Week 1, Term 1, 2017

New look Shamrock
We are in transition mode as we aim to further engage you, our readers, in life and learning here at St Pat's. This blog provides direct access to our St Patrick's calendar to keep you informed of important dates as well as make it easier to keep an online record of everything we publish.  You will be able to access our school calendar by going to our homepage stpatshamrock.blogspot.com.au We are open to further ideas and suggestions. Please email principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au with any feedback.

Image source: Tumundografico 

Always Faithful
On Monday all of our staff spent time preparing for the 2017 school year together. Anne Mullan prepared a beautiful liturgy to start our morning. The focus of our prayers was our new school vision Engaged and motivated learners always faithful to our loving God.
Here is a blessing prayer from the liturgy.
May you be a peacemaker.
May you be gentle and merciful.
May you be always faithful to our loving God.
May you rejoice and be glad and know that God is with you always.

If you would like an insight into our meeting together, you can view a slide presentation at this link.

Welcome Back
It is lovely to see everyone return to school with enthusiasm
and energy ready for the new school year. A special welcome
to all of our new children across the school and our preps
and our new families.







New arrangements for the children entering school in the mornings
Children can enter the school grounds from 8:40am.
The first bell will ring at 8:50am, at which time the children can take their bags and quietly enter the school and go to their classrooms to prepare for the day.
The second bell will ring at 8:55am and the teachers will gather the children in the classroom ready to start the day.
8:40 Enter the playground
8:50 Start moving into classrooms
8:55 School day begins
This new arrangement gives a little extra time for the children to be be settled and ready to start the day. We appreciate your feedback around this change.

Assemblies for 2017
This year assemblies will take place on a Monday morning from 9:00-9:20. Parents are welcome to join us.
Our first assembly will be this Monday 6th February.

Connection Event
Please note this event will now take place on Wednesday 15th February from 7-8pm. This is a chance to meet with staff and learn more about happenings across the school. More details to follow.

POPE meeting Friday 10th February 9am
This is a not a meeting with the Pope ! It is a group of parents (Parents as Open Partners in Education) who meet with the principal to contribute as active partners in their children's education. You can learn more by going to this link. Scroll down the page to the POPE information. All parents are welcome to join us.

Fr Barry's Farewell
As many of you know Fr Barry will be retiring on Friday 17th February. You will have received a notice about the leaving gift for Fr Barry. The Parish have a special farewell planned on Sunday 12th February after the 5pm mass.  Here is some further information from the Parish:

Fr Barry is retiring on 17th February 2017 after more than 51 years of priestly ministry.
Fr Barry's Farewell Parties - Sunday 12th February.

At St Patrick's - there will be a light supper at St Patrick's after the 5.00 pm mass.  Please bring a plate of food to share (NO HOT FOOD PLEASE) or a bottle of soft drink or juice.  Contact Marianne Somerville on 0400 574 579

To help with catering arrangements please put your name and the details of any food that you will be bringing on the sheets in the Church foyer and in the School reception.
A presentation will be made to Fr Barry on his retirement.  If you would like to make a contribution to the presentation please place it in an envelope marked "Fr Barry's Retirement" and either place it in the collection at Mass or in the box in the school reception.

Music at the Mass.

If you would like to help lead the singing at Mass please be at the Church 45 mins before the Mass for a rehearsal.  Rehearsal starts at 4.15 pm.  For further information please call Rodney Dearing 0419 881 610

Child Safe Policy and Working with Children 
If you are interested in helping out at school in any capacity this year, it's important that you read this information.

Working With Children Check (WWCC)

Recent legislative changes and our own ‘Child Safety Policy’ require ALL parents working or volunteering in any capacity with students to have a current Working With Children Check. These can be easily obtained and there is no cost. Although the site references some exemptions, we request that all parents who wish to participate in excursions, classroom helpers, sports day support etc. ensure they have a current WWCC. Once obtained, Sandra in the office will add your name to our register.

 Information is available through this link

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Here is a link to Glen Eira City Council Community activities

Enrolments are open for 2018 at Catholic Secondary Colleges.
Please see these links for St James and Salesian Colleges

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