No.1

3rd February, 2020

WELCOME PREP 2020

Dear Parents, Welcome back to the new school year! A very special welcome to our new preps and their families. Early this morning we waved farewell to our Year Six Students as they set off on school camp to Jack River. I have headed off with them and look forward to spending time with them as they further develop their leadership skills and bond as a Year Six group. The Year Five Students will be involved in the Bike Education Program whilst we are gone and I know that you join me in wishing both groups a fabulous and safe three days experience. There is a lot of information to share with you as we start the year and so after ‘brainstorming’ what needed to be conveyed I have decided to list most details in point form so that you can easily refer back:

Welcome to the new families who have joined us: Isla, Jude, Ruby, Jonathon, Dylan and Frankie.

Welcome to new staff members: Miss Helena O’Donohue and Mr Andrew Malcolm

Tuckshop will return this Friday with ordering to be completed online (contact the office if you are having difficulty ordering)

Pastoral Care Services have resumed with Mrs Kathryn James. If you would like to know more about this work please contact the office for information and consent forms. Kathryn is aware that some children may be suffering anxiety especially after the recent bushfires and now the Corona Virus. Her general advice through this time is don’t let your children watch and become overwhelmed by the news/media at present.

School Open Morning: Rather than an Information Evening, we are trialling a Welcome to School Expo which will be run by the students and staff. Please pop this into your diaries and come along on Tuesday 18th Feb.9:00-11:00am.

Out of School Hours Care: We will be changing providers however maintaining current staff and pricing. Best Chance will continue with us until the new provider becomes operational.

Technology Agreements were sent home last Friday. Please read through with your child and discuss the implications so that your child is aware of the agreement that they are entering into.

Extreme Heat days and days of poor air quality are monitored very closely with inside playtimes implemented when necessary.

Year Six Badges, Jackets and Captains Assembly is scheduled for Friday Feb 14 at 8:45am

Review Year. This year the school will undergo the four yearly Review. This involves the staff working with an independent reviewer who then affirms and recommends improvements that could be implemented across the following four years.

School closure Days: In preparation for the Review, the school will be closed on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th of March.

58 Clegg Rd, Mt. Evelyn Ph: 9736-2219 Email: principal@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au

Siblings who are due to start prep in 2021, please collect an enrolment form from the office THIS WEEK as tours open to the general public shortly.

Program Support Groups dates and appointments will be made shortly. If you and your child/ren are involved in this Support Scheme, Bec Williams will be in touch soon to schedule an appointment with one of the Learning Diversity Team.

Year Level Newsletters have been slightly delayed as the computer system is rolling email addresses over. Please be patient and these information letters should be with you by the end of the week

Psychology Services are set to resume via Strong Minds Psychology

School Absenteeism: You are required to contact the school (email or phone) either prior to or on the day of absenteeism. It is also a legal requirement that you hand your child’s teacher a signed note of absenteeism once your child returns to school (an email does not suffice)

How Can I Assist My Child? Due to start next week, we will have a new tab on the front page of our website entitled just that. Each week, there will be a short paragraph from one of the leadership members that will focus on one area of your child’s education and development. As the year progresses, I welcome topic suggestions from parents.

CSEF applications are now available for completion. To be eligible for this payment you must be a

holder of Veterans Affairs Gold Card or be an eligible Centrelink Health Care Card (HCC) or Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) holder, OR Be a temporary foster parent.

School FEES/LEVIES will be generated this week and sent home via your eldest child. The envelope will contain your invoice your fee agreement which must be completed and returned to the school office along with direct debit/payment option forms.

Please read the update letter received from CECV regarding the Corona Virus (the fact sheet referred to is also in the body of the newsletter). Any child returning from mainland China (not including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) who was in mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 is to be isolated at home and should not attend school until 14 days after they were last in mainland China. This recommendation applies only to children who were in mainland China on or after 1 February 2020. It does not apply to students that left mainland China before 1 February 2020. As previously advised, parents of students that have been exposed to a confirmed coronavirus case or that have arrived in Australia from Hubei Province should ensure that their child is isolated at home and does not attend school for 14 days. Attached is an updated factsheet provided by the Victorian Government providing advice and information about the novel coronavirus. You can also access further information and updates from the following websites:

For Victorian updates to the current incident, go to: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus

For national updates: https://www.health.gov.au/news/latest-information-about-novel-coronavirus

For international updates: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus

WHO resources: https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus The well-being of your child continues to be of paramount importance to me and our school staff. I will continue to share information and advice about the coronavirus outbreak as it becomes available. Finally, Katherine Anderson: It was with great sadness that we farewelled Kat at a beautiful funeral service last Thursday. Kat was an active member of our school community and a loving mother and wife. Our support and love will forever be with Ben, Melia and Shayla.

