Dear Families,

Welcome back for the start of Term 4!  The energy and excitement of students, staff (and a number of parents) has been a site to behold over the last few days.  Walking around the school it is clear that students and staff have transitioned quickly and smoothly back to face to face learning.  The level of engagement across the school is a credit to the work of the staff and mindset of our students.  Well done to everyone on such a positive start to the term.  

On Monday students and staff met for a brief assembly.  The focus of the session was on having high expectations of ourselves and one and other over the weeks ahead.  At St. Patrick's we have high expectations of all our students and we firmly believe they can all achieve these.  We expect that students will give their best effort at all times.  We also expect that student conduct (behaviour) is of the highest standard.    Our responsibility as a staff is to create the conditions for all students to be able to be successful with these expectations.  

As you are all aware there are a range of protocols and restrictions in place at St. Patrick's that are part of our COVID Safety Plan.  The purpose of these is to provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff and we greatly appreciate your cooperation with these.  As a continued reminder, the newsletter contains an overview of these practices that we expect to be in place for the duration of Term 4.  

Despite the restrictions on parents/families coming onsite, I want to reiterate that communication is welcome and encouraged.  Dojo and email are the best ways to stay in touch with your child's teacher.  As is always the case - if you are unsure or have a question, please ask.

Congratulations to Sammie Straw who has been announced as the winner of the Kids News Short Story Writing Competition.  This is a national competition and it is a wonderful achievement by Sammie.  

Take care,

Nick