Dear families,

I trust the children have had a great break and enjoyed a little more freedom from their screens and remote learning over the holidays.

You will have heard the information about our staggered return to school.

At this stage, unless instructed otherwise, we have begun to make plans for this return. The Victorian CHO today announced that masks will be a requirement for students in Years 3-6 and that they are recommended but not mandated for younger students. I will share more information about this in the coming weeks as I am sure this will cause concern for some of you and your children. I have included a short story here that you may like to read with your child. 

I ask you to please keep Dario in 3/4S in your prayers. He was recently diagnosed with Ewing's Sarcoma and is currently undergoing treatment. Dario will require surgery in the coming months but his family reports that as it was picked up early, the prognosis is positive. 

Congratulations to Blake and Jack's family as they welcomed baby Archer into the family. We hope Archer brings you all much joy.

This week some parents would have received an email (one email per family) inviting you to participate in a yearly survey. This survey is completely anonymous and provides us with de-identified information about what we are doing well as a school and what helps find areas we can improve on. Even though each family is given a code, this is so that if families lose it, we can re-send it without duplicating as we are only provided a finite number of these codes. If you did not receive an email but would like to complete a survey, please email me at sriccardi@smaltona.catholic.edu.au and I will email you a code and a link.

Earlier this week we sent out a reminder via Operoo from Fr Michael inviting your response to various proposals the Parish is currently exploring for the parish-owned land on Railway St N and Sargood Street. Please let me know if you’d like to have the letter re-sent to you.

Our canteen will re-open on Monday 18th October. Students in Prep will have access to place an order from their first day back.

Have a blessed weekend,

Sonia

• Take daily actions using our calendar and app
• Go deeper & learn more by joining a local group
• Spread the word on social media #OptimisticOctober

The office of the eSafety Commissioner has a number of parent webinars running in October and November:
Parent guide to digital technology and mental health and
Parent guide to online gaming
Click here for more information, dates and to register.

October is Mental Health Awareness month and the Werribee Hospital Foundation are encouraging the community to get moving and look after their mental health by participating in 5KOKchallenge. Click for information on how to register!

This novel appeal is simple and fun, and everyone can participate. It’s as easy as 1,2,3!

1. Register your details at www.whf.org.au or https://bit.ly/3sLMd3f and get ready to move for 5k’s for 5 days in the month of October.  Run, walk, ride, roll, swim or something else. It can be a casual stroll or try to beat your personal best.
2. Once registered, share your personalised online page with family and friends & help them support positive metal health initiatives in our community.
3. Start your tracker and get moving!  Take a photo at the end share your achievement. Be proud and upload a photo of your tracker and/or yourself with a big smile using #whf5kok

Kick back and be proud of yourself for keeping active and knowing that you've helped support something great.

100% of donations are attributed to supporting our community’s mental health services.