Congratulations to our students of the week: PF: PR: 1/2P: Paige H 1/2M: Max J 1/2H: Finlay W/Dante Z 1/2D: Jasper R 3/4G: Ben G 3/4R: 3/4M: 3/4O: Leevi B 5/6B: Lachlan A 5/6T: 5/6P: 5/6F: Alexander M My best wishes for a lovely week, Angela Glennie, Principal

2020 DIARY

Term Dates

Curriculum Days

Thursday 5th and Friday 6th March

Monday 2nd November – (Day before cup day)

TBA (check newsletter)

Other Dates to Remember

Whole School information Expo – Tuesday 18th February 9.00-11.00am

Sacramental Information Night – Wednesday 19th February at 6.00pm

School Photos - Monday March 16th

Semester 1 Parent Teacher Interviews - Wednesday 25th March

Naplan – Tuesday 12th Wednesday 13th and Thursday 14th May for Grade 3 and 5 only

First Communion – Grade 3 – Sunday June 14th at 2.00pm

Confirmation – Grade 6 only - Friday 24th July at 7.00pm *Please check our website for new and updated information. Excursion and sports information will be sent home via your child and/or emailed to you.

2020 Victoria Public Holidays

Day Holiday

Monday 27th January Australia Day

Monday 9th March Labour Day

Friday 10th April Good Friday

Monday 13th April Easter Monday

Saturday 25th April ANZAC Day

Monday 8th June Queens Bday

Tuesday 3rd November Melbourne Cup

Friday 25th December Christmas Day

Term 1 Wednesday 29 January – Friday 27 March

Preps start Thursday 30th January

Easter - Friday 10 April – Monday 13 April

Term 2 Tuesday 14 April – Friday 26 June

Term 3 Monday 13 July – Friday 18 September

Term 4 Monday 5 October – Thursday 17 December

WEEKLY DIARY

Enrolment applications for 2021 Prep

For sibling children of current St Mary’s students, applications are now available at the office. To start primary school your child will need to turn five years old by 30 April in the year that they start school. Your child must be at school in the year that they turn six years of age. This is the compulsory school starting age.

Enrolments for non- siblings will be opened up once we cater for siblings first.

School tours for non-sibling enrolments will be running from Tuesday 3rd March.

School Vegetable Garden News

The garden is blooming with lots of vegies and flowers!

A BIG THANK-YOU to the parents who help in the

garden, including Liz, Alan, Ginny and Ilona who

watered over the summer holidays.

Garden club is run on Wednesdays, from 10.45 till

11.30am. New parents helpers are always welcome.

Please bring gloves and garden tools. All helpers are

required to have a working with children’s check. If you

would like to assist, please email ronnie.pritchard@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au.

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Tuesday. 28th January Wednesday. 29th January Thursday, 30th January Friday, 31st January

8.45am 8.45am 8.45am – 12.30pm 8.45am 12.30pm 8.45am

Staff Return for 2020 School begins for students level 1-6 School begins for Prep 2020 Preps 2020 School Assembly

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Monday, 3rd February Tuesday, 4th February Wednesday, 5th February Friday, 7th February

8.45am 3.30pm 8.00am 8.45am 8.45am 8.45am 8.45am

School begins Staff Meeting Grade 6 Camp Bike Ed Grade 5 Students Grade 6 Camp Bike Ed Grade 5 Students Grade 6 return from Camp Bike Ed Grade 5 Students Prep Rest Day School Assembly

2020 FEES

ST MARY’S require every year a new fee agreement form to be returned with your up to date payment details.

Always check your statements carefully and confirm they are correct. St Mary’s BSB/ACCOUNT Details

St Marys Primary School BSB 083-347 Account Number 676054930

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) For the Victorian public

Last updated: 1 February 2020 Situation The Department of Health and Human Services is working closely with the Victorian health sector, Commonwealth

and international agencies to respond appropriately to the outbreak of a novel coronavirus in mainland China.

This is a rapidly changing situation. Please go to: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus for

updates.

At this time, there have been confirmed cases in Victoria. If you think you may have novel coronavirus,

please call the dedicated hotline 1800 675 389. This hotline is serviced by Nurse-on-Call. Please keep Triple

Zero (000) for emergencies.

