Community Update #4.11

 Advent will begin this Sunday.

The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four week period of preparation in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ's birth in the world as it is today.

Class & teacher updates for 2022
Farewell
So many people in different workplaces are reassessing their lives after 18 months of the pandemic. Many are searching for a great work life balance and new opportunities after 2020 and 2021 in lockdown. Some of our teachers are spreading their wings for 2022.

After almost 10 years at St Pat's as a valued teacher, we farewell Mr Jones. A huge congratulations to Paul who has just been appointed as Yr 5/6 teacher at another school closer to home. We will certainly miss him. We wish Paul well as he embarks on the next stage of his teaching career. We hope to make an appointment to Paul's Year 5 class as soon as possible and will keep you updated.

We also farewell Ms Guscott. Congratulations to Jo who has accepted a leadership position as Deputy Principal of a primary school department also closer to where Jo lives. Jo has been Year 6 teacher for almost 3 years at St Pat's and we wish Jo great success in her new leadership role. Farewell to our therapy dog Bronte who belongs to Jo too.

San Francisco is calling Ms Kappler who is leaving Melbourne to teach in the US. Maddy joined our team as a graduate teacher 3 years ago and is keen to take her skills and expertise to the states. We wish Maddy well too.

Mrs Verstoep is taking 12 months of well earned leave in 2022. We wish Mrs Verstoep well and hope that she has an opportunity to travel safely next year.

Welcome
We are fortunate to attract a number of enthusiastic, positive and talented teachers to our school and provide opportunities for them to share their talents and skills with our children.

Alex Barrow joined our school as an LSO this year whilst completing a Master of Primary Teaching, this was after obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in media and cultural anthropology. Alex has experience teaching and assisting children with diverse needs in Melbourne, New Zealand and the UK. We are looking forward to Alex sharing her skills and positivity as a Prep teacher at St Pat's for 2022.

Isabel Currenti joined St Pat's in 2020 as an LSO whilst completing a Master of Primary Teaching specialising in mathematics. Isabel has a Bachelor of Business in accounting and has also worked in that field before teaching. Isabel has diverse experience teaching and assisting in Melbourne and London. 

Like Ms Trott our PE teacher, Isabel is also a talented VFLW player and has been active with footy development programmes for children. Isabel will be a Year 5 teacher for 2022.

Anna Jepson is our new Year 4 teacher for 2022. Anna initially completed a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in German Studies and Linguistics and then a Master of Primary teaching. Anna has taught all year levels as a classroom teacher and specialist teacher in Music, PE & languages. She is also looking forward to joining our community at St Pat's.

Classroom Teachers

Prep B - Ms Alex Barrow

Prep HB - Mrs Katherine Hadaway and Mrs Maria Blair Smith 

Year 1Y - Mrs Angela Yates and Mrs Bern Gallagher 

Year 1FM - Mrs Catherine Fogarty and Mrs Jacinta Minter

Year 2R - Mrs Alex Reid

Year 2PT -  Ms Samantha Sutton and Ms Dani Trott

Year 3L - Mrs Maria Lucas and Mrs Lisa Harris

Year 3A - Ms Laura Adcock

Year 4M - Mr Tim Moran

Yr 4P - Ms Anna Jepson

Year 5 - to be confirmed

Year 5C - Ms Isabel Currenti

Year 6D - Mr Luke Daidone

Year 6L - Ms Natalie La Fontaine

Leadership Roles for 2022 

Faith and Community leaders : Ms La Fontaine & Mr Daidone

Faith, Wellbeing and Diversity leaders: Mrs Lucas & Mrs Oliver

Faith and Curriculum Leaders: Ms Adcock & Mr Moran

School Fees 2022

Thanks to all of our families who have already paid the school fees for 2021.
Here is a link to a letter with regards to the fees for 2022

Parent & Friends News

 

Mango Box Fundraiser – Pick up next Tuesday 30^th November after school

Thankyou to all families who participated in our first Mango Box fundraiser. We’re excited to announce that the Mangos will be delivered to school next Tuesday 30^th November, ready for collection at the after school pickup. Members of the P&F will be distributing boxes from the undercroft area until they are cleared (until 6.00pm). If you cannot collect, or arrange collection by a friend before this time, please email the P&F and we will try and get it dropped to your home or arrange an alternative collection. The P&F will be emailing families who ordered boxes this weekend.

