Dear Parents,

Yesterday we celebrated the Feast Day of St Patrick.  It is a wonderful opportunity for us each year to reflect upon St Patrick and what it means for us as a school to be named in his honour.  The Year Six Leaders performed a wonderful job travelling around to all of the grades presenting information on St Patrick that they had prepared.  All students participated in activities within their classrooms learning about St Patrick.

We also took the opportunity to celebrate what a wonderful school we have here.  Days such as St Patrick’s Day afford us the time to reflect upon, and give thanks, to everyone who sacrificed so much over the years to make St Pat’s what it is today.  The faith, forethought and sacrifice of so many Catholic leaders and parishioners many years ago can never be forgotten.

Given that we are celebrating St Patrick’s we took the opportunity during the week to ask some of our Foundation (Prep) students what it is that they like so much about the school.  Their answers are as follows;

"I like drawing and colouring." Angeth

"I like playing with my friends at school." Lachlan

"I really like to write and draw." Aluk

"I love to colour and draw with my friends." Jasmine

“I love helping my friends." Christopher

"I like going outside with my buddy and my brothers and I like playing with my friends". Lewis.

"I love all of my friends and I always make new friends." Hudson.

"You make new friends. It's fun to play." Mercy.

"I like the teachers. I like the kids." Vincent.

"I like eating lunch with my friends and playing." Zaidee.

"I like playing with my buddy and I'm learning how to play netball with her." Lincoln.

"I like colouring and I also like reading." Raine.

“I like seeing my buddy at school.”  Phoebe.

“I like doing my work.” Wani.

“I like making things in class.” Maddie.

“I like playing different games with my friends.” Flynn.

Crazy Dress Day for Easter Raffle – Tomorrow, March 19. Please Bring an Egg or Easter themed gift.

Students are able to come to school in Crazy Dress tomorrow if they bring an egg or Easter themed gift to donate for Easter Raffle.

Students will need to be sun smart, i.e. no shoestring singlet tops. If they have PE on Friday's they must be in clothes suitable to allow them to take part.  All students must wear closed toe, fitted shoes.  Please note that there is to be strictly no hair colour.  The Easter Raffle will be drawn on the last day of term for the students, Wednesday the 31^st of March.

Equipment from Home

Please note that there is an ample amount of sports equipment provided at school so we ask that students do not bring equipment or toys from home. Having students use only the equipment provided at school ensures that we can adhere to COVID safe cleaning requirements.

Pick Up and Drop Off

Again, I remind parents that whilst it is great that we now have the opportunity again to park cars in the carpark, you must walk over and collect your child.  For the safety of the students please do not call for your children to walk across to your car unaccompanied. 

Morning Bells and Gates and absences 

Our first bell in the morning goes at 8.50am.  This is to signal to the children to start heading to class and to prepare for face to face learning from 9.00am.  The roll is also taken at 9.00am.   To ensure we have the most accurate data and so absence SMS’s are not sent out by mistake, all the gates are shut at 8.55am.  If you arrive at school after 8.55am please bring your child around to the office so they can be signed in and then sent to class.  Then the roll will then be adjusted accordingly. 

If your child is to be absent or late please notify the school office, not the class teacher, via PAM (preferred option), Phone call, email or SZapp.  

2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours

We are currently taking Foundation enrolments and running 2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours by appointment.  If you know of anyone considering St Pat’s for their child please ask them to call the school Office on 5943-9000 and book a tour.

COVID Procedures

I remind parents that the following procedures are in place for the safety of all;

• Masks are not required to be worn by parents at all times when in the school, only in situations where you are unable to social distance.
• Parents wishing to come into the grounds to drop off or collect their children must scan the QR code on the way in and wait out the front of the classroom. Please do not enter the rooms and social distance whilst waiting.  You must limit your visit to less than 15 minutes, gates open at 3pm at the end of the day.
• Parents waiting for children in the pick-up lines need to ensure that their children know which carpark to go to.
• If you do park your car you must walk over and collect your child. Please do not call for your children to walk across to your car unaccompanied. 
• Meetings with staff are by appointment only. Any parent that is going to be in the school for more than 15 minutes needs to sign on and complete the COVID form at the Office.
• Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
• The Office is open if required, however, please observe the density limits (maximum of 6 people). It is preferable to phone or email if possible rather than come to the Office.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bubble taps are operational at school.
• An ample amount of sports equipment is provided at school so we ask that students do not bring equipment and toys from home.

