Dear Parents,

It is brilliant that all students will return to school next week, as a result of passing the 80% fully vaccinated mark the roadmap for school return has changed.  On Wednesday the 3^rd of November all students will return to school. We look forward to having everyone back with us.  A reminder that Monday 1^st (Report Writing) and Tuesday 2^nd (Cup Day) of November are School Closure Days. Please note that when your child returns to school there will not be a remote learning program operating at the same time. Essentially, we cannot teach two different programs at once. Therefore, when your child’s grade is scheduled to be onsite the expectation is that the children are at school.

Friday 29^th – Grades Onsite 1/2 & 5/6

A reminder that tomorrow it is only Grades 1, 2, 5 & 6 onsite.  All other grades are learning remotely.

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

Developments at St Patrick’s

Whilst we have unfortunately had to endure another extended lockdown period, and the school was in a remote learning phase, there has still been a significant amount of work continuing behind the scenes.  Below is a snapshot of what has been happening;

• VRQA – Last week we were forensically analysed by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority. Essentially, they investigate all of our processes and procedures to ensure that we can remain registered as a school.  This was a very impressive result for St Patrick’s and I thank Anna Viney, and all of the staff, for the efforts they have put in to make us compliant in this space.
• School Review- As well as VRQA the school undertook our four-year Review. Here we analyse what is working well and areas we need to keep to developing. Our report and assertions are then tested by Reviewers from the Catholic Education Office.  Again, this was a very successful day for St Pat’s and we now use the information gained to formulate our strategic plan for the next four years.
• Capital Grant Application / School Refurbishment – We are in the final stages of the creation of our Capital Grant application which will involve that refurbishment of the B Block, E Block and surrounding grounds. This is extremely exciting for the school and we are very hopeful that work will commence in early 2022.

Water Leak

Parents visiting the site will notice that there are a couple of areas where the concrete has been cut up between the Admin Building and the Parish.  This is due to a consistent water leak at the school that is being investigated to establish exactly where it is and then the repair process can begin.

Uniforms

We understand that as students return for the last few weeks of the school uniforms may not fit as well as hoped and it is difficult to purchase uniforms at the moment.  We ask that parents are very respectful of our uniform policy and that students wear the uniform with pride, however, we understand that there may be some items that cannot be purchased.

Sacraments

New Sacrament dates are being finalised by the Sacramental Team.   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

Hats

Please remember that as we enter Term 4 it is compulsory for the students to be wearing hats when outside.

The following COVID Restrictions remain in place when all children return onsite next week;

• Initially, to ensure the safety of children, parents will have to drop their children at the black gates (staff will be on duty) and cannot enter the school. As restrictions ease we hope that this requirement will as well.
• We are hoping that with three entry points to the school we can avoid the need to engage staggered pick up times. We will monitor how the traffic flows next week. Both carparks will be open for drop off and pick up.
• Student Masks – As per Government regulations all students in Grades 3-6 are required to wear a mask whilst indoors (unless you have an exemption). Masks are encouraged for students in Grades P-2.
• Adult Masks – Masks are required to be worn by parents at all times when in the school.
• Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
• The Office will be open next week, however, if it is not essential please contact via 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.
• 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.
• COVID Exposure Sites – We ask that families please keep abreast of the COVID Exposure Site list and follow the Government requirements. If you have been exposed and are required to quarantine please contact the school.
• 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.  It is our preference that they gain a medical clearance or negative COVID test before they return to school.

Reimbursement for Activities Not Undertaken / Fee Assistance

Currently we have rescheduled many activities that have been missed throughout the year for this term.  At this stage we remain hopeful that they will go ahead.  If they cannot proceed parents will be reimbursed the cost.  If you are experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic please contact Fil at the Office for a confidential discussion regarding fees.

Regards,

Simon