Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I am so proud to be part of such a wonderful school community. This was on full display at our recent athletics carnival. Many thanks go to our wonderful St Patrick's staff who spend a lot of time organising and preparing the day as well as running events and attending to the needs of their students. Thank you to all the parents and family members who joined us in celebrating our students giving their best effort in all events. I had many positive comments from members of the school community which reflects the the hard work of the staff. The staff followed up the carnival with a reflection on what worked well and what could be improved next year. We are always looking to make our school events the best possible.

Thank you to the parents who completed the Tell Them From Me survey. The school recently received the results of which parents, students and staff completed. I look forward to sharing some of this information with you over the course of next term. We are grateful for this information as it helps the school make the best possible decisions for our students.

Thank you to Mr Hoctor for organising what was reported to be a fun family night at the movies. I know there was a great buzz in the air and the night was a huge success. What a great fundraiser for our Year 6 student's end of year celebration.

SAVE THE DATE... Grandparents Day 26 July (Friday Week One Term 3). More information will follow soon.

A reminder that Semester One reports will go home next Friday afternoon. Please see information below as was published in last fortnight's newsletter.

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 

As we head towards the end of Term 2, I wish our Netball Gala Day students the best of luck next Tuesday. I look forward to watching some great skill and sportsmanship on the courts. Year 4 will attend Holy Spirit's production of Frozen next Thursday and Year 3 will host our assembly on Friday.

Wishing you a warm and restful weekend.

Kind regards
Mr Mitchell Elks
Principal

Our PB4L focus for next week (Week 9) is the Administration Building
In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:
Please:
1.Greeting staff by their name: Miss Casey, Mrs Carroll, Mrs Plataniotis
2.Use good manners – Excuse me, please, thank you, may I.
3.Wait quietly and patiently until attended to.
4.Remain in the student foyer
5.Return ice-packs when you have finished with them

Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Respectful, Responsible and Safe
engagement with staff in the Administration Building to be taught include:

1. Not using the name of the staff member
2. Using bad manners
3. Interrupting/being impatient
4. Leaving the Student Foyer
5. Not returning your ice-pack

Our PB4L focus for Week 10 is Being a Good Sport
In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:
1. Waiting my turn
2. Using good manners
3. Playing by the rules (playing fairly)
4. Encouraging others
5. Keeping my hands, feet, and all my body parts to myself
6. Taking it when I’m out.
7. Being a gracious winner

Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Respectful, Responsible and Safe
behaviour when Being a Good Sport to be taught include:
1. Pushing in
2. Talking rudely to others (yelling or screaming)
3. Ignoring the rules
4. Making hurtful comments (putting people down)
5. Being physically aggressive
6. Not taking it out
7. Being a sore loser

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 over the last two weeks 25 students were given Citizenship, Merit or Library Awards whilst there were 22 incidents of Inappropriate behaviour recorded.
Please strive to act respectfully, responsibly, and safely girls and boys.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal - 2024
A gentle final reminder that we are accepting donations for the 2024 St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal until Monday of next week. Please have your children place the donations in the donation boxes in their classrooms. Immense gratitude to all for your generosity!