"That they may all be one, as you Father, are in me and I am in you"
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Newsletter Thursday 8th June, 2023
We the staff of St Patrick’s acknowledge the traditional owners, the Kulin nations, of the land on which we learn and play.
We pay respects to the Aboriginal Elders, past and present, who are our teachers.
We thank them for taking care of children and country for countless generations.
Mark 12:28-34
'You are not far from the kingdom of God'
One of the scribes came up to Jesus and put a question to him, ‘Which is the first of all the commandments?’ Jesus replied, ‘This is the first: Listen, Israel, the Lord our God is the one Lord, and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You must love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ The scribe said to him, ‘Well spoken, Master; what you have said is true: that he is one and there is no other. To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and strength, and to love your neighbour as yourself, this is far more important than any holocaust or sacrifice.’ Jesus, seeing how wisely he had spoken, said, ‘You are not far from the kingdom of God.’ And after that no one dared to question him any more.
Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,
Last weekend was incredible to celebrate the First Holy Communion with students from both St Clare’s and St Patrick’s. What a delight it was to se the students dressed up in their finest outfits and accept the Body of Christ in the form of the blessed host for the first time. The next celebrations are the weekend after the long weekend.
As Winter takes its toll on both students and staff health, I am asking parents to be mindful of how you communicate with your child/ren if or when their teacher is going to be absent. Whilst never an ideal situation, teachers will be absent from time to time due to illness, work meetings or personal matters to attend to. We have recently added Resilience to our set of values here at St Patrick’s and the students are able to speak about it readily; what is also vital is their ability to recognise when resilience is needed.
Resilience refers to the ability to manage everyday stressors and challenges.
Resilience enables people to shift back along the mental health continuum towards good mental health. A child or young person’s ability to be resilient can depend upon many things and can change depending upon their situation. Importantly, specific situations or events that one child or young person may find challenging, another may not.
Both parents and students need to understand that during their time at school, they will have many different teachers. Speaking with your children about how they deal with this is paramount to their mental wellbeing. Change will always be a big part of any organisation. No matter what teacher is in the classroom, they will ensure that structure and routine is still in place. The curriculum will still be delivered and their physical, social and emotional wellbeing will be monitored. The teachers have many things in place such as visual timetables that assist the students in knowing how the day will play out.
I ask all parents to talk positively with your children around teacher absence and help them see this as an opportunity to get to know and interact with new people. I have attached a link to Be You website and included an article and further information below. These are excellent resources to help build and maintain resilience in your children. Please take the time to read and develop a greater understanding around Resilience.
https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/social-and-emotional-learning/resilience-and-mental-health
This has been a big week at our school with multiple excursion. On Tuesday our Year 5 students headed off to St Francis to see what highschool life is all about. Our Foundation students had their very first excursion on Wednesday at Myuna Farm and had a blast. We also saw our year 2 students head off this morning to theEdithvale-Seaford Wetlands.
Next week is a short week for us with Monday being a student free day, we also have our last Open Day of this term on Tuesday.
Take care and God Bless
Meg
PRIME drinks
These drinks are NOT to be brought to school under any circumstances. They will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day. Water is the only drink we would like to se be at school please. No Primas or fruit juice. Please help us to promote healthy drinking habits. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
Building Project
You may have noticed that our B Block is coming along, however it will not be completed by the end of this term as originally thought. The building will be completed over the school holidays and the students will move in the first few weeks of term 3. We look forward to seeing our new building and being able to access the new facilities.
Donations
In order to support our P and F committee, I am asking if there are families and businesses out there who are able to donate items that can be used for future raffles and in particular for our fete that is being held later this year. Not only is this a sign of goodwill and enhance a sense of community, but it will also create great opportunities for your own business to be highlighted at St Patrick’s. If you would like to donate items, please contact the office on 5943 9000 or email office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
As always, we appreciate any help that is given to our beautiful school.
Social Media
Our school has started its own Facebook page where we highlight the amazing things out students do everyday at school. You can follow our page with the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087005542953
OPEN DAYS
We have our last Open Day for this term coming up. If you know any families looking at enrolling please invite them to come by our school between 9:30am - 2:00pm on the following day for a guided tour.
