17 January 2022
Dear Parents
It feels as if we have only just begun to settle into the rhythm of our school routine, but we have already passed the halfway mark of Term 1. It certainly has felt frenetic at times, but frenetic has never felt so good. The classrooms and playgrounds are convivial, the sports fields are busy and other activities associated with Culture and Service are flourishing.
This Circular serves as a flash card of sorts to provide a brief update on basic happenings in the school.
Parent Teacher Association
Mrs Sarah Lombard has stepped down as Chairperson of the PTA and she is thanked for her tireless efforts, enthusiasm and loyalty. Mrs Tegan Diedericks is our new PTA Chairperson and I take this opportunity to wish her well. She has already shown an immense amount of passion for the cause, as well as excellent organisational skills. I look forward to working with her and enjoying the events that the PTA have in store for us. On that note, please watch out for any communication from the PTA, as they aim to grow the numbers of the association.
Strategic Planning
We are currently in the throes of critically evaluating the current position and performance of Felixton College, with a view to mapping the vision and pathway through the next 3 – 5 years and then into the next decade. Having met with the Council, the next steps involve a meeting with an independent facilitator and then conducting surveys with all stakeholders (parents, pupils, and all staff) towards the end of this term. More information will follow in due course.
Big Red Picnic
On Thursday, 3 March, we will be hosting our first 'Big Red Picnic', an informal social event at the Dickson Oval that will see our extended Felixton College family enjoying their dinner together. Wear a red shirt, hat, tutu - or all three - and show your school spirit while enjoying a picnic under the stars. More details will be available across our social media platforms in the lead-up to the event, but in the interim please save the date.
Covid
A brief update on the amendments to Covid protocols in schools:
- Any person who tests positive, with no symptoms, does not have to isolate.
- Any person who tests positive, with symptoms, must isolate for 7 days.
- Contacts do not have to isolate, unless they develop symptoms.
- No social distancing measures e.g. 1m rule in class, are in place.
- Masks, sanitizers and screening are still compulsory at this point.
We will continue to monitor this space through our various channels of communication
and conduct our business as safely as possible.
Unfortunately, we have had to cancel our 2022 Felixton College Rugby Festival which was due to be held at the end of this term, 18 – 21 March. We will begin planning for next year and sending out communications to schools once we have determined the term dates for 2023, as we would love to revive the event.
Transport
Please be reminded, that as stated in previous communications, our buses are not permitted to stop on the side of the road, except for an emergency. It is unsafe and illegal. Our drivers are not allowed to stop at traffic lights/intersections to pick up passengers, on the side of the road, or anywhere outside of our official stopover points. This is, once again, for the non-negotiable safety of our children and drivers. Parents are also requested to be punctual at the pick-up and drop-off points.