19 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

A TIME FOR PATIENCE AND CALM…

PLAYGROUND SPACES

The students of St Patrick’s are extremely fortunate to have the use of three new playground spaces- the Sticks and Stones area which includes a new sandpit and excavation zone; Activity Playground which includes the maze, giant spider web and upright balance beams; and the Imaginative Play Space at the front of the school which includes water-play.

Given these spaces are new to our school and involve a different level of play, it is important that parents have an understanding of the philosophy guiding the spaces and their use.

The imaginative play space at the front of our school will initially support Kindergarten and Year 1 and then be extended to include other children from older grades. This play space invites the use of ‘loose parts’.

Loose parts play is a type of play that supports invention, divergent thinking, problem solving and offers a sense of wonder to children. Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. They are materials with no specific set of directions that can be used alone or combined with other materials. We have purchased and collected many resources suitable for exploration and imagination. These include a mud kitchen, PVC pipes and connectors, garden tubing, ropes, elastic, artificial grass segments, shade cloth pieces, wooden blocks, planks and beams, buckets, measuring containers and many other pre-loved found materials. We have also had a delivery of oversized river rocks which are popular for stacking, building, rolling and moving.

Research has shown that this type of play launches children into learning environments that build a repertoire of how things come to be – how a sky scraper stays up, how a bridge can expand across lakes and rivers, how patterns and sequences are made, imagination bought to life, theories and meanings can be explained and worlds are re-imagined.

Loose parts create richer environments for children to play, giving them the resources they need to extend their play. Loose parts aren’t prescriptive and offer limitless possibilities. Each child will use the same material in a different way. A stick to one child might be a flag-pole added onto their construction site, but to another it might be used to stir a pot. The beauty lies in allowing the children the freedom to explore the materials and use them as they wish (as long as they are being safe).

We have found that the exploration and challenge of loose parts play is deeply engaging and has stimulated the interest of children across all grades. The life lessons are also extraordinary. Loose parts are about real world learning for all children and young people. The process both of introducing them and of playing with them involves collaboration, sharing, negotiating, flexibility, thinking, risk-taking, navigating their way socially and emotionally in group situations, problem solving and decision-making where the outcome is evident – better play experiences!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are loose parts toys?

With loose parts, confusion may arise because the materials are not manufactured as toys. For instance, a bread crate is designed and manufactured to be used as a bread crate. It was never designed to be used as a toy. There are lots of resources and products that are used in schools and homes which are not toys. Children need to experience using such products and resources. It is necessary to learn how to live in a world which is ungovernable by safety standards for every facet of our lives.

Does playing with loose parts cause more accidents and injuries?

The intention of supplying loose parts for play is to provide more varied opportunities for children to play. Children may take risks through their play. However, we know that taking managed risk is an important part of children‘s healthy development. Exposing children to opportunities that involve risk taking allows them to learn to manage risk independently.

Are loose parts safe for children to play with?

There are some common steps that are taken to ensure that all materials provided for children’s play do not present an unnecessary hazard.

These include:

• Resources are assessed for suitability by staff before the children use it
• Supervision is provided by duty teachers and Learning Support Assistants
• Staff support children in their play
• Positive interventions are made when necessary
• All resources and loose parts will be monitored and thrown away or recycled if things become unsafe or hazardous to the children’s play.

How does all this stuff get put away?

Our school encourages children to be involved in the tidy up process, although some children may find this difficult and unappealing. We also intend to involve Year 6 Leadership teams to assist younger students with setting up and packing away.

Can parents donate resources to be used in play?

Yes, we are hoping that interesting materials can be re-purposed for play. This would include materials that are clean, intact and non-hazardous. Please make contact with the school if you have access to or are able to supply interesting loose-part play materials e.g. disused fishing nets, Tupperware containers, saucepans, car tires, spools, cable reels, PVC pipes, milk crates, bike or mower wheels, large cardboard boxes, or perhaps timber off-cuts or tree stump rounds. These items will be assessed for safe use before being added to the play spaces.

