Week 3, Term 2, 2018

Principal's News from Jenny Hawkins
Parish Education Board (PEB) Update
There have been several opportunities for Fr Paul and I to share our hopes and wishes for the school moving forward. A clear and united vision of gospel simplicity has emerged in the form of our new PEB Guidelines. On Wednesday night Fr Paul ratified the guidelines that have replaced the PEB Constitution ratified in July 2016. You can access these guidelines in the parent section of our Learning Community Site at this link. It is important to share some background to this change.

When both Father Paul and I started in our new roles at the school, we inherited a formal twelve page Parish Education Board Constitution. Although appreciative of the time spent in preparing the constitution, having spent many months reflecting on the document, Fr Paul and I found that it deviated away from the recommended Catholic Education Office (CEO) advisory board model.

One of the key areas of difference was the board responsibilities section. The CEO model defines 7  responsibilities for the advisory board. Our St Patrick's constitution listed 19 responsibilities for the board. As a result, the board had inadvertently moved away from an advisory body into the school management and governance responsibilities.

Another key area of difference was the number of parent representatives on the board. The CEO model defines 4 parents, our previous constitution listed 8 with a stipulation for representation across all year levels. Our new guidelines include an opportunity to welcome a parishioner who is not a parent of the school to join the PEB. There are numerous ways for parents to have a voice and be involved in the school that are not limited to the PEB. Other forums include the Parents and Friends, the Parents as Open Partners in Education, Parent Helper training sessions, Class reps, parent working parties, such as the Child Safe Team and After School Care group, including numerous surveys (student reports, camps, after school care). We welcome parent involvement and feedback at all times and this will continue to evolve and grow. Most importantly, the board is not a forum for addressing parent concerns. Any concerns must follow the correct school procedure as indicated in the flowchart at this link.

The new 6 page PEB Guidelines includes a Board Code of Conduct that not only reflects our school Code of Conduct but remind of us of our most important role as members of the PEB. This is to ensure that we are focused on contributing to the enrichment of Catholic education for our children and that the school is an expression of the mission of the Catholic Church. My prayer reflection shared at the board meeting also explains this most important role.

As we move forward, with a renewed focus on our guidelines, we recognise and thank all of the past board members who have contributed to the board in numerous ways.

There are two key gospel quotes Fr Paul has thoughtfully chosen for our new guidelines. These quotes are valuable for all of us to reflect on in our roles as not only board members but leaders, staff, parents and parishioners.

"I am among you as one who serves." Luke 22-27
"Put on, as God's chosen ones, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness and patience." Colossians 3:12

MASTERPLAN PRESENTATION TO OUR COMMUNITY Tuesday 8th May 7pm
Are you interested in the future development of our school and grounds ? At the end of last term, K2LD architects presented the final iteration of the school masterplan.
You are invited to the presentation of this masterplan by the architects from K2LD this Tuesday 8th May at 7pm in our school hall.
Please email your attendance to the office@spmurrumbeena.catholic.edu.au to help prepare the seating. 


Italian Day
A HUGE grazie to Signoura Sciulli who coordinated an exciting Italian celebration on Tuesday. Further photos from the day will be available soon. The children especially loved the delicious gelati and the performers who had us all in fits of laughter.

















Fete Review News
After several years of wonderful fetes, due in particular to the tireless dedication of a wonderful team of coordinators and helpers, we have decided to offer something new, fresh and exciting to the community. This means that there won't be a fete this year.

Drawing on the ideas, energy and vision of current members of the P&F, some other plans are underway for early next year. You will hear about these plans very soon. 

Fr Paul and I are very grateful for everything already happening in our community and excited about what is still to come.

School Uniform
Unfortunately it looks as if our warm spell of weather has come to an end.  Children should now be in their winter uniform which also means black school shoes.  An increasing number of students are wearing runners with their uniform.  This is acceptable on sports days but if your child needs to wear runners for any other reason, please write a note to their teacher.

Staff Car park
We would appreciate if families did not use the back gate from the staff car park to enter or exit the school grounds.  It is dangerous due to frequent vehicle movement. Please also discourage children from doing so if they are walking to school alone.

