Newsletter Thursday 21st March, 2024

We the staff of St Patrick’s acknowledge the traditional owners, the Kulin nations, of the land on which we learn and play.

We pay respects to the Aboriginal Elders, past and present, who are our teachers.

We thank them for taking care of children and country for countless generations.

2NB's Class Newsletter

Year Level Camp/ Fun Day Dates:

TERM DATES 2024

2024 PUPIL FREE DAYS AND SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS:

The 4 Pupil Free days ensure that we can manage our commitment for all staff to continue to provide activities such as school camps for our students.
Please note, these dates are separate from our 8 Staff Professional Development days. Those 8 days are for our staff professional learning which will focus on Religious Education, Learning and Teaching and Student Wellbeing.

Dear Parents, Carers and Guardians,

This week coming is Palm Sunday and, in the Gospel according to Mark, we are we are reflecting on the Passion of the Lord. Palm Sunday is when we remember Jesus’s journey into Jerusalem, and it marks the beginning of the Holy Week. There is an opportunity for you to reflect on this holiest of occasions at St Patrick’s Church through the vigils. This is a time to pray and listen in silence with the Blessed Sacrament. Please refer to the Parish Bulletin for the Holy Week Mass and vigil times.

I would like to welcome all Foundation parents for a morning the on Thursday 28^th March, from 9am-10am for a morning tea to celebrate your child’s first term of primary school. You will have the opportunity to chat with other parents as well as the classroom teachers. This will be held in the Parish Centre.

This week our Year 3's and 5's also completed their NAPLAN tests and they are to be commended on the calm and collected way they have taken on this task. As we do any other work in the school, the students are encouraged to do their best and to just approach these days as they would any other. I would like to thank the year 3 and 5 staff for their work in supporting the students and to Donna Ward, our Learning and Teaching leader and Jacky Merrey, ICT, for their work in getting all the administration tasks sorted.

Take care and God Bless,

Meg

On Sunday, the Church celebrated the Sixth Sunday in Lent which is commonly referred to as Palm Sunday.  Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Holy means to ‘set apart’. Students will perform in a Palm Sunday liturgy which enable thems to experience this significant part of Jesus' life.  

We would like to invite all parents, carers, and extended family members to celebrate Jesus coming to St Patrick’s.

Our special assembly will be held in the stadium, at 2:00pm on Monday 25th March.

We hope to see you there,

The Junior Team

Geraldine Wilmann, Katherine Gronek, Amali Fernando, Noleen Chalmers, Neesha Bateson & Sarah McGill.

Thursday 28^th March at 9am. To be held in the Parish Centre. Younger children are welcome as there will be toys etc for them to play with. Come and celebrate your child’s first term of primary school.

Use the link below to log into your CDF Pay account to purchase raffle tickets:

https://stppakenham.cdfpay.org.au

We did it! St Patrick’s House Cross Country 2024

St Patrick’s Cross Country Event was held on Friday last week in perfect conditions. There was a great sense of community spirit and excitement as each group made their way to the start line and moved around the course. Students from FLYNN HUNT AHERN & BOURKE houses wore their colours with pride, demonstrating positive and inclusive TEAM SPIRIT!

Students should be proud of their achievements no matter how big or small. There have been lots of animated conversations around the school about people’s achievements on the day.

My biggest thanks to those who helped on the day, especially school community members who were able to give time in their schedules to support on-course. Staff were also flexible with their learning times to allow learning of a different type to occur. Thanks to parents and friends who came to support students in our “Spectator Zone”. The cheering helped to push many along. Whole school events are only successful when the whole school community is on board. 

Year 6 students were outstanding with their efforts assisting students in the Junior events. They displayed our school values through their cooperation with staff members, respect of students of all abilities, courage taking on tasks that were new or difficult, safety when they saw something not quite right on the course and fixing it up when needed and supporting the resilience of students with their encouragement.

Those students from Years 4-6 who qualify for the Pakenham District event (Term 2 Week 4) will be notified in due course. Placement in the Top 10 positions is considered along with qualifying times which are required at the next level. Students are well aware of this process and understand that a Top 10 placement does not guarantee progression to the next level. Permission for the District event will be sent via PAM over the holidays and will be due by the end of Week 2. This is a strict deadline directed by the District Coordinator.

Keep active!!

Louise Breeden

What: A BOWL OF RICE

When: TUESDAY 26th MARCH

Cost: A GOLD COIN DONATION

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are nearing the end of the season of Lent. It is a time for prayer, fasting and giving to those in need.

We have been discussing the work done by charitable organisations like CARITAS who work tirelessly to meet the needs of those who are impoverished and need our support. The Project Compassion boxes that were sent home at the start of Lent is one way we can be part of Catholic Social Teachings. We have been inspired by stories set in Asia that illustrate how we can be a contributing part of the lives of people there.

In keeping with the Asian theme, it has been decided to hold a RICE DAY. On this day, the children will be given a small bowl of rice to eat so that they can experience what it would be like to live in a third world country where a bowl of plain rice would be considered a luxury. This will be symbolic. Of course, they could have their lunch as well if they so wish.

We ask that the children enter wholeheartedly into the spirit of giving and bring a gold coin donation.

Thanking you in anticipation for your generosity.

Today we celebrated Harmony Day! What a fantastic sight for the eyes with the amazing cultural dress we saw today. How wonderful it was to see the students of St Patrick’s get into the spirit of the occasion and this only reinforced how wonderful and lucky we are to have such an incredible multi-cultural community.

Hi everyone, I hope you are all having a great term. 

I can happily report our new Sensory Room is progressing well, as we work towards a space which is inclusive for all. 

