'Never see a need

without trying to do something about it.'

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Mary MacKillop was a woman of humble beginnings who did extraordinary things.  She was a person of deep faith, courage and selflessness.  Mary started the Sisters of St. Joseph's, who for many years were responsible for running St. Patrick's school.  

During the first half of the term the Religious Education curriculum will look closley at the life and legacy of Mary MacKillop.  Most importantly, we will consider how her legacy inspires and informs our actions today and in the future.  

A warm welcome to all students, families and staff for the start of Term 3.  A special welcome to Emmanuel, Layla, Logan and Luke, and their families, who have started at St. Patrick's this week.  At a time when there is such uncertainty, worry and anxiety in our world, I am amazed and inspired by the joy, inquistiveness and energy the children bring to our school.  They are a credit to themselves and their families and it is a privelege to witness on a daily basis.

It is clear that many of the protocols we have in place in response to COVID-19 will remain for some weeks yet.  They keys ones to remember are:

• If a child (or staff member) is sick, stay home.
• If a student being tested for COVID-19, their siblings should remain home also. 
• Altered pick up and drop off arrangements will remain in place until further notice.
• Vistors to the school (including parents and contractors) will be kept to a minimum.
• Increased cleaning of the school will continue.
• Increased hygiene practices will continue.
• Excursions, camps and offsite activites are postponed until further notice. 

Despite the restricted access for adults to the school, parents are encouraged to continue to make contact via dojo, email or phone should the need arise.  

As we start the term please keep in mind the schools in the Sale Diocese who are commencing Remote Schooling next week as part of Stage 3 restrictions on the Melbourne Metroplolitan area.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the students, staff and families of these school communities.

Stay well, stay safe.

Nick  

Parent teacher meetings will be held next Wednesday 22nd July and Thursday 23rd July after school.  Due to COVID restrictions these meetings will be conducted by phone.  Families are asked to book times via school interviews online (details below).  

Booking link:  https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/

Event code:  vwzgz

Each meeting is scheduled for 15 minutes in response to the uniqueness of the situation we have experienced in recent months.  Staff will ring at the allotted time, please note phones will be set to private so caller id won't be shown.

St. Patrick's is committed to ongoing school improvement and the use of a range of evidence to inform decisions and actions.  A large sample of families received a school improvement survey earlier this week.  This is a genuine opportunity for you to provide feedback about school performance.  The surveys are anonymous and can be completed in paper form or online.  Families who receive a survey are asked to complete these by Friday 31st July.  Paper copies can be returned to the front office sealed in the envelope provided.   

It is important to note that staff and students also complete surveys and the information is utilised by both Catholic Education and school leadership to inform school improvement.  

All students are expected to wear the full winter uniform Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and the sports uniform Wednesday and Friday.  Please remember the following.

• Winter jackets are for wearing in addition to the school jumper.
• Long hair is to be tied back with school colour hair ties.
• Black school shoes with the winter uniform.
• White shirts should have a top button.
• Plain grey socks with the winter uniform, white with sports.

A reminder that children have the ability to lose, misplace and/or pick up the wrong uniform item.  Please ensure items are clearly labelled and check that your child/ren hasn't brought someone else's jumper or jacket home.

When a student is out of uniform, families are asked to provide notification (written or verbal) for this.  

Children can be vulnerable road users.  At pick up and drop off times, there is increased pedestrian, bike and car traffic.  For everyone's safety, parents are asked to be vigiliant and obey the road rules.

Drivers

• Park in designated parking zones.
• Stay off your phone when driving.
• Always use the pedestrian crossing.
• Give way to pedestrians.
• Slow to 40kmh around the school.

Pedestrians

• Always use the pedestrian crossing.
• Stop, look, listen and think before crossing.
• Wait for the red light, then check traffic has stopped, at the traffic lights.

Cyclists/Scooters

• Helmets on and tighetened under the chin.
• Two hands for steering.
• Walk across the pedestrian crosssing.
• Stop, look listen and think before crossing roads. 

We are grateful to the local police who regulalry drive by the school around these times of increased activity.

Thanks to families who have found the Absence Notification on our website.  The link can be found on the home page.

Please see the calendar included in the website to stay up to date with forthcoming events, including school closure days and term dates.

Please note:

• School Closure Day:  Friday 21st August
• Buses are now running on Friday 28th August