An updated roadmap for schools was released this week with another in the week ahead. The changes are hard to keep up with! The good news is that from next week we can go ahead the swimming carnival, a P&F meeting, Monday morning assemblies and Kindergarten transitions with one parent present. Unfortunately, parents will not be permitted at the assemblies, swimming carnival (except possibly essential volunteers) nor on the school premises without permission. I will provide further updates next week as to what these changes mean to our school. 

Our students are continuing to re-adjust back into school life. In their words, they are grateful to see their friends, enjoying learning in the classroom and happy to be taught by their teachers! They also appreciate the enormous efforts made by their parents. As I introduced Ms Marsella to the students on Monday, these were the answers they gave when asked questions about the return to school. Ms Marsella also had the opportunity to meet the staff and begin the handover process in preparation for next year. 

Sacrament of Confirmation 

Our Year 3 students are finally looking forward to making the Sacrament of Confirmation over the coming weekends. Lockdown meant that this special occasion was put on hold indefinitely, but due to the work of our parish sacramental coordinator and priests of the parish, we are fortunate to be able to proceed without having to wait for a very busy Bishop Anthony. 

Tell Them from Me Survey (TTFM) 

The TELL THEM FROM ME survey was due to be closed today. As only a small number of surveys have been completed, it will be extended for another week. We invite you to participate in the survey which can be accessed at this link.    

Swimming Carnival 

Further to last week’s message regarding our carnival, we can proceed but with COVID restrictions in place. Manly Pool and CSNSW have placed a variety of restrictions, the main one being that no parents can be present. It is a big task to run a carnival without parent help, so we will clarify the use of volunteers shortly. In the meantime, start training and please complete the entry form asap. 

Remembrance Day 

Each year one of our Civics and Citizenship leaders presents a reflection at the Remembrance Day ceremony held at Manly Dam. Next week, Sienna Cole will deliver her speech on what Remembrance Day means to her. She will be accompanied by the other C&C leaders and Ms Bombardieri. Unfortunately, due to restrictions, the remainder of our students are unable to attend. 

Congratulations 

Erica K (4W) has been awarded Second Prize for a poster entry in the Great Kimbriki Compost and 4Rs Competition in the Year 3-6 category. Congratulations to Erica and to all the other students who entered.  

Harry D, Ben P and Jacob B have been selected from the Harbord Hammerheads to represent the Manly Warringah Under 11 cricket team. This is a great achievement in what is an extremely competitive selection process. We are proud of your achievement and dedication. 

God bless, 

   Michael Gallagher
   Principal

Confirmation
Over the next few weeks our Yr 3 students will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please remember these children and their families in your prayers. Our parish will hold eight Confirmation Liturgies over two weeks.

This has been a journey of learning and praying which was longer than anticipated. The students commenced their Confirmation learning journey last year in Yr 2. With refresher courses and Zoom the students are well and truly prepared and eager to celebrate their Confirmation.  Thank you to parents, parish and teachers who all contributed to the children’s preparation for this wonderful Spirit-filled Sacrament.

Following the Sacrament of Baptism, Confirmation represents one of the Sacraments of Initiation. Students will complete their Sacraments on Initiation next year in Yr4 as they prepare for, and celebrate, the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.   



St Vincent De Paul
Christmas Hamper Call Out
This Christmas we will again be supporting the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal. The St Kieran’s hampers have had a reputation for being extraordinary in their generosity.  Each year the need in the community grows and this year the hampers will be a little less grand but more in number. Hamper donation lists will be sent home today.

We request that all gifts to the class hampers be at school by Thursday 25 November. Parent helpers will check and close hampers, delivering them to the back of the hall on Thursday 2 December.  The Hamper Delivery Run, executed from the back of the hall and onto Gordon street, happens on Saturday 18 December from 8 -10.30am.  Families who have participated in the Hamper Delivery Run speak highly of the experience and positive effect on their family.

If you can assist in anyway, please complete the “Expression of Interest” linked to the newsletter.  All help is gratefully accepted and guided by a St Vincent De Paul representative.  



Artists Wanted 
To paint scriptural figures for the K -2 Religious Education Program.
Our new Religious Education program provides opportunities for the children to participate in structured play-based activities based on the Scriptures.
One tool for doing this calls for the use of small models of scriptural characters. We will provide the paints and a booklet of instructions on how to paint up the characters.

This is a relaxing activity that some parents may wish to have a go at. It greatly assists us setting up a character base of models for structured play. If you are interested in painting up a few or many, please contact the office, leave your details and I will send home the blanks and paints.

Yours in Religious Education,
     Mrs Kerrie Wetzlar

Leaving students: To assist with planning class groups for 2022 please complete this google form if your child will be leaving St Kieran's at the end of this year to attend another school. It is a government requirement that we send a student transfer note to the school they will be attending in 2022. Therefore we require information regarding any leaving students including Year 6 students. Please complete by Wednesday 20 October. 

In addition to the google form please notify the school in writing if your child is not returning next year (K - 5 only).

If you have a child starting in 2022 please forward their application to the school as soon as possible.  Applications are available from the school website. 

The closing date for the current issue of Book Club is Saturday 13 November.  Online orders only.

From 1 November 2021, the bus service provider in the Northern Beaches area will change from State Transit Authority (Sydney Buses) to Keolis Downer Northern Beaches.

Students, parents or carers applying for a School Opal card will need to nominate Keolis Downer Northern Beaches as their bus operator.

Students with an existing School Opal card will automatically have Keolis Downer Northern Beaches added to their travel entitlement.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out via this link.

The Canteen has reopened for online orders only.  Orders will be taken to the classroom for students.  There will be no over-the-counter orders or service. 
 
A note was sent via Compass earlier this week requesting volunteers for 2022.  If you think you may be able to help please complete the volunteer form. Grandparents are also welcome to volunteer.

I would like to say a big Thank-you to the following Volunteers for helping in the Canteen over the past two weeks!

• Alicia Unkovic
• Ann Camp
• Ally Browne
• Eleanor Hill
• Lauren Shaw
• Jenni Scofield
• Jasmine Orlando
• Domeniki Tsagaris
• Tammy Brichta
• Kate Foley
• Daniella Tivey

Thank-you,
Hannah Davidson
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