Dear Parents,

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dad’s.  Whilst it was under very different circumstances to normal this year I hope that you had the opportunity to enjoy the company of your immediate family and connect with relatives in some way.

School Return Dates Letter / Sacraments Letter

Please ensure that you read the detailed letter accompanying this newsletter regarding the proposed return to school dates for students at St Pat’s.  As you would be aware this is a rapidly changing environment and if we have to alter the proposed dates we will be in touch with parents as soon as possible.

Annette Tanner (Religious Education Leader) has also provided a letter to parents outlining the arrangements that have had to be put into place for the 2020 Sacramental Program due to COVID-19 restrictions.

2021 Planning

If parents have any genuine requests for grade selection next year that they please put that in writing and email it to principal@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au by Friday the 9^th of October (end of Week One Term Four).  Requests forwarded after this date will not be considered. Please note that whilst this is a request, and it will be taken into consideration, it is not a guarantee.  

Who is teaching where next year has not been decided yet so please do not request teachers.  At St Pat’s we work collaboratively together to ensure that they same content is delivered at each level regardless of the teacher.

Learning Pack Courier Distribution - September 18^th

Learning Packs will continue to be distributed to parents in both an electronic and hard copy format, our next delivery will be Friday, September the 18^th.    We ask that parents are patient with the delivery of the packs as the courier has 296 families that they need to get around to. A reminder that the distribution of the packs will be contactless and they will be left at your front door.  

Week One of Term 4 (5^th – 9^th of October) remains as remote learning.  These packs that will be delivered will be for Weeks One and Two of Term 4.  Please store them carefully over the holiday period and P-2 will need to bring them to school if they return on the proposed date of Monday the 12^th of October.

Once we have some more clarity around the return to school of 3-6 students we will be in communication with parents regarding the distribution of future packs.  A big thanks again to all of the staff for their efforts preparing the Learning Packs.  It is very much appreciated.

Tightened Criteria Continues for Onsite Attendance due to Stage 4 Restrictions

Under Stage 4 Restrictions there are a very limited number of students that are eligible to be onsite.  This is so that staff numbers at school are at a minimum to ensure their safety and wellbeing.  The majority of staff will be working from home.  The Intention Form with the criteria was sent out to families yesterday and those that meet the criteria need to return the form by 12.00pm tomorrow (Friday 11^th).  Parents are required to provide their updated Permitted Worker Permit to support their application.

2021 Foundation (Prep) Enrolments

We are now taking 2021 Foundation enrolments.  If you need enrolment forms, or know of someone else who does, can you please request them at office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

Unfortunately during this pandemic we cannot take tours or hold large gatherings, however, we are holding meetings over the phone with those that inquire.

Foundation (Prep) Information Night Tuesday 6^th October 7.00pm and Transition Dates

Our Foundation Information Night will be a Google Meet on Tuesday the 6^th of October at 7.00pm.  At this meeting we will run through the procedures that need to be in place between now and next year.  The invite to the meet will be sent to all enrolled families via email.  If any parents are unable to access a Google Meet please phone the school on 5943-9000 and we will organise a time for a phone conversation.

We will be providing four transition dates for the children this year.  The dates and times are as follows;

• Monday 19^th October – 9.30-10.30am.
• Tuesday 27^th October – 9.30-10.30am.
• Wednesday 11^th November 9.30-11.00am.
• Thursday 19^th November – 9.30-11.30am.

Cybersafety

Warning:  This section of the newsletter contains information and content related to suicide.

The online safety and wellbeing of our children and adolescents is critical. Please be aware that currently on the widely accessed TikTok platform, there is a clip that commences with a man with a beard and long hair. We understand the clip may also be embedded with other clips (such as kittens and other animals) but this is unconfirmed.  What follows immediately without warning is highly disturbing content related to suicide. As a result, many adults and young people across the world have accidently watched the footage.  Please speak to your children and advise them to avoid looking at TikTok while the organisation works to remove it.  We understand this video may have also been shared to other platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. We strongly recommend that neither you as parents or students view this clip. We are alerting you to this, not to alarm but to inform families, as viewing these images may have a serious and negative impact on young minds.

Some steps you can take:

• Speak to your children about the issue and encourage them to stay off social media for the next couple of days.
• Chat to them about people they can talk to if they do see disturbing images online either now or in the future.
• If they have seen the clip, encourage them to talk to you about what they have seen, then assist them to seek assistance if needed.

 If you have any concerns we are here to support you. If your child requires support and assistance, please contact the school. There are also other excellent services available for support, online chat, telephone support and information.

Remote Learning Procedures

Below are the major points regarding what we are implementing;

• We are governed under the direction of the State Government. Stage 4 Restrictions mean that the majority of our children will learn remotely.
• Parents need to contact the school if your child is unwell and not attending remotely.
• Teachers will communicate with all families at least once per week. Parents are welcome to contact teachers electronically at any time during the hours of 8.30am-4.00pm.  All staff emails are listed in the Remote Learning Handbook that has previously been emailed to parents. Classroom enquiries are to be emailed to the teachers.
• The Office will not be physically open, please call 5943-9000 or email enquiries to office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au and a member of the Office staff will get back to you.
• The students will be participating in video’s and Google Meets with the teachers. Your child’s classroom teacher will contact you weekly to inform when your meetings are scheduled.
• Learning Packs will be sent by courier to all families on Friday the 18^th of September. A reminder that all work is also provided electronically.
• After receiving feedback from parents during the last remote period regarding submitted work tasks we are asking that families submit up to three tasks per week that the children are proud of. It is not an assessment task. This can be as simple as taking a photo of the work and emailing it in. 
• All camps and excursions are cancelled for Term Three.

 For the very few children that will be attending school the following procedures are in place;

• If you are one of the few families that fit the criteria to allow your child to be onsite during this period you must complete the Intention Form sent out each week regarding your child’s attendance. The form was sent out yesterday and needs to be returned by 12.00pm tomorrow. A Permitted Worker Permit must be provided to support your application.
• All children attending the site will be temperature checked upon arrival and will need to be picked up if they are reading 37.5 and above.
• Children that are sick in any way must stay at home.
• Children need to wear full school uniform and bring snack and lunch as usual.
• Every child must have their own drink bottle, bubble taps are switched off.
• The learning pack sent home must come into the school as the work they will be completing at school is exactly the same as they would be doing remotely.
• Pick up and drop off is from the Church car park only and parents are not to leave their cars.
• Children can attend from 8.45am – 3.10pm.
• The school will be running a skeleton staff so your child will not be supervised by their normal classroom teacher.
• Staff will be wearing masks and PPE at certain times when it is appropriate.
• If families are being tested for COVID the children must remain home until a negative test result is received.
• Out of School Hours Care is available only for the children who meet the criteria to be onsite.

Fees

Please contact Fil at the Office if your family circumstances have changed for a confidential discussion regarding your fees.

Regards,

Simon