'When we take the time to reach out to another,

we come to a greater appreciation of what we have

and what we share in common.

We come to realise and appreciate more the extraordinary

gifts of life, family and friendship.'

Jim Quillinan has written a poignant reflection about loneliness, isolation and outreach to our fellow human.  The complete article is attached below.

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

Friday 23rd October - Statewide Public Holiday

Monday 2nd November - School Closure Day

Tuesday 3rd November - Melbourne Cup Public Holiday

Monday 16th November - School Photos

tbc - Grade 6 Graduation

Wednesday 16th December - Final day for students (3.30pm finish)

NB:  dates are available from the school calendar on the website St Patrick's Public Calendar

Physical Distancing will see adjustments to:

- school gatherings (eg Assembly, Gospel, morning line up)

- student line up 

- drop off and pick up routines

- staffroom arrangements

Hygiene

- increased environmental cleaning with an emphasis on high touch surfaces

- regular washing of hands

- students bring a water bottle for refilling

Quick Response to signs or symptoms

- students and staff who are unwell with any COVID symptoms ~ stay home and get tested

- children with symptoms (even the mildest) will go home

Symptoms include fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and/or loss of sense of smell.  In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.

Face Coverings/Masks

- worn by all adults

- children may choose to

Temperature Testing

- student temperatures  will be checked each morning on entry to the school grounds.

- a student who has a reading of 37.5 or higher will be isolated and parents will be contacted to pick the child up.  

School Access

- only students, staff and authorised visitors will be permitted onsite

Safety Reminders

Merrick Street:  Families are asked to only park on the school side of Merrick Street at the front of the school.  This is for the safety of students and adults. 

Speed Limit:  The speed limit around school at drop off and pick up times in 40kmh.  Please slow down. 

Drop off & Pick up Zones

Front of School ~ Merrick Street:  Prep and Year 6 students (and siblings)

Main Gate ~ Dixon Street:   All other students

Bus gate: ~ Blackburn Street:  Bus travellers

SUMMER

All Students -St. Patrick's school jumper, hat and bag.

Boys

Black leather school shoes or boots

Grey socks- above ankle

Grey shorts

White shirt - short sleeved

Girls

Green check summer school dress.

Black leather school shoes / T-bar school shoes or leather lace up

White socks- above ankle - no logo

Hair ties – school colours only

            Sport Uniform              

Bottle green shorts

School sport shirt

St Patrick’s sport jacket

Sneakers 

White socks- above ankle - no logo

Footy Colours Day - Friday 16th October

All students are encouraged to wear their favourite football team's colours next Friday 16th October.  More information to come.