Tuesday 13th June
2024 Enrolments
If you have a child beginning at St Patrick’s next year, please come to the office and collect an enrolment form. If you know of any families living in our area and looking for a school, please tell them about us. If they wish to make an appointment to have a tour, they can contact the office on 5943 9000 or email us at office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Wei 5SA, Faith 3NC, Scarlett FGW, Emmanuel 1AF, Elish 2OG, Gabriella 6RM and Jacob 5RS !
| DATE | ACTIVITY |
| 08/06/2023 | Year 2 Excursion - Wetlands |
| 12/06/2023 | Student Free Day |
| 13/06/2023 | Open Day |
| 23/06/2023 | AFL Girls Gala Day |
| 23/06/2023 | Last Day of Term 2 |
| 10/07/2023 | First Day of Term 3 |
| 12/07/2023 | Year 6 Incursion - Mad About Science |
| 17/07/2023 | Book Fair Week |
TERM DATES
| First Day | Last Day | |
| Term 1 | 31st January | 5th April |
| Term 2 | 27th April | 23rd June |
| Term 3 | 10th July | 15th September |
| Term 4 | 2nd October | 18th December |
| 27/01/2023 | Professional Development Day |
| 30/01/2023 | Professional Development Day |
| 13/03/2023 | Public Holiday - Labour Day |
| 06/04/2023 | Data Review Day |
| 07/04/2023 | Public Holiday - Good Friday |
| 25/04/2023 | Public Holiday - ANZAC Day |
| 26/04/2023 | Professional Development Day |
| 12/06/2023 | Public Holiday - The Monarch's Birthday |
| 07/08/2023 | Professional Development Day |
| 03/11/2023 | Professional Development Day |
| 07/11/2023 | Public Holiday - Melbourne Cup |
| 19/12/2023 | Professional Development Day |
| 20/12/2023 | Professional Development Day |
PUPIL FREE DAYS:
These 3 Pupil Free days ensure that we can manage our commitment for all staff to continue to provide activities such as school camps for our students.
Please note, these dates are separate from our 8 Staff Professional Development days. Those 8 days are for our staff professional learning which will focus on Religious Education, Learning and Teaching and Student Wellbeing.
| 24/04/2023 | Pupil Free Day |
| 08/08/2023 | Pupil Free Day |
| 06/11/2023 | Pupil Free Day |
|
TERM 2, Week 6 , 2023 - CLASS AWARDS |
||
|
✔️ |
Student |
Comment |
|
FGW |
Alaska |
Being on task when working independently and challenging yourself when spelling unknown words. Well done! |
|
FKG |
Shahbaaz |
For your positivity each day. You have grown in resilience and belief in your learning abilities. Keep challenging yourself. |
|
1AF |
Chloe |
For demonstrating an eagerness and dedication to learning. You have attempted all areas of the curriculum with a positive attitude. Keep up the great work! |
|
1LR |
Tegan |
For having a positive attitude to all school activities. You have been a dedicated learner and have taken on challenging work enthusiastically. Well done Tegan. |
|
2OG |
Daniel |
For working hard during speech and learning how to ask questions. Great work Daniel! |
|
2NB |
Akuoch |
For always being considerate, respectful and cooperative in learning times and on the playground. |
|
2KK |
Aadika |
|
|
3TA |
Amiah |
For your outstanding behaviour and hard work throughout this week. You should be very proud of your positive attitude towards your learning. |
|
3NC |
Lucas |
For the great focus shown in all written learning experiences. Keep up the great work! |
|
4JV |
Charlotte M |
For her consistent hard work in Reading Groups and for showing the school value of Persistence. |
|
4PA |
Sebit |
For persistence and determination in completing activities in number and geometry. Well done Sebit! |
|
4AT |
Corey |
For the interest you have shown in Religion and Inquiry. When preparing for First Holy Communion, even though it will only happen next year, you have been a keen participant and volunteered answers for most of Fr Janeesh’s questions. During our Inquiry lesson, you shared your knowledge of Pangea. Well done Corey! |
|
5SM |
Grace |
For always working hard and asking questions when unsure of a task. You are a great role model for others. |
|
5RS |
Mason |
For your desire to help others. You have supported both your friends and other class members, showing wonderful leadership and patience. |
|
5SA |
Delbridge |
For being a hardworking student. Your classmates say that you are a supportive and kind friend too. |
|
6RM |
Mary |
For perseverance in learning |
|
6BC |
Willow |
|
|
6DD |
Kail |
For showing great leadership in our class discussions and your work in maths has been awesome! |
|
Japanese |
5SM |
For great engagement when learning about cities in Japan this week and for assisting Foundation children during their Japanese lesson. |
|
Digi Tech |
1 AF |
For working well in your teams and using trial and error to work out how to make your model of a playground. Keep up the great work. |
|
PE |
F-KG |
For working cooperatively on PE stations and listening respectfully to learn a new team game. |
|
PA |
Choir 1AF |
For all their hard work and dedication. The choir members should be proud of their efforts. Congratulations and well done. For always having fun and enjoying performing arts. |
