TERM 4
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
ADMINISTRATIVE DIMENSION:
Census and Enrolments for 2025:
On Friday 2nd August the annual student census took place which will determine our school’s funding for the coming year. Last week a letter went home to families to remind you of the need to confirm your child’s attendance at St Patrick’s for 2025. Please ensure that you return this information as soon as possible to your child's teacher or to the front office.
If you are leaving the school, I ask that you inform me via email the reasons for your move at gmannella@stpatsmp.catholic.edu.au as this supports our strategic planning.
We are pleased to see an increasing number of enquiries for future enrolments at our school. If you have existing children at the school with siblings still at home, please make sure that you complete a student enrolment application form to ensure your child has a place at St Patrick’s. An enrolment form is available from the front office at any time.
Building & Grounds:
While we wait for our main refurbishments to begin, over the coming weeks, some minor works will be undertaken to return the sheltered sand pit next to the new storage shed back to student use.
LEARNING DIMENSION:
NAPLAN:
The results are in, and copies have been sent through to families at the end of Week 2. I acknowledge the work of Linda Bain, our Leader of Learning for ensuring that our school manages the procedures around NAPLAN, data collection and providing essential learning opportunities for our staff and students.
School Summary report for Year 3:
The summary demonstrates that Year 3 St Patrick’s students have achieved strong results in all areas tested except for Grammar and Punctuation - this will be reviewed by staff.
School Summary report for Year 5:
The summary demonstrates that Year 5 St Patrick’s students have achieved strong results in all areas tested.
If you have not received your child’s copy of the test results, please speak with your child’s teacher.
EALD:
Approximately 84% of the students at St Patrick’s School come from EALD Backgrounds (speaking a language/dialect other than English at home). This term, Linda Moran has coordinated the assignment of Language and Literacy Levels (LEAP Levels) for all EALD Students from Reception to Year 6. This data is submitted to Catholic Education SA to determine funding priorities for EALD students, ensuring support for those at the Beginning and Emerging stages of English language learning.
Student data shows significant progress of students overall by at least 1 level, with some students improving by 2-3 levels in writing in English. Several of our senior students are writing with very high levels of competence. Knowledge of another language/s can greatly assist language acquisition, learning in general and cultural competence. Students in all classes have shown significant progress in their understanding and knowledge of the English language.
STEM MAD:
On Friday 2nd August a group of four students attended the STEM MAD showcase. Student were invited to apply their STEM knowledge and skills to design a product, service or innovation which Makes A Difference (MAD) to others or the environment. The students from the 5/6 unit Huan-Ca, Roxy, Azaehel and Jaden showcased their ‘Animal Adaptations’ learning from last term. The students did an excellent job discussing their project with other students and adults that visited their showcase. The afternoon included students undertaking various UniSA STEM MAD challenges.
Phonics check - Year 1:
As part of our ongoing assessments and collection of student learning data, all Year 1 students across the system will undergo a phonics knowledge assessment. This data will inform teachers as to where they need to direct their teaching in this area.
Indigenous Education:
As Part of our commitment to Reconciliation and Closing the Gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Ms Sandra Hartley, 5/6SH teacher, has been nominated to become a member of the CESA Aboriginal Education Action Plan Working Party, a national initiative to bring about positive change to the educational outcomes of these students. We congratulate Sandra on this role knowing she will bring insight and lived experience that will benefit the outcome of this Action Plan.
COMMUNITY DIMENSION:
BOOK WEEK:
The Book Week Parade will take place on the morning of Thursday 22nd August from 9.00am. This years theme is "Reading is Magic". Students are invited to dress up as their favourite story book character. All Parents are invited to attend. This event is always enjoyed by the children which helps them focus on the importance of developing a love of reading and books!
SCHOOL DISCO:
Our School Disco will be on the evening of Friday 30th August! Tickets are $8 per child or $20 for a family of three children. Tickets are on sale from the front office with either cash or EFTPOS.
60th Birthday Celebration:
Please keep Sunday 27th October free for our BIG 60th birthday celebration event.
Beginning with 10.00am Mass (Liturgy celebration), the day will include, the unveiling of the mural commissioned by South Australian Aboriginal artist David Booth, cultural dancing from across our diverse community, music, food and art exhibition of student’s amazing work.
There will be many invited guests including former Principals who led the school. It is an exciting time in the history of the school and we encourage you to be a part of it and celebrate with us.
