The Principal's Report
Flood Update and Support
As we all know, the past week has been an extraordinarily difficult and traumatic time for our school, Parish and wider community. The extreme effects of the weather and flood event we have experienced were not foreseen or able to be contained. We are very grateful that the people in our communities at this stage are physically safe and well, notwithstanding the massive impact that has been felt, and will continue to affect people we know and care for.
We want to reach out in support to all of you and others that you know, in whatever way we can. While you are certainly in our thoughts and prayers, we can also be of more direct assistance. Please contact us with anything that you feel you need so that we can help or direct you to where help can be found.
At a school level, we are able to assist with a number of physical things, but also with the security for your children of routine, safety and wellbeing. We know that this will be an ongoing concern for many families, and we are here to help.
At a Parish level, we are so fortunate to have people ready to assist with the vital first steps of families who have lost something or everything. Details for contact of people requiring immediate and ongoing help:
Phone: Parish Administration Centre 65887444
Email: communications@stagnesparish.org.au
Of course then we come to our community who want to help because many of us are still safe in our own homes and grateful to be able to help those in need. Please assist currently where you can through the Parish details below, as there is a dedicated team who are able to target needs. In addition, each school is collecting specific items to help with food supplies. St Joseph’s students can bring our school's specific items to their class teacher on our Out of Uniform day (see details below) and we will get them to the Parish for distribution.
Parish Support & Volunteering
Long term:
With easing of the weather, Parish would like to arrange teams to assist with the clean-up activities of devastated areas - please register your interest with the Parish if you can do this.
Short term:
- Accommodation for those displaced where possible in available Parish buildings and centres.
- Providing a place to have a shower, and wash clothes and a dry place to have a cup of tea or coffee at the Youth Hub Hall (Horton Street) and showers near the Parish Hall (49 Hay Street).
- Gathering supplies to distribute, of toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, soap, shampoo, conditioner and deodorant (smaller/travel size packs would be ideal). Please drop any items to reception at the Parish Administration Centre or the Presbytery.
- Donate to Parish Appeals: St Agnes' Catholic Parish Giving - Giving (stagnesparish.org.au) - money raised will assist those who need it now and when they return to their homes. Similar to the care packages provided to families during COVID and the bushfires, this fund is invaluable in helping those in need. Families with immediate needs have already been assisted with available funds.
Flood Relief - Out of Uniform Day
In support of the relief appeal, we will be having an Out of Uniform Day on Tuesday 30th March.
Many families in our Parish schools have been asking how they can assist those in need within our local community. The St Agnes' Catholic Parish Schools Flood Relief are currently coordinating collection of goods to support families. Note: as our own school community has been majorly impacted, donations are not requested from those who have lost homes, businesses and belongings.
Our school has been allocated cereal, long life milk and long life juice. We ask that students please bring one of these items on Tuesday next week. If you are looking to donate further, please click on the following link -
Kindergarten 2022
Our combined Parish Kindergarten 2022 information evening will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday 30th March 2021 at St Joseph’s Primary in our MPA. Any parents and carers considering enrolment for 2022 are invited to attend and find out about our Parish and the school they will be zoned for. Please share this with anyone you know and encourage them to submit an application as soon as they are ready, so that they can ensure an interview for their child soon.
Principal