St Patrick's Primary School Pakenham
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136 Princes Highway
Pakenham VIC 3810
Subscribe: https://www.stppakenham.catholic.edu.au/subscribe

Email: principal@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 03 5943 9000

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"That they may all be one, as you Father, are in me and I am in you"

Newsletter for 13th May 2021

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Newsletter for 13th May 2021

Dear Parents,

I hope that all Mum’s had a lovely Mother’s Day on Sunday and that you were very spoilt by your children.  It is a great opportunity to stop and reflect as families on how important our Mums are in our lives and all the wonderful things they do for us.

The children in Grades 3 & 5 completed their NAPLAN testing this week.  It was pleasing to see the students giving their best effort. Thanks to all of the staff who were involved in the coordination.  Results will be made available to parents as soon as we receive them at school.

It is nice to be back after my Long Service Leave.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank Meg Escalante and Anna Viney for the excellent job they performed as Acting Principals in my absence.  It is very comforting to be able to go away and know that the school is in such capable hands.

Car Parking –THE AVENUE- Important Information

As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, The Avenue car park continues to be a source of frustration for many parents. I ask ALL parents to please obey the NO RIGHT TURN sign that is located at the exit to The Avenue car park. Parents turning right are creating unnecessary congestion and causing frustration for others doing the right thing. I ask please for everyone to be considerate during the busy morning and afternoon peak times.

We ask parents to be good role models to their children and to display common sense and safety when moving through the car parks both at the beginning and end of the day.

School Assemblies-Friday 2.30-3.00pm PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME

A reminder that due to COVID restrictions assemblies are available for parents to access online. Please click on the link for this weeks Assembly  Click to Join

2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours

We are currently taking Foundation enrolments and running 2022 Foundation (Prep) Tours by appointment.  If you know of anyone considering St Pat’s for their child please ask them to call the school Office on 5943-9000 and book a tour.

Second-Hand Uniform Shop

Due to COVID the processes for the Second-Hand Uniform Shop are currently being reviewed. We will inform parents the new procedures and times of operation as soon it is finalised.

Parents and Friends AGM – Wednesday the 19th at 9.00am

The P&F AGM will be held on Wednesday the 19th at 9.00am in the Parish Meeting Room.  All are welcome to attend.

Fete Meeting – Tuesday the 18th May 7.30pm

Our Fete is planned for Friday the 5th of November.  The first meeting for the committee will be an online meeting for anyone interested in helping at 7.30pm next Tuesday, the 18th.  The link for the meeting is Click to Join  

Equipment from Home

Please note that there is an ample amount of sports equipment provided at school so we ask that students do not bring equipment or toys from homeHaving students only use the equipment provided at school ensures that we can adhere to COVID safe cleaning requirements.

COVID Procedures

I remind parents that the following procedures are in place for the safety of all;

  • Masks are not required to be worn by parents at all times when in the school, only in situations where you are unable to social distance.
  • Parents wishing to come into the grounds to drop off or collect their children must scan the QR code on the way in and wait out the front of the classroom. Please do not enter the rooms and social distance whilst waiting.  You must limit your visit to less than 15 minutes, gates open at 3pm at the end of the day.
  • Parents waiting for children in the pick-up lines need to ensure that their children know which carpark to go to.
  • If you do park your car you must walk over and collect your child. Please do not call for your children to walk across to your car unaccompanied. 
  • Meetings with staff are by appointment only. Any parent that is going to be in the school for more than 15 minutes needs to sign on and complete the COVID form at the Office.
  • Please communicate with staff via phone or email.
  • The Office is open if required, however, please observe the density limits (maximum of 6 people). It is preferable to phone or email if possible rather than come to the Office.
  • Extra cleaning and hand hygiene remain in place.
  • Please do not send food items to share with others when it is your child’s birthday as they cannot be handed out.
  • If your child is sick, or displaying symptoms, please keep them at home. Children that present as sick or displaying symptoms at school will be sent home and asked to obtain a medical clearance or negative COVID test before they return to school. 
  • Bubble taps are operational at school.

 

Important Dates for Your Diary 

  • First Communion Masses will run each weekend in May.

  • Wednesday 26th May, Grade 5 Excursion - Philip Island 

  • Friday 28th May, Grade 4 Excursion - Melbourne Museum 

  • Thursday 10th-Friday 11th June Grade 3 camp

  • Monday 14thJune – Queens Birthday. No school.

  • Friday 25thJune – Term Two concludes / Reports distributed.

 

Camp Dates 2021

  • Year 3 – 10th– 11th June Camp CYC Adanac, Yarra Junction.
  • Year 4 – 14th– 16th July CYC The Island, Phillip Island.
  • Year 5 – 4th- 6thAugust Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.
  • Year 6 – 15th– 19th November Lady Northcote Camp, Glenmore.

