Dear Families,

Welcome to our Week 4 Newsletter.

60^th Birthday:

Well, what a wonderful 60^th Birthday Celebration it was!

I would like to congratulate all who contributed to what was an outstanding day!

It was wonderful to see so many of you there with your children celebrating 60 years of teaching, learning and leadership. It was a lovely community occasion where everyone there took part in some way.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the work and efforts of students and teachers who prepared for the day. Whether it was creating the stunning and creative artwork, singing in the choir, or delighting us all with their intricate cultural dances. (Even one of our mum’s got in on the act).  Our day began with the Smoking Ceremony and Aboriginal dancing and song, followed up with the unveiling of the intricate painting and story by David Booth. We proceeded with our liturgy led by students and Fr Robert Rice who ministered here in days gone by.

I wish to thank members of the School Board and parents who assisted with setting up and working on the day. To all the parents who provided or cooked food on the day, I extend my deep gratitude for your generosity. Thank you! And of course, I wish to acknowledge the presence of past principals and invited guests. It was lovely to see Mrs Ahern on this special day.

Finally, I wish to thank you the parents, for taking the time out of your weekend and busy schedule to come and spend time celebrating this special day. I can only hope that you will continue to support your child’s school events into the future where together we can build an even stronger community.  Please see photos in this newsletter edition of this momentous celebration!

ADMINISTRATIVE DIMENSION:

PUPIL FREE DAY:

I remind families that the school Board has approved another Pupil Free Day for 15 November 2024. Staff will undertake a Staff Reflection Day that was not able to be done as the presenter was unwell. Please remember to book your child into OSHC for the day if you need care.

CLASS PLACEMENTS 2025:

Staff have started class placements for 2025. This is a lengthy process considering many factors. Last term, each family was sent home a letter asking of their 2024 intentions. Thank you to all the families who returned this important information. This information is needed to determine how many students are returning in each year level and how many vacancies we may have to offer to other students. If your situation has changed, please inform the Principal.

Children are given time to identify four students who they believe are good learning friends. Each child is guaranteed to be placed in a class with at least one of their peers that they named. Although the ultimate placement of students is a school responsibility, parents may have concerns regarding their child’s learning or social and emotional needs that they would like to be considered. These requests were due last Friday. Thank you to those parents who have let us know of any needs.

UNIFORM FITTINGS / PURCHASE 2025:

The Uniform Shop will be open for fittings and purchase of uniforms next year prior to the children starting school on Tuesday 21st January 2025.  If you would like to schedule a fitting time please contact the school on 8303 4500 as soon as possible to book a time.  The Uniform shop will be open for most of this day for purchase of uniforms for new families as well as current families who might need some new things for their child.  This is so that all children are in the correct uniform ready for the start of their new school year which begins on Tuesday 28th January 2025

LEARNING DIMENSION:

This is the last week for PAT R and PAT M testing for all students in preparation for students’ final reports for the year. While there are many things happening during this term, our focus for the children continues to be on teaching and learning. Please encourage and remind your child about their need to focus on this learning as they prepare for their move to the next Year level.

We have high expectations when it comes to student behaviour, and teachers spend a lot of time reminding their students about our Golden rule of ‘Respect’. Through the Friendology program students learn about the importance of maintaining good relationships and that friends do not always agree.  We always encourage children to speak to an adult if they are unable to resolve an issue before it becomes a problem.

Children’s University:

On Wednesday evening we had 14 students graduate from the Children’s University program. We congratulate these students and their families on the efforts of these students. We encourage all eligible students to have a go at being part of this program which encourages discipline through learning activities that that not only teach but contribute to the community.

PE:

On Monday, many of our students were involved in the interschools Athletics Carnival. Congratulations on the efforts and achievements of our students at this competition. 

Instrumental Music Students Performance:

Last Friday, Mrs Myers and Mr Liguoro, our instrumental teacher, held the Musical Performance afternoon for students learning a musical instrument. The children did a wonderful job. We look forward to some of these children performing at our upcoming Carols evening.

CHRISTMAS CAROLS EVENING:

This will take place on Friday 22 November and all families are invited to attend. More information will be provided closer to the day. All classes will be involved in this concert.

A Halal sausage sizzle will be available where children and parents can purchase a quick snack and drink before the performance starts.

St Patrick's School Leadership Team

Gennaro Mannella