Dear Families,

Welcome to our first newsletter for the term, and it is an absolute pleasure to be writing this in a school full of children.  This year has been challenging on so many levels, but having the dull stillness of the yard during remote learning now replaced by the buzz and excitement of our returning children has been so good for the soul.

Can I begin by acknowledging the amazing efforts of those parents and others who have given so much to support the children working from home as well as to the staff who have demonstrated flexibility, stamina and creativity well beyond what would be expected.  However the biggest roar of congratulations must go to the children of Lumen Christi who have been so impressive in the way they have dealt with everything thrown at them.  This year has proven to be an almighty challenge but again and again I have had our Lumen Christi students shine.

Sadly at the end of term we received the tragic news of the passing of Alan Nestor (father of Hayden in Year 4/5, past students Ryan & Tyson) after a long and brave health battle.  Alan has been a parent at our school for many years and generously gave his time doing jobs around the school, often without being asked and always without looking for kudos.  We reach out to KAYLA, the boys and Alan's extended family to offer our collective sympathy.  We give thanks for Alan's contributions to Lumen Christi.  Rest in Peace Alan.

This term we welcome some new Learning Support staff to our school.  Mrs Julie Witnish and Mr Callum Stewart have commenced work this week and we offer them both a warm welcome and look forward to the contributions they will make in their time with us.

Over the school holidays we received information about the updated Ritchies IGA Community Card.  Attached is a flyer explaining the new system and we ask all families and friends to promote this among your networks to gather as many shoppers as we can to register and shop under 'Lumen Christi'.  The school receives 0.5% of your shop as a rebate which seems small but has so far contributed over $16,000 these past years.  Please get involved!

Today we have been able to finalise our Transition Program for our 2021 Preps after we have sorted through the various protocols.  the program has been emailed to enrolled families and is also included in this newsletter.  We look forward to welcoming our new recruits onsite starting from next week.

Finally, as we return to our school routines can I ask for you support in reinforcing with your children two key messages.  Firstly the need for everyone to continue to maintain strong hygiene habits (eg.hand washing, sneezing into elbows), and secondly the school expectations around school uniform (remember you need a school hat).

Have a lovely weekend, Dave

We offer of prayers for those who have died, their families and the sick.  We also give thanks for the skills and knowledge of those leaders and scientists who guide us in this time, especially those leading the medical research to deal with this crisis.

Our Lady Help of Christians, Patroness of Australia:  Pray for Us

Saint Mary MacKillop: Pray for Us

Saint Luke, Patron Saint of Doctors:Pray for Us

Saint Agatha, Patron Saints of Nurses: Pray for Us

At the most recent Parish Pastoral Council Meeting the Chair of the Group announced his retirement from the position.  Mike Answerth has served in the position for 16 years and has offered the Parish dynamic, enthusiastic and christian leadership to Lumen Christi.  As a foundation member of the Parish from the 1970s and his contribution has been nothing short of excellent and his clarity of thought, commitment and wise counsel will be sadly missed by us all.  In particular Mike has been a strong advocate for the need to continue to build the connection between School and Parish.  As a school parent, then school grandparent and staff-grandfather to Miss Jess, Mike and Marion have been wonderful supporters of the school.  On behalf of the school we thank Mike for his contributions, and in particular the mentoring and support he has offered each of the school principals he has worked alongside.

Mike's departure leaves a position on the Parish Pastoral Council and Fr.James extends an invitation to interested people to contact him or Mr.Cooper to discuss you future involvement as part of this group.

Jim's offering this month is titled 'Kindness'.  He reflects on the power of kindness and it's lasting impact, while he also mentions that at times we miss noticing acts of kindness.

Enjoy "KINDNESS" and why not make the effort over the weekend to both show it and notice it.

eSafety Website

https://www.napcan.org.au/

We thank families for their continued support this term.  We have received directions from DOSCEL to begin the process to re-evaluate our Camps, Swimming and Excursions Levy.  Obviously with the interrupted year we have experienced in 2020 many of our planned events have been postponed or cancelled.  

These important activities form part of our Learning Enrichment Program, and draw links to many areas of the Curriculum - with the Swimming Program mandated by the Victorian Government.  It is our intention to be flexible and adaptive to provide the students with as many varying experiences as possible.  As we receive more clarification from the State Government and businesses that conduct activities for schools we will be in a position to confirm our plans.

Therefore, once we can decide which events will not be able to take place in 2020 we will begin the process of rebating those families who have paid this levy.  The rebate will credit against each family's Fee Statement (this credit will go against 2021 fees), with funds returned to those families who will be graduating and leaving the school

Further information will be distributed to families as things become clearer.

Over the course of the school closures a number of Student Medical Management Plans have expired.  These typically are for Asthma and Analphyslaxis Action Plans, or medication plans.

If you are unsure if the school has a current plan or you know it is likely that your child's Asthma Plan has expired can you please use the next few weeks to organise an updated copy to be provided to the office.

If you require assistance or have questions please contact Lauren Wilson via email office@churchill.catholic.edu.au

This week the school distributed the following important emails:

Return to School - Term 4

Student access to TikTok – Important Information

Google Meets are serving a dual purpose.  They are an instructional time where teachers are able to provide deeper explanations of the the work set each day and also provide students the chance to asks clarifying questions. 

The other role they serve is to provide wellbeing support.  By hosting a daily Google Meet the teachers are able to provide a familiar school routine to the students while also allowing for informal interaction for the children with the staff and their peers.

The whole school Google Meets allow another opportunity to contribute to enhancing student wellbeing by providing a connection point to the school community.

The structure for next week's meetings will be:

- Daily 9am Meets for each class

- Wednesday 2pm: Whole School Catholic Identity Google Meet

- Friday 9am: Whole School Assembly Google Meet

The wellbeing of everyone in the home is of critical importance during Remote Learning.  The academic components of Remote Learning serve to ensure learning continuity as well as provide stimulation for the children during lock down.  Our concept of Family Well-being tasks is in place to provide parents with some activities, that link to our Specialist Learning Enrichment program, that offer flexibility and choice.

Families are encouraged to complete tasks together in a way that suits the demands of your household and resources.  They are not compulsory but we strongly recommend you prioritise finding some time to do some activities together regularly.  The resources provided are a sample menu and naturally we are quite happy for families to do other creative things together that we haven't even thought of.

Family Wellbeing Page on the School Website

Thank you to all our current Lumen Christi families that have submitted their enrolment forms for Prep 2021.  This term we begin liaising with DOSCEL to construct our 2021 School Budget so we appreciate your support in confirming enrolments as this helps shape our financial planning.  If you know of other new families planning on joining us next year please encourage them to make contact with us.

At present we are not able to host onsite transition opportunities due to the COVID-19 restrictions.  Once we have a confirmed return to school date we can commence reconfiguring our transition plans for our Prep 2021 class to maximise opportunities for them and their families to interact with the school and each other.

This year all enrolments will be completed on documentation provided by Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Limited [DOSCEL].  This support from DOSCEL enables all catholic schools to have a level of consistency but more importantly meet all legislative demands.

These forms are available online via the school website, and can be completed online PDF.  If you require further support or access to the forms for 2021 Prep Enrolments please contact the office.

Click here - ENROLMENT DOCUMENTATION