Extended Holidays
Just a reminder that if children are participating in family holidays outside of the school holiday periods, it is a requirement that I am notified in writing along with the classroom teacher.  This can be done via email jhawkins@spmurrumbeena. catholic.edu.au and cc to the classroom teacher.

Colour Run Reminder
Please return $10 donation entry fees as soon as possible so that the P&F can prepare to order the prizes. This has proven to be a great fundraiser as well as a wonderful community event. Thank you for your support.

Cross Country News from Mrs Barclay

What a great effort by our children in Years 4-6 who participated in our Cross Country yesterday. This event is used as trials for the Dendy District Cross Country (Friday May 18). It was a wonderful opportunity to achieve a personal goal and to display perseverance. We were most impressed with the support and encouragement the children provided towards each other. A huge thank you to the parent helpers who volunteered as course marshalls- your assistance is much appreciated.

Congratulations
Great news!  James H of 6O has been selected in the Victorian 12 years & Under Boys State Hockey team.  We wish James and the team the best of luck in the championships to be held in Newcastle in August.

Mother's and Special Friends Day
The P and F will be hosting an afternoon tea for all the mums and special friends at Rovira house next Friday afternoon from 2pm. Please come and enjoy a cup of tea and afternoon tea, everyone is welcome.

In addition the annual stall will be conducted on this day for the children to purchase a $5 gift. If you can help with the stall, please contact Felicity on 0409 177 874 or Alma on 0401 931 227

Friday Mass
Father Paul would like to invite parents to join him and the students for a cuppa after the school Level Masses on Fridays. A donation of a packet a biscuits to share would also be appreciated.  Last year the call was put out to families whose surname started with A- K.  This year if your surname commences with L-Z, any donation of bikkies at the school office will be gratefully accepted.

Important Term 2 dates

Masterplan Presentation                  Tuesday 8th May 7pm
Mother's & Special Friends Day 
      Stall and Morning Tea                 Friday 11th May 
Mother's Day                                    Sunday 13th May
Dendy Cross Country                       Friday 18th May
Whole school photo                          Monday 21st May
Grade 6 Reflection Day                    Wednesday 22nd May
School Closure Day                          Monday 28th May

Week 2, Term 2, 2018

Principal's News from Jenny Hawkins

ANZAC DAY

Thank you to our Year 6's for leading a special Anzac memorial service to honour all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, and remember the contribution and suffering of all who have served. Many of our children attended services across Victoria on Wednesday.

Let us pray for an end to all conflicts and for peace in our world.

“They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

we shall remember them.

Lest we forget”.

ITALIAN DAY - WEAR ITALIAN COLOURS TO SCHOOL ON TUESDAY !!

Along with all of the children, I am looking forward to my first Italian Day at St Patrick's this Tuesday. The day is held every second year and coordinated by Signora Veronica. The children will be able to take part in a variety of cultural and fun filled activities.

No Assembly this Monday

Due to the excursion for the Year 3s & Year 4s to Scienceworks this Monday April 30th, the normal morning assembly has been cancelled

Before and After School Care Provider

Thank you to the group of parents who met with me last night to make plans for the next part of our review of our current provider. Thank you to those of you who completed the survey last term. We have arranged to meet with Camp Australia and some other providers in the coming week and will keep you informed. 

MASTERPLAN PRESENTATION TO OUR COMMUNITY Tuesday 8th May 7pm
Are you interested in the future development of our school and grounds ? At the end of last term, K2LD architects presented the final iteration of the school masterplan.
You are invited to the presentation of this masterplan by the architects from K2LD on Tuesday 8th May at 7pm in our school hall.

Important Term 2 Dates:
Monday 30th April                    Grade 4 excursion to Scienceworks
Masterplan Presentation            Tuesday 8th May 7pm 
Mother's Day                             Sunday 13th May
Dendy Cross Country                Friday 18th May
Grade 6 Reflection Day            Wednesday 22nd May
School Closure Day                  Monday 28th May

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Extra Dates - Parent and friends meeting Fri 4th May

Week 1 Term 2, 2018

Principal's News from Jenny Hawkins
Welcome back to a new term. Please ensure you read our weekly Shamrock to keep up to date with our news and keep reading for exciting baby news.

