Hello to Students, Parents, Staff and Friends of St Matthew’s,
A warm hello to all our Students, Parents, Staff and Friends of St Matthew’s,
Unfortunately we find ourselves in the midst of another lockdown, be it only hopefully for three days of this school week. The unpredictability of the latest strain of COVID-19 has certainly made Lockdown Number 3 a necessity, whether we like it or not. I am sure you were like me on Thursday evening, looking forward to family events on the weekend, but cut short and not to be. Hopefully these measures will knock it on the head and we can resume back to our new normality once again and resume back at school and work as soon as possible. Hang in there everyone, we will get through this bump in the road together once again.
FAREWELL & OUR SINCERE THANKS
Last Friday our much loved and respected Administration Officer at the front desk Mrs Lina Fieschi retired from St Matthew’s. It was a sad day for all of us especially Lina as she has been the first person to greet you on the phone or at the front desk for 22 years. Her calm, gentle and personal nature was ever present in every greeting and response to our students, parents and staff and she knew everyone by name. Lina was a great listener and always asked how you were and showed genuine concern at all times.
Lina and her husband John are expecting their fifth grandchild and Lina wants to spend more time with them as we know they all grow up very quickly. I am sure Lina’s grandchildren will love having her around even more as well. Incidentally, their own children attended St Matthew’s as well, so her association is even longer again. So we say good-bye to Lina and sincerely thank her for her extraordinary contribution to St Matthew’s throughout those many years. May God Bless you Lina as you move into a different phase of your life.
RESCHEDULED & CANCELLATION
With the COVID-19 Lockdown we have unfortunately had to reschedule our Parent / Teacher Conversations to the following Wednesday 24th February. The aim was always to have it face-to-face and make it more personal for both parties concerned, where Parents and Teachers could initially develop their relationships so that we can work together this year and into the future. If the lockdown was to continue then we would revert to Google Meets instead. Parents will have the same timeslot as previously booked.
Tomorrow is the beginning of Lent and normally the whole school would come together to celebrate Ash Wednesday. This is a memorable event in the Liturgical year and it unfortunately has had to be cancelled. The students and staff sadly miss out on this significant occasion.
PARENTS & FRIENDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Last Friday morning 12th February our Parents and Friends Association gathered in our Family Room for their Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect their committee for 2021. Unfortunately last year with the onset of COVID and the Lockdowns they were very inhibited with their fundraising.
Even though we are currently in the midst of another lockdown they aim to be far more productive this year if the situation allows. We wish them every success with their fundraising which they do for further resources for our students.
Please find below the committee for 2021, which as you can see is quite extensive when you include the sub-committee. The vast majority are Mums, but there is one Dad, which is great. Any other Dads who wish to help are more than welcome. A huge thank you to all these parents who have volunteered to be a part of the P & F Association for 2021.
President: Lisa Gravina
Vice President: Faye Themistokleous
Secretary: Corinna Makdesi
Treasurer: Boon Chee Ho
Assistant Treasurer: Chamindri Karunaratne
Canteen Manager: Anna El-Khoury
Sub-Committee: Nadia Greco, Maria Conci, Dora Vescio, Melissa Ladiges, Jessica Saracino, Maria Mella, Mr Keshav Sharma, Anna Taylor & Jez Taylor
PLAYGROUP IS BACK
Welcome back everyone, we are happy to invite and encourage families to come to our playgroup every Monday and Thursday from 9am-11am. In the Family Room at St Matthew’s Primary School.
Playgroup is an effective program to engage families and children from 0-4years of age with the school community. There are many activities that can benefit your children in many different ways.
For further information and bookings, please call Bushra (Playgroup Coordinator) on 0451 474 773 or call the school office on 039359 5423.
Due to current restrictions there will be a limit of a maximum of 10 parents with their children for each of these sessions. Please be aware that all adults will need to wear a face mask during the time they are at playgroup. We thank you for your understanding regarding this. We are looking forward to meeting you very soon!
Finally, take care and remain safe by following the Lockdown instructions and hopefully we will see you all again on Thursday morning.
Bob Brown
Principal
