The 21st August is the Feast Day for Pope Pius X who is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children.  He allowed children to receive communion from the age of seven.

The second of ten children in a poor Italian family, Joseph Sarto became Pius X at age 68 in 1903. Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Pius stated, 
“I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor”

He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court. “Look how they have dressed me up,” he said in tears to an old friend. To another, “It is a penance to be forced to accept all these practices. They lead me around surrounded by soldiers like Jesus when he was seized in Gethsemani.”  As a result he abandoned most of the trappings of the papacy and lived a more simpler life as Pope.

COVID-19 CLEANING AND PRECAUTIONS

The health and safety of our students and staff is our priority. Please do not enter the College or send your child to school if either of you are suffering from a fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath.

 
What COVID-19 protection is in place for students?
We have implemented a range of measures to ensure we meet the public health advice. The following controls have been established for Term 3 and are subject to change:
● Students and staff who are not well must not attend school;
● Physical distancing of 1.5 metres is required by all adults;
● Cleaning frequency has increased to include daily cleaning of high touch surfaces such as desks, handrails, door handles, taps;
● Shared devices are limited and electronic equipment is wiped after each use;
● There are procedures in place to ensure that students wash their hands on entry to each class and before eating at recess and lunchtime;
● Hand soap and paper towels are available in each class where there is a sink available. Hand sanitiser is available in the areas where this is not possible;
● Posters reminding staff and students of the importance of social distancing and hand washing are displayed;
● Communal water fountains have been closed;
● Increased amount of fresh air inside classrooms is encouraged by opening doors and windows when suitable;
● No woodwind or brass instruments to be played in music classes;
● Incursion and excursions are permitted which adhere to the College’s COVID-19 Safety Plan;
● Volunteers are permitted but must maintain social distancing where practicable and must not enter if they are unwell;
● No indoor College assemblies or performances involving audiences are permitted which involve large gatherings of parents or adults – student assemblies are permitted;
● Strict hygiene controls are in place for food preparation (canteen) staff and their close contacts.

Parents and caregivers gathering before and after school
Adults congregating in groups on school sites pose the greatest risk of transmission of COVID-19. Please observe physical distancing and hygiene protocols when picking up and dropping off students. We ask for your support to maintain this.

COVID-19 Testing
The Tasmanian Government has expanded it's COVID-19 testing program and is now encouraging people to seek a COVID-19 test referral from a GP, or the Public Health Hotline should they have any of the following:
● fever
● runny nose
● cough
● sore/itchy throat
● shortness of breath

Where a member of the immediate household of a member of staff or student has chosen to seek a referral for a COVID-19 test from a GP or Public Health, that member of staff or student does not need to self-isolate unless the person who is tested returns a positive result.

Where a member of staff or student has been instructed from a GP or Public Health to seek a COVID-19 test, then that member of staff or student must not attend their school or any other CET premises until they have received their results and it is confirmed as negative.

Should the person who has been tested return a positive result then all members of the household must not enter a CET school or CET premises until the member of the household with the COVID-19 infection has been informed by Public Health that it is safe for that person to return to their usual activities, and other members of the household have completed their 14 day self-isolation period without developing COVID-19 symptoms or have been cleared by Public Health.

We appreciate your assistance to ensure that you keep yourself, students, staff and the College community safe.

SUBJECT SELECTION ELECTIVES GRADE 3-10 

It’s that time of the year again when students begin the electives subject selection process in preparation for 2021. Please see below the timetable in relation to this:

Thursday 27th August - Subject Selection Student Handbook available for all students Grades 3-10. 

Thursday 3rd September - Subject selection process goes online for all students in Grades 4-9.

Wednesday 9th September- Subject selection process closes at 5:00pm.

Monday 14th September - Grade 2 and 3 parents will receive a link to a Google form for completion of elective selections for 2021.

Friday 18th September - Grade 2 and 3 elective selections close at 3:00 pm

TASMANIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PARENTS COUNCIL

The TCSPC is offering a free webinar to families to hear first hand about the NAPLAN and MY SCHOOL websites.  Click on the link below for further details.

Mr Joseph Sandric

Acting Principal