Traffic Update
In recent days I have been speaking with the Yass Valley Council’s Road Safety Officer to seek advice about improving traffic safety around our school, especially in regards to the Rossi St crossing. A request for a crossing review has been passed on to Roads and Maritime Services, which will consider, among other things, upgrading of line marking and improved signage for the crossing. Families will be kept informed of any developments.

School Funding
I’m sure nobody needs me to point out that on this coming weekend the Federal Election will be held. If school funding is one of the factors that you may be considering when casting your vote you may be interested to read some facts around this often confusing issue. Attached to this newsletter is a two-page fact sheet explaining how funding is determined for Australian schools—Government, Catholic and Independent. This fact-sheet can also be found on our app and school website on the Forms and Documents page, along with a sheet of FAQs about school funding and a summary of the major parties’ responses to questions concerning Catholic Education.

NAPLAN
Years 3 and 5 students yesterday commenced NAPLAN Online and, although there were a few minor connectivity issues, have completed Writing, Reading and Conventions of Language. The final component, Numeracy, will be completed tomorrow.

Athletics Carnival
Our school Athletics Carnival will be held, weather permitting, next Tuesday 21 May at Victoria Park. Primary students who are running in the 800m event need to be at Victoria Park by 9am; all others will start the day at school and walk to and from the carnival with their class. Infants classes will join us in the middle of the day, travelling by bus. Helpers are always needed for our carnivals to run smoothly; a note has been sent home today seeking volunteers.

Grandparents’ Morning Tea
Save the date for our annual Grandparents’ Morning Tea. It will be held from 10:00-11:30am on Friday 31 May, Week 5, in conjunction with our Book Fair. 

Uniform Shop
Due to the Athletics Carnival next Tuesday the Uniform Shop will not be open for sizing and over-the-counter sales. Any orders placed via Qkr will still be processed and dispatched as usual. Our apologies for any inconvenience.

Walk Safely to School Day
This Friday, 17 May, is Walk Safely to School Day and Mt Carmel is encouraging as many families as possible to participate. If there is anyone who lives too far from school to walk the whole way but would still like to participate, we will be hosting a “Walking School Bus”. We will meet at the Liberty Theatre corner from 8am, and at 8:15am we will walk down the main street, crossing Meehan St at the lights, up Rossi Street and then enter school via the Dutton St entrance. Parents and families are welcome to join in; no bikes or scooters, please. Kinders are encouraged to wear their safety vests. 

May God’s peace be in your families,

Michael Green
Principal