 Important Dates for Your Diary

• Wednesday 31^st March – Term One concludes for the students 3.10pm.
• Thursday 1^st of April – School Closure Day. No school for students.
• Monday 19^th of April – Term Two commences.
• Tuesday 27^th of April – School Closure Day. The staff are participating in a Diocesan RE Day.
• 11^th-21^st May – Naplan.
• Monday 14^th June – Queens Birthday. No school.
• Friday 25^th June – Term Two concludes / Reports distributed.

 Camp Dates 2021

• Year 3 – 10^th – 11^th  June Camp CYC Adanac, Yarra Junction.
• Year 4 – 14^th – 16^th July CYC The Island, Phillip Island.
• Year 5 – 4^th- 6^th August Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.
• Year 6 – 15^th – 19^th November Lady Northcote Camp, Glenmore.

 Fees

2021 Fees were distributed to all families on Tuesday.  Included in these fee statements were the camp levies.  Please contact Fil at office@stppakenham.catholic.edu if you have any issues or concerns.

Regards,

 Simon

Phys Ed in Term 1

There has been a focus across the school from F-6 on running and locomotor skills. Locomotor skills help us to move from one spot to another. Students have been specifically working on running in order to get ready for Cross Country in Week 10.

Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 have been working on moving in shared space, giving and maintaining personal space for safety and investigating the use of different locomotor skills including running, walking, jumping, skipping, hopping, side stepping and dodging. Some of these skills also require balance as you need to pause and change direction. 

Year 3 and 4 have been investigating the same locomotor skills and applying these in small groups whilst learning the routines of station work. Each station is set up to practise a specific locomotor skill with various equipment. Students are required to ensure that the routines of movement are followed so that everyone can safely practise the skills and learn. Teams have been able to demonstrate our school values of safety, respect and cooperation when following the routines of each station.

Years 5 and 6 have been applying locomotor skills in fitness sessions and adhering to the routines for safe movement and use of equipment. They have also been working on goal-setting and working on a growth mindset so they can improve their active skills and develop as a learner in PE so they can hopefully continue to use these skills for life.

All students from F-6 have been developing their running skills as they practice for St Patrick’s Cross Country in Week 10. Many students have taken the opportunity to come to Active Club on Wednesday and Thursday mornings before school to improve their running. 

Swimming Carnival 

On Wednesday 24th of February 2021 Sneha, Sophie, Lillian, Shaylyn, Max, Archer, Alex and Kane went to the School Swimming Carnival. It was a thrilling day filled with lots of fun, even though the water was freezing cold! The event was held at the Pakenham outdoor pool, behind the Pakenham Library. At 9:00am we left school and walked to the pool with Mrs Blackwood and Mrs Viney. When we got to the pool we saw Mrs Breeden. After that we set up our area. Then we put our towels and mats down. We estimate there were about nine or ten schools including us. We had to wait a while for the relay races to finish and then we could start lining up for the freestyle, we waited approximately thirty minutes for the boys in other schools and then for the girls in different schools races to be finished then our races to be held. When we were waiting we got more and more nervous to get into the water. When it was our turn we had to dive in for freestyle and it wasn’t as cold as last time. When we got out we could not feel our legs as we were so cold! When we were supporting our school teammates we had a little snack break. After the freestyle was finished all the backstroke participants were called up to the shelter to be allocated into their lanes. We cheered on our school as we were getting ready for our next stroke- Breaststroke. When we were called up for breaststroke we bumped into so many friends from other schools. The last stroke in the swimming carnival was butterfly which no-one from our school did. During that event we got ready to go back to school. By the time we got back to school it was around  2:20pm. Then we did some more work and our swimming day trip was over. It was an amazing experience representing our school. 

By Sophie and Sneha 

Cross Country 2021

St Patrick’s Cross Country Event will be held on Monday March 29th

All students from Foundation to Year 6 are expected to participate. Students have been developing their running skills during PE lessons throughout the term. Whilst there is the opportunity to represent St Pat’s at the next level of competition (Pakenham District) not everyone has the ability to achieve this level. Students have been encouraged to work on improving their individual skills and shifting their mindset to achieve success. This will look different for all students, but some of the things we have spoken about include:

• using a walk/run model
• run with someone of equal ability to encourage each other
• set mini goals (eg: run to the next tree)
• count steps between points on the track
• use a personal tracker to time
• recall your past personal achievements in the lead up to the event and try to meet or exceed them

Years 3-6 will run during the morning block from 9am-11am.

