Dear Parents

Thanks to all families for your cooperation with remote learning, let’s hope that this is the last time that we have to operate this way.  I know in my family this particular remote period seemed extra difficult for our children.  At times it was hard for them to see the positives and they felt particularly hard done by with so many things being taken away from them. 

When talking to children during tough times it is important that you do not lie to them or make promises that you cannot keep.  They need to be told the truth in an age appropriate manner.  Whilst outlining the realities of the situation it also a key to remind them of the positives. For COVID lockdowns they can draw on the fact that they are safe, they can still access school (just in a different way), it won’t last forever (even though it can feel like it will), they have their family around them and eventually they will again get to enjoy those things that they feel that they are missing out on.

Again, I would like to thank all of the staff for their commitment and dedication to offering the best possible learning opportunities they could to our students throughout the remote period.  We are very blessed to have the dedicated and committed staff that we have here at St Pat’s.

Family Learning Conversations

Thankyou for your attendance at the Family Learning Conversations.  As a staff we really value this opportunity to meet with you.

Please remember that you are welcome to make an appointment with your child’s teacher at any time should you ever have any issues or concerns.

Grade 5 Camp

The Grade 5 Camp will be rescheduled; however, we are still finalising the details at this stage.  We are expecting that it will now be in fourth term.

Interschool Sports

Interschool Sports are not permitted at this time.  

2022 Enrolments

If you know of anyone looking to enrol their child at St Pat’s for 2022 please encourage them to contact the school Office on 5943-9000.

First Communion

The last of the First Communion Masses will take place on Saturday the 7^th at 2.00pm and Sunday the 8^th at 2.00pm.  Please contact Noleen Chalmers for further details noleen@stpppakenham.catholic.edu.au

Assembly

Assembly will be at 2.30pm on Friday.  Unfortunately for parents due to the restrictions access will have to be online only.  This week the Grade 5's will be hosting the assembly. Please click on the following link;  Click to View Assembly

The following COVID Restrictions remain in place when anyone visits the school site;

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

• Masks are required to be worn by parents at all times when in the school.
• 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 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 wear 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 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 and asked to gain a medical clearance or negative COVID test before they return to school.
• 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.

Important Dates for Your Diary

First Communion - 6^th and 7^th of August.  2.00pm

Confirmation – 21^st August

Regards,

Simon