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