Week 8 is Wellbeing Week, and we take the opportunity for a little reflection time and acknowledge all that we are grateful for. Students (and parents) have the week off from written homework. For staff, we do not hold a formal staff meeting in Week 8 and often take the opportunity to gather for a social activity. Hopefully you can replace homework time this week with a family activity and enjoy some time together.

As we head into the final weeks of Term 1, things are still busy with a few events yet to take place, including the St. Patrick’s Day Mass on Saturday 18th. Please join us if you are able.

Over the next two weeks our students in Year 3 and 5 will participate in NAPLAN. Students will start with writing on Wednesday, Language Conventions and Reading on Thursday and Numeracy the following Monday. We wish these students all the best for NAPLAN.

Just a reminder that supervision of students in the mornings begins at 8:20am. If your child arrives at school prior to this time they must sit under the library in the eating area. Class teachers use this morning time up until 8:20 am for continued preparation. If you would like to see your child’s teacher in the morning please let them know and they will set up an appointment time with you.

Once dismissed at 8:20 am, students then have time to put their belongings away, check in with their teacher and friends and spend some time playing before the class bell rings at 8:35 am, and be ready for learning at the 8:40 am bell. If your child does arrive after 8:40 am, please remind them to go into the office to collect a late slip.

Staffing Update

I am very pleased to announce that Luke Mason has started with us at St. Clare’s, filling the grounds and maintenance position. Luke has much experience with maintenance and after just one short week has the grounds looking better. We will also welcome Janine Burns to our staff, filling the recently advertised position for a School Learning Officer. Janine has extensive experience in Education Support and will begin with us this week. Please join me in welcoming both Luke & Janine, both of whom I am sure will bring great value to St. Clare’s.

Evacuation and Lockdown Procedures

As part of the school’s emergency plans it is important that we practise procedures for various emergencies that could occur within the school. 

The emergency lockdown procedure. During lockdowns students and staff stay inside the rooms and await further instructions. The signal for this procedure is music which is played across the school’s PA system. Evacuation procedures are in place for fires and other threats to buildings. Students and staff are aware that the sound for this drill is a siren through our PA system. When they hear this siren students as well as anyone else on the school site are expected to evacuate the buildings and assemble on the school oval to await further instructions. Class rolls are taken at this time to ensure that all persons on site are safe. As part of school compliance, we are required to practise both of these drills during the year using different scenarios. If, at any time, a drill has taken place and your child becomes anxious, please let your child’s teacher know so that we are able to support students.

Prep 2024 is very nearly full, with just a few spaces left.  If you have a child born between 1/7/2018 and 30/6/2019, your child is eligible to start Prep in 2024. Please go to our website to complete an online enrolment - https://www.stclares.qld.edu.au/enrolling/enrolment-application/. Interviews for 2024 will commence in Term 2.

Blessings for the weeks ahead,

Karran Burzacott
Principal