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