Dear Parents and Caregivers,

With only a fortnight left of school, the term is quickly coming to an end.

Changes to Term 3 Interviews

I wanted to share with you a change to parent/teacher interviews for Term 3. In previous years, the school has sent out a COMPASS alert in which a parent teacher interview could be booked through 'Conferences' (this is in addition to parent information evening and Semester One Parent/Teacher interviews). This year, teachers will make contact with selected parents, this could be for a variety of individual reasons, however all parents are not required to make a booking as was done previously the case. At the end of Term Four parents and caregivers will have the opportunity to talk with their child’s class teachers if they have any questions or concerns about their child’s report.

In saying this, I strongly believe that we work in partnership school and families for the faith, learning and wellbeing benefits of our students. And as such, as is always the case, if you feel you need to make an appointment to discuss your child with their classroom teacher, you are most welcome to do so.

100 Years Celebration

We are gearing up to celebrate the significant milestone of 100 years of learning here at St Patrick’s. With preparations underway, we look forward to welcoming all that are able to make it on the day (26 September 2024). Our past Principals, the Director and Deputy Director of Schools Mr Peter Hill and Mr Tim Gilmour will join us from this significant occassion.

The day will begin with Mass at 9am, followed by morning tea and then some reflections of our school community and the cutting of a cake. Students will then participate in activities across the afternoon.

Catholic Mission Launch

Yesterday, Milla and Jakob from Year 6 accompanied me to the launch of Catholic Mission’s Socktober launch for 2024 held at St Michael’s Church Thirroul. Bishop Brian presided over the liturgy and we heard from Mark Raue who is CEO of the organisation. Bishop Brian urged us all to take action in the fight against poverty for those most in need. Each year there is a focus on a particular part of the world. This year we are raising funds for the needy in Mongolia.

As a school community we will share more with you in the coming weeks about how we will raise awareness and much needed funds to support the work of Catholic Mission this year.

Socktober engages Australian students to make a difference by raising awareness and critical funds for mission programs supporting children from disadvantaged and vulnerable backgrounds in many countries around the world. 

https://www.socktober.org.au/about

End of Term Excellence Awards

These special awards will be presented on the last Friday of the Term, Friday 27 September. Parents of those children receiving an award will be notified by the school next week.

Kind regards
Mr Mitchell Elks
Principal

Our PB4L focus for next week (Week 9) is Waste Management
In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:
1: Putting my food waste in the compost bin 

2: Putting paper, cardboard, and hard plastics in the recycling bin
3: Putting foil, plastic bags, and Gladwrap in the rubbish bin
4: Taking uneaten food home in my lunchbox


Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Respectful, Responsible and Safe Waste Management to be taught include:
1: Throwing food scraps in the rubbish or the recycling bin.
2: Leaving my rubbish in the classroom, the breakout space or on the playground.
3: Throwing uneaten food away.

Our PB4L focus for Week 10 is the Administration Building

In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:
Please:
1: Use good manners – Excuse me, please, thank you, may I.
2: Wait quietly and patiently until attended to.
3: Remain in the student foyer
4: Return icepacks 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: Using bad manners
2: Interrupting/being impatient
3: Leaving the Student Foyer
4: Not returning your icepack

PB4L Data

It is with pride that I inform you that in the last two weeks 53 students were given
Citizenship, Merit or Library Awards whilst there were 9 incidents of Inappropriate
behaviour recorded. Please continue to act respectfully, responsibly, and safely girls and boys. Thank you

We would very much appreciate you discussing these weekly focuses 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.

Kind regards
Mr Gavan Hoctor
Assistant Principal

Lord, You said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10).” We are called - to love; to care for one another; to include one another and remind one another of each and everyone's priceless value as being made in the image and likeness of our God.

We pray that you are OK.

Kind regards
Mr Sam Mattas
Religious Education Co ordinator

Reminder - 1:1 iPad Parent Meeting

Dear Year 3 Parents and Carers,
A gentle reminder from a letter sent a couple of weeks ago – we are offering an optional online Zoom meeting on Monday 16 September  at 5:30pm for any parents who have further enquiries or questions regarding the 1:1 iPad School Managed Program. If you are intending on participating in the optional Zoom information meeting, please RSVP via this link.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could please RSVP by 12pm on Monday at the latest. If there is no interest in this meeting, it will not go ahead. Many thanks for your support.

Kind regards,
Mr Sam Mattas

For a century, St. Patrick’s School has been a beacon of education and community spirit. Over the past 100 years, our school has nurtured generations of students, blending tradition whilst  fostering academic and personal growth. From its humble beginnings to its current fresh new facilities, St. Patrick’s has remained steadfast in its mission to provide a well-rounded education grounded in core values and a commitment to lifelong learning. Celebrating a century of dedication, the school continues to inspire and empower students, shaping the leaders of tomorrow with a rich legacy of knowledge, character, and faith.

Kind regards
Mrs Tracy Carey
Library

On R U OK? Day the children spoke about trusted people they could talk to if they were feeling overwhelmed. They used their creativity to decorate a hand print and named a person on each finger that they would seek out for help. 

Wishing all the children celebrating birthdays all the very best wishes.

Harrison Sharpe - Year 6

Chloe Krstevski - Year 1

Maya Jordan - Kindergarten

Nova Muskett - Year 1