Students have begun the term in fine style in Junior School. The children have come back full of energy and excitement, ready to begin a new term of learning. Students have been goal-setting and working with their teachers on how to get the best out of themselves this semester. We have had some student and staff absences due to illness and Covid-19 and we expect this will continue for the foreseeable future. Please note the following COVID 19 processes are in place in regard to SEC:
- Physical distancing should be maintained where possible
- Students and visitors must not attend school sites if they are unwell and will be sent home if they show any symptoms of COVID-19
- Visitors and students should at all times maintain appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene
- Although we encourage visitors to wear masks on school sites, they are not required
- We ask parents to let the school know via principal@stedmunds.act.edu.au if their child/re-test positive for COVID-19 to help us in our planning
At this stage we will continue to invite parents/carers to community events/assemblies, etc. We will continue to communicate any adjustments as we respond and information becomes available. Please note that the following decision has been made by the College Leadership Team in relation to Year 5 camp.
Year 5 Camp Postponement – this camp was due to take place in Week 6 (22-24 August) this term. Given advice that this period may represent the peak (or the back end) of a Covid-19 wave, and our ability to secure another date, we have moved the Year 5 Camp to the 17-19 October (Term 4, Week 2). The new date hopefully represents better weather to assist in ventilation of the accommodation and increased enjoyment for the students, parent volunteers and staff members. We apologise for any inconvenience caused but we have decided to err on the side of caution for the safety of our school community.
NAIDOC – As part of our celebration and recognition of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, students were able to participate in a NAIDOC assembly and celebration last week. The smoking ceremony was a highlight as was a speech to the boys from current Junior School parent, Wendy Brookman.
Next week we will outline how our teams performed at a 5/6 Touch Football Gala Day and 5/6 Futsal Gala Day that was organised for today and tomorrow.
Heritage Round – Saturday 30 July. This Saturday we have home fixtures for Rugby Union with our good friends at Marist College Canberra. We want as many students at the games, particularly our First XI (Football) and First XV (Rugby) games, (both begin at 3pm) as possible. This is always a wonderful day on the school’s calendar and we encourage respectful and sensible behaviour. We have met with the students several times this week to go over expectations for this weekend and we would expect even better behaviour from spectators. Please chat with your son prior to the weekend about the importance of sportsmanship on days like this. So you can be really clear in discussing this with your son/s, I have included below some of the reminders that all students in Years 4-12 received this week.
We want you here on Saturday!
Appropriate dress – full school uniform including blazer (7-12 only) – the only exceptions are the boys who play late in the afternoon (close to First XV and/or Senior Football game times), otherwise if they are not in uniform they should not turn up. Junior School students can wear their Rugby or PE uniform and an extra coat if needed for warmth.
Appropriate sportsmanship – absolutely no booing or negative comments to the opposition or the opposing spectators in the grandstand or around the grounds (maintained before, during and after the game). NO booing in any circumstance. NO distractions when someone is kicking for goal.
Encouraging as many boys to be to there to support SEC on the day so that the grandstand is full.
We want OUR grandstand and surrounds FULL of spirited, loud and respectful support.
Follow any instruction given to you by a member of staff
We do not want any disrespectful mob mentality – that is not wanted here on Saturday or any other day.
We want a good day – that people can attend and enjoy.
BOOKWEEK (Week 6) – On Thursday 25 August all students in the Junior School will have the opportunity to dress up as their favourite book character. They will then participate in a parade to celebrate books and reading. This is a fun event which everyone is encouraged to be involved in so start preparing your costume soon. The theme is ‘Dreaming with Eyes Open’.
Homework Club – Mr Kelly will be running homework club from Weeks 1-9 this term on Tuesdays/Wednesdays. Please email him dkelly@stedmunds.act.edu.au with a day’s notice should you wish to book your son/s in.
Moderation Day 2, Thursday 18 August – Please note that as per the school calendar this is a pupil-free day. Teachers will be involved in professional learning on this day.
Hair Policy – Thank you to all parents/carers for keeping your son/s haircuts in line with the school’s uniform and hair policy. At times barbers may make mistakes. If they are informed of their mistake, many will fix the haircut (in line with our policy) at no extra charge. Could I please ask that all parents/carers familiarise themselves with the hair policy so that students can get about their daily work without teacher’s asking them about their haircuts. Thank you for your assistance with this.
Hair should be kept neat, tidy and clean at all times and not grown or styled into an extreme or exaggerated fashion.
Hair should be above the shoulder in length (above the bottom of the school shirt collar) and no shorter than a number ‘two’.
Students are not allowed to have lines or designs shaved into their hair nor grow long sections of hair that can be fashioned into ‘top buns’, plaits, dreadlocks, braids, ‘rats tails’, ‘mohawks’ or ‘mullets’ etc.
Hair should be evenly graded and/or blended, of natural colour, warn off the face and should not obstruct sight. Hair requiring to be tied back off the face may be necessary but only as a low bun.
David Kelly
Assistant Principal – Junior School