Dear Parent, Guardians and Carers,

I know that we should never complain about the rain, however it has thrown a spanner in the works this week, with our Athletics Carnival having to be cancelled twice. Our whole school Athletics Carnival will go ahead at some stage; however, this may not be until later in the term or in early Term 4. Today our Grade 3-6 students participated in some Athletics trials, hoping to qualify for the Heyfield and District Athletics Carnival next Friday, 26^th August. These trials will also continue on Monday. Those students selected will receive a permission note via PAM early next week.

School Review

The St Patrick’s school review will be conducted next Tuesday, 23^rd and Wednesday, 24^th August. Two School Leadership Consultants from DOSCEL will interview all staff, along with some students and parents about Catholic Identity and Religious Education, Learning and Teaching and Leadership at the school. The findings from the school review will highlight our strengths, whilst also providing recommendations for future development.

First Communion/Children’s Mass

Next Saturday, 27^th August at 5:30pm there will be a Children’s Mass at the Cathedral in Sale. This Children’s Mass will also be a celebration of the Sacrament of First Communion. Three St Patrick’s students have been preparing for their First Communion for a number of weeks. Jamieson McNicol, will make his First Communion this Sunday at Mass in Stratford, whilst Matilda Dower and Kobi Scicluna will celebrate their First Communion at Mass next Saturday night.

St Patrick’s is encouraging as many students as possible to come along to the Mass next Saturday night and celebrate First Communion with the students and families from St Thomas’ and St Mary’s. We are also trying to encourage some of our students to come along and sing in a choir with students from the other two schools. St Patrick’s is also responsible for the Offertory Procession and the collection. It would be great to see St Patrick’s well represented at the Mass. If your child is keen to attend the mass, join the choir or assist with the offertory procession and collection, please email me at jbrayshaw@stpstratford.catholic.edu.au.

Reporting Student Absences

It is a legal requirement that all student absences are explained. If your child is absent for any reason, the school needs to be notified of this absence through PAM. Please ensure that absence notifications are completed as early as possible.

Picking up Students Early

There has been an increase in the number of students being dropped off late or picked up early from school. I understand that sometimes these situations are unavoidable, however it is important that all students are at school for as long as possible. Every minute counts!

Student Drop Off and Pick Up

The safety of everyone is a high priority at St Patrick’s. One of the most challenging times for keeping everyone safe is at drop off and pick up times. Please ensure that when you are dropping off or picking up your child that you do this as safely as possible. Before and after school is a very busy time, so please be patient and always consider safety when making a decision around how you will drop off or pick up your child.

Kind regards,

Joel