Onsite Learning Roadmap

As we continue to work through the return to school roadmap, our priority is the health and safety of students, staff and our community. There will be a phased approach to returning to school as we know it and this will be done following the advice of ACT Health and the ACT Education Directorate.

We will continue to work through this week by week and understandably some term 4 events that we have become accustomed to may not be able to go ahead. We are working hard to ensure that we can still have important end of year transitions, preschool and kindergarten information evenings and of course year 6 graduation.

Stay tuned as we continue to work through these important events.

Staffing News

• Congratulations to Rebecca Swiridziuk who has won the Business Manager's role at Evatt Primary School. Rebecca comes into this role following Jo Davies retirement earlier this year.

• Congratulations to Oliver Cashman who has won the School Secretary position. Many of you know Ollie as he meets and greets in the front office every day and we are thrilled to have him in this job permanently.

During the remote learning period we said goodbye to some highly respected Evatt staff;

• Deb Bissell who has worked at Evatt Primary School for 28 years, most recently as our school librarian retired in October. We thank Deb for her wonderful contribution to our school for many years.

• Blake Macdonald has moved into a new role in disability care after 5 years at Evatt Primary School. Blake has been a cherished LSA who has supported many of our students over the years.

• As shared with our Year 1 Playful Pandas earlier this week, we welcome Maddi Powderly as the classroom teacher who is replacing Casey Purcell. Casey has commenced maternity leave following the birth of her baby, little Tommy.

Canteen Update

Unfortunately due to a large amount of restrictions placed on school canteens at this time, it won't be viable for our canteen to operate this term. The canteen may operate for one-off meal deal days which are loved by our students and this will be shared with families when they happen.

A big thank you to April and Ash who did a great job in our canteen prior to lockdown and also a big shout out to Tracy who continually provides time and support with our canteen and across the school.

Christian Education in Schools Cancelled for Term 4

To any Parents or Carers who have opted in to the CEIS program, please be advised that CEIS has made the decision to cancel all CEIS sessions for Term 4. This is in respect of the current COVID-19 situation, the challenging term for school staff and students, and the recommendations provided in both documents: ACT Public Schools Term 4 Plan and Health Guidelines for Schools (ECEC, OHSC). It is also in respect of CEIS volunteers and the structure of CEIS sessions, that would not meet the recommended guidelines.

Stay and Play sessions for 2022 Preschoolers

We have planned some optional Stay and Play sessions for you and your child to come along to. All 2022 preschool children will be welcome to attend these sessions with a parent or carer. They will be held between 9am to 11am, every day in week 10 (December 6 through December 10).

These sessions are a great opportunity for you and your soon-to-be-Preschooler to get to know the Evatt Preschool staff, become familiar with the preschool environment, and meet some other Evatt families.

There are no announcements from the School Board.

Canteen Closed for Term 4

As shared by Michael Hatswell above, the canteen will be closed in Term 4. We look forward to re opening when possible!

There are no announcements from the SSIT.

Applications for student travel in 2022 opened on Tuesday 12 October 2021.

Students who need a School Opal card or travel pass for 2022 can apply now. A new application will need to be submitted if they are applying for a school travel pass for the first time, or if they are requesting an additional travel entitlement as a result of a new shared parental responsibility situation (e.g. joint custody).

Students who change address, school, campus location, or who have repeated a year or received an expiry notification from Transport for NSW for their school travel entitlement should renew or update their details before the end of term 4. This will ensure that schools can endorse applications and current entitlements are updated and remain valid. School Opal card holders will have the changes applied to their existing card.

If a student’s distance eligibility has changed based on their grade the system will automatically update their entitlement if they meet the new criteria. If they do not meet the new eligibility criteria, they will receive an expiry notification via email.

Students who have an entitlement approved under a medical condition that is due to expire will receive a notification advising them to re-apply.

Term Bus Pass holders will receive a notification to re-apply.

Students in the Opal network applying for an Opal card (including a Term Bus Pass) for the first time will receive their Student Opal card at their nominated postal address. Cards will be mailed out from January 2022.

Students living in rural and regional (R&R) areas should receive their travel pass at the start of the new school year from their nominated transport operator. It may come via the school or be sent directly to them at home. Note: some R&R operators do not issue travel passes. Students/parents should confirm with their nominated operator if they do not receive a pass.