We must teach more by example than word. 

Mary MacKillop 1867

Dear Families,

Despite the potential distraction of all things COVID-19, I have been incredibly impressed by our staff members' ability to maintain a strong focus on the learning and wellbeing of all students.  At the end of Term 2, in response to remote school,  we invested signficant time in looking closely at student learning in English (Literacy) and Maths (Numeracy).  Teachers have used this information extensivley for planning and to inform the recent parent teacher phone calls.  

Since the start of the term it is clear there is a focus from all staff to make the most of face to face learning.  With the cancellation/postponement of extra curricular events the school calendar is clear and it is evident teachers and support staff are grabbing the opportunity to make the most of an increase in uninterrupted learning and teaching time with both hands.  

Yesterday the Premier of Victoria announced further actions to stem the rate of coronavirus infection.  One of these is the wearing of face coverings from midnight on Sunday.  Full details about this were emailed to families yesterday and posted on Dojo.  We would be grateful if families could spend time discussing the introduction of face coverings, including the requirement of staff at St. Patrick's to wear them.  For some of our students this may be a cause for distraction or concern and making them fully aware of the reasons for face coverings will go a long way to alleviating these.  

This week we have continued to experiment with holding school assembly and weekly Gospel via video conference.  The students and staff leading these are doing a terrific job and they are running more smoothly each week.  

Families who had enrolled their children in the parish sacrmental program for this year are asked to read the included announcement from the parish sacramental team.  

Finally, a HUGE congratulations to the Foundation students who celebrated their 100th day at school today. 

Have a great weekend.

Nick