Growth Mindset Assembly
Please join us for a special assembly at 9am this Monday to learn more about having a Growth Mindset.

Confirmation
Our Year 6 children and their parents participated in the Sacramental Family Night to prepare for Confirmation. The children will make their Confirmation on the 30th and 31st May.
This sacrament is called Confirmation because the faith given in Baptism is now confirmed and made strong. The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) and gave them courage to practice their faith.
Thank you to Fr Paul, Mrs Mullan and the Yr 6 teachers for helping to prepare the children to make the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thank you to the parents who came and supported the family workshop. Please keep the children in your prayers as they prepare to make their Confirmation.

Rodney Dearing's Farewell
After 14 years as Pastoral Associate in the Parish, Rodney is retiring. Rodney joined the staff do a farewell morning tea to say thank you for all he has done for our school. Rodney has played an important role in the preparation of Confirmation. He has trained and prepared the children's choir for important masses.  Rodney's wife Pat, is also retiring from her office role in the Parish. We wish both of them our sincere thanks and joyful blessings.

Code of Conduct Reminder about the process for addressing issues or concerns 
Towards the end of Term 1 there were some instances that occurred at the school which require that I draw your attention as parents to some pertinent areas of Our St Patrick's Code of Conduct.
In particular - Our Culture of Respectful Relationships 
We expect parents will:

• Respect the innate dignity and worth of every person
• Use open, positive and honest communication
• Act responsibly

In promoting and upholding this culture, we expect that parents will:

• Support the school's Catholic ethos, traditions and practices
• Treat staff and other parents with respect and courtesy

This is a timely reminder of the appropriate and acceptable channels for addressing any issues or concerns. Please note that any concerns that relate to the school should not be directed towards or via other parents. The flow chart below is the correct way to address concerns.

Email Communication Protocols with Staff
Several staff members received emails from parents during the school holiday period. I wish to advise you that it is unfair to expect the staff to respond during this period. It is important that our staff have a break so that they can return to school refreshed and ready to teach your children with passion and enthusiasm.
As mentioned earlier in the year, this also applies to out of hours emails. Staff will respond to your emails between the hours of 8am to 5pm.
We are blessed to have such a dedicated team of staff at our school and we must respect that they also need quality family time.

Child Safe Team and the Colour Run

The Child Safety team held their second meeting at the end of Term 1. They praised the organisers of the P&F Colour Run event for their detailed Safety Action Plans and Risk Assessments. Special thanks to the main coordinators, Bree Langham and Annie Carrie and the many parent volunteers who helped to ensure the success of this fun community event. 

Michelle Barclay, our PE Specialist teacher has volunteered to join the Child Safe Team. Michelle is highly skilled in preparing off site sports events and has a wealth of expertise to bring to the team. Next term we will be sourcing high- vis vests with our school logo on them for staff and parents to wear to increase their visibility at school organised events.

Thanks to all of our wonderful P & F parents and MrsBarclay for ensuring we had a safe and fun Colour Run. The school Facebook page will be updated with photos from the Colour Run.

Annual Financial Audit Recognition of Expertise at St Patrick's School, Murrumbeena
The Catholic Education Office contract DeLoitte Australia to prepare our school Annual Financial Statements. Two certified DeLoitte accountants spent the day on Monday 26th March auditing our financial papers for 2017. I wish to share with you that they described St Pat's as an "extremely clean" school and wished all schools were as thorough with their finances.
Special thanks must go firstly to Deb Dalton and secondly to Sandra Counihan for the excellent job they do in our front office. We also thank James Manche and Mazza Maurizio our school accountants who meet on a monthly basis with Deb and I as we track progress against our budget. We are very pleased to be recognised as a benchmark school. The full financial report forms the basis of the Annual Report due to be published on our website at the end of May.

Staff Conference and School Closure Days for Term 2 and Term 3
Our staff spent two full and fruitful days with the team from the Schools That Deliver Network. Staff feedback about their time together is overwhelmingly positive. We are presently working on the final iterations of a vision narrative and core values to reflect our school vision. Staff have formed research teams to enable them to focus on our vision.
You can read about our staff conference experience at this link.
Please note that there will also be a school closure day on Monday 28th May and Monday 20th August.

