Dear Parents,

This will be the last newsletter of the year as the students finish next Wednesday.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank all families for your support and flexibility throughout what has been a challenging year.  It has been wonderful to finish the year on a high and see so many children enjoying the activities that we have provided over the last few weeks.   Below is an outline of the activities for the remainder of the year;

• Thurs 9^th – Grade 3/4 Excursion Healesville Sanctuary / 2022 Prep Transition
• Mon 13^th – New Grade Transition / Reports Home
• Tues 14^th – End of Year Mass 9.30 (students only due to COVID it will be livestreamed for parents) /Grade 6 Provided Lunch
• Wed 15^th – Students Last Day – Free Dress (wear Christmas colours) / Clip and Climb excursion Year 6 / Grade Six Graduation
• Fri 17^th – Staff Last Day

Personally, it is with a heavy heart that I write this newsletter as I have been seconded along with Anna Viney to St Catherine’s in Berwick next year.  I will really miss St Pat’s, it is a wonderful school, the students are a delight to work with.  It is made easier leaving knowing that the school is in such capable hands next year with Meg Escalante as the Acting Principal.  I thank all of the staff for their efforts once again this year, we are very blessed to have the committed and professional staff here at St Pat’s. I hope that they enjoy a well-earned break and come back refreshed for the New Year.

I hope that all families have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.  The first day back for students is Tuesday the 1^st of February

2022 Staffing

At the time of writing this newsletter we are still finalising the last few details of the 2022 teaching structure.  This will be distributed to families in a letter on Friday.

Sacraments

Congratulations to all of the students who celebrated a Sacrament over the last few weeks, culminating with Confirmation on Saturday.  Parents would appreciate that this has been a large task and on behalf of everyone I thank Fr Janeesh, Fr Paul, Siji, Noleen Chalmers and all of the Parish Sacrament Team.

Graduation Week – Year 6

We wish all of our Year Six students the very best as they leave St Pat’s and embark upon the next phase of their lives.  It has been a pleasure getting to know them and they have been wonderful role models for our school.  Good luck for next year and beyond.

The students will have a very exciting finish next week after just returning from camp yesterday. Thanks to the Year 6 staff and Cindy Byrne who have worked hard to organise a Graduation Week for the students to enjoy, culminating in the family Graduation Ceremony on Wednesday the 15^th.  Over the course of the next week the students will participate in signing of Graduation Bears, a movie, takeaway lunch, an afternoon disco, creation of memory boards, an excursion to Clip and Climb and the picnic Graduation celebration that can be attended and enjoyed by families as well as the students. 

Christmas Cards Between Students

It is that time of the year when the students enjoy writing cards to each other for Christmas.  We ask that if you are attaching a candy cane to the card that they are sealed and stuck to the card.  They children can then enjoy them when they get home.

COVID

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.  The rules have changed regarding a positive case within the school and students will no longer be required to isolate for 14 days if they are a school close contact.  They will now need to provide a negative test to return to school.  Household close contacts will still be required to isolate for 14 days.

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.

Dropping Off in the Morning

A reminder that students are not to be at school before 8.30am as they are not supervised.  Anyone early needs to remain with their children until a staff member opens the gates.

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.

Regards,

Simon