Dear Parents

This time each year schools receive their class allocations for the following year. I am pleased to announce that our allocation for 2021 will remain the same as this year. Therefore, we will have two kindergarten classes next year. This is great news for our school community and gives us the opportunity to build on the wonderful work our class teachers are doing. Advertising and recruitment of teachers will commence early Term 4.

During these difficult times, the Catholic Schools Office is working hard to support schools and families so as Catholic education remains an option for all who choose it. Fee relief is available to families that qualify, so I urge you to pursue this if your family is experiencing trouble at this time. I also ask that you contact the school if you or your family are facing other challenges that we may be able to support you with. This will be done with the utmost privacy and confidentiality.

I am pleased to announce that Mrs Peta Sutherland will be teaching Year 1 fulltime next term. As previously announced, Mrs Clifford will be on maternity leave from the beginning of Term 4. I wish to thank Vanessa for her work this year and look forward to the news of a new addition to her family.

As we were unable to begin our Kindergarten transition this term on the school premises, Mrs Hocking and Kindergarten yesterday conducted an initial Zoom welcome for all our new students and families. They welcomed them with a song, were read a story, listened to a few Kindergarten students telling what they love about school then concluded with a song and dance. While it was disappointing that we couldn’t gather at school, it was a very creative way to welcome our new students. Thank you to Mrs Hocking and the Kindergarten students for being so welcoming.

As we move towards Term 4, we anticipate the possible easing of restrictions around COVID-19. One piece of good news we received this week is that Year 6 will be able to go ahead with a “graduation event” towards the end of the year. We look forward to when parents and grandparents will be able to visit the school once again. I will keep you updated with changes as they are announced.

Next Monday we welcome James Griffin MP, the state member for Manly, to our school. He will hear the two Bear Pit public speaking finalists deliver their speeches at assembly and present them with certificates. He will then talk with Stage 3 about the environmental initiatives the state government are putting into place with plastics and discuss ways in which we can be more environmentally responsible.

With only one week left before school holidays, the students are looking forward to a well earned break. The children have shown great resilience this term and maintain a very positive and happy approach to school. They deserve a well-needed holiday after next week.
 

Congratulations to the following students who received Merit awards this week:

KB:  Miles C and Ryker C
1B:   Ruby H and Sam T
1W:  Peter S and Annabel M
2B:   Audrey F and Tom S
2W:  Bobby P and Charlie B
3B:   Olivia R and Olivia J
3W:  Alana R and Sam C
4B:   Ed W, Katelyn W and Alicia M
4W:  Matthew C and Kieran H
5B:  Tristan D and Tahlia M
5/6: Dylan J and Eve S
6B:  Gemma B and Ollie F
PE:  William P and Lachlan D
Italian:  Maddison B,  Eve C, Max H, Tahlia M, Oliver S, Mya B,  Hayley O,
             Teddy H, Katelyn W, Edward W, Lucy W, Asher K, Bhavesh K, Sophia T,
              Ian G, Kayla B

Staff Professional Learning in the Scriptures.  
The Scriptures form the basis of all our teaching in Religious Education. Each module of learning contains core Scripture passages which are studied by the students. When reading the Scriptures students first recount the basic story. They then place the story in the culture of the time in order to add a depth of understanding to the Scripture. Students then gather the main message of the Scripture before trying to apply their learnings to their contemporary lives.  

This week our teachers engaged in a professional learning session delivered by Dr Dan White. During the three-hour twilight session teachers learnt more about the cultural influences which influenced the writers of the Scriptures. Dr Dan also engaged teachers in rich pedagogical practices which enhance deep and thoughtful learning. Thank you to our teachers for investing their time and energy in such an important professional learning opportunity.

Yours in Religious Education

    Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar

Please note that this week was the last week for borrowing and there will be no borrowing next week (Week10).

Kinder to Year 2 students do not need to bring a library bag on Tuesday.

If you are going away please do not take any St Kieran's library books with you.

The holidays are a great opportunity to catch up on reading but also check if you have any overdue books at home.

There has been some concern raised with police regarding the use of Pedestrian Refuge Island Crossings by young people. NSW Police have requested assistance in educating parents and students on the correct use of these crossings. Please click on this link from Transport NSW, Centre for Road Safety explaining the various pedestrian crossings and how they work. There are many pedestrian Refuge Island Crossings throughout the Northern Beaches area, many of these on the school routes. Further information can be found at
Transport for New South Wales- Pedestrian Crossings

This year the NSW Government’s annual Grandparents Day will be celebrated on Sunday 25^th October. It is an occasion to honour grandparents and seniors for their unique roles to family and the community.
 
Seniors have been some of the worst affected by social isolation during the pandemic so creating awareness for this Grandparents Day celebration is especially important.
 
The winner of the NSW Grandparent of the Year will be announced 25 October and will be invited to special virtual morning tea with the Minister for Seniors.
 
For more information and to nominate a grandparent for the local Manly Electorate please click here.

Tips and online safety advice for kids aged 5 - 12 years.

Football Factory Holiday Camps

For information regarding the spring holiday camps click here.

Manly Warringah Basketball

OzTag School Holiday Clinic