MASTERPLAN PRESENTATION TO OUR COMMUNITY Tuesday 8th May 7pm
Are you interested in the future development of our school and grounds. At the end of last term, K2LD architects presented the final iteration of the school masterplan.
You are invited to the presentation of this masterplan by the architects from K2LD on Tuesday 8th May at 7pm in our school hall.

Hall Kitchen Update
In early March the parish engaged Rob Ware from DG Jones Australia to project manage our hall kitchen refresh.
Rob has worked with the parish previously overseeing the renovations to the presbytery and the current upgrade at St Kevin's Church.
We now have a scope of works and sketched floor plans. You can view this on the Learning Community Site at this link.
The next stage will be for these approved plans to be formally drafted and any necessary permits obtained before putting the project out to tender.

Congratulations

Under normal circumstances Paul Jones would have accompanied our students to Canberra but instead this year, he and his wife Bec had a beautiful baby girl, Isabella Ruby.  The new family are all doing well and we wish them many, many fun filled times together.

Grade 5 & 6 Canberra Camp
Our Grade 5 and 6 students went on their annual camp, which this year saw them make the long drive to Canberra, our nation’s capital. Special thanks to all staff and parent helpers who supported this camp and to Mr Jones for organising it. During our 3 night stay in Canberra, our Grade 5 and 6 students participated in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. 

Thanks to Simon Frost who arranged for the President for the Senate, Senator Hon Scott Ryan to speak to the children during their Parliament House visit

They visited:

· National Planning Exhibit
· National Library
· Australian War Memorial
· Australian Institute of Sport
· Parliament House
· Questacon
· Royal Australian Mint
· National Electoral Education Centre
· Museum of Australian Democracy (Old Parliament House)
· National Botanical Gardens 

The students made the most of every opportunity while on camp in Canberra, from responding to questions posed by our tour guides to having a go at the interactive exhibits which form many of the education programs at the various sites around Canberra.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist in meeting the cost of the camp the Australian Government contributed funding under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards the costs of our students participating in the Canberra Camp.

Enrolments

Enrolments for 2019 close at the end of next week, Friday 27th April.  If you are an existing family and have not returned your enrolment form, it would be appreciated if you do so by Tuesday 24th April. 

School Uniform

We are currently in a transition period between summer and winter uniforms until Friday 27th April. On Monday 1st May, all children will be expected to be wearing their winter uniforms.

It has been brought to our attention that some parents were encouraged to purchase the older style uniform (especially the hat and sports top). We have informed the PSW outlet to only sell the newer styles to our parents, unless they are heavily discounting them as 'spares' for parents. If you are having any difficulties around this, please let Liz Hills know and she will advocate on your behalf with PSW. 

CHILD SAFETY CODE OF CONDUCT FORM

Towards the end of last term a very importance letter went home with the eldest child from each family regarding the new legislation around Safe Schools.  Attached to this letter was a return slip to acknowledge that each family had received, read and would abide by the school's Code of Conduct around these new government requirements.  A lot of these forms seem to have been overlooked so a follow up copy has gone home again today to families whose form is outstanding.  Please complete these forms and return them by Friday 27th April.

THANK YOU

A very special thank you to all of our staff and parents who contributed during Term 1 in so many ways. As we begin Term 2, we will continue to ensure our school remains focused on our vision of engaged and motivated learners always faithful to our loving God.

NOTICES

Special Needs Family Support Group Morning Tea

Kim Johnston is kindly organising an opportunity for parents to meet in her home. We fully support this excellent initiative, however, for clarity, this group is a parent led group. The next morning tea is on:

Tuesday the 24th April
Any time after drop off until 11am.
Everyone welcome
Please message Kim for the address Kim@egan.mobi 0450954223

Fete Planning review Meeting

Fete review and planning meeting in the hall on Monday 23rd April 7.30 - 8.30 pm. 