What is novel coronavirus? Coronaviruses a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases

such as MERS-CoV and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).

This novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Several known

coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.

Am I at risk? Australian health authorities have declared the people at highest risk of developing novel coronavirus are:

People who have travelled from mainland China to Australia since 1 February 2020

People who have traveled to Hubei Province, China in the past 14 days

Close contacts of confirmed cases of novel coronavirus

People who have attended a healthcare facility in China in the past 14 days.

Who is most at risk of infection with this novel coronavirus? Some people will not get sick at all, some will get mild symptoms from which they will recover easily, and others

may become very ill quite quickly. Because this is such a new infection, little is known about why some get sick

while others do not, and in whom there is a greater or lesser risk of serious infection.

Experience tells us that people with compromised immune systems, the very old and young and those with

diagnosed heart and lung conditions are most at risk of developing complications if they contract an infection like

this.

Healthcare workers are potentially at risk of infection if they are in close contact with a case of novel coronavirus

infection. As a precaution, advice has been provided to healthcare workers on simple steps to reduce the risk of

transmission. It is important to regularly wash your hands. Healthcare workers should wear a simple mask, gown

and gloves when assessing people who might have 2019-nCoV.

What are the symptoms of novel coronavirus?

People with 2019-nCoV are most likely to have a fever, and may have respiratory symptoms like a sore throat,

runny nose, cough or shortness of breath. While most people do have a fever, not all cases have reported this

symptom. More information is coming to light as people are identified with this new infection, so advice may change

over time.

How does novel coronavirus spread? Health authorities around the world believe the virus is spread from cases to close contacts, such as members of

the same household. There is evidence that people are infectious before they begin to show symptoms of the virus.

What areas are a risk for novel coronavirus? The situation is changing rapidly as more people are identified with this infection. At the current time, most cases

are occurring in people who have travelled from mainland China since 1 February 2020. It also includes anyone

who was in Hubei Province, China in the past 14 days. If other cities, areas or countries become a significant risk,

the department will update public information.

What is the Victorian Government doing about this problem? Victoria has a world-class hospital system that is well-prepared and rehearsed to deal with an escalation of cases

of any infectious disease.

The Department has long-established plans and processes in place to respond to pandemics or outbreaks.

The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services is working with health authorities across Australia and the

world to monitor and track the situation.

The Australian Government has announced travel restrictions and has advised that visitors from mainland China

who are not Australian citizens or permanent residents, or their families will not be allowed entry into Australia. The

Australian Government has also recommended that Australians should not travel to mainland China at the current

time.

The department has provided health services, health professionals and GPs with detailed guidelines on how to

protect themselves while assessing and testing patients suspected of having novel coronavirus.

A Victorian Chief Health Officer Alert on the issue was first issued to health professionals on 10 January with

regular updates from Victoria and the Commonwealth.

What should I do if I recently returned from mainland China? People in the following groups are advised to self-isolate at home:

• People who were in Hubei Province until 14 days after they were last in Hubei Province;

• People who were in mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 until 14 days after they were last in mainland

China;

Close contacts of confirmed cases until 14 days after last close contact with the confirmed case.

What should I do if I think I might have novel coronavirus infection? If you are ill and have travelled to mainland China, including Hubei Province, in the 14 days prior to onset of your

illness, you should call ahead to your general practitioner before attending and inform them of your concern. You

will then be isolated in a room, where available, and your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and where you

have travelled.

If there is a risk of the infection, your doctor will take a sample from your nose and throat and will organise for that

sample to be tested at a laboratory to determine if you have 2019-nCoV infection. You will be asked to isolate from

other people while this testing takes place.

Can my child go to school? Exclusion from school/childcare: In accordance with national public health guidelines and current information

about the coronavirus from the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer and the World Health Organization, the

following staff and students should self-isolate and are excluded from childcare and school:

• People who were in Hubei Province until 14 days after they were last in Hubei Province;

• People who were in mainland China on or after 1 February 2020 until 14 days after they were last in mainland

China;

Close contacts of confirmed cases until 14 days after last close contact with the confirmed case.

If you or your child feels sick and is within one of the three groups above:

Seek medical attention - but first place a mask on the student if you have one and call the doctor or hospital before

you go and tell them your child has been in mainland China or has had close contact with a confirmed case if

that applies.

