Principal's Newsletter
Newsletter Thursday 30th March, 2023
We the staff of St Patrick’s acknowledge the traditional owners, the Kulin nations, of the land on which we learn and play.
We pay respects to the Aboriginal Elders, past and present, who are our teachers.
We thank them for taking care of children and country for countless generations.
John 8:51-59
Your father Abraham saw my Day and was glad
Jesus said to the Jews:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
whoever keeps my word
will never see death.’
The Jews said, ‘Now we know for certain that you are possessed. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never know the taste of death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?’ Jesus answered:
‘If I were to seek my own glory
that would be no glory at all;
my glory is conferred by the Father,
by the one of whom you say, “He is our God”
although you do not know him.
But I know him,
and if I were to say: I do not know him,
I should be a liar, as you are liars yourselves.
But I do know him, and I faithfully keep his word.
Your father Abraham rejoiced
to think that he would see my Day;
he saw it and was glad.’
The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!’ Jesus replied:
‘I tell you most solemnly,
before Abraham ever was,
I Am.’
At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
This week, the students of St Patrick’s has begun celebrating the lead up to one of the holiest times in our Catholic Church and that is Holy Week. Today our year 6's re-enacted the Stations of the Cross and tomorrow afternoon, the students in F-2 will present Palm Sunday. We have been focusing on what it means to enact change in our lives and to lead the way in how we treat others.
We also celebrated our Easter Dress up day and it was so joyful to see how many students and teachers embraced the day. I would like to thank our P&F for, once again, being an incredible support to the school and organising the Easter raffle and prizes. This will be drawn next week. Thank you for all the wonderful Easter donations we have received so far. If parents would still like to donate an Easter egg/bunny or chocolates, there is still time to do so.
It is important to highlight that the P and F consists of 3 mums only! These are mums who also work and have families to look after. All of our children benefit from the work that these ladies do and it is evident as I talk to parents how much their children look forward to hot food days, icypole and popcorn Wednesday’s. What is disappointing however is the lack of support our community are prepared to give to our P&F. Last year, certain events had to be cancelled because we simply did not have enough people to help. I would urge any parents or grandparents who are willing to give up a few hours on a Wednesday to come and lend a hand.
Research shows the huge impact that it can have on your child/ren when they see the connection that schools and families have and when they work together. Child Safety Standard number 4 is focused on the family and what an impact they can have on student wellbeing.
Another busy week, with the year 4's completing their swimming tomorrow, our year 5's and 6's have had Touch Footy clinics in their Phys Ed lessons this week and our Foundation students had the Fire Brigade come in and talk more about fire safety.
Take care and God Bless
Meg
REMINDERS
SCHOOL PHOTOS - MONDAY 3RD APRIL
Just a reminder that school photos are on Monday the 3rd April. The photo packages can be bought online.
END OF TERM 1
Next week, all students will finish Term 1 on Wednesday the 5th of April at 3.10pm and begin Term 2 on Thursday the 27th April.
No supervision before 8.30am
A reminder to all parents, carers and guardians; the school gates do not open until 8.30am.Children are NOT TO BE LEFT UNSUPERVISED before this time.
The school’s duty of care does not begin until 8.30am. I understand that parents have work etc to go to but we are talking about the safety or our most precious belongings.
I will be contacting parents who continue to drop students off too early and ask that alternative arrangements are made.
Just a reminder…
The school gates will close at 8.55am. It is important to have the students begin their day promptly and without any interruptions.
Please remember the gates open at 8.30am so there is ample time to get your child/ren to school. It is imperative that parents understand that we ensure that learning begins on time and that at St Patrick’s we wish to develop good habits early. Any parents who are still in the school after 8.55am, will need to go through the office out to the carpark if the gates are not manned.
Similarly, if your child/ren are running late and arriving after 8.55am onwards, they will need to come through the school office.
Understanding Victoria’s Child Safe Standards
The Child Safe Standards (the Standards) commenced in Victoria in January 2016. Since then, we have seen how the Standards have improved safety for children and young people.
Changes in 2022 and 2023 have made our Standards even stronger.
Since 1 July 2022, organisations[1] covered by the Standards have to comply with 11 new Standards.
The 11 Standards set out minimum requirements and outline the actions organisations must take to keep children and young people safe.
Each week, there will be a new standard for you to read about.
The Standards provide more clarity for organisations and are more consistent with Standards in the rest of Australia.
The 11 Standards include specific requirements:
- to involve families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
- for a greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
- to manage the risk of child abuse in online environments
- in relation to governance, systems and processes to keep children and young people safe.
In complying with Child Safe Standard 3 an organisation must, at a minimum, ensure:
4.1 Families participate in decisions affecting their child.
4.2 The organisation engages and openly communicates with families and the community about its child safe approach and relevant information is accessible.
4.3 Families and communities have a say in the development and review of the organisation’s policies and practices.
4.4 Families, carers and the community are informed about the organisation’s operations and governance.
School Uniforms
At St Patrick’s, it is important to highlight to students the message around respecting our school uniform. The uniform represents our school and is expected to be worn with pride. Please be aware that I will approach and ask students about their uniform and will follow up with parents if necessary.
Please write a note to your child/ren’s classroom teacher if there is an issue with the inform for a particular period of time.
Some reminders:
- Socks- are to be ankle socks; white for girls and grey for boys
- Students are to wear black shoes and NOT (black) runners. Runners may be brought to school for your child/ren to change into for the playtimes;
- Girls are permitted to wear the school (Summer) dress or the school shirt and grey shorts
- Boys wear the grey shorts in Summer and the long grey pants in Winter (they may choose to continue wearing the shorts.)
- Sports uniform consists of the polo shirt with the school logo and the green track pants or green unisex shorts.
- School sports jacket is optional in the cooler months.