Important Term 2 Dates:
Monday 23rd April                    Grade 6 excursion 
Tuesday 24th April                    Special Anzac Day Reflection @ 9am
Wednesday 25th April               ANZAC DAY holiday
Monday 30th April                    Grade 4 excursion to Scienceworks
Masterplan Presentation            Tuesday 8th May 7pm 
Mother's Day                             Sunday 13th May
Dendy Cross Country                Friday 18th May
Grade 6 Reflection Day            Wednesday 22nd May
School Closure Day                  Monday 28th May

       
FORTHCOMINGMon

Week 8, Term 1 2018

Year 5/6 Camp
The campers are back safe and sound, albeit rather weary from their jammed pack trip to Canberra.  A great time was had by all.

A reminder about next week.

Next week is the last week of term 1.  The Easter raffle will take place at assembly on Monday morning @ 9am and excitement is building!

Children will be dismissed at normal time on Tuesday March 27th for their holidays and we look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday 16th April.

Please note that OHSC will not be operating on Wednesday 28th March or Thursday 29th March due to school closure days when the staff will be attending their annual conference.

Secondhand Uniform

With the coming of the cooler weather, the Secondhand Uniform shop is open on Tuesday afternoons from 3- 3.30pm in the hallway outside the hall.  Stock up or just refit!

Important Dates

Monday 26th March       Easter Raffle @ 9am during final assembly 
Tuesday  27th March     Child Safety Team Meeting @ 9am.
Tuesday  27th March     Easter Mass @ 11:30. Term 1 concludes for students. Dismissal @ 3.30pm
Wednesday 28th Mar     School closure day due to staff conference

Thursday 29th March     School closure day due to staff conference

Monday 16th April          Term 2 commences @ 8.50am

Community Notices

Week 7, Term 1, 2018

Principal's News from Jenny Hawkins

HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY for the 17th March
We are enjoying a day of celebration today for the namesake of our school, St Patrick.
Our day began with a special mass celebrated with Fr Paul. The church was filled with a sea of green. Fr Paul reminded the children to be like St Patrick who spent time praying and trying to always be the best that he could be.
Special thanks to our Year 1 and Year 2 teachers for planning the activities and our Year 6 students for leading the activities. The day will finish with the long awaited Colour Run and a special splash of green colour for St Patrick's Day. Thanks to Michelle Barclay, Annie and Bree and all of the P & F parents for their hard work in planning and preparing for the fun run.

Parish Education Board News
The St Patrick's prayer above was shared at our AGM meeting on Wednesday. The prayer helps to remind us of our responsibility as board members to ensure we remain true to the spirit and heart of God in the work we do. Our children and their education and well being are at the heart of all decisions that we make.
Fr Paul officially welcomed three new board members to replace our board members who have completed their two year terms. Special thanks to Kylie Newman, Shaun Bacon and Travis Westcott for their valued contribution to the board.
We warmly welcomed the following parents: Jenny Jones, Steven Peters and John O'Sullivan. We also thank John O'Sullivan for taking on the Chairperson role and Gabby Paroli for continuing her excellent work as the secretary.
We look forward to sharing the annual board reports with you on our Learning Site when the formal school Annual Report 2017 is available once it is has been signed off by the Catholic Education Office.

Parents as Helpers
Thank you to the 22 parents who attended the 2018 Parents as Helpers course this week.  We look forward to working with you soon.

Important Dates
Sunday 18th March        Family Mass @9am
Monday 19th March       Years 5/6 depart to Canberra 
Monday 26th March       Easter Raffle @ 9am during final assembly 
Tuesday  27th March     Child Safety Team Meeting @9am.
Tuesday  27th March     Easter Mass @ 11:30. Term 1 concludes for students. Dismissal @ 3.30pm
Wednesday 28th Mar     School closure day due to staff conference

Thursday 29th March     School closure day due to staff conference

Community News

Week 6, Term 1, 2018

Principal's News from Jenny Hawkins
Parent Sacramental Faith Night
Thank you to the large number of parents who participated in the parent evening on Tuesday. Fr Paul Newton and Anne Mullan our Religious Education Leader, led an informative and interactive hour session. There were opportunities to share thoughts and ideas around the meaning and purpose of the sacraments in our every day lives.