As Years 3-6 will be running outside the school grounds (using pathways around the perimeter of the school block) they will be required to respond to the permission note on Operoo. Any student who does not respond by the due date will still be participating but completing a course of similar length within the school grounds. Students in Years 4, 5 & 6 will NOT be running in level groups but in age/gender groups as this aligns with the next level of competition. Year 3 students WILL run as a level and in gender groups.

Years F-2 will run after recess from 11:30am-12:50pm.

These students will not require permission to run as they will be running inside the school grounds.They have also been developing their running skills during PE lessons.

On Wednesday, 17th March, Prep C had their Grade 6 buddies help them to make shamrock men as a St Patrick’s Day activity. Shamrocks were used by Patrick to teach the people of Ireland about the Trinity of God-God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Yesterday was St Patrick's Day. This year, our Grade 6 leaders worked over 4 weeks to compile PowerPoints to deliver to the students in every grade. They had to research information about St Patrick, offer positive reinforcement to each other over the PowerPoints prepared, and find suitable pictures for the students in the junior grades to colour.

Our next Sacrament is First Eucharist in May, and there will be approximately 180 recipients, so I’ll forward details onto everyone as everything is finalised.

Please keep an eye on Operoo. 

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2021

Sacrament Dates for 2021

First Holy Communion - Grade 4 and Grade 5 Students

21st and 22nd April - Parent Workshop

Communion Masses - Every Saturday and Sunday in May - Booking details will be given out during the Workshops. 

Confirmation - Grade 6 Students

22nd July - Parent Workshop

31st July - 1st August - Enrolment Masses

7th and 8th August - Formation Masses

14th and 15th August - Formation Masses

20th and 21st August - Confirmation Masses

Reconciliation - Grade 3 Students

14th October - Parent Workshop

20th and 21st October - Reconcilation 

We are Back!!

Operoo allows you to 'share' your account with anyone you choose.   For example if you would like your partner to help you keep track of things here at school all you need to do is click on your child's profile, click on green box that says 'share'.   Then fill in the persons details, ie name and email address,  you can even choose what level of access they have.  You can choose 'view only' or 'view and change'. 

Please click on the link for detailed instructions. 

httpss://supportoperoo.com/portal/en/kb/articles/how-does-a-user-share-a-profile-with-a-second-parent-or-carer

Please log in and accept the ICT User Agreement for 2021 if you haven't already done so!

Please remember to update any details in Operoo, for example change of address or phone number,  this will send us a message that your details have changed and we are then able to update our database.

Don't forget to upload your child's hayfever letters including symptoms specific to your child!

If you have any problems using Operoo, please call into the school office preferably on a Monday, Thursday or Friday and we will be able to help you.  

SIMON -  a Learning Management Software solution for schools.

St Patrick’s Primary school is now using SIMON in the classroom to keep track of your child’s progress and learning as well as attendance.  SIMON will also be used for School Reports and Student Wellbeing.

PAM, SIMON’s Parent Access Module

PAM (Parent Access Module) is our new Parent to School communication platform.   PAM provides 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 can all be accessed via PAM.

Parents can easily book Parent Teacher interviews through PAM, and access teacher email addresses. 

Parents would have received an email from noreply@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au on Friday 5th March that contains instructions and a link for them to click on.  Please check your JUNK or SPAM mailbox if you do not receive this email.  PAM accounts are linked via your email address that we have in our systems.  If you have recently changed your email or you can not find the email sent on Friday please call or email us on office@stppakenham.cathlic.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

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. 

Have you installed the new SZapp?   

Skoolbag is no longer being used, install SZapp now! 

 Follow the installation guide below to install the new app on your smart devices.  

School Photographs for 2021 - St Patricks Pakenham

School Photos were taken in early March. 

If you didn't get a chance to order, do not worry, a code went home with your child yesterday which you can use to order.  If you didn't receive a code and you haven't already ordered photos please contact the photographer directly on the phone number below. 

Orders will need to be placed online at www.spargophoto.com.au using your unique code.  

If you have any inquiries, please contact us on (03) 5942 5234

Paddy's Kitchen's purpose is to make a difference in people's lives, by providing a fresh, nutritious meal in a friendly environment.  Paddy's Kitchen serves every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from St Patrick's Pakenham, Parish hall.  Dinner at 6pm 

www.stpatrickspakenham.com.au/paddys-kitchen

The Cardinia Shire have a program available for Aboriginal and CALD (Culturally and linguistically diverse) sports groups.  For more information please see the flyer below