March 23 – College update on COVID-19

Dear all members of the St Patrick’s College community,

We have prematurely arrived at the conclusion of an extraordinary term in the life of St Patrick’s College.

There have been many unexpected developments in recent weeks, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and understanding as we have sought to overcome each hurdle.

I would also like to make special mention of the professionalism of our staff at St Patrick’s College, who have continued to work effectively in unprecedented circumstances to ensure that the wellbeing and teaching of our students remains their utmost priority.

Our wonderful students deserve special praise too. Even in these most unsettling times, I have been fortunate to witness countless examples of our boys going above and beyond, reaching out to help others and bringing joy and light into the lives of others. They are our reason for being, and they continue to be a source of infinite hope.

As we take this step together into an uncertain holiday period, I would like to reassure parents that St Patrick’s College staff will continue to work to ensure all is in readiness for whatever the future may hold.

While we expect, at this stage, for students to be returning to school for the start of Term 2 on Wednesday, April 15, we are also working hard to ensure that classes can be delivered in an online learning environment should that reality eventuate.

We will keep you constantly informed of any changes as they arise.

In the meantime, you may notice some minor changes to normal operating procedures over the coming days.

• Term 1 finished at 3.25pm today and your son is now on school holidays. All school bus runs will be finishing today at the conclusion of the school runs.
• There may be a delay in the publication of interim term reports. Please check PAM regularly for updates as we have not set a date on when these reports will be published
• The College office will remain open for the remainder of this week but will, as planned be closed from Monday, March 30 until Monday, April 6 when we hope to re-open.
• The College Shop will remain open on Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25 and will then close until Monday, April 6.
• Teachers will liaise with students via email in relation to expectations around completing schoolwork and homework over the coming days and weeks.
• Please be vigilant in ensuring your son is regularly checking his email throughout the coming period.
• The primary mode of communication between parents and teaching staff over the coming weeks will be via email. A reminder that every staff member is contactable via email. Their email address is their first initial, followed by their surname and then @stpats.vic.edu.au. So Mrs Elizabeth Ryan is eryan@stpats.vic.edu.au and Mr Hamish McCrum is hmccrum@stpats.vic.edu.au
• If urgent contact is required with the College’s IT staff please email helpdesk@stpats.vic.edu.au
• If you have any other urgent request please call one of the following people:
  * For student and staff matters call Mrs Elizabeth Ryan on 0428 138 945.
  * For enrolment or boarding inquiries please call Mrs Caitlin Bennett on 0409 004 324.
  * For matters relating to College buildings or property please call Mr John Resuggan on 0459 020 988.
  * For matters relating to fees and finance please call Mr Andrew Ballesty on 0409 010 583.
  * For Old Collegian or communications enquiries please call Mr Paul Nolan on 0418 307 377.

I also encourage you to read this correspondence from Edmund Rice Education Australia regarding their ongoing response to the coronavirus situation.

Once again, I reiterate that we are operating in unprecedented times. There will be challenges ahead for all of us and we will need to, at all times, treat each other with respect and with care to ensure the best possible outcomes.

It is my great hope that you are able to enjoy some relaxing time with your loved ones over the Easter holidays and I remain hopeful that we will welcome everyone back here for Term 2 in a few weeks’ time.

Mr Stephen Hill

Acting Principal