Dear Parents and Carers,

We are now moving towards the middle of the term, and our classes have been working in a settled manner during this week.  The warm weather is continuing and it is great to see children remembering to keep hydrated across the day.

Our parent information evening last week was a great opportunity to spend time with you as parents talking about the routines and learning of the classrooms during 2019 – thank you for your efforts to attend.

We live in a world where technology is a part of our everyday lives.  Following on from last week’s comments about the appropriate use of technology, I wonder how many have been able to create some tech free time at home each day?  Or how many have been having conversations about using technology to send or receive messages that are respectful of all?

Asthma Plans –There are a number of children who are making regular use of blue asthma puffers during the school day. Please be aware that if your child needs to have an asthma puffer at school then you need to provide the school with an up to date asthma plan.

Changes to routines – thank you to those families who are keeping us informed when there is a change to the routine at the end of the day.  This helps to make departures flow smoothly.

If there has been a change to the regular routine, please let us know.

Thank you also goes to those who have assisted us to reduce the number of interruptions during the day, – we ask that all visitors to school come to the front office, especially if you are dropping off lunch or classroom equipment or a message.  Please leave Messages/equipment at the front office, we will get these to your children in a timely manner.

Uniform orders – if you would like to order additional clothing for the coming winter term, please fill the attached uniform order and return to school by Friday March 15.

Nits are a sensitive topic – we understand that the incidence of nits is a sensitive one, however, I encourage all families to monitor and take action as necessary.

Be aware that there have been several cases of nits recently. Please check your children’s heads and take the appropriate actions.  Remember that shampoos only work if they are used at the right strength.  Good ways to prevent nits include:

•   Brush hair thoroughly every day
•   Tie back long hair
•   Check regularly for lice or eggs (nits) – take action as needed

People often say that regular use of conditioner is a very effective way to remove both eggs and lice.

All families are reminded that children whose hair is shoulder length or longer, should be wearing their hair tied back so as to keep the incidence of nits to a minimum.

Ash Wednesday - Next week when we attend Mass we will recognise the importance of Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a special season in the Church year. The forty days of Lent are a time for us to reflect on our relationship with God and others in preparation for Easter. Here is a list of ideas for special things you might do during Lent to mark this special time.

Schoolzine App – as you are aware we are moving to the Schoolzine platform for distributing information.  Please be aware that we will not be renewing the Skoolbag app.  Please take the time to install the SZapp as information is being distributed via SZapp and our website.

Glitches have been repaired and the newsfeed and calendar sections of the app should now be working.  Instructions for downloading the app to your smartphone are attached to this newsletter.

Our school calendar is updated every week and can be accessed through our school website at: www.stjosephsgrenfell.nsw.edu.au Please let us know if you are not receiving the Schoolzine updates once you have installed the SZapp.

Swimming Good luck to Ruby, Genevieve, Hamish and Xanthe who have all gained selection for the Archdiocesan carnival to be held in Narooma on Monday.

Book Fair – this year, our Book Fair will be held in March.  The books are due to arrive early next week, and we will be spending some time dreaming about what ones would be our favourites and we’ll send home some tips for suggested purchases for those who are interested in making a purchase.

Riding bikes at school – the children have asked if we could make use of the pushbikes during recess and lunch.  This provides another physical activity choice for our children during the breaks.

We use the space in the church carpark as our riding area.

Please speak with your children about the fact that there are some inherent dangers in bike riding, and choosing to ride, shows that it is understand that these dangers exist.

If you consent for your child to ride the bikes during the day at school, please return the attached note.

Sincerely,

Therese Clancy