 

P&F Class Reps for 2022

We are currently looking for volunteers to be the P&F representatives in each class or year level for 2022. Being a class rep is a wonderful way to meet other parents, and is a huge support to the P&F Committee and the school. Thankyou to those parents who have already volunteered. The main role of the Class Reps is to foster a sense of community within the year level by:

·  Welcoming new families who may join the school mid year

·  Being a conduit from the P&F to the families in your class / year in relation to P&F social events or fundraising efforts

·  Organising social events for your year level in conjunction with your other year level reps

If you would like to volunteer, or would like more information – please email: pandf@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au or contact Jenny Jones 0410470647

 

Pre-Owned Uniform Stall – Email us to place your order & Volunteers & Donations Needed

If you are in need of school uniforms the Pre-Owned uniform shop can help you out. A variety of items, in a range of sizes are available for $5 per item using CDFPay. While COVID restrictions continue you can contact us via email at stpatssecondhanduniforms@gmail.com. Please include the items and sizes you require. If we have what you need we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery/pick up option.

Next year, we hope to run an in-person service at the school. If you have time to assist with this, please contact our second hand uniform coordinator Sandra IORLANO via: stpatssecondhanduniforms@gmail.com. This is a great way to meet other parents and your commitment can flexible to suit your availability.

Pre-owned items in good condition can be donated by having your child drop them at the school office in a plastic bag. We would love to receive Summer Uniform / Sports Uniform items.

Term 4 ( Summer uniform and hats )

      

          School Swimming (Prep- Yr 4)                     Nov 29 - Dec 3

         Year 6 Sailing Programme                            Nov 30

         School Advisory Council                              Dec 1 - 7pm 

        Year 5 Sailing Programme                             Dec 2

        Year 6 Luna Park Trip                                     Dec 2

School Concert                                              Dec 8

        Last day for lunch orders                              Dec 13

         Year 6 Graduation                                          Dec 14 - 6:30pm

End of term                                                    Dec 15 at 1pm

                                           Term 1 2022

        

        Monday 31st January                                    Day 1 for all children

Community Update #4.10

Standing up for religious freedom

Archbishop Comensoli and the Melbourne Archdiocese of Catholic Schools have asked all of our schools to share the following information with you:

Across all areas of society, Catholics run organisations with an open and inclusive commitment to all people in their care.

Our excellence in the provision of services including education is recognised by many – evident in the large numbers of students attending Catholic schools and educational institutions.

What makes these schools unique and distinct is the holistic way faith is taught – as a coherent body of teachings, permeating all aspects of life. Our faith is taught not just in the few hours of religious education classes each week, but is part of the very make-up and fabric of each school.

Unfortunately, in yet another move to restrict religious freedom, the Victorian Government is seeking to change the current approach, which is working well.

You can read more at this link Equal Opportunity Laws -Standing up for religious freedom factsheet.

Here is the Letter from Archbishop Peter Comensoli to the the Victorian Members of Parliament.

Archbishop Peter’s letter and the factsheet outline the Archdiocese of Melbourne’s position on the changes to the Equal Opportunity Act. The Standing up for religious freedom factsheet also includes actions that members of Catholic communities can take to stand up for our religious freedom. Together, we can take a stand to protect our schools.

Entry and Exit to and from School Grounds

With the latest lifting of restrictions, I am pleased to be able to welcome parents and carers back into the playground in the morning and afternoon. Thank you for your patience as we continue to make every effort to keep our community safe.

If you need to visit the school building you must enter through the front office and scan the QR code to check in with proof of vaccination.

We will continue with 2 main entry points and revert back to the following:

Front Yard - Entry 8:45am and exit 3:25pm for Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 children

Back Yard - Entry 8:45am and exit 3:25pm for Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 children

The backyard gates close at 8:55am. After that, please ensure your child checks in and gets a late pass from the front office via the front yard gate.

Transition Sessions for all children Prep - Year 5 for 2022

In order to ensure a smooth transition to their new classes for 2022, we have 2 transition afternoons for the children to meet their teacher.

These sessions will take place on Tuesday 23rd November and Friday 26th November from 2:30pm to 3:25pm.

