​Junior School News T2 W8 2021

As Semester 1 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the power of our community at Faith. Together, we guide and grow your child to CREATE and FLOURISH as part of the journey to become the very best “ME” that they can be. Our kids continue to show their passion, commitment, determination, courage and care each day, both inside and outside the classroom. All of this has happened because of our dedicated staff and supportive families.

Together we are part of something great, something that we call the ‘Faith Difference’. Community isn’t about everything going smoothly, it isn’t about everyday being amazing – it is about being there for one another, lifting each other up with our words and remembering that our community is our culture at Faith. Culture is not something that just happens, it is something that each and every person connected to Faith builds and is responsible for. You play an integral part in creating, building and maintaining the Faith difference. So, let’s stand with each other, inspire and encourage each other and take time to connect with one another. As you get tired of making school lunches or your child loses their hat just one more time, remember to reflect on how far they have come this year and how much they have grown. Remember to say thank you to a staff member or parent that has helped you over the past 2 Terms or just been there to share a smile with you on a tough day. Remember that we have the Faith Difference because of what you do and say as part of our community every day.

EARLY DEPARTURES – Our administration office is a very busy place, and we are seeking your assistance in regard to last minute changes of collection for students. If you need to phone the office to change your pickup time to before the school bell, we ask that you advise us of this prior to 2:30pm. If you are requiring early collection and have not advised us before 2:30pm we ask that you wait for your child to finish the school day rather than collect them early. It is important that our students engage in the entire school day and do not miss important afternoon learning discussions or reflections of their day. Of course, if you have an emergency you can phone after 2:30pm and we can assist but as a general rule you need to have advised us earlier in the day if you require early collection for your child to attend an appointment. School finishes at 3:00pm each day, if your child is leaving earlier than this it should only be for a medical appointment or preapproved reason that you have advised the office of in writing.

CAFÉ FLOURISH PREPAID COFFEE CARDS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE – Need a coffee after drop off? Café Flourish is open each morning from 8:00am – 8:45am, so if you have time take a moment to connect with another parent or a new family in the school. Sometimes we do not have a gold coin available so you can now purchase a $10 coffee card for the Junior School Office which is the equivalent of 5 coffees at the Café. We look forward to seeing you there to connect with someone before the holidays commence!

ABSENTEES

As the Term draws to a close, we get tired and we get busy, but it is imperative that our students are at school each day unless they are unwell. When you phone in to advise your child will not be attending, the reason needs to be that they are too sick to be here. It is a legal requirement, under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, for all children to attend school each day. Let’s work together and encourage our students to be resilient on the tired days and keep coming till the end. Days off for medical appointments, therapies etc need to be approved by the school not just assumed that we know. If there are any regular times that your child needs to leave early, arrive late or not attend, these must be communicated in writing so that we can determine if they are a school approved absence or unapproved absence. This is important for both your child and your requirements regarding school attendance. We want to partner with our families to support each child’s individual needs however in order to do so we must have lines of communication open and work together regarding absenteeism, appointments and any other challenges regarding school attendance that your child is experiencing.

MEDICAL DETAILS

Have you logged into Parent Lounge lately to update your child’s medical details? Perhaps their regular medication has changed? It is critically important that any medication your child takes daily is conveyed to the College and listed through Parent Lounge, even if the medication is only taken before school or at night-time. In an emergency, if we were ever required to call an ambulance for your child, we need to be able to provide information to the emergency service workers of any medication your child is currently on. Thank you for helping us keep these details up to date so that we are in the best position possible to care for and support your child.

PRINCIPAL’S TOUR

We have an upcoming Principal’s tour of our Junior Campus on 23 June from 3:30pm – 4:30pm. If you know of any families interested in joining the Faith Community in 2022 and beyond, please encourage them to attend. They can register their attendance by clicking on the following link:

https://www.faithlutheran.qld.edu.au/enrolments/principals-tour-js

JUNIOR SCHOOL DISCO – Save the date!