Here is a link to a letter from Archbishop Peter Comensoli to parents, carers and staff...
....As we take stock of what we need to do, I ask that we all might look to this time to find opportunities to be creative and innovative as Christians - to rediscover a new rhythm to our family lives, and to find the true heart of our domestic Church. A domestic Church that experiences communion with each other and offers a shared worship of a life lived in faith, hope and charity.
As our Father entrusted the care and childhood of his only Son to St Joseph, we call on him in prayer to protect and guide us gently through these troubled times. St Joseph, pray for us.
Thank you for the Donations
On behalf of the elderly and vulnerable parishioners of St Patrick's, Fr Leenus sends a big thank you for the goods donated from our school families during this challenging time.
Home Learning at St Patrick's
As promised, the staff have set up some home learning pages on our Learning Community Site.
Here is the link to our Learning Community Site Those of you who are familiar with the site will know that you can access year level timetables, newsletters, curriculum information and much more on the site. Our specialist teachers have also added some ideas to the Music, PE, Italian and Library pages.
The Learning Community site is a google site like a website. It can be opened on any computer including the chromebooks. Just type this address into your browser https://sites.google.com/spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au/learn/home
Step by step details to access year level docs can be found in the Helpful Advice for Parents/Carers tab at the top of this newsletter page.
Please contact principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or can't access the site.
Here is the link to our Learning Community Site Those of you who are familiar with the site will know that you can access year level timetables, newsletters, curriculum information and much more on the site. Our specialist teachers have also added some ideas to the Music, PE, Italian and Library pages.
The Learning Community site is a google site like a website. It can be opened on any computer including the chromebooks. Just type this address into your browser https://sites.google.com/spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au/learn/home
Step by step details to access year level docs can be found in the Helpful Advice for Parents/Carers tab at the top of this newsletter page.
Please contact principal@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions or can't access the site.
Cyber Safety Warning to Parents -Computer and Internet Usage Outside of School
Safe and responsible behaviour is explicitly taught at school and parents/carers are encouraged to reinforce this behaviour at home.
Please ensure you are aware of your children's online activities to ensure that your child does not become involved in cyberbullying.
To be safe online and to gain the greatest benefit from the opportunities provided through an online environment, students need to do the right thing by themselves and others online. The user must take full responsibility for his or her actions.
To be safe online and to gain the greatest benefit from the opportunities provided through an online environment, students need to do the right thing by themselves and others online. The user must take full responsibility for his or her actions.
At home, it is recommended that devices are only used in shared and visible places in the house, not in bedrooms. Students should exercise caution when leaving their devices unattended at home or allowing others to use their devices when they are logged in.
It is a violation of the terms and conditions for students under the age of 13 to use social networking sites and applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Youtube. The school cannot condone or recommend that students under the age of 13 use social networking sites which are not intended for children. Parents are advised to supervise their childrens’ internet use and regularly check what websites and applications their children are accessing.
Helping children to cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak
It is a violation of the terms and conditions for students under the age of 13 to use social networking sites and applications such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and Youtube. The school cannot condone or recommend that students under the age of 13 use social networking sites which are not intended for children. Parents are advised to supervise their childrens’ internet use and regularly check what websites and applications their children are accessing.
Helping children to cope with stress during the COVID-19 outbreak
Hooked on a Feeling of Hope at the School Fete Saturday 21st November
Due to it being such a time of uncertainty with dates and bookings, this year's school concert will take on a different form. Our new school fete committee - Julie Jacobs, Kate Magnini and Natalie Cromer have liaised with staff to arrange for each class to perform at the fete (including the much loved staff performance and more !).
The theme will be Hooked on a Feeling of Hope and we are sincerely hoping that the fete will be a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together post COVID-19.
School holiday dates
Term 2 begins for staff on Tuesday 14 April, which is a student-free day, with students expected to return on Wednesday 15 April.
Any changes to these dates will be guided by the ongoing advice of the Chief Health Officer, and will be communicated to school families.
Term 2 begins for staff on Tuesday 14 April, which is a student-free day, with students expected to return on Wednesday 15 April.
Any changes to these dates will be guided by the ongoing advice of the Chief Health Officer, and will be communicated to school families.
Thank you
From all of the staff at St Patrick's we thank you for your support for us so far this year. We especially thank our Parish Education Board, our Parents and Friends Committee and all of you who are committed to doing the very best for all of our children at St Pats.
We ask you for your heartfelt prayers for our St Pat's frontline workers especially the healthcare workers and essential service personnel. Please reach out to those around you in our community who may be affected by job loss, anxiety or poor health. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly if you or anyone else needs support.
May we hold tight to the sacred dignity of humanity with a profound sense of hope and a renewed future in the lead up to Easter.
When this is over, may we never again take for granted
A handshake with a stranger, Full shelves at the store, Conversations with neighbours,
A crowded theatre, Friday night out, The taste of communion
A routine checkup, The school rush each morning, Coffee with a friend, The stadium roaring
Each deep breath, A boring Tuesday,
Life itself.
When this ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be, we were called to be, we hoped to be and may we stay that way — better for each other because of the worst.
Jenny Hawkins
Principal
I wish to acknowledge Laura Kelly Fanucci, the author of this poem published globally on 18 March 2020 and published in our newsletter last week:
When this is over, may we never again take for granted
A crowded theatre, Friday night out, The taste of communion
A routine checkup, The school rush each morning, Coffee with a friend, The stadium roaring
Each deep breath, A boring Tuesday,
Life itself.
When this ends, may we find that we have become more like the people we wanted to be, we were called to be, we hoped to be and may we stay that way — better for each other because of the worst.
Jenny Hawkins
Principal
