Dear Year 4 Families,

I hope this message finds you well and that you have been enjoying the holidays together as a family.

I am writing to share with you an update on Jacky and the time off she required last term.  Although you were unaware of the underlying reason for her time away from school, your understanding and pastoral comments of support were truly appreciated.

With Jacky's permission, I can now share with you that the time off was necessary to support her fiancé Ben who has recently been diagnosed with Lymphoma cancer.  As you can image, on top of Jacky's own ongoing cancer treatment, the news came as a shock to everyone and has been devastating for the whole family.  

Ben has already begun very aggressive chemotherapy and further treatments are scheduled over the coming months.  As a result of the ongoing treatment, Ben's immune system is weakened, requiring him to limit contact with people or places that pose a higher risk of possible infection.  Those close to Ben have also been advised by doctors that they should limit contact with individuals and places that pose a higher risk.

Following the above advice from doctors and with Ben's health at the forefront of Jacky's mind, she has made the extremely difficult decision to not return to St Dominic's in Term 4.  Although Jacky will not be with us at school each day, we will remain in close contact with her throughout the term and continue to share our communities ongoing support, prayers and love during this time.  

An experienced teacher named Danielle Rimmer has been employed as the Year 4 teacher for the reminder of 2021.  Danielle comes highly recommended by her referees and has a range of teaching experiences across several year levels and schools in both metro and country areas.  

To ensure a continuity of learning for your children, Danielle has spent time with Jacky and the Leadership Team reviewing the notes and programs for the term ahead.  Danielle will continue to be supported by the Leadership Team and her St Dominic's colleagues throughout Term 4, and is extremely excited about meeting you and your children on Monday.  As our community always does, I am sure you will make her feel very welcome.

Danielle will be provided with access to a CEWA email address as well as a SeeSaw account, however, until these are set up, please forward all communications to our admin@stdominics.wa.edu.au account and they will be directed accordingly.

I thank you for your ongoing understanding and support.  Please continue to keep Ben, Jacky and their whole family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Kind regards,

Leon Bolding

Principal