DEVICES AND PHONES FROM HOME

Each year we require parents and carers along with their children, to read and sign to acknowledge their agreement to follow the school policy and protocols on the appropriate use of technology. While we know that technology is a wonderful tool for communication and learning, students in Primary school are still learning how to use this safely and respectfully and it is the responsibility of parents and staff to play their part in monitoring this. We remind parents and carers to adhere to the signed acknowledgement in the user agreement, while supporting their child to do the same, or students will be unable to have a device at school. Our full policy and agreement are readily available if you need to refer to them.

This week we draw your attention to the commitment made by families and students when signing the agreement around mobile phones (see excerpt from policy below). Staff will be checking in the next few weeks that these are in fact being used in accordance with the agreement (the main part of which is being handed into the office at the beginning of the day). It is parents’ and carers’ responsibility to also abide by these protocols.  

Mobile Phones

Students are discouraged from bringing mobile phones to school. However, it is appreciated that for some health monitoring reasons and after school communication for working parents, etc. it may be convenient for your child to have a mobile phone. We do advise parents and carers to contact the office if a message needs to be passed onto children. Please do not attempt to contact children whilst at school. If it is necessary for your child to have a mobile phone at school, then the following rules apply (unless it is for medical reasons): 

• The phone is switched off upon arrival at school (contact during the day should be directed through the office).
• The phone may be switched on after the child has left the school grounds.
• If a child does not abide by these rules, the phone will be confiscated and taken to the front office to be collected by the child at the end of the school day.

SPORT ACTIVITIES IN TERM 4

Updates to the way in which schools will engage in sport activities from 1st November to the end of Term 4 have been communicated to schools this week. There will be a little more flexibility in how we can utilise sport opportunities in our school setting, but still limitations on how we can experience sport outside of the school setting. Many pathway sport events have been postponed and cancelled across the year, which has been really tough for our students, but out of our control. 

In addition, due to defined conditions that schools must follow around venue use, numbers, travel and mixing of cohorts, we will not be engaging in previously planned swimming activities for Term 4. We had been planning for what we could possibly do behind the scenes, but had not yet communicated what this would have looked like to families, due to our understanding that restrictions would not be loosened until at least 2nd December. We are also aware of financial pressures on families, so didn’t want to ask for commitments to activities until we were sure of what was happening. No families will be billed for swimming activities for Term 4, but we will plan ahead and communicate with you around what the start of 2022 will look like with the preparation for our Swimming Carnival. 

P&F Colour Explosion Fun Day

As we informed in last week’s newsletter, the P&F in collaboration with the school are planning for our 2021 Colour Explosion Fun Day. As we are ever optimistic, while also being practical, we are working on the new date being Tuesday 7th December. Our hope is that easing restrictions will allow families to join us on site for this event. If this is not possible, it will go ahead with students. We will continue to inform you of the progress as we prepare.

Celebrating Our Faith

Socktober Success!!!

Thank you to all for the incredible support for Socktober which has managed to raise an amazing $3,428. This total has absolutely eclipsed previous Socktober efforts ($452 last year) in a show of amazing support that highlights the school community’s mission to make a difference to the world. Despite our own struggles during a challenging time of lockdowns, we have still been able to find ways to support those in need. 

Socktober Shootout!!

Our Socktober campaign came to a head with a great finale; The Socktober Shootout!! Students kicked goals for their Sports House in an effort to take out the inaugural "Socktober Cup”. The students have enjoyed making their own sock balls and placing themselves in the shoes of children who come from poorer nations. This has helped students develop greater empathy for children in need. 

We are pleased to announce OXLEY as Winners of the Socktober Cup. Please see below for the Shootout results tally.