From the Principal

It’s that time when all the behind the scenes planning happens for the next school year. I have met with the newly appointed principal, Erika Dixon to start the handover process and to involve her in the decisions affecting the operations for 2021.

School Fees
At the recent School Board meeting the reduced fee levels were approved. I had previously advertised that fees would reduce between $400-$450 on the first child fee. I can now announce the actual final figure is a $495 reduction on the fees for the first child. Discounts for 2,3 & 4 children have increased to 10%, 20% and 25 % respectively. The total fee for one child is scheduled to be $2800 with a low fee level of $1680 which requires a school card application or separate plan established.
This is a significant change to support families wanting to access a Catholic education. All diocesan primary schools across South Australia have been through a similar process to reduce the fees being charged.
The full details will be updated in the School Fee Policy as part of the 2021 Information Package. This package is sent to all families at the beginning of week 8 (Monday November 30th)
I would like to thank Deb Kelley, our Business Manager, and Leah Eustace and Shane Kuhlmann our School Board representatives on the Finance, for their work in preparing for this significant change that is a financial benefit to all families.

Class Structures
The staff have been involved in setting the class structures for next year. Considerable time is given to make the best possible decisions based on educational reasons such as class sizes, year level numbers, gender balance, social groupings, student needs and student grouping Early Years (Little Stars & Rec-Yr 2) Primary Years (Yr 3-5) and Upper Primary (Year 6 & 7) in each of the buildings.
Families and students will be informed about class structures, teachers and placements in the usual manner through the Transition afternoon on Tuesday December 8th. The students will spend some time after lunch going to their new classroom and spending time with their teacher(s). Parents will receive a letter outlining the class and teacher(s). Please note, for privacy reasons we are unable to send home a class list.
An important part of the transition process is setting the scene through a positive mindset. Changing year levels shouldn’t be taken for granted as it can be stressful for us all. Hence, we spend considerable time making the best possible decisions and preparing the students for the Transition afternoon. A vital cog in the process is parents also reassuring children the school will make the best decisions as we consider the needs of all the students. If there are educational reasons about a child’s placement, the conversation between the parent and current teacher should have happened by now. If there is a concern about the final placement it is an expectation this be put in writing. It is not part of our usual practice to change lists after the Transition afternoon.
As a final note, if your child is not returning to Nativity in 2021 please let the office know immediately info@nativity.catholic.edu.au.

Staffing
There will be some changes to staffing with the newly appointed Principal as my contract expires, Mandy March (ESO) is retiring after 20 years service, Ray Kittel is retiring and Tammee Secombe has won a teaching position at Concordia College. 2021 staffing is announced through the website update after the Transition afternoon. Staff leaving will be acknowledged through the End of Year Liturgy on Wednesday December 7th.

Master Planning
I am pleased to announce the first stage of the Master Plan had its final approval through the planning committee at Catholic Education South Australia. The next step is approval from the South Australian Commission for Catholic Schools at the February Meeting.
This means the first stage – Connecting Inside to Outside Learning in the Bartram Building and Playground upgrade should finally start during term 1 next year. Our Architects will be working with the staff and students before the end of year to confirm the final plans. A $750,000 loan has been approved to fund the stage.
Details of the plans will be available by the February AGM for all to see at last!!

Congratulations
Congratulations to all involved in the recent Catholic School Sports carnival. The girls won the Champion School Shield and the boys finished runner up. The girls were also champions for the Year 4 and Year 5 categories. Best wishes to Isaac and Gemma who were to compete in the state SAPSASSA championships after winning their athletics events at the District Carnival (this event was cancelled due to restrictions this week).

Kind regards
Mr Greg Haynes
Principal