Newsletter 7/2/2022 Term 1 Week 3
Our Prayer
From the Principal
Dear parents, carers and community members,
Thank you everyone for how you have responded to the unique situation we find ourselves in at the beginning of the term. As you have seen in our daily COVID updates, we have had staff and students who have tested positive or who are close contacts of a positive case and are all isolating for 7 days. If we are all vigilant with this, we can protect the health and wellbeing of our community and keep the school open and running as normal as possible whilst the threat persists. We are awaiting the arrival of our second allocation of RAT tests to be distributed before Monday 14th of February but families should have enough tests to get through this week.
Catholic School Culture
Opening School Mass
Due to restrictions we are unable to come together as a whole school to celebrate the Opening School Mass, so instead children will celebrate in their bubbles. Grade 5/6 will attend the Opening School Mass on Friday at the church. Presentations will take place after mass which will be recorded and families will be able to view them on the St Patrick’s Primary School Camperdown YouTube channel later that day (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcsj8x6jpnQF0zsxr3aHR1g). Grades 3/4 & F-2 will have separate Opening Liturgies at school the following week on Friday 18th of February.
Lourdes Feast Day
This Friday the 11th of February, children in Lourdes house (yellow) will celebrate Lourdes Feast Day with any icy pole and a small bag of chips at lunchtime. The Lourdes House is named after Our Lady of Lourdes which is a name for the Virgin Mary. She is believed to have appeared near Lourdes, France. The first appearance was on 11 February 1858. It was seen by Bernadette Soubirous, a 14 year old peasant. Seventeen more appearances were reported that year. The site of Lourdes is near the Pyrenees mountains in France. Every year, it is visited by millions of pilgrims, particularly Roman Catholics. They come to Lourdes to see the site of a famous vision experienced by a young girl called Bernadette Soubirous and to be healed by its supposedly miraculous waters.
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
Oh ever immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, Health of the Sick, Refuge of Sinners, Comfortess of the Afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings. Look upon me with mercy. When you appeared in the grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where you dispense your favors, and where many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. My loving Mother, obtain my request. I will try to imitate your virtues so that I may one day share your company and bless you in eternity. Amen.
Sacramental Forms
Sacramental forms have gone home for children who wish make a sacrament this year – Reconciliation, Confirmation or First Holy Eucharist. These forms and payment of $25- are due back by this Friday 11th of February. If you require a form or wish to make an inquiry, please contact Tracy at school on 55931962. All enquires are welcome.
Symptoms
With the continued threat of COVID at the moment, we are asking parents to monitor their children for flu-like symptoms and to keep children home until they pass. If a child develops these during the day, we will call to have them collected from school as soon as possible. Even if the child has a negative RAT result, they may still pass a cold on to other children who will then be required to stay at home. Thank you.
Swimming Program
Under the current guidelines our swimming program can take place if we adhere to the requirements of a COVIDsafe excursion so we are going ahead with our planned lessons. We will begin next Wednesday the 16th with the Middle school children going to the pool to establish our groups and begin lessons. More information will come home via email regarding swimming dates for coming weeks.
Swimming dates for week ending 18/2/22
Wed 16/2: 3/4 will be swimming
Thurs 17/2: 3/4 & 5/6 will be swimming
School Canteen
In an attempt to maintain our three bubbles, we are asking parents to continue the practice from last year of ordering online from the Mercy canteen only and not to send money to school. The Mercy Canteen tile on the school app is the best way to access this service.
Scholastic Book Club
Just a reminder that our scholastic book club orders are all done online now through the website below. Our paper pamphlets were sent home last week.
SAC Meeting
We will be conducting our first School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting on Tuesday 15th of February at the Commercial Hotel. We look forward to beginning the year in a positive way together.
Rotary - Cobden Mini Golf
Parish Bulletin
Birthdays
