Dear Parents,

Thank you to all families for your cooperation over the last two weeks as we have dealt with COVID cases within the school.  We understand that the decision to close the school had a significant impact on families, however, as a result of being closed for the three days the extra cases that arose later last week did not impact across the school as the children were not onsite.  If we have further outbreaks in the future they will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

We will welcome back Grades 1MT and 2V to onsite face to face learning tomorrow, Friday the 12^th of November.  Again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff who adjusted quickly to the changed circumstances, ensuring that the children’s learning continued.  Their flexibility, and willingness to do whatever is required, is appreciated.

Please continue to watch for symptoms with your children and get them tested if necessary.  If your child does return a positive result we ask that you contact the school asap.

Remembrance Day

Today we stopped at 11am and paid our respects of those who have sacrificed so much before us to allow us to enjoy the country we do today.  The children also participated in activities within their classrooms.

Camps

It is wonderful for the students that they have again got the opportunity to attend camps, it is something they have missed over the last 18 months.   Grade 5 students left for Kryal Castle yesterday and from all reports they are having a fantastic time. Our Grade 6 students head to Lady Northcote Camp in Glenmore on Monday.

A big thanks to all of the staff who are attending the camps.  It is a huge effort to take the time away from their own families to offer these opportunities to the students.  We are very appreciative and thankful.

Staffing News

Congratulations to Lisa McDonald and Jacki Taylor who have been appointed as Acting Deputy Principals next year.  Jacki and Lisa have both been in a senior leadership role this year as Curriculum Learning Leaders. They have been the driving force behind the learning improvements implemented.  They will remain responsible for the curriculum in their new role to ensure consistency.  I know that they will do an excellent job, along with Meg, leading the school next year.

It is with pleasure that we welcome Miss Katie Kolouris onto the staff next year.  Parents will be familiar with Katie as she has undertaken a large amount of contract work with us this year and has done a superb job.  I am sure that she will be made to feel welcome by all.

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

Parent Access

Parents are now welcome to enter the school grounds without the need to QR on your way in.  Please remain outside the classrooms and do not enter the buildings.  If you are coming for a pre-arranged appointment please sign in and QR code at the Office.  Masks are required to be worn by parents at all times when indoors at school.

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

Noleen Chalmers (REL) met with the Sacramental Team last Friday and new dates have been arranged and are as below:

Reconcilaition - 30^th November and 1^st December at  – 7:00 pm

First Holy Communion - Saturday  27^th November at 6.00pm and Sunday 28^th November at 10:30 am

Confirmation - 4^th Dec at 3:00pm

Noleen will send emails out to families with booking process.   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;

• Parents are now welcome to enter the school grounds without the need to QR on your way in. Please remain outside the classrooms and do not enter the buildings.  If you are coming for a pre-arranged appointment please sign in and QR code at the Office.
• 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 indoors at school.
• Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
• The Office is open, 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.
• 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