Dear Parents and Carers

THANK YOU
Well we made it to the end of Term 3, what a mammoth team effort from everyone! This term we have certainly had some challenges but we have all journeyed through them together. I want to thank our parents for all you do for the children to assist your children with their learning. Thank you for your support of us and your children during this time. To our very dedicated and wonderful staff, on behalf of all, thank you for your work, care, and interest in our children. Finally, to our wonderful children - we all do what we do because of you.

Term 4 commences for all students on Tuesday, October 5. At this stage, we will continue to be operating with remote/online learning. St Bede’s will continue to remain open for children of essential workers and parents and carers who are unable to provide supervision for their children at home.

The children who are attending school may wear their winter uniform for the first two weeks, with the expectation that all students will be in their summer uniform from the commencement of Week 3. Remote learning packs for Week 1, will be available for collection from St Bede’s on Tuesday, October 5 from 9:00 to 3pm. They will be left inside the school gate for ease of collection.

At this stage we will be operating in a remote/online learning mode until October 25, when the staggered plan to return to face-to-face learning comes into effect on Monday 25 October. There will be many requirements in place for the students and changes to drop off and pick up arrangements but we will keep you informed next term, as we edge closer to return. Buses will continue to operate as normal.

The plan is for students to return to face-to-face learning with NSW Health approved COVID safe settings on school sites in the following order:

• From 25 October – Kindergarten and Year 1
• From 1 November – Year 2 and Year 6
• From 8 November – Year 3, 4 and Year 5

The Premier has said that if any local government areas are released from stay-at-home orders earlier than Monday, 25 October then schools in those areas will also return to face-to-face learning earlier. I am hopeful this could be our local outcome. Parents, please remember to check your emails and/or FaceBook, during the holidays, in case there are any changes. it was wonderful to see all our students wearing yellow for RUOK Day last Friday. We look forward to seeing all our students in their favourite footy colours tomorrow.

Congratulations to all our students on their efforts with Jump Rope for Heart, which concludes on Friday. We have raised $8359 which is amazing! A very special thank you to Mrs Katie Tooth for her wonderful organisation.

Please continue to keep in your prayers all those communities that have been adversely affected by this recent COVID outbreak. We pray that all in our Braidwood community stay safe and well. Have a wonderful holiday break everyone and enjoy your family time and break from the routines of school.

God Bless

Marylou Gorham
Principal

This week's music reflection is based on the concept of 'poor in spirit' - what does this mean? At the moment, it is easy to get caught up in how unfair things can be, especially when we must stay at home and away from our family and friends. We have to look for the good in every day and look for ways that we can celebrate this with others. As we enjoy our next two weeks of holidays, take time to enjoy the world around us. Go for a walk and appreciate this beautiful land we live on and most importantly take the opportunity to recharge and reconnect (digitally).