Will the students be supervised?

Rather than policing play, the role of staff supervising the playground changes to:

• Providing an environment that has lots of play possibility
• Deciding what materials and spaces will be available for a particular play session
• Creating an environment where children feel empowered to take control and direct play
• Involving children in the development of a minimum set of basic rules of conduct, especially relating to safety and mutual respect
• Standing back and allowing children to lead their play and resisting the temptation to suggest activities or mediate in disputes
• Observing closely to gain an understanding of what is happening – not just what children are physically doing but what is going on in their minds and relationships as they do it – and the impact of this on children
• Using this understanding to inform future decisions about resources, materials and boundaries
• Ensuring that children take responsibility for managing materials including tidying up and storage
• Only intervening when absolutely necessary for children’s welfare.

Isn’t this play dangerous?

Risky play helps to develop important life skill learnings such as;

• Building resilience and persistence
• Balance and coordination
• Awareness of the capabilities and limits of their own bodies
• The ability to assess and make judgement about risk
• Handling tools safely and with purpose
• Understanding consequence to action

Everyday life is full of risks and challenges and children need opportunities to develop the skills associated with managing risk and making informed judgements about risks from a very young age. And yes, blisters, bruises, bumps and scrapes are often experienced as a natural consequence to play...and so is the likelihood of getting dirty or wet. All of these consequences should be expected at St Patrick’s!

Where will the materials be stored?

We have purchased a number of large, weather-proof boxes and mesh draw-string bags to house the resources. If the need arises we may extend the storage to a garden shed!

We look forward to sharing with you the many creative pursuits of our students over the coming months.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

On Friday of Week 6, many parents and visitors joined our school for CSW celebrations, attending one of the liturgies held concurrently across two different timeslots, our shared lunch and open classrooms.

CALENDAR EVENTS

Holy Week is the week leading up to the most significant Christian festival of Easter, and is the week during which Catholics particularly remember the last week of Jesus’ life. This solemn occasion begins with Palm Sunday. Unfortunately, a lot of planned events will be affected by the Coronavirus restrictions on large gatherings. St Patrick’s will commemorate the Passion of Christ during modified class or grade activities. Sadly, parents and visitors are not able to take part. It is my hope that you will be able to introduce some dedicated time to reflect on the events on Holy Week as a family.

Additionally, we will NOT proceed with our usual Easter Hat Parade and the annual Easter Raffle will be different this year. The P & F will draw the raffle and deliver the prizes to the classroom. The prizes will be fewer but bigger than usual to make the process easier.

SCHOOL PHOTOS

Please note that school photos have been postponed, a new date will be notified in the future.

IMPORTANT MESSAGES FOR PARENTS

ENROLMENTS OPEN

Enrolments are now OPEN for families seeking entry for their child to Kindergarten in 2021 at St Patrick’s Lochinvar. Please be advised that due to the demand for places, and to best meet the needs of each child, St Patrick’s Enrolment Committee will consider children who will turn 5 years of age before February 28th 2021.

Each enrolment application is considered according to our Enrolment Policy, with preference given to existing families, and Catholic families who live in the immediate area.

Enrolment packs can be collected from the School Office.

YEAR 4 SPORT CLINIC

School photos will be held on 7th April, which is also the day that Year 4B will take part in a Coaching Clinic (if this goes ahead). Please be aware that the students involved will wear school uniform for the photos then change into sports uniform for the clinic.

ANZAC DAY SERVICES

Parents are advised that unfortunately due to the spread of COVID-19 Virus the 2020 Anzac Day Dawn and Day Memorial Services on 25th April, are CANCELLED. This is a state-wide directive and will impact our school's involvement in services at Maitland Park and Lochinvar.

I thank our school leaders and teachers for being so willing to show their support at these events.

SCHOOL CANTEEN

Parents are reminded that the canteen is OPEN Friday, however all orders must be made using QKR. No cash or over the counter transactions can be made for recess or lunch.

