Dear Parents,

Welcome back as we commence the 2021 school year.  I hope that all families enjoyed a relaxing break and are looking forward to the year ahead.  At this stage we are planning for most of the activities that are usually undertaken in a school year to go ahead in a COVID safe manner.  Let’s hope that this remains the case!

One of the privileges of working within a school is seeing the joy on the children’s faces as they commence a new year.  It is a pleasure to watch them catch up with their friends and staff.  We especially welcome our new Foundation (Prep) students, they have made a brilliant start and we are thrilled to have them as part of our community.

Over the first few weeks of this term all grades will be undertaking their Learning to Learn unit.  During this time the grades will explore what it means to be a good learner, create agreed classroom expectations and behaviours, build relationships with classmates and staff and set their learning goals and plans for the year. The staff are currently conducting academic testing with the students.  These results will be shared with you at our Family Learning Conversations on the 2^nd and the 3^rd of March (online booking details will be forwarded via the newsletter closer to the date).  Please note that due to COVID the Family Learning Conversations will again be via Google Meet.

I remind parents that the following procedures are in place for the safety of all;

• Parents wishing to come into the grounds to drop off or collect their children must wear a mask, scan the QR code on the way in and wait out the front of the classroom. Please do not enter the rooms.  Social distancing will apply.  You must limit your visit to less than 15 minutes, gates open at 3pm at the end of the day.
• Parents waiting for children in the pick-up lines need to ensure that their children know which carpark to go to.
• Meetings with staff are by appointment only. Any parent that is going to be in the school for more than 15 minutes needs to sign in and complete the COVID form at the Office.
• Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
• The Office is open if required, however please where a mask and observe the density limits (maximum of 6 people). It is preferable to phone or email if possible rather than come to the Office.
• All extra cleaning and hand hygiene that was in place last year is still being adhered to.
• Please do not send food items to share with others when it is your child’s birthday as they cannot be handed out.
• If your child is sick or displaying symptoms please keep them at home. Children that present as sick or displaying symptoms at school will be sent home.
• Bubble taps are operational at school.
• An ample amount of sports equipment will be provided at school so we ask that students do not bring equipment from home.
• Private music lessons will not be resuming during school hours. I would encourage families that want to continue lessons to contact their provider and make alternative arrangements.

2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours

We are currently taking Foundation enrolments and conducting 2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours by appointment.  If you know of anyone considering St Pat’s for their child please ask them to call the school Office on 5943-9000 and book a tour.

Grade 6 Camp

For parents of students in Grade Six we have be informed by the Catholic Education Office that no interstate Camps will be occurring due to the snap border closures that can be imposed and the possibility that we could get caught on the wrong side of the border.  We are currently finalising the booking of another camp within Victoria and we will let parents know as soon as a new venue and dates are confirmed.

Regards,

Simon