Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Semester One reports will be published for parents and carers on Friday 28 June. 

As you may be aware, the NSW Educational Standards Authority (NESA) have undertaken a comprehensive review of the NSW Curriculum, leading to curriculum reform and subsequent implementation of a reformed curriculum which commenced in 2023. In response to the curriculum changes, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has made significant modifications to student semester reports for Primary schools to better reflect your child's academic progress at key points throughout the year and provide parents and carers with a clear picture of their child’s strengths and areas for improvement in specific subject areas.

The following changes will be evident in your child’s semester report from Semester 1 2024: 

• A ‘new look’ report format released via Compass reflecting the outcomes of the new K-10 English and Mathematics syllabuses providing a descriptor for each of the focus areas found in the respective syllabuses
• There will be no general comment in Semester 1 reports. This was a diocesan decision and is consistent across all CEDoW schools. 
• All Kindergarten students will now receive a written report in Semester 1 and Semester 2 with a three-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
• Thorough
• Sound 
• Basic
• Students in Year 1 - Year 6 will continue to receive semester reports twice a year with a five-point grade scale used to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors: 
• Extensive
• Thorough
• Sound
• Basic
• Elementary 

We look forward to this positive shift in our reporting system and appreciate your continued support in your child's educational journey.

This year our staff have been engaging in professional learning linked to our Annual Improvement goal.

"Through the use of high quality assessment in mathematics students are appropriately challenged and engaged in their learning."

The staff have been engaging with Mark Boss (Catholic Education Office ILW team - Mathematics) regarding  professional learning about assessment. Mark had based much of his work on Jim Tognolini's research into assessment and standards. This professional learning has seen teachers not only deep dive into the new English and Mathematics curriculum but also sharply focus on formative assessment, Working Mathematically and designing rubrics to better assess in this area and provide students with valuable feedback.

I have officically wrapped up Kindergarten interviews for 2024. It has been a pleasure to meet so many families who wish a Catholic Education for their child. Families can expect to hear about their enrollment status at St Patrick's during Week 9 this term. Something that I hear often from parents is what a good name St Patrick's has in the local community. I feel blessed to lead such a wonderful school community, with dedicated teachers, engaged students who treat each other with kindness and compassion and supportive parents and carers. It is a privilege and repsonsibility upon us all to keep the culture and spirit of St Patrick's alive and well.

After some valuable feedback from our parent community, I have provided here calendar dates for the remainder of 2024. I hope that this better allows families to forward plan for the year. Please note there may be events or activites that spring up during the remainder of the year and if this is the case we will communicate this through COMPASS.

I'd like to wish you all a safe and enjoyable long weekend. My hope is the weather clears up for us all to spend some quality time with family and friends.

Kind regards

Mr Mitchell Elks
Principal

Our PB4L focus for next week (Week 7) is Passive Play.
In the explicit teaching lessons the expected behaviours taught will be:

1. Play quietly

2. Remain seated

Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Passive Play to be taught include:

1. Running and chasing

2. Jumping off the verandah

3. Yelling and screaming

4. Sitting in front of doors

Our PB4L focus for next week (Week 8) is Respecting our School Environment
In the explicit teaching lessons the expected behaviours taught will be:

1. Putting my rubbish in the bin

2. Packing up my toys

3. Putting my lunch box and drink bottle in the class tub

4. Staying in-bounds

5. Cleaning up any mess I make

Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Respecting our School Environment  to be taught include:

1. Littering

2. Leaving my toys behind

3. Leaving my lunch box and drink bottle behind

4. Going out of bounds

5. Leaving a mess

We would very much appreciate you discussing this weekly focus with your children and reviewing the expected and non-acceptable behaviours in our endeavour to see that St Patrick’s is a more respectful, responsible, and safe learning community for all.

PB4L Data
It is with pride that I inform you that since Term Two has begun 49 students
were given Citizenship, Merit or Library Awards whilst there were 18 incidents of Inappropriate behaviour recorded.
Please strive to act respectfully, responsibly, and safely girls and boys.

SCHOOL DROP OFF AND PICK UP

Kind regards

Mr Gavan Hoctor
Assistant Principal

When your child is sick and not coming to school, the absence can be entered via the Compass app. Late arrivals and early departures must come through the office. If you need to collect your child early, please give the school office at lease two hours notice so arrangements can be made. We are aware that there are times when this isn't possible but the earlier we know makes it easier to  have your child packed up and ready for pick up at the office.  

Families are encouraged to make travel plans during the school holidays, however, if you do plan to take your child out of school during the school term for the purpose of travel, you will need to fill out an application form. Travel is considered to be domestic or international travel for the purpose of a family holiday, family business, bereavement or other reasons. The application needs to be completed at least four weeks prior to your departure and travel documentation, such as travel itinerary or e-ticket must be attached. If approved, you will then receive a certificate that you need to carry with you while travelling. Please contact the office to obtain a copy of the application if you have any upcoming travel plans or require any further clarification.

Kind regards
Miss Debbie Casey
Senior School Support Officer