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM DATES
First Holy Communion
|
Saturday 17 June 2023 |
6:00 pm Mass |
First Holy Communion |
|
Sunday 18 June 2023 |
10:30 am Mass |
First Holy Communion |
Confirmation
|
Thursday 10th August |
7:00 pm |
Parent Workshop |
|
Saturday 12th August |
6:00pm |
Commitment Mass |
|
Saturday 19th August |
4:00pm |
Confirmation |
|
Saturday 19th August |
6:00pm |
Confirmation |
Reconciliation
|
Thursday 19th October |
7:00pm |
Parent Workshop |
|
Saturday 22nd October |
6.00pm |
Commitment Mass |
|
Wednesday 25th October |
7:00pm |
Reconciliation |
|
Thursday 26th October 2023 |
7:00pm |
Reconciliation |
SCHOOL FEES
The School Fee statements for Term 2 have been sent out via email. If you require another copy please contact the school office. Our preferred method of payment is via Direct Debit, please download the attached form and return to the school office. Alternatively a hard copy can be picked up from the office.
CSEF
CSEF forms are still being accepted, however there is a deadline of 30th June!
To be eligible for the CSEF all you need is a valid Health Care Card. Contact the school office for more information.
Holders of a valid Health Care Card are also eligible for a reduction in the school fees. Please contact the school office.
The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) provides payments for eligible students to attend activities like:
- school camps or trips
- swimming and school-organised sports programs
- outdoor education programs
- excursions and incursions.
Families holding a valid means-tested concession card or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. A Special Consideration category also exists. Schools can receive applications from families over terms one and two.
Families can list more than one student in the one application form if they are attending the same school.
Eligible means-tested cards
Means-tested concession cards must now be valid on either:
- the first day of Term 1 (Monday 30 January 2023)
- the first day of Term 2 (Tuesday 24 April 2023)
CSEF application form (also available in the knowledge bank section in PAM)
Conveyance allowance
The conveyance allowance is a State Government allowance that may be available to students attending government or non-government schools.
If you live more than 4.8km from your closest school you can apply for the conveyance allowance and:
- travelling by public transport or by private car, motorbike, bicycle or bus, and
- whose nearest school is not serviced by a free school bus provided under the School Bus Program
The conveyance allowance is a State Government contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost of transporting children to and from school.
Application for private car travel (also available in the knowledge bank section in PAM)
Application for public transport travel (also available in the knowledge bank section in PAM)
Please remember to update your contact details and any relevant medical details for your child.
Most medical profiles have now been updated. Please remember to keep them up to date and upload any asthma/allergy plans that may be relevant
To update any contact details please contact the school office.
Have you logged into your PAM account yet!
We have been using PAM as our main form of communication. All emails, Student Attendance, Sick Bay notes, School Reports, commonly used forms, excursion/camp permission notes and Family Learning conversations, will all be communicated via PAM.
Access PAM via this link Link to PAM
PAM - Parent Access Module
PAM (Parent Access Module) is our Parent to School communication platform. PAM will provide real time access to keep parents updated with their children’s progress, important dates and messages. Relevant resources – calendar events, student reports, parent notified absences, absence data and sick bay notes will all be accessed via PAM.
Parents will be able to easily book Parent Teacher interviews through PAM, and access teacher email addresses.
PAM accounts are linked via your email address that we have in our systems.
If you have recently changed your email, please call or email us on office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
Click on the 'forget password' link to set your password and then verify your email address. (Email addresses must be verified for PAM to work properly). Once your email is verified, your email can be used as the username for your account.
Once you have successfully logged in, you can save PAM to your homescreen on your device.
If you have any issues or need help with PAM please contact the school via email, office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
PAM Instructions
Parent Notified Absences via PAM
Once you have PAM set up and saved to your home screen you can easily send in Parent Notified absences. Please use this platform going forward as this automatically syncs with the class roll. This will fix the issues of receiving SMS notifications even though you had already notified the school.
