Dear Parents and Carers

Thank you for the support and patience you have shown regarding the school’s enforcement of the COVID regulations. We are endeavouring to maintain a safe learning space for students and staff. Clearly, our number one priority is to avoid the lockdowns which have recently occurred at many Canberra schools. For this reason, we continue to err on the side of caution regarding the interpretation of the regulations.

I appreciate that for those not working in schools this may appear to be contrary to the direction in which Canberra is now heading.  When you consider however, that almost all of our student population remains unvaccinated, I know you will appreciate why we continue to follow this conservative approach.

Before School Drop Off
We feel comfortable that children are now familiar with the new playground arrangements instigated to minimize the risk of co-mingling. We are, therefore easing the teacher support at the Morning Drive Through. Please assist in the process by ensuring that your child is capable of leaving your car quickly and unassisted. If your child does require assistance, please park your car. 

Kindergarten Orientation Day

Yesterday we were joined by the 2022 Kindergarten children as they participated in their Orientation Day. Unfortunately, the day had to be scaled down in order to comply with COVID regulations, but nevertheless, the children still had an opportunity to meet our Kindergarten teachers and their classmates.

Next Wednesday evening our school will host an Information Evening for the parents of these children. The meeting will be held via Microsoft Teams at 7.00pm.

50^th Anniversary Symbol

Our Year Six children have been busy during Lockdown designing a symbol which we could use for our 50^th Anniversary next year. We intend to use the symbol on our marketing and email signature blocks.

The judges opted for a symbol which incorporated our crest, made mention of our history and was clearly designed by a child. This was a challenging decision because the standard of entries was very high.

Congratulations to Xanthe Lyras and Piper Freestone who jointly designed the winning entry.

Community Council
Next Tuesday will be the final meeting of our Community Council for the year. As has been the tradition at St Matthew's, the Council are thanked for their service at a Thankyou Meal.

It is a tangible way of showing our appreciation to Council members for their service throughout the year.

As always, next year we will be looking for new members to join the Council, could you give this some consideration and let me know if you are interested. The Council meets twice a term, during Weeks Three and Eight on Tuesday evenings at 6.00pm

Parent Teacher Interviews
Next Monday you will receive an invitation via Compass to make an appointment to meet your child’s teacher for an end of year meeting.

This meeting will be a precursor to the end of year Report which will include grades, but no comments and will also be transmitted via Compass. If you are still yet to sign up to Compass, please contact our Front Office.

May God bless you and your families 

Graham Pollard

Principal