Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers,

Welcome back to the start of a new term. It has been lovely to see some sunshine and warmer weather starting to happen.

With the start of term four we are returning to the summer uniform and the wearing of hats when outside.

We have had a lot of questions about the uniform with the change of name in 2027 and I want to give you an update so you are aware of what is happening.

The design of the new logo and branding for Our Lady of Sion Catholic Primary school is being managed by the architects who have designed the new school. Once this is finalised we can then decide on the uniform and put plans in place with the supplier.

For now, I have spoken with JSM and any current uniforms purchased for the next year will be sold without a logo. JSM does have a small amount of stock at the store with a logo and this can be purchased if you wish. We also have second hand stock at the school and Anna Baynes does an amazing job in managing this space - we really appreciate what you do Anna!

The building works are continuing on with minimal delays, I am attending fortnightly site meetings and it has been amazing to see the work being done. From the road it looks like piles of dirt and bricks but the ground work for the St Thomas Learning Centre is happening and in the convent, walls are being stripped back ready for rebuilding the new spaces.

GETTING SAFELY TO AND FROM SCHOOL

As it is the start of a new term I want to remind all of us again that as a school community to make sure our children are supported to get safely to and from school. The best way for children to learn to be safe on the roads is under your guidance, in real traffic, in everyday situations. Until children are about 10 or 11 years of age they do not have the necessary skills and physical abilities to be safe on their own so providing supervised practice is important. Some points to consider:

School Pedestrian Crossings

To promote a safe environment for all – parents and children are requested to use the School Pedestrian Crossings as these are the safest places to cross the road.

Supervision

• Children need to have their hand held in any traffic situation until they are at least 9 years old.  It is also recommended that children are both dropped off and collected within the school boundaries, rather than you waiting in the car for them to meet you.

Stop, Look, Listen, Think (SLLT) procedure

• Hold an adult’s hand (for younger children)
• Choose a safe place to cross if the road you are crossing does not have a school crossing – make sure you have a good clear view of traffic in all directions and where drivers can see you 
•  STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath
• LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic
• LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions
• THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped
• Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.

Parking Restrictions

Please obey all parking restrictions (no double parking or parking in driveways) and note the No Parking areas in Guthridge Parade and Raglan Street at the beginning and end of the school day. 

With the increased volume of traffic that occurs at school drop off and pick up time, your young child may experience anxiety, in this case it is important that children are picked up from a pre-determined position, rather than finding a different position every day.

Parked Cars

Teach your child the dangers – i.e. reversing cars, moving cars, people looking for a spot to park and not concentrating on the presence of young children. It is much safer to use the school crossings when crossing the streets around the school.

Bikes/Scooters

Children under the age of 10 should not be riding alone in traffic. (Under 10s lack the cognitive skills to negotiate complex road situations by themselves. Bicycle Victoria).

For safety reasons bikes and scooters must not be ridden within the school boundaries.

Jodie Ware