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Dear Parents,
Welcome back to Term 3. It has been a smooth start to the term with many key events taking place. The first major event is the school’s participation in Wakakirri. This is always a highlight for our Year Five and Year Six students with 130 students involved this year. This Friday they have their dress rehearsal for all scenes and the whole school will get the opportunity to watch the show.
Next Thursday is their big performance at the Canberra Theatre and I am sure that their time on stage will be a key memory of their primary school life. The participating students choose to be involved and have given up many hours at lunch for rehearsals. Many staff members have given up their lunches breaks to work with the students while a number of parents and staff have been involved in creating props and making costumes. On behalf of the school community, I thank all involved for the effort they have put in to what promises to be a wonderful evening.
We wish them all good luck!
Parents are advised that the Annual School Report for the 2018 school year is now available from our website under the Our School tab then Reports and Publications.
Recently it has been noticed that a number of students are wearing ear rings that do not comply with our uniform policy. Our school uniform policy states that the only ear rings allowed to be worn are studs. This is for safety reasons. I ask parents to please comply with this policy.
Car Park Reminders for Private Property
We continue to have concerns raised by neighbouring properties of cars parking and/or driving through the properties during drop off and pick up times. Please be mindful of the residents and refrain from using the parking spaces on the properties located nearby.
Maths Problem
Congratulations to the large number of students who solved the holiday problem. It was quite challenging and I was pleased to see older students solving it themselves. The student drawn out for the big prise was Willem van Galen from Kinder Rose. Well done Willem! This week’s problem is below.
You Take the Cake
Chocolate cake is one of CJ’s favourites. Isabella does not like strawberry cake. Scott does not like strawberry cake or cheesecake. Maria does not like ice-cream cake. Each of the four friends has a different favourite. Their cake choices at the bakery are chocolate, strawberry, ice-cream or cheesecake. State each friend’s favourite cake. How do you know? Illustrate your solution.
A reminder that school lunches are provided by Subway on Thursday and Friday of each week. Children may order from a limited range of healthy options as listed on the order form.
Children wanting a lunch order must complete the order envelope and give it to their classroom teacher by 9am Wednesday morning at the latest. Blank envelopes can be collected from the front office or printed out by clicking on this Subway_Order_Form.pdf.
Parents must ensure that:
- orders for Thursday and/or Friday are handed to the class teacher by 9am Wednesday;
- the correct money is in each envelope (no change is given);
- each child has their own envelope;
- if you would like to order for both Thursday & Friday, you must have an envelope for each day;
- items selected are limited to what is on the envelope.
God Bless
Peter Hughes
Update from Community Council meeting held on 18 June 2019
The MTS Community Council (the Council) met on Tuesday 18 June 2019. Below is summary of the items discussed at the meeting. Minutes of the meeting will be available on the MTS website, following endorsement by the Council at its next meeting on 13 August 2019.
Continuation of the Catholic Schools Soccer and Netball Carnivals
Peter sought the Council’s advice regarding the continuation of the Catholic Schools Netball and Soccer Carnivals. The Carnivals were once considered a wonderful source of revenue for the hosting schools, however due to increased charges for hosting schools for oval hire, traffic control, extra toilets, etc. the cost to host the events has significantly increased. Smaller Catholic schools that are due to host are concerned that they do not have the manpower to host the events. There is also the expectation on staff to attend over the weekend, which is difficult for staff to manage due to personal and family commitments.
The Council agreed to the discontinuation of the Carnivals. Peter will provide MTS’ recommendation to ACT Catholic Principals. Boorowa will still continue.
The Council’s Strategic Plan
The Council will develop a Strategic Plan (the Plan) over the coming months to help refine the Council’s vision and articulate its goals and priorities. The Council will make the Plan available to parents upon finalisation.
Availability of school uniforms at Lowes Gungahlin
The Council was advised that some parents are experiencing issues purchasing summer uniforms from Lowes Gungahlin. Lowes is advising shoppers that the store will not ship summer uniforms from its warehouse during the current season. MTS will contact Lowes to try to resolve the issue.
Parking
A reminder to use car parks, car line and ‘drop and kiss’ zones as they are intended.
The Council has received concerns from parents that some families are parking in the car line/’drop and kiss’ zone to collect their children from the ELC. This is adding to traffic congestion and makes it difficult for those parents utilising the car line/’drop and kiss’ zone the way it is intended.
Please do not use allocated disabled car parks if you do not hold (and correctly display) a current Disability Parking Permit – it is illegal to do so. These car parks are designed for disabled families and children.
Committee updates
Social and Fundraising
- Pyjama day was held on 5 July 2019.
- Trivia night was a success, however the Committee expected there would be more in attendance (97 attended).
- Planning for school fair and community picnic (term 4) is underway.
- Nature play grant ($6,500) for the ELC was approved.
Building and Facilities
- The Committee held its first meeting on 21 June 2019.
Finance and Governance
- The budget is tracking well.
Netball
- Players have received their new kits and they look fantastic.
- Business as usual.
- All year groups are tracking well and there have been no concerns.
- The number of requests for acceptance into groups has declined, however this is to be expected as we approach the middle of the year.
Principal and ELC Director’s Reports
Peter and Clare provided an overview of what’s been happening across the school and the ELC over the past few weeks. Reports from both Peter and Clare also provided updates on enrolments, sporting events, building and facilities works to be carried out, etc. Full reports will be available in the Council minutes on the MTS website, following endorsement by the Council at its next meeting on 13 August 2019.
The Council’s next meeting
The Council will next meet on 13 August 2019 at 6:00pm. You do not need to be a member of the Council to attend. The more the merrier!