Some of our families have notified us that they are moving interstate or moving house and changing schools for 2022. If you don't wish your child to be part of the St Pat's transition programme then you are welcome to pick your children up at 2:30pm on those days. Otherwise, your children will remain with their current class and join into our transition programme. 

School Concert

The children are busy rehearsing and preparing for the concert. We are planning an outdoor concert on a large stage with a sausage sizzle beforehand.

We are looking forward to our community coming together for a wonderful celebration. We will share more details with you next week.

Term 4 ( Summer uniform and hats )

         Prep 2022 onsite transition                           Nov 23

         Current Prep - Yr 5 2022 transition               Nov 23 & 26 - 2:30-3:30pm

         Year 5/6 Lifesaving Open Water Learning   Nov 25

         Year 5/6 Mini Market                                      Nov 26 9am - 2pm

          School Swimming (Prep- Yr 4)                     Nov 29 - Dec 3

         Year 6 Sailing Programme                            Nov 30

         School Advisory Council                              Dec 1 - 7pm 

        Year 5 Sailing Programme                             Dec 2

        Year 6 Luna Park Trip                                     Dec 2

School Concert                                              Dec 8

        Last day for lunch orders                              Dec 13

         Year 6 Graduation                                          Dec 14 - 6:30pm

End of term                                                    Dec 15 at 1pm

                                           Term 1 2022

        

        Monday 31st January                                    Day 1 for all children

Community Update #4.9

 Remembrance Day

Annual Remembrance Day Scholarship for Best Australian History Project from the East Malvern RSL Sub-Branch Inc

On Thursday 11th November, we recognised Remembrance Day with a special service in the classrooms.

All of the children paused for one minute of silence to honour the servicemen and women, past and present who were on the battlefield.

This afternoon, there was a special service for the Year 6 students led by members of the RSL. Following the service, the Year 6 finalists were presented with certificates to commemorate the effort that went into their RSL projects. Congratulations to the finalists and to Zoe for winning a $350 scholarship to high school.

Safe Entry and Exit

Thanks for supporting the children to stay safe. We will continue with the COVID safe entry and exit arrangements we currently have in place:

Prep, Year 5 & 6 BACK GATES

Years 1, 2, 3 & 4 FRONT GATES

Sunhat Reminder

Despite all the rain, sun hats are to be worn by all children outdoors during Term 1 and Term 4. We are a Sunsmart accredited school.

The skin on your face, neck and ears is much thinner and more sensitive to UV damage than other skin on your body. Skin cancers often appear on the head and neck but a good hat can help protect those sensitive areas.

For the best protection when the UV is 3 and above, use all five forms of protection – clothing, sunscreen, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses.

Parents & Friends Update

Welcome to our new Parents & Friends President & 2022 Committee - everyone welcome

The Parents & Friends Committee held their Annual General Meeting last night (you can access the minutes from the meeting at this link) We are thrilled to welcome Razia Mohamed as our new co-President. Razia's son Eesa will be starting in Prep in 2022 and she brings the Committee her boundless enthusiasm. Jenny Jones will continue as co-President with Razia in 2022. 

We are also pleased to have additional parents join the Committee, but note that any parent can join the committee at any meeting. The current committee members are:

• Razia Mohamed & Jenny Jones - Co-Presidents
• Treasurer - currently vacant
• Secretary - Cathy Byrne
• PatCare Coordinator - Melinda Vella

General Committee members:

• Sandra Iorlano (Pre Loved Uniform coordinator)
• Christie Alexander (Pink List coordinator)
• Kirsten Tranter
• Caterina Slade
• Christie Alexander
• Nadine Power
• Kellie Heathcote
• Tiffany Torcasio

Thank you to those parents who served on the Committee throughout 2021. 

If you are interested in joining the committee in 2022, just pop along to any meeting. It is a great way to meet other parents, contribute your ideas and find out what's happening at school. We would love to fill our treasurer role - no experience required! This role involves attending meetings and liaising with the school office staff so that the parent community can be kept updated in relation to P&F finances. Please email: pandf@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au or Jenny Jones 0410 470 647 for more information.

Pre-Owned Uniform Shop - Summer uniform items required

The Pre-Owned Uniform Store has been operating online this term and is seeking donations of pre-owned uniform items in good condition, especially summer uniform items and sports wear. Donated items can be dropped by your child to the school office. To check if items are available, please email: stpatssecondhanduniforms@gmail.com . Where available, items can be paid for using CDFPay and will be sent home with your children. All items are $5.00.

