Aboriginal Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We commit ourselves to actively working alongside Aboriginal people for reconciliation and justice.

Dear Parents,

On Monday, 1st November the Church celebrated the Feast of All Saints. The feast of All Saints recognises all the saints – those who have attained the beatific vision in heaven – both known and unknown, in a single celebration. November is the special month in our church year when we celebrate, remember and give thanks for the lives of the people we love and hold dear who have died. We pray that they are now at peace with God. 

We imitate the saints because they offer examples of how to be disciples of Christ, and to ensure that those who remained offered models of discipleship which are relevant for the Church in all ages and places.

 As always, what the church believes is expressed in its liturgical prayers:

 “Today we rejoice in the holy men and women of every time and place.

May their prayers bring us your forgiveness and love.”

(Opening Prayer for All Saints) 

All Souls' Day is celebrated on 2nd November directly following All Saints' Day, and is an opportunity for Catholics to commemorate the faithful departed.

Remembrance Day

On Thursday morning students will acknowledge Remembrance Day. At 11am on 11th November, 1918, the guns on the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. The red poppies, a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day, bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War 1. Mr Tickle has prepared a prayer that will be celebrated in each classroom.

Congratulations and Good Luck Mrs Driver!

Today we celebrate Mrs Driver's last day at school as she begins the next phase in her life -  retirement! Mrs Driver has been an amazing teacher, mentor, support and friend to the St Carthage's School community for the past 22 years! In her role as Additional Needs teacher she has, at all times, had the best interests of students and their families at the forefront of everything that she does and she has been a fantastic advocate for getting the best outcomes for our students. Whether it be in applying for grants, liaising with outside agencies and practitioners, supporting families, teaching students or working with staff Kathleen has always carried out these roles in a professional and efficient manner. In her time at St Carthage's she has assisted many students to achieve their goals and she takes great pride in their achievements.

Kathleen will be greatly missed in our school and the wider community and we take this opportunity to congratulate and thank her on her vocation, not only at St Carthage's but in the many other dioceses she has taught in. For Kathleen this has been a career built on passion, commitment and a desire to achieve the very best for all students. Kathleen’s commitment to St Carthage’s has been exemplary. We give thanks for the years she has devoted to our students and our school.

Congratulations Kathleen and we wish you and Ron all the very best as you sail into the sunset on your next adventure!

World Teacher's Day

Last Friday we celebrated World Teacher's Day. This was a great opportunity to say thank you to our teachers who work tirelessly to ensure our students are learning and growing each and every day. In these COVID times we say a special thank you for meeting the challenges with the students always at the forefront!

Updated COVID Restrictions

All schools will operate on updated Level 3 settings for the rest of Term 4, with additional activities allowed in a COVID-safe manner.

Fully vaccinated parents and carers will be allowed onsite to assist in the canteen. Parents and carers must check in using the school check-in and show proof of
vaccination on entry to the school site.

Overnight camps or retreats are not permitted.

Year Six Graduation Dinner

Our Year 6 Graduation Assembly and Dinner is an important celebration for our students and we are working very hard to ensure that we can work within the guidelines and restrictions to make this happen. We will need to make some adjustments to our previous correspondence, however, would like to give all Year 6 parents and guardians as much notice as possible that we have received information that all parents and guardians attending these events MUST be double vaccinated and show proof before entry to the school.

Christmas Concert

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions prohibiting singing in schools we will not be having a Christmas Concert this year.

Welcome Back and Thank You

On Monday our school community is looking forward to welcoming back Mr Danny Hatchman who will be returning to his role. We wish to thank Mr Brendan Tickle for all his hard work, dedication and leadership in Danny's absence. 

School Email Accounts

We have had to remind some of our students that their school email accounts are for learning purposes only. Some students have been using their email accounts as a means to communicate with their peers socially. We ask that you support us and talk to your child/ren about the acceptable use of ICT at St Carthage's.

