Dear Parents,

Once again COVID encroached on the school last week impacting the Grade 5 and Grade 6 areas.  Please note that if you have not been directly contacted by the school your child is not a close contact.  It is only grades 5TA and 6L that are learning remotely at the moment.

An unfortunate impact of this latest outbreak was that we were advised to cancel the Grade 6 camp.  We appreciate that this was awfully disappointing for the children and it was not a decision that we wanted to have to make.  

As a staff we have worked hard to try and offer as many opportunities as we can to the students during this COVID period.  Unfortunately, this year the Grade 3 and Grade 6 students missed out on their camp.  We have been able to re-organise the Grade 6 camp for Tuesday the 7^th and Wednesday the 8^th of December at CYC Adanac.  This is an overnight camp and a wonderful opportunity for the students to get away as a group in their Grade 6 year.  The teachers will also be organising other activities to help alleviate the disappointment of missing a week-long camp.  These children also missed the opportunity to attend camp in Grade 5 as well.

Our Grade 3 teachers are currently planning events and activities for the students to enjoy between now and the end of the year in place of a camp.  Luckily for these children they will get to enjoy camp experiences in Grades 4,5 & 6.

Please remain cognisant of the fact that we are doing all that we can to give the children different experiences, however, we are still in a pandemic and at any time COVID can impact.  There are many rules and guidelines that we have to follow.  As a staff we appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

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.

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

Bunnings BBQ

Thank you to the Parents and Friends Committee and all others that assisted at the Bunnings BBQ last Saturday.  It was a great success and your efforts are very much appreciated.

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.

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;

• 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

As we work our way through the remainder of the activities between now and the endo of the year the school will calculate any differences in the costing and reimburse parents where appropriate.  If you are experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic please contact Fil at the Office for a confidential discussion regarding fees.

Regards,

Simon