Dear Parents,

Family Learning Conversations

Thanks to all families who participated in our Family Learning Conversations (FLC’s) on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Strong, positive home/school partnerships are very important as we aim to work together to develop every child to their full potential.

Headphones

All children in the school have been provided with brand new headphones that they can use when accessing digital technology.  Every child has their own headphones that will be stored in a sealed bag and will be their responsibility.  I am sure that parents would appreciate that this has been a significant expense to the school. We ask that you please speak to your child about the importance of caring for their headphones responsibly as families will have to pay if a replacement is required.

Sacramental Program

Last night the students who missed out on Confirmation in 2020 due to COVID had their workshop.  The Sacrament for them will be celebrated next Wednesday evening, it will be a wonderful experience to be Confirmed by our new Bishop, Bishop Greg Bennet.   On behalf of everyone I thank Bishop Greg Bennet, Fr Janeesh, Fr Paul, Siji, Noleen Chalmers and the whole Sacramental Team. 

Pick Up and Drop Off

It is great that parents now have the opportunity again to park cars and walk into the school.  I remind you that if you do park your car you must walk over and collect your child.  Please do not call your children to walk across to your car unaccompanied.  For safety reasons you must walk over and collect them.

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.

 Staffing News

Congratulations to Lauren Reitschel who became engaged to her partner Subhuti last weekend.  We wish them every happiness together in the future.

2021 Camps

We finally have confirmation of all our camps and dates.  These are listed below. 

Grade 3 - Adanac Camp - Yarra Junction  10/6/21 - 11/6/21

Grade 4 - CYC The Island - Phillip Island  14/7/21 - 16/7/21

Grade 5 - Sovereign Hill - Ballarat  4/8/21 - 6/8/21

Grade 6 - Lady Northcote Camp - Glenmore  15/11/21 - 19/11/21

COVID Procedures

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

• Masks are not required to be worn by parents at all times when in the school, only in situations where you are unable to social distance.
• Parents wishing to come into the grounds to drop off or collect their children must scan the QR code on the way in and wait out the front of the classroom. Please do not enter the rooms and 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.
• If you do park your car you must walk over and collect your child. Please do not call for you children to walk across to your car unaccompanied.  For safety reasons we require you to walk over and collect them.
• 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 on and complete the COVID form at the Office.
• Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
• The Office is open if required, however, please 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 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.

Regards,

Simon