Dear St John the Apostle families,

What a great start to the school year we've had. After such tumultuous holidays, with hail storms and every changing COVID messages, we've all settled in well and been very, very happy. It has been absolutely lovely to walk through the school and see students engaged and excited about their new teacher, class and year levels.

Welcome to all of our new staff, students and families. Welcome to your chapter in the story of St John the Apostle Primary School. Thank you for choosing our community to be part of your family and child's story. I hope that it is positive, nourishing and a time of real growth and celebration.

Staying safe and healthy

Our staff and students have been careful and conscientious about

following our COVID safe practices, especially around cohorting. The playground is divided up and rostered, classes are keeping to their part of the school, many staff are taking lunch and recess in their areas of the school as well. We're working hard to reduce any accidental transmission between people should a case occur. Staying separate is challenging for a school who loves to be together.

Each day we'll send out a Compass message letting you know of any exposure between staff and students from the previous day. It's just a way of helping you know when to use the RATs.

Distribution of RATs

Thank you to all of the families who picked up the Rapid Antigen Tests provided for their family and thank you to all of the staff for assisting in packaging them up and distributing them.

The RATs are delivered to us a week at a time. Now that parents have seen the type of RAT that is being sent home we will distribute them each Monday in the bags of the eldest student in the family at St John's. If you would rather pick them up from the Front Office yourself, please let our Office Manager know and we will put your family's RATs aside for you.

Early and Late Arrivals

Teachers are on duty each morning from 8.20am and school begins at 8.50am. There's a big 30 minute window of time in which students can be dropped off. Many of them love to get to school with enough time to have a short play with friends. It often helps them settle in for the day.

If you need care for your child before 8.20am then please take advantage of OSHClub. OSHClub is open from 7.00am and provides a quiet, warm and caring environment for students. Those who attend early in the morning also have the opportunity for breakfast. Visit their website for more information.

The gates are closed at 8.50am and any students who arrive after the gates are closed must be signed in by a parent/carer at the Front Office. 

Congratulations everyone on a very successful first week of school. It takes us all working together to experience such a positive start. Let's keep creating a great story for 2022!