Welcome back to school!

We have had a wonderful start to the 2025 school year. It felt like a longer than usual holiday break but it hasn't taken long and we are back in the swing of things here at St Patrick’s.

Teachers have prioritised students reconnecting with their friends and teachers as well as with the school routines and procedures to ensure a smooth beginning to the year. The teachers spend the first two staff development days working together in relation to our strategic plan for the year as well as practical logistics in preparation for the student’s arrival.

We have welcomed our newest cohort of students, our Kinder class of 2025. The Kinder students started school on Wednesday this week and were accompanied by their parents and family before school. With some photos taken (and lots of hugs and kisses) the boys and girls lined up and waved to their parents as they walked to the Kindergarten classroom. They have done exceedingly well adjusting to ‘big school’ life. And on the whole students have happily come through the gates each morning with the assistance of staff. I believe in part, our Kindergarten playgroup with the support of our parent community has helped transition the boys and girls gently into life as a primary school student. 

Grade Newsletters

On Monday 17 February, we will distribute our grade newsletter for the term. This document will give you an idea of what your child will be learning about over the course of the term as well as information and dates specific to the grade. There will be time to further clarify any of this at the Grade information night.

Grade Information Night

On Tuesday 18 February, St Patrick’s will host our annual parent information evening. The night is divided into primary and infants timeslots to help as best as possible cater for parents. We have also started at a time we hope most parents will have finished work by. These information sessions will help you better understand the classroom experience for your child and also provides you with an opportunity to meet your child’s class teacher and ask any questions you may have.

Date: 18.02.2025

Time: Primary (Yrs 3 - 6): 5:30pm start

          Infants (Yrs K-2): 6:15pm start

Grade Items - Assembly

As was the case last year, each class will perform one assembly item this year in either Term 2 or 3. These assembly items aim to celebrate and share the learning that has occurred in that class in a fun and interactive way. Once dates for these assemblies are confirmed we will share them with you to add to your calendar.

Important Dates - Calendar - Staff Development Days for 2025

Please see the attached calendar for Term 1. We have done our best to add most of the important whole school dates to this calendar as well as staff development dates for the year at the bottom of the page.

You will notice on the last day of the term, there is a staff development day planned and as such students will finish on Thursday Week 11. We are pleased to be working collaboratively with three other schools on this day in regards to assessment and moderation. This day will follow a sequence of professional learning for our staff with Jim Tognolini leading.

Kind regards
Mr Mitchell Elks
Principal

At St Patrick’s School we are prioritising Building and Maintaining a Culture of Respect.

As such throughout Term 1 each of the Weekly Focuses will elaborate on this theme.

Our PB4L focus for next week (Week 3) is Respect for Learning and Teaching.

In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:

1. Following directions
2. Sitting still during learning and teaching
3. Looking and listening during learning and teaching
4. Speaking courteously to all
5. Raising hands to ask or answer a question.
6. Staying on task

 Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Respectful, Responsible and Safe Respect for Learning and Teaching to be taught include:

1. Calling Out
2. Talking over the top of someone else
3. Distracting self or others 
4. Fidgeting
5. Speaking rudely to others

Our PB4L focus for next week (Week 4) is Self-Respect

In the explicit teaching lessons, the expected behaviours taught will be:

1. Completing my work to the best of my ability
2. Following the school rules
3. Accepting responsibility for my own actions
4. Being honest
5. Learning from my mistakes

Examples of behaviours that negatively impact on Respectful, Responsible and Safe Respect for Self to be taught include:

1. Not trying my best
2. Not following the school rules
3. Being dishonest
4. Blaming others for my behaviour

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 school has begun there were 0 incidents of Inappropriate behaviour recorded. The students are to be congratulated on a wonderful start to the new school year. 

Thank you for acting respectfully, responsibly, and safely girls and boys.

Tuesday 25 March 2025 

School Photos will be taken on Tuesday 25 March. Children are required to wear their full summer school uniform with black shoes and white ankle socks. Hair should be tied back using preferably green hair ties or ribbon. See St Patrick's Uniform Policy below for your information.

If you require a sibling envelope you will need to attend the school office in the week prior to school photos being taken. 
Envelopes will be handed out at least a week prior to school photos being taken.  Please do not bring in the envelope in until School Photo Day. 

• Tuesday, 18 February 2025
• Tuesday, 25 February 2025
• Tuesday, 4 March 2025
• Tuesday, 11 March 2025