 

Fees

2021 Fees have now been distributed to all families.  Included in these fee statements are the camp levies.  Please contact Fil at office@stppakenham.catholic.edu if you have any issues or concerns.

 

Regards,

 

Simon

 

 

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Riya 3M, Alexander 3S, Jason 2DG, Elijah 1W, Olivia 4T, Emely 2G, Johnalier PrC


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Friday - All Term 

Assembly 

Click to View

Wednesday 26th May Grade 5 Excursion - Philip Island
Friday 28th May Grade 4 Excursion - Melbourne Museum

Monday 31st May - 11th June 2021

Gr 2 Swimming Program

Thursday 10th - Friday 11th June 2021

Grade 3 Camp

Monday 14th June 2021

Queens B'day public holiday

Friday 25th June 2021

Term Two concludes / Reports distributed

St Patrick’s entered into another weekend of First Communion recipients. Again, all students and their families were excited and well prepared for this special occasion.
As Mother's Day was an important part of last weekend, the parish handed out a little present (a candle for being a light in their families’ eyes) to all mothers attending mass throughout the weekend. Fathers Janeesh and Paul paid tribute to the sacrifice and efforts that all of our mothers go through to support their families which added a rather nice touch to the ceremonies. Again, congratulations to all who were the focus for last weekend.
Thanks is given to the teachers who prepared our students, and for the staff who attended so as to support the families. There are 3 masses this weekend, so please remember these students and their families in your prayers.
Noleen Chalmers
Religious Education Leader.

Please enjoy some photos from last weekends Eurcharist!

Families are advised to be at the church at least 20 minutes before the masses begin so the ceremony can begin on time.

 

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM 2021

Sacrament Dates for 2021

First Holy Communion - Grade 4 and Grade 5 Students

Communion Masses - Every Saturday and Sunday in May - Booking details have been sent out via Operoo. 

Confirmation - Grade 6 Students

22nd July - Parent Workshop

31st July - 1st August - Enrolment Masses

7th and 8th August - Formation Masses

14th and 15th August - Formation Masses

20th and 21st August - Confirmation Masses

Reconciliation - Grade 3 Students

14th October - Parent Workshop

20th and 21st October - Reconciliation 

Pakenham District Cross Country 2021


Another glorious day, this time for the Pakenham District Cross Country Event on May 7th at Toomuc Reserve. Students were nervous but enthusiastic and displayed wonderful “Team Spirit”, encouraging all competitors. There was positive feedback from other schools as to the conduct of our students.


Well done to all students who demonstrated commitment and persistence leading up to and on the day of the event. All students should be proud of their achievements to meet and beat set goals.


Several students will now have the opportunity to represent St Pat’s at the next level of competition, Cardinia Division. Congratulations to Francis (6C), Lucas (5TA) and Violet (5SA). Permission for this event will be sent in due course via Operoo. We wish these students well as they stride into the next level of competition. 


Students were supported by several staff members on the day. Thank you to Belinda Couch, Erin Larkins, Nola Killeen, Sharon Blackwood, Nadine King and Paul Beswick for supporting the students on the day. 


Stay Active!

Louise Breeden



District Newsletter 

On Friday 7th of May, some of the Grade 3, 4, 5 and 6 students went to District Cross Country at 9:00am. We went to the Pakenham football ovals near Cardinia Life. We caught the bus to the oval and walked back. Luckily it was a nice day with no rain, just blue sky.  

The 9/10 year old age group ran at around 9:30am. The 9/10 year olds were pumped up and ready to go! We could see that a lot of them were nervous so Mrs Blackwood got them all up to do stretches to get their minds off the race. The boys ran first then the girls raced. When they all ran St Patrick’s was definitely the loudest cheering!!!!

Next race was the 11 year olds. They were definitely nervous, they ran 3km. The boys ran first. Everyone was cheering so loud - St Patrick’s was in the lead! When the boys disappeared that’s when the girls started running. Again, St Patrick’s was in the lead! St Patrick’s won the 11 year old girls event! “Yay” 

Next was the 12/13 year olds. They were very tense and they also ran 3km. The boys ran past us like a bolt of lightning, the same as the girls. Most of us lost our voices from screaming out our peers' names all day!

We did our best and did well, no one got hurt and we all came back to school safely which is good. Special thanks to Mrs Couch, Mrs Larkins, Mrs Blackwood, Mrs King, Mr Beswick, Mrs Kileen and a very big thanks to Mrs Breeden! Thank you for working with us to get us to District and safely back!

