Dear Parents,

Unfortunately, being in lockdown is not the way anyone wanted to end the term. We have dearly missed having the students onsite.  As a parent of three school age children myself (grades 2, 5 & Year 7) I completely understand the challenges of remote schooling for families. I hope that you all enjoy a well-earned break over the holidays.  Whilst we are all unable to do that much or go away, we are able to spend time together as a family without the pressure of completing the allocated learning tasks.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of the staff for the efforts they have again put in this term.  Their willingness to be flexible and adapt to the challenges has been outstanding.  I hope that they enjoy a relaxing break. 

A reminder that school concludes for all students (including those onsite) at 2.10pm on Friday.  Please note that there will only be a 9.30am Google Meet on Friday. 

At the time of writing this newsletter I am unsure as to what the restrictions will be for the commencement of Term 4.  We will be in communication with all families as soon as we are aware. School resumes on Monday the 4^th of October.

Term 4 - Sun Protection Policy 

In accordance with our Sun Protection Policy, which is avaialbe to view on our website, all students and staff are to wear a suitable, broad rim hat in Term 4.  Those not wearing a hat will be directed to a shaded area protected from the sun.    

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 or email office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

Footy Day Tomorrow – Friday the 17^th September (last day of Term 3)

Tomorrow (Friday) will be our Footy Day.  Students are encouraged to wear their footy colours on the Google Meets and those few students that are onsite can also wear their footy colours.  The staff will organise footy related activities for the children to enjoy.  As this is the last day of Term 3 school will conclude at 2.10pm for all students.  There will only be a morning Google Meet on this day.

2022 Parent Requests

The process of planning for 2022 has begun.  As per last year any parents who have any special requests will need to put them in writing and email them to office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au by Monday the 11^th of October. 

Please note that requests from last year, or any other previous year, will not be considered as circumstances change.  We are blessed at St Patrick’s to have a professional and committed staff that plan together to ensure that the same learning opportunities are afforded to the students regardless of what class they are in, so please do not request individual teachers.

All requests will be given the appropriate consideration; however, it is not a guarantee.

First Communion and Confirmation

The Parish is still awaiting the easing of restrictions before new dates can be organised for the Sacraments.   Noleen Chalmers (REL) will inform families of the new dates once they have been arranged.  If you have any questions please email Noleen noleen@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

Reimbursement for Activities Not Undertaken

Currently we have rescheduled many activities that have been missed throughout the year for Term 4.  At this stage we are hopeful that they will go ahead.  If they cannot proceed parents will be reimbursed the cost.

Remote Learning / Onsite Restrictions

Again, I remind families that to restrict movement and keep us all as safe as we can strict requirements are in place for students to attend school.   The school will be open for the very few students of essential workers who meet the following criteria;

• Children where both parents and or carers are considered authorised workers who cannot work from home, work for an authorised provider and where no other supervision arrangements can be made.
• Where there are two parents/carers, both must be authorised workers, working outside the home in order for their children to be eligible for on-site provision.
• For single parents/carers, the authorised worker must be working outside the home in order for their children to be eligible for on-site provision.
• Children experiencing vulnerability, including: in out-of-home care, deemed vulnerable by a government agency, funded family or family violence service, and assessed as requiring education and care outside the family home
• Identified by a school or early childhood service as vulnerable, (including via referral from a government agency, or funded family or family violence service, homeless or youth justice service or mental health or other health service)
• Where a parent/carer indicates that a student with a disability is vulnerable because they cannot learn from home, and/or informs the school the student is vulnerable due to family stress.

Classroom Google Meets operate between 9.30-11.30am and 1.00-3.00pm each day.  On Wednesday the Specialist Google Meets will continue as they have been. Once again, all work will be uploaded to Google Classroom. If you have any questions about this, please contact your child(ren’s) classroom teacher.  We ask that parents remain within the vicinity of where their children are on the Google Meets and that parents please support their children to submit the required tasks for each learning area, including specialists.

If you are one of the few families who need to send your child(ren) to school, you must have completed your intention to send your child(ren) to St Patrick’s Primary form that was distributed to families supported by your essential worker permit form. This will enable us to ensure that we have sufficient staff on duty to supervise students in attendance.

Please note that if you choose to send your child(ren) to school, your child(ren) will be supervised whilst undertaking the Remote Schooling program which has been designed by our school.  As such, your child will be undertaking the same program as those children learning at home.

In addition, I wish to advise you that your child(ren)’s teacher will not be supervising your child(ren) on-site, but will continue to support your child through the Remote Schooling program as previously advised to you.

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

• Masks are required to be worn by parents at all times when in the school.
• The limited number of children at school must be dropped off and collected from the Church carline.
• Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
• The Office is physically closed to all but essential visitors, however, contact can be made by phone 5943-9000 or email office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au  
• 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.

I hope that all families enjoy a relaxing holiday and we look forward to working with you all again next term.

Regards, 

Simon