The closing liturgy allowed time to reflect on some of Jesus' words. Take time to reflect on these words with your family during the Lenten season:
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Peace I give you.
Forgive each other every tine.
Come, follow me.
Love God and love your neighbours.
Do not be afraid, I am with you.

St Patrick's Day and the Colour Run
We are looking forward to celebrating St Patrick's Day on Friday with a special whole school mass at 9:10 am. The children don't wear school uniform on St Patrick's Day. They can wear something green. Remember to send in a white T shirt for the children to pull on over their clothes if they are running through the colours at the end of the day. The children will join into special St Pat's day activities and finish the day with our inaugural Colour Run.
Special thanks to Annie and Bree for spending many hours organising the Colour Run celebration. All of the houses around the school circuit have received notification via a letter. An eleven page detailed Safety Action Plan has been prepared by the P&F and reviewed by Michelle Barclay our PE teacher and I. We thank all of you for your support of this special event.

Child Safety News

Based on the recommendation from our Child Safety Team, I have prepared a letter for all of our school families. This letter explains all of the changes we have made at St Patrick's school since the introduction of the mandatory Child Safe Standards on the 1st August 2016. A hard copy of this letter will be sent home after the long weekend on Tuesday 13th March. Please look our for the letter in your child's bag. Every school parent is asked to sign a return slip to say that they have read our St Patrick's school Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct. This is the same Code of Conduct that parents sight on the visitor's sign in I-pad in our school office. The Safeguarding Children and Young People Code of Conduct is available on the policy page of our Learning Community Site at this link. Thank you for your support in helping to keep our children safe at St Patrick's school.

New Sign in /out procedures.

As part of the new Attendance Guidelines introduced by the Victorian Government,  if a student is late to school or leaving early they are required to sign in/out at the office on the new white device -St Patrick's Kiosk.  This data will be generated to our electronic daily attendance rolls and recorded on the students' reports.  It is essential that parents notify the school of any absences or late to school reasons by 9.15am otherwise an SMS will be generated advising you that your child has an unexplained absence and you will be required to contact the office immediately.

This is also a reminder that as part of the new Child Safety regulations ALL parents/visitors need to enter through the main office door to sign in/out at the office on our black device. All adults will need to collect a lanyard regardless of the reason or length of stay. 

Have a safe long weekend and we look forward to seeing you all back at school on Tuesday. Please note there will be no assembly next week.

Jenny Hawkins

Principal

Enrolment for 2019
If you have an outstanding enrolment application for 2019, please return it to the office as soon as possible.

Lost Property

Lost property is overflowing and will be culled over the holidays if unclaimed.   There are also a large number of sports jackets. If you are missing something please check the lost property cupboard opposite the hall entrance. Please remember to label your child’s clothing/possessions so they can be returned to you.

Important Dates

Friday 16th March          St Patrick's Day celebrations and P & F COLOR RUN @ 2.30pm
Sunday 18th March        Family Mass @9am
Monday 19th March       Years 5/6 depart to Canberra 
Monday 26th March       Easter Raffle @ 9am during final assembly 
Tuesday  27th March     Child Safety Team Meeting @9am.
Tuesday  27th March     Easter Mass @ 11:30. Term 1 concludes for students. Dismissal @ 3.30pm
Wednesday 28th Mar    School closure day due to staff conference

Thursday 29th March    School closure day due to staff conference

Community News

Week 5, Term 2, 2018

Principal's News from Jenny Hawkins
Pope Francis’ Prayer for Lent 

Do you want to Fast this Lent ?
Fast from hurting words and say KIND words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with GRATITUDE.
Fast from anger and be filled with PATIENCE.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with HOPE.
Fast from worries and have TRUST in God.
Fast from complaints and contemplate SIMPLICITY.
Fast from pressures and be PRAYERFUL.
Fast from bitterness and fill our hearts with JOY.
Fast from selfishness and be COMPASSIONATE to others.
Fast from grudges and be RECONCILED.
Fast from words and be silent so you can LISTEN.