By  Sophie.M, Andjela and Sneha

Proposed date for the 2021 School Fete is Friday 5th November.
First Fete Committee meeting is this coming Tuesday 19th May at 7.30pm via Google Meet.
All are welcome to come to this meeting, the code is  meet.google.com/kfr-feki-coz

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Book club catalogue's went home this week!   Orders are due in by Friday 14th May.   All orders must be done on line via the scholastic web site.  

Please see the flyer below for instructions on how to order.   Cash payments will not be accepted!

The Be You website has some great articles about anxiety.  Please see the link below. 

If any families are struggling at this time and would like to reach out for a chat or support please contact Meg Escalante, our Wellbeing officer, via email on mescalante@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

You can also visit the Be You website which has contact numbers for you to call. 

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SIMON -  a Learning Management Software solution for schools.

St Patrick’s Primary school is now using SIMON in the classroom to keep track of your child’s progress and learning as well as attendance.  SIMON will also be used for School Reports and Student Wellbeing.

 

PAM, SIMON’s Parent Access Module

PAM (Parent Access Module) is our new Parent to School communication platform.   PAM will provide real time access to keep parents updated with their children’s progress, important dates and messages. Relevant resources – calendar events, student reports, parent notified absences, absence data and sick bay notes will all be accessed via PAM.

Parents will be able to easily book Parent Teacher interviews through PAM, and access teacher email addresses. 

Parents would have received an email from noreply@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au on Friday 5th March that contains instructions and a link for them to click on.  Please check your JUNK or SPAM mailbox if you do not receive this email.  PAM accounts are linked via your email address that we have in our systems.  If you have recently changed your email or you can not find the email sent on Friday please call or email us on office@stppakenham.cathlic.edu.au

Click on the 'forget password' link to set your password and then verify your email address.  (Email addresses must be verified for PAM to work properly).  Once your email is verified, your email can be used as the username for your account.

Once you have successfully logged in, you can save PAM to your homescreen on your device.

If you have any issues or need help with PAM please contact the school via email, office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

Parent Notified Absences via PAM

Once you have PAM set up and saved to your home screen you can easily send in Parent Notified absences.   Please use this platform going forward as this automatically syncs with the class roll.   This will fix the issues of receiving SMS notifications even though you had already notified the school. 

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Operoo is still our main platform for communication!  All correspondence will continue to go via the Operoo email platform.  In most cases it will be in Operoo that you will first be notified of any upcoming excursions or events.  Most of these events must first be approved before they appear on any calendar.  

Please remember to update any details in Operoo, for example change of address or phone number,  this will send us a message that your details have changed and we are then able to update our database.

Don't forget to upload your child's hayfever letters including symptoms specific to your child!

If you have any problems usingOperooo, please call into the school office preferably on a Monday, Thursday or Friday and we will be able to help you.  

Please keep an eye on your accounts as we will have lots of activities coming up this term. 

Have you installed the new SZapp?   

Skoolbag is no longer being used, install SZapp now! 

 Follow the installation guide below to install the new app on your smart devices.  

St Patrick's P & F (Parents and Friends Committee) offers parents opportunities to meet each other and to become involved with the school through school events and fundraising activities.
The P&F is responsible for the Second Hand Uniform Shop and fun food days. We also organise many school community activities such as the Mother's and Father's Day stalls, discos, and the school’s major fundraising event, and the bi-annual School Fete.
Thank you
P&F Committee 

Parents and Friends AGM – Wednesday the 19th at 9.00am

The P&F AGM will be held on Wednesday the 19th at 9.00am in the Parish Meeting Room.  All are welcome to attend.

Paddy's Kitchen's purpose is to make a difference in people's lives, by providing a fresh, nutritious meal in a friendly environment.  Paddy's Kitchen serves every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month from St Patrick's Pakenham, Parish hall.  Dinner at 6pm 

www.stpatrickspakenham.com.au/paddys-kitchen

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Next Dinners:

2nd May, 16th May, 6th June, 20th June, 4th July

Paddy’s Kitchen is an outreach program initiated by the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church, Pakenham, to serve our community.
Students, staff and parents of St Patrick’s school have been playing an important role to reach out to the community by volunteering to help with cooking, serving and cleaning.  As one of the team leaders of Paddy’s’ Kitchen, I would like to invite the parents and friends of St Patrick’s school to be involved and assist to reach out to our beautiful Pakenham community.
Through this program, our school community makes it evident that, ‘The person is not only sacred but also social. Moreover, we believe we have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially poor and vulnerable people.’

Please email me if you have any questions with how you can be a part of Paddy’s Kitchen.
Tresa Andrews
mandrews@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au
Photos of Grade 6 Students helping out as part of their Community Rotary Certificates