St Carthage’s Student ICT Acceptable Use Agreement

1. I can only use the computers and other school ICT equipment for my school work.
2. If I am unsure whether I am allowed to do something involving ICT, I will ask the teacher first.
3. I will log on only with the username that has been provided by the school. I will not allow anyone else to use my username and I will not tell anyone else my password.
4. I can only go online or access the internet at school when a teacher gives permission.
5. I will not use school ICT equipment for anything that is against the law; is wasteful of resources or which will inconvenience others. For example : printing more copies than needed; printing directly from the internet; downloading music files, games, videos, live sites or streaming; damaging or disabling computers or equipment.
6. I will only access and work on my own work, which is stored in my Google Drive.
7. I am aware the school can check computer files and monitor internet usage and emails.
8. I understand that using social networking sites (eg Facebook, Instagram, YouTube etc) are not accepted at school.
9. I know that using emails to communicate inappropriately or to access sites not normally allowed in school is not tolerated.
10. I understand that I must not, at any time use the internet, email, mobile phones or any ICT equipment to be mean, rude, and offensive or to bully, harass, or in any way harm anyone else connected to our school, or the school itself.
11. While at school, I will not attempt to search for things online I know are not acceptable at our school or make any attempt to get around, or bypass security, monitoring and filtering that is in place at our school.
12. I will minimise the screen and tell the teacher immediately if I see or hear anything on a website or receive any message that I don’t like or I feel is inappropriate.
13. I understand that I must not download or copy any files such as music, video, games or programs.
14. I understand my Personal Electronic Devices must be taken to the office before school and collected at the end of the day. Devices are not to be used after school; at bus bays and/or whilst waiting for parents/carers. If they are used at these times, I understand that they may be taken from me to be collected from the office by my parent/carer.
15. I understand that my Personal Electronic Device is my responsibility and that St Carthage’s Primary School will not accept any responsibility for any loss, theft or damage to the Personal Electronic Device at school, at school events or in transit to and from school. 
16. I will not connect any device (such as USB drive, camera or phone) to the school ICT network or run any software without a teacher’s permission. This includes all wireless technologies.
17. I will not use any device to take photos of others without their express permission.
18. I understand I am responsible for the material on the Personal Electronic Devices. I also understand that the school can view the contents stored on these devices.
19. I will ask my teacher’s permission before giving out any personal information online. I will also get permission from any other person involved. Personal Information includes: name, address, email address, phone numbers and photos.
20. I will respect all school ICT equipment and will treat all ICT equipment with care. This includes: not intentionally disrupting the smooth running of any school ICT systems, not attempting to gain unauthorised access to any system, following all school computer user rules and not joining in if other students choose to be irresponsible with ICT, and reporting any breakages/damage to a staff member
21. I understand that if I break these rules, my computer privileges may be withdrawn for a period of time deemed appropriate and that the school can take further disciplinary action.
22. I understand that my family may be charged for any repair costs.
23. I understand that failure to follow this agreement may result in me being unable to use technology at school.

School Uniform

We have noticed some students are not following the school requirements in regards to their uniforms. I just wanted to remind everyone about our uniform requirements.

Uniform

The wearing of correct school uniform is compulsory. A note to the school is required if your child is not in correct uniform.  Permission must be sought for a child to be excused for longer periods (e.g. medical reasons).  

Please label each item of clothing clearly. 

Sports Uniform

Jewellery:

Girls may wear one set of either plain sleepers or plain studs in their ears.

Boys/Girls can wear a Cross or Medal.

Leather jewellery is not permitted.

Colour House shirt:

Children are to wear their Colour House shirt to represent their colour house at School Sports Carnivals (swimming, athletics, cross country etc.) and on selected week days specific to each year level as advised at the beginning of each year.

Hair:

Both boys and girls are to tie back all longer hair styles. Once hair gets to a length that it can be tied back it needs to be tied back. There is to be no coloured hair for both boys and girls.

Canteen Volunteers

Mrs Barratt is looking for volunteers to help in the Canteen. If you are able to help please let the school know. Please note all canteen volunteers must be fully vaccinated and provide proof of this as per the COVID-19 Guidelines.

Student Attendance

We ask that if your child is absent from school that you either add an attendance note in your Compass portal or phone the school office. Please do not email or message the class teacher as this information needs to go through the School Office.