Dear Parents,

It has been an excellent start to the year with the children quickly settling into a sound working routine. Whilst we are attempting to plan as much as possible for the children this year, we still need to remain cognizant of the fact that we are operating in the midst of a pandemic and this requires adjustments and flexibility.    At times it can occur that what is acceptable to undertake on one day is not the next, and vice versa.  We ask that parents are understanding of this. 

We are a student’s first school and all decisions we make are based on what is best for the students.  We will always attempt to undertake all events and activities that we can with the children, however, safety has to remain the highest priority.

Family Learning Conversations 2^nd and 3^rd of March

Our Family Learning Conversations will be conducted on the 2^nd and the 3^rd of March.  Online booking details will be forwarded via the newsletter next week.  Please note that due to COVID the Family Learning Conversations will again be via Google Meet.

COVID Procedures

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 and please ensure you social distance whilst waiting.  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.

2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours

We are currently taking Foundation enrolments and running 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

As mentioned last week we have been informed by the Catholic Education Office that no interstate Camps will be occurring due to the snap border closures that can occur 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.

Chickens

Due to COVID restrictions and the limited access we can have to the school site at the moment outside of hours we are having difficulty looking after our chickens.  A school family has kindly offered to give them a new home where I am sure they will be well looked after. 

 Regards,

 Simon