Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Friday we were blessed with a nice sunny day for our Walkathon. The children all had a wonderful day despite walking within a confined area. After they completed their 5 laps of the block, they all enjoyed a barbecue lunch and were given drinks and ice creams. Thank you to Mark Chifley for organising the Barbecue and Katie Tooth and helpers for cooking and all the staff who assisted. The results of the Walkathon will be announced at assembly in Week 4.

You may have noticed the Totem Poles which are on our school playground. Towards the end of last term, Cherie Kilburn and Lis Mertens organised for the students to paint the poles with the assistance of Frank Lindner. They look fantastic and are a reminder to us all that we are on Manggaada Yuin country. We thank Frank, Cherie and Lis for their work with the Totem Poles.

Today, Kinder celebrated one hundred days of school. Ms Cooper and the class came to school dressed in how they would look in one hundred years’ time. The children changed their names to ‘old fashioned names’ and enjoyed participating in activities with a one hundred theme and had fun making and eating fairy bread.

We have two additional pupil free days this term. This is a directive from CE to enable teachers to catch up on their Admin due to staff shortages. Parents please make alternative arrangements for your children. In case you missed the dates in the calendar or haven't read the note which was sent to all parents during the holidays, the dates are Monday August 15 and the last day of term, Friday September 23.

Just a reminder to all parents about school uniform. St Bede’s has a beautiful school uniform which the children wear with pride. Presently we are seeing variations to our uniform and hair styles which are not in line with our uniform policy.
Some significant points to note:

• During winter-school ties must be worn, Jackets and beanies must be navy.
• Hats are worn all year except for June and July.
• Black school shoes are to be worn with school uniform and white joggers with sports uniform.
• Hair must be kept clean and tidy and where longer than shoulder length must be tied back. Permitted hair clips and elastics must be in school colours.
• No hair dye may be worn in hair except under medical advice. Hair must be worn in a natural manner (i.e. no mo-hawks, mullets, skullets, razor cuts etc).
• Facial make-up may not be worn to school (except under medical advice).
• No facial piercing or jewellery may be worn. Simple studs in the ear lobe (one per ear). Wrist watches are acceptable.
• No badges, chains or brooches other than school badges may be worn. Exceptions may be made by the principal e.g. Sacramental badges.

It is the responsibility of every parent/guardian to check that their child is wearing correct uniform to school every day. St. Bede’s uniform is distinctive and sets our school apart in the community. It is important that staff, students and families work together to ensure that our school uniform is worn with pride and that we adhere to the list of uniform requirements. Uniform supplies are available from Muttons and they have ample uniform in stock. For the remainder of this term, each class in the correct uniform will be awarded 50 house spirit points each week and random gottchas will be handed to students. These points will be added to the tally for the House Spirit Shield which will be awarded to the winning house at the end of the year.

Below is a link to our uniform policy and uniform list for your quick reference.

Have a great week.

God Bless and keep safe

Principal

Our School Counsellor, Madi is available each Thursday, during the school term, at the school. If you think your child would benefit from seeing Madi please complete the online referral form at https://catholiccare.force.com/housing/s/school-referral-form.

Any concerns or questions can be emailed to Madi Madelyn.burns@catholiccare.cg.org.au and you will hear back on Thursdays. Or alternatively contact the school office for your concerns to be passed on.