I am already having lots of happy customers visiting the gorgeous space and sharing great ideas in its set up.

So, what is the purpose of this sensory room?

A sensory room is a controlled and intentionally created space that provides multi-sensory resources to support a student’s sensory needs to enable them to engage in learning.

At St Patrick’s our room will have many purposes. Sometimes students may need a quiet space during class time or recess and lunch, to calm down or regulate their emotions.

Other times, students may want to come in to pick an art or craft activity, puzzles, mindfulness activities and games, or a creative play task. I have a beautiful range of wellbeing and mindfulness books to share. 

We have ordered a huge new range of sensory gadgets, games and resources for students to share and learn from. Also, soon to come is a yoga corner and stretching centre. A wellness tent and more.

Our sensory room will offer a quiet calm space students can come and chat to me as their Wellbeing Warrior, or simply just have some time to themselves. All are welcome and I encourage everyone to come in and have a look next term.

Take care and be a Well Being today.

Kelly Wilson.

Our library is looking for volunteers to help cover our new books. You will be show how t do this and given the books and equipment to take home. 

If you are able to help out please email Terri at tfraser@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au

CSEF Applications are now due! 

If you have a current Health Care Card you may be eligable for the school fees concession program. 

The applicant must be one of the following:

1. a parent/carer (of a student attending a registered Government or non-government Victorian primary or secondary school) who is:
   • on the first day of Term 1 (29 January 2024), or the first day of Term 2 (15 April 2024)  a holder of one or more of the eligible financially-means tested cards (Centrelink Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card), or
   • a temporary foster parent

The parent/carer must submit an application to the school by 23 June 2024.

If anyone has any questions or would like to discuss their school fee account, please contact the school office. 

Please download and fill in both forms below if you qualify.

If there are any changes from last year, this includes a new child starting at the school or any child who has now left the school, there is an additional form that needs to be filled out. Please come by the school office to collect it.

Conveyance allowance

The conveyance allowance is a State Government allowance that may be available to students attending government or non-government schools.

If you live more than 4.8km from your closest school you can apply for the conveyance allowance and:

• travelling by public transport or by private car, motorbike, bicycle or bus, and
• whose nearest school is not serviced by a free school bus provided under the School Bus Program

The conveyance allowance is a State Government contribution towards transport costs and is not intended to cover the full cost of transporting children to and from school.

 Application for private car travel  (also available in the knowledge bank section in PAM)

 Application for public transport travel    (also available in the knowledge bank section in PAM)

School Bus Program

The School Bus Program is an extensive school bus network that provides free travel to eligible students. Students must be attending government and non-government schools and living in rural and regional Victoria. 

* Students are expected to use public transport where a service is available within 1.6 km (measured by shortest practicable route) of their home or closer to their home than the nearest school bus service. This applies to both students applying to access the SBP at no cost and to fare paying passengers. * * 

If your child is eligible, they can travel for free.

There are different categories that decide if your child is eligible for free travel. For more information read the eligibility guide below.

School bus program eligibility guide

Click on the link below to check if a school bus is available in your area.

School Bus Management System

School Fees

Please find the school fee schedule attached. Some school fees have gone out, the rest are following shortly. If you have any questions plese contact Cindy in the school office.

Celebrating Harmony Week

Harmony Week is celebration held annually in March across Australia. It’s aimed at promoting diversity, respect and inclusiveness. This event is an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children about different cultures, traditions and customs. The goal is to encourage everyone to appreciate and celebrate differences and promote a sense of community and belonging for everyone.

During Harmony Week, there are a number of events and activities held to bring people from different cultures together. These activities include multicultural food festivals, cultural performances, art exhibitions and workshops. Participating in these events helps children to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse communities that make up Australia.

As a parent, you can engage your children in discussions about multiculturalism and encouraging them to ask questions. Promoting a more harmonious and inclusive society, can help children grow up with a greater appreciation for the richness and diversity of Australia's cultural landscape.

This Special Report hopes to instil positive values and create an opportunity to start a conversation with your child about understanding diversity and multiculturalism.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://stppakenham.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-celebrating-harmony-week-au

Have you logged into your PAM account yet! 

We use PAM as our main form of communication.  All emails, Student Attendance, Sick Bay notes, School Reports, commonly used forms, excursion/camp permission notes and Family Learning conversations, will all be communicated via PAM.  

Access PAM via this link   Link to PAM 

PAM - Parent Access Module

PAM (Parent Access Module) is our 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. 

PAM accounts are linked via your email address that we have in our systems. 

If you have recently changed your email,  please call or email us on office@stppakenham.catholic.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

PAM Instructions

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. 

Please remember to update your contact details and any relevant medical details for your child.  

Most medical profiles have now been updated. Please remember to keep them up to date and upload any asthma/allergy plans that may be relevant.

To update any contact details please contact the school office. 

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sale aim for continuous school improvement. An essential element of this improvement is understanding how students perceive the Catholic identity of our school and what they might like Catholic identity at St Patrick’s to look like in the years ahead.

Students have an important voice in our planning and so we invite all students in 5 and 6, to participate in the Enhancing Catholic School Identity survey. 

These surveys will assist us in better understanding how our Catholic Identity is expressed. The results will contribute to a reliable picture of our school’s Catholic Identity, which we will use to inform our School Improvement Plan for the next four years.

Each student in Years 5 and 6, will soon be asked to complete an online survey. Access to the survey is only available through individual user codes and passwords.   At no time will students be named or identified in the survey and their responses are guaranteed to be anonymous.

I look forward to the contribution that our students’ responses will make to improving our school.

Please contact me through the school office on office@stppakenham.catholic.edu.au if you do not wish your child to participate in the ECSI survey.