This time last week we had just finalised the newsletter and had it scheduled to be published online.  As we were about to start eating our lunch we started hearing media reports of the lock-down announcement - How quickly our lives can be changed and how instantly we can be challenged to be resilient.  If nothing else, COVID-19 has certainly given us the opportunity to learn about being flexible and deal with change.

As a school community I think collectively we were able to cope okay through this latest circuit breaker lock-down.  As a staff we spoke about setting realistic expectations for families, while acknowledging each different family would deal with the short period uniquely.  In fact different children within the same family would engage in remote learning differently.  We continue to refine our preparation for any future short closures, with one acknowledgement being the likely inability to distribute technology to families.

Finally on the topic of lock-down can I publicly thank Mrs.Catherine Campbell and Mrs.Helen Moss (Relief Teacher) who at extremely short notice were able to lead the supervision of those children who had to attend onsite.  Also it is worth noting the flexibility shown by the school leadership team and staff as we quickly developed plans to take advantage of the three days.  I can report to the parent community that we were able to complete some professional learning in an accelerated form which will not only provide excellent learning outcomes for students but also eliminate the need for a future student free day.  The work the staff did was around the teaching and learning of spelling.  We hope to be in a position to share some of our learning with parents especially as we explore this further in our classrooms from Foundation (Prep) to Year 6.

Disappointingly over the weekend we had some criminal activity in the school and church.  Even though the situation was extremely frustrating it was reassuring knowing that our neighbours are keeping their eyes on our site and are fast to call the Police to attend.  It also shows how quickly technology has moved along with CCTV vision available to the authorities from both the new school system as well as from various neighbours.  Over a weekend where school leadership were heavily engaged in out of hours work due to the lock-down, it was unnecessary for them to be wasting valuable time being called onsite by the Police and the following formalities at the local station. So hopefully we are able to see a quick reduction of these types of occurrences not only at our school but also in other local places.

So finally, I hope everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of the upcoming weekend and appreciate the beautiful weather.

Take care, Dave

Today as a school we were able to celebrate our (delayed) Ash Wednesday Mass to acknowledge the commencement of Lent.  We thank Mrs.Colaciello for coordinating the Mass and all staff and students who had a role in the liturgy.

Please take note of these dates for your family calendar

Preps continue to have Wednesdays as rest days until Wednesday 10th March 

22nd & 23rd Feb: Classroom visits by Healthy Harold and Life Ed team.

5th March: Lumen Christi Athletics and Family BBQ (Back-Up date 12/3)

12th March: School Photos Day

16th March: Whole School Trip to Morwell Art Gallery

25th March: District Athletics (All students) at Yinnar (Back-up date 31/3)

On Wednesday some students represented the school at the 2021 District Swimming Carnival at the Churchill Leisure Centre.  Every student tried their best and we are waiting for the final results to see which race results and times have qualified them for the next level of competition.

We thank Mr.Watson for coordinating the team as well; as Mrs.Dosen, Mrs.Alesi and Mr.Stewart who were the supervising teachers.

Congratulations to Eddie, Klancey, Jack F, Kai, Blake B, Tyson, Hannah, Ellie, Shayla for being a part of the squad.

by Camryn Masters (School Captain)

##Footnote## Congratulations to Camryn and Kai on being successful in qualifying for the next stage of competition.

Just a reminder that the student leaders will have icy-poles on sale most days (weather dependant).  The cost continues to be 50 cents and it may be worthwhile to have a fifty cent coin in your child's bag as back up for those hot days.

The mental health benefits of having children actively involved in their local community are well known, as well as added health advantages of being involved in physical activity.  

We are extremely fortunate in Churchill with the collaboration of the different sport and recreation groups to operate under the banner of Active Kids Churchill.  If I had a magical wand it would be to do a magical swish to have every family involved in at least one of these groups, if not multiple connections.

I have personally experienced and interacted with many of these groups and clubs and cannot speak more highly of them.  If you would like further information please reach out to me or follow 'Active Kids Churchill' on Facebook as they regularly post updates and information from all the great clubs in Churchill.

Do your children a tremendous favour and get them involved and active ..... and I'm sure the parents and extended families would enjoy the social engagement that happens along the way.

Be a Blue Devil, Brave, Cobra, Cougar, Ram, Tennis or Hockey star this year!