Newsletter 17 - 24th October 2023

Welcome back to term 4 

We have a very busy term ahead as we come to the end of the 2023 school year, including the athletics carnival, Lego League competition and end of year report writing, and the updating of learning plans as well as end of year events.

First Eucharist

Eucharist is the sacrament that completes the process of initiation and is when one can fully participate in the Eucharist by receiving Holy Communion. Eucharist is unique among the sacraments, as it is at the heart of our faith. For Catholics, the Eucharist is a powerful way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ. At Mass, Catholics gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the ritual in which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ.

Students from St Patrick’s will complete the Sacrament of First Eucharist on Sunday 5th November at 5.00 p.m. at St Patrick’s Catholic Church Latrobe. We congratulate our students on completing their upcoming First Eucharist.

Uniforms

Earlier in the year, we conducted a survey amongst the school community to explore feedback on the current school uniform. As a result children in prep to year 2 have an option of wearing the formal academic uniform or the sports uniform every day.

The feedback for our traditional academic uniform was varied with some positive and negative feedback. The current traditional academic uniform has its limits when compared to uniform policies around Australia. Some states have introduced policies where the school uniform must:

• allow for active play
• comply with anti-discrimination legislation
• be affordable, functional and durable
• be consistent with health and safety considerations
• provide options including shorts or pants regardless of gender

The School Consultative Committee and the School Board have agreed to incorporate pieces in the current academic uniform to meet the above requirements. The change will include:

Winter Uniform

Girls

We have a large size range of traditional winter plaid dresses and skirts. To be able to continue this piece in the future, Midford has also been able to source the traditional winter plaid skirt and a pinafore.

The navy tights will continue to be a part of the uniform.

In keeping with the traditional academic uniform and the dark green, Midford has been able to supply tailored bottle green pants with elastic back for girls.

Girls will wear a white long sleeve blouse in a female cut. This will be worn under the winter dress, with the winter skirt and the traditional bottle green pants.

The boy's mint shirt will be phased out for girls.

The rugby jumper and the soft shell jacket will remain as an option.

In winter, the tie is optional but will be required at school events such as school photos and ANZAC day.

Boys

The boys' tailored grey pants will remain as part of the traditional academic uniform.

The boy's mint shirts will be phased out. A white shirt with bottle pinstripe in long sleeves will be introduced.

In winter, the tie is optional but will be required at school events such as school photos and ANZAC day.

The rugby jumper and the soft shell jacket will remain as an option.

Winter Sport Uniform

The PE shirt will be available in a long sleeve in 2024.

Summer Uniform

Girls

The summer dress will remain as part of the traditional academic uniform. 

Girls will now have an option of bottle green tailored shorts with elastic back. This will be worn with a female cut, short sleeve blouse. 

Boys

The boys tailored grey shorts will remain as part of the traditional academic uniform.

The boy's long sleeve mint shirts will be phased out. A white shirt with bottle pinstripe in short sleeves will be introduced.

The uniform will be on display in the office area in the next few weeks. The mint shirts will be phased out by the end of 2024.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask myself or Tameka Harris.

Midford - Uniform 

Midford is currently in the process of opening a shop front in East Devonport and once this is open will take over the selling of our uniform. They will continue to provide the full range of uniforms along with the new additional pieces. The shop will be open from Monday - Friday & Saturday mornings (opening times to be advised), they will also offer online ordering with both click & collect or delivery options available. The shop is due to open in January 2024 and at this stage, we are hoping that our Back to School uniform sales will be ready to purchase directly from Midford. We will keep families informed as we receive further updates from Midford. 

Have a great week!

Carmen Aylott

Principal