Welcome to our second Schoolzine newsletter - I hope you find the format and functionality much improved from our previous newsletter, including the ability to switch the language in which the newsletter is displayed. We are looking forward to the release of the next stages of the system, including the online booking for this term's Parent-Teacher Interviews as well as electronic permission notes. This boost in our capacity to seamlessly link home to school electronically relies on families sharing their email address with us, and then being on the lookout for emails from us.  We understand this maybe might require a change in your online habits but we firmly believe that this system will boost our efficiency which in turn impacts student success.  We thank you for your support.

This week we have had some significant events, including our Opening Mass and a visit from Andrew Chinn.  We thank everyone who contributed to these events but especially our children who participated magnificently, making us very proud of them.

Today is St.Valentine's day, a day that has evolved over the years and throughout  different countries when we celebrate love.  At times we might feel that it is a sneaky marketing trick by florists and restaurants, the  roots of the celebration should be around acknowledging the people in our lives that love and care for us.  When I was working in Canada I was teaching a Year 8 class that was growing excited for St.Valentine's Day, while I was growing more nervous thinking about all the broken teenage hearts I was going to have to deal with.  Instead I experienced the most wonderful day where all the students exchanged cards and sweets in a similar way our children exchange Christmas cards and candy canes, with students interacting and reaching out to their classmates in ways they didn't regularly do.  I encourage all of us to reach out to those around us to spread a little love this St.Valentine's Day.

Around the school some things have began to happen quietly, including the first catch-up for those interested in what planning the PnF have in store for 2020, the fit-out of the chook yard by some hardworking students and the site meetings for our upcoming renovation.  Keep an eye out in future newsletters for further information or call in to the office to see how you could be involved.

Over the summer break we had some disappointing occasions when people accessed our site and caused damage, but with the terrific support of neighbours we were able to identify the visitors and they were spoken to by police.  The quick response by these community members and the Churchill Police was much appreciated, and we hope this may see a reduction in such inconvenient (and illegal) events.  We also had a recent occasion where attempts to gain entry were interupted by our school security system, and again neighbours provided additional footage that police were able to use.  If you notice trespassers on school property please contact 000 immediately, and during holidays a phone call to the Catholic Education Office would be appreciated.

Finally, can I extend my thanks to the parents involved in this year's sacraments program for their attendance and participation in the Parent Workshop held last week.  The guest speaker, Fr.Elio Capra, is both knowledgeable and entertaining and we trust that parents walked away with an improved understanding of what their children are learning.

We thank you for your continued support.

Dave Cooper