RE NEWS

LIFE IN THE TIME OF JESUS- YEAR 3

Last Wednesday we dressed up in clothes like Jesus wore. We ate food that Jesus did when he was a boy. We ate bread, chicken, lentil soup, hummus and apples. We watched a video about Jesus and the activities that Jesus would have done. We did a mosaic artwork. It was so much fun!

Ella Medhurst

On Wednesday we travelled back in time to when Jesus was a boy. We went to Israel where Jesus grew up. We dressed up, ate some foods like soup, hummus and flat bread. That's not all, we also watched a movie. It showed us fishing, gardening and what they wore back then. It is very different to what we wear these days. I enjoyed the day and learned a lot about Jesus.

Thomas Rowan

Last Wednesday we were teleported to Ancient Israel when Jesus was a boy. We did mosaic art, ate the food from back then and we also watched a movie about what it was like back then. Finally, we dressed up in the clothes that Jesus might have worn.

Bradley Henman

ACTIV8 YOUTH GROUPS- CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

This message is to inform you that ACTiv8 Youth groups have been cancelled due to the current crisis of the COVID 19 virus. Our priority is the health of attendees, volunteers and all those involved in Youth Ministry.

Our hope is that Youth Groups will resume at the beginning of Term 2 but we will keep you updated.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and look forward to greeting you in term 2.

Take Care - Bec and the ACTiv8 team.

UNIFORM ACCESSORIES

Available for purchase from the office or via QKR. All items are available in Summer or Winter uniform fabric.

CURRICULUM NEWS

PARENT/ TEACHER INTERVIEWS

AT THIS STAGE BOOKED APPOINTMENTS WILL GO AHEAD AS PLANNED UNLESS ADVISED OTHERWISE

Interviews have been scheduled for Weeks 9 & 10 of Term 1 in response to parent feedback, expressing that this contact is more meaningful earlier in the school year. This is a formal opportunity for all parents to meet with the class teacher/s to discuss social development, attitude and behaviour, recognised strengths and vulnerabilities and goals for the year ahead.

Interviews will be 10 minutes in duration. Accordingly, it is essential that parents arrive promptly. In some cases, teachers may make contact to schedule a longer interview, if this is deemed necessary.

Interviews can be booked using the COMPASS app.

WORLD POETRY DAY COMPETITION

The 2020 Reading Australia poetry competition will inspire students to explore how language holds the power to turn ordinary objects into poetry.

World Poetry Day (21 March) is the chance for teachers to celebrate poetry with their students. This year Reading Australia is co-hosting the annual poetry competition with Red Room Poetry, an organisation dedicated to promoting poetry in meaningful ways.

The competition has two categories for under-18s, as well as a category for teachers who want to flex their writing muscles. There are prizes including a $500 cash prize, book packs and vouchers.

To enter:

1. Write a poem (20 lines or less) about an object of your choice.
2. Submit your poem via the Red Room Poetry website.
3. Enter before the closing date: 22 May 2020.

Click here for full details.

CLASSROOM NEWS

SURVEY- KINDERGARTEN PARENTS AND CARERS

Please find a Survey Monkey link from our Education Officer-Early Learning, Kim Moroney; Dr Cathie Harrison and Project Officer-Early Learning, Bridie Stanger; inviting you to complete a survey about your child’s involvement in the Successful Foundations Action Research Project.

Thank you in advance for completing the survey by Friday 20th March 2020. We look forward to hearing your feedback regarding Successful Foundations.

COMMUNITY NEWS

EXTERNAL PROVIDER VISITS & MUSIC TUITION SUSPENDED

Please be advised that all visits by External Providers, which relates to personnel providing therapy to select students in the school setting, have been suspended until further notice. This will also extend to music tuition. This measure is necessary to reduce the risk of contamination as providers work across multiple schools and in different settings.

Apologies for the inconvenience.

PARENTING PAGE