Term 4 ( Summer uniform and hats )

         Prep 2022 onsite transition                           Nov 23

          School Swimming (Prep- Yr4)                      Nov 29 - Dec 3

         School Advisory Council                              Dec 1 - 7pm 

School Concert                                              Dec 8

          Year 6 Graduation                                         Dec 14 - 6:30pm

End of term                                                    Dec 15 at 1pm

                                           Term 1 2022

        Monday 31st January                                    Day 1 for all children

Community Update # 4.8

 

Welcome Back !!

It is wonderful to have all of the children and staff back at school now. On Wednesday, we celebrated this special occasion with an ice cream to say thank you. 

Thank you to the children and staff for all of their efforts during the lockdowns, isolation and Flexible Learning !!

Thanks to all of our parents for your support during the past few months. We enjoy seeing you at drop off and pick up times.

Next week, we will continue with the COVID safe entry and exit arrangements we currently have in place:

Prep, Year 5 & 6 BACK GATES

Years 1, 2, 3 & 4 FRONT GATES

Crossing Safety Reminder

Please ensure that the children cross at the crossing with the supervisor, especially when they enter and exit through the backyard gates.

Congratulations !!

Congratulations to two of our wonderful Year 6 leaders, Gianluca and Talia, who were recognised at the Higgins Award Ceremony by Dr Katie Allen this week. You can hear all about their leadership skills in the virtual assembly video on Monday.

Parents & Friends News

Mango Box Fundraiser - Update

Thank you to all the families who ordered a tray of Mangoes, a few dollars from each will go toward the P&F Fundraising for the year. We will keep you informed of the exact date of delivery to the school when we are advised by the suppliers. We expect this to be within the first two weeks of December.

Second Hand Uniform Stall – Email us to place your order & Volunteers Needed

If you are in need of school uniforms the second hand uniform shop can help you out. A variety of items, in a range of sizes are available for $5 per item using CDFPay. While COVID restrictions continue you can contact us via email at stpatssecondhanduniforms@gmail.com. Please include the items and sizes you require. If we have what you need we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery/pick up option.

Once advised by the school, we hope the stall will be available onsite, one afternoon per week for 30mins around school finish time. If you have time to assist with this, please contact our second hand uniform coordinator Sandra IORLANO via: stpatssecondhanduniforms@gmail.com. This is a great way to meet other parents and your commitment can flexible to suit your availability.

Annual General Meeting –  next Thursday 11th November at 7.30pm via Zoom

The Parents & Friends Annual General Meeting will be held online on Thursday 11th November at 7.30pm. All members of the school community are welcome to attend. If you are interested in getting involved in the Committee please come along, but you don't need to be a member of the committee to attend. If you’d like to know more, please reach out to Jenny Jones the current P&F President via pandf@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au or 0410470647.

Please see the attached Agenda.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81840662746?pwd=dHJsMlRhZDYvd29FMTVXa1hob2l3dz09
Meeting ID: 818 4066 2746 Passcode: 856629

2022 P&F Class Reps - Volunteers needed

We are currently looking for volunteers to be the P&F representatives in each class or year level for 2022. Being a class rep is a wonderful way to meet other parents, and is a huge support to the P&F Committee and the school. Thankyou to those parents who have already volunteered.

The main role of the Class Reps is to foster a sense of community within the year level by:

• Welcoming new families who may join the school mid year
• Being a conduit from the P&F to the families in your class / year in relation to P&F social events or fundraising efforts
• Organising social events for your year level in conjunction with your other year level reps

If you would like to volunteer, or would like more information – please email: pandf@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au or contact Jenny Jones 0410470647

Term 4 ( Summer uniform and hats )

         Parents & Friends AGM                                Nov 11 - 7:30pm

          School Swimming (Prep- Yr4)                      Nov 29 - Dec 3

         School Advisory Council                              Dec 1 - 7pm 

School Concert                                              Dec 8

          Year 6 Graduation                                         Dec 14 - 6:30pm

End of term                                                    Dec 15 at 1pm

                                           Term 1 2022

        Monday 31st January                                    Day 1 for all children