Dear Parents,

Our chosen profession, whatever that may be, affords us the opportunity to take a day off if we are unwell, or even change jobs if we wish. However, the most important job that we do does not afford this luxury - the job of being a parent. It is a full time 24/7 permanent unpaid position that is the most rewarding, whilst at the same time most challenging, job that we will ever do.  We don’t have the option of not continuing in the role once we have become a parent regardless of the age of our children.

I am sure that parents reading this newsletter would agree that the experience of parenting is very different to what you might have imagined it to be like.  Every day throws up different challenges and experiences and there is no guidebook that you can refer to that covers all situations.  Why is it so hard at times?  Because our children are our most precious possessions and their happiness has a direct impact on our own happiness.  We want more than anything else to be successful in our parenting role to give our children the best possible start in life.  It is the job that we are most desperate to succeed in. 

Here at St Patrick’s we want exactly what you want, for your children to get the very best start in life as possible.  The responsibility of being in the care of your most precious possession is never lost on us and we want to work with you to help to achieve this common goal.  We are on your side!

If you are experiencing a tough period for whatever reason, please keep us informed as we can make adjustments as required for your child at school.  We may also be able to channel you into professional help if it is deemed necessary.  We have many pastoral programs that operate within the school on a need to basis.  During the more difficult times it is our hope that we can assist in making the role of parenting a little easier.  Please have confidence that all issues remain confidential.  

You are welcome to make an appointment with your child’s teacher, or school leadership, at any time should you have issues or concerns.  If your concern is particularly pastoral care related that is part of Megan Escalante’s Deputy role and I would encourage you to contact her. 

Confirmation for 2020 Grade Six Students

Congratulations to our 2020 Year Six students who celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation last night with Bishop Greg Bennet, Fr Janeesh and Fr Paul.  It was a wonderful celebration and they enjoyed the extra special benefit of being the first students that Bishop Greg has Confirmed in our Diocese.   On behalf of everyone I thank Bishop Greg Bennet, Fr Janeesh, Fr Paul, Siji, Noleen Chalmers and the whole Sacramental Team. 

Headphones

As mentioned last week all children in the school have been provided with brand 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 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.

Pick Up and Drop Off

Again, I remind parents that whilst it is great that we now have the opportunity again to park cars in the carpark, you must walk over and collect your child.  For the safety of the students please do not call for your children to walk across to your car unaccompanied. 

SIMON and PAM

SIMON is our new in class Learning Management Software and PAM is the Parent Access Module for this software.   To begin with parents will be able to use PAM to notify the school of student absences and keep track of student attendance as well as email your class teacher.   Going forward PAM will be where parents will receive notifications from school, check the School Calendar, will be able to book Family Learning Conversations (Parent Teacher Interviews) and will be able to access School reports.   Please read the information on how to set up your PAM account further in this newsletter.

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.

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 your children to walk across to your car unaccompanied. 
• 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