Dear St John the Apostle Primary School Community,

Earlier this week I was in South Australia attending the funeral of my father in law. His passing was unexpected. I didn't return until yesterday. In the midst of my absence we have had a number of staff away sick, not with COVID-19, just following the advice of health professionals to stay home if unwell. I would like to express a very big thank you to Acting Assistant Principal Rebekah Brown and REC Stephanie Stewart who continued to lead the school during the ever changing climate this week. I am fortunate to have such an exceptional Executive Team (including Scott Suitor) to assist in guiding our community.

COVID-19 Update

Thank you to all parents and carers who are responding so positively to the measures in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Canberra and protect the vulnerable in our community from contracting the virus.

Thank you to parents who are keeping their children home when they are unwell or picking them up when they have become unwell at school and we have called. This makes a big difference.

Thank you to the students who have adpated to some of the strategies to increase social distancing such as suspending assemblies as well as morning and afternoon gatherings.

A few updates for parents and carers to be aware of:

• Today we introduced a social story to students to help develop an understanding around coronavirus and how they can help themselves and others stay healthy. Follow this link to view the social story.
• NAPLAN for 2020 has been cancelled across Australia. Students in Year 3 and 5 will not be sitting the assessment this year.
• The Archdiocese have suspended all first sacrament celebrations (penance, communion and confirmation) until further notice. Our excellent Parish Team are communicating directly with those families involved so please ensure they have your contact details to remain informed (Contact the Parish on 02 6254 3236, kippax@cg.org.au).
• School photos due to be taken next week have been postponed until August due to the large number of student and staff absences.
• The Cross Country Carnival in Week 10 has been postponed until we can gather again in larger groups.
• The Belconnen Region Swimming Carnival has been cancelled.
• Our Harmony Day performances have been cancelled and activities will occur in class groups.
• Our onsite music tutors are currently developing options for online music tuition for their current clients should the school be closed for a period. They will be in contact with their students' families regarding details when they have them available.

Planning for potential school closure

We are in the process of developing a detailed plan for delivering teaching & learning opportunities if the school is required to close for short, medium and long term periods. To inform our plan we need to know what capacity each family has for online learning strategies. While we plan to use a combination of online and hard copy learning materials it is important for us to know the capacity of families at this time. Below is a link to a very brief survey that will provide us with this information. A hard copy will also be sent home today. Use either the hard copy OR the link below, not both. Please complete by Tuesday, March 24.

Harmony Day

This Saturday is Harmony Day!

Have a safe, quiet and healthy weekend everyone. Though we are 'physically distancing' from others at the moment, go out and enjoy the weather before it really turns cold and keeps us inside!

Matthew Garton (Principal)