Advise the hospital or doctor’s clinic that your child has recently been in mainland China and ensure a mask is

placed on your child before or as soon as you arrive at the medical facility.

Call 000 and request an ambulance if your child has severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, and inform the

paramedics that the patient has been in mainland China.

How do we treat the 2019-nCoV infections? There is no specific treatment for disease caused by novel coronavirus. However, many of the symptoms can be

treated and therefore treatment will be based on the patient’s clinical condition.

How do I protect myself and my family? The best way to protect yourself and your family is to pay attention to good hand and respiratory hygiene.

Cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing with a tissue, or cough into your elbow, dispose of the

tissue into a bin and then wash your hands afterwards. Wash your hands regularly, after using the toilet and before

eating.

If you have concerns about your health, please see your doctor.

Healthcare workers are recommended to consistently apply appropriate infection prevention control measures

(standard precautions) when looking after patients.

Do I need to wear a face mask? Face masks are not recommended for use by members of the public in Victoria for the prevention of infections like

novel coronavirus. Should any health professional be required to treat a suspected or confirmed case, they will be

supported by following standard infection control guidelines.

Where can I find out more information? For Victorian updates to the current incident, go to: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/novelcoronavirus

For national updates: https://www.health.gov.au/news/latest-information-about-novel-coronavirus

For international updates: https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/novel-coronavirus

WHO resources https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus

Child Safety Code of Conduct

St Mary’s endeavours to create and maintain an environment where child safety is paramount and there is zero tolerance of any form of child abuse. What is the purpose of a child safety code of conduct? A child safety code of conduct is intended to promote child safety in the school environment. A child safety code of conduct spells out professional boundaries and acceptable and unacceptable adult/child relationships and behaviour, professional development and training. A child safety code of conduct helps schools, staff and volunteers to raise behavioural issues. It provides a reference point for discussion when there may otherwise be confusion, uncertainty, or a lack of confidence about boundaries for appropriate behaviour with children. The code specifies behaviour unacceptable for a professional relationship between a teacher and a student. All parents, relatives and caregivers attending St Mary’s

Primary School to help within the classroom must hold a current Working with Children Check and must have read and signed the Code of Conduct. Please go to our website for more information. CHILD SAFETY CODE OF

CONDUCTS CAN BE COMPLETED AT THE OFFICE

Learning Diversity.

Diversity of Learning.

The role of Learning Diversity includes many things. It is a support for teachers to

further assist them in their work with your children. It is Tier Two Assessments to

support your child’s learning and charting their progress. It is participating in Program

Support Group Meetings (PSGs) and Personalised Learning Plan Writing (PLPs) to support

program development. It is completing the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data

(NCCD) for applying for funding.

What is a Tier Two Assessment? It is an assessment done in a one on one situation that

will target an area of need. It will be identified by a teacher and requested after a unit

of work completed in the classroom. The assessments can help identify children who may

need extra assistance to support their growth in learning or it can identify children who

may need further extension.

PSGs and PLPs are part of the support provided to children and their parents in relation

to the individual needs. Not every child need these extra support but if they do we will

contact you.

The NCCD is the government funding model and as a school we identify children who have

extra learning needs that require the assistance of extra support:

in teacher support, specialist furniture or aides to assist participating fully in the school

environment.

St Mary’s 2020 Fee Schedule _____ School Fees and Levies for 2020 have been set for the next year in accordance with the Principal, Parish Priest Accountant and the advice of the School Advisory Council. Please find the following notification for the 2020 fee schedule. Accounts will be generated and invoices sent home on 8th February 2020. Please contact the office if you would like to start paying 2020 school fees in advance.

FEE Schedule Prep to Grade 6

Family Fee: This charge covers a portion of re-current expenses, utilities, capital items and building maintenance.

Student Levy: This includes all classrooms materials, maintenance items, books, excursions and incursions (not the grade 6 camp).

Maintenance Levy Rebate: Your maintenance levy/working bee will be rebated when: You have attended a scheduled Working Bee or if you commit to a role as a P&F committee member.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES Scheduled to Grade 6

ENROLMENT FEE (New Families Only) Per family $100.00 on acceptance of your enrolment application. This will be credited to your account once enrolment commences.

