On Friday, the children and staff came to school in many shades of blue for our Vinnies Day. Thank you to everyone who donated food for those in need in our community; your generosity was overwhelming. Our day culminated with 42 Year 6 students, 8 staff, and 6 parent volunteers all braving the chilly Canberra conditions to experience what it would be like to face homelessness and sleeping rough. Our kinder courtyard provided the venue, with the canteen converted into a food kitchen where the children received noodles and a bread roll for dinner. The children were given time to build their shelters and attempt to sleep for 45 minutes. A great experience with lots of reflections shared before heading home just before 9:00pm. A special thanks to Miss Maddie Greenword, our Youth Minister, for her organisation of our Mini Vinnies sleepout experience.

The level of sickness across the staff and children is having a marked impact in several areas of the school. We have had to split several classes, and many teachers have missed out on essential admin time, putting an extra strain on those at school. Please be patient if you are waiting to hear back from a teacher or a member of the school leadership team. If you have a child who is not well, please do not send them to school. Last week we had lots of children away with COVID, and Influenza A and B.

Friday was Miss Erin O'Leary's last day in 4 Amythest as she opted to commence her maternity leave a little earlier than expected. We all wait with excitement for the arrival her baby, in the coming weeks. Parents will be advised of the class arrangements once a suitable replacement is found to take over the class from the commencement of Term 3

Mr Jason Smith has taken up a position as a senior school chemistry teacher at Merici College from the start of Term 3. Science is Mr Smith's area of specialty, and this was an opportunity he couldn't resist; he is very sad to be leaving at this time of the year and the community of Mother Teresa. We have valued Jason's contribution and commitment to our school, the Year 6 team and 6 Ink.

Families Leaving

If you know you will be leaving Mother Teresa in 2025 can you advise the school office as soon as possible. We have a growing waiting list with families keen for a place in 2026. 

Extended Holidays

A reminder to families taking extended leave to contact the office to confirm the number of days and if you are required to complete the extended leave application. When granted, a certificate is issued by the Principal and must be carried with travel documents.

The Semester One report will be released on Wednesday in Week 10. Families leaving at the end of the Term need to download all reports for safekeeping, as the Compass portal will be closed once a child is no longer enrolled. In line with CE reporting arrangements, there will be no formal comments included on the Semester One reports, only grades. The parent conference or personal plan meeting is an important time to learn about your child's progress. Please visit the Compass Conference tab to book a parent conference. Interviews are occurring in Week 9.

Have a lovely weekend

Carmel Maguire