Dear Parents,

This will be the last newsletter for Term One as school concludes for the students next Wednesday, the 31^st of March, at 3.10pm.  Thursday the 1^st of April is a School Closure Day.  We will be using the day to continue to work through our School Review process that we are undertaking this year.

It is amazing how quickly Term One has come and gone!  It has been wonderful to be able to be onsite for the whole time and operate in a fairly ‘normal’ way amongst our COVID procedures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff for their dedication and commitment.  We are blessed to have such a professional staff here at St Pat’s who regularly go over and above what is required to ensure that we can offer the best learning opportunities we can to the students.

Thanks to all families for your support, flexibility and willingness to abide by the procedures that have been in place throughout the term.  I hope all families enjoy a happy and holy Easter and a wonderful break enjoying time together as a family.  We look forward to working with you again next term.

Personally, I will be on Long Service Leave for the first three weeks of Term 2.  Anna Viney and Meg Escalante will be the Acting Principals in my absence.  It is reassuring to be able to be away and know that the school is in such capable hands.  I thank them for their willingness to take on the role.

Cross-Country

Our St Patrick’s Cross-Country is on this Monday.  Parents are welcome to watch but we ask that you please adhere to the following COVID Safe guidelines; scan the QR code on entry, fill in the COVID form that will be in the designated parent area and remain in the designated parent area at all times.  Parents cannot mingle with the students. The approximate running times are listed further within the newsletter.

Staffing News

Mrs Rosa Mitchell (3M) will be on medical leave from today until the end of the term.  Mrs Marina D’Souza will be teaching 3M in Rosa’s absence.   Marina has worked at St Pat’s before and is very familiar with the children.  She is working closely with Rosa to ensure that the children are delivered the same lessons as they would be if Rosa was teaching the grade.

Easter Raffle

Thanks to all of the families who have contributed to our Easter Raffle.  The Parents and Friends Committee are doing an excellent job compiling the prizes.  The raffle will be drawn on the last day of term for the students, Wednesday the 31^st of March.

Carparking

The Avenue carpark is becoming very congested and does not cope well with parents parking and walking into the school.  If you are wanting to park and come onto the grounds it is our preference that you please use the Church Carpark.

Equipment from Home

Please note that there is an ample amount of sports equipment provided at school so we ask that students do not bring equipment or toys from home. Having students only use the equipment provided at school ensures that we can adhere to COVID safe cleaning requirements.

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 is provided at school so we ask that students do not bring equipment and toys from home.

Important Dates for Your Diary

• Wednesday 31^st March – Term One concludes for the students 3.10pm.
• Thursday 1^st of April – School Closure Day. No school for students.
• Monday 19^th of April – Term Two commences.
• Tuesday 27^th of April – School Closure Day. The staff are participating in a Diocesan RE Day.
• 11^th-21^st May – Naplan.
• Monday 14^th June – Queens Birthday. No school.
• Friday 25^th June – Term Two concludes / Reports distributed.

Camp Dates 2021

• Year 3 – 10^th – 11^th June, CYC Adanac, Yarra Junction.
• Year 4 – 14^th – 16^th July, CYC The Island, Phillip Island.
• Year 5 – 4^th- 6^th August, Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.
• Year 6 – 15^th – 19^th November, Lady Northcote Camp, Glenmore.

Fees

2021 Fees were distributed to all families last week.  Included in these fee statements were the camp levies.  Please contact Fil at office@stppakenham.catholic.edu if you have any issues or concerns.

Regards,

Simon