CSEF (Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund)

Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. $125 per year

is paid for eligible primary school students, with $225 per year paid for eligible secondary school students. Payments

are made directly to the school and are tied to the student. Application forms are available from the office and should

be completed and returned no later than 1st March 2020. FOR MORE INFORMATION For the CSEF application

closing dates and more information about the fund visit www.education.vic.gov.au/csef

IMMUNISATION From 1 January 2016, families with children aged under 20 years need to have their children immunised (unless the child has an approved exemption) to be eligible to receive the Family Tax Benefit (FTB) Part A end of year supplement and child care subsidies. (Note: This does not apply to children aged under 12 months for the purposes of the FTB Part A supplement only.) Vaccine objection is no longer an exemption category for immunisation. Families with children that have a medical exemption (medical contraindication or natural immunity certified by a general practitioner, or participants of an approved medical research study) continue to be eligible to receive Child Care Benefit (CCB), Child Care Rebate (CCR), and the FTB Part A end of year supplement for that child.

SCHOOL FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Forms for periodical deductions weekly/fortnightly/monthly/quarterly either Direct Debit/BPAY or Credit Card will be sent home with your 2020 invoice.

Internet Banking: St Marys Primary School BSB 083-347 Account Number 676054930 (reference eldest child’s name)

Payment options available at the office – EFTPOS/Cheque/Cash Statements will be emailed at the end of each term.

2020 Family Fee Student

Levy

IT Levy Maintenance Levy

Rebate

TOTAL

1 Child Family 1350.00 315.00 100.00 100.00 1,865.00

2 Child Family 1350.00 630.00 200.00 100.00 2,280.00

3 Child Family 1350.00 945.00 300.00 100.00 2,695.00

2020 Camp Fee *Grade 6 Jacket TOTAL

Grade 6 Only 300.00 60.00 360.00

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) APPLICATION Form

School Name School REF ID

Parent/legal guardian details

Surname

First name

Address

Town/suburb State Postcode

Contact number

Centrelink pensioner concession OR Health care card number (CRN)

– – – OR

Foster parent* OR Veterans affairs pensioner (Gold Card)**

*Foster Parents must provide a copy of the temporary care order letter from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

**Applicants must provide a copy of the Veteran Affairs Gold card

Student details

Child’s surname Child’s first name Student ID Date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy)

Year level

I authorise the Department of Education and Training (DET) to use Centrelink Confirmation eServices to perform an enquiry of my Centrelink customer

details and concession card status in order to enable the business to determine if I qualify for a concession, rebate or service. I also authorise the

Australian Government Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide the results of that enquiry to DET.

I understand that:

• DHS will use information I have provided to DET to confirm my eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund and will disclose to DET

personal information including my name, address, payment and concession card type and status.

• this consent, once signed, remains valid while my child is enrolled at a registered Victorian school unless I withdraw it by contacting the school.

• I can obtain proof of my circumstances/details from DHS and provide it to DET so that my eligibility for the Camps, Sports and

Excursions Fund can be determined.

• if I withdraw my consent or do not alternatively provide proof of my circumstances/details, I may not be eligible for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund provided by DET.

• information regarding my eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund may be disclosed to the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services and /or State Schools Relief for the purpose of evaluating concession card services or confirming eligibility for assistance.

You are able to request access to the personal information that we hold about you, and to request that any errors be corrected, by contacting your

child’s school.

Signature of applicant Date / /

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Below is the criteria used to determine a student’s eligibility for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF).

Criteria 1 – Eligibility

To be eligible* for the fund, a parent or legal guardian of a student attending a registered Government or non-

government Victorian primary or secondary school must:

• on the first day of Term one, or;

• on the first day of Term two.

a) Be an eligible beneficiary within the meaning of the State Concessions Act 2004, that is, be a holder of

Veterans Affairs Gold Card or be an eligible Centrelink Health Care Card (HCC) or Pensioner Concession

Card (PCC) holder, OR

b) Be a temporary foster parent, and;

c) Submit an application to the school by the due date.

* A special consideration eligibility category also exists. For more information, see:

www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx

Parents who receive a Carer Allowance on behalf of a child, or any other benefit or allowance not income tested by

Centrelink, are not eligible for the CSEF unless they also comply with one of (a) or (b) above.

Criteria 2 - Be of school age and attend school in Victoria

School is compulsory for all Victorian children aged between six and 17 years of age inclusive.

For the purposes of CSEF, students may be eligible for assistance if they attend a Victorian registered primary or

secondary school. Typically, these students are aged between five and 18 years inclusive.

CSEF is not payable to students attending pre-school, kindergarten, home schooled, or TAFE.