Boys soccer competition:
(talk about results after Tuesday)
RELIGIOUS DIMENSION:
Mission Day Celebration:
What a wonderful day we had last Friday to celebrate the Feast Day of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop with our Mission Day. Blessed with fine weather, the day began with community prayer, followed by Buddy Class activities. After recess, the students enthusiastically sold their wares at their Mission Market stalls. Money raised from these stalls will go to a number of Catholic charities to support those in need. ($1077.90) We are grateful to you as parents for supporting your children in providing goods for each of the stalls. Part of what we teach as a Catholic school, which is consistent across all religions, is the principle of the common good and that we have a responsibility to support those who cannot support themselves. These events helps children grow in that understanding.
The day concluded with a wonderful sing along in the hall. I would like to thank Mr Proctor and all staff for their organisation and support in making it such a memorable day.
Gennaro Mannella
Acting Principal
St Patrick’s School Leadership team
Greetings from the Acting APRIM
Jesus says,
‘The bread that I will give, says the Lord,
is my flesh for the life of the world.’ (John 6:51)
Try to imitate Christ Jesus by loving as he loves you, giving himself up in our place as an offering, for our reconciliation with God. (Ephesians 5:2 adapted)
SACRAMENTS:
The following children are celebrating their Confirmation this term:
The following children are celebrating their First Communion this term:
Celebration of The Assumption of Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ
Parents and friends are most welcome to join the older children celebrate this important celebration. In the Catholic Tradition, we believe that because of Mary being the mother of Jesus Christ, that she was taken into heaven, body and spirit, when she passed from this life.
Community Events coming up this term:
| Community Prayer Monday at 9:00am | Assembly Tuesday at 1:30pm | Liturgy Wednesday at 9:00am |
Week 4 Aug 12-16 | 2/3LS | 5/6SH | Assumption (3/4 - 5/6 classes) APRIM |
Week 5 Aug 19-23 | Prayer/Lit Group 5/6SH |
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Week 6 Aug 26-30 | Prayer/Lit Group 5/6DF | 5/6DF | 4/5TJ + R/1AS |
Week 7 Sept 2-6 | Father’s Day 3/4JJ |
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Week 8 Sept 9-13 | 4/5TJ | R/1 | 3/4 JJ +R/1TW |
Week 9 Sept 16-20 | Prayer/Lit Group 5/6SH |
| 5/6SH + 1/2CS |
Week 10 Sept 23-27 | Prayer/Lit Group 5/6DF | School Captains DF/SH |
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Reading is YOUR Superpower!
Well done to all the children who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge so far! We have many new faces on the racetrack in the Library window; come in and check it out!
This year at St Patrick’s School it is expected that ALL students complete the Challenge, so they receive their special award.
The children borrow regularly from the school library and are encouraged to read every night at home. These books all count towards the challenge and can be added to the record sheet.
Ask your child about the challenge and if they need a new sheet, ask the class teacher or front office.
Let’s Keep reading!
Linda Bain
Leader of Learning
who have celebrated a birthday over the past couple of weeks
A friendly reminder to those families, who do not have a direct debit set up, that Term 2 fees were due the last day of Term 2 which was the 5th July 2024.
We offer direct debit, BPay, EFTPOS and also direct deductions from Centrelink payments to cater to the changing financial needs of our families at St Patrick’s School. When the direct debit payment option is selected your school fee payment is calculated over the full school year right up until the 31st of December 2023. This means smaller payments are required, making this method the most affordable way to budget for your commitment.
Please come into the office or ring me on 83034500 if one of these options would better suit your financial requirements.
School Card 2024 is applied for online if you haven’t already applied for this year please arrange as soon as possible as the cut off date is early November. Instructions on how to do this are available at the front office. School Card must be applied for each year.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO ALL FAMILIES:
Please be aware St Patrick’s School has changed their bank details. These new bank details do now appear on your school invoice.
If you pay a direct debit the bank details are automatically updated. The new details are as follows:
CTB
BSB 066-782
Account number 100000262
If at any time you are having trouble meeting your school fee commitment, or have any queries, please contact me on 83034500 to discuss this matter.
Christine Lavender
Finance Officer
PLAYGROUP
St Patrick’s Playgroup 9.30am- 11.30 am (Wednesday and Friday)
Welcome all children 0-5 years and their parents-carers residing in City of Port Adelaide Enfield, City of Charles Sturt
Goals of Playgroup:
All parents and carers are responsible for the children they bring to playgroup
Communities for Children is funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services
Please contact Chau Tran or Huong Nguyen on 8303 4500 if you would like further information.
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