Deputy Principals Mrs Diakrousis & Mr Speranza
Dear Families,
The school is now in full swing as we settle into our first full week of established routines.
We warmly welcome our new Prep students and their families, who officially commenced on Tuesday. Starting school is a monumental milestone, and we are delighted to report that our youngest learners are settling in beautifully, navigating their new classrooms and the playground with growing confidence and many smiles.
A huge well done to our Year 3–6 students who participated in the Swimming Carnival yesterday. The house spirit on display was exemplary (and the cheering was certainly enthusiastic!).
At tomorrow’s assembly, our Prep to Year 5 leaders will be presented with their badges. Parents are welcome to join us in the hall at 2:50pm to celebrate this event with our student leaders.
Thank you to the many students, and supportive parents, who have been adhering to our bike and scooter safety policy. It has very much been appreciated.
Finally, we would like to inform you that over the course of the year, we will be placing information in this newsletter about the Victorian Child Safe Standards, which are a set of 11 minimum requirements that all organisations working with children must meet. MACS Care, an initiative of MACS (Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools) is designed to highlight and bring awareness to these standards and how they apply in our school setting. We will intentionally focus on one standard per month, commencing with Standard 1 for February. Please see the new Child Safety page in this newsletter for further information.
Regards,
Joelle Diakrousis, Deputy Principal / Learning Diversity Leader
Anthony Speranza, Deputy Principal / Learning & Teaching Leader
Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
A helpful reminder for all of us is the Cancer Council’s “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide” slogan. This easy-to-remember message encourages children to Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, Seek shade, and Slide on sunglasses whenever they’re outside. Practicing these sun safety steps helps build lifelong habits that protect skin health.
Further advice is also attached below:
Please ensure your child has their school hat in their bag every day, as our "No Hat, No Play" policy remains in effect. Please encourage your child to apply sunscreen before coming to school and to reapply during the day.
Annual consent forms now available on nForma
The annual Student Digital User agreements, Local Excursion consent, and Photography & Recording consent forms have now been issued. Please take a moment to read over these and sign off on them by submitting them through the nForma portal in the Forms section before the due dates.
Essential School Apps and Communication Channels
iNewsletter - This Newsletter! It contains news and important school information, as well as upcoming events / dates. Check your subscription here.
nForma Parent app - Student Reports, Notices and Permission Forms and Medical Information, on web, Google Play, or Apple Store.
CDF Pay app - Online canteen ordering system for Wednesday and Thursday, on web, Google Play, or Apple Store.
Seesaw app - Learning portfolio and student reflections of classwork, on web, Google Play, or Apple Store.
Please note that the school is no longer using Audiri or Operoo
Year 5 Camp- Portsea
Our Year 5 students will be embarking on a memorable camp at Portsea from the 9th to the 11th of February. This three-day adventure is packed with activities, fun, and opportunities for friendship and personal growth.
This camp is designed to provide our Year 5 students with wonderful opportunities to enhance their confidence, make new friends, and strengthen their connections with teachers. The camp experience is a highlight of the senior years, creating lasting memories that will be cherished by the students throughout their time at St Patrick's and into their teenage years.
Child Safety Awareness for February - Child Safety Standard 1
Please see the Child Safety page for further information