6 February 2020 Term 1, Week 2 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Dear Parents, caregivers and friends,

Welcome to the start of what promises to be an exciting and fulfilling year for the staff, students and the wider parent community at St Patrick's Primary School Lochinvar. To the families who have joined our school for the very first time in 2020, I offer you a very warm welcome and am delighted that you have chosen to send your son or daughter to our school. I am confident that your experience will be positive and supportive. If at any time, you require clarification on any school-related matter, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.

Communication is the essential key to a successful partnership between parents, staff and students and the first formal meeting to establish that is the Parent Teacher Information session. You are also welcome to request a meeting with your child’s teacher at any time but please avoid drop off times as the teacher must be focused on getting children quickly into class and settled for the day’s learning. Your child's class teacher will share the most effective way to communicate.

Staffing: This year we welcome Mrs Helena Powell, our teacher librarian and Mrs Emma Murphy who will job share with Mrs Waters in Year 2. Both teachers are very experienced and offer our school a depth of knowledge and skills.

During the holidays, interviews were held for a new role, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and families. Ms Jane Mosman has been appointed to this position and will undertake the role in Week 6. This will mean that Ms Taylor James, currently working in Year 1B will take over the class fulltime from Week 6. As a result, Mrs Kate Sadaj is welcomed to Year 6B in a teaching capacity on Thursdays.

Welcome Kindergarten! Starting school comes with many challenges, a new environment with new faces, new routines and expectations. It can be a little overwhelming at times! As the students settle into life at school, you are encouraged to continue to support this transition by making time for them to share their experiences, talking positively about school and keeping teachers informed about any changes to their normal routine.

When we reflect on the many achievements of 2019, we were reminded that our focus has been, and will continue to be based on what is in the best interest of the child. Our commitment to each will continue to be at the forefront of our planning, our thinking and our doing.

We will align our school focus with that of the Diocesan Strategic Directions 2020 – 2023, so that we are part of a collective vision and purpose. Integral to this direction will be ensuring that the needs of our community are met so that we continue to provide education of excellence in this changing and exciting educational landscape.

My sincere thanks for your effort in ensuring that your children are wearing the correct school uniform and are equipped, ready for the school year. You are reminded that all uniform items are to be purchased from our official provider, Patrick at Ken Lane Menswear in the Maitland Levee precinct. The introduction of items purchased elsewhere, though similar, do not accurately match our school colours and design, and serve to dilute our exemplary standards.

For this reason we will be moving to shirts for boys with the Catholic schools emblem embossed on the front. There will be a phasing in period to allow changeover to the new design. In support of options for girls, Patrick will very soon have in stock an addition to the summer uniform. The option will include the following

* Girls short sleeve blouse (Midford sky blue)

* Girls tailored shorts, elastic back, (Midford Navy)

The combined price will be similar to the average price of a girls summer dress and will provide an alternative.

Another source of frustration is the appearance of incorrect footwear, particularly in relation to sport uniform. Parents are reminded that shoes and laces are to be ‘predominantly white’, not flouro or brightly coloured. Children whose attire does not mean our code will be asked to provide a written explanation. A period of 2 weeks is then given for students and parents to address the concern and ensure full uniform is worn correctly.

Our focus during the first days of school has been to revisit our non-negotiable Behavioural Expectations of being Respectful, Responsible and Safe and establish procedures and practices for our daily operation, ensuring a successful transition back to school for all children.

I ask all parents to refer to the Code of Conduct which describes minimum standards of conduct in all behaviour and decision making within the school, to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

Please also view the Parent Code of Conduct which is a condition of enrolment.

New facilities: Over the past few months we have been witness to exciting developments at St Patrick’s. It has been wonderful to see the realisation of our planning and vision for Stage 2. A communicated, the following has been achieved;

• 3 x new pods for Years 2, 3 and 4
• Demolition of the old Year 2 demountable block behind the hall
• Demolition of the old demountable block (Culture Room) between the hall and Year 4 classrooms
• Demolition of Library log cabin block
• Establishment of Year 5 in the old Year 3 log cabin block
• Establishment of the new Learning Hub/ Library in the previous Year 5 block
• Establishment of a Teacher Resource hub in the previous Year 4 room
• Refurbishment of the old Administration block to repurpose as St Nicholas OOSH
• Establishment of new outdoor creative play spaces and learning areas (3 locations)
• Extension of covered walkways
• A paved footpath connecting the hall carpark and the Administration block, outside the school fence

Year 3 have shown great resilience and patience, with a delay in moving into their new space. These classes should be fully operational in their pod next week.

Keeping our children safe whilst at school is our top priority, with the safety measures currently in place designed to safeguard students and to affect optimum learning in the classroom. Listed below are several safety measures currently in place in this regard:

• Visitor register in and out of the school
• Electronic absentee notification
• Controlled access with exterior gates locked at 9am
• Staff and student training on emergency procedures (drills)
• Duty teacher and educational assistant supervision of all play areas

It is important that the matter of school safety is everyone’s business. I ask that you keep your eyes open and report hazards or concerns to the Principal of Assistant Principal (Mr Dennis Nolan) through the administration office. Together we can create a great place to learn.

As the school term begins, may we celebrate the amazing blessings we have and look forward to many wonderful learning and community opportunities ahead.

CALENDAR EVENTS

WHAT’S ON?

