who are in need during this current time.

Take care.

Peter Dempsey

Principal