Eligibility Date

For concession card holders CSEF eligibility will be subject to the parent/legal guardian’s concession card being successfully validated with Centrelink on the first day of either term one (28 January 2020) or term two (14 April 2020).

Payment amounts

CSEF payment amount

The CSEF is an annual payment to the school to be used towards camps, sports and/or excursion expenses for the

benefit of the eligible student.

• Primary school student rate: $125 per year.

• Secondary school student rate: $225 per year.

The CSEF is paid directly to your child’s school and will be allocated by the school towards camps, sports and/or

excursion costs for your child.

For ungraded students, the rate payable is determined by the student’s date of birth. For more information, see:

www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/Pages/csef.aspx

Year 7 government school students who are CSEF recipients are also eligible for a uniform voucher. Secondary

schools are required to make applications on behalf of parents so please register your interest at the school. How to

complete the application form

NOTE: ALL SECTIONS MUST BE COMPLETED BY PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN

1. Complete the PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN DETAILS section.

Make sure that the Surname, First Name, and Customer Reference Number (CRN) details match those on your

concession card. You will also need to provide your concession card to the school.

If you are claiming as a Foster Parent or a Veteran Affairs Pensioner, you will need to provide a copy of

documentation confirming your status as a temporary Foster Parent or provide your Veterans Affairs Pensioner Gold

card to the school.

2. Complete the STUDENT/S DETAILS section for students at this school.

3. Sign and date the form and return it to the school office as soon as possible. The CSEF program for 2020 closes on 26 June, 2020.

CSEF payments cannot be claimed retrospectively for prior years.

Queries relating to CSEF eligibility and payments should be directed to the school.

© 2020 Department of Education and Training

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Religious Education news:

Whole school Mass on Thursday 13th Februrary, 9am, to celebrate the opening of the new school

year. All welcome.

Sacramental information night is on Wednesday 19th February 6pm. If you child is making a

Sacrament this year, please attend to receive vital information and an enrolment form.

Please take some time during the week to make a visit to St. Mary’s church. Light a candle & pray for

any special intentions. Candles are available in the Church for a 20c donation.

Please contact Mrs Pritchard if you have any queries: ronnie.pritchard@smmountevelyn.catholic.edu.au

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School Procedures for the Bushfire Season

Fire danger ratings and warnings are used in Victoria to provide clear direction on the safest options for preserving

life.

Schools and children’s services listed on the DET Bushfire At-Risk Register (BARR) will be closed when a Code Red

fire danger rating day is determined in their Bureau of Meteorology district. Our school has been identified as

being one of those at high bushfire risk and is listed on the BARR.

Where possible, we will provide parents with up to four days notice of a potential Code Red day closure by letter

and SMS message. A Code Red day will be determined by the Emergency Management Commissioner no later

than 1.00 pm the day before the potential closure. Once we are advised of the confirmation of the Code Red day

we will provide you with advice before the end of the school day.

Once confirmed, the decision to close will not change, regardless of improvements in the weather forecast.

This is to avoid confusion and help your family plan alternative care arrangements for your child. It is also important

to note that:

No staff will be on site on days where the school is closed due to a forecast Code Red day.

School camps will be cancelled if a Code Red fire danger rating day is determined for the Bureau of Meteorology district in which the camp is located.

All bus routes will be cancelled.

On these Code Red days families are encouraged to enact their Bushfire Survival Plan – on such days children

should never be left at home or in the care of older children.

For those of us living in a bushfire prone area, the CFA advise that when Code Red days are forecast, the safest

option is to leave the night before or early on the morning of the Code Red day.

As part of preparing our school for potential hazards such as fire, we have updated and completed our Emergency

Management Plan.

What can parents do?

Make sure your family’s bushfire survival plan is up-to-date and includes alternative care arrangements in the event that our school is closed.

Ensure we have your current contact details, including your mobile phone numbers. Keep in touch with us by reading our newsletters and checking our website.

Most importantly at this time of year, if you’re planning a holiday or short stay in the bush or in a coastal area, you should check warnings in advance of travel and remain vigilant during your stay.

If your child is old enough, talk to them about bushfires and your family’s bushfire survival plan.

You can access more information about school closures on the Catholic Education Commission Victoria (CECV) and Department of Education and Training website – see <www.cecv.catholic.edu.au> and <http://www.education.vic.gov.au/about/programs/health/pages/closures.aspx>.

For up-to-date information on this year’s fire season, visit the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au or call the 24-hour Victorian Bushfires Information Line on 1800 240 667