• Tuesday 11 February
  - Called to Serve Mass - 6.30 pm - Sacred Hearts Cathedral
• Friday 12 February
  - School canteen will open for 2020
• Thursday 13 February
  -School Swimming Carnival (Notes need to be returned to school) Yr 2 - Yr 6 attend the carnival
• Monday 17 February
  - ASC Swimming Carnival - selected students to attend
• Tuesday 18 February
  - Compass Information Session - 5 pm - school hall
• School Tour 5.30 pm
  - Parent Information Night Kinder - Yr 6 - 6 - 7.30 pm - school hall
• Friday 21 February
  - Opening School Mass (details to be advised)
• Tuesday 25 February
  -Launch of Caritas & Catholic Schools Liturgy - School Leaders attend
• Thursday 27 February
  - Dio Swimming Carnival - selected students to attend
• Tuesday 7 April
  -School photos

WHAT’S ON ST PATRICKS TERM 1

INDUCTION OF SCHOOL LEADERS

On Friday 21st February we will celebrate our Opening School Mass. This service will be held at St Joseph’s School Hall Lochinvar at 1pm, at which the 2020 student leaders will be officially inducted. Parents and carers welcome.

Please note that parking WILL NOT be available on site. All visitors will need to park in the nominated areas servicing St Patrick’s and walk safely across the highway to enter the St Joseph’s school grounds via the driveway at the main entry. Limited spaces will be available in the Parish grounds of St Patrick’s Church.

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

CANTEEN RESUMES- Wednesday 12th Feb (Wk3)

SPORT UNIFORM TIMETABLE TERM 1 2020

Students are requested to wear sports uniform on the following days:

PARENT/CARER INFORMATION EVENING

Date: Tuesday 18th Feb

Parents requiring assistance with COMPASS are invited to come along to a help session on the same evening at 5pm.

Parents are invited to view the developments at St Patrick’s with a GUIDED TOUR at 5.30pm.

We have planned a Parent/Carer Information Session (Time: 6pm-7.30pm) to assist you in understanding whole school practices, class procedures, expectations and planned learning experiences for the year. All parents and carers are warmly invited and encouraged to attend. The evening will cover a range of whole-school processes and topics specific to each grade. Parents will also have an opportunity to meet and greet their child’s teacher.

FEES

The billing structure for 2020 is currently being processed and it is expected to be completed in mid-February. We will issue fees statements by email as soon as this process is completed.

All previous arrangements for fee reductions, fee payment agreements & HCC Discounts need to be re-negotiated with the Principal at the beginning of each school year, please contact the school office to discuss.

SCHOOL SAFETY NOTICE TO DRIVERS

All NSW school zones are sign-posted with regulatory signs that list the operating times of the school zones. I have included with the newsletter an overview of the School Zone Signage and the associated penalties for breaches.

For the safety of all, please ensure that you adhere to the signage and following the directions of staff. It is important to note that the Council Ranger regularly patrols the area.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURE- CEMETERY GATE

Parents are reminded that they are to walk up to the Cemetery Gate in the afternoon to collect their children from this dismissal point. There are many new teachers, and many new families which make it difficult to ensure that children are being collected by the nominated parent or carer. PARENTS, PLEASE DO NOT WAIT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FENCED AREA.

SERVICES PROVIDED BY EXTERNAL PROVIDERS

A reminder to all parents wishing to commence or resume services provided by external providers at school.

Please email the principal (admin@lochinvarsp.catholic.edu.au) requesting approval and stating the names and occupations of all providers required to deliver services at school. This will determine the number of External Provider Engagement Agreement forms that need to be sent home for parent signatures. Kindly do this as soon as possible so that mutually agreeable times may be arranged.

Please note that in 2020, all providers will need to sign a new form for service delivery for each student. External service providers will commence therapies no earlier than the week beginning 24th February. This will allow teachers to have the first three weeks uninterrupted to establish routines, adjust timetables and get to know their students.

BOOK CLUB

RE NEWS

Donations needed!

Shrove Tuesday each year marks the launch of Project Compassion. At St Patrick’s to launch our Lenten fundraising efforts we hold a pancake breakfast.

Our Shrove Tuesday pancake breakfast will be held on Tuesday 25th February starting at 8:15am. Pancakes will be sold for 50 cents each.

We are calling for donations of pancake shaker mixes, maple syrup, honey etc. Please send donations in with your children. Thank you for your support!

ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY

FR ROB GALEA CONCERT INVITATION

ACTiv8 Youth Ministry are bringing Fr Rob Galea and his band to Maitland for a concert on Tuesday 31st March.

The concert will take place at All Saints Collage, St Marys Campus, 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Tickets available at

• Don't miss this rare opportunity to see Fr Rob live in concert
• The concert is suitable for all ages
• Come along and be inspired by his uplifting music
• Tickets are limited for this very special event.

Fr Robert Galea is an ordained Catholic Priest and is currently serving in Shepparton, Australia after moving to Australia in 2007 from Malta, his home country. He is a singer and songwriter with a comparable international fan base. Apart from a series of recordings and CD releases, Robert has also written a number of songs for various campaigns and international conferences.

Robert has recorded with artists such as pop idol Guy Sebastian, Paulini, Gary Pinto, Natasha Pinto and Amelia Farrugia, and has shared the stage with the likes of Matt Maher, Hillsong United, Darlene Zschech and more. After being selected to sing in the international version of the official World Youth Day song “Receive the Power”, Robert entered the realm of the cast of musicians having performed in some key events before an estimated 500,000 pilgrims in Sydney.

Fr. Robert’s passion is to draw others to the heart of God. He believes that music is an important instrument in helping God’s people understand the need for intimacy with their God. Fr Rob has released a six music projects to date. In all this, whilst greatly appreciating his gift of music, Fr. Robert recognises that before everything he is a follower of Christ, a priest and only then, a musician.

COMMUNITY NEWS

SCHOOL TRAVEL - 2020

Updated brochures now online at the link below.

PARENTING PAGE