Dear Parents

Welcome back to 2021. We have had a great start to the year with our students settled in their classes and engaged in learning. Wednesday was our Kindergarten’s first day all together at ‘big school’. They have had a smooth start and I can see that they already feel they are part of our St Patrick’s family. All new Kindergarten students completed the ‘Best Start’ assessment during the last week.

A big thank you to Kinder parents who were so patient with COVID restrictions.

Parent Information Night

Reminder that parents are able to attend a one hour session with their child’s teacher on Monday Feb 8. Due to COVID directives parents are asked to please leave after the session and not congregate in the school building .

K-2 – 5.30

3-6 - 6.30

If you wish to talk further to your children’s class teacher could you please ring the office after the night and make an appointment .

Uniform

Thank you for the way the children have returned to school in their proper uniform. Can I please ask that school shoes for normal school uniform days must be black shoes NOT joggers..

FOOTWEAR

Please ensure that your child wears regulation, clean all black school shoes, not joggers.

Developing feet require the support these afford.

Plain joggers – not loafers, basketball boots, nor expensive, brightly coloured joggers on Sports days

White Ankle socks – tennis/anklet socks not permitted

Counsellor

Mrs Simone Potter will be coming this year on a Wednesday. If you wish to see the Counsellor for your child please pick up a form from the office.

Focuses for 2021 school year:

The teachers and support staff will this year be focusing on the following areas :

• Creating a more contemporary Mission and Vision statement
• Reading and Comprehension
• Knowledge and understanding of what Respectful relationships, Child Safety and Human Sexuality Education in a Catholic Context .
• Rejuventating the grass playground and providing an area for play equipment

Grass playground

The grass that has been laid is growing well and has had its first mow this week.

There is built into the playground an irrigation system that is timed to release water over the whole area during the evening. There are still patches where the grass needs to grow so unfortunately it will be another couple of weeks before the children can play on it. The water comes from an underwater tank that holds 30000 litres of water.

I am meeting with the play equipment installer to design the best orientation of the equipment on the soft fall that has already been laid.

The decision to stay with grass was for health, safety and financial reasons.

Best wishes to you all,

Mrs Anne Duggan - Principal