Yr 1's Lent Tree

Enhancing Catholic Identity Surveys

All parent surveys went home last week. The surveys will open this Monday 5th March. We appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey. All respondents names will go into a draw for a $100 Coles gift voucher.

Parents Sacramental Evening reminder

This is a reminder for parents of children making their sacraments this year in Yr 3 and Yr 6 to join Anne Mullan and Fr Paul Newton in our hall at 7pm on Tuesday 6th March. Please bring something that represents your family, for example, a football scarf, a family photo or something of your choice to share.

Year 6 Leadership Badges and SRC Badges

This Monday's assembly will be dedicated primarily to the presentation of badges to our student leaders for 2018.

Child Safety Team

Last week our new Child Safety Team had their first meeting. Thank you to the following parents: Kate Egan ( Layni Yr 2) Fiona Quayle (Xavier Yr 4) and Felicity Tesoriero (Lucas Yr 6, Eamon Yr 4, Nathan Prep). Angela Yates is our staff Child Safety Leader and myself as principal. Next week, there will be a letter going home explaining about some of the processes, policies and protocols implemented at St Patrick's in relation to the safety of all children at our school.  

St Patrick's Day Colour Run and Easter Raffle

We are looking forward to the Parent and Friend's Colour Run coming soon. This is a new initiative from our P&F and we are looking forward to supporting this fundraiser. Thanks to our P& F team who are busy planning and preparing for the event. Thanks for your support for our traditional Easter raffle. The raffle will be drawn at our final assembly for Term 1 on Monday 26th March.

School Fees
School Fees are now overdue.  If you have elected to pay in installments, at least one installment should have been paid.  Also the camp fee of $600 for all  grade 5/6 students must be paid by Friday 9th March prior to their departure.

SPORTS NEWS

Dendy Swimming Carnival

What a beautiful day it was last Monday for the Dendy Swimming Carnival at GESAC. There was a wonderful team spirit at the St Pat's tent as our competitors from Years 4, 5 and 6 cheered each other on tirelessly throughout the day. Congratulations to our students who 'had a go' for the first time and also our more experienced swimmers. Special mention to Lily C, Grace H (freestyle) and Alice M (butterfly) who qualified for the upcoming Beachside Division Swimming Carnival. We wish the girls luck!

MFC Year 4 Clinic

On Tuesday the Year 4’s had a fun time because the Melbourne Football Club came to St Pat’s. We were very excited and happy. The players who came were Christian Salem, Billy Stretch, Corey Maynard and Anna Teague from the Women’s team. We got to practice our handballing, kicking and marking. We also got to ask questions like:

What is it like to be a footy player?

How often do you have to train and what do you do at training?

What is life like outside of football?

We hope that the Melbourne Football Club can come back to St Pat’s again because we loved the clinic. Thanks Mrs Barclay for organizing the clinic for us.

(Marco P 4V on behalf of the Year 4’s)

Enrolment for 2019
Enrolment forms for children commencing in Prep 2019 are now available from the office. We appreciate their return as soon as possible.

Important Dates
Tuesday 6th March         Parent Sacramental Night @ 7pm Years 3 & 6 
Monday 12th March       Labour Day Holiday
Friday 16th March          P & F COLOR RUN @ 2.30pm
Monday 19th March       Years 5/6 depart to Canberra 
Monday 25th March       Easter Raffle @ 9am during final assembly 
Tuesday  26th March      Term 1 concludes for students. Dismissal @ 3.30pm
Wednesday 27th Mar      School closure day due to staff conference

Thursday 28th Mar         School closure day due to staff conference

Community News

The online application portal for Year 7 2020 @ Star of the Sea is now open.

Families can access the portal via: www.starmelb.catholic.edu.au   

There is an enrolment icon on the front page and a large notice on the lower right of the front page.  

The enrolment icon will always be on the front page for visitors to our website, the notices area on the lower right will change from time to time.

Please read the enrolment pages of the website carefully, in particular:

• Enrolment Criteria
• Enrolment Policy
• Key Dates

The application to enrol web portal will close late on Friday 17 August 2018.  All applications will be reviewed after the close of the portal.

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact registrar@starmellb.catholic.edu.au or to